In 1906...the 4th most prolific recording artist of all time was born in suburban Milwaukee. She was known as “the incomparable Hildegarde,” a title bestowed on her by Walter Winchell. She appeared in cabarets & supper clubs up to 45 weeks a year. The woman born Hildegarde Loretta Sell was the “girl” on CBS Radio’s “Ninety-Nine Men & a Girl” (1939), the hostess on 1943’s “Beat the Band” musical quiz show, and “Hildegarde’s Raleigh Room” on NBC Radio. She also appeared in several TV specials, and continued performing to age 89.
She died of natural causes July 29 2005 at age 99.
➦In 1926...Flashback...Station news from Radio Digest:
Courtesy American Radio History
➦In 1940...NBC performs the first inter-city television broadcast from its station in New York City to another in Schenectady, New York by General Electric relay antennas.
➦In 1941…Even before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government’s Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI, in Washington) had already begun providing war news and commentary to the commercial American shortwave radio stations for use on a voluntary basis through its Foreign Information Service (FIS, in New York) headed by playwright Robert E. Sherwood, the playwright who served as President Roosevelt’s speech writer and information advisor.
Direct programming began a week after the United States’ entry into World War II in December 1941, with the first broadcast from the San Francisco office of the FIS via a leased General Electric’s transmitter to the Philippines in English (other languages followed). The next step was to broadcast to Germany, which was called Stimmen aus Amerika ("Voices from America") and was transmitted on February 1, 1942. It was introduced by "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and included the pledge: "Today, and every day from now on, we will be with you from America to talk about the war... The news may be good or bad for us – We will always tell you the truth."
It was Sherwood who actually coined the term "The Voice of America" to describe the shortwave network that began its transmissions on February 1, from 270 Madison Avenue in New York City.
➦In 1949...RCA Victor countered Columbia Records‘ 33-1/3 long play phonograph disk with a new-configured product: the 45-rpm. It started a revolution made made the 78-rpm record a true oldie.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is aggressively pushing stricter broadcast standards on liberal-leaning TV hosts like Jimmy Kimmel — while conspicuously leaving conservative talk radio untouched.
In recent actions, including new FCC guidance on equal-time rules for TV talk shows, Carr has targeted platforms that often criticize conservatives, insisting they must provide balanced airtime or face consequences. Kimmel and similar hosts have publicly pushed back, with Kimmel mocking the moves as overreach. Yet when directly asked about applying the same scrutiny to talk radio — a medium overwhelmingly dominated by right-wing voices — Carr dismissed the need, citing no equivalent "misconstrued precedents" on the radio side, even though the underlying rules technically apply to both TV and radio broadcasters.
Conservative talk radio, featuring hosts such as Mark Levin, Dan Bongino, and Clay Travis, reaches millions of daily listeners with commentary that frequently outpaces even Fox News in intensity and often serves as an incubator for conspiracy theories before they reach wider audiences.
These programs prime the conservative base, shape narratives, and operate with virtually no journalistic guardrails or mainstream media oversight.
Media critics and newsletters have largely shrugged at this disparity, exposing a significant blind spot. Coverage tends to fixate on cable news, streaming services, social media, and culturally prominent podcasts — formats familiar to urban, online, liberal-leaning observers in places like Brooklyn or D.C.
Talk radio, by contrast, feels dated, less digital, and easier to overlook by media critics. Ignoring it overlooks how a huge segment of politically active Americans actually gets its information.
Carr's approach appears calculated: zero in on TV personalities and shows perceived as left-leaning while shielding the most unfiltered, unaccountable corner of the conservative media ecosystem.
Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon was released from federal custody on Friday, after a dramatic overnight arrest by federal agents in Los Angeles. Speaking defiantly to reporters outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse, Lemon vowed that the charges against him would not deter his work.
“I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” Lemon declared. “In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”
Lemon described the arrest as an attack on journalism itself. “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night, for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years — and that is covering the news,” he said. “The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists … I will not be silenced.”
Don Lemon speaks outside of the courtroom after release: "I have spent my entire life covering the news. I will not stop now ... I will not be silenced." pic.twitter.com/zgXKXlDQwC
The arrest stemmed from Lemon's coverage of an anti-ICE protest on January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators disrupted a service. Federal prosecutors charged him and others—including independent journalist Georgia Fort—with federal offenses, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act by allegedly interfering with worshippers' First Amendment rights to practice religion.
Lemon, who was in Los Angeles covering the upcoming Grammy Awards, was taken into custody late Thursday in Beverly Hills. He spent the night in detention before appearing in federal court Friday afternoon, where he was released on his own recognizance without bond.
The case has sparked widespread debate over press freedoms, with critics viewing the charges as a First Amendment showdown under the current administration. Lemon's next court appearance is scheduled in Minneapolis.
The news media's reaction to the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been sharply divided, largely along ideological lines. Lemon, now working as an independent journalist, was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles while preparing to cover the Grammy Awards.
The charges stem from his presence and reporting during an anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protest that disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026. He faces federal civil rights-related charges, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violation of the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, applied here to interference with religious worship rights).
Many mainstream outlets, press freedom organizations, Democratic figures, and former colleagues framed the arrest as a serious threat to journalism and the First Amendment, portraying it as politically motivated under the Trump administration:
CNN issued a statement expressing profound concern about press freedom and the First Amendment, noting prior failed attempts by the DOJ to secure warrants and a judge's finding of "no evidence" of criminal behavior in Lemon's journalistic work.
The Guardian, The Independent, and similar sources described it as an "extremely alarming" attack on the First Amendment and a sign of a broader crackdown on media critical of immigration enforcement.
Press freedom groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Freedom of the Press Foundation, and the National Press Club condemned it as an "egregious attack" and called for charges to be dropped, emphasizing that "journalism is not a crime."
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, called it a "disgraceful affront" and "troubling," accusing the administration of weaponizing the justice system.
Outlets like the Los Angeles Times and Spectrum News highlighted First Amendment concerns, with legal experts questioning the prosecution given the public nature of the church and Lemon's claimed role as a journalist merely covering (not participating in) the protest.
These reactions often emphasized Lemon's assertion that he was independently reporting, not actively protesting, and pointed to a prior magistrate judge's rejection of initial charges as evidence of overreach.
Conservative-leaning media and some commentators viewed the arrest more favorably, framing it as accountability for disrupting a religious service rather than protected journalism:
Fox News reported on the federal charges and Lemon's court appearance without strong condemnation, noting his argument of First Amendment protections but presenting the government's case (e.g., calling the protest a "coordinated attack").
Some coverage and social media commentary highlighted perceived hypocrisy, comparing it to past uses of the FACE Act against anti-abortion protesters under prior administrations.
The White House and Trump allies celebrated the arrest publicly (e.g., via memes and posts), while figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi announced it as addressing interference with worship rights
Overall Tone: The coverage reflects deep polarization: Left-leaning and press-focused media treat it as a chilling escalation against free speech and journalists (especially those covering controversial issues like immigration), while right-leaning sources see it as legitimate enforcement against disruption of religious freedoms.
Broader outlets like AP, NBC, NYT, BBC, and CBS reported factually on the arrest details, charges, and context without heavy editorializing in headlines, though accompanying analysis often noted the First Amendment debates.
This event has sparked intense online and media debate about press protections versus accountability for actions during protests. Lemon's attorney has vowed to fight the charges vigorously in court.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards (for the 2026 ceremony) are scheduled for Sunday, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. They air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, hosted by Trevor Noah.
Key Highlights and Anticipation
Nominations Leaders: Kendrick Lamar tops with 9 nods (including Album, Record, and Song of the Year for tracks like "luther" with SZA). Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut follow with 7 each. Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and others have strong showings with 6.
Big Four Categories (nominees): Album of the Year: Includes Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Justin Bieber's SWAG, Sabrina Carpenter's Man’s Best Friend, Lady Gaga's MAYHEM, Kendrick Lamar's GNX, and more.
Record of the Year: Features Bad Bunny ("DtMF"), Sabrina Carpenter ("Manchild"), Doechii ("Anxiety"), Billie Eilish ("WILDFLOWER"), Lady Gaga ("Abracadabra"), Kendrick Lamar & SZA ("luther"), Chappell Roan ("The Subway"), and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars ("APT.").
Song of the Year and Best New Artist are also highly competitive, with buzz around rising stars.
Performers: Confirmed include Lady Gaga, ROSÉ, Tyler The Creator, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and all 8 Best New Artist nominees (Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, The Marías).
There's also a special In Memoriam tribute with Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, Lukas Nelson, and a Ozzy Osbourne tribute featuring Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Post Malone, and Slash. Presenters: Include Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, Harry Styles, KAROL G, Teyana Taylor, and more.
New categories this year include Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
The night promises a music-focused spectacle with tight pacing. All Best New Artist nominees performing is a big draw for fresh talent.
NBCUniversal has achieved a historic milestone for Super Bowl LX (Super Bowl 60), selling a handful of 30-second ad spots for $10 million or more each—the first time any broadcaster has reached that price level for the Big Game.
Mark Marshall, chairman of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal, confirmed the sales to ADWEEK, noting that average 30-second spots are around $8 million, with the premium units driven by intense marketplace demand. The inventory sold out without adding extra slots, maintaining the usual total of more than 80 spots.High demand came from several factors:Early sales outreach starting in fall 2024, earlier than previous years.
Bundled packages combining Super Bowl exposure with the 2026 Winter Olympics (also on NBCU) and other events like the NBA All-Star Game.
Surging interest in categories such as tech, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and pharmaceuticals.
More brands requesting multiple units or longer 60-second spots (examples include Novartis, Rocket, and OpenAI), which quickly strained available inventory.
Marshall attributed much of the success to strong demand rather than strategy alone, though NBCU's multi-sport portfolio proved key. In the last similar overlap (2022), advertisers who skipped one event missed tens of millions of viewers—30 million without the Super Bowl or 42 million without the Olympics.
About 70-75% of this year's Super Bowl advertisers are also buying into the Olympics, as marketers increasingly seek integrated plans across NBCU's upcoming events, including the Spanish-language World Cup broadcast on Telemundo in June.
All ad inventory for February's major NBCU events—Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, and NBA All-Star Game—has sold out, underscoring the network's dominant position in premium sports advertising.
Fidias "Jun" Reina Jr., the former general manager and chief financial officer of Capital Public Radio (CapRadio), has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges including embezzlement, grand theft, and forgery. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated a multi-year scheme to misappropriate approximately $1.33 million in station funds for personal use between December 6, 2016, and June 12, 2022.
The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office announced the charges, stating that Reina diverted the money through unauthorized credit card charges, payments to his personal credit card accounts, and 144 Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers from CapRadio's bank account to his own.
Authorities say he concealed the thefts by using deceptive accounting practices, manipulating financial statements, and forging documents.
Fidias "Jun" Reina Jr.
The stolen funds reportedly financed luxury international travel, extensive home renovations in West Sacramento, his children's tuition, a new vehicle, property taxes, utilities, and other personal expenses.
In one instance, he allegedly used some of the embezzled money to donate over $27,000 back to CapRadio. Reina, 60, turned himself in to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office on Thursday and was taken into custody.
The case stems from an investigation into financial irregularities at the nonprofit public radio network, which is licensed to California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State), and serves as an NPR affiliate in the region.
CapRadio, which operates stations in Sacramento and beyond, has faced significant fallout from the scandal, including prior civil action against Reina and leadership changes following his 2023 resignation.
KIRO Newsradio Seattle is adding The Chad Benson Show to its weekday lineup, airing Monday through Friday from 7-10 p.m. starting February 2.
The nationally syndicated program, hosted by Chad Benson, will replace CBS News’ The Takeout, Prime Time with John Dickerson, and Eye on the World with John Batchelor in the evening slot.
The move bolsters the station's evening news and talk programming with Benson's signature style — blending sharp analysis of current events and major stories with humor and accessibility.
"Chad has a unique ability to break down complex issues in a way that's engaging and accessible," said Bryan Buckalew, Director of News and Talk Programming for KIRO Newsradio. "He respects the intelligence of the audience, values facts, and understands how to connect with listeners in a meaningful way."
Benson, with over 22 years in broadcasting and entertainment, represents a newer wave of talk hosts who draw both traditional talk radio fans and younger audiences. He also co-hosts afternoons on Bonneville’s KTAR-FM in Phoenix.
"I'm excited to join KIRO Newsradio and connect with listeners across Seattle," Benson said. "My goal is to deliver the news in a way that's informative, honest, and engaging — without losing sight of the human side of the stories."
Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones called into the show Friday, providing the latest update on his recovery from eye surgery to reattach a detached retina, a genetic condition that had gone undiagnosed for years and was causing him to slowly lose vision.
The 33-year-old Texas native, the youngest Black co-host in cable news history, explained that the "intense" procedure led to unexpected swelling, delaying his return beyond initial expectations (he was originally anticipated back that following Monday).
"I'm healing fast, very fast," Jones said during the call-in. "My eyes aren't quite open... but on the bright side, since they have reattached my retina, each day my vision has gotten better and better since before the surgery."
He avoided setting a firm return date to prevent disappointing fans if complications arise, but expressed hope to rejoin the "curvy couch" soon.
Jones praised Fox News for their support and thanked viewers for their well-wishes.Jones first addressed his absence on X around January 20-21, 2026, posting: "Hey fam! I want to assure y’all that I’m doing well. I recently underwent eye surgery and will be returning to work soon... God is truly remarkable. Fox has been incredibly supportive."
Viewer concerns had grown throughout January as Jones was noticeably missing from the weekday 6-9 AM/ET lineup, sparking questions on social media about him being "missing in action" or potentially replaced. There's no indication of any permanent change—he's expected back once fully recovered. Colleagues and fans have sent supportive messages amid his absence.
YouGov's Best Brand Rankings 2026, released in late January 2026, identifies the strongest brands in the U.S. based on overall brand health, drawing from millions of consumer surveys via YouGov BrandIndex.
The rankings use an Index score averaging six key perceptions: Impression, Quality, Value, Satisfaction, Reputation, and Recommend. Data covers January 1 to December 31, 2025, from extensive U.S. tracking (part of over 6 million global interviews across 28 markets).
Amazon ranks as the strongest U.S. brand with an Index score of 54.5. It leads particularly in Satisfaction (63.1, the highest among top brands), driven by convenience, fast delivery, affordability, and seamless experiences. Its score has climbed steadily over years, from around 44.7 in early 2021 to highs near 61 in late 2024, settling around 55-56 by late 2025—reflecting broad appeal despite lower Reputation (37.2) tied to some corporate concerns.
BAND-AID secures second place, excelling in Quality (60.2, topping the top 10), Satisfaction (58.5), and Recommend (54.4). It benefits from trust, reliability for everyday use, and strong loyalty as the default for minor injuries, though Value scores lower due to perceived premium pricing. It also ranked among top improvers (+2.5 points).
The full top 10 strongest brands in the U.S. for 2026 are:
Amazon
BAND-AID
Dawn
Dove
Samsung
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (the only nonprofit, boasting the highest Reputation score)
M&M's
Amazon Prime
YouTube
Tylenol
These reflect consumer perceptions of brand strength, differing from pure popularity lists (e.g., where brands like Band-Aid or Heinz often lead on positive opinion percentages). The report also highlights top improvers in the U.S., including Cheerios, Reese’s, Skechers, General Mills, Lindt, Jersey Mike’s, BAND-AID, Johnson & Johnson, Dunkin’, and Tyson.
Full details and global comparisons are available in YouGov's report.
FOX News Books, the publishing imprint of FOX News Media, will debut Nothing is Impossible with God: Eleven Heroes. One God. Endless Lessons in Overcoming on March 10th. The new release from FOX News Sunday anchor and New York Times bestselling faith author Shannon Bream marks her return with an all-new, original work following her chart-topping Bible Speak trilogy.
A trusted voice in faith-based storytelling, Bream’s fourth title with the platform builds on her proven ability to make scripture accessible and deeply personal for modern readers. Nothing is Impossible with God explores the biblical stories of unlikely heroes who faced profound adversity, uncertainty, and fear, drawing powerful parallels to the spiritual and personal challenges people encounter today.
In commenting on the book, Bream said, “My hope is that this book represents an encouraging reminder of how the Lord is willing and able to bless us more than we can imagine. Each story will help readers find comfort, inspiration and equip them for the challenges they may face by showing that nothing is impossible with God by your side.”
Through the stories of familiar figures including Moses, Jonah, Joseph and Daniel, this book will examine themes of doubt, loneliness, and perseverance, revealing how each endured immense trials before finding peace through faith. Nothing is Impossible with God underscores the timeless truth that while God never promised a life void of hardship, He promises to walk with us through it.
Bream’s debut title, The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today spent 15 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, including five weeks at number one. She followed with The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak (March 2022), which also debuted at number one, and The Love Stories of the Bible Speak (March 2023), completing a trilogy that cemented her status among the bestselling faith authors in the country with over 1.4 million copies sold.
Bream is the anchor of FOX News Sunday and chief legal correspondent for FOX News Media.
➦In 1892...comedian Eddie Cantor was born Edward Israel Iskowitz in New York City. The man known for his “banjo eyes” and his five daughters was the first of the great vaudevillians to hit it big on radio, after an appearance on the Rudy Vallee Show in early 1931. In 1950 he jumped into TV & was an instant hit in the new medium. But he never fully recovered from a heart attack two years later, and died Oct 10, 1964 at age 72.
Cantor was regarded almost as a family member by millions because his top-rated radio shows revealed intimate stories and amusing anecdotes about his wife Ida and five daughters. Some of his hits include "Makin' Whoopee", "Ida", "If You Knew Susie", "Ma! He's Makin' Eyes at Me", "Baby", "Margie", and "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (After They've Seen Paree)?" He also wrote a few songs, including "Merrily We Roll Along", the Merrie Melodies Warner Bros. cartoon theme.
His eye-rolling song-and-dance routines eventually led to his nickname, "Banjo Eyes". In 1933, artist Frederick J. Garner caricatured Cantor with large round eyes resembling the drum-like pot of a banjo. Cantor's eyes became his trademark, often exaggerated in illustrations, and leading to his appearance on Broadway in the musical Banjo Eyes (1941).
➦In 1902...acclaimed actress Tallulah Bankhead was born in Huntsville Alabama. Her most important broadcast credit was as hostess of NBC Radio’s last hurrah, the star-studded “The Big Show” Sunday night variety extravaganza as the tidal wave of TV was taking effect.
➦In 1915..Radio-TV broadcaster Garry Moore was born Thomas Garrison Morfit in Baltimore. Moore (January 31, 1915 – November 28, 1993) was an American entertainer, comedic personality, game show host, and humorist best known for his work in television. He began a long career with the CBS network on radio in the 1940s and was a television host on several variety and game shows from the 1950s through the 1970s.
After dropping out of high school, Moore found success as a radio host and then moved on to the medium of television. He hosted several daytime and prime time programs titled The Garry Moore Show, and the game shows I've Got a Secret and To Tell the Truth. He was instrumental in furthering the career of comedic actress Carol Burnett. He became known for his bow ties and his crew cut fashion early in his career.
After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 1976, Moore retired from the broadcasting industry, only making a few rare television appearances. He spent the last years of his life in Hilton Head, South Carolina and at his summer home in Northeast Harbor in Maine. He died on November 28, 1993 at the age of 78.
Starting in 1937, he worked for Baltimore radio station WBAL as an announcer, writer and actor/comedian. He used his birth name until 1940, when, while on the air announcing Club Matinee hosted by Ransom Sherman at NBC, Chicago, Sherman held a radio contest to find a more easily pronounceable one. "Garry Moore" was the winning entry, which was submitted by a woman from Pittsburgh who received a prize of $100.
It was on Club Matinee where he met his long-time friend and broadcasting partner Durward Kirby.
Moore headed Talent, Ltd., a variety program on Sunday afternoons in 1941. In the years that followed, Moore appeared on numerous network radio shows. He started out as an announcer and then as support for broadcast personalities, one of whom was Jimmy Durante.
From 1943-47, Durante and Moore had a joint show with Moore as the straight man. Impressed with his ability to interact with audiences, CBS offered him his own show. Starting in 1949, the one-hour daytime variety show The Garry Moore Show aired on CBS. Moore briefly returned to radio as host of NBC's Monitor in 1969.
He died of emphysema Nov 28, 1993 at age 78.
➦In 1936...The Green Hornet“ was introduced by its famous theme song, “The Flight of the Bumble Bee”. The George W. Trendle radio production was first heard on WXYZ radio in Detroit, the same radio station where “The Lone Ranger” had originated 3 years previous. The title character in “The Green Hornet” was really named Britt Reid, and was supposedly the great nephew of John Reid, the Lone Ranger. The Hornet stayed on the air for 16 years.
Beginning on April 12, 1938, the station supplied the series to the Mutual Broadcasting System radio network, and then to NBC Blue and its successors, the Blue Network and ABC, from November 16, 1939, through September 8, 1950. It returned from September 10 to December 5, 1952.
➦In 1954...Major Edwin Armstrong - founder of FM radio - died at age 63, an apparent suicide.
Edwin Armstrong
He has been called "the most prolific and influential inventor in radio history". He invented the regenerative circuit while he was an undergraduate and patented it in 1914, followed by the super-regenerative circuit in 1922, and the superheterodyne receiver in 1918. Armstrong was also the inventor of modern frequency modulation (FM) radio transmission.
Armstrong was born in New York City in 1890. He studied at Columbia University. During his third year at Columbia, Armstrong came up with his first major invention: the first radio amplifier. He had learned how Lee DeForest's radio tube worked, then he redesigned it by taking the electromagnetic waves that came from a radio transmission and repeatedly feeding the signal back through the tube. Each time, the signal's power would increase as much as 20,000 times a second.
Two independent journalists, former CNN anchor Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, were arrested by federal authorities in connection with an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that four people. Lemon, Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, were taken into custody for what she described as a "coordinated attack" on the church during the demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Lemon was arrested late Thursday in a Beverly Hills hotel lobby by more than two dozen agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI while in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards. He faces federal charges including conspiring to violate constitutional rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits using force or threats to interfere with religious practice or other First Amendment rights, according to his attorney Abbe Lowell.
On Location
Lemon is expected to appear in federal court in Los Angeles Friday. His case is being led by HSI. Fort, an independent Minnesota journalist, was arrested Friday morning. Court records for the arrests were not immediately available.
Lowell defended Lemon in a statement, saying: "Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable."
Lowell added that the arrest represents an attack on press freedoms, stating: "Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case."
He vowed that Lemon would fight the charges vigorously in court.
The January 18 incident involved dozens of anti-ICE protesters entering the church, interrupting the service, and causing tense confrontations while claiming a pastor held a role with ICE. Lemon and Fort were live-streaming and covering the event as journalists.
Apple reported record-breaking iPhone sales and profits for its fiscal first quarter (ended December 27, 2025), with total revenue hitting $143.8 billion (up 16% year-over-year) and earnings per share at $2.84 (up 19%), both surpassing Wall Street expectations.
iPhone revenue surged 23% to $85.3 billion, marking the device's best-ever quarter, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup that prompted faster-than-usual upgrades. The results set all-time records across every geographic segment, including a notable rebound in China.
"The demand for iPhone was simply staggering," said CFO Kevan Parekh, who also noted Apple's active installed base exceeded 2.5 billion devices, up from 2.35 billion a year earlier.
The blowout performance came despite challenges like delayed AI features and higher component costs from surging demand for AI servers and devices. Memory, storage, and chip prices have risen sharply as AI companies compete for supplier capacity, pressuring Apple's margins later in 2026.
The Wall Street Journal reports analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to absorb these increases rather than raise prices for the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, leading to lower gross margins.
Offsetting factors include a halved tariff on Chinese imports under the Trump administration (saving on expected $1.4 billion in December-quarter costs) and a shift to premium models: Pro and Pro Max variants accounted for an estimated 52% of U.S. iPhone sales (up from 39% the prior year), boosting average selling prices.
A Wednesday all-hands staff meeting at CNN led by network chairman and CEO Mark Thompson has been described as an effort to calm nerves.
The CNN Town Hall was held at CNN's headquarters in Hudson Yards, New York and is described as a quarterly gathering where Thompson briefed employees on the company's status, particularly amid its ongoing shift toward digital transformation and efforts to adapt in a challenging media landscape.
Thompson struck an optimistic tone about CNN's future, aiming to reassure staffers amid speculation about the network's direction, potential ownership changes (e.g., references to Paramount and Netflix in broader industry context, or hypothetical scenarios involving figures like David Ellison), and ongoing uncertainties under Warner Bros. Discovery.
Mark Thompson
During the meeting, employees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to leadership. One notable point of discussion involved pushback or questions about on-air contributor Scott Jennings and his rhetoric (likely related to his frequent pro-Trump commentary on CNN programs).
According to a Status report the session was framed as an effort to "calm nerves" internally, especially given broader industry pressures like cost-cutting, digital pivots, and the post-election environment in the second Trump administration era.
No major new announcements like layoffs were highlighted from this specific meeting (though CNN has undergone significant staff reductions in prior years, including about 200 TV-focused roles eliminated in early 2025 to fund digital hires).
This comes shortly after other media companies (e.g., CBS News holding its own all-hands under Bari Weiss) have had similar internal town halls addressing organizational futures.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated Thursday that he sees no need to enforce the FCC's equal time rules on radio stations in the same way he is pushing for their application to late-night and daytime TV programs.
The equal time rule requires broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to opposing political candidates if one appears on their programming. Last week, the FCC issued guidance clarifying that many TV talk shows — including late-night programs — do not qualify for the "bona fide news" exemption if motivated by partisan purposes, meaning stations could face obligations to offer equal opportunities.
According to a report from Politico, Carr emphasized that TV broadcasters have long claimed exemptions in ways not seen in radio, leading to what he called a "potential misreading of precedents" on the TV side. "If you’re fake news, you’re not going to qualify as the bona fide news exception," he said at a press conference following the agency's monthly meeting.
Anna Gomez
When asked about applying similar scrutiny to radio — often a platform for conservative talk shows — Carr replied there was no equivalent issue or misconstrued precedent requiring FCC action on that medium, even though the underlying rules apply across broadcasting.
The guidance sparked backlash, with critics accusing Carr of aligning with President Donald Trump's frequent complaints about perceived liberal bias in shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View. Late-night hosts, including Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, denounced the move on air, with Kimmel calling it part of efforts by "Trump and his Brendan Carr-tel" to target them.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez downplayed the equal time action itself as "not a huge deal" but warned it fits a broader pattern of the Trump administration pressuring broadcasters over content. "It’s part of a pattern ... of constantly berating the broadcasters and the networks for the content of their programs," she said, adding that such threats create a "chilling effect" on editorial decisions.
"The FCC is now a political arm of this administration," Gomez concluded.
Carr defended the enforcement as even-handed and aligned with congressional intent, insisting the agency would apply obligations fairly to TV broadcasters where exemptions have been improperly claimed.
The Washington Post faces widespread layoffs in the coming weeks, prompting multiple teams of reporters to send impassioned letters directly to owner Jeff Bezos, urging him to reconsider shrinking the newsroom.
The White House reporters' letter, obtained by CNN and signed by bureau chief Matt Viser and all seven colleagues, defends sections facing major cuts. They argue for a "diversified Washington Post" and appeal to Bezos with subscriber data: in a typical month, more than half of new subscribers come from stories relying on desks like International and Metro, including recent scoops on U.S. military action in Venezuela and President Donald Trump’s demolition of the East Wing.
“Our colleagues’ work helps lift up our own,” the reporters wrote, emphasizing collaboration across the paper. “If other sections are diminished, we all are.”
The plea stands out because the White House team’s jobs appear safe, unlike others.
Other groups have also appealed directly to Bezos, bypassing publisher Will Lewis. Last weekend, international correspondents warned that robust foreign coverage is essential to the Post’s brand and future success. More than two dozen D.C.-area beat reporters stressed local coverage’s irreplaceable value, noting the local staff has already been cut in half over five years and warning of immeasurable regional impact from further reductions.
Staff fears center on the Post slashing toward irrelevance, with questions about Bezos’s ongoing commitment more than a decade after his purchase.
A Post spokesperson declined comment on the expected layoffs.
Private signals include an internal memo canceling plans to send reporters to the February Winter Olympics, heightening anxiety about broader cuts.
Radio BroadcastingRegulatory Moves on Ownership Rules: The FCC is actively reviewing broadcast ownership rules through its 2022 Quadrennial Review process (advanced in late 2025). This includes potential relaxation or elimination of local radio ownership caps (limits on stations per market and subcaps for AM/FM). The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) strongly advocates removing these "outdated" restrictions to help stations compete in converged media markets, filing comments urging full deregulation. Conversely, low-power FM (LPFM) advocates warn that increased consolidation could harm smaller community broadcasters by boosting market power imbalances. The FCC seeks input on competition, localism, and diversity impacts.
Push to Mandate AM Radio in Vehicles: The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979/S.315) remains a top priority entering 2026. It would require AM capabilities as standard in new passenger vehicles for at least a decade (with potential renewal), plus warning labels on non-compliant models and no extra charges for AM. Broadcasters emphasize AM's role in emergency alerts, local news, and community access. The bill has massive bipartisan support (hundreds of co-sponsors in House and Senate, including filibuster-proof levels in the Senate). Despite past hurdles (e.g., opposition from some EV makers like Tesla over interference concerns), leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson have committed to an early 2026 floor vote. NAB and allies continue aggressive advocacy.
Other Notable Developments:
Technical shifts: Broadcast media sees IP infrastructure adoption accelerating due to factors like C-band spectrum loss, potentially designating IP as primary distribution for some major broadcasters.
Broader context: Discussions on radio's relevance persist (e.g., U.S.-unique lack of performance royalties for artists on AM/FM airplay via pushes like the American Music Fairness Act), alongside podcasting's maturation and AI/data influences.
Media Industry
Ongoing pessimism and "ominous" outlook for media sectors: Analyses from early January (still highly relevant) highlight 2026 as potentially a tough year for Hollywood, journalism, and traditional media. Predictions include a make-or-break moment for the film industry to reconnect with consumers amid streaming shifts and box-office struggles, alongside vulnerable news outlets facing ownership-driven overhauls and declining trust. AI's role in content creation and distribution continues to pressure jobs and business models.
Streaming and TV landscape shifts: Forecasts point to 2026 as a pivotal year where streaming surpasses 50% of TV viewing, FAST (free ad-supported streaming) channels challenge incumbents like Netflix, and YouTube potentially overtakes U.S. broadcast viewing. The end of widespread ad-free TV viewing is anticipated, with ads becoming more pervasive across services.
The News:
Bipartisan deal reached to avert partial government shutdown: Congress, the White House, and Senate Democrats finalized a spending agreement late on January 29 that funds most federal agencies through September while providing a short-term (two-week) extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This averts a shutdown that would have begun at midnight January 30/31 for key parts of the government. President Trump endorsed the deal on social media, praising the compromise while noting ongoing negotiations over immigration enforcement "guardrails." The deal separates DHS funding from broader packages to allow continued talks on restricting ICE and CBP actions.
Nationwide 'ICE Out' protests and 'national shutdown' strike: Hundreds of demonstrations and a called-for general strike ("National Shutdown") are underway or planned for January 30 and 31, protesting aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. Activists demand the abolition or severe restriction of ICE/CBP following multiple fatal incidents since early January, including high-profile shootings in Minneapolis (e.g., Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, and Renee Good) and other cases like deaths in custody and shootings in Los Angeles and El Paso. Protests span cities nationwide, with calls to skip work, school, and shopping to disrupt the economy and force policy changes. Native American communities in Minnesota and elsewhere are rushing to secure tribal ID documentation amid fears of misidentification during large-scale raids.
FCC chairman Brendan Carr responded to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel after the host weighed in on the agency’s new “equal opportunities” rule guidance, which will exclude late night and daytime talk shows from receiving a bona fide news exemption.
to ensure equal access to broadcast station facilities for legally qualified candidates for office, regardless of political affiliation. The rule covers individuals who have publicly announced their intention to run for office and qualify under applicable state or federal law to hold the office being sought.
In 2006, the FCC determined that “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” qualified for an exemption from the rule as a “bona fide news interview” — the first time that such an exemption had been applied to a late night talk show.
Kimmel, who was temporarily suspended last year for remarks made about Charlie Kirk following criticism from Carr, reacted to the rule change during a “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” monologue last week.
“I might need your help again,” the late night host said. “This isn’t the ’50s anymore … Back then there were only three major networks. Now we’ve got cable, we’ve got streaming, we have satellite, podcasts, social media. There are thousands of outlets now. Broadcast TV used to account for 100 percent of viewing. Now, it’s like 20 percent. There are so many channels, some of them doing 24/7 Trump programming: Fox News, Newsmax, One America New, Real America’s Voice. None of them are required to give equal time, but we are because we use the public airways.”
During the FCC’s monthly press conference on Thursday, Carr responded to Kimmel, saying it’s ultimately up to Congress to decide whether the rule should be expanded to other forms of distribution.
“If you don’t want to comply with the public interest standard with your programming now, you have so many other ways of getting it out there, whether it’s a podcast, a cable channel, a streaming service,” Carr continued. “If you want the unique privilege of distributing over this one type of thing, broadcast TV, then we should really make sure that you’re actually complying with the rules of that distribution mechanism.”
He added that the statutory history of the bona fide news exemption is clear that Congress was “worried that TV programmers would broadly take advantage of trying to claim they were bona fide news when they weren’t.”
Bruce Springsteen's new protest song is getting rave reviews from music lovers and activists alike, but the White House is definitively not a fan.
Springsteen released the song, titled "Streets of Minneapolis," on Wednesday, which boasts lyrics condemning the presence and actions of federal immigration enforcement in the city, and calls out "King Trump" and his "federal thugs." The song also narrates the killings of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents this month.
"I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis," the 76-year-old rocker wrote on Bluesky alongside the single's release. "It's dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free."
Saturday was the same day immigration agents killed Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a confrontation. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed by an ICE agent on Jan. 7, with both occurrences going viral on social media.
Their deaths are the latest to gain national attention as at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025 amid Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown, making it the agency's deadliest year in two decades, per The American Prospect.
In response to Springsteen's song making headlines, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, told Entertainment Weekly in a statement that "the Trump administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities — not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.
Jackson added, "The media should cover how Democrats have refused to work with the Administration, and instead, opted to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegals."
Springsteen released a new video for the song, directed by longtime collaborator Thom Zimny, on Thursday. The video features scenes on the ground in Minneapolis and studio performance shots of Springsteen. Pam Springsteen, the Boss' sister, is credited with production footage along with Zimny.
105.1 The Fan (KRSK-FM), an Audacy station in Portland, is the new flagship radio home for the Portland Timbers. As part of the partnership, Timbers matches will be broadcast across the FAN Sports Network (105.1 FM and 1080 AM). While many games will be simulcast on both stations, select matches will air exclusively on either 105.1 FM or 1080 AM. Fans can also stream the games on the Audacy app within the Portland area. The Timbers’ season kicks off on February 21 against the Columbus Crew.
“We’re extremely excited to partner with the Portland Timbers as we continue delivering the best local sports content and growing the FAN Sports Network,” said Ryan Cooley, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Portland. “Together, we’re committed to delivering high-quality coverage and meaningful access for fans, so The Fan becoming the radio home of the Portland Timbers was a natural fit. We look forward to working closely with the club to enhance the matchday and season-long experience.”
“We are thrilled to partner with 105.1 The Fan, creating a flagship presence for the club on FM radio that will help us engage a broader audience across the region,” said Heather Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Portland Timbers. “This new partnership brings fresh energy and excitement to how fans will follow the club on match days and throughout the week on The Fan’s wide variety of local programming.”
105.1 The Fan is launching “Timbers FAN,” a weekly show hosted by Apple TV's lead MLS play-by-play announcer, Jake Zivin, and The Fan's midday host, Patrick Harris. The program will feature interviews with players and coaches, as well as updates on the team and T2 squads. Fans can tune in to “Timbers FAN” on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT starting February 10.
📻Listeners can tune in to 105.1 The Fan (KRSK-FM) in Portland on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.
The Golden Globes introduced its first-ever Best Podcast award at the 2026 ceremony, with comedian and actor Amy Poehler winning for her interview show Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
Joe Rogan addressed why his massively popular The Joe Rogan Experience—which has dominated listenership charts for years—was not among the nominees or contenders.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan explained that he was contacted about submitting for consideration but declined because it required a $500 entry fee (described as covering "paperwork or whatever").
He stated bluntly: “I said, ‘No.’ ... I don’t want to be a part of that. I don’t care.”
Rogan emphasized his independence from such awards processes, noting he views his long-running No. 1 status on platforms as proof enough of success. He dismissed the need for validation from what he described as a group deciding rankings “all of a sudden” in a formal, tuxedo-filled setting, adding that he already considers himself the top podcaster regardless.
The inaugural category drew from eligible shows based on metrics like listenership, with Rogan among the top 25 considered. However, nominees ultimately included mainstream titles such as Call Her Daddy, SmartLess, Armchair Expert, The Mel Robbins Podcast, and NPR’s Up First—none of which aligned with more politically oriented or independently dominant formats like Rogan’s.
Rogan appeared unfazed by Poehler’s win, saying he hadn’t listened to her show but assumed it must have appeal in “that world,” and that he had no issue if others preferred it. His comments came during a discussion with guest Bert Kreischer, who noted the nominees seemed more “corporate” in nature.
This development highlights ongoing debates about awards in the podcasting space—where listenership metrics often clash with Hollywood-style recognition processes that involve fees and submissions. Rogan’s refusal underscores his stance against participating in what he sees as unnecessary gatekeeping for an already proven audience favorite.
Rogers Communications reported fourth-quarter revenue above analysts' estimates on Thursday, led by strong growth in its media and sports business, sending its U.S.-listed shares up about 2%.
The company reiterated plans to acquire the remaining 25% minority stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) by 2026, further consolidating its hold on Canada's sports assets.
MLSE owns the NBA's Toronto Raptors and the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, while Rogers also owns the Toronto Blue Jays, giving it one of the deepest sports portfolios among Canadian broadcasters.
According to Reuters, the push deeper into sports comes as media companies compete aggressively for broadcast and streaming rights, one of the few categories that continue to attract large, real‑time audiences and premium advertising dollars amid broader cord‑cutting pressures.
Its media revenue grew 126% to C$1.2 billion ($886.07 million) in the quarter, helped by the post-season success of the Toronto Blue Jays, and higher advertising and subscriber revenue related to the launch of the Warner Bros. Discovery suite of channels.
Rogers added 37,000 monthly postpaid bill-paying wireless phone subscribers during the quarter, below estimates of 56,210 additions, according to analysts polled by Visible Alpha.
The Canadian telecom market continues to face low growth due to cutbacks on immigration, said David McFadgen, analyst at Cormark Securities.
Operators are responding by leaning more on bundling wireless plans with streaming subscriptions, live sports and exclusive content to retain customers, justify price increases and stand out in a competitive market dominated by Rogers, BCE and Telus.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the RADIO HALL OF FAME Nominating Committee will accept suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning Sunday, February 1, 2026, through Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59pm PST. To submit suggestions for possible honorees for consideration by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, please visit www.radiohalloffame.com. The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
24 names will be selected as nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class.
Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, stated: “We look forward to receiving suggestions from around the country of worthy broadcasters deserving to be nominated for Radio Hall of Fame induction. There are so many deserving candidates worthy of earning the radio industry’s highest honor as we begin the process of inducting this year’s Hall of Fame class in October.”
Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “We rely on industry and listener input and suggestions in this process. Our 24-person Nominating Committee gains valuable additional insight and knowledge as a result of the suggestions coming from thousands of individuals each year.”
The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988. The Museum of Broadcast Communications took over operations of the Hall in 1991.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, FOX Nation invites viewers inside the walls where America’s earlier leaders lived, loved, schemed, and fought for the future of a fragile republic. Premiering February 6, with two new episodes debuting weekly, FOX Nation launches the new historical docudrama The White House, announced Lauren Petterson, president of the platform.
Spanning the building’s earliest years, The White House re-examines American history through the lens of its most iconic residence, transforming its four walls into a volatile stage where ambition, betrayal, romance, and rivalry collide behind closed doors. The eight-part series brings to life the shocking true stories of the presidents, spouses, family members, confidantes, and adversaries, not just in the stately, public rooms of the White House, but in the intimate spaces they shared all under one roof.
In announcing the series, Petterson said, “While Americans know the broad strokes of our nation’s history, this series provides a revealing new perspective on what unfolded inside the president’s home during its earliest years. We are thrilled to share this gripping and immersive look inside the American legacy.”
Beginning in 1800 with the White House’s first occupant, President John Adams, the series chronicles the transformation of the White House alongside the birth pains of a divided nation. Familiar figures emerge in striking new ways, revealing stories often too scandalous to make the history books. From Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson to Sally Hemings, Dolley Madison, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, each figure carried secrets that echoed through the halls of the White House, shaping American history from within.
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