Radio History: March 22

➦In 1922...WLW in Cincinnati signed-on.

In July 1921, radio manufacturer Powel Crosley Jr. (above) began 20-watt tests from his College Hill home, broadcasting "Song of India" continuously under the callsign 8CR. Powell already owned a number of enterprises, including the Crosmobile and a refrigerator-freezer company, and for many years, he held ownership of the Cincinnati Reds baseball club. Powell was innovative, personally inventing or funding the development of many then–cutting edge technological advances in his ventures which he placed in the able hands of his younger by two years brother, Lewis Crosley who was a graduate engineer from the University of Cincinnati.

On March 22, 1922, Crosley and his Crosley Broadcasting Corporation began broadcasting with the new callsign WLW and 50 watts of power. Crosley was a fanatic about the new broadcasting technology, and continually increased his station's capability. The power went up to 500 watts in September 1922, 1000 watts in May 1924, and in January 1925 WLW was the first broadcasting station at the 5000 watt level. On October 4, 1928, the station increased its power to 50 kilowatts.

Again it was the first station at this power level, which still is the maximum power currently allowed for any AM station in the United States.

At 50 kilowatts, WLW was heard easily over a wide area, from New York to Florida. But Crosley still wasn't satisfied. In 1933 he obtained a construction permit from the Federal Radio Commission for a 500 kilowatt superstation, and he spent some $500,000 ($9.11 million in 2014) building the transmitter and antenna.

It was the first large amplifier used in the United States for public domestic radio broadcasting and was in operation between 1934 and 1939. It was an experimental amplifier and was driven by the radio station's regular 50 kW transmitter. It operated in class C with high-level plate modulation. The amplifier required a dedicated 33 kV electrical substation and a large pond complete with fountains for cooling. It operated with a power input of about 750 kW (plus another 400 kW of audio for the modulator) and its output was 500 kW.

In January 1934 WLW began broadcasting at the 500 kilowatt level late at night under the experimental callsign W8XO. In April 1934 the station was authorized to operate at 500 kilowatts during regular hours under the WLW call letters.

On May 2, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a ceremonial button that officially launched WLW's 500-kilowatt signal. As the first station in the world to broadcast at this strength, WLW received repeated complaints from around the United States and Canada that it was overpowering other stations as far away as Toronto. In December 1934 WLW cut back to 50 kilowatts at night to mitigate the interference, and began construction of three 50 ft. tower antennas to be used to reduce signal strength towards Canada.

CBS Radio Network Decision: "Strategically Flawed"

CBS News Radio will shut down on May 22, eliminating all roles in the unit as parent company Paramount Skydance restructures its operations under CEO David Ellison, in a move executives say is driven by shifting industry dynamics and financial pressure.

The closure, announced Friday by network boss Bari Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, comes alongside layoffs affecting roughly 6% of staff—about 60 to 70 employees. Leadership told workers that “a shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities,” made continuing the service untenable, calling the decision necessary but difficult.

The shutdown ends a broadcast institution that dates back to 1927 and helped define modern journalism, featuring figures like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite and producing programs such as World News Roundup. Executives emphasized the unit’s legacy and said employees would be treated “with care and respect” during the wind-down.

Harvey Nagler

Critics argue the decision is premature and strategically flawed. Former CBS News Radio vice president Harvey Nagler said the network still reached hundreds of affiliates and millions of listeners weekly, calling the move “a profound strategic failure” and warning that “you can’t cut your way to growth.” He added that the company is missing a major opportunity to use radio to promote its broader media assets.

The NY Post reports other industry leaders echoed those concerns. Craig Swagler, now head of Baltimore Public Media, said the shutdown reduces access to reliable information nationwide at a time when independent voices are shrinking. He highlighted the historic significance of World News Roundup, tracing its origins to Murrow’s live reporting during events like the Nazi annexation of Austria—coverage that helped establish the foundation of modern broadcast journalism.

Despite its legacy, insiders say the radio unit was operating at roughly break-even financially—neither losing nor generating significant profit. While such units are often restructured rather than eliminated, sources noted that union constraints and broader corporate priorities made a full shutdown a cleaner option operationally.

What The Next Move For CBS Radio Network Affiliates?

The impending shutdown of CBS News Radio on May 22, 2026, marks the end of a nearly century-old national broadcast service and forces hundreds of affiliated stations to adjust—though most will continue operating in their current formats with minimal disruption.

For example, Audacy's WBBM News Chicago, KYW in Philadelphia and WWJ in Detroit have stated they will be continuing in their present news and News/Talk formats

Roughly 700 radio stations across the United States have relied on CBS for top-of-hour newscasts, features, and signature programs such as World News Roundup. With the network’s closure, those affiliates will lose a centralized source of national audio news. However, the impact will be more about content replacement than format change.

News and talk stations are expected to remain news-focused. Many will transition to alternative providers like ABC News Radio, Fox News Radio, or NBC News Radio, while larger-market outlets may expand their own local reporting operations. Stations that already produce significant local content—such as KCBS Radio—are likely to experience only minor on-air changes.

Music stations, including those in country, adult contemporary, or classic hits formats, will be even less affected. For these outlets, CBS programming typically amounted to brief hourly updates. Most will either substitute another network’s headlines or eliminate national newscasts altogether, continuing their music-driven formats uninterrupted.

Sports and specialty stations face similarly limited disruption. Those that carried CBS sports updates may switch to providers such as ESPN Radio, while religious and niche broadcasters are expected to maintain their existing programming structures with only minor adjustments to news inserts.

The broader shift reflects long-term industry trends. Declining revenue from traditional radio networks, combined with the rise of digital and on-demand audio platforms, has reduced the viability of centralized news services. Corporate restructuring within CBS’s parent company further accelerated the decision.

In effect, while the disappearance of CBS News Radio represents a significant historical milestone, it does not signal a widespread overhaul of local radio formats. Instead, it underscores a quieter transition already underway: local stations continuing as they are, simply sourcing their national news from somewhere else—or not at all.

R.I.P.: CBS Pulls The Radio Network Plug

CBS News will shut down its radio news service on May 22, ending nearly a century of broadcasts as part of layoffs driven by shifting radio programming strategies and economic pressures, the company announced Friday.

The move brings to a close a service that has operated since September 1927 and currently supplies news content to about 700 stations nationwide, including its well-known top-of-the-hour updates.

“While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski said in a memo to staff.

When it went on the air in September 1927, CBS News Radio was the precursor to the entire network, giving a youthful William S. Paley a start in the business. Famed broadcaster Edward R. Murrow delivered reports from London during World War II as part of the service.

Over the years, broadcasters like Douglas Edwards, Dallas Townsend and Christopher Glenn were familiar voices on CBS News Radio. But radio, like other legacy media, has struggled in the digital age, as consumers shift online for 24/7 news and entertainment, according to The Chicago Tribune.

“This is another part of the landscape that has fallen off into the sea,” said Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers, a trade publication for radio talk shows. “It’s a shame. It’s a loss for the country and for the industry.”

The shutdown reflects broader changes in how audiences consume news. Once a dominant medium from the 1920s through the 1940s — when listeners gathered for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats” — radio was overtaken by television in the 1950s and has since been further displaced by digital platforms and podcasts.

CBS no longer owns the radio stations — it sold them back in 2017 — but the unit regularly produced content for the CBS radio affiliates. Journalists across the media industry lamented the decision to end the network, which launched in 1927 and was the last of the original three radio networks to remain in operation after the NBC Radio Network and the Mutual Broadcasting System ended in 1999.

Despite its decline, CBS News Radio played a significant role in broadcast history. It predates the CBS television network and helped launch the career of William S. Paley. The service rose to prominence during World War II, particularly through Edward R. Murrow’s influential reports from London.

The decision also comes amid ongoing changes within CBS News leadership. Weiss, who joined the network without prior broadcast experience after founding The Free Press, has drawn attention for her direction of the division. Shortly after taking the role, she warned staff the network would be “toast” if it stayed on its current path and pushed for content that would “surprise and provoke.”

Her tenure has also faced scrutiny, including criticism over delaying a “60 Minutes” segment about former President Donald Trump’s deportation policy, raising questions among some observers about the network’s editorial direction.

Nexstar Merger Still Facing Legal Challenges

The FCC on Thursday approved Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, clearing the way for one of the largest local television mergers in U.S. history — even as two lawsuits were filed the same day seeking to block the deal.

The merger will create a broadcast giant with 265 television stations across 44 states and Washington, D.C., primarily affiliated with major networks including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. As a condition of approval, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Nexstar agreed to divest six stations to comply with ownership limits.

The deal required regulatory clearance because it exceeds federal caps on how many local stations a single company can own. Nexstar said it has also received approval from the Justice Department, though that could not be independently confirmed Thursday.

Opposition to the merger emerged immediately in court. Attorneys general from eight states — California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Virginia — joined DirecTV in filing lawsuits in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, arguing the deal would raise prices for consumers and harm local journalism.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the merger could drive up cable costs nationwide, while the states contend it violates federal antitrust laws. DirecTV similarly warned that Nexstar would gain leverage to demand higher fees from distributors, costs that would likely be passed on to subscribers.

Critics also raised concerns about the impact on local news. The lawsuits point to Nexstar’s history of consolidating operations in markets where it owns multiple stations, arguing the merger could further weaken already strained local newsrooms. According to the states, Nexstar and Tegna currently overlap in 31 markets.

FCC leadership and Nexstar executives defended the deal as necessary for the industry’s future. Carr said stronger station groups are needed to sustain local broadcasting, while Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said the combined company would be better positioned to invest in journalism and local programming.

Nielsen Further Delays The Gauge for February 2026

Nielsen has further delayed the release of its February 2026 Gauge report following backlash from major streaming platforms, saying additional time is needed to update and validate its data.

The Gauge—Nielsen’s closely watched monthly snapshot of U.S. television and streaming usage—was expected to provide key insights into viewing trends, particularly the balance between traditional TV and digital platforms. However, concerns raised by streamers about accuracy and methodology prompted the company to postpone publication while it revises its numbers.

According to Nielsen, the delay is tied to “necessary data updates,” signaling that previously compiled figures may not have fully captured recent shifts in viewing behavior. The company has not provided a new release date but emphasized that ensuring accuracy is critical given the report’s influence across the media and advertising industries.

The backlash from streaming companies underscores growing tension over how audiences are measured in an increasingly fragmented media environment. Platforms have long argued that third-party measurement systems struggle to fully account for cross-device viewing, password sharing, and proprietary data that streamers themselves control.

Trending as noted in January 2026 Gauge

The Gauge report has become a benchmark for evaluating the performance of streaming services versus broadcast and cable networks, making any revision or delay especially significant for advertisers, programmers, and investors who rely on the data to make strategic decisions.

While delays to the report are rare, the move highlights the mounting pressure on Nielsen to adapt its measurement systems to a rapidly evolving media landscape—one where streaming continues to challenge the dominance of traditional television and demands more precise, transparent metrics.

Judge Rules In Favor of The NYT vs.The Pentagon

A federal district court judge has ruled in favor of The New York Times in its legal challenge against Pentagon press access restrictions, finding that the policy violated constitutional protections under the First and Fifth Amendments.

In the decision, the court determined that the Pentagon’s rules improperly limited the Times’ ability to gather and report news, infringing on freedom of the press. The judge also found that the policy denied fair treatment under the law, specifically citing its impact on national security reporter Julian E. Barnes.

The lawsuit centered on new or revised press access guidelines that restricted certain journalists’ ability to engage with Pentagon officials and attend briefings. The Times argued that these limitations were both arbitrary and discriminatory, placing undue burdens on its reporting operations.

In siding with the newspaper, the judge emphasized that government institutions cannot impose restrictions that undermine constitutional rights without sufficient justification. The ruling reinforces longstanding legal protections for journalists covering federal agencies, particularly in matters of public interest and national security.

The Pentagon has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision or revise its press policies in response to the ruling.

Trump Orders Network 'Protection' For Army-Navy Football

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order aimed at preventing other college football games from airing at the same time as the annual Army–Navy Game, a move intended to preserve the event’s exclusive television window but one he acknowledged could face legal challenges.

According to The Washington Post, the order was signed at the White House as Trump presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football. The trophy is awarded to the winner of games among the U.S. service academies, including Army Black Knights football, Navy, and Air Force. The Army–Navy game is traditionally played on the second Saturday in December, a time slot long reserved as a standalone national showcase.

Trump said the measure would ensure no competing games are broadcast during that window, declaring the matchup “preserved forever,” while also conceding, “we’ll probably get sued at some point.” Legal experts quickly raised concerns about the order’s constitutionality, pointing to potential conflicts with the First Amendment and existing broadcast regulations.

The move comes as college football leaders consider expanding the College Football Playoff, with some proposals suggesting scheduling changes that could place other games against the Army–Navy broadcast or shift it to a different day. Supporters of the rivalry have pushed back, arguing the game’s standalone status is central to its tradition and national significance.

The Army–Navy game has long been a major television draw, airing on CBS since 1996 and consistently delivering strong ratings. Trump, who has attended the game regularly, previously previewed the order on social media, framing it as a patriotic effort to protect a uniquely American sports tradition.

Rockford Radio: Steve Shannon Ends 3-Decades On WZOK

Longtime Rockford radio personality Steve Shannon is ending his three-decade run at WZOK 97ZOK after 31 years on the air, with his final broadcasts scheduled for March 23 and 24, 2026.

Shannon, the voice behind the popular morning program The Steve Shannon Show, announced his departure Friday. The station confirmed his last shows will air from 6–10 a.m., closing out a tenure that made him one of the most recognizable figures in Rockford radio.

Despite the exit, Shannon made clear he is not retiring, joking publicly that only a winning lottery ticket might change that. His departure appears to be a personal decision rather than an abrupt cancellation, though no detailed next step has been announced.

The station he leaves behind, WZOK 97ZOK, is a long-running Top 40 outlet serving the Rockford area and owned by Townsquare Media. Over decades, Shannon helped define its morning identity, becoming a consistent presence for listeners during the station’s peak contemporary hit radio years.

His exit marks the end of an era for the station and its audience, removing a familiar voice that has anchored mornings in the region for a generation.

D/FW Radio: Cumulus Country Raise $360K+ For Kids Medical

Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 (KSCS-FM) and 99.5 The Wolf (KPLX-FM) presented the Fifth Annual Texas Independence Jam guitar pull on March 8, 2026, at the historic Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Dallas/Fort Worth.

 Country music fans enjoyed live music performances by a star-studded lineup including Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Hudson Westbrook, Corey Kent, Gary LeVox, Turnpike Troubadours, Justin Moore, Dylan Scott, Tucker Wetmore, and Ashley Cooke, who entertained the sold-out crowd over three sets with high energy performances. Corey Kent filled in for the previously announced Pat Green, due to a vocal injury, but Green will be on the slate for the stations’ Texas Independence Jam 2027.

Highlights of the show included Corey Kent stepping in at the last minute to fill in for Pat Green during the final set; listeners filling out of the Rodeo Arena at Billy Bob’s Texas for a first glimpse of the artists during the stations’ live broadcast radio interviews; Landon Nolty, a former Cook Children’s Patient singing the National Anthem before the show for the fifth year in a row; and the ultimate highlight: Legacy Chevrolet GMC donating an additional $50,000 to Cook Children’s.

“Our Texas Independence Jam ’26 was one for the books. We had more Texas stars than ever, and you could feel the energy of a sold-out Billy Bob’s Texas everywhere you turned. And to raise over $350,000 in donations to Cook Children’s Medical Center during the show was unbelievable!”, said Mike Preston, Program Director for New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf.

R.I.P.: Gary McKee, '70s-80s Top-Rated Atlanta Morning Host

Gary McKee

Gary McKee, a top-rated Atlanta radio host in the 1970s and ’80s known for his high-energy morning shows, has died at 81 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, his daughter Cassidy confirmed.

McKee dominated Atlanta’s airwaves during his peak years on WQXI-AM and 94Q (now Star 94), where his morning show drew as much as 20% of the metro audience. At the height of his career in the 1980s, he earned more than $400,000 annually and became a widely recognized media figure, appearing on billboards and television specials.

Colleagues and listeners remember him as a defining voice of the era. “He just owned the market,” said Dennis Winslow, a former 94Q host. Reg Griffin, another Atlanta radio personality, compared McKee’s influence on local radio to Johnny Carson’s dominance of national television.

Known as the “Morning Mouth of the South,” McKee built his success on humor, fast-paced banter and strong chemistry with co-hosts Yetta Levitt, Bob Carr (Willis the Guard) and Gary Corry (Red Neckerson). His memorable one-liners and comedic bits became part of Atlanta radio culture.

Born in Illinois, McKee began his radio career at 17 and later graduated from Eastern Illinois University. After serving two years in the Army during the Vietnam War, he worked in Pensacola and Cincinnati before joining WQXI in 1971 at age 26. Drawing on a theater background, he crafted an on-air persona he described as “a little salty, a bit of a wise-ass,” while maintaining high expectations for his team behind the scenes.

McKee often cited his years working with Levitt, Carr and Corry from 1978 to 1987 as the highlight of his career. Levitt described their on-air partnership as seamless and instinctive.

After Levitt’s departure, ratings declined, and McKee’s priorities shifted following his relationship with his future wife, Anita. “I stopped doing that,” he said in a 2014 interview, referring to connecting with his audience. “I just fell head over heels in love.”

Following his time at 94Q, which eventually changed formats and dropped him, McKee hosted a talk show on WSB-AM and later worked at B98.5 and Z93. Despite those roles, he acknowledged he never fully recreated the success of his earlier years, according to Rodney Ho at ajc.com.

Throughout his career, McKee maintained that his motivation was never financial. “I’ve always worked for fun,” he said. “And when you work for fun, you can’t help but be good at it.”

In 2007, he was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.

Radio History: March 21

The Ritz Theater 1937

➦In 1921...Broadway's The Walter Kerr Theatre opened at 219 West 48th Street in NYC.  One of the smaller auditoriums in the Theater District, it seats 975. Designed by Herbert J. Krapp for the Shubert family, it operated as the Ritz Theatre from 1921 to 1990, when it was renamed for playwright and critic Walter Kerr.  ABC operated it as a radio and then television studio between 1943 and 1965.

➦In 1922...KGW-AM, Portland, Oregon signed-on.

The Oregonian newspaper created KGW-AM (now Sports KPOJ 620 AM RipCity, owned by iHeartMedia) by purchasing an existing transmitter from the Shipowners Radio Service. The U.S. Department of Commerce licensed the station, and it began broadcasting on March 21, 1922

The studio was housed on the 11th floor of The Oregonian Building Tower at Sixth & Alder Streets. The transmitter was located on the 13th floor. The antenna consisted of a 70-foot, four-wire inverted "L"-type flattop, suspended between a 60-foot mast on top of the building and a 95-foot tower on the nearby Northwestern Bank Building.

R.G. Calvert supervised the operation and Richard “Dick” Haller was the program director. Their aim was to give their listeners news fresh from the press with the best music and outstanding speakers. KGW’s early announcers and writers were usually former newspaper employees, and the first engineers and technicians came from the ranks of former maritime wireless radio operators.

When the station first went on the air, 5,000 radio sets were said to have tuned in. Speakers included The Oregonian’s Editor, Edgar Piper and Mayor George Baker. There was also an opera singer, a novelist and a live musical presentation. Dick Haller became known as KGW’s “Million-Dollar Voice” and his broadcasts were very popular. He would go on to a successful career with NBC in San Francisco.

As an early radio station experiencing tremendous popularity, KGW implemented many innovative new broadcasting ideas. KGW set itself apart from the other stations by having the first radio variety show in the nation, the first audience participation show, the first quiz program, the first library program, the first radio debate, the first in-school listening program and the first singing commercial. In 1925, on-air advertising became a source of KGW’s operating revenue. KGW produced the first-ever singing commercial for Sears, Roebuck and Company in the late 1920s.

KGW was the first station in Oregon to affiliate with a national broadcasting service when they carried the inaugural program of the National Broadcasting Company’s Orange Network on April 5, 1927. The Orange Network was known as the NBC Pacific Coast Network.

The nationally famous Hoot Owls, officially known as "The Order of Hoot Owls Roosting in the Oregonian Tower" aired from 1923 to 1933 as a 2-1/2 hour variety show that was broadcast to over one million listeners. Their slogan soon became "Keep Growing Wiser," whose initial letters represented the KGW call letters.

One of the performers on the Hoot Owls program, Mel Blanc, achieved fame as the author of cartoon characterization in later years in Hollywood where he became the nation’s voice for cartoon characters such as Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. Blanc, who received his high school education in Portland, joined the program in 1927. Nicknamed "The Grand Snicker" on the Hoot Owls, Blanc became well known for his comedy, as well as his skills as a storyteller, ad-libber, musician, vocalist, and, later, orchestra pit conductor.

Blanc left KGW in 1933 and moved down the hall to perform on sister station KEX in the popular "Cobwebs and Nuts" program, before moving to Hollywood in 1935.

➦In 1924...The first foreign language broadcast aired on WJZ 770 AM, New York City.

The WJZ call sign was first used on what is now WABC in New York City. The original Westinghouse Electric Corporation, whose broadcasting division is a predecessor to the current broadcasting unit of CBS Corporation, launched WJZ in 1921, located originally in Newark, New Jersey. WJZ was sold in 1923 to the Radio Corporation of America, who moved its operations to New York, and in 1926 WJZ became the flagship station for the NBC Blue Network.

In the 1929 movie The Cocoanuts the station was name-checked by Chico Marx in a sequence of running gags between Chico and Groucho: Chico uses the station's call-sign as the punchline of a punning joke based on his confusion over the meaning of the word "radius", which he confuses with 'radios', leading to the mention of the station's call-sign. NBC Blue would become the American Broadcasting Company in 1942. ABC later established WJZ-FM and WJZ-TV at the same time in 1948.

In 1953 ABC merged with United Paramount Theatres, and changed the call letters of their New York area stations to WABC, WABC-FM (now WPLJ) and WABC-TV. Four years later, Westinghouse Broadcasting acquired Baltimore television station WAAM (channel 13) and changed its call letters to WJZ-TV, which remained an ABC affiliate until 1995 when the station switched to CBS.

Lowell Thomas

➦In 1925...Lowell Thomas was first heard on radio as a guest on KDKA, Pittsburgh PA talking about “man’s first flight around the world".

In 1930, he became a broadcaster with the CBS Radio network, delivering a nightly news and commentary program. After two years, he switched to the NBC Radio network but returned to CBS in 1947. In contrast to today's practices, Thomas was not an employee of either NBC News or CBS News. Prior to 1947, he was employed by the broadcast's sponsor Sunoco.

He returned to CBS to take advantage of lower capital-gains tax rates, establishing an independent company to produce the broadcast which he sold to CBS. He hosted the first-ever television news broadcast in 1939 and the first regularly scheduled television news broadcast (even though it was just a camera simulcast of his radio broadcast) beginning on February 21, 1940 over local station W2XBS (now WNBC) New York.

CBS To Shutter Radio News Division

(1927-2026)

UPDATE 10:30 AM Friday:   CBS News will shut down its CBS News Radio division and lay off about 6% of its workforce, network leaders Bari Weiss and Tom Cibrowski announced Friday.

The nearly century-old radio service, which distributes news to roughly 700 affiliate stations, will cease operations on May 22. All positions tied to CBS News Radio will be eliminated as part of the restructuring.

📻LAST BROADCAST:  May 22, 2026

Staff members were informed of the decision Friday, the same day the company began implementing its latest round of layoffs. Affected employees are expected to be notified by the end of the day.

In a memo to staff, Weiss and Cibrowski acknowledged the impact of the cuts, writing that the decision was “necessary” but “not an easy one,” and emphasizing the contributions of employees who helped cover major global events over the years.

Bari Weiss

The layoffs are smaller than some had anticipated. Earlier reports suggested the network could cut up to 15% of its approximately 1,100-person workforce. The company had already reduced staff by about 100 employees in October, and concerns about additional cuts had circulated internally ahead of Friday’s announcement.

Executives said the move reflects broader shifts across the media landscape, including audience fragmentation, the rise of streaming platforms, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on search and content distribution.

“New audiences are burgeoning in new places,” Weiss and Cibrowski wrote, adding that the company plans to invest in emerging platforms. “That means some parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.”

The Staff Memo From Bari Weiss

CRS: Radio's Advantage Is the Human Touch

Country radio’s competitive advantage over streaming may have little to do with the music itself — and everything to do with the people behind it.

A new CRS perceptual study from Strategic Solutions Research found that listeners overwhelmingly prefer human-curated playlists over AI-generated ones, by a margin of 57% to 10% in a nationwide survey of 1,500 fans. The message for stations is clear: emphasizing the human element isn’t optional — it’s essential.

The importance of real personalities reinforces that point. 

Respondents ranked live, on-air hosts as the second most valuable feature of local country radio, trailing only song selection. Three out of four listeners rated personalities highly, giving them scores between 8 and 10 on a 10-point scale — a result that held across all age groups, including younger, digital-native audiences.

The study, which combined 50 video interviews with a survey designed to reflect U.S. Census demographics, also highlighted how deeply country music resonates with its audience. More than half of respondents said country is part of their identity, and a similar share reported listening more now than they were six months ago.

That connection is largely emotional. Listeners said country music makes them feel good, tells stories they relate to, and evokes memories in ways other formats don’t. Many pointed specifically to the lyrics as a key differentiator, describing the genre as one that demands attention and delivers personal meaning.

At the same time, the data underscores how competitive the broader audio landscape has become. Only 16% of respondents listen exclusively to country, meaning most are regularly exploring other formats. Listening habits also shift seasonally, with some audiences increasing their country consumption during the summer.

Streaming, meanwhile, remains deeply embedded in listener behavior. Eight in 10 radio listeners also use streaming platforms, with YouTube and Spotify leading the way. Most users pay for subscriptions and show little interest in canceling, confirming that streaming is a permanent fixture — not a passing trend.

Still, radio has opportunities to compete. Many listeners on free, ad-supported streaming tiers believe they hear as many or more commercials as they do on local radio, suggesting a potential advantage in positioning.

Radio’s strongest foothold remains in the car, where four in 10 listeners say they tune in most. Home listening is close behind but increasingly dominated by streaming, while workplace listening lags — an area the study identified as a potential growth opportunity as individuals gain more control over what they hear on the job.

The takeaway is straightforward: streaming isn’t going anywhere, but neither is radio’s edge — especially when it leans into what streaming can’t replicate as easily — the human touch.

Former FCC Republicans Rebuke License Threats

Carr Threats Make Him 'Unfit For Office'

Four former Republican officials from the Federal Communications Commission are sharply criticizing proposals by Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to revoke the licenses of television stations accused of broadcasting “fake news” about the administration’s handling of the Iran war, calling the idea unconstitutional and urging congressional intervention.

In a joint statement released through Protect Democracy, the former officials said Carr’s actions amount to intimidation of the press and warned that his conduct makes him “unfit for office.” They called on Congress to investigate the FCC’s actions and consider stronger measures, arguing that “the future of free speech and the free press in this country are at risk.”

The statement was signed by former FCC Chairs Mark Fowler and Alfred Sikes, former Commissioner Rachelle Chong, and former Chief of Staff Jerald Fritz. Their criticism adds a notable Republican voice to a debate that has largely drawn opposition from Democrats and media advocates.

At issue are recent comments suggesting the FCC could investigate and potentially revoke broadcast licenses over what regulators deem biased or misleading coverage. The former officials argue such actions would violate both the First Amendment and the Communications Act, which they say clearly prohibit government interference in editorial decisions.

Nexstar Closes $6.2 Billion Tegna Merger

Nexstar Media Group has closed its $6.2 billion merger with Tegna after securing federal approval, creating one of the largest broadcast television companies in the U.S. The deal, cleared by the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department, consolidates hundreds of local stations despite ongoing legal challenges from multiple states and industry opposition.

Perry Snook

The approval came less than a day after a coalition of eight states filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger, arguing it would concentrate too much power in local TV markets, raise subscription prices, and reduce the quality of local news. DirecTV also filed a separate lawsuit, claiming Nexstar could use its expanded size to demand higher fees from distributors and potentially black out stations during disputes.

As part of the approval, Nexstar agreed to divest six stations in markets including Denver, Indianapolis, and New Haven within two years. The FCC also granted a waiver allowing Nexstar to exceed the federal ownership cap of 39% of U.S. TV households; the combined company will reach roughly 60%.

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said the merger would strengthen the company’s ability to deliver local programming and journalism. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the waiver, saying it aligns with the agency’s goals of promoting competition, localism, and diversity.

The combined company would own 265 full-power television stations across 44 states and the District of Columbia and in 132 of the country’s 210 television designated market areas, the FCC said. It would own two stations in each of 17 DMAs.

The decision, made by the FCC’s Media Bureau without a full commission vote, drew criticism from Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez, who called the process lacking in transparency.

State officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, say they will continue to challenge the merger in court and may seek an emergency order to halt integration while litigation proceeds. The lawsuits highlight increasing efforts by state attorneys general to challenge major media consolidations amid a more lenient federal stance.

Delayed Nielsen Data To Show Traditional TV Back on Top

Streaming’s lead over traditional television viewing narrowed in February, with linear TV reclaiming a larger share of U.S. viewing time, according to new data from Nielsen. Streaming accounted for 41.9% of viewing, compared with 47.4% for broadcast and cable combined, reversing gains reported just a month earlier.

The shift follows January data showing streaming at 47% and linear TV at 42.7%, and comes after Nielsen had previously announced that streaming surpassed traditional TV for the first time in May. The February reversal reflects both methodological changes and seasonal programming factors.

Nielsen recently updated its measurement approach by incorporating data from the Advertising Research Foundation, rather than relying solely on its own panels. The change, encouraged by the Media Rating Council, is intended to improve demographic accuracy but resulted in a one-time shift in reported viewing shares.

The Wall Street Journal reports streaming platforms broadly saw declines in their share of TV viewing in February. YouTube dropped to 11% from 12.5%, Netflix fell to 7.5% from 8.8%, Amazon Prime Video declined to 3.3% from 4.1%, and Roku decreased to 2.4% from 3%. Other services, including Disney+ and Paramount+, also lost share.

‘The Bachelorette’ Season Canceled After Leaked Video of Assault

ABC has pulled the planned Sunday premiere of The Bachelorette after a video surfaced appearing to show its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, involved in a violent incident with her former partner while a child was present.

The decision came hours after TMZ leaked the footage. In a statement, a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television said the network would not move forward with the new season “at this time,” adding that its focus is on supporting the family. It remains unclear whether the season will air at a later date.

The move halts what had been a high-stakes effort by ABC to revive one of its flagship franchises. Taylor Frankie Paul, a social media influencer with more than 6 million TikTok followers, gained prominence on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and was expected to bring new attention to the long-running dating show.

Sunday Premiere Pulled

The controversy follows reports earlier in the week of a domestic dispute between Paul and her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a child. Police in Draper City, Utah, confirmed a domestic assault investigation involving the two in late February. Filming of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was also paused amid the reports.

In 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in Herriman, Utah, over domestic violence allegations related to Mortensen and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

Before the video’s release, Paul had been actively promoting The Bachelorette, including appearances at the Oscars and on Good Morning America, where she described the situation as a “heavy time” and said she was focused on her children.

The Bachelorette is part of ABC’s long-running reality franchise that began with The Bachelor in 2002 and later expanded to spinoffs like Bachelor in Paradise. Once a dominant force in ratings, the franchise has seen declining viewership in recent years, making the now-scrapped season a key attempt at a revival.

KATZ: Why Radio Still Wins

The more automated media becomes, the more trust becomes a valuable currency. 

We are entering a new era of media, one where artificial intelligence can generate articles, images, voices, and even entire advertising campaigns in seconds. While these innovations are transforming the media ecosystem, they’re also creating a new challenge for brands and consumers alike: trust.

As AI-generated content becomes more common, many consumers are questioning what’s real and what isn’t. In fact, recent research shows that 75% of Americans say they trust the internet less today than ever before (Talker Research survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 2025), and most say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and artificial information online.

In a media environment filled with algorithmic feeds, deepfakes, and synthetic voices, trusted human connection is becoming more valuable, not less. And that’s where radio stands apart. 

RADIO IS THE HUMAN MEDIUM

Unlike many digital platforms, radio has always been a human-first medium. Whether it’s a morning host, a local personality, or a familiar voice delivering the news, listeners experience radio through real people they know and trust.

This connection matters. Recent Katz Radio Group media trust studies have consistently shown that radio remains the most trusted mass medium, with over 8 in 10 adults saying they find it trustworthy, a higher rating than television, newspapers, or magazines.

The contrast becomes even clearer when compared to digital environments. We found that social media, where AI-generated content spreads easily, is trusted by only 49% of adults, making it the least trusted information source in the same survey.

TRUST BUILT THROUGH FAMILIAR VOICES

R.I.P.: Chuck Norris, 86, Hollywood Action Actor

Chuck Norris (1940-2026)

Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion turned Hollywood action star best known for films like Missing in Action and the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.

Norris died Friday morning after being hospitalized a day earlier in Hawaii, according to a statement released by his family. Further details about the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.

A defining figure of 1980s action cinema, Norris built a reputation as both an authentic fighter and a screen presence rooted in discipline and restraint. Unlike many actors who merely portrayed toughness, Norris was widely respected in martial arts circles. He held black belts in multiple disciplines, including karate, Tang Soo Do, and taekwondo, and trained alongside legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.

Their on-screen confrontation in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon remains one of the most iconic fight scenes in martial arts film history, cementing Norris’ place in the genre’s legacy.

Throughout his career, Norris frequently portrayed stoic, independent characters who adhered to a strict moral code. His roles often emphasized justice over aggression, echoing the ethos of classic Western heroes such as John Wayne—figures who resorted to violence only as a last measure.

Beyond film and television, Norris also operated karate schools and contributed to the popularization of martial arts in the United States, influencing generations of practitioners and fans alike.

Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse For Friday, March 20

Radio Broadcasting

Country Radio Seminar shapes industry direction:  The Country Radio Seminar 2026 emerged as the most significant event in U.S. radio, bringing together industry leaders in Nashville to address the future of broadcasting, including competition from streaming and evolving audience habits. The three-day conference featured panels on AI, audience measurement, and digital strategy, all aimed at helping radio remain competitive. Key programming decisions and music promotion strategies for country radio are often influenced by conversations at CRS. A standout moment included buzz from a reunion appearance by Florida Georgia Line, highlighting radio’s continued role in artist promotion and discovery.

Radio industry confronts streaming competition and shifting audience: Broadcasters are increasingly focused on adapting to digital disruption as streaming platforms continue to challenge traditional listening habits. Discussions at Country Radio Seminar 2026 emphasized reaching younger audiences, integrating digital platforms, and using new tools like AI to refine programming and advertising strategies.

Ongoing financial pressures weigh on local radio stations:  Local radio stations across the U.S. continue to face economic strain from declining ad revenue and audience fragmentation, contributing to consolidation and operational challenges. These pressures formed a key backdrop to conversations at Country Radio Seminar 2026, where executives discussed sustainability and new revenue models. Despite these challenges, industry leaders expressed cautious optimism that innovation and strategic adaptation can help radio remain competitive in a changing media environment.

Media Industry

Nexstar closes Tegna merger despite legal challenges: Nexstar Media Group completed its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department, creating one of the largest local TV station operators in the country. The deal consolidates hundreds of stations and expands Nexstar’s reach to roughly 60% of U.S. TV households, following a regulatory waiver. The approval came even as a coalition of states filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger, arguing it would reduce competition and raise prices. The merger underscores ongoing consolidation across the media landscape, as companies scale up to compete with streaming platforms and declining traditional TV audiences.

Nielsen data shows streaming loses ground to traditional TV:  New data from Nielsen showed streaming accounted for 41.9% of U.S. TV viewing in February, falling behind broadcast and cable at 47.4%, reversing trends from the previous month. The shift follows a methodology change incorporating data from the Advertising Research Foundation, which boosted estimates for traditional TV audiences. Major platforms like Netflix and YouTube saw declines in share. Despite the drop, Nielsen said long-term trends still favor streaming growth, highlighting the ongoing competition between digital platforms and legacy media.

ABC halts “The Bachelorette” premiere amid controversy:  ABC postponed the premiere of The Bachelorette after a video surfaced involving its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, in an alleged domestic incident. The network said it would not move forward with the season “at this time,” prioritizing those involved, and leaving the show’s future uncertain. The decision halted a high-profile attempt to revive the long-running franchise. The incident highlights reputational risks in the entertainment industry and the growing influence of social media in shaping programming decisions.

U-S News

March Madness grips the nation as tournament begins: The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is underway, dominating national attention as first-round games tip off across the country, with early upsets and powerhouse teams advancing. Top seeds including Duke Blue Devils men's basketball and Michigan Wolverines men's basketball secured wins, while lower-seeded teams pulled off notable surprises, underscoring the tournament’s unpredictability. The annual event is one of the biggest moments in U.S. sports, driving massive TV audiences, office bracket pools, and widespread fan engagement nationwide.

U.S.-Iran conflict intensifies amid misinformation concerns: Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high as military conflict continues, accompanied by a surge in misinformation and propaganda online. Officials have warned about fake AI-generated images and videos circulating on social media, including false depictions of U.S. military losses. The conflict has also fueled political debate in Washington over media coverage, national security, and the role of technology platforms in spreading disinformation. The situation remains fluid, with global implications for security and diplomacy.

 
Iran executes champion wrestler, drawing global outrage:  Iran has executed Mehdi Ali Hosseini, a champion wrestler, sparking international condemnation from human rights groups and governments. Critics say the execution highlights Iran’s ongoing use of capital punishment and raises concerns about due process and political repression. The case has drawn comparisons to past executions of athletes that triggered global backlash. The incident adds to tensions surrounding Iran as the country faces increased scrutiny over both its domestic policies and its role in regional conflict.