Happy Wednesday: Here's The Pulse for July 15

Radio Broadcasting

Radio's Value: Radio remains one of the most valuable entertainment options in the car, according to a major new study released Tuesday by Nielsen in partnership with iHeartMedia.

Becker Joins CMG: Phil Becker will join Cox Media Group as Vice President of Audience & Content Growth, a newly created position, starting Monday, July 20.

ABC News Radio Facing Critics: ABC News Radio is facing scrutiny after it delayed coverage of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death over the weekend because it aired pre-recorded newscasts during overnight hours.

Howard Cutting Back: Howard Stern has laid off approximately a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM show as he shifts to producing just one new episode per week after Labor Day, according to sources.

Media Industry

Activists Wants Vote On Fox License: The Media and Democracy Project has asked a federal appeals court to compel the Federal Communications Commission to hold a full vote on the license renewal for Fox Television Stations’ WTXF (Fox 29) in Philadelphia, escalating its long-running challenge against the station and its parent network.

CNN  Gets Reprieve: A lawsuit that could derail the anticipated merger of Warner Bros. Discovery’s CNN and Paramount Skydance’s CBS News is offering CNN employees a temporary reprieve from concerns over massive job cuts and potential political influence.

U-S News

Inflation Rate Drops: Americans got a break on inflation last month, with better deals at the gas station and cooler price increases across much of the economy. Consumer prices were up 3.5% in June from a year earlier, beating expectations and improving from the 4.2% inflation rate in May.

Parasite Probe: Officials are still investigating whether a specific food or produce item is the source of a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, though the agency noted it is working to verify more than 5,000 additional infections. State-by-state data suggests the total number of cases is much higher. 

Move To Tenn: Tennessee wants Paramount to put down roots in its state as California mounts an effort to block its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Tennessee Deputy Gov. Stuart McWhorter sent a letter to Paramount CEO David Ellison earlier this month urging him to consider moving the company’s corporate offices to the Volunteer State.