Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse For Tuesday, Feb 3

Radio Broadcasting:

Dan Bongino's High-Profile Return: Conservative talk host Dan Bongino relaunched The Dan Bongino Show on Monday, after stepping away in March 2025 to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI (a role he left in late 2025). The show is now a two-hour daily podcast (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. ET) distributed via Cumulus Media's podcast network, with Westwood One as the exclusive sales partner. Video livestreams are exclusive to Rumble, while audio is available on major podcast platforms. His first episode included a call-in from President Trump, score-settling commentary, and some technical glitches. This marks a shift from traditional syndicated radio to a podcast-first model, reflecting broader trends in conservative media moving toward on-demand and video platforms.

SiriusXM Stock Declines Amid Ongoing Pressures: SiriusXM Holdings (SIRI) shares have faced notable weakness, including reports of a roughly 14% drop over the past year (as highlighted in early February analyses). The stock underperformed the broader market significantly in 2025 (down ~12.3% for the year), driven by gradual subscriber and revenue declines despite meeting some financial targets. Investors remain cautious ahead of the company's Q4 earnings report (expected around February 5, 2026), with concerns over competition from streaming services and the need for strategies like ad-supported tiers to stabilize growth. This reflects broader satellite/digital audio sector headwinds in a fragmented market.

Beasley Media Group Appoints Kevin LeGrett as Chief Business Officer:  Beasley Media Group (a major radio broadcaster with stations across formats and markets) named industry veteran Kevin LeGrett to the newly created Chief Business Officer role, effective immediately. LeGrett, who spent over 15 years at iHeartMedia (most recently as President of iHeartSports), will work closely with COO Brian Beasley to unify revenue strategies, cross-platform partnerships, digital growth, and multiplatform operations. The move aims to strengthen Beasley's competitive edge in broadcast, streaming, podcasting, and experiential media, signaling a push for integrated revenue amid industry consolidation and digital shifts.

John Fix's Insights on Radio as a "Fresh" Channel:  Industry expert John Fix (former P&G media analyst) has emphasized in recent articles and discussions (including 2025 Westwood One/SiriusXM contributions and updates into 2026) that radio should now be viewed as a revitalized media channel for MMM due to improved "as-run" delivery data. Previously, MMM often used planned GRPs (estimates), creating a "smoothing effect" that undervalued radio's impact on sales. Advances like Media Monitors' expansion to top 250 markets (covering ~86% of U.S. radio reach) and granular weekly as-run GRPs/DMA-level data enable more accurate modeling, better attribution, and stronger ROI proof for AM/FM radio. This could reset radio's role in advertiser budgets, especially as "always-on" MMM becomes standard, countering perceptions that MMM disadvantages traditional audio.

Media Industry:

Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery Deal Faces Vote in March:  Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shareholders are likely to vote in March on Netflix's $82.7 billion all-cash acquisition of WBD's streaming and studio assets (including HBO/Max content library and production capabilities, but excluding CNN and linear networks like Discovery, which would spin off into a new entity called Discovery Global). The timeline accelerated from an earlier April target after Netflix amended its offer in January 2026 for an all-cash structure at $27.75 per WBD share, providing certainty amid antitrust reviews (HSR filings submitted). This blockbuster consolidation could reshape streaming dominance, boost Netflix's content scale, and address WBD's debt/asset pressures, but faces scrutiny from investors and regulators. Proxy details are pending finalization.

Abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother Shocks Media:  Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated authorities believe she was "abducted" or taken against her will, treating her residence as a crime scene — she did not leave voluntarily, her phone was left behind, and she requires medication that could endanger her life if not accessed soon. Search efforts continue, with appeals for public tips; Savannah Guthrie publicly asked for prayers to "bring her home" safely. This high-profile personal tragedy has drawn widespread coverage across networks, highlighting vulnerabilities for media figures and their families.

CNN Staffer Confront Leadership Over Conservative Contributor Scott Jennings:  During a recent staff meeting, CNN employees pressed CEO Mark Thompson on why the network tolerates Scott Jennings — a frequent MAGA-aligned pundit and Trump supporter — despite repeated violations of editorial standards and disruptive conduct. Concerns include Jennings' use of prohibited terms like "illegal aliens" for undocumented immigrants, rude/dismissive interactions (especially toward female guests), heated spats, and antagonistic rhetoric that some view as personal rather than substantive. Staff questioned his continued booking amid these issues, reflecting internal tensions at CNN over balance, guidelines enforcement, and handling conservative voices in a polarized environment. Jennings remains a regular on panels, but the pushback underscores broader challenges for cable news in managing ideological contributors.

U.S. News

Partial Government Shutdown Edges Toward Resolution: A bipartisan funding package (cleared procedurally late Monday) aims to fund most federal agencies through September 30 and provide short-term DHS funding (two weeks) to allow negotiations on ICE reforms. President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson are urging Republicans to pass it without changes to end the partial shutdown that began Saturday midnight. Hard-line conservatives have resisted over immigration demands from Democrats, but Trump posted urging a quick "YES" vote and immediate signing. If approved Tuesday, essential functions resume, though DHS/immigration debates continue.

Trump Pushes Back on Trevor Noah's Grammy Joke Linking Him to Epstein:  Trump threatened legal action against comedian Trevor Noah over a Grammys hosting remark tying him to Jeffrey Epstein files (experts say slim chance of success). Separately, Bill and Hillary Clinton agreed to testify in a House Epstein probe (details pending finalization), and the DOJ removed thousands of documents with potential victim info.

Bongino Is Back And Trump Is A Guest

The first episode of The Dan Bongino Show (often referred to as his video podcast, primarily hosted on Rumble with video format) in its most recent iteration—following Dan Bongino's resignation from his role as Deputy Director of the FBI—is titled "I'm Back (Ep. 2443)".

This episode aired on February 2, 2026 (a Monday), marking Bongino's return to podcasting after a roughly nine-month stint at the FBI, from which he resigned in December 2025.Key details about the episode:It was a roughly 1 hour 52-53 minute show (around two hours long).

Bongino recapped his experiences and observations from his time as FBI Deputy Director, including what he saw "on the other side," insights into the agency (including a defense of its handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and reviews), and his future plans in the conservative movement.

The episode featured technical glitches (including reports of a DDoS attack impacting the stream) and some score-settling against critics, the mainstream media, and others he viewed as opponents or "grifters" trying to divide the MAGA/conservative audience.

A major highlight was a surprise/brief phone-in appearance by President Donald Trump, who offered well-wishes to Bongino.

NEW 🚨 Dan Bongino show is back, With President Trump as the first guest!

Dan explains the "Donroe Doctrine" and importance of controlling the western hemisphere as threat level is high.

Trump rips Biden 😭 then explains America is respected again 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HE51ncXvPR

— J (@JayTC53) February 2, 2026

It opened with significant viewership on Rumble (starting around 140,000 viewers and peaking near 220,000), promoted with hype like a Times Square billboard, and broke records for audience draw upon his return.

The tone was largely a monologue reconnecting with his audience, addressing his FBI tenure fondly in parts, and pushing back against detractors.

You can find it on platforms like: Rumble (primary video home: search for "I'm Back Ep. 2443" on rumble.com/c/bongino) Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or his official site (bongino.com) for audio/video versions.

Neflix Shareholder WBD Vote Likely Next Month

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shareholders are likely to vote in March on the $82.7 billion deal to sell the company's streaming and studio assets to Netflix, according to a CNBC report.

No specific date has been set for the vote. Warner Bros. Discovery stated it will be scheduled once the preliminary proxy filing becomes final.

Approval by shareholders would advance the transaction, though the combined entity could face significant regulatory review from U.S. and European antitrust authorities over potential impacts on competition and consumer choice.

If shareholders reject the Netflix deal, Paramount Skydance is poised to intensify its campaign, including efforts to replace Warner Bros. Discovery's board with directors more favorable to its rival hostile $108.4 billion offer. Paramount Skydance recently extended its tender offer deadline to February 20 to build support, arguing its all-cash proposal is superior.

Warner Bros. Discovery's board has unanimously rejected Paramount's bid as "inadequate" and not in shareholders' best interests.

For Netflix, acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery's key assets—including franchises like "Friends" and "Batman"—would provide major content for new streaming series, spinoffs, prequels, and sequels. The deal would also position Netflix as the world's largest streaming service, approaching half a billion subscribers.

SiriusXM Stock Drops

Sirius XM Holdings stock has dropped about 14% over the past year, trading at around $20.37 as of Monday, significantly lagging the S&P 500's roughly 15% gain in the same period.

This decline reflects ongoing investor concerns about sluggish growth in the audio entertainment sector. 

In the third quarter of 2025, revenue fell 1% year-over-year to $2.16 billion, while adjusted EBITDA dipped slightly to $676 million. Subscriber numbers remain steady at about 33 million, but the company faces challenges from automotive sales cycles, higher customer acquisition costs, and competition from streaming services.

A recent move by Capital Management Corp—selling 147,767 shares in Q4 2025 for an estimated $3.18 million—further highlights waning confidence, though the fund still holds a position worth over $10 million.

Despite the pressure, SiriusXM shows resilience with strong profitability, including $993 million in trailing twelve-month net income, a 5.3% dividend yield, and surging free cash flow ($257 million in Q3 2025, up sharply from the prior year). The company raised its full-year 2025 free cash flow guidance to $1.23 billion.

Pandora Settles Lawsuit From Comedians

SiriusXM's Pandora Media has reached a settlement in a long-running copyright lawsuit brought by prominent comedians, including the estates of Robin Williams and George Carlin, over unpaid royalties for streaming their spoken-word comedy material, according to a court filing in California's federal court.

The settlement was finalized during a conference last week, as detailed in a filing dated Friday. A SiriusXM spokesperson stated on Monday that the agreement's terms are confidential. 

However, the company emphasized that it did not make any payments to the comedians for the literary rights in question nor secure new licenses related to the lawsuit's claims. Richard Busch, the comedians' attorney from King & Ballow, described the resolution as amicable.

Originally filed in 2022, the consolidated case involved comedians such as Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Andrew Dice Clay (along with others like Lewis Black, George Lopez, and additional estates). The plaintiffs argued that Pandora's existing licenses covered only the audio recordings of their performances, not the underlying literary works (the jokes and scripts themselves), and that they had received virtually no compensation ("not a fraction of a penny") from Pandora's streams of their routines.

The suit highlighted that while Pandora typically obtains music licenses through organizations like ASCAP and BMI, those do not extend to "literary works" such as stand-up comedy material.

Pandora countered by alleging that the comedians and a related performing-rights organization (Word Collections) had formed a "cartel" to drive up royalty demands, leading to an antitrust counterclaim. 

In 2023, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi dismissed that antitrust claim. 

Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mom Labeled Crime Victim

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is now being investigated as a crime, with her home in the Tucson, Arizona, area declared a crime scene, authorities announced Monday.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that evidence at the home indicates Nancy Guthrie did not leave voluntarily. 

"We do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime," he said during a news conference. He emphasized that she "did not leave on her own," noting her limited mobility—she could not walk 50 yards unassisted—and her need for medication every 24 hours, without which consequences could be fatal. 

🚨 BREAKING: The Pima County, AZ Sheriff says he does NOT believe NBC’s Savannah Guthrie’s mother left her house on her own

“We believe we have a crime…”

This is horrifying. I can’t even imagine. Pray for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return 🙏🏻
pic.twitter.com/t8h3IH37CN

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 2, 2026

Authorities ruled out dementia or wandering, describing her as "of great sound mind" and "sharp as a tack."

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area (near Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue) around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was reported missing around noon Sunday after failing to appear at church.

Search efforts have been extensive, involving ground volunteers, drones, search dogs, and a helicopter. Sheriff Nanos said authorities have "thrown everything" at the case, with no immediate danger to the public identified.

On the "Today" show Monday, co-anchors Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones read a family statement from Savannah Guthrie: "On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Mom." Savannah Guthrie was absent from the broadcast.

When asked about potential threats to Savannah Guthrie, Sheriff Nanos said investigators are not dismissing any angles and are coordinating with security teams.

Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall (some sources note 5 feet 4 inches), with brown hair, blue eyes, and classified as vulnerable due to her age and physical condition.

The case shifted from a missing person search to a criminal investigation after concerning findings at the home prompted involvement of homicide detectives and a criminal team, in addition to search and rescue resources. No further details on the evidence have been released publicly.

Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie is set to drop out of hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for NBC as her mom, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing, Page Six can exclusively reveal.

The “Today” anchor, 54, was due to be in Italy for the start of the 2026 Games on Friday — where she was set to co-host the ceremony alongside Terry Gannon — but likely won’t be there, sources said.

Savannah was going to stay in Italy for a week to record “Today” alongside former co-host Hoda Kotb, who will be there for the duration of the Olympics.

Kelly Clarkson To End TV Show

The Kelly Clarkson Show is officially ending after its current seventh season.

Kelly Clarkson announced on Monday, that this will be the final season. She shared a statement on Instagram explaining her decision: She described it as "not an easy decision" after seven incredible years.

The main reason is to step away from the demanding daily hosting schedule to prioritize her kids (River and Remington), which she said "feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives."

This comes in the context of personal circumstances, including the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in 2025.

She emphasized gratitude to the crew, band, guests, fans, and NBC, noting it's not a full goodbye—she'll continue making music, occasional performances, and possibly appearances on The Voice.

Production on Season 7 (which began in September 2025) will continue as planned, with new episodes airing through fall 2026. The show won't abruptly stop; it'll wrap up naturally toward the end of that run.

The series, which debuted in 2019, has been a major success: it's won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards (including for Outstanding Talk Show and Host), featured celebrity interviews, performances, games, and feel-good segments, and built a loyal audience.

Beasley Media Adds Kevin LeGrett As CBO

Beasley Media Group has announced industry veteran Kevin LeGrett has been named Chief Business Officer.

In this role, LeGrett will work closely with Chief Operating Officer Brian Beasley to help unify the company’s business operations, aligning revenue strategy, cross-platform partnerships, and digital growth to strengthen the company’s competitive position to ensure long-term success.

“Kevin’s deep experience across broadcast, digital, experiential, podcasting, and sports makes him uniquely qualified to lead our revenue strategy,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group. “His proven ability to scale platforms, grow teams, and deliver results on both a national and local level will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and innovate for our clients and communities.”

Kevin LeGrett

“I’m excited to join Beasley Media Group at such an exciting time,” said Kevin LeGrett. “Beasley’s commitment to local communities, strong culture, and forward-thinking approach to media – especially its transformation across digital, streaming, and multiplatform platforms – aligns perfectly with my passion for building innovative, integrated solutions that drive real impact for advertisers and listeners alike. I’m excited to help lead the next chapter of growth.”

The highly acclaimed media executive brings more than 15 years of distinguished leadership experience from iHeartMedia, where he drove strategic growth, built high-performance teams, and delivered transformative results across some of the industry’s largest portfolios.

Most recently, LeGrett served as President of iHeartSports, overseeing the largest sports audio platform demonstrating his ability to manage complex, high-value media ecosystems at scale.

Previously, LeGrett served as Division President, West Coast and Market President, Los Angeles, leading the top-billing radio cluster in the country from 2015–2023. Earlier in his career, LeGrett held senior leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Operations for iHeart’s regional markets, President of Political Strategy, President of Citadel Broadcasting, and Sr. VP/Market Manager at Infinity Broadcasting. He is widely respected for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire high-performing teams.

CNN Staffers Have Trouble Tolerating Scott Jennings

CNN CEO Mark Thompson last week faced staff pushback during a recent internal all-hands meeting over the on-air behavior and rhetoric of conservative contributor Scott Jennings.

According to Newsbusters, staff questioned why the network has not restricted Jennings—a frequent Trump supporter known for heated exchanges with guests—particularly his use of the term "illegal aliens," which violates CNN's editorial guidelines for journalists (though contributors face different standards, per Thompson's response).

Concerns centered on Jennings' tone, described as rude, dismissive, and antagonistic in spats, including a clash with guest Cameron Kasky on NewsNight where Kasky challenged his language.  The episode highlights tensions at CNN amid broader uncertainties about its future under potential ownership changes.

#DealWithIt -- According to Oliver Darcy, someone whined and whined to CNN's Mark Thompson at the company town hall, demanding to know why @ScottJenningsKY is allowed to exist there...

“Later in the town hall, Thompson fielded a range of other questions, including why in-house…

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 30, 2026

The incident exemplifies broader intolerance for opposing viewpoints, as leftist staffers expressed offense at Jennings' mere presence and unfiltered conservative commentary.

Staff echoed sentiments like those from Kasky, who claimed Jennings could not use a term embedded in U.S. immigration law.

Critics like Democratic operative Julie Roginsky have argued Jennings adds little beyond conflict-driven clips, calling his approach bad-faith theatrics rather than substantive debate—ironically mirroring the dismissive traits some attribute to his liberal opponents who struggle to engage him rationally.

Four Acts Named For The TPUSA Alternative Half-Time Show

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is hosting an alternative halftime show during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, titled the "All-American Halftime Show." 

It's positioned as a patriotic, family-friendly counter-programming option to the official NFL halftime performance headlined by Bad Bunny, amid conservative backlash to that choice.
The talent lineup, announced Monday , features:

• Kid Rock as the headliner (known for his rock-rap fusion hits like "Bawitdaba" and patriotic anthems, often aligning with conservative causes).
• Brantley Gilbert (country rock artist with hits like "Bottoms Up" and "Country Must Be Country Wide").
• Lee Brice (country singer-songwriter famous for tracks such as "I Don't Dance," "Rumor," and "One of Them Girls").
• Gabby Barrett (rising country star and former American Idol contestant, best known for singles like "I Hope" and "The Good Ones").

The event emphasizes themes of faith, family, freedom, and American culture. It will stream live around 8 p.m. ET on TPUSA's YouTube and X channels, plus platforms like OAN News, Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, TBN, CHARGE!, The National News Desk, and NTD.com.

This comes after TPUSA announced plans in late 2025 to create the alternative show, following public outcry over the NFL's selection of Bad Bunny. No other performers have been added based on recent reports.

Radio: The Fresh Media Channel

This week's edition of the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog features a guest post by John Fix. He explains why media mix modelers (MMM practitioners) should now treat radio as a fresh media channel, thanks to the availability of precise "as-run" delivery data. He also warns against limiting radio's current ROI estimates based solely on outdated historical results.

The new "as-run, actual" radio delivery data represents a clear "trend break" in modeling inputs.

Modelers are encouraged to reduce reliance on prior assumptions, giving the model greater flexibility to uncover stronger performance signals from this enhanced, more accurate radio dataset.

Broadcasters have collaborated with key partners—including firms like Media Monitors, Act1, and Nielsen—to establish a standardized approach for delivering comprehensive as-run data across total radio purchases. Media mix modeling thrives on weekly as-run GRPs (Gross Rating Points), and the radio industry can now supply detailed, granular weekly figures.

A major milestone came in August 2025, when Media Monitors expanded its radio advertising tracking coverage from 106 U.S. markets to 250 markets, dramatically improving data availability and depth for national and local campaigns.These advancements in input quality—shifting from planned estimates to true as-run deliveries—mark a significant upgrade for modelers. 

Key recommendations include:

• Use as-run, delivered data for the full radio dataset in any MMM analysis.
• Inform your MMM provider that the current radio inputs differ meaningfully from historical patterns.
• Recognize that the new methodology for generating accurate as-run terrestrial radio data effectively positions radio as a "new" media channel in models.
• Ultimately, the MMM process works best as an ongoing dialogue between advertisers, media providers, and modeling partners.

To read John Fix's full blog post, visit the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog at WestwoodOne.com/blog.

Orlando TV: WAPA New Full Power TV Station Launches

Hemisphere Media Group and Entravision announced a strategic partnership to launch WAPA Orlando, a new full power broadcast television station with programming to serve the Orlando–Daytona Beach–Melbourne DMA. WAPA Orlando started broadcasting Monday on Entravision’s WOTF (Channel 26).

Powered by Entravision’s local broadcasting expertise, WAPA Orlando will be carried by multichannel video programming distributors throughout the Orlando–Daytona Beach–Melbourne region and broadcast programming from WAPA-TV, Puerto Rico’s #1 TV network for 16 consecutive years. The station will be programmed for Central Florida’s Latino population, with a particular focus on the region’s large and rapidly growing Puerto Rican community. The Orlando area is now home to the second largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States, driven by sustained population growth over the past decade.

WAPA Orlando will take advantage of WAPA-TV's unrivaled news and entertainment production infrastructure, which now produces 80 hours per week of original content, and will be the first station specifically serving Orlando’s Puerto Rican community. Its programming will feature news and entertainment produced in WAPA’s Puerto Rico studios, complemented by locally produced newscasts branded NotiCentro Orlando from Entravision’s award-winning news organization. The station will initially launch with two daily locally-produced newscasts—morning and midday—with plans to expand to evening and late-night editions over time.

The partnership also establishes a collaborative news framework led by Entravision, leveraging its robust nationwide news resources from stations across 24 U.S. markets to drive expanded local news and editorial coverage for WAPA Orlando. This access to Entravision's extensive content and resources will complement WAPA Media’s original programming and journalism, enhancing coverage of issues relevant to Latino communities locally and nationally.

Ernest A. Liebre To be Honored with Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is proud to announce that Ernest A. Liebre, Senior Vice President and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award, named in honor of the BFOA’s former long-time Chairman. 

Liebre is a longtime supporter of the BFOA and for over 20 years has advised the charitable organization on its investments.

Liebre has spent the past 14 years at CAPTRUST, where he serves as a trusted advisor to institutions and nonprofit organizations. His clients included National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Beasley Media Group, New York State Broadcasters Association, Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB), International Radio & Television Society Foundation (IRTS), and more. For over 20 years, he has advised Broadcasters Foundation with their investments.

R.iP.: Chuck Negron, Co-Founding Member of Three Dog Night

Chuck Negron, a co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Three Dog Night, has died at age 83.

He passed away peacefully on Monday at his home in Studio City, California, surrounded by family, his representative confirmed to outlets including Variety and Billboard.

Negron had been battling heart failure in his final months and lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for about three decades, contributing to complications that led to his death.

Known for his powerful voice, Negron delivered lead vocals on many of Three Dog Night's biggest hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including "Joy to the World" (with the famous line "Jeremiah was a bullfrog"), "One (Is the Loneliest Number)," "An Old Fashioned Love Song," "Easy to Be Hard," and "The Show Must Go On." 

The band, famous for turning cover songs into chart-topping anthems, scored 21 Top 40 hits overall.Born Charles Negron II on June 8, 1942, in New York City, he overcame a challenging early life, including time in an orphanage, and later battled severe heroin addiction that led to his departure from Three Dog Night in 1985. He achieved sobriety in 1991 and shared his story in the autobiography Three Dog Nightmare.

Negron is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron, and five children.

Radio History: Feb 3

➦In 1927...a forerunner of the FCC, the Federal Radio Commission, was created by a law signed into effect by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge.The FRC was a government body that regulated radio use in the United States from its creation in 1926 until its replacement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1934. The Commission was created to regulate radio use "as the public interest, convenience, or necessity" requires. The Radio Act of 1927 superseded the Radio Act of 1912, which had given regulatory powers over radio communication to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. The Radio Act of 1912 did not mention broadcasting and limited all private radio communications to what is now the AM band.

WEAV 960 AM (5Kw DA-2)

➦In 1935...WEAV-AM, Plattsburgh NY signed-on as WMFF (1935-1948), owned by Plattsburgh Broadcasting Corporation (in turn controlled by the Bissell family), and operating on 1310 kHz. The North American Radio Broadcasting Agreement in 1941 moved the station to 1340 kHz.

On October 23, 1948,  the station changed its call letters to WEAV and relocated again, this time to the current 960 kHz. At one time an affiliate of ABC Radio  and its predecessor, the Blue Network, WEAV switched to CBS Radio in the late 1950s.

The station inaugurated FM service on February 3, 1960, with the launch of WEAV 99.9. FM (now WBTZ-FM) as a simulcast of the AM station.

WEAV-AM currently airs Sports Talk as 960 AM The Zone.

➦In 1935...Martin Block started at WNEW-AM (now WBBR 1130 AM) in NYC at a salary of $20 per week. In 1935, while listeners to New York's WNEW in New York were awaiting developments in the Lindbergh kidnapping, Block built his audience by playing records between the Lindbergh news bulletins.

This led to his Make Believe Ballroom, which began February 3, 1935 with Block borrowing both the concept and the title from West Coast disc jockey Al Jarvis, creating the illusion that he was broadcasting from a ballroom with the nation’s top dance bands performing live. He bought some records from a local music shop for the program as the radio station had none. Block purchased five Clyde McCoy records, selecting his "Sugar Blues" for the radio show's initial theme song.

Because Block was told by the station's sales staff that nobody would sponsor a radio show playing music, he had to find himself a sponsor. Block lined up a producer of reducing pills called "Retardo"; within a week, the sponsor had over 3,000 responses to the ads on Block's radio show. Martin Block's style of announcing was considerably different than the usual manner of delivery at the time. Instead of speaking in a voice loud enough to be heard in a theater, Block spoke in a normal voice, as if he was having a one-on-one conversation with a listener.

Abbott & Costello

When one of Block's sponsors offered a sale on refrigerators during a New York snowstorm, 109 people braved the elements for the bargain Block advertised; by 1941 potential sponsors for his show had to be put on a waiting list for availabilities.

➦In 1938... the kids radio adventure drama Challenge of the Yukon (about Sgt. Preston & his ‘wonder dog’ Yukon King) debuted in a 15 minute format on WXYZ Detroit.  It completed George W. Trendle’s trilogy of juvenile adventures preceded by The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet.  

The show went to the networks (ABC, then Mutual) in 30 minute form 1947 to ’55, and was retitled as Sgt. Preston of the Yukon beginning in 1951.

➦In 1938...the comedy team of Abbott & Costello made their debut as cast members on CBS Radio’s “The Kate Smith Hour.” Their routine "Who's on First?" is one of the best-known comedy routines of all time in the world, and set the framework for many of their best-known comedy bits.

➦In 1959… it was “the day the music died,”  as Don McLean named it in his 1972 hit, “American Pie.”  22-year-old Buddy Holly, 28-year-old J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) and 17-year-old Ritchie Valens died in a chartered plane crash near Mason City, Iowa.

Here's Why Katie Pavlich Departed Fox News Channel

Katie Pavlich, a longtime conservative commentator and Fox News contributor since 2013, did not experience a dramatic or contentious "sudden departure without a word" in the scandalous sense that some online rumors suggest. Instead, her exit from Fox News was a career move tied to the expiration of her contributor contract and an attractive new opportunity elsewhere.

In late 2025 (with her contract nearing its end), Fox News reportedly assumed she would renew her contributor role, which involved regular appearances as a guest co-host on shows like The Five and fill-in hosting in primetime. 

However, during negotiations, her agent presented a competing offer from NewsNation (owned by Nexstar Media). NewsNation offered her something Fox did not: her own nightly primetime show. 

Fox's proposal was limited to renewing her contributor status without a firm commitment to a bigger role.

The Five

Pavlich chose the new opportunity, announcing her departure around mid-December 2025. She officially joined NewsNation, where her show Katie Pavlich Tonight—a political opinion and analysis program airing at 10 p.m. ET—debuted on January 19, 2026.

In interviews after the move (such as with TheWrap and The Guardian in January 2026), Pavlich described the decision as straightforward and not complicated: "There was a new opportunity, and so I decided to take it." She emphasized that she loved her time at Fox, her colleagues, and had no planned exit—it simply came down to timing and the lack of immediate primetime "real estate" at Fox versus the chance to host her own program at NewsNation. She also noted maintaining good relationships with her former Fox colleagues.

The perception of it being "sudden" or "without a word" likely stems from the fact that she did not get a formal on-air farewell segment (common for contributors whose contracts end rather than full-time hosts), and the move coincided with her resignation from her long-held news editor role at Townhall.com on October 31, 2025. 

Some social media posts and clickbait-style articles/Facebook rumors have exaggerated this into claims of explosive confrontations, unfair treatment, integrity compromises, or forced exits—but credible reporting from outlets like Variety, TheWrap, The Guardian, and Status News consistently points to a standard career advancement decision driven by a better offer for her own show.

Dan Bongino Is Back

Dan Bongino, the conservative commentator, former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and right-wing podcaster, is making a highly anticipated return to podcasting with the relaunch of The Dan Bongino Show.

He stepped away from his original show in March 2025 to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI under the Trump administration—a role that ended in December 2025 amid a reportedly tumultuous tenure. Bongino left the FBI position and announced his comeback shortly after, describing it as a new chapter with fresh insights from his time inside the agency, including claims of shocking details on past events like the Russia collusion investigation.

The relaunched show premieres Monday as a daily two-hour program, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.

Key details include:

• Format: It's positioned as a video podcast/live stream, with the video livestream exclusive to Rumble (the only platform for live video viewing).
• Audio availability: The recorded episodes will be distributed widely across major podcast platforms (e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.).
• Production and partnerships: Produced in collaboration with the Cumulus Podcast Network (via Cumulus Media), with Westwood One as the exclusive sales/advertising partner.
• Content style: Expect Bongino's signature approach—sharp political commentary, fiery debates, headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural takes, and listener interaction—now infused with perspectives from his FBI experience.

Bad Bunny Half-Time Show Marks NFL Milestone

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance will mark a historic milestone as the first primarily Spanish-language headlining act for the event, capping off an exceptional career year for the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican superstar (born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio).

The show draws massive attention amid political controversy: President Trump has publicly criticized the selection, calling it a "terrible choice" that "sows hatred" and stating he won't attend, while labeling himself "anti-them" regarding Bad Bunny and added opening ceremony performers Green Day (whose frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has opposed Trump and ICE policies). 

Homeland Security advisor Corey Lewandowski noted ICE would patrol during the performance. Experts anticipate political elements, with professor Vanessa Diaz (author of the forthcoming book How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance) describing the entire show as inherently political, given Bad Bunny's past criticisms of the Trump administration's immigration policies and his statement that "Spanish is part of me; it’s in my DNA.

"Despite the spotlight's value, Bad Bunny receives no direct payment beyond a union-mandated minimum (a few hundred dollars). Super Bowl headliners traditionally perform for free in exchange for unparalleled exposure—reaching hundreds of millions live and generating massive post-show boosts in streams, sales, and tours.

Previous examples highlight the economic upside: Kendrick Lamar's 2025 halftime show averaged 133.5 million viewers (with 157 million YouTube views), sparked a 430% stream surge for "Not Like Us," and fueled a stadium tour with SZA that grossed nearly $360 million, helping Lamar rank as the world's fourth-highest-paid musician ($109 million pre-tax/fees) and SZA 20th ($34 million).

Recent artists like The Weeknd (2021) and Dr. Dre (2022) invested millions personally to elevate productions, backed by NFL/Apple Music budgets often exceeding $10 million.

Bad Bunny earned $66 million in 2025 (pre-tax/fees, ranking No. 10 among musicians), per Forbes, boosted by a sold-out Puerto Rico residency and Hollywood roles in Happy Gilmore 2 (with Adam Sandler) and Caught Stealing (with Austin Butler). 

His February 8 appearance—his only 2026 U.S. show amid his tour skipping the country over ICE concerns—offers huge promotional potential for music, tours, and cultural impact through Roc Nation's artist selection process (led by Jay-Z since 2019, emphasizing diversity).

Today Show Host's Mother Is Reportedly Missing

The 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona on Sunday, under concerning circumstances, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area (north of Tucson, near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue) on Saturday night, January 31, 2026, around 9:30–9:45 p.m.

Authorities classified her as a vulnerable adult due to her age and some physical health issues (though family stated she has no cognitive impairments). 

She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes; her clothing at the time is unknown.

Sheriff's deputies launched a search involving ground and air teams, with homicide detectives assisting, and appealed to the public for help. The case drew widespread attention due to Savannah Guthrie's prominence as a longtime Today host.

Local authorities say Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother is missing https://t.co/o55Anzfo8W

— KVOA News 4 Tucson (@KVOA) February 2, 2026

As of the latest reports from February 1–2, 2026, her whereabouts remained unknown, with authorities expressing grave concern for her safety.

Savannah Guthrie has often spoken publicly about her close bond with her mother, who raised her and her siblings largely alone after Savannah's father died when she was a teenager. Nancy has appeared on Today in the past and was featured in family tributes, including for her 80th birthday in 2022.

As WaPo Newsroom Braces, Jeff Bezos Remains Silent

The Washington Post newsroom is bracing for potentially massive job cuts, with reports indicating up to 100–300 positions at risk across the company, as owner Jeff Bezos has remained publicly silent amid growing staff appeals and anxiety.

Staff journalists, including teams from the White House, foreign desk, and other sections, have sent impassioned letters and launched a visible social media campaign, often using #SaveThePost, to urge Bezos directly to reconsider or halt the reductions. They warn that deep cuts, especially to international coverage, sports, metro, and arts desks, could irreparably damage the paper's global accountability reporting, journalistic depth, and long-term relevance.

The looming changes, expected to be announced soon and possibly implemented early this month, stem from persistent financial losses at the Post, which has reportedly bled tens of millions annually in recent years despite its roughly 800-person newsroom. Leadership under CEO and publisher Will Lewis aims to reshape the organization by focusing resources on high-impact areas like video journalism, politics, and national security, core strengths seen as better aligned with reader interests and pathways to self-sustainability, a long-standing goal set by Bezos since his 2013 purchase of the paper.

No official announcement has confirmed the exact scale or timing, leaving staff in a state of uncertainty that has further eroded morale. Multiple sections reportedly face the heaviest hits, with some editors quietly advising employees to explore other opportunities and foreign correspondents emphasizing the risks to on-the-ground reporting from conflict zones and areas of press suppression.

Bezos, who has historically avoided direct interference in newsroom operations, has not responded publicly to the pleas or rumors. This silence contrasts with the staff's increasingly public desperation, as the Post continues high-profile journalism amid broader industry pressures like declining subscriptions and digital ad challenges.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions at the Bezos-owned outlet, which has faced prior buyouts and reductions, and raises questions about its future direction under current leadership.

CNN Is Not For Sale, But Barry Diller Keeps Calling

Warner Bros. Discovery has firmly stated that CNN is not for sale and has no plans to divest the network, despite persistent interest from billionaire media mogul Barry Diller.

A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson reiterated the position last week: “CNN was not and is not for sale,” describing the network as “an incredibly important part” of the upcoming Discovery Global spinoff entity. This came in direct response to a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Diller had made repeated approaches to the company last year expressing interest in acquiring CNN, with sources confirming he remains interested.

No formal offer was ever presented to Warner's board, and the inquiries never advanced beyond preliminary outreach. Diller's efforts were personal, separate from his role leading IAC (which owns assets like People and The Daily Beast).

The overtures highlight ongoing external curiosity about CNN's value amid broader media industry shifts, including cord-cutting pressures and Warner Bros. Discovery's corporate restructuring. The company is moving forward with a split that separates high-growth studio and streaming assets from its cable networks, with CNN positioned firmly inside the cable-focused Discovery Global unit alongside other channels that benefit from lucrative carriage agreements with pay-TV providers.

CNN itself continues to project strength: recent filings estimate $1.8 billion in revenue and $600 million in profit for 2026, and the network reported exceeding its 2025 subscription goals while starting 2026 strongly.

While Diller's persistence adds a layer of intrigue to one of the media sector's most watched sagas, Warner Bros. Discovery has shown no willingness to entertain separation of the iconic news brand from its broader cable portfolio. Interest from other potential suitors has surfaced periodically, but the company maintains that such calls have not changed its strategic direction.

Here's How to See The Other Half-Time Show

The "All-American Halftime Show"—organized by conservative group Turning Point USA (TPUSA)—is the main "alternative" halftime event positioned as a counter to Bad Bunny's official Super Bowl LX performance. It promotes themes of "faith, family, and freedom" and serves as a response to backlash over Bad Bunny's selection (due to his primarily Spanish-language music and past criticisms of Trump/immigration policies).

Performers: No official lineup has been announced yet, despite the event being just days away. TPUSA has claimed "multiple performers" are confirmed and teased updates (e.g., "coming soon" or "next week"), but as of late January 2026, details remain undisclosed. Some reports describe it as potentially featuring English-language, patriotic, or worship-style music, but no specific artists (like speculated country or Christian acts) have been confirmed by the organization. Critics have called it a potential "flop" due to the lack of transparency and hype.

How to watch: It will stream (not broadcast on major TV) during the same halftime window as the official show. Platforms include:

• TPUSA's YouTube channel
• The Charlie Kirk Show channel
• Rumble
• TPUSA's X (Twitter) page
• Various conservative-leaning outlets like The Daily Wire, Real America’s Voice, TBN, Charge!, The National News Desk, NTD, and OAN.

Other highlights: The event ties into broader conservative boycotts or alternatives, with groups like One Million Moms urging people to skip the official show.

It's framed as uplifting and family-friendly, honoring the late Charlie Kirk (TPUSA founder).

No physical venue or ticket info has been widely shared—it's primarily a streamed broadcast.

Good Morning! Lets Check The Pulse For Monday, Feb 2

Radio Broadcasting

The Grammys:  The 68th Grammy Awards took place Sunday, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, hosted by Trevor Noah (his final time). Major winners included Bad Bunny for Album of the Year (making history as the first all-Spanish-language album to win), Kendrick Lamar and SZA for Record of the Year ("luther"), Billie Eilish for Song of the Year, and Olivia Dean for Best New Artist. Kendrick Lamar also set a record as the most-awarded rapper ever. The ceremony featured performances and marked the last CBS broadcast before moving to Disney platforms in 2027.

Dan Bongino Is Back: Conservative commentator and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino relaunchea his podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, Monday after stepping down from his Trump administration role in late 2025. The show returns as a daily two-hour program (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. ET), with video livestreams exclusive to Rumble and audio on major platforms, distributed via Cumulus Media and Westwood One. Bongino described it as a bolder, unfiltered return with fresh insights from his time at the FBI.

Gene Simmons: Radio Must Pay For Play: In The LA Times KISS frontman Gene Simmons again has advocated for the American Music Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill to close a copyright loophole allowing AM/FM radio stations to play music without paying royalties to performers (only to songwriters/copyright holders). In recent opinion pieces and Senate testimony (late 2025/early 2026), he argued radio earns billions from music without fair compensation to artists like Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars, calling "free promotion" outdated in today's discovery landscape.

Media News

Savannah Guthrie's Mother Missing:  Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday. She was last seen Saturday night (around 9:45 p.m.), and the Pima County Sheriff's Department described concerning aspects at the scene while continuing the search.

ESPN-NFL Media Merger Closes:  The major deal between ESPN (Disney-owned) and the NFL officially closed over the weekend, after U.S. and international regulators approved it. ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy integration, and RedZone distribution rights, while the NFL received a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The transaction integrates NFL Media employees into ESPN, promising expanded programming, fantasy experiences, and coverage for fans.

The News:

Partial Government Shutdown:  A partial shutdown is ongoing, largely tied to disputes over DHS/ICE funding and immigration reforms. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence it could end by Tuesday, with the House set to return for votes.

Trump Announces 2-Year Closure of the Kennedy Center: President Trump revealed plans to close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., for about two years starting in July for major renovations, aiming to make it the "finest" facility. This follows performer backlash and boycotts.

Sports:

Super Bowl LX Buildup:  The New England Patriots (AFC) face the Seattle Seahawks (NFC) in Super Bowl 60 Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It's a rematch from years ago, with the Patriots aiming for a record-extending 12th Super Bowl appearance (and sole record for most wins). Key previews include potential record-breaking performances (e.g., threats to Jerry Rice's marks), team turnarounds (Patriots' big improvement), and halftime by Bad Bunny. Get-in prices have dropped, and NBC/Peacock will broadcast at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Winter Olympics: The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics start Friday (opening ceremony), overlapping Super Bowl (Feb 8) and NBA All-Star (Feb 15) on NBC. New events like ski mountaineering debut, with US stars like Chloe Kim, Jessie Diggins, and others in focus. Lindsey Vonn's recent crash comments add drama.

Disney Reports Steaming Profits Surged In 1Q

Disney's streaming profits surged in its fiscal first quarter (ended Dec. 27, 2025), while international visitation to U.S. theme parks slowed, as investor focus intensifies on an imminent announcement of the company's next CEO—potentially as early as this week.

Disney+ and Hulu's combined operating income jumped 72% year-over-year to $450 million, surpassing Wall Street estimates and company guidance. CFO Hugh Johnston credited the growth to strong viewership of legacy films like Avatar and Zootopia (tied to recent sequels), hits such as ABC's High Potential, and reduced cancellations from bundles with the new direct-to-consumer ESPN service.

The company reported total revenue of $25.98 billion, up 7% from the prior year, with adjusted earnings per share beating expectations. Net income fell 6% to $2.4 billion.In contrast, non-streaming entertainment operating income dropped 55% to $650 million amid ongoing cord-cutting pressures.

Last fall, during the YouTube TV blackout, Wall Street analyst estimates pegged Disney's daily losses at around $4.3 million. However, the actual impact proved significantly higher.  The 15-day carriage dispute, which removed the ESPN suite of networks from Google's YouTube TV platform, led to a $110 million reduction in ESPN's operating income for Disney's fiscal year-end quarter. This equates to more than $7 million in daily losses for ESPN alone.

The experiences segment (theme parks, cruises, consumer products) saw revenue rise 6% to $10 billion and operating income increase 6% to $3.3 billion, driven by 1% higher domestic park attendance, 4% growth in per-guest spending, and added cruise bookings from a new ship. However, the company warned of only modest operating income growth in the current quarter, citing "international visitation headwinds" at domestic parks. 

Johnston declined to specify causes—amid broader concerns over diplomatic tensions, tariffs, and visa policies under the Trump administration—and noted a pivot toward more domestic-focused marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Streaming profitability remains vital as linear TV declines, while the experiences business continues generating the bulk of profits. The next CEO will need to sustain streaming momentum, navigate traditional TV's ongoing contraction, and drive further experiences growth.

Disney's board is meeting this week in Burbank, California, to vote on Bob Iger's successor. Uncertainty over succession has weighed on the stock for years, following the failed 2020 handoff to Bob Chapek, which led to Iger's return. Recent reports indicate the race has narrowed to internal candidates: Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden, with speculation and internal advocacy intensifying in recent months.

Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar Big Winners At the Grammys

The 68th Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and hosted by Trevor Noah in his final time, delivered historic wins, powerful performances, and notable political statements amid the current U.S. climate.

Bad Bunny made Grammy history by becoming the first artist to win Album of the Year for a primarily Spanish-language album with DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. He accepted the award emotionally, taking home three trophies total and using his moment to speak out against immigration enforcement with calls like "ICE out" and emphasizing humanity.

Kendrick Lamar dominated as the night's biggest overall winner, securing five awards—including a repeat Record of the Year for "luther" (featuring SZA)—pushing him to become the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history. He also won Best Rap Album for GNX and other rap categories.

Billie Eilish (with Finneas) claimed Song of the Year for "Wildflower," marking their third win in the category and tying them for the most in that award's history.

Olivia Dean took home Best New Artist in a competitive field, delivering one of the night's heartfelt acceptance speeches.

The Grammys debuted a new country music category, Best Contemporary Country Album, on Sunday, with Jelly Roll becoming the first winner in the category’s history. During his speech, he took time to thank God for his honors that night and shared his belief that God is not a political or partisan figure.

The ceremony featured standout performances from artists like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber (with a raw, stripped-down set), Bruno Mars and Rosé, Tyler, the Creator, and a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne led by Post Malone. 

Many stars, including Bad Bunny and others, incorporated commentary opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

The show marked the end of CBS's long broadcast run, shifting to Disney platforms starting in 2027. It stood out as a night celebrating global music diversity, rap milestones, and cultural breakthroughs without the usual dominance by artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, or Adele.

ESPN, NFL Media Close Merger Deal

ESPN has finalized its acquisition of NFL Network and other key media assets from the NFL, in exchange for granting the league a 10% equity stake in the sports network.

In a joint statement, the NFL and ESPN announced: “With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead. As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative fantasy experiences, and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”

Under the terms of the deal, ESPN now owns and operates the linear NFL Network, holds the rights to distribute the RedZone Channel to cable and satellite providers, and has taken over NFL Fantasy operations (with plans to merge them into ESPN's platform). The NFL retains full ownership and control of NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, its FAST channel, the official websites for its 32 teams, and continues to produce and distribute NFL RedZone digitally.

The agreement also includes licensing arrangements that provide ESPN with ongoing access to the league's content and intellectual property.

Prior to the transaction, The Walt Disney Company held an 80% stake in ESPN, with Hearst owning the remaining 20%. Following the deal, the NFL's 10% stake adjusts the ownership structure accordingly.

The Athletic first reported the regulatory approval from government authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and relevant non-U.S. antitrust bodies. The partnership was initially announced in August 2025, with NFL owners approving it in October 2025. The deal closed on Sundat=t, Integration of staff is expected to begin soon, with fuller effects rolling out in the coming months and ahead of the next NFL season.