🗼The Supreme Court on Friday restored FCC guidance letting party committees buy TV and radio ads at candidate “lowest unit charge” rates during the 60-day midterm window that opened Sept. 4. Broadcasters had begun pulling the discount after a Fourth Circuit ruling limited it to candidates. Republicans are expected to benefit more because they hold more cash in party committees.
🗼House Majority Leader Steve Scalise scheduled a standalone floor vote the week of Sept. 14 on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, after the measure stalled inside a larger transportation bill. The bipartisan bill would require AM receivers in new cars, including EVs. The Senate is still the next test.
🗼The FCC opened FY 2026 regulatory-fee payments, due Sept. 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET. AM/FM fees are up about 2–3%. Late payers face a 25% penalty and “red light” status. The commission also revoked Montana FM KBOQ over unpaid fees of more than $6,700. NAB separately opposed an FCC plan to cut the EAS software-repair window from 60 days to 72 hours.
🗼iHeartMedia’s latest results showed digital and podcast growth, but broadcast-station revenue fell 1.6% (2.8% excluding political). The company extended a credit facility to 2029...Cumulus is still fighting Nielsen over national ratings access as a September contract deadline looms...Political radio spending is building into the post–Labor Day rush.
Deals and Local Moves: MARC Radio Group bought three Florida FMs from Cumulus. Dan Patrick sold his last Texas station. Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting expanded. On the air: Dallas Mavericks radio moved to KRLD-FM; Memphis CHR Q107.5 is flipping to a sports simulcast; Tulsa news/talk KRMG completed its move to 96.5 FM; Audacy signed off 840 AM KXNT in Las Vegas after losing its transmitter site.
Programming and People: Westwood One will end America in the Morning on Sept. 18 after 42 years and replace it Sept. 21 with The Bongino Report AM. iHeart/Premiere renewed and expanded Clay Travis. Beasley’s Jack Daniel retires in Charlotte on Sept. 18 after 54 years. K-LOVE promoted Natalie Carlisle to chief revenue officer. Audacy will shut Creator Lab, its indie podcast platform, on Nov. 1.
What to Watch Next Week: Sept. 14 AM-in-cars House vote, Sept. 24 FCC fee deadline, Sept. 29 EAS cybersecurity compliance, and the last two weeks of America in the Morning.
Programming and People: Westwood One will end America in the Morning on Sept. 18 after 42 years and replace it Sept. 21 with The Bongino Report AM. iHeart/Premiere renewed and expanded Clay Travis. Beasley’s Jack Daniel retires in Charlotte on Sept. 18 after 54 years. K-LOVE promoted Natalie Carlisle to chief revenue officer. Audacy will shut Creator Lab, its indie podcast platform, on Nov. 1.
What to Watch Next Week: Sept. 14 AM-in-cars House vote, Sept. 24 FCC fee deadline, Sept. 29 EAS cybersecurity compliance, and the last two weeks of America in the Morning.