Dear Readers: After 17 years and 63M+ page views...I've hit a personal bump in the road and need to take a break. I'll know more about the future in about a week.
Thanks for your understanding. Tom
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time Out!
Dear Readers: After 17 years and 63M+ page views...I've hit a personal bump in the road and need to take a break. I'll know more about the future in about a week.
Friday, June 12, 2026
TGIF: The Pulse Has Your Briefing For June 12
Radio Broadcasting
Calder Gets New Gig: Veteran radio programmer Will Calder has been named Operations Manager for Beasley Media Group’s six-station Tampa radio group. Calder succeeds Rick Thomas, who recently departed the company to pursue his next career chapter.
Revitalizing AM Radio: The NAB held discussions with senior FCC Media Bureau officials on June 5 to explore additional ways to strengthen and modernize AM radio service.
The Beat Revamps: “103.5 The Beat” WMIB is shaking up its daily lineup as longtime afternoon host “Papa Keith” Walcott transitions from afternoons to a new position as National Brand Partnerships Multicultural Specialist for iHeartMedia
Media Industry
Shocker: Vice President JD Vance will sit down for a live interview with the co-hosts of ABC’s The View on Tuesday, June 16, marking a surprising crossover between the conservative political figure and the long-running daytime talk show.
Stahl Re-ups: Veteran journalist Lesley Stahl has signed a new two-year contract to continue as a correspondent on CBS’s flagship newsmagazine “60 Minutes,” according to people familiar with the deal. The agreement marks a shift from Stahl’s recent year-to-year contracts and provides stability for the program amid significant internal upheaval at CBS News.=
Lachlan Gets Extension: Lachlan Murdoch will remain chief executive officer of Fox Corp. through 2030 under a new contract extension, the company announced Thursday in a securities filing.
U-S News
Airstrikes On Hold: President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled the latest wave of airstrikes he threatened on Iran and announced that a "great settlement" of the war could soon be signed. Trump said "discussions and final points" of an agreement have been approved by all parties involved.
Prices Surge: Prices charged by American producers continued to charge higher in May, the Labor Department said Thursday, marking another month of elevated wholesale inflation. The producer-price index rose by 1.1% last month, following an equal increase in April. Over the past 12 months, the PPI is up by 6.5%, the fastest wholesale inflation since 2022.
New IPO: SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite maker, officially finalized its initial public offering price to become the world’s largest stock market debut. SpaceX confirmed its I.P.O. price was set at $135 a share and that it would sell more than 555 million shares, according to a company statement. That means SpaceX would raise around $75 billion from its offering, putting its valuation at $1.77 trillion.
Tampa Radio: Will Calder Named OM For Beasley Media Cluster
Veteran radio programmer Will Calder has been named Operations Manager for Beasley Media Group’s six-station Tampa radio group.
Calder succeeds Rick Thomas, who recently departed the company to pursue his next career chapter. A major-market programming leader with deep Florida radio experience. Calder’s radio career began in 2001 which included various stops at Big City Radio Chicago (WKIE-FM), then Entercom Milwaukee (WXSS-FM/WMYX-FM), CBS Radio New York (WXRK-FM), Cox Media Group Orlando (WPYO-FM) and Tampa (WPOI-FM) and currently Audacy Miami (WPOW-FM).
From 2005 to 2013, he joined forces with colleagues to create RADIOMIXES.com, a nationally syndicated radio mix show with Audacy’s B96 (WBBM-FM) in Chicago and 103.7 KISS-FM (WXSS-FM) in Milwaukee as their first two affiliates. At its prime, RADIOMIXES was heard on hundreds of radio stations worldwide.
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| Will Calder |
Beasley stations are:
- WRBQ 104.7 FM (Q105): 80s/90s Classic hits
- WQYK 99.5 FM (QY-K): Country
- WLLD 94.1 FM (Wild 94.1): Rhythmic CHR
- WYUU 92.5 FM (Máxima 92.5): Bilingual Latin pop and Spanish-language contemporary
- WJBR 1010 AM: Florida Alumni Radio, featuring sports talk
“Will is an outstanding programmer and leader with a proven track record of building great brands, developing talent, and driving results,” said Justin Chase, Beasley Chief Content Officer. “Having previously worked in the Tampa market, he understands both our audience and our opportunity. His passion, creativity, and deep industry experience make him a tremendous addition to our team, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Beasley.”
“I’m excited to join Beasley Media Group and return to the Tampa market,” said Calder. “This cluster has strong legacy brands, talented people, and real local momentum. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on what’s already working, continue growing these brands, and create great content and experiences for our listeners and partners.”
NAB Meets FCC to Push AM Radio Revitalization Efforts
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) held discussions with senior Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau officials on June 5 to explore additional ways to strengthen and modernize AM radio service.
NAB Associate General Counsel for Legal and Regulatory Affairs Larry Walke was joined by SVP/Deputy General Counsel Ben Arden and VP/Advanced Engineering David Layer for the meeting with Audio Division Chief Al Shuldiner and Deputy Audio Division Chief Jim Bradshaw.
NAB urged the FCC to take two specific actions:
- Eliminate certain minimum efficiency standards that currently limit AM stations’ ability to select more effective antennas or locate them on smaller, less expensive properties closer to listeners.
- Remove barriers that complicate access to the AM expanded band (1605–1705 kHz) and open a new filing window allowing stations to apply for frequencies in that spectrum.
The group also highlighted AM radio’s critical role in public safety, emergency alerts, and national infrastructure, encouraging continued FCC support for the medium.
Shocker: Vance to Appear On 'The View'
Vice President JD Vance will sit down for a live interview with the co-hosts of ABC’s The View on Tuesday, June 16, marking a surprising crossover between the conservative political figure and the long-running daytime talk show.
The announcement came Thursday morning during the program, when moderator Whoopi Goldberg addressed the studio audience at the top of the episode. While discussing President Donald Trump’s recent economic comments, Goldberg stated, “This will be one of many questions that we will be asking our guest on Tuesday.”
She then confirmed: “We’re going to be joined at the table by Vice President JD Vance.” The revelation drew audible gasps from the audience before the show cut to a commercial break.
Lesley Stahl Signs Contract to Remain at ‘60 Minutes’
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| Lesley Stahl |
Veteran journalist Lesley Stahl has signed a new two-year contract to continue as a correspondent on CBS’s flagship newsmagazine “60 Minutes,” according to people familiar with the deal.
The agreement marks a shift from Stahl’s recent year-to-year contracts and provides stability for the program amid significant internal upheaval at CBS News.
Stahl, 84, has been a “60 Minutes” correspondent since 1991 and is one of the show’s longest-serving on-air personalities. Her decision to commit for two more years comes just days after she, along with correspondents Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim, publicly announced they would “stay and fight” to preserve the newsmagazine following a wave of high-profile firings and leadership changes.
Lachlan Murdoch Secures Contract Extension At Fox
Lachlan Murdoch will remain chief executive officer of Fox Corp. through 2030 under a new contract extension, the company announced Thursday in a securities filing.
Fox’s board and compensation committee unanimously approved the deal, which also keeps Chief Financial Officer Steve Tomsic in his role through 2030. Murdoch recused himself from the negotiations to avoid any conflict of interest.
For Tomsic, the new terms raise his salary to $2 million per year. His target annual bonus is set at $3 million, stepping up to $3.5 million starting in July 2028, while his target annual equity award increases to $4 million.
The contract extension further solidifies Lachlan Murdoch’s control over Fox Corp. He gained full voting control of the company through a family trust after buying out his siblings for $3.3 billion last summer. Unlike his more liberal siblings, Lachlan has long aligned with the conservative political views of his late father, Rupert Murdoch.
The new agreement ensures leadership continuity at the media giant for the next several years.
Miami Radio: The Beat Revamps
“103.5 The Beat” WMIB is shaking up its daily lineup as longtime afternoon host “Papa Keith” Walcott transitions from afternoons to a new position as National Brand Partnerships Multicultural Specialist for iHeartMedia.Walcott, who has anchored afternoons since 2013, will continue hosting Saturday mornings and his “Common Sense PhD.” podcast.
“I’ve had more than 30 years in radio to connect with the community,” Walcott said. “As I pass the torch to DJ Entice — someone who represents the energy and passion of 103.5 The Beat — I know afternoons are in great hands. While he takes the show to the next level, I’m excited to begin a new chapter with iHeartMedia, expanding my impact and serving Miami on an even bigger stage.”
New Lineup Highlights:
TV Ratings: Hockey Surges
Tuesday night’s 2026 Stanley Cup Final Game 4 (8 p.m. ET), which saw the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Las Vegas to even the series at 2-2, averaged 5.3 million viewers on ABC and drew the largest Game 4 audience since 2017 (Pittsburgh-Nashville, NBC).
Viewership was up 104% compared to Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Turner Networks and up 74% versus Game 4 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on ABC. Tuesday night’s game audience peaked at 6.4 million viewers (10:30 – 10:45 p.m.).
ESPN’s presentation of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final is averaging 5 million viewers through four games, making it the largest championship series audience through four games since 2015 and fourth best Stanley Cup Final since 1994 (thru four games). To date, the audience is up 101% from last year’s Stanley Cup Final, continuing postseason that has generated audience highs across ESPN platforms.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final has delivered one of the most competitive championship series in recent years, featuring overtime drama, multiple one-goal games and momentum swings throughout the first four contests that have helped drive strong viewership throughout the series.
WaPo Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over Surveillance Pricing
A proposed class action lawsuit filed Thursday accuses The Washington Post of secretly collecting vast amounts of personal data from subscribers and using it to charge loyal, longtime readers higher renewal prices through “surveillance pricing.”
The 43-page complaint, filed in D.C. Superior Court by lead plaintiff Chelsea Blink and others, claims the newspaper covertly harvested data from users’ devices for years to build detailed profiles and maximize profits by charging individuals different prices for the same digital subscriptions.
According to the suit, The Post began the practice in the mid-2010s after investing heavily in its digital platforms. While subscribers expected data use for relevant ads or recommendations, the company allegedly weaponized reading habits, location data (via IP addresses), device types, browsing behavior, and engagement metrics to set personalized prices—often higher for the most loyal daily readers who demonstrated strong attachment to the content.
Blink, a D.C. resident and daily reader since 2016 who works for a member of Congress, says she had no idea her data was being used this way and received higher rates as a result of her loyalty. The proposed class includes current and former subscribers nationwide whose data was collected for pricing purposes during the statute of limitations period.
FOX Weather Unveils Scholarship Recipient
FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service, in partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU), has named Jake Kasitz as the fifth recipient of its annual scholarship program, announced Sharri Berg, president of the service. As part of the scholarship, Kasitz will intern with FOX Weather during the 2026-2027 school year as well as be mentored by meteorologist Ian Oliver.
In making the announcement Berg said, “We are proud to recognize Jake Kasitz as the fifth recipient of our scholarship in partnership with Mississippi State University. We welcome him to a growing group of talented young meteorologists who represent the future of our industry as we remain committed to supporting the next generation of weather professionals through mentorship and hands-on experience.”
Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Unveils Inductees For 2026
The 2026 Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Class has announced a distinguished group of 14 media leaders, innovators, and cultural icons for their transformative contributions to broadcast, cable, and streaming television. The 34th annual gala is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Standout Honorees:
- Star Trek (Paramount/CBS Studios) receives the inaugural Franchise of the Year Award in celebration of its 60th anniversary. The enduring sci-fi phenomenon spans 11 TV series, 14 films, and over 900 episodes, celebrated for promoting diversity, scientific exploration, and cultural impact worldwide.
- Wolf Blitzer (CNN) — Longtime co-anchor of The Situation Room, recognized for 35+ years of award-winning journalism, political coverage, international reporting, and Holocaust education efforts.
- Andy Cohen (Bravo/NBCUniversal) — Host, executive producer, and author who has become a defining figure in reality television and unscripted programming.
- Stephen A. Smith (ESPN) — Prominent commentator and executive producer of First Take, honored for his influential sports media presence.
- Bobby Flay (Food Network) — Chef, restaurateur, and media personality celebrated for his culinary programming and entertainment contributions.
Radio History: June 12
➦In 1851...Early Radio pioneer, Oliver Joseph Lodge, was born in England (Died - August 22, 1940).
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| Oliver Lodge |
On 14 August 1894, at a meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Oxford University, Lodge gave a lecture on the work of Hertz (then-recently deceased).
There he conducted a demonstration of Hertzian (radio) based wireless telegraphy, transmitting messages between two buildings, showing their potential for communication.
This was one year before Marconi demonstrated his system for radio wireless telegraphy.
Throughout the 1940’s she played Nora Charles opposite Les Tremayne in The Adventures of the Thin Man. She was married to radio announcer and actor Ernest Chappell, and performed with him on the late ’40s horror show, “Quiet Please.” She was also a regular on The O’Neills, David Harum, Ford Theatre, Joyce Jordan, M.D., The Right to Happiness, Grand Central Station, Inner Sanctum Mysteries, On Stage and Dimension X. In the early ’70s, Morgan was heard on Himan Brown‘s CBS Mystery Theater. She died Sept. 17 1974 at age 63.
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| William Lundigan |
He began as an adolescent announcer for a hometown radio station in a building owned by his father. He spent thirteen years as announcer before being discovered by a Universal film executive in 1937. When big screen roles dried up in the mid-50′s he returned to announcing as host of TV’s dramatic anthology Climax, and Shower of Stars, on which he did commercials for the sponsor Chrysler. He also starred in the 1959 TV series Men into Space.
He died of heart failure Dec 20, 1975 at age 61.
➦In 1928....singer/radio-TV host Vic Damone was born in Brooklyn. He entered the talent search on CBS Radio’s Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and won in April 1947. This led to his becoming a regular on Godfrey’s show. By mid-1947, Damone had signed a contract with Mercury Records. In 1948, he got his own weekly CBS radio show, Saturday Night Serenade. In January 1950 he made his first of several guest appearances on Ed Sullivan‘s Toast of the Town, including a duet with future TV hostess Dinah Shore. Over the next thirty years he became a regular featured guest on every major variety series on network television.
He died Feb. 11, 2018 from complications of respiratory illness at age 89.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
TV Ratings: Fox News Channel Beats NBC, CBS In Primetime
FOX News Channel (FNC) ended the week of June 1st with 2.7 million weekday primetime viewers and 245,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo, surpassing NBC (2.6 million viewers) and CBS (2.1 million viewers), according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel.
In Monday – Sunday primetime, FNC drew 2.3 million viewers, and in Monday – Sunday total day, FNC posted over 1.4 million viewers. CBS Evening News maintained its steady decline (3.7 million viewers), with the program posting its ninth consecutive week under 4 million viewers (including all weekday airings).
The Five led the week, capturing 3.3 million viewers and 318,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the 6 PM/ET hour, Special Report with Bret Baier averaged 2.5 million viewers and 207,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 7 PM/ET, The Ingraham Angle claimed 2.3 million viewers and 169,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the 8 PM/ET hour, Jesse Watters Primetime saw 3 million viewers and 243,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity delivered 2.5 million viewers and 230,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the 11PM/ET hour, FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher secured 1.5 million viewers and 179,000 in the 25-54 demo.
TV Ratings: Summer Viewing Patterns Affect Broadcast Nets
For the week of June 1-7, 2026, broadcast primetime viewership remained modest overall, consistent with early summer patterns featuring reruns, sports, reality, and awards programming. Nielsen data (via Hollywood Reporter and other sources) highlights top individual shows with solid but not massive audiences.
Examples include:
- ABC programming (e.g., a rerun or movie like Toy Story 4) around 4.68 million viewers.
- NBC reruns (e.g., The Americas) around 3.17 million.
- CBS reruns (e.g., Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage) around 3.09 million.
Witnesses Tell Congressional Hearing Fans Are Getting Gouged
A House Judiciary subcommittee convened a high-profile hearing Wednesday focused on the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act and its application to the NFL's evolving media deals, scrutinizing whether the law's antitrust exemption still serves consumers in the streaming era.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who had been invited to testify, did not attend. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez was added as a witness at the last minute on Tuesday.The hearing, titled "Examining the Sports Broadcasting Act," examined how the 65-year-old law — which grants professional sports leagues like the NFL an antitrust exemption to collectively sell national broadcast rights — functions amid shifts toward streaming services, rising costs for fans, and fragmented viewing options.
Lawmakers and witnesses, including National Association of Broadcasters CEO Curtis LeGeyt and OutKick founder Clay Travis, discussed whether the exemption has been stretched beyond its original intent of supporting free over-the-air broadcasts.
ALERT: 'OutKick' founder and Fox News contributor Clay Travis torches the NFL for gouging their fans while violating the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) June 10, 2026
"Most of your constituents are frustrated. They don't know how to find games, and they are having to pay far too much when… pic.twitter.com/Nw2ZpCwTDf
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) emphasized in opening remarks that the session aimed to determine if the Act continues to benefit the public or primarily advantages leagues. A recent Republican-led staff report criticized the NFL for allegedly misusing the exemption, pointing to deals with platforms like Amazon, YouTube TV, and others that place more games behind paywalls.
Witnesses highlighted consumer frustrations, including high cumulative costs for accessing NFL games (potentially exceeding $575 annually across multiple services), blackouts, and reduced reach, with one analysis noting the average game now available to only about 39% of U.S. households.
LeGeyt: “Games from the four major professional leagues are now spread across Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube TV and Apple TV. Fans increasingly need multiple paid subscriptions to watch their favorite teams, and survey after survey shows that fans are confused and frustrated.” He added that many fans “can’t afford to go to games in person and when fans are ‘priced out of the stadium and games are moved behind paywalls, the public loses twice’”
The absence of Goodell drew attention, as the committee had pressed for his input on the league's broadcasting strategy. Gomez's late addition brought FCC perspectives on regulatory limits and the intersection of broadcasting policy with modern media.
The Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted in 1961 to allow leagues to pool television rights without violating antitrust laws, primarily to ensure widespread broadcast access. With major NFL media deals set to expire in coming years, the hearing signals growing congressional interest in potential reforms to better align the exemption with today's digital landscape. No immediate legislative action was announced, but discussions underscored bipartisan concerns over fan access and costs.
Country Music Mourns The Loss of WSM Legend Bill Cody
The world of country music fell silent Tuesday night as news spread of the passing of Bill Cody, the beloved longtime voice of WSM Radio and a cherished announcer at the Grand Ole Opry. Cody, 67, died on June 9, 2026, following weeks of hospitalization for heart and kidney failure.
For more than three decades, Cody’s warm, welcoming presence anchored mornings on “Coffee, Country & Cody” and introduced generations of artists on the Opry stage. His deep knowledge of country music history, genuine kindness, and unwavering support for both legends and newcomers made him far more than a broadcaster — he became a pillar of the Nashville community.
Tributes poured in quickly from artists whose careers he helped shape.
TuneIn Acquisition Fuels Strong Results for Stingray
Montreal-based Stingray, a streaming music, radio, and media company, posted robust fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 financial results, driven primarily by its acquisition and successful integration of the internet radio platform TuneIn.
In the fourth quarter, revenue surged 43.6% to approximately $100.6 million (U.S.), compared with $70.1 million in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 21.3% to about $31 million, and adjusted net income increased to roughly $15.2 million from $13.6 million a year earlier.
For the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, revenue grew 21.9% to approximately $344.3 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 12.6% to about $117 million. Adjusted net income rose 24.3% to roughly $65.9 million.
“60 Minutes” Scrambles to Rebuild Team
Four correspondents and two top producers have departed “60 Minutes” following a dramatic internal clash over claims of political interference in coverage, leaving the iconic CBS newsmagazine racing to rebuild its roster just months before its new season begins.
CBS News chief Bari Weiss is facing sharp internal backlash from accusations that she is steering the program’s reporting in a direction favorable to President Trump. The tensions persist even as Paramount Global boss David Ellison has privately assured longtime correspondent Lesley Stahl of continued editorial independence.
According to the LA Times, multiple high-profile journalists and documentarians are now under consideration for open roles, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Among the leading candidates and changes:
- Holly Williams, a veteran foreign correspondent based in Istanbul since 2012, is a strong contender. The Australian journalist has covered war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Gaza, and Ukraine. She previously gained rare access inside a Syrian prison holding alleged ISIS fighters and has contributed several reports to “60 Minutes.” She previously worked as a Beijing correspondent for Sky News.
- Tony Dokoupil, anchor of “CBS Evening News,” is expected to join as a contributor — a role previously held by his predecessors including Dan Rather, Katie Couric, Scott Pelley, and Norah O’Donnell. The move would give Dokoupil additional exposure to “60 Minutes’” audience of more than 9 million viewers on Sunday nights and potentially boost his evening newscast.
- Matt Gutman, the network’s national correspondent, was Weiss’ first major on-air hire when he joined from ABC News in December. He has played a prominent role in breaking news and major stories on “CBS Evening News.”
- Mariana van Zeller, the award-winning multilingual journalist known for her National Geographic series “Trafficked,” is also being considered. The 50-year-old has earned dozens of honors for her global reporting on black markets and human trafficking.
- Norah O’Donnell, her role as a contributor is expected to expand. She already appears in the program’s opening and stepped up to conduct two tough interviews with President Trump after CBS settled a $16 million defamation lawsuit over alleged deceptive editing of an earlier interview.
- Major Garrett, chief Washington correspondent, recently interviewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “60 Minutes.” The booking created internal friction because Lesley Stahl had also been pursuing an interview with Netanyahu; Weiss personally handled the arrangement and allowed Netanyahu to choose Garrett.
The departures and reshuffling come at a sensitive time for the long-running program as it navigates pressure over editorial direction and prepares for the fall season.
Half of Americans Plan to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup begins today, a new Harris Poll shows that 50% of Americans intend to watch at least one match on television, streaming platforms, or social media during the tournament’s 39-day run.
The survey reveals a notable surge in soccer interest driven by the event itself. More than one in four Americans (over 25%) say they have only recently become more interested in the sport specifically because of the upcoming World Cup. Millennials, Hispanic Americans, and hybrid workers are leading this growth in engagement.
Hosting the tournament in North America is broadening appeal beyond traditional soccer fans.
According to the poll:
- 52% of Americans say that major international sporting events hosted in North America are increasing their interest in sports they would not normally follow.
- 51% report noticing brands sponsoring or advertising around the World Cup.
- 50% say they hope their favorite brands become involved with the tournament in some way.
“The 2026 World Cup is doing something our data rarely captures in real time: converting passive observers into active fans,” said Jennifer Musil, Global Head of Research at The Harris Poll.
“More than 1 in 4 Americans say they’re newly interested in soccer specifically because of this tournament. That’s not just a sports story – it’s a signal about how major cultural moments reshape consumer behavior.”
The Harris Poll conducted the survey online in May 2026 among 2,148 U.S. adults. The findings highlight how the co-hosted event (United States, Canada, and Mexico) is creating a real-time shift in sports viewing habits and brand engagement across the country.
Good Morning! Here's The Pulse Briefing For Thursday, June 11
Radio Broadcasting
The Big Get Bigger: Jacksonville's New Country 99.1 WQIK has expanded its popular morning program "The Big Show" with the immediate addition of longtime radio personality Chumley, who joins hosts John, Megan, and Froggy weekdays.
Robust Earnings: Montreal-based Stingray, a streaming music, radio, and media company, posted robust fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 financial results, driven primarily by its acquisition and successful integration of the internet radio platform TuneIn.
iHM Building For Sale: iHeartmedia’s corporate headquarters in San Antonio has been put up for sale by the real estate investment trust that owns the property.
Super Ratings for NBA Game 3
ABC and ESPN delivered the largest NBA Finals Game 3 audience since 1998, averaging 23.8M viewers, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. The Game 3 audience was up 159% from last year’s Game 3 and peaked with 26.3M viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET.
Through three games, the 2026 NBA Finals is ABC and ESPN’s second most-watched ever, averaging 19.1M viewers. It is up 114% from last year’s Championship series.
Monday’s Game 3 on ABC and ESPN was the largest television audience since Super LX in February. Additionally, NBA Finals Game 3 was the most-watched program of the day across all of television and in all key male and adult demos for June 8.
NBA Finals All‑Access with The Pat McAfee Show – ESPN’s alternate presentation of Game 3 – averaged 1.1M viewers — the most‑watched NBA alternate telecast ever on ESPN.
ABC's WNT Delivers Largest Season Viewership in 4 Years
For the eighth straight week, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (7.660 million) on all of broadcast and cable (excluding sports) during the week of June 1, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.
- “World News Tonight” ranked as the No. 1 newscast across broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (7.660 million), Adults 25-54 (974,000) and Adults 18-49 (766,000).
TV Ratings: ‘GMA’ Hits 5-Week High in Key Adult News Demo
Good Morning America” averaged 2.702 million Total Viewers, 470,000 Adults 25-54 and 329,0000 Adults 18-49 for the week of June 1, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.
- “GMA” improved week to week in Total Viewers (+1% – 2.702 million vs. 2.678 million), Adults 25-54 (+11% – 470,000 vs. 425,000) and Adults 18-49 (+15% – 329,000 vs. 285,000), hitting a 5-week high in the key Adult news demo — since w/o 4/27/26.
Jax Radio: WQIK's The Big Show Just Got Bigger
Jacksonville's New Country 99.1 WQIK has expanded its popular morning program "The Big Show" with the immediate addition of longtime radio personality Chumley, who joins hosts John, Megan, and Froggy weekdays from 5 to 10 a.m.
The move strengthens the station's flagship morning show with a familiar Jacksonville voice known for his deep local knowledge, music passion, and on-air chemistry.
"Adding Chumley to 'The Big Show' was a no-brainer," said Casey Carter, Program Director for iHeartMedia Jacksonville's WQIK. "He's an expert on all things Jacksonville, a music and radio lover in general, and an overall great human being. Chumley's strong rapport with John, Megan and Froggy is going to translate into a can't-miss show. We're all very excited for this next chapter in WQIK and Jacksonville radio."
iHeartMedia San Antonio Headquarters Listed for Sale
iHeartMedia’s corporate headquarters in San Antonio has been put up for sale by the real estate investment trust that owns the property.
The listing is structured as a sale-leaseback investment opportunity featuring iHeartMedia as the “industry leading tenant.”
The company currently pays $2.09 million in annualized base rent and holds a long-term lease on the building through January 2035. No asking price was disclosed.
Radio History: June 11
➦In 1900.. Lawrence E Spivak born (Died at age 93 – March 9, 1994).
Spivak sold Meet the Press to NBC in 1955 but remained as moderator, producer and panelist.
➦In 1914...actor Gerald Mohr was born in New York City. The radio, film and television character actor appeared in over 500 radio plays, including the title role in Raymond Chandler’s “Adventures of Philip Marlowe.” He made 73 films and over 100 television shows, including westerns “Maverick”, “Cheyenne”, “Bronco”, “Sugarfoot” and “Bonanza”, as well as episodes of “Perry Mason”, “77 Sunset Strip”, “Hawaiian Eye”, “Lost in Space” etc, and did announce/narration for early episodes of “The Lone Ranger.” He died of a heart attack Nov 9 1968 in Stockholm at the age of 54.
➦In 1953...the all-black TV sitcom “Amos ‘n Andy,” which had begun on radio in 1929 with two white men playing all the parts, was driven from the air in the heat of the civil rights movement, for its so-called stereotypical characterizations. This was the last time it was seen on CBS, though the radio series on which it was based ran until 1960.
➦In 1972...KRE-AM, Berkeley, California changed call letters to KPAT-AM.
➦In 1985...WJW-AM, Cleveland, Ohio changed its call letters to WRMR-AM.
WJW began broadcasting as WLBV in Mansfield, Ohio on November 13, 1926 under the ownership of John F. Weimer. In 1928, the call letters were changed to WJW, reflecting the owner's initials. By 1931, the station had been sold to Mansfield Broadcasting Association, and it was broadcasting at 1210 kHz with 100 watts.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
R.I.P.: Bill Cody, WSM Morning Host
Bill Cody, the beloved Grand Ole Opry announcer and longtime WSM Radio host, died Tuesday at age 67 after battling kidney and heart failure.
WSM Radio confirmed the news Tuesday evening in a heartfelt tribute posted to Instagram.“A singular presence on WSM-AM Nashville for more than three decades, Bill welcomed listeners each morning on ‘Coffee, Country & Cody’ with a broad smile, a conversational ease, and an unerring ability to make both artists and audiences feel at home,” the station wrote.
ASCAP Sues Four Radio Groups for Copyright Infringement
ASCAP has filed federal copyright infringement lawsuits against four radio station groups operating a total of 15 stations, accusing them of repeatedly broadcasting music from ASCAP’s songwriters and publishers without a valid license for several years.
The Performing Rights Organization (PRO), which represents hundreds of thousands of songwriters, composers, and music publishers, said the stations continued to air protected works despite ongoing obligations under U.S. copyright law to secure public performance licenses. ASCAP licenses the public performance of its members’ music for radio, television, digital, and live venues.
According to the complaints, the radio groups allegedly failed to obtain or maintain necessary blanket licenses, resulting in unauthorized use of thousands of copyrighted songs. ASCAP is seeking damages, injunctions to stop further infringement, and recovery of legal fees.
Trump's MTP Interview A Ratings Win For NBC
NBC’s “Meet the Press” interview with President Donald Trump, which ended abruptly after a heated exchange, drew strong viewership for the Sunday morning news program.
The contentious interview, conducted Friday in Wisconsin and aired June 7, 2026, featured moderator Kristen Welker pressing Trump on election fraud claims, California primaries, the Iran conflict, and his proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Trump walked out after accusing the media of bias, calling networks “crooked,” and stating he had “had enough.”
Report: Top CBS News Executives Work In Seclusion
Bari Weiss, Editor-in-Chief of CBS News since October 2025, and other top executives largely operate in a more secluded environment, with limited day-to-day visibility in the main newsroom.
According to reports, Weiss works primarily from a secured suite on the sixth floor of CBS News’ Manhattan headquarters (centered at the CBS Broadcast Center at 524/530 West 57th Street). Reports describe her as “bunkered down,” “rarely seen in the newsroom,” and maintaining a “very royal” or “remote” demeanor. She has not built close alliances with key talent or producers and is infrequently spotted around studios or control rooms.
Early in her tenure, she had bodyguards (including inside the offices for a period), which some staff found off-putting. She often participates in meetings via Zoom rather than in person and has been characterized as detached from daily operations.
Other Top Executives
Tom Cibrowski (President and Executive Editor) has an office in a different area of the building from Weiss’s suite, indicating some separation even among senior leadership.
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| Bari Weiss |
CBS News has undergone real estate shifts, with programs like 60 Minutes relocating to the Broadcast Center. Executive and leadership spaces remain more isolated from the open, collaborative newsroom floors where producers, correspondents, and support staff work.
Reports of seclusion with limited physical contact with other staffers would seem to breed distrust.
Staffers and producers have described tension, leaks, retreats into silos, and a sense of disconnection under the new leadership. Weiss’s style—more digital-native and top-down—contrasts with traditional broadcast newsroom culture, contributing to perceptions of remoteness.
However, this is fairly typical for top network executives but has drawn particular notice amid the high-profile changes and controversies at CBS News.
Pat McAfee Talking Contract Extension with ESPN
The former Indianapolis Colts punter, whose daily sports show has become one of the biggest in the country, would also take on a significantly expanded role in the network’s NFL coverage under the potential new deal, The Athletic reported.
McAfee, 39, has two years remaining on his current ESPN contract, which includes a licensing and production agreement for “The Pat McAfee Show” plus additional pay for his work as an analyst on “College GameDay” and other programs. The Athletic said the extension being negotiated by McAfee’s representatives could be worth more than double his existing deal.
McAfee first joined ESPN three years ago after leaving an agreement with FanDuel. He had previously been a contributor to the network’s college football coverage. His current deal simulcasts “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, ESPN+, and his YouTube channel, while also featuring him hosting alternate broadcasts of major events, including College Football Playoff games and most recently NBA Finals Game 3.
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