Radio Broadcasting
iHM, SiriusXM Merger Talk: SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz addressed rumors of a potential merger with iHeartMedia, the evolving audio competitive landscape, the company’s growing partnership with YouTube, and positive trends in customer metrics during a sit-down interview.
New Cumulus Regional VP: Cumulus Media announces that it has promoted Don Boyd as Regional Vice President, expanding his oversight as RVP for Cumulus Media’s stations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, LA, and Columbus Starkville, MS. Boyd will continue to lead Cumulus Mobile, AL, and its audio brands across its radio and digital platforms.
That's A Wrap: Bob Stroud, one of Chicago’s most beloved classic rock radio voices for nearly 50 years, has started fulltime retired.
Media Industry
Merger Could Be Blocked: U.S. states concerned that Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would harm competition could sue to block the deal as soon as next week, two sources familiar with the matter
New CMA CEO: Brittany Schaffer has been named the next CEO of the Country Music Association, succeeding Sarah Trahern as part of a planned leadership transition. Schaffer will join the CMA on Sept. 8 and officially assume the role on Jan. 1, 2027.
Trump Loses Lawsuit: A federal judge has dismissed a $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump’s social media company, Trump Media and Technology Group, against The Washington Post.
U-S News
Hello Obscurity: Graham Platner is suspending his U.S. Senate candidacy in Maine and removing his name from the ballot, he announced Wednesday night, halting a tumultuous campaign that has been haunted from the start by the Marine Corps veteran’s past.
Trump To Pay-Up: A New York federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll more than $5 million plus interest from a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump civilly liable for sexually abusing and defaming her.
Fresh Strikes: The United States and Iran traded fresh strikes early Thursday and accused each other of violating the terms of their tenuous deal, hours after President Trump said he thought the cease-fire was over.