The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Monday that its board of directors has voted to dissolve the organization after 58 years, following Congress's rescission of all federal funding for public broadcasting in 2025.
The decision stems from sustained political opposition and the complete loss of federal support, which made it impossible for CPB to continue operating as intended under the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. The board determined that remaining as a defunded entity risked exposing it to political interference, misuse, or legal vulnerabilities, while undermining public trust in independent media."
For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans—regardless of geography, income, or background—had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling," said President and CEO Patricia Harrison. She emphasized that dissolution protects the public media system's integrity rather than leaving it vulnerable to further attacks.
Board Chair Ruby Calvert described the move as "devastating," noting the elimination of funding left no viable path forward. However, she expressed confidence that public media will endure through local stations, citing its vital role in education, culture, and democracy.
Founded in 1967, CPB helped build a nationwide system of more than 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations, supporting children's educational content, emergency communications during disasters, and civic journalism.
As part of an orderly wind-down, CPB will distribute remaining funds according to congressional intent, continue supporting the American Archive of Public Broadcasting for historic content preservation, and partner with the University of Maryland to archive its own records dating back to its founding, making them publicly available.
While CPB ceases operations, local public media stations, producers, and journalists are expected to continue serving communities independently. Harrison voiced hope that future leaders will reassess and restore support for educational, community-focused, and independent media services.
Comcast has completed the spin-off of most of its cable television networks into a new, independent publicly traded company called Versant Media Group, effective January 2, 2026, with shares beginning regular trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol VSNT on Monday.
The separation, first announced in late 2024 and approved by Comcast's board in December 2025, creates a standalone entity focused on cable and news networks amid declining traditional TV viewership and advertising. Mark Lazarus, former chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, serves as Versant's CEO, with NBCUniversal CFO Anand Kini taking on roles as CFO and COO.
Versant's portfolio includes prominent channels such as:
CNBC
MS NOW (the rebranded former MSNBC)
USA Network
SYFY
Golf Channel
Oxygen
E!along with digital assets like Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and SportsEngine.
Comcast shareholders received one share of Versant Class A or Class B common stock for every 25 shares of Comcast stock held as of December 16, 2025, in a tax-free distribution.
On its trading debut Monday, Versant shares opened at $45.17 but fell more than 10-14% amid investor concerns over the future of legacy cable businesses in the streaming era, while Comcast shares rose slightly.
CEO Mark Lazarus called the milestone "a defining moment," emphasizing Versant's scale, strategy, and leadership to grow and evolve beyond traditional cable. The move allows Comcast to concentrate on higher-growth areas like broadband, theme parks, the NBC broadcast network, Telemundo, Peacock streaming, and studios, while Versant operates as a pure-play media company reaching around 70 million U.S. households.
This spin-off reflects broader industry trends, with companies restructuring to separate declining linear TV assets from streaming and content production.
The bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) remains ongoing and highly contentious.
In December 2025, Netflix emerged as the winner of a competitive auction, agreeing to acquire WBD's studios and streaming assets (including Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, HBO Max, and related libraries) for approximately $72 billion (equity value, with enterprise value around $82-83 billion).
This deal excludes WBD's linear networks (e.g., CNN, TNT, Discovery channels), which are set to spin off as a separate public company called Discovery Global in mid-2026 (likely Q3).
However, Paramount Skydance (led by David Ellison, backed by his father Larry Ellison and partners like RedBird Capital) has launched a persistent hostile takeover bid for the entire WBD company at $30 per share in all cash, valuing it at around $108.4 billion. This unsolicited tender offer, first launched on December 8, 2025, was amended in late December with enhancements including a personal $40.4 billion guarantee from Larry Ellison and a raised regulatory reverse termination fee to match Netflix's.
WBD's board has repeatedly rejected Paramount Skydance's offers (including the amended one), unanimously recommending shareholders stick with the Netflix deal. They cite concerns over Paramount's financing risks, high post-deal leverage, and argue the Netflix transaction offers better strategic value and certainty.
Reports from late December 2025 indicated the board was likely to reject the latest hostile bid as well.
The Paramount tender offer has been extended to January 21, 2026, giving shareholders time to tender shares directly. Some investors and analysts debate the merits—Paramount's bid provides immediate all-cash value and includes the networks, while Netflix's focuses on high-growth assets but involves some stock consideration and excludes the linear business.
Regulatory scrutiny is a key uncertainty for both deals, potentially involving the Trump administration and antitrust reviews. No final resolution has been announced as of early January 2026, and the situation could evolve with further bids, shareholder actions, or board decisions. WBD stock has surged over 170% in 2025 amid the drama.
Amazon announced Monday that its Prime Video exclusive broadcast of the 2025 Thursday Night Football (TNF) season was the most-watched in the program's 20-year history, averaging 15.3 million viewers per game — a 16% increase from the previous season's approximately 13.2 million.
Thw milestone marks a significant achievement for streaming sports, as Prime Video has exclusively held the TNF package since 2022. The 2025 average surpasses the prior record set in 2019 (13.65 million viewers across Fox, NFL Network, and early Prime Video simulcasts), highlighting growing audience adoption of streaming for live NFL games.
Several factors contributed to the record viewership. High-profile matchups drew massive audiences, including peaks over 19 million for games like Cowboys-Lions and strong performances from teams such as the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Amazon's investments in production quality, AI-powered features (like alternate streams and stats overlays), and pre/postgame shows also boosted engagement. Pregame and postgame programming saw double-digit growth, while the audience skewed younger — with a median age nearly seven years below linear NFL broadcasts — attracting more viewers in key demographics like 18-34 and 18-49.
Since taking over exclusivity, Prime Video has shown consistent year-over-year growth:
2022 → ~9.6 million (inaugural season)
2023 → ~11.9 million
2024 → ~13.2 million
2025 → 15.3 million
This upward trend underscores the NFL's successful shift toward digital platforms, with TNF on Prime reaching over 91 million unique viewers in prior seasons and continuing to expand reach. The numbers reflect Nielsen's measurements, including out-of-home viewing and Big Data enhancements, which have helped capture broader streaming consumption.
Overall, the 2025 season reinforces Thursday Night Football's status as a premier NFL property and validates Amazon's multibillion-dollar investment in the rights through 2033.
Audio podcast ads are 18-25% more effective at driving purchases than YouTube video podcast ads, according to a major new study from Oxford Road and Podscribe analyzing over 1,000 campaigns across 100+ brands.
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog highlights this finding alongside multiple studies showing audio's superior attentiveness and engagement:
Adelaide Metrics: Audio platforms (radio, streaming, podcasts) generate nearly the same attentiveness as linear TV despite lacking visuals, with podcasts at 94% of TV's level.
Lumen Research (commissioned by Dentsu): Audio ads outperform video in attention and brand recall, delivering higher attentive seconds per impression.
DVJ Insights: In TV ads, audio carries the bulk of brand recall—"you can look away but you cannot shut your ears"—with recall soaring as audio brand mentions increase.
WPP Media: Digital audio ties for top short-term ROI (+44% above all-media average), while broadcast radio ranks second (+23% above average).
Audio narratives demand active imagination and participation, leading to deeper engagement than passive video viewing (e.g., Game of Thrones audiobook elicits stronger emotional responses than the TV adaptation, per UCL research).
These reports collectively challenge the assumption that video is inherently superior, emphasizing audio's efficiency in attention, recall, and sales impact.
Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed veteran Rock radio personality Jeremy Loper as On-Air Host, Mornings, on Chattanooga’s legendary home for Classic Rock, KZ106 (WSKZ-FM). Loper debuts on his new morning show, “The Loper Show” on Monday, January 12, 2026, and can be heard weekdays from 6:00am-10:00am.
The new show follows the retirement of “The John Boy & Billy Big Show” on December 31, 2025.
With more than three decades of major-market experience, Loper brings a bold, personality-driven approach to mornings on Chattanooga’s iconic Rock powerhouse, which has dominated the market for 47 years. Known for his authenticity, sharp wit, and deep roots in rock culture, Loper’s arrival reinforces KZ106’s commitment to real Rock, real radio, and real connection, while honoring the legacy of one of radio’s most recognizable morning franchises.
Loper most recently hosted mornings at iHeartMedia Classic Rock WNRQ (105.9 The Rock) in Nashville, TN, where he posted immediate ratings momentum and street buzz in Music City. Prior to Nashville, he spent 12 years in Columbus, OH, where he hosted the top-rated “Loper & Randi in the Morning” on Active Rock WRKZ (99.7 The Blitz), one of the most dominant and recognizable morning shows in the market. Loper is also the creator and host of The Loper Show, a multi-platform podcast and video series featuring interviews with Rock and Metal artists, MMA personalities, and cultural voices, further extending his reach and influence across digital platforms.
Scott Chase, Operations Manager, Cumulus Chattanooga and Program Director, KZ106, said: "The last time we made a change in the morning show was 29 years ago, when Kelly McCoy and I moved to afternoons and brought on John Boy and Billy. We wish the guys a very happy retirement and anticipate a warm Chattanooga welcome for Jeremy. He is obviously very talented and is also a great guy whom we are lucky to have on the K106 team.”
Loper commented: “Chattanooga is Rock ’n’ Roll, and KZ106 is one of the most respected Rock brands in the country. This station has history, attitude, and loyalty — everything that makes great radio matter. I’m fired up to wake this city up and be part of something legendary. Let’s go!”
DeDe in the Morning, the nationally syndicated urban morning radio show hosted by DeDe McGuire and syndicated by Compass Media Networks, is expanding its presence in the Jacksonville, FL market.
The show has aired on Cox Media Group's Hip-Hop station Power 106.1 (W291CI/WJGL-HD2) since June 2022, where it replaced a voicetracked/jockless morning slot and quickly gained traction.
This month, the show is doubling up in Jacksonville by adding Cox Media Group's Adult R&B station Hot 106.5 (WHJX Ponte Vedra Beach/Jacksonville) starting Monday, January 12, 2026.
This move replaces the previous morning host, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, on Hot 106.5.
The program will now air simultaneously on both stations, reaching hip-hop listeners on Power 106.1 and R&B audiences on Hot 106.5—an unprecedented dual-urban format simulcast in the market.
DeDe McGuire commented on the expansion: “Jacksonville has consistently supported DeDe In The Morning, and I’m excited to officially join the Hot 106.5 family. Being heard on two stations in the market allows us to connect with even more listeners each morning.”
Cox Media Group's Director of Urban Content and Program Director Elroy Smith noted that this strategy broadens the show's reach across urban demographics in Jacksonville.
The show, originating from flagship station K104 (KKDA-FM) in Dallas, features McGuire alongside co-hosts including comedian JJ Williamson and others, blending humor, entertainment news, celebrity interviews, and community topics.
It's one of the fastest-growing syndicated urban morning programs, now heard in nearly 100 markets nationwide.
San Antonio's longtime adult hits station KJXK ended its 20-year run as "102.7 Jack-FM" and relaunched as "102.7 Bob-FM" Monday with a new emphasis on local content and the positioning "80s, 90s and Whatever."
The rebrand by Connoisseur Media shifts the station away from the national "Jack-FM" brand—known for its "playing what we want" slogan and sarcastic voiceovers by announcer Howard Cogan—to a more customized adult hits format tailored for South Texas listeners.
Connoisseur VP/Market Manager Morgan Harrison said the change allows greater focus on San Antonio's neighborhoods, culture, and community involvement while retaining the eclectic playlist spanning decades. "This is all about serving our listeners and clients even better," Harrison stated.
"102.7 Bob-FM keeps the adult hits format people enjoy, while giving us more room to spotlight San Antonio — its neighborhoods, its culture, and its sense of fun. We’re making radio that feels local, alive, and connected — the way it should be."
Operations Manager Greg Martin added that the goal is to "keep it fun and keep it consistent," delivering familiar music with personality that "fits San Antonio perfectly."
The station was among more than 200 owned by Alpha Media until Connoisseur Media completed its acquisition of the entire Alpha portfolio in September 2025, expanding Connoisseur into a top-10 U.S. radio group.
Try explaining to the kids why Tampa had two full-on Christmas music stations this holiday season—were they both on Santa's nice list?
Cox Media's Soft AC WDUV (105.5 The Dove) flipped to all-Christmas earlier than usual, jumping from #3 to #1 in persons 6+ with a strong gain (6.8 → 9.1). That's nearly matching its 9.3 share from last holiday period.
This bumped Radio Training Network's Contemporary Christian WCIE (The Joy FM)—which also went heavy on holiday tunes—down to #2 (8.8 → 8.6).Cox Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 The Eagle) dipped to #3 (7.0 → 6.7). iHeartMedia AC WMTX (Mix 100.7) joined the Christmas flip on day two of the survey, climbing from #6 to #4 (4.7 → 6.0)—compared to its #6 and 4.9 last year.
Cox AC WWRM (Magic 94.9) stayed in its regular format and held steady at #5 (5.3 → 5.7).
iHeartMedia Country WFUS (US 103.5) took the biggest hit from the holiday influx, falling from a tie at #4 to a tie at #7 (5.3 → 4.2)—its lowest share since Santa's last visit.
Also tying at #7: Beasley Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) (4.6 → 4.2). WDUV remained the cume king with a nice 3.6% bump (601,000 → 622,700).
Note: WMTX saw its cume slip back. Overall market cume dipped 0.7%. Market PUMM fell 8.7% from November but rose 1.8% year-over-year.
Even with stiff competition from the North Pole, non-flipper WWRM delivered its strongest 25-54 book in over a year, rising to #1.WMTX gained two spots to #2.WCIE dropped from #1 to #3, ending a five-month surge.WDUV soared from a tie at #7 to #3.Its former tie-mate, iHeartMedia Active Rock WXTB (98 Rock), climbed to #5 with a healthy increase.
Beasley Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) tied at #6 with iHeartMedia Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ).WRBQ slid into a tie at #8 with WXGL.WFUS plummeted from #3 to #10.
Market PUMM was down 13.8% month-to-month and 9.3% from last year.
🌲San Diego: Santa Finally Shows Up Fashionably Late
Audacy AC KYXY displayed monk-like patience, holding off on the Christmas flip until the start of week three of the survey. But delayed gratification paid off big time: the station soared from #4 to #1 in persons 6+ with a monster jump (5.7 → 11.1). For context, last holiday it hit #2 with a 6.6.
That ended the remarkable eleven-book reign of Audacy Classic Hits KXSN (Sunny 98.1), which slipped to #2 (7.8 → 7.5) and tied with the steady San Diego State University News/Talk KPBS (7.4 → 7.5). Local Media Rhythmic AC XHRM (Magic 92.5) held firm at #4 (6.2 → 6.2). Audacy Country KSON landed solo at #5 (5.1 → 4.9).
The leap of the month goes to Imagen Informativa Spanish Hot AC XLTN (Radio Latina 104.5FM), rocketing from #14 to #6 (3.2 → 4.7). iHeartMedia Hot AC KMYI (Star 94.1) slid from #5 to #8 (5.1 → 4.4). KYXY also dominated cume, vaulting from #4 to #1 with a whopping 44% surge (441,100 → 635,400). Market cume rose 1.1%.
Market PUMM climbed 5.6% from November and a huge 25.4% year-over-year.
In 25-54, KYXY more than doubled its prior share, blasting from #13 all the way to #1.KXSN eased to #2, snapping its three-book winning streak.
KPBS delivered its best number in over a year, climbing from #10 to #3.A four-way traffic jam formed at #4: XHRM stayed put (though at its lowest share in over a year), KSON and Local Media Alternative XTRA (91X) both moved up from a tie at #5 despite slight declines, and iHeartMedia Active Rock KIOZ (Rock 105.3) advanced from #8 with a modest gain.
A coalition of AM broadcasters has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to reopen and expand rules allowing AM stations to acquire and relocate existing FM translators, aiming to extend the benefits of the agency's 2016-2017 "AM revitalization" initiative.
The group, primarily Class C and Class D AM operators led by Press Communications President Robert McAllan, seeks greater flexibility, including permitting each AM station to acquire and move up to three translators from farther distances (potentially expanding from 250 to 500 miles), and making such opportunities permanent rather than limited to temporary filing windows.
The proposal does not involve creating new FM translator licenses but focuses on modifying rules for acquiring and relocating existing ones to rebroadcast AM programming more effectively within local areas.
According to Radio World, petitioners argue that FM translators have proven vital, saving hundreds of AM stations from going dark while boosting listenership, advertising revenue, and community engagement. They highlight intensifying challenges for the AM band, including rising noise floors, degrading receiver quality, limited nighttime service, and shifting digital marketplaces.
Nielsen data cited in the filing shows AM listenership now represents less than one-third of broadcast radio audiences, with younger demographics rarely tuning in. The group estimates more than one-third of AM stations still lack a companion FM translator.
A reopened process would particularly aid small, often minority-owned or rural AM stations lacking resources for full-service FM licenses or digital upgrades.
The AM revitalization docket remains open at the FCC, despite recent closures of other dormant proceedings. Past windows in 2016 and 2017 allowed AMs to relocate translators on available frequencies for local rebroadcasting.
The coalition includes advocates like Bud Walters, Matthew Wesolowski, and Larry Fuss, known for supporting smaller AM broadcasters.
➦In 1912...actor/comedian Danny Thomas was born Amos Muzyad Yahkoob in Deerfield Michigan. His broadcast credits began in radio with Baby Snooks, the Bickersons (Drene Time) & The Big Show. Besides his own successful TV sitcom Make Room for Daddy (later renamed the Danny Thomas Show) he had a hand in producing the Dick Van Dyke Show, the Andy Griffith Show, and the Mod Squad. He founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
He died Feb 6, 1991 after a heart attack, at age 79.
➦In 1939...producer/journalist Carlton E Morse, premiered 'I Love A Mystery', which aired afternoon's on NBC's West Coast radio Network.
He is best known for his creation of the radio serial One Man's Family, which debuted in 1932 and ran until 1959 as one of the most popular as well as long-running radio soap operas of the time.
Carlton E Morse
A radio legend, he experimented with television and published three novels. Morse is considered by many to be one of the best radio scriptwriters.
After losing his newspaper job, Morse brought several scripts he had written throughout the 1920s to an interview with NBC. He soon was offered a job at KGO, the San Francisco outlet of NBC's Blue Network, and began his radio career scripting House of Myths. Morse began work on NBC Mystery Serial, which included such episodes as "Captain Post: Crime Specialist" and "Case of the One-eyed Parrot". Other mysteries scripted by Morse included The Witch of Endor, The City of the Dead, Captain Post: Crime Specialist, The Game Called Murder and Dead Men Prowl.
He also did four programs based on San Francisco Police Department files: Chinatown Squad, Barbary Coast Nights, Killed in Action and To the Best of Their Ability. Morse worked closely with San Francisco Police Chief William J. Quinn, who narrated all four series.
"One Man's Family" was a daily soap opera, targeted at housewives, and "I Love a Mystery" was an adventure serial for adolescents and lovers of the macabre. Both are regarded by radio historians as two of the all-time best radio serials.
➦In 1941...a young actor appeared for the first time in a new program on CBS Radio, 'Home of the Brave'. This marked Richard Widmark‘s professional acting debut. His first film appearance was 6 years later.
➦In 1945...a new mystery drama ‘The Saint’ based on the Leslie Charteris novels, began a Saturday evening run on NBC radio. Vincent Price did not come to the lead role of Simon Templar until 1947 on CBS.
➦In 1957…Elvis Presley made his third and final appearance on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show, performing seven numbers over a 20-minute segment. Among them were “Peace in the Valley” and “My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again.” Sullivan called Presley a “fine boy” and said he was easy to work with.
Sullivan demanded that the cameramen shoot Elvis only from the waist up this time. Presley sang seven songs: "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Peace in the Valley" (at the request of the network), "Too Much," and "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again."
Joe O'Brien
➦In 1969...NYC personality Joe O'Brien started at WNBC 660 AM. A Yonkers native, O'Brien began his career in 1935 when he got his first radio job with WMCA 570 AM in NYC. He worked at the station for 34 years and became one of the Good Guys team of DJs in the late 1960's. They played Top 40 hits and became nearly as popular as the music they played.
For a time, O'Brien was the No. 1 morning man in New York City.
O'Brien handled morning duties until he was replaced by Don Imus in 1972. Mr. O'Brien then went to WHUD in Peekskill, N.Y. He retired in 1986, but continued to do weekend specials for WHUD until 2000.
He died in a car accident in 2005 at age 90.
➦In 1971...WJRZ 970 AM sold to Pacific Southern. It changed its call letters on May 16 and became WWDJ, known on the air as "97-DJ", attempting to take on WABC and replace WMCA as the New York market's second Top 40 outlet.
For a brief time, program director Mark Driscoll began imaging the station as "9-J", giving rise to a recorded parody of the station called "Nine" produced by a group that included future disk jockeys Howard Hoffman and Randy West.
The station was hampered by a directional signal that covered Manhattan and parts of New Jersey well but suffered in the rest of the Five Boroughs and was virtually nonexistent on Long Island and western New Jersey. Eventually, FM competition from WCBS-FM and adult top 40 station WXLO (now WEPN-FM), and an evolution to adult Top 40 by WNBC (now WFAN), began to eat into WWDJ's ratings. In November 1973 it was ranked 15th in the Arbitron ratings.
Margaret Brennan, moderator of CBS's Face the Nation since 2018 and the network's chief foreign affairs correspondent, faces intense criticism primarily from conservative commentators and Republican figures, who accuse her of liberal bias, uneven fact-checking, and hostility toward right-leaning guests.
The most recent backlash erupted on January 4, 2026, during her interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the U.S. military operation capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Brennan questioned why other indicted regime figures, such as the defense minister with ties to Russia, were not also arrested, expressing confusion over the operation's scope. Rubio sharply rebuked her, calling the suggestion "absurd" and explaining the complexity of simultaneously raiding multiple sites without risking American lives or assets.
Conservative outlets like Twitchy, Daily Caller, RedState, and Gateway Pundit praised Rubio for "schooling" or "torching" Brennan, portraying her questions as downplaying a major U.S. success and reflecting anti-Trump media bias. Viral clips highlighted her facial expressions and body language as evidence of condescension toward Republicans, including during segments with Sen. Tom Cotton.
Similar partisan criticism has recurred. In February 2025, Brennan suggested during an interview that free speech in Nazi Germany was "weaponized to conduct a genocide," prompting accusations of historical inaccuracy (as the Nazis censored speech) and anti-free speech bias tied to Trump-era debates.
In the 2024 VP debate, she fact-checked JD Vance on Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, despite CBS's prior statement against moderator fact-checking—while not similarly interrupting Tim Walz—drawing ire from Trump allies. Clashes with figures like Vance (who famously said "I don't really care, Margaret") and others have fueled memes and claims of rudeness or agenda-pushing.
Critics on X and in right-leaning media often describe her as emblematic of mainstream media hostility toward Trump and Republicans, with calls for her replacement amid perceived efforts at CBS to address bias.
Tina Murley has left her position as Chief Revenue Officer at Beasley Media Group to join Connoisseur Media as Senior Vice President, Western Region, and Market Manager for the company's San Francisco and San Jose markets.
The move, announced on January 5, 2026, positions Murley to oversee Connoisseur's growing Bay Area radio portfolio. The company, under CEO Jeff Warshaw, recently expanded significantly in the region by acquiring Bonneville International's San Francisco cluster—including KUFX (Classic Rock), KBLX (Urban AC), KMVQ (99.7 NOW, Top 40), and KOIT (AC)—which joined existing stations such as KEZR (Hot AC) and KBAY (Country) in San Jose.
Tina Murley
Murley brings more than 30 years of media sales, marketing, and management experience. At Beasley, she progressed from Director of Sales in Boston (2014) to Vice President of Sales (2020) and Chief Revenue Officer (early 2025), overseeing traditional and digital revenue company-wide.
She has been recognized as one of Radio Ink's Most Influential Women in Radio, served on the Radio Advertising Bureau board, and completed the NAB Broadcast Leadership Training program. Her prior roles include sales leadership positions at Viacom, CBS, and Hearst.
The transition highlights ongoing executive shifts and consolidation in the radio industry as companies like Connoisseur aggressively build market share in competitive regions like Northern California.
A federal judge has granted Cumulus Media a preliminary injunction against Nielsen, blocking the ratings company's controversial "Network Policy" that ties access to national radio ratings data to purchases of local market data, while capping standalone national rates during the ongoing antitrust lawsuit.
U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled last week, that Cumulus demonstrated irreparable harm, a strong likelihood of success on its monopoly-tying claims under Section 2 of the Sherman Act, a balance of hardships favoring Cumulus, and that the public interest supports the injunction. The order bars Nielsen from enforcing the policy and from charging "commercially unreasonable" rates for its Nationwide Report, defining reasonable rates as equal to or below the highest 2026 annual rate charged to any other broadcaster. Cumulus must post a $100,000 bond to maintain the injunction, which remains in effect throughout the litigation."We're extremely pleased with the Court’s decision," a Cumulus spokesperson said, adding that the ruling "affirms the strength of our position and validates the arguments we’ve made from the outset."
Nielsen, however, vowed to fight on. "Nielsen maintains that its policies and practices are legally compliant, and looks forward to fully vindicating its position as the case proceeds," a company spokesperson said. Nielsen has previously accused Cumulus of using the lawsuit as "lawfare" to demand an "untenable" 50% price reduction it says was never offered, warning that granting such demands could encourage frivolous requests from other subscribers.
The detailed opinion explaining the ruling is currently sealed due to competitively sensitive information, with parties required to propose redactions before a public version is released.
Cumulus filed the antitrust suit in October 2025, alleging Nielsen's tying policy is a "textbook abuse of monopoly power" that forecloses competition—such as from rival Eastlan Ratings—and forces broadcasters to buy unneeded local data. The lawsuit highlighted a 36% price hike for Westwood One's national ratings in 2022, followed by further increases linked to the policy.
Cumulus' prior ratings contract with Nielsen expired Dec. 31, 2025. The injunction ensures continued access to national data under the capped terms as the case advances, potentially influencing pricing and competition in radio audience measurement industry-wide.
92.9 FM ESPN (WMFS-FM/AM), an Audacy station in Memphis, has announced a series of programming updates effective January 12. “J&J” with John Martin and Jason Smith will be heard weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT. “Jeffrey Wright and Company" is extending to a three-hour show and will be on air middays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT.
After 16 years with 92.9 FM ESPN, veteran columnist Geoff Calkins is departing the station to focus on his lead role at the Daily Memphian. Calkins, a nationally recognized host who helped launch the station and earned numerous industry accolades, will make his final broadcast on January 9. This marks the end of a tenure defined by his popular morning show and long-standing evening segments.
“Since helping launch the station in 2010, Geoff Calkins defined the brand through his unique ability to blend smart, prepared sports storytelling with deeply resonant coverage of the broader Memphis community,” said Brad Carson, Brand Manager and Operations Manager, 92.9 FM ESPN.
“We’re excited for the new generation of talent he personally mentored to build upon the powerful legacy he leaves behind and the foundation he built. Our listeners can remain confident that the station will uphold its commitment to unrivaled sports coverage and the authentic, community-driven storytelling that Memphis relies on.”
The new 92.9 FM ESPN weekday programming lineup is as follows.
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. CT: "Unsportsmanlike" with Evan, Canty and Michelle
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT: “J&J” with John Martin and Jason Smith
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT: "Jeffrey Wright and Company"
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT: "The Gabe Kuhn Show" with former Memphis lineman Gabe Kuhn
For 15 years, 92.9 FM ESPN has served as the flagship station of the Memphis Grizzlies. As a three-time Marconi Award nominee, the station consistently competes with the nation’s largest sports markets. This legacy of quality was honored in 2024 when the station received the Tennessee Broadcaster Award for Best Sports Coverage.
📻Listeners can tune in to 92.9 FM ESPN (WMFS-FM/AM), in Memphis on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.
Public radio stations across the U.S. are grappling with a severe crisis as 2026 begins, following 2025 congressional rescissions that eliminated all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — totaling over $1 billion — forcing layoffs, program cancellations, and potential closures, especially in rural areas where stations relied heavily on these grants for operations and emergency services.
On the commercial side, BIA Advisory Services forecasts a modest rebound with over-the-air radio revenue growing 1.83% in 2026, reversing 2025 declines, while digital revenue is projected to rise 5.01%, driven by political advertising in the midterm election year and emphasis on multi-channel, data-driven sales.
Cumulus Media secured a major legal victory in late 2025 when a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction against Nielsen Audio, blocking its bundling policy for national and local ratings data and capping 2026 rates for Cumulus at competitive levels during the ongoing antitrust lawsuit.
Westwood One launched a new national nighttime CHR program, “Nightly with Jade & Tyler,” hosted by Jade Jones and Tyler Frye, debuting today with a focus on Top 40 hits, pop culture, and social engagement.
Momentum is building for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, with House and Senate leaders committing to advance the bipartisan bill early in 2026 to mandate AM receivers in new cars for public safety.
Under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency is pursuing aggressive deregulation, including a “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative to eliminate outdated rules, with potential relaxation of media ownership caps on the horizon to spur consolidation and local innovation.
Overall, 2026 shapes up as a year of adaptation for radio, with public media facing existential challenges, commercial broadcasters eyeing revenue growth through digital expansion, and regulatory shifts promising reduced burdens amid ongoing industry consolidation and programming refreshes.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is closer than ever to becoming law as 2025 ends, with House Republican leaders committing to an early 2026 floor vote and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) pushing for Senate action amid procedural hurdles.
In a recent NAB Podcast, Senior Vice President of Government Relations Nicole Gustafson outlined the path forward, stressing that continued grassroots advocacy from broadcasters is key to securing passage in the current Congress. She noted three senators have placed objections blocking unanimous consent in the Senate, forcing proponents to seek scarce floor time or attach the bill to must-pass legislation.
The bipartisan measure, dubbed "AM Forever," would mandate AM radio as a no-cost standard feature in all new U.S. vehicles, citing its critical role in public safety and emergency alerts when other systems fail.
Despite overwhelming support — including near-unanimous committee approvals this fall and commitments from Speaker Mike Johnson and other House leaders — procedural delays and congressional gridlock have stalled final votes. A government funding showdown in September further jammed the legislative calendar.
The bill's momentum stems from a swift national backlash after automakers began removing AM receivers from electric vehicles due to interference issues. Ford reversed its decision amid pressure, but others persisted, prompting legislative action.
Introduced nearly three years ago, it rapidly built a diverse coalition: 316 House co-sponsors in the prior Congress, broad Senate backing led by unlikely allies Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA), and endorsements from groups like AARP, the Heritage Foundation, labor unions, first responders, and emergency agencies.
Gustafson called it a "master class in legislating," fueled by local stations airing PSAs and urging listener outreach to lawmakers. She highlighted AM's reliability in disasters, such as one lawmaker adding support after Hurricane Helene.
As 2026 begins, Gustafson urged broadcasters to keep pressing representatives, emphasizing that local advocacy drives Washington successes: "We’ve laid the groundwork this year. With your help, we can finish the job next year."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made appearances on all three major Sunday political talk shows—NBC's Meet the Press (hosted by Kristen Welker), CBS's Face the Nation (hosted by Margaret Brennan), and ABC's This Week (hosted by George Stephanopoulos).
These interviews, conducted from Miami, focused heavily on the U.S. military operation the previous day that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were brought to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges.
Key Themes Across the Appearances
Rubio consistently emphasized that the operation was not an act of war against Venezuela but targeted drug trafficking threats to U.S. national security. He downplayed President Trump's statement that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela, clarifying it meant influencing policy direction rather than direct governance. Rubio highlighted ongoing oil sanctions (described as a "quarantine") as primary leverage to push for changes benefiting U.S. interests and the Venezuelan people, including stopping drug flows, gang migration, and adversary influence.
He avoided ruling out future military options, noting the president "retains all optionality," but stressed the current focus on economic pressure over occupation or boots on the ground. Discussions touched on opposition figures like MarÃa Corina Machado and Edmundo González (with Rubio expressing admiration but noting practical realities), and potential broader implications (e.g., hints at pressure on Cuba).
Tony Dokoupil made an early debut as anchor of “CBS Evening News” on Saturday, conducting a lengthy interview with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth about the U.S. military raids in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — two days ahead of his scheduled Monday launch.
The special edition broadcast from a CBS-owned station in San Francisco, as the network rushed to cover President Trump's announcement of the strikes.
It marked Hegseth's first appearance on CBS and his first interview since the operation, personally arranged by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, according to a source familiar with the booking.
During the interview, Dokoupil — whose on-screen graphic labeled Hegseth “Secretary of Defense” rather than the Trump administration's preferred “Secretary of War” — questioned the operation's rationale.
“I want to go back to the rationale tonight: Is it about freedom, or is it about oil?” Dokoupil asked, noting Trump's press conference remarks suggesting both factors played a role. Hegseth cited multiple reasons, including Venezuela's actions against U.S. oil companies, hemispheric security, drugs, and cartels poisoning Americans — all justifying what he called Trump's “bold and courageous action.” He noted the operation proceeded without prior congressional knowledge.
Dokoupil's official “CBS Evening News” launch remains set for Monday from New York. His planned “Live From America Tour,” starting in Miami and visiting U.S. cities, has been delayed until later in the week.
The early debut comes amid scrutiny of CBS's editorial direction under Weiss, including recent statements emphasizing focus on average Americans over elites and new principles like “We love America.” Dokoupil himself posted online last week criticizing legacy media for over-relying on advocates, academics, and elites.
The New York Times and Washington Post delayed publishing details of a secret U.S. military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after learning of it shortly before the operation began on the night of January 2-3, 2026, in order to avoid endangering American troops.
Senior editors at both outlets agreed to hold their stories for several hours following warnings from the Trump administration that premature reporting could expose and jeopardize U.S. forces involved in the high-risk mission.
The raid, part of Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 U.S. aircraft disabling Venezuelan air defenses, followed by elite Delta Force commandos seizing Maduro and his wife from a compound in Caracas. The operation succeeded without U.S. fatalities, and the outlets published afterward.
This voluntary restraint aligns with longstanding U.S. journalistic practices during sensitive national security operations, where media sometimes withhold details to protect lives—despite no legal mechanism forcing such delays, unlike in some other countries.
Historical examples include delays on stories about the Bay of Pigs invasion, NSA warrantless wiretapping, and recent prisoner exchanges.
The decision has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between the press and the administration, but sources familiar with the matter emphasized it was driven by ethical considerations for troop safety rather than partisanship.
The raid itself has sparked broader debates over its legality, international reactions, and U.S. intentions in Venezuela.
Coverage of Venezuela across cable news networks (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News) and major newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal) has been dominated by a dramatic breaking story: the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026.
This event follows years of tension over the disputed 2024 presidential election (widely viewed internationally as fraudulent, with opposition candidate Edmundo González seen as the legitimate winner), economic collapse, migration crises, and U.S. accusations of drug trafficking tied to Maduro's regime.
Coverage is intense and wall-to-wall in the immediate aftermath, with live updates, timelines, analyses of legality, international reactions, and speculation about Venezuela's future (including U.S. intentions to "run" the country temporarily and exploit its vast oil reserves).
📺Cable News Networks
Fox News: Heavy focus on the success of the U.S. operation, portraying it as a bold strike against a dictator involved in narcoterrorism. Reports highlight details like FBI involvement in transport, Trump's real-time viewing of the raid, and potential for opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado (2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner) to emerge. Emphasis on reclaiming Venezuelan oil assets "stolen" from U.S. companies and celebrating the removal of a socialist regime. Interviews with Trump and supportive Republicans frame it positively.
CNN: Extensive live coverage, including timelines of the raid, visualizations of strikes in Caracas, and questions about legality/international law (e.g., sovereignty violations). Reports note Democratic criticism (e.g., lawmakers feeling misled about no regime change plans), international backlash (e.g., from China, Iran), and context on prior escalations like boat strikes and bounties on Maduro. Balanced with on-the-ground reporting from Caracas and profiles of Maduro's defiance.
MS NOW/NBC: Similar to CNN, with live blogs emphasizing uncertainty, potential for prolonged U.S. involvement, and reactions from Maduro supporters. Highlights satellite imagery of damage, Venezuelan defiance (e.g., Vice President Delcy RodrÃguez assuming duties), and concerns over humanitarian impacts or escalation.
Overall, cable coverage reflects partisan leans: Fox News more celebratory of the Trump administration's actions, while CNN/MS NOW include more scrutiny of risks, legality, and global condemnation.
📰Major Newspapers
New York Times: In-depth live updates, timelines of U.S.-Venezuela tensions (dating back to Chávez era), and analyses of motives (oil, drugs, immigration). Reports on holding stories at government request for operational security, refugee implications (e.g., low U.S. admission caps), and potential for Machado or González to lead a transition.
Washington Post: Live updates with photos of Maduro's arrival in New York; editorial board praised the operation as a "major victory for American interests" and the downfall of a dictator. Focus on celebrations among Venezuelan diaspora and oil industry silence.
Wall Street Journal: Less directly highlighted in recent results, but typically focuses on economic angles (e.g., oil reserves, sanctions impacts) in broader Venezuela reporting.
Newspapers provide more contextual, investigative pieces compared to cable's real-time urgency, often noting the 2024 election fraud, mass exodus (over 8 million Venezuelans fled), and Maduro's alliances with China/Russia/Iran.
Historically (pre-2026 event), U.S. media widely criticized Maduro's regime for authoritarianism, election rigging, and humanitarian crises, with little pro-Maduro sympathy. The current story amplifies this, framing the U.S. action as culminating long-standing pressure, though with debates over methods and consequences.
Megyn Kelly declared legacy media "dead" and dismissed CBS News' revamp efforts as futile, stating on X that "nothing will happen at CBS" in response to incoming anchor Tony Dokoupil's promotional video pledging to rebuild viewer trust.
The former Fox News host, now an independent podcaster, wrote:
Nothing will happen at CBS. Nothing. Legacy media is dead and evening news has been totally irrelevant for a long time. CBS has not had evening viewers in any competitive way in more than a decade. It’s not reversible. https://t.co/btMjgqEQCe
Kelly's comments came amid escalating tensions with CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, with whom she has feuded publicly since late 2025 over unrelated conservative disputes.
Dokoupil, set to debut as solo anchor of CBS Evening News on this week (with an early appearance Saturday due to breaking news), released a video acknowledging widespread distrust in legacy media. He criticized outlets for over-relying on elites, academics, and advocates while sidelining "average Americans," and promised transparency, independence from corporate influences, and a focus on viewers.
The changes follow Paramount's acquisition by Skydance and Weiss' appointment as editor-in-chief in October 2025. Weiss, founder of The Free Press, has introduced new principles for the broadcast, appointed Dokoupil, and planned a now-canceled 10-city "Live From America" listening tour.
Reactions have been polarized: some conservatives praise the admission of past flaws, while skeptics, including Kelly, argue the evening newscast format is outdated and ratings declines irreversible amid competition from cable, digital, and social media.
The relaunched program faces scrutiny as network evening news viewership continues to erode industry-wide. Early reception and ratings will indicate whether the overhaul gains traction.
Independent journalist Nick Shirley has reported receiving death threats, including warnings that he will be "Kirked"—a chilling reference to the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—following his viral video alleging widespread fraud in Minnesota's taxpayer-funded childcare programs.
The 23-year-old YouTuber posted a 42-minute investigative video on December 26, 2025, documenting visits to several daycare centers, many operated by members of the Somali community, that appeared empty or inactive despite receiving millions in public funds. Shirley claimed to have uncovered over $110 million in potential fraud in a single day of filming, highlighting misspelled signs, luxury vehicles, and facilities billing for services without visible children.
The video rapidly amassed over 100 million views on X, amplified by shares from high-profile figures including Elon Musk, JD Vance, and President Trump. It triggered federal actions, such as DHS and FBI investigations into Minnesota programs, ICE site visits, and a temporary freeze on some federal childcare payments to the state.
During an appearance on the PBD Podcast last week, Shirley described escalating harassment: online and in-person threats, doxxing of his family (including calls to his younger sister), and specific messages like "you're going to be Kirked" or "you'll be the next Kirk," invoking the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Shirley expressed frustration that the backlash focused on him rather than the alleged fraud, insisting his reporting was about accountability, not partisanship or anti-immigrant sentiment.
Minnesota officials and some centers have countered the claims, stating recent inspections found children present and no evidence of fraud at the filmed sites—though many had prior citations for safety or staffing issues. Critics accused Shirley of selective timing (e.g., off-hours filming) and promoting biased narratives amid broader, pre-existing probes into state fraud, including the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal.
A Montgomery, Alabama, FM translator has launched Streamz 100.5, a Hip-Hop and Contemporary R&B station uniquely programmed based on local streaming data, marking what operators call a first-of-its-kind approach in the U.S. radio market.
The station, airing on low-power translator W263BX (80 watts) and fed by the HD2 channel of WQKS-FM 96.1, replaces a previous rhythmic throwbacks format. Despite its limited power, operators say the signal fully covers the city, serving as a testbed for aligning broadcast radio with real-time community listening habits online. Radio futurist James Cridland writes in his radio newsletter the station is using a service called StreamStats from Bridge Ratings.
Rick Peters
Bluewater Broadcasting Managing Partner Rick Peters describes Streamz as bridging live radio and local streaming trends, turning listeners' online choices into direct influencers of the on-air playlist—effectively making audiences active programmers rather than passive ones.
Program Director DJ Fresh explains the process as a "weekly vote": The station analyzes over three million local streams weekly from 19 pure-play streaming services, using Bridge Ratings' Stream Stats tool to identify top songs in the Montgomery metro area, which then form the core playlist.
The lineup also features Compass Media Networks' DeDe In the Morning syndicated show.
Operators emphasize the format's goal of reflecting Montgomery's evolving musical tastes in real time, with the slogan implying: If locals are streaming it, Streamz will play it. They position the concept as groundbreaking, allowing community-specific streaming behavior to shape broadcast content on a hyper-local level.
🌲Miami Holiday Ratings: No All-Christmas Station in Sight
Once again, Miami stands out as one of the rare major markets where no significant station committed to full-time Christmas music during the holiday period. A few smaller signals experimented with the format, but none managed to break into the top 25 (6+).
Persons 6+ Highlights:
Cox Media Group's Soft AC WFEZ (Easy 93.1) climbed to #1, posting its strongest share in more than a year (up from 6.6 to 7.3).
Cox Media Group's Urban AC WHQT (Hot 105) slipped to #2 (down from 6.9 to 6.6).
TelevisaUnivision's Spanish Hot AC WAMR (Amor 107.5) held steady at #3 (5.8 to 5.9).
Audacy's Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 The Beach) stayed at #4 (5.3 to 5.7).
iHeartMedia's Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (Magic 93.9) advanced to #5 (5.0 to 5.3).
Audacy's AC WLYF (101.5 Lite FM) fell to #6, recording its lowest share since January (5.2 to 5.1).WFEZ also remained the market's cume leader, growing 6.4% (from 740,400 to 787,500). Overall market listening declined 2.1%. Persons Using Measured Media (PUMM) dropped 7.1% from November but rose 14% year-over-year.
Persons 25-54 Highlights:
WFEZ dominated the demo for the 12th consecutive book. Key movements:WMIA returned to #2, delivering its fourth straight upward trend but still trailing the leader by over a full share.
Cox Media Group's Rhythmic AC WFLC (Hits 97.3) held at #3 with a modest gain.
WMXJ rose to #4, rebounding from the prior month's dip.
iHeartMedia's Spanish Contemporary WZTU (Tú 94.9) claimed sole possession of #5 with a small increase.
WHQT fell three spots to #7, giving back most of the previous month's gains.
Demo PUMM was down 7.9% month-to-month but up 14.3% from the previous year.
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9, major tech companies like Nvidia, AMD, Samsung, and Lenovo will aggressively promote artificial intelligence as the core feature of new consumer gadgets, targeting investors, business clients, and everyday shoppers still skeptical of AI-driven devices.
AI Hardware Dominates the Show Floor..The event, a key launchpad for annual tech products ranging from ready-to-buy items to speculative concepts, will spotlight AI-infused hardware. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is expected to deliver a high-profile keynote on AI infrastructure, joined by competitors pushing AI as an essential rather than optional feature.
Smart Glasses and Wearables Lead AI Push..Smart glasses will be a major highlight, building on Meta's recent models and upcoming launches from Snap and others by late 2026. Smaller brands like Rokid, Xreal, Vuzix, and new entrants will drive most announcements, while Meta and Snap focus on software updates or demos. Additional AI-first wearables, including rings and novel forms, aim to provide smartphone-free access to intelligent assistants—despite past flops like the Humane AI Pin.
Humanoid Robots Gain Prominence..Humanoid robots will also steal attention, with the Consumer Technology Association dedicating an entire hall (likely North Hall) to robotics. Displays will include enterprise-focused models for manufacturing and logistics, plus companion robots like Tombot's Jennie dog for elderly care. Larger firms like LG may tease concepts, emphasizing progress in complex tasks like laundry folding, though challenges in battery life, cost, and safety persist.
TVs Remain a CES Staple..Televisions will continue as a traditional centerpiece, with Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense unveiling advanced sets featuring improved color reproduction and vivid imagery via new RGB/Mini-LED technologies. Aesthetic "art TVs" like Samsung's The Frame will see more imitators.
Other Notable Highlights..Motorola, under Lenovo's keynote spotlight, is poised to reveal its first book-style foldable phone. Wearables will advance health tracking, incorporating features like sleep apnea monitoring, women's health focus, glucose tracking, and chronic condition management.
Overall, CES 2026 underscores the industry's bet on AI integration to finally convince mainstream consumers, amid a mix of practical innovations and ambitious prototypes.
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