Buffalo Radio: Street Talk Has Cumulus Launching Sports Station

Cumulus Media appears poised to flip one of its Buffalo radio stations to a sports format, coinciding with the Buffalo Bills naming its 96.9 WGRF “97 Rock” as the new flagship for game broadcasts starting in the 2026 season.

The move would give Cumulus a dedicated sports talk presence in the market as it regains Bills radio rights after a 14-year absence. The team’s games previously aired on Audacy’s WGR 550 AM.Key 

Cumulus owns several signals in Buffalo, including:

• 96.9 WGRF (97 Rock) — Classic rock, now the primary flagship for Bills preseason, regular season, and postseason games.
• 103.3 WEDG (The Edge) — Current rock format, a leading candidate for the potential sports flip.
• Other stations such as classic hits WHTT and CHR WBBF.

Industry observers point to domain registrations and other signals as indicators of the planned format change, which would allow Cumulus to air expanded Bills coverage, local sports talk, and national programming around the team’s in-house radio network.

The Bills announced the partnership with Cumulus on Fridat. The team will produce and manage all broadcasts, including pregame and postgame shows, with play-by-play voice Chris Brown, analyst Eric Wood, and sideline reporter Steve Tasker. Syracuse’s 1260 The Score (WSKO) will serve as an initial affiliate, with additional stations in Rochester and Southern Ontario expected soon.

This marks a return to Cumulus for the Bills, whose games aired on 97 Rock from 1998 to 2011 before shifting to WGR. 

TNo official confirmation or exact launch date for the sports flip has been released, but the strategic alignment with high-profile Bills coverage positions Cumulus to challenge the market’s established sports radio options more directly.

NFL: Fans Are Already On Other Platforms

The fragmentation of NFL game broadcasts across more than a dozen services is frustrating fans and hitting their wallets hard, prompting a DOJ investigation into the league’s media deals.

According to estimates cited by the FCC, fans wanting to watch every game in the 2025 season may have needed to spend upward of $1,500. That’s because games aired on 10 different services, with 20 regular-season matchups and one playoff game available only as streaming exclusives. Local market availability did not reduce the overall burden. The NFL and other major leagues enjoy antitrust exemptions for negotiating television rights. 

However, lawmakers argue that the surge in streaming has created an undue burden on consumers. 

Roger Goodell

The DOJ probe is shining a light on the NFL’s distribution strategy and could signal similar reviews for other leagues. Free over-the-air broadcasters face increasing competition as streamers aggressively pursue sports content after largely avoiding it until recently. High-profile games—season openers, holiday matchups, and key playoffs—that were once guaranteed on free TV are now increasingly behind paywalls.

The NFL has diversified its model by bypassing traditional broadcast networks for deals with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, capitalizing on strong demand for its content. The league maintains it is simply meeting fans where they are.

“We think broadcast networks have been an incredible home,” NFL Executive Vice President of Media Distribution Hans Schroeder told reporters. “And now we also know fans are increasingly spending their time on other platforms as well.”

He added that the league wants to remain on broadcast while placing a limited number of games on platforms where fans already spend time. 

Disney Shifts to Aggressive Stance Against FCC Probe

Disney filed a 52-page legal brief with the Federal Communications Commission last week, mounting a forceful defense against the agency’s investigation into the ABC talk show “The View.” 

The filing represents a sharp departure from the company’s previously conciliatory posture toward the Trump administration under former CEO Bob Iger.

The more combative approach comes under new CEO Josh D’Amaro and has already drawn support from Anna Gomez, the FCC’s lone Democratic commissioner. Gomez praised Disney’s decision to push back, telling TheWrap that “capitulation does not buy protection.”

Legal experts say the company had little alternative once the FCC opened a formal investigation. “Chairman [Carr] has given them no choice but to push back,” said Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, in an interview with TheWrap.

The brief marks the latest flashpoint in growing tensions between Disney and the FCC under Republican leadership. Previously, under Iger, the entertainment giant had sought to ease relations with the incoming Trump administration through more measured engagement. That strategy appears to have been abandoned in favor of a direct legal and public challenge to the agency’s scrutiny of “The View.”

The filing comes amid broader debates over broadcast indecency standards, political bias in media, and the FCC’s authority to regulate content on licensed airwaves. Disney’s detailed response signals it intends to vigorously contest the investigation rather than settle or concede ground.

NFL Media Partners Boast of Schedule Appeal

The NFL released its 2025 regular-season schedule Wednesday, showcasing expanded reach across both streaming and traditional television following major offseason media rights deals.

The league has finalized a complex equity transaction with ESPN and Disney that returned four games to the NFL, along with one previously held by YouTube. It then resold three of those games to Netflix and one each to Fox and NBC. As a result, Netflix now carries five games this season, up from two in 2024.

The moves reflect the NFL’s strategy to maximize audience exposure in a fragmented media landscape, boosting its presence on both over-the-air broadcasts and streaming platforms.

Rights holders highlighted their strongest matchups:

• Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football features every 2025 playoff team, including a Christmas Eve game between the Texans and Eagles.
• CBS will air the Chiefs, Bills, Patriots, and Steelers up to nine times each — three times more than any other network.
• NBC emphasized the “Rivalry of the Decade” between the Chiefs and Bills.
• ESPN oversees a 26-game regular-season package across Monday Night Football, a Week 18 Saturday doubleheader, and seven NFL Network games.
• Fox has the most broadcast windows, boosted by a tripleheader in Week 10.

Amazon Prime Video head of sports programming Jeff Kaiser told Front Office Sportd  the schedule is “very well balanced,” spotlighting high-profile quarterback matchups such as Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes vs. Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold vs. Bo Nix.

The increased fragmentation across more platforms is expected to intensify political and regulatory scrutiny of the NFL. The league faces at least four points of legislative and regulatory pressure, including a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. While charges are not anticipated, President Donald Trump and other leaders have publicly criticized the league’s media strategy.

The NFL has stressed its ongoing commitment to broadcast television, noting that 87% of its games air on free television — rising to 100% in each team’s home market.

Analysts at LightShed Partners noted that while navigating multiple services has become more complicated, consumers now have greater choice and potential savings. They added that streaming has been “unambiguously pro-consumer,” contrasting with the pre-2023 era when DirecTV was often required to watch every game.

AP Lays Off 20 U.S. Journalists in Restructuring

The Associated Press laid off 20 U.S.-based journalists on Friday, the News Media Guild said, as part of a broader restructuring that moves the organization away from traditional print journalism toward visual storytelling and new revenue streams.

The cuts were completed by the end of the business day, the union reported. AP had notified the guild earlier Friday morning that layoffs would take effect immediately.

“This is part of the restructuring we announced last month to align our operations with what our top customers need from us today,” AP spokesman Patrick Maks said in an email. “It’s never easy to part ways with valued colleagues — we are appreciative of their contributions to the AP and wish them all the best.”

The layoffs follow buyouts offered last month to more than 120 U.S. journalists, about 40 of whom accepted, according to the guild. The company had declined to disclose specific numbers.

Union leaders criticized the moves. “Today’s cuts show just how directionless AP’s leadership has become,” said Kimberlee Kruesi, an AP reporter and the guild’s acting president. “The company touts that it is prioritizing visual journalism, yet among the 20 employees sacked today are experienced photographers.”

The restructuring aims to reduce AP’s global staff by less than 5%, executive editor Julie Pace said last month. “We’re making these changes from a position of strength,” she added, noting the news cooperative “is not in trouble” but must adapt to a changing customer base.

AP’s revenue from newspapers has fallen 25% over the past four years. Major publishers Gannett and McClatchy dropped the service in 2024. Broadcast, digital, and technology companies now dominate its customer list, with revenue from tech firms growing 200% in the same period, according to chief revenue officer Kristin Heitmann.

Spotify Making Big Investment In Podcast Studios In L-A

Spotify is making a major push into video podcasts with the opening of its new 11,000-square-foot Sycamore Studios in Hollywood, aiming to boost subscriber engagement and compete in the crowded streaming landscape.

The LA Times reports the state-of-the-art facility, which opened earlier this year on Sycamore Avenue in West Hollywood, serves as a central production hub for The Ringer — the sports and culture podcast network Spotify acquired for $250 million in 2020 — while supporting select creators in its Partner Program.

The invite-only space features advanced video production capabilities, including multiple livestream-ready studios designed to elevate content quality, foster in-person collaboration, and attract high-profile talent. 

Sycamore Studios hosts prominent Ringer shows such as The Rewatchables, The Ringer-Verse, and The Hottest Take, among others. It represents Spotify’s second major studio location in Los Angeles and is optimized primarily for video podcasting, reflecting the format’s rapid growth.

The investment aligns with a broader strategy: more than half of the world’s top podcasts now offer video versions, which are consumed significantly faster than audio-only content. Select Spotify Studios and Ringer video podcasts are also set to stream on Netflix starting in early 2026 in the U.S. (with international expansion to follow), extending their reach beyond Spotify’s platform.

The move comes as Spotify continues to invest heavily in podcasts, which have become a key driver of user growth and retention amid competition from YouTube, Apple, and traditional streamers. By treating podcasts as a cultural force — blending sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime — the company is positioning itself as a curator that transcends audio and traditional distribution models.

Since opening, the studios have already hosted dozens of episodes and creators, helping to professionalize production and strengthen Spotify’s ecosystem for video-forward content.

NPR Podcast Co-Host Departs Amid Misconduct Investigation

Ramtin Arablouei, co-host of the popular NPR podcast “Throughline,” has left the public radio network after it opened an internal investigation in March into his workplace conduct, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Arablouei has not appeared on new episodes of “Throughline” for several weeks, though neither he nor NPR has publicly addressed his absence. His departure followed complaints from a female employee on the show who alleged he behaved inappropriately toward her, including discussing details of his personal life during frequent one-on-one meetings, making offensive remarks in team meetings, and flirting with guests and a contract worker.

One specific allegation involved Arablouei commenting during a meeting that a producer was “a case for race mixing,” which some attendees viewed as an untoward remark about her appearance. The employee reported her experiences to a manager, who filed a formal complaint, prompting NPR’s internal investigation.

Ramtin Arablouei

Heather Walls, an NPR spokeswoman, said in a statement that the network takes workplace conduct allegations seriously.“

Any concerns raised through appropriate channels are reviewed carefully,” Walls said. “We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment for all employees.”

Arablouei did not respond to requests for comment.

The investigation began in March after the employee spoke with a manager. It remains unclear whether Arablouei’s departure was directly tied to the probe’s outcome.

Before co-founding “Throughline,” Arablouei contributed to several of public radio’s highest-profile podcasts. He helped create the hit business show “How I Built This” with Guy Raz and has worked on programs including “TED Radio Hour,” “Hidden Brain,” “Radio Ambulante,” and “Reveal.”

Lists: Spotify, Apple Top Podcasts

Spotify’s US top podcasts chart is dominated by long-running talk shows, true crime, and a mix of news/politics. The rankings reflect listener streaming and engagement on the platform (charts update frequently, often daily or weekly).

Here are the top 10:

1. The Joe Rogan Experience (Joe Rogan) – The evergreen #1, with its marathon interviews continuing to drive massive engagement.
2. Call Her Daddy (Alex Cooper) – Alex Cooper’s unfiltered celebrity and relationship talk remains a powerhouse.
3. Good Hang with Amy Poehler (The Ringer) – Amy Poehler’s casual celebrity hangouts have climbed high recently.
4. Crime Junkie (audiochuck) – The long-time true-crime staple holds strong in the top tier.
5. The Shawn Ryan Show (Shawn Ryan) – Military/veteran-focused interviews with high-profile guests.
6. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (Theo Von) – Theo Von’s laid-back storytelling and comedy.
7. The Tucker Carlson Show (Tucker Carlson Network) – Political commentary and long-form interviews.
8. The Daily (The New York Times) – NYT’s flagship daily news podcast.
9. Up First from NPR (NPR) – NPR’s concise morning news roundup.
10. Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast (Matt McCusker & Shane Gillis) – Edgy comedy and bro-culture banter.

Key takeaways for Spotify: Talk and interview formats (especially Joe Rogan-style) rule the platform. True crime and political/news shows round out the top 10. Many of these are Spotify exclusives or heavily promoted on the app.

🍎Apple Top Podcasts

Apple’s US chart leans more toward news, true crime, and a few breakout newer shows.

Here’s the current top tier:

1. The Daily (The New York Times) – Daily news deep dives consistently top the list.
2. Crime Junkie (Audiochuck) – The true-crime phenomenon remains a chart fixture.
3. Dateline NBC (NBC News) – Classic true-crime storytelling from the NBC franchise.
4. The Joe Rogan Experience (Joe Rogan) – Crosses over strongly despite being Spotify-exclusive in some contexts.
5. Love Trapped (iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts) – A newer or surging relationship/drama show.
6. Mick Unplugged (Realm) – Celebrity or lifestyle unplugged conversations.
7. Pod Save America (Pod Save America) – Political analysis and commentary from former Obama staffers.

Key takeaways for Apple: News (The Daily, Pod Save America) and true crime (Crime Junkie, Dateline) dominate. Apple’s audience shows slightly more appetite for established journalistic brands compared to Spotify’s heavier lean toward personality-driven talk shows.
Overall trends across both platforms (May 2026 weekend charts):

• True crime and daily news remain perennial favorites.
• Joe Rogan and Crime Junkie appear high on both charts.
• Spotify feels more bro-comedy/politics/talk-heavy; Apple skews a bit more toward traditional media and polished storytelling.

These charts fluctuate daily/weekly based on new episodes and listener spikes, so the exact order can shift quickly. The lists above represent the most current snapshots aligned with the weekend timing you mentioned.

NYTimes' Kristoff Column Termed "Journalistic Malpractice"

Nicholas Kristof's New York Times column last week alleging widespread, systematic sexual assaults by Israeli prison guards on Palestinian detainees relies on Hamas-linked groups, anti-Israel activists, anonymous sources and contradictory accounts, drawing sharp criticism as a case of journalistic malpractice.

The opinion piece presents lurid claims of routine abuse, including the widely debunked allegation that Israel trains dogs to rape prisoners, without independent verification, medical evidence, photos, videos or forensic support.

According to Real Clear Politics, Kristof's primary source is the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, a Geneva-based group he describes as "often critical of Israel." The organization is explicitly dedicated to opposing Israel, with multiple leaders, including its founder, linked to Hamas. It has a documented history of promoting unverified or false anti-Israel allegations, including the dog-rape claim that Kristof repeated.

Most of the first-person accounts in the column come from anonymous sources—detainees who have clear incentives to portray Israel negatively. 

R.I.P.: Dr. Hook Frontman Dennis Locorriere

Dennis Locorriere (1950-2026)

Dennis Locorriere, known for his distinctive voice that helped make Dr. Hook one of the biggest soft rock and country-pop acts of the 1970s, passed away peacefully on Saturday surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. He was 76.

His management confirmed the news in a statement, describing how Locorriere faced his illness with "remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience." They asked for privacy for his family as they grieve.

Locorriere had lived in the UK for the past 24 years. He continued performing Dr. Hook’s hits well into his later years through shows such as Voice of Dr. Hook and the Dennis Locorriere Celebrates Dr. Hook Hits and History Tour. 

In 2019, he launched a 50th Anniversary World Tour, though dates were later postponed due to complications from a prostate procedure that affected his kidneys.

Dr. Hook paid tribute on Instagram with a simple black graphic featuring his signature, birth and death dates, and the phrase “That’s all folks!”

Locorriere co-founded the band (originally Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show) with Ray Sawyer, Billy Francis, and George Cummings. They shortened the name in 1975 as their popularity surged on both sides of the Atlantic. The group became famous for hits including:

• When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman (UK No. 1)
• Sharing The Night Together
• Sylvia’s Mother
• Cover of the Rolling Stone
• Sexy Eyes

Their blend of humour, storytelling, and melodic soft rock earned them a dedicated following that has endured for decades.

As a songwriter outside the band, Locorriere had his work recorded by artists such as Bob Dylan, Crystal Gayle, B.J. Thomas, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Southside Johnny, and Olivia Newton-John.

After the original line-up disbanded, he continued touring Dr. Hook material, particularly across Europe and the UK, where the band maintained a strong fanbase. In recent years, nostalgia for 1970s soft rock, boosted by TikTok clips and streaming, had brought renewed attention to the group’s catalogue.

Radio History: May 18

Meredith Wilson (far left) and band at KPO Studios, San Francisco

Meredith Wilson

➦In 1902...Composer/bandleader/radio personality Meredith Willson was born in Mason City, Iowa.

Besides his celebrity as the creator of the Broadway smash, ‘Music Man.’ Willson was a giant in radio.

In San Francisco, Willson was concert director for radio station KFRC, and then as a musical director for the NBC radio network in Hollywood. His on-air radio debut came on KFRC in 1928 on Blue Monday Jamboree.

His work in films included composing the score for Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator (1940) (Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score), and arranging music for the score of William Wyler's The Little Foxes (1941) (Academy Award nomination for Best Music Score of a Dramatic Picture).

During World War II, he worked for the United States' Armed Forces Radio Service. His work with the AFRS teamed him with George Burns, Gracie Allen and Bill Goodwin. He would work with all three as the bandleader, and a regular character, on the Burns and Allen radio program. He played a shy man, always trying to get advice on women. His character was ditsy as well, basically a male version of Gracie Allen's character.

He suffered heart failure and died June 15, 1984 at age 82.

➦In 1934...‘The Hour of Charm’ debuted, beginning an intermittent 14-year run on the CBS and NBC radio networks.  The musical half-hour featured Phil Spitalny and his All-Girl Orchestra.

➦In 1942...radio’s espionage adventure drama 'Counterspy' premiered on the Blue Network/ABC. The 30-minute show with the distinctive theme (Love of Three Oranges) would last on radio for 15 years, including runs in the 1950s on NBC and Mutual.

➦In 1966...there was a Top 40 battle in Denver between KIMN 950 AM and KBTR 710.

Listeners were tuning in to hear Gary Todd, Robert E. Lee, Jim O’Brien, Chuck Buell, Hal Moore, JayMack, Johnny Presley, George Michael.

KEWB Playlist - circa 1960

➦In 1966...KEWB 910 AM San Francisco switched from Top40 to easy listening. The station was probably anticipating the arrival of Drake-formatted KFRC 610 AM.  KEWB switched its call letters to KNEW and mimicked sister station WNEW in NYC.