Radio History: July 26

Burns & Allen

➦In 1895...Grace Ethel Cecile Rosalie Allen was born (Died of a heart attack at age 69 – August 27, 1964). She was a vaudevillian and comedienne who became internationally famous as the zany partner and comic foil of husband George Burns, her straight man appearing with her on radio, television and film as the duo Burns and Allen.

For her contributions to the television industry, Gracie Allen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6672 Hollywood Boulevard, while she and Burns were inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1988.

Co-star Bea Benaderet said of Allen in 1966: "She was probably one of the greatest actresses of our time."  Today, the annual Gracie Awards are named in her honor.

The Burns & Allen Show debuted on radio in 1932, and ended on TV with Gracie’s retirement 25 years later.

➦In 1903...Donald Voorhees born (Died at age 85 – January 10, 1989, Cape May Court House, NJ. He was a composer and conductor who received an Emmy Award nomination for "Individual Achievements in Music" for his work on the television series, The Bell Telephone Hour.

Donald Voorhees

Starting in 1926, Voorhees' orchestra recorded prolifically for Columbia, Edison, Pathe, Perfect, Cameo, and Hit of the Week, playing the piano in early recordings. His recording career mostly ended in 1931, when he approached the bigger opportunities radio offered at the time. His first broadcast work was NBC Radio's The Texaco Fire Chief Show, which starred comedian Ed Wynn. Other of the programs he worked for was the Maxwell House Showboat, appearing in a 1933 "picturization", the short Captain Henry's Show Boat.

From 1935 to 1941, and from 1949 to 1953 (with Ardon Cornwell), Voorhees was the musical director and conductor for the radio and television show, Cavalcade of America.

Voorhees also served as conductor of the Bell Telephone Hour orchestra for 26 years, from its first broadcasts on radio in 1942 until its final television episode in 1968. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1966 for "Individual Achievements in Music" for his work on the series.

➦In 1921...Jean Parker Shepherd Jr. born (Died – October 16, 1999). He was a storyteller, radio and TV personality, writer and actor. He was often referred to by the nickname Shep. With a career that spanned decades, Shepherd is known for the film A Christmas Story (1983), which he narrated and co-scripted, based on his own semi-autobiographical stories.

Jean Shepherd

After military service, Shepherd began his broadcast radio career in early 1945 on WJOB in Hammond, Indiana, later working at WTOD in Toledo, Ohio, in 1946. He began working in Cincinnati, Ohio, in January 1947 at WSAI, later also working at Cincinnati stations WCKY and WKRC the following year, before returning to WSAI. From 1951 to 1953, he had a late-night broadcast on KYW in Philadelphia, PA, after which he returned to Cincinnati for several shows on WLW. After a stint on television, he returned to radio. "Shep," as he was known, settled in at WOR 710 AM in New York Cit at the end of February 1955, and on an overnight slot in 1956, where he delighted his fans by telling stories, reading poetry (especially the works of Robert W. Service), and organizing comedic listener stunts.

When he was about to be released by WOR in 1956 for lack of sponsors, he did a commercial for Sweetheart Soap, not a sponsor, and was immediately fired. His listeners besieged WOR with complaints, and when Sweetheart offered to sponsor him he was reinstated. Eventually, he attracted more sponsors than he wanted.

His last WOR broadcast was on April 1, 1977. His subsequent radio work consisted of short segments on several other stations, including crosstown WCBS 880 AM, and occasional commentaries on NPR's All Things Considered. His final radio gig was the Sunday night radio show "Shepherd's Pie" on WBAI in the mid-1990s, which had him reading his stories uncut, uninterrupted and unabridged. The show was one of WBAI's most popular of the period.

Throughout his radio career, he performed entirely without scripts. His friend and WOR colleague Barry Farber marveled at how he could talk so long with so few notes.

He died Oct. 16 1999 at age 78.  In 2005 he was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

➦In 1944...The New York Times took-over ownership of WQXR AM & FM in NYC.

➦In 195?...Veteran Radio Programmer Jim Ryan was born.

Trump’s Speech to Press Dinner Draws Tepid Response

President Trump complained about what he called the press’s unfair coverage, reiterated his pledge to keep Iran from building a nuclear weapon and joked about the prospects of a third term in his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Friday.

In a wide-ranging address that ran more than an hour at the Waldorf Astoria ballroom, Trump also emphasized the need to build the new White House ballroom, spoke of his popularity on TikTok and defended his record in making America great again. He took jabs at many of his usual targets in politics and the media but also paid tribute to a press with which he has had a complicated and sometimes combative relationship.

Trump told attendees that they were “the largest group of Trump Derangement Syndrome people ever put together at one time” and referred to some as “fake news,” while also calling himself a champion of press freedom and noting his willingness to answer the phone when journalists call. His remarks elicited occasional laughs, but he spoke to a mostly silent ballroom for much of the time as he shifted to tried-and-true lines such as referring to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) as “Pocahontas” and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, as “Newscum.” He blamed his speechwriter for lines that fell flat. 

Trump said he opted against giving the speech he had planned to give in April. “It was going to be a doozy,” he said. “But we’ll do a little ripping, if you don’t mind.”

Reporters and media executives gathered alongside administration officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for the do-over event, this time in a more intimate setting—and with notable extra security. Nearly 700 people were expected to attend Friday’s affair, compared with the 2,600 who typically participated in the event at the Washington Hilton. 

They dined on peach and burrata salad, as well as filet and lobster, before a stage whose backdrop featured the text of the First Amendment.

Trump addressed the crowd three months after the original gala dinner at the Washington Hilton was cut short by an assassination attempt. The White House Correspondents’ Association said it coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service and with a private security firm for the rescheduled event and had more visible security measures around the venue.

TRUMP at WHCA Dinner: “You people have no idea how lucky you are. When I'm gone, you're all going to be broke. Your business model is going to be finished. No. It's true.”

“When I'm not around, you're going to be broke. There's not going to be anybody to report on. Nobody gives… pic.twitter.com/3UfuDKMN9r

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 25, 2026

The dinner, billed as a celebration of the First Amendment, was held a day after Trump’s Justice Department agreed to withdraw subpoenas related to several New York Times reporters’ recent articles on a jet gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari government that was being used as Air Force One. 

Historically, presidents used the dinner to crack good-natured jokes about the press corps and about themselves. “Good evening, everybody. Let’s try this again,” the evening’s host, Weijia Jiang, said to open the dinner Friday. Jiang, the senior White House correspondent at CBS who just completed her term as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, thanked Trump for his support in rescheduling the dinner and commended her colleagues for jumping into action during the April event. “You came as guests, but within moments, you went to work.”

Paramount, WBD Merger Just Got Messier

Paramount will not close its $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery until legal challenges are resolved or June 1, 2027, whichever comes first, the company said Friday.

The decision marks the latest setback for the deal, which faces antitrust challenges from 12 states and the Writers Guild of America. A California federal court had issued a temporary restraining order blocking the merger from closing within 28 days. A hearing next week on a preliminary injunction that could have further delayed the deal has been canceled.

The delay risks significant costs for Paramount. Its agreement with Warner includes a “ticking fee” requiring payments of roughly $650 million per quarter to Warner shareholders starting in October until the deal closes. Paramount had aimed to complete the transaction this month or before the fee kicked in. Its outside deadline is March 4, 2027, automatically extending to June 4, 2027, if only regulatory or governmental obstacles remain.

Analysts said bypassing the preliminary injunction hearing could accelerate the overall legal timeline. 

“Even if Paramount loses in District Court, this would accelerate the time frame for an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court and potentially to the Supreme Court in 2027,” said Rich Greenfield of LightShed Partners. Forrester Research’s Mike Proulx noted: “The deal may still close or it may not. What we know is that the path to either outcome just got longer, messier, and likely more expensive.”

The combined company would control two major movie and television studios, the CBS network, cable channels including CNN, and the streaming services Paramount+ and HBO Max. Paramount argues the merger would strengthen competition against Netflix and other streaming giants and that the states’ market definitions do not reflect today’s landscape. 

“This transaction is good for competition, good for consumers, and good for creators,” the company said Friday.

The states, led by California, contend the deal would raise prices, lower quality, and reduce content. In granting the restraining order, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín cited the combined film studios’ theatrical market share as grounds to presume the merger is likely to violate antitrust laws.

Philly Radio: The Fanatic, 94WIP Go LeBron Crazy

Philadelphia's two major sports radio stations, 94WIP and 97.5 The Fanatic, erupted in celebration Friday after LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal (with a player option) to join the 76ers. 

Hosts on both stations framed the move as one of the biggest moments in recent Philly sports history, highlighting the instant boost in energy, star power, and championship contention alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe.

On 94WIP, the reaction was immediate and high-octane. Hosts described home games as set to become “bananas” and “a movie damn near every night,” with one calling it “one of the greatest days in Philadelphia sports history.” The station aired unfiltered breakdowns of the news, noting how James’ arrival transforms the franchise’s outlook after years without a title. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro even joined the airwaves, proclaiming it “LeBron James Day” and expressing the statewide excitement. 

While some pre-signing segments had featured skepticism about media attention or fit, the post-announcement consensus leaned heavily into the upside. 

97.5 The Fanatic, the Sixers’ flagship station, matched the enthusiasm. The station posted rapid breaking-news updates, a celebratory “Bringing him to South Philly!” message, and a video urging fans to “Enjoy Every Second, LeBron James Is A 76er.” 

Hosts and the official account went live to react, reflecting the broader Philly sports community’s joy at landing the all-time leading scorer for what James himself called his “last decision.” The stations’ coverage aligned with the wider local frenzy—teammates, other Philly athletes, and fans flooding social media with celebrations—while focusing on on-air analysis of roster fit, title odds, and the electric atmosphere expected at the Wells Fargo Center. 

Both outlets treated the signing as a seismic, largely positive shift for a franchise seeking its first championship since 1983.

NAB: FCC Must End TV's 'Unique Disadvantage'

The National Association of Broadcasters has endorsed the FCC’s plan to eliminate the 39% national television ownership cap, with President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt arguing the change is needed to spare local broadcast television the same contraction that has hit the newspaper industry.

In a July 21, blog post, LeGeyt wrote: “We have already watched one cornerstone of local journalism — the newspaper industry — struggle under the weight of profound marketplace change while policymakers were slow to respond. We should not make the same mistake with local broadcasting.” 

The post closely tracked arguments FCC Chairman Brendan Carr advanced last week when he set an Aug. 6 vote on the proposal, including the newspaper parallel and the observation that streaming platforms, social media companies and other digital competitors face no comparable limits on audience reach.

“This debate is not about giving broadcasters a special advantage,” LeGeyt added. “It is about ending a unique disadvantage.”

The NAB represents broadcast station owners, among them large groups such as Nexstar, Sinclair and Gray Television that could pursue additional consolidation if the cap is lifted. The organization has long pressed for relaxed ownership rules. 

LeGeyt contended that greater scale would bolster local journalism, broaden emergency coverage and enable investment in technologies such as NextGen TV.

He did not address whether prior rounds of consolidation under fewer corporate owners have historically produced more local news or less. Research on the question has yielded mixed results, and critics of media concentration have maintained that earlier station-group mergers often led to newsroom staff reductions and heavier reliance on centralized content. 

The newspaper analogy cited by both Carr and LeGeyt also faces a complication: the 2017 elimination of cross-ownership restrictions failed to reverse the decline of local newspapers. LeGeyt’s post did not claim that removing the ownership limit by itself would solve the industry’s challenges, but rather that the change would give broadcasters “every opportunity to compete, invest and continue serving America’s local communities.”

Baltimore Radio: 105.7 The Fan Launches Show With Femi Ayanbadejo

105.7 The Fan (WJZ-FM), an Audacy station in Baltimore, launches “The Final Drive,” a new afternoon show with Femi Ayanbadejo. Ayanbadejo will co-host the show with Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET starting July 29.

“Femi’s sports knowledge spans far beyond football, encompassing the entire Charm City sports scene. His fearless opinions and local sports knowledge will complement Ken’s fiery takes and Tim’s sharp insights,” said Joe LaCroix, Brand Manager, 105.7 The Fan. “We can’t wait for our listeners to experience the next chapter of afternoons with ‘The Final Drive’.”

Femi Ayanbadejo

“I’ve known Tim and Ken for a long time, and I’ve always admired their talents. Now, I’m excited to join them and create something fresh—an informative, entertaining show that Baltimore sports fans genuinely enjoy and that can be one of the top shows in the market,” said Ayanbadejo. “That level of success is familiar territory for Tim and Ken, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build what comes next.”

Ayanbadejo is an 11-year NFL veteran and a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV championship team. His radio experience began in 2012 with contributions to several programs, including “The Scott Garceau Show,” Ravens game-day radio with the legendary Gerry Sandusky, and, most recently, “The Bruce and Femi Show” on 105.7 The Fan.

📻Listeners can tune in to 105.7 The Fan (WJZ-FM) in Baltimore on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.

Indy Radio: John Herrick Exits WIBC As News Director

John Herrick, news director at Indianapolis station WIBC and Network Indiana since 2023, is leaving the company, he announced July 23.

John Herrick

Herrick’s post indicated the departure was not his decision.

Andrea Kahrer, general manager for Radio One (WIBC’s parent company), confirmed Herrick is no longer with the organization but declined to discuss personnel matters. “We thank him for his contributions and wish him well,” Kahrer said.

The exit comes after the end of the popular “Kendall and Casey” morning show in May. Longtime host Rob Kendall was let go in February following a lengthy contract dispute. Co-host Casey Daniels announced her own departure in May, stressing that it was her choice. 

The 9 a.m. to noon slot is now listed simply as “WIBC 9AM-NOON” on the station’s website.

A Greenwood native and play-by-play announcer by trade, Herrick joined WIBC in 2017 as a multimedia content producer, according to his LinkedIn profile. He later worked briefly as a news anchor before his promotion to news director. He will continue his role as a broadcaster with the Indiana University Radio Network.

Tony Romo Arrested for DUI

Romo Mug Shot

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), Wisconsin’s equivalent of a DUI. 

Romo, 46, was pulled over while driving southbound on Interstate 43 shortly after 6 p.m. (around 6:18 p.m. according to some reports). Deputies from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, after which he was taken into custody, booked on a first-offense OWI, and later released. 

A court date is set for Sept. 21. Formal charges had not been filed as of reports on July 24, and the case remains under investigation. No blood-alcohol content or toxicology results have been publicly released. 

insane bodycam footage of tony romo arrest in Wisconsin for OWI pic.twitter.com/CrHw6n0PQf

— MikeTX (@miketx95) July 24, 2026

In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is generally treated as a civil violation rather than a criminal charge and typically carries a fine of $150 to $300, along with possible surcharges, license consequences, and an alcohol assessment. 

Romo, a Burlington, Wisconsin native who still maintains ties to the state while living in Dallas, had been in the area competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament at West Bend Country Club. The event ran Monday through Thursday; he finished tied for 73rd at 35-over par overall (11-over on the final day). CBS, where Romo has served as the lead NFL color analyst since 2017 after retiring from the league, declined to comment. Romo played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, earning four Pro Bowl selections. 

He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (248) and held the passing-yardage record until Dak Prescott surpassed it. 

Authorities have not detailed the specific reason for the initial traffic stop or whether additional testing occurred beyond the field sobriety evaluations. Booking records indicate this is Romo’s first such offense.

R.I.P.: Craig Walker, Longtime Portland OR Radio Personality

Craig Walker (1946-2026)

Craig Walker, a longtime favorite of generations of Portland radio and television listeners and one of the city’s most popular on-air personalities, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his home. He was 80.

Walker died peacefully, according to longtime broadcaster and former colleague John Erickson, who worked with him at K103. K103 Portland announced the news in a social media post and said it would honor Walker’s legacy Monday, July 27, during K103 Mornings with Stacey and Mike.

From the early 1970s through his 2005 retirement, Walker was a familiar, genial presence whose market-leading morning shows and community appearances earned him legions of loyal fans. He first built a top-rated morning drive program on what was then KGW radio (620 AM), where he began in 1972 after earlier stints at stations including KPAM. In 1986 he moved to K103 (KKCW-FM), continuing to dominate the morning ratings until he signed off for the final time. He was also a longtime primetime host on KGW-TV for the evening programs PM Magazine and Good Evening. 

Radio History: July 25

Hal Peary

➦In 1908...Harold (Hal) Peary born in San Leanadro, CA (Died at age 76 – March 30, 1985). He was an actor, comedian and singer in radio, films, television, and animation remembered best as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, a supporting character on radio's Fibber McGee and Molly that moved to its own NBC radio hit, The Great Gildersleeve, the first known spinoff hit in American broadcasting history.

Born as José Pereira de Faria in San Leandro, California, to Portuguese parents, Harold Peary (pronounced "Perry") began working in local radio as early as 1923, according to his own memory, and had his own show as a singer, The Spanish Serenader, in San Francisco, but moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1937. While in San Francisco, he also had "several parts" in Wheatenaville, a program broadcast on NBC's Pacific network beginning September 26, 1932

Peary worked as a disc jockey at radio station WMGM 1050 AM in New York City. Beginning in 1953, he had a one-hour program Monday-Saturday.

➦In 1922...AT&T Western Electric began broadcasting WBAY New York City, the predecessor of WEAF, WNBC, WRCA and the current WFAN.  AT&T broadcast assets within a few years were early NBC properties.

➦In 1925...2XAG (now WGY 810 AM) in Schenectady, NY became the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast with a 50,000-watt transmitter.

Birthday Boy Scott Shannon with mini-Scott (2018)

➦In 1947...Radio personality-programmer Michael Scott Shannon was born.  He retired December 2022 as morning host at Audacy's Classic Hits WCBS 101.1 FM in New York City. He has also worked for WHTZ, WPLJ, The True Oldies Channel, and he has been the voice for the syndicated Sean Hannity Show.

He began his radio career during an Army stint at WFBS 1450 AM in Spring Lake, North Carolina (later WFBX). From there he moved to WCLS 1580 AM in Columbus, Georgia. After leaving the army, Shannon worked full-time in radio at WABB in Mobile, Alabama, where he acquired the name Super Shan.  After a brief stint at WMPS in Memphis he moved to Nashville, where he was the evening disc jockey at WMAK 1300 AM, later becoming that station's program director.

Shannon left Nashville to take a job as a record promoter with Casablanca Records.  Scott returned to radio in Washington, D.C. as program director of WPGC 95.5 FM, taking that station to the #1 spot in the Arbitron ratings. From there, he moved to WQXI 790 AM in Atlanta. Then, in Tampa, Florida, Scott, along with partner Cleveland Wheeler, he developed the 'morning zoo' radio format while at WRBQ 104.7 FM Q105.

Shannon is particularly known within the radio broadcasting industry for his work on WHTZ 100.3 FM Z100 in New York City in the mid to late 1980's. Along with former disc jockey Ross Brittain of WABC's "Ross & Wilson Show", he founded the "Z Morning Zoo." He was the driving force in helping Z100 go from worst-to-first in New York City within a mere 74 days of signing on the air.

Report: Fans Mutiny Over Cutbacks With Howard Stern

Fans of “The Howard Stern Show” on SiriusXM are staging a mutiny, with longtime listeners canceling subscriptions en masse after plans surfaced to slash the program to just one new live episode per week, reports The Sun.

The reduced schedule is set to take effect after Stern’s annual summer hiatus, following Labor Day, with the rest of the airtime filled by archived material from the show’s decades-long catalog. The change was disclosed to staff during a Zoom call in mid-July, when roughly a dozen employees—including some on-air personalities—were laid off and sent home immediately with tenure-based severance packages. 

Stern is retaining a core group of veteran producers, sources said, because “he just doesn’t need that much content anymore.” 

The cut follows Stern’s December 2025 three-year contract extension with SiriusXM, which he described on air as allowing “more free time and continuing to be on the radio” through a more flexible schedule. 

At the time, the arrangement appeared to trim his previous roughly 100 shows a year (typically three days a week for much of the year) by about a third. The further reduction to a single weekly three-hour broadcast marks a sharper downsizing for the 72-year-old host, who pioneered the shock-jock format and joined Sirius in 2006 after building his career on terrestrial radio since the late 1970s. 

CBS News President Under Fire for Dismal Viewership

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski is under fire after “CBS Mornings” posted its lowest-rated week on record, averaging 1.59 million viewers for the week of July 13 — the first time the Gayle King- and Nate Burleson-anchored show has fallen below 1.6 million, a 13% drop from the same week last year, according to Nielsen data obtained by The NY Post.

The decline comes amid broader viewership drops across the network and lands squarely on Cibrowski, who assumed day-to-day control of the morning program this year at the direction of CBS Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, network sources said. 

Tom Cibrowski

“Tom is dead meat,” one source said, noting that all-time lows are embarrassing even if Weiss may not prioritize the show. Cibrowski and Weiss have previously clashed over the network’s direction, raising the possibility he could be held accountable if ratings keep sliding.

Critics point to Cibrowski’s failure to name a permanent third co-host after Tony Dokoupil moved to “CBS Evening News” in January, leaving a revolving cast of fill-ins that sources say has damaged the program’s cohesion. He also removed executive producer Shawna Thomas in March and installed Jon Tower on an interim basis; one source said Cibrowski is effectively running the show himself. 

Some insiders blame an ill-conceived pivot to softer “news you can use” stories aimed at Middle America — weight-loss, weather and holiday travel pieces that one source dismissed as unwanted: “People need news.” 

More Storm Clouds Developing For CBS Network

Nexstar Media Group’s CBS affiliates will drop out of the CBS Newspath service, according to sources. The move follows Nexstar’s decision about a month ago to pull its NBC stations from NBC NewsChannel. 

The company will instead rely on its NewsNation network to supply the national and international video, packages, live hits and other content that the network affiliate services previously provided. Nexstar will also stop feeding content from its local newsrooms back into CBS Newspath and NBC NewsChannel, a shift that could create coverage gaps in some regions because of the large number of stations the group owns.

San Jose Radio: KBAY Boosts Reach with New 98.5 FM Signal

Connoisseur Media has announced country station 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) is significantly expanding its broadcast footprint by adding the 98.5 FM frequency, dramatically increasing coverage across the South Bay and surrounding communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The move places KBAY’s popular country format on the stronger 98.5 FM signal — previously home to KUFX — giving the station substantially greater reach while keeping its existing programming, on-air personalities, and local focus intact. During the transition, KBAY will simulcast on its longtime frequency until the previously announced sale of that signal to K-LOVE is finalized.

“Expanding Bay Country to 98.5 is an investment in both our listeners and our advertising partners,” said Brian “Fig” Figula, Regional Operations Manager. “This gives KBAY the stronger signal and broader reach the brand deserves while preserving everything our audience already loves about the station.”

Houston Radio: Tessa Barrera Lands PM Drive On Sunny 99.1

Former Houston Life co-host Tessa Barrera has joined iHeartMedia’s KODA Sunny 99.1 as an afternoon host, airing daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Barrera announced the role in a YouTube video posted this week. The move returns her to Houston radio and reunites her with iHeartMedia, where she previously worked on The Rod Ryan Show at 94.5 The Buzz starting in 2019 before shifting to television.

She most recently hosted a daily afternoon talk show at KPRC for three years, departing in March. 

“Sunny is one of the biggest pop radio stations in the country,” Barrera said in the video. “And it was just kind of serendipitous, like right place, right time type of thing.”

Happy TGIF: The Pulse Starts Your Day

Radio Broadcasting

Stern Troubles: Fans of “The Howard Stern Show” on SiriusXM are staging a mutiny, with longtime listeners canceling subscriptions en masse after plans surfaced to slash the program to just one new live episode per week.

Country Get New Signal: Connoisseur Media has announced country station 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) is significantly expanding its broadcast footprint by adding the 98.5 FM frequency, dramatically increasing coverage across the South Bay and surrounding communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Barrera Is Back: Former Houston Life co-host Tessa Barrera has joined iHeartMedia’s KODA Sunny 99.1 as an afternoon host, airing daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Barrera announced the role in a YouTube video posted this week.

DOJ Drops NYTimes Reporter's Subpoenas

The Justice Department on Thursday withdrew subpoenas seeking phone records and grand jury testimony from New York Times journalists who reported on the security capabilities of President Trump’s new Qatari-donated Air Force One jet.

The move came after a federal judge in Manhattan grilled Justice Department lawyers for nearly an hour over their handling of the subpoenas, which The Times had moved to quash and described as an effort to intimidate its reporters. 

Judge Arun Subramanian told the government it was not barred from issuing new subpoenas later if it followed proper procedures. He stressed that subpoenas to journalists “are not the first thing you do — they are the last thing you do,” calling compliance with the law and the department’s own regulations on news-media investigations “a matter of basic compliance with the law.”

The case marked a high-profile escalation of the Trump administration’s pressure on independent news organizations. The subpoenas, some delivered by federal agents at reporters’ homes, followed The Times’s disclosures about the jet, which Trump had flown to Turkey this month and publicly showcased. Shortly after the reporting appeared, the White House directed FBI Director Kash Patel to open a leak investigation aimed at identifying confidential sources who had shared information on a national-security matter.

After the hearing, the Justice Department criticized Judge Subramanian, saying his “conduct overrides clear longstanding principles and common sense.” It added: “Make no mistake, this investigation remains ongoing, and we will pursue justice against those threatening national security by leaking classified information, a serious federal crime.” The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

PSKY, WBD Merger Now On Hold Thru August 17th

Paramount Skydance must pause its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery through August 17 after a federal judge ruled Thursday, giving the company more time to fight a potential longer delay that it warns could cost more than $1 billion and plunge the deal into uncertainty.

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín in Oakland, California, extended an earlier temporary hold that had been set to expire August 3. 

The ruling comes as Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O) seeks a three-day hearing in August to present evidence that the combination would strengthen competition in film and television rather than harm it. The company has argued that a months-long pause while litigation continues would create significant financial and operational risks.

A California-led coalition of states sued to block the transaction, contending it would reduce competition, damage movie theaters, and hurt cable companies. In a separate case, the Writers Guild of America alleges the deal would lower demand for screenwriting work. The judge’s latest order keeps the acquisition on hold pending further proceedings on whether a more extended injunction is warranted.

Connoisseur Restructures West Coast Programming Duties

Connoisseur Media has announced multiple programming leadership changes across its Bay Area and Portland radio stations following this week’s frequency expansion of 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose.

• Brian “Fig” Figula has been promoted to Regional Operations Manager for the Bay Area. He will oversee Connoisseur’s stations in San Jose, San Francisco, and the East Bay while continuing as Operations Manager for the San Francisco cluster. Figula now assumes day-to-day programming duties for Mix 106.5 (KEZR) and 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) and will continue programming heritage AC 96.5 KOIT/San Francisco.
• Chris Jackson joins Mix 106.5 as its new midday host.“Jazzy Jim” Archer has expanded his programming role, adding Urban AC 102.9 KBLX/San Francisco and Top 40 KBFF (Live 95.5)/Portland. He will continue programming Top 40 KMVQ (99.7 NOW)/San Francisco.
• In Portland, Operations Manager Ross MacLeod adds Country station KUPL (98.7 The Bull) to his duties while retaining oversight of Triple A 101.9 KINK-FM and Active Rock 102.9 KUFO-FM. Jamie Tanchyk moves from middays on 98.7 The Bull to afternoons on Live 95.5, with Bay Country afternoon personality Emily Harlan taking over middays at The Bull.

Smartphones Dominate Digital Audio Across All Generations

Smartphones have solidified their position as the primary hub for digital audio, handling the vast majority of music streaming, podcasts, audiobooks, and short-form clips. Portability, intuitive apps, personalized recommendations, and seamless daily integration drive this dominance.

Over 90% of podcast listening now occurs on mobile devices, led overwhelmingly by smartphones. Apple iPhones account for about 60% of listening, with Android phones adding roughly 20%. 

In March 2026 Harris Poll and EMARKETER data, 80% of Gen Z and 79% of millennial digital audio listeners primarily tune in via smartphones—the top device across every generation. Broader online audio usage reinforces the trend: 81% of Americans age 12+ listened in the past month, with mobile phones fueling growth, particularly among older adults.

Memphis Radio: Cumulus Renews Partnership with Tiger Sports

Cumulus Media Memphis announces that it has renewed its agreement with Tiger Sports Properties, the locally-based team of Learfield, extending the partnership for an additional multi-year term. Under the agreement, Cumulus Memphis will continue to serve as the exclusive radio home for University of Memphis Tiger football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, along with football and men’s basketball coaches’ shows. All broadcasts will air on News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis (WKIM-FM), the official “Home of the Tigers.”

“We are proud of our partnership with Tiger Sports Properties and the University of Memphis,” said Morgan D. Bohannon, Vice President/Market Manager of Cumulus Memphis. “Being the ‘Home of the Tigers’ is a mutually beneficial partnership full of fast, fun action and filled with passion from the community.”

NYC TV: WPIX-11 Ordered To Pay Ex-Anchor $2M+ For Discrimination

Oji

A New York judge has ordered Nexstar-operated WPIX/Channel 11 to pay former longtime anchor Ojinika “Oji” Obiekwe more than $2 million after ruling that the station unlawfully fired her for complaining about alleged racial discrimination in the newsroom.

Following a weeklong trial, the judge this week awarded Obiekwe $1,137,000 in compensatory damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress, plus $1,280,000 in punitive damages, according to court documents.

Obiekwe, who spent 22 years at the station, claimed she was terminated in 2023 in retaliation for speaking out against what she described as racial discrimination. The jury sided with her after hearing evidence in the case.“I feel great! I’m grateful to God … I thank God for leading me to my lawyers because there’s no way I could’ve done this without them,” Obiekwe said after the verdict.

The decision marks a significant legal victory for the veteran journalist and delivers a financial blow to the station, a prominent local broadcaster in the New York market. Court records obtained by Page Six detail the breakdown of the damages, with the punitive portion intended to punish the station for its conduct.

Radio History: July 24

➦In 1911...Raymond Edward Johnson born in Kenosha, WI (Died at age 90 – August 15, 2001). He was a radio and stage actor best remembered for his work on Inner Sanctum Mysteries.

Johnson began his career in Chicago, some of his earliest work including a regular role on Edgar A. Guest's dramatic serial Welcome Valley (1932–1937) as Bill Sutter, and was featured on The National Farm and Home Hour in dramatic sketches as the Forest Ranger (a role also played by Don Ameche).

Ray Johnson

While in Chicago, Johnson began working with writer/director Arch Oboler, with roles on his Lights Out series. When both Oboler and Johnson relocated to New York City, the actor was featured in many episodes of Arch Oboler's Plays, notably as the title role in "The Ugliest Man in the World" (repeated five times) and as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in "This Lonely Heart" both from 1939.

While in New York, Johnson landed his most famous role when Himan Brown hired him for Inner Sanctum. From the first broadcast in 1941, Johnson was heard as the series host/narrator, introducing himself as "Your host, Raymond." The "Raymond" character became known for his chilling introductions and morbid puns, and his typical closing, an elongated and ironic "Pleasant dreaaaams, hmmmmmmm?" Johnson departed the series in 1945, when he joined the Army; although replaced for the remainder of the run by Paul McGrath as host, Johnson took the "Raymond" name with him. Johnson later hosted the radio version of the science fiction series Tales of Tomorrow.

He also became a staple on many soap operas, playing romantic leads on Big Sister,  The Guiding Light, Brave Tomorrow and Valiant Lady.

➦In 1933...the first broadcast of “The Romance of Helen Trent” was heard on midwest regional radio before becoming a CBS network staple three months later. The radio soap opera aired on CBS from October 30, 1933 to June 24, 1960 for a total of 7,222 episodes. The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert, who were among the most prolific producers during the radio soap era.  Helen Trent was played by just two actresses over the years …Virginia Clark (for 11 years) and Julie Stevens (for 16 years).

Fox News Passes NBC, ABC, CBS During Weekday Prime

FOX News Channel (FNC) concluded the week of July 13th with 2.9 million weekday primetime viewers and 293,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo, dominating NBC (2.5 million viewers), ABC (2.4 million viewers) and CBS (2.1 million viewers) according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. 

In Monday – Sunday primetime, FNC notched 2.5 million viewers, and in Monday – Sunday total day, FNC saw 1.5 million viewers. Markedly, CBS Evening News averaged 3.8 million total viewers, posting its second lowest-rated week since Tony Dokoupil took helm – and its third consecutive week below 4 million viewers. In the 25–54 demo, the program averaged 471,000 viewers, delivering its eighth consecutive week below 600,000 viewers. CBS Mornings, meanwhile, delivered its lowest-rated week in program history in total viewers and 25-54 demo. It saw viewership decline by 13% percent to deliver 1,591,000 viewers as FOX & Friends grew 4% with 1,460,000 viewers, narrowing the gap to just 131,000 viewers.

ABC's WNT Dominates Broadcast Network News

For the 14th consecutive week, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (8.476 million) on all of broadcast and cable (excluding sports) during the week of July 13, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

• “World News Tonight with David Muir” ranked as the No. 1 newscast in all of broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (8.476 million), Adults 25-54 (1.073 million) and Adults 18-49 (842,000).
• “World News Tonight” outdelivered “NBC Nightly News” (6.684 million, 1.002 million and 772,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+27%/+1.792 million), Adults 25-54 (+7%/+71,000) and Adults 18-49 (+9%/+70,000).

ABC's GMA Ranks Tops In Total Viewers

“Good Morning America” ranked as the No. 1 morning newscast in Total Viewers (2.837 million) for the second week in a row during the week of July 13, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research. “GMA” outdelivered NBC’s “Today” (2.744 million) by 93,000, more than tripling its lead versus the previous week (+288%; vs. +24,000) to its largest in 9 months — since w/o 10/13/26.

• “GMA” improved week to week in Total Viewers (+1% – 2.837 million vs. 2.809 million), Adults 25-54 (+10% – 458,000 vs. 425,000) and Adults 18-49 (+12% – 326,000 vs. 290,000), standing as the only morning newscast to build on the previous week. In addition, “GMA” hit 5-week highs in overall viewers and in the key Adult news demo — since w/o 6/8/26.
• “GMA” saw increases on the same week last year in Total Viewers (+8% – 2.837 million vs. 2.626 million), Adults 25-54 (+9% – 458,000 vs. 422,000) and Adults 18-49 (+27% – 326,000 vs. 256,000).
• “GMA” narrowed its margins with “Today” by double digits compared to the previous week in both Adults 25-54 (-48% – 95,000 vs. 183,000) and Adults 18-49 (42% – 56,000 vs. 96,000). “GMA” saw its closest news demo performance with “Today” in 6 months — since w/o 1/12/26.
• “GMA” (2.837 million, 458,000 and 326,000, respectively) defeated “CBS Mornings” (1.591 million, 220,000 and 155,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+1.246 million), Adults 25-54 (+238,000) and Adults 18-49 (+171,000). In addition, “GMA” led “CBS Mornings” in Total Viewers and Adults 25-54 for the last 1,434 weeks overall — since w/o 1/18/99.

CBS Mornings Hits Record-Low Ratings, FOX & Friends Narrows Gap

CBS Mornings posted its lowest-rated week in program history during the week of July 13, according to final Nielsen data released Wednesday.

The CBS broadcast averaged just under 1.6 million total viewers — the first time the show has ever fallen below that benchmark — and only 220,000 adults ages 25-54.Despite operating with a significantly smaller distribution footprint, FOX & Friends continues to close the gap on its broadcast network rival in the competitive morning television battle.

In their direct head-to-head competition (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday-Friday), CBS Mornings held a narrow lead of just 131,000 total viewers last week, representing only a 9% advantage. One year ago, during the same period, CBS enjoyed a much more comfortable 30% lead.

Year-over-year trends further highlight the shift: CBS Mornings viewership declined 13%, while FOX & Friends grew 4%.

The ratings performance underscores growing pressure on CBS’s morning program as cable news competitors, particularly FOX & Friends, steadily erode the traditional dominance of the broadcast networks in the morning daypart.

CNN’s Clarissa Ward Signs One-Year Deal Amid Merger Uncertainty

Clarissa Ward

CNN star foreign correspondent Clarissa Ward agreed to only a one-year contract extension with the network, in part because she and other prominent journalists are worried that Bari Weiss could gain influence over CNN through a proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, according to a report published Wednesday.

The limited deal comes despite CNN CEO Mark Thompson being “eager” to renew Ward’s contract for a longer term, Status newsletter editor Oliver Darcy reported. Ward’s one-year agreement essentially buys time to see how the potential merger unfolds before committing further.

Houston Radio: Audacy To Expand With Launch of 95.7 The Fan

Beginning August 13, Audacy's “95.7 The Spot” will discontinue its Adult Hits music format and begin simulcasting KILT-AM by rebranding as “95.7 The Fan,” building on the brand first used by WFAN in New York and later used in Minneapolis-St. Paul and other markets, the most recent addition being Los Angeles, where audience building is taking some time.

Audacy announced the launch Wednesday of 95.7 The Fan in Houston, officially establishing the company's FM sports radio presence across all top ten U.S. markets. Beginning August 13, 95.7 The Fan will launch as an FM simulcast of 610 AM, delivering the market’s leading sports talk, expert analysis, and live play-by-play coverage across both frequencies.

As part of this expansion, 95.7 The Fan will serve as the flagship FM broadcast home for the Houston Texans, bringing the game-day action and year-round coverage to an even broader audience across the region.

Portland Radio: NBA Trail Blazers Slash Broadcasting Staff

The Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing major cuts to their broadcasting operations as new owner Tom Dundon seeks greater efficiency, resulting in the departure of several longtime on-air talents and reductions in production.

Veteran TV analyst Michael Holton, who spent 19 seasons with the team, has been let go. Also departing are statistician Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN personality and Blazers TV host Neil Everett, and host Jamie Hudson. 

Play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro announced Wednesday he will not return after refusing a pay cut. Several other broadcasters face expired contracts and expected deep salary reductions.

The changes extend beyond on-air talent. The TV production crew has been trimmed, leaving the team without a Producer after Greg Fonseca departed for NBA Broadcasting. Graphics packages will reportedly be scaled back, potentially impacting broadcast quality.

On the radio side, the status of announcer Demers remains unclear, with the possibility that road games could be called remotely. Only the Toronto Raptors currently use remote radio broadcasts for road games; NBA rules require TV talent to travel.