TODAY Wins Season In Key Demo

NBC News’ TODAY was the number-one morning show in the key demo for the 2024-25 season, topping ABC’s “Good Morning America” for 10 straight seasons. No other network morning show has won the key demo for as many consecutive seasons as TODAY. TODAY posted its largest season demo win over GMA in 8 years and its closet total viewer margin in 13 years.

TODAY also won the key demo for the quarter and week, marking 109 out of 110 weekly demo wins. TODAY was the only morning program to grow in the key demo week over week.  

Source: Nielsen Panel, L+SD, 9/23/2024-9/21/2025. Average audience based on regularly-titled telecasts only.

Key Season Points: 

• #1 morning show in A25-54 for the 10th consecutive season 
• TODAY posts biggest season demo win over GMA in 8 years (2016-17) and best advantage over CBS in 4 years (2020-21) Vs. prior season, 
• TODAY improved its A25-54 leads over GMA by 12% and CBS by 21% 
• TODAY drew its highest share of network AM News demo viewers (43.4%) in 13 seasons #1 in A18-49 for the 32nd consecutive season 
• TODAY holds best season A18-49 win over CBS in 3 years, 6% improvement vs. prior season 
• TODAY has its biggest share of network morning show A18-49 viewers (43.3%) in 13 seasons 
• TODAY posts its narrowest total viewer gap with GMA in 13 seasons; gap improved by 27% vs. prior season Versus CBS, 
• TODAY delivers its biggest total viewer win in 5 seasons; improved lead by 15% vs. prior season TODAY saw its biggest share of network AM news total viewers (36.1%) in 11 seasons

TODAY averaged 624,000 A25-54 viewers, leading Good Morning America by +155,000 (+33%) and CBS Mornings by +278,000 (+80%)

TODAY averaged 398,000 A18-49 viewers, leading GMA by +99,000 (+33%) and CBS by +175,000 (+79%)

TODAY averaged 2.597 million total viewers, leading CBS by +662,000 (+34%)

Trump Signs TikTok Deal

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order approving a proposed divestiture of TikTok's U.S. operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to a consortium of American and global investors. 

The move values the new U.S.-based TikTok entity at approximately $14 billion—significantly lower than previous analyst estimates of $30-40 billion for the standalone U.S. business. The order certifies the deal as a "qualified divestiture" under the 2024 Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which mandated ByteDance to sell or face a nationwide ban by January 2025. 

 The $14 billion figure, announced by Vice President JD Vance, reflects the U.S. operations' standalone value without full access to ByteDance's global assets. No specific purchase price was disclosed, but it's seen as a bargain for buyers given TikTok's revenue potential (estimated at $10-15 billion annually in the U.S.).

A major sticking point, TikTok's proprietary recommendation algorithm—credited for its addictive user engagement—will be controlled by the U.S. entity. ByteDance may license it rather than sell outright, subject to Chinese export approvals. This addresses fears of Beijing using the app for data harvesting or propaganda.

Security Measures: Oracle will oversee data security and build U.S.-based data centers. The new company will have a seven-member board, with six Americans focused on cybersecurity and national security.

Chachi Podcast Talks To Steven Portrnoy, Tim Dukes

Benztown has dropped two new episodes of its original podcast Chachi Loves Everybody, hosted by President Dave “Chachi” Denes, featuring Hope Media Group President Tim Dukes and ABC News Radio national correspondent Steven Portnoy.

In the first episode, Dukes traces his 30-year broadcasting journey, from commercial to nonprofit radio. He shares how his Louisville roots sparked his radio career, landing an early gig at Y107 and learning from mentors who shaped his leadership. Dukes dives into building Tampa’s Power Pig brand, programming roles in Louisville, Cincinnati, and San Diego, and navigating Jacor’s sale to Clear Channel before joining Emmis. He also opens up about his shift to Christian radio and his 2024 rise to Hope Media Group President post-Way Media merger.

The second episode features Portnoy, who recounts his start in Syracuse University’s college radio and covering major events like 9/11, the Afghanistan War, Hurricane Katrina, and Osama Bin Laden’s death. He details his journey from an ABC News intern to White House correspondent, his tenure as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, and his return to ABC after over eight years at CBS News. Portnoy also discusses his 2025 Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, emphasizing the value of preserving broadcast history.

Both episodes of Chachi Loves Everybody are available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts.

Radio History: Sep 26

➦In 1887…Inventor Emile Berliner was granted his first patent for what he called the "Gramophone". The patent described recording sound using horizontal modulation of a stylus as it traced a line on a rotating cylindrical surface coated with an unresisting opaque material such as lampblack, subsequently fixed with varnish and used to photoengrave a corresponding groove into the surface of a metal playback cylinder.

In practice, Berliner opted for the disc format, which made the photoengraving step much less difficult and offered the prospect of making multiple copies of the result by some simpler process such as electrotyping, molding or stamping. Soon Berliner was using a more direct recording method, in which the stylus traced a line through a very thin coating of wax on a zinc disc, which was then etched in acid to convert the line of bared metal into a playable groove.

Ted Weems band on set of Fibber McGee & Molly - 1937

➦In 1901...Bandleader Ted Weems born in Pitcairen, PA (Died at age 61 - May 6, 1963). His work in music was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Weems moved to Chicago with his band around 1928. The Ted Weems Orchestra had chart success in 1929 with the novelty song "Piccolo Pete", which rewarded him with his second Gold Record, and the #1 hit "The Man from the South". The band gained popularity in the 1930s, making regular radio broadcasts. These included Jack Benny's Canada Dry program on CBS and NBC during the early 1930s, and the Fibber McGee & Molly program in the late 1930s.

In 1936, the Ted Weems Orchestra gave singer Perry Como his first national exposure; Como recorded with the band (on Decca Records), beginning his long and successful career.

The first season of the Beat the Band radio show on the NBC Red Network (1940–1941) included Weems and his orchestra as part of the cast.

In 1940, Weems and his orchestra were featured on Beat the Band on the NBC-Red radio network.

➦In 1908...Saturday Evening Post ad for a Victor 'talking machine'.

➦In 1919...Actress Barbara Britton born Barbara Maurine Brantingham (Died from pancreatic cancer at age 60 – January 17, 1980). She is best known for her Western film roles opposite Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, and Gene Autry and for her two-year tenure as inquisitive amateur sleuth Pam North on the television and radio series Mr. and Mrs. North.

➦In 1960…John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon squared off in the first televised presidential debates in American history. The debates were staged at the studios of WBBM-TV in Chicago. The Kennedy-Nixon debates not only had a major impact on the election’s outcome, but ushered in a new era in which crafting a public image and taking advantage of media exposure became essential ingredients of a successful political campaign. They also heralded the central role television has continued to play in the democratic process.

BIA Forecasts $12.3B In Local Radio Revenue

BIA Advisory Services, in partnership with the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), has projected that U.S. local radio advertising revenue will reach $12.3 billion in 2025.

This figure encompasses both over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts and digital radio platforms, positioning local radio as the fifth-largest advertising medium in the broader $171 billion U.S. local ad market. The forecast represents a slight downward adjustment from earlier 2024 estimates, reflecting economic uncertainties like tariffs and political factors, but it underscores radio's resilience amid a shifting media landscape where digital ad spending is expected to surpass traditional media for the first time (excluding political ads).

The $12.3 billion projection includes a mix of declining OTA revenue and modest digital growth:

Over-the-Air (OTA) Radio: Expected to account for approximately $10 billion, down about 6% from 2024's $10.6 billion due to ongoing shifts toward digital alternatives.
Digital Radio: Projected at around $2.4 billion, with a slight increase of 0.1% to 4.5% year-over-year, driven by sectors like financial services, insurance, and quick-service restaurants (each investing over $95 million). 

Overall, combined OTA and digital revenue is forecasted to dip by about 4.9% from 2024's $13 billion.This hybrid model highlights radio's adaptation, with digital extensions (e.g., streaming and podcasts) helping offset OTA losses.

Key Growth Drivers and Categories:  Several verticals are fueling radio's ad investments, with BIA identifying opportunities in the "Three Rs" (Restaurants, Retail, Real Estate) plus emerging sectors like Automotive and Education. Here's a summary of top projected spenders:

Political advertising will provide a boost in an off-election year, particularly in markets with special elections and gubernatorial races. Hospitals stand out as a "notable" top spender, per BIA VP Celine Matthiessen, signaling opportunities for radio to bundle audio with emerging digital formats.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns with Ratings Surge

Tuesday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode drew 6.26 million viewers, per preliminary Nielsen data, nearly quadrupling its typical audience despite over 20% of ABC affiliates boycotting the broadcast. 

The figures, which exclude streaming viewership, are expected to rise as more data is reported.

The episode marked Kimmel’s return after ABC and Disney suspended the show on September 17 following backlash over Kimmel’s comments about the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 

The suspension, criticized by a top federal regulator, sparked a national free speech debate.

Kimmel’s Tuesday monologue focused heavily on free speech. “This show isn’t important,” he said. “What matters is living in a country that allows a show like this.” 

Nexstar and Sinclair, major TV groups, preempted the episode on their affiliates, citing objections to Kimmel’s remarks. Nexstar later noted ongoing “productive discussions” with Disney.

Achieving 6.2 million viewers without an NFL playoff lead-in or full affiliate support is remarkable.

The show averaged 1.6 million viewers during the 2024-2025 season. Kimmel’s monologue also went viral, amassing over 15 million YouTube views.

Kimmel's Monologue Broke Social Media Records

Jimmy Kimmel made his highly anticipated return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, after a nearly week-long suspension that ignited national debates on free speech, media censorship, and political pressure. His opening monologue— a raw, emotional 18-minute takedown of suppression tactics—quickly exploded online, amassing nearly 19 million views across YouTube and Instagram by early Wednesday afternoon. This viral surge not only shattered Kimmel's personal records but underscored the shifting sands of late-night TV, where social media now outpaces traditional broadcasts in reach and impact.

Kimmel took the stage to thunderous applause, opening with a sarcastic "As I was saying before I was interrupted." Tearfully, he first addressed the Kirk tragedy directly: "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said, extending condolences to Kirk's widow and family while reiterating his prior social media post mourning the loss. 

He pivoted to the broader issue, assailing Trump's "anti-American" attacks on media freedom: "Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke." Kimmel mocked Trump's pre-air Truth Social rant—"I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back"—and the president's threats to "test ABC" with lawsuits, referencing the $16 million settlement from a prior defamation case.

This dwarfs typical late-night clips, reflecting broader trends: Younger audiences (18-34) increasingly consume comedy on YouTube and TikTok, contributing to the format's declining linear TV numbers (down 26% from 2015). Analysts predict the episode could be Kimmel's strongest in years, amplified by the controversy.

Disney Shareholders Demand Records on Kimmel Suspension

On Wednesday, a coalition of Disney shareholders, including prominent organizations like the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO labor federation, and Reporters Without Borders, formally demanded internal records from the company regarding its decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The request, outlined in a letter to Disney's board, accuses executives of potentially breaching their fiduciary duties by prioritizing political pressures over the company's and shareholders' interests. This development comes just one day after Kimmel's highly rated return episode on September 23, which drew 6.26 million viewers despite ongoing affiliate boycotts.

The letter, drafted by lawyers including Roberta Kaplan (known for representing E. Jean Carroll in her lawsuit against Trump), invokes Delaware corporate law, where Disney is incorporated. Shareholders in Delaware can demand "books and records" to probe potential board-level misconduct, potentially paving the way for lawsuits. 

Key allegations include:

• Breach of Fiduciary Duties: The groups claim executives may have violated duties of loyalty, care, and good faith by yielding to "improper political or affiliate considerations" amid FCC threats, rather than safeguarding the company's free speech commitments and long-term value.
• Scope of Request: Focused on board records and deliberations (e.g., involving Iger and Walden), excluding routine executive communications with Kimmel or affiliates.
• Timeline and Threat: Disney has five business days to comply; failure could trigger a lawsuit to enforce access.The shareholders expressed relief at Kimmel's reinstatement but emphasized ongoing "Trump administration threats to free speech," including against ABC, as justification for scrutiny. 

No immediate response from Disney, AFT, AFL-CIO, or Reporters Without Borders was available as of Wednesday.

Trump vs. Iger: Disney Lawyers-Up

Disney executives are expecting President Trump to target their broadcast licenses for ABC-owned stations in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The expectation stems from ongoing FCC scrutiny under Carr, who has criticized "bias against conservatives". 

The company views Kimmel's reinstatement as a free-speech stand, despite knowing it could provoke the administration.

Sources close to Disney told Bloomberg that lawyers believe any FCC revocation attempt would fail in court, citing First Amendment protections and the FCC's limited authority over satirical content. Broadcast licenses require "public interest" compliance, but courts have historically struck down politically motivated revocations. Disney's prior settlement of a Trump defamation suit in 2024 (over ABC host George Stephanopoulos) informs their strategy, but they see this as winnable.

The core issue: Kimmel's remarks linking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Trump supporters, which triggered backlash, a temporary show suspension, and threats to Disney's FCC broadcast licenses. Disney reinstated Kimmel on Tuesday, but executives are bracing for potential legal fights.

If Trump pushes revocations, it could reach the Supreme Court, testing broadcast vs. cable distinctions (Kimmel would face less risk on cable).

TV Ratings: New Fox Weekend Shows Debut To Huge Numbers

FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 2.7 million viewers in primetime during the week of September 15 leading CBS (2 million viewers) according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. In Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.8 million viewers and 204,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

The network commanded 65% of the primetime and 66% of the total day cable news audience. FNC commanded 92 of the top 100 cable telecasts for the week.On Sunday, FNC’s special coverage of the memorial of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk delivered 5.2 million viewers and 755,000 in the 25-54 demo from 1:30-7:15 PM/ET on Sunday, September 21, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data Plus Panel. 

Throughout the duration of the special coverage, the network held 89% and 91% share of the cable news audience with viewers and the 25-54 demo, the highest the network has ever seen on a Sunday.

Additionally, FNC secured quadruple-digit advantages over CNN’s 372,000 viewers and 46,000 in the 25-54 demo and MSNBC’s 260,000 viewers and 26,000 in the 25-54 demo from 1:30-7:15 PM/ET. FNC’s viewership peaked during Erika Kirk’s remarks during the 6 PM/ET hour, with 6.6 million viewers and 1.1 million in the 25-54 demo.

Additionally, the weekend debuts of Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany was the number one program in cable news on Saturday, September 20th with 1,582,000 viewers and 124,000 in A25-54, beating CNN and MSNBC combined with P2+ and A25-54. 

On Sunday, the debut of The Sunday Briefing with rotating anchors Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich delivered 2,191,000 P2+ and 253,000 A25-54 with an advantage of 484% over CNN and 360% over MSNBC with P2+ and advantage of 502% over CNN and 278% over MSNBC with A25-54. 

 The Sunday Briefing was up 33% with P2+ and up 55% with A25-54 over the Sunday 11 AM/ET timeslot’s year to date average. 

The Five averaged 4 million viewers and 362,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable with viewers. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3.1 million viewers and 306,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 3 million viewers and 325,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 3.5 million viewers and 348,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 3 million viewers and 304,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.5 million viewers and 219,000 in the 25-54 demo.

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3.1 million viewers and 362,000 in the 25-54 demo continuing to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2.2 million viewers; 312,000 A25-54), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.6 million viewers; 315,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.1 million viewers; 206,000 A25-54).

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

 

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2.4 million viewers), The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 2.1 million viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2 million viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 2 million viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 2 million viewers), and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 2 million viewers) all led ABC’s GMA3 (1.3 million viewers).

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 9-15-25 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages exclude repeats and include the corresponding program name.

President Trump Expected to Sign TikTok Deal Thursday

TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has been facing a potential U.S. ban due to national security concerns under the 2024 TikTok Ban Act, requiring ByteDance to divest U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. After the Supreme Court upheld the law, President Trump delayed enforcement through executive orders, citing negotiations to protect the app’s 170 million U.S. users. 

Following intense U.S.-China talks, including a September 19, 2025, call between Trump and Xi Jinping, a deal was framed to create a U.S.-controlled joint venture with ByteDance holding under 20% stake. Trump is set to sign the deal on Thursday, September 25, 2025, ensuring compliance with the law, with U.S. investors like Oracle and Silver Lake taking majority control, securing data and the algorithm. The deadline extends to December 16, 2025, for finalization.

The agreement structures TikTok's U.S. operations as a new joint venture company, ensuring majority American control to comply with the 2024 law. Here's a breakdown:

Chicagoland Radio: Gordon Mays Named OM For Connoisseur

Connoisseur Media has announced the appointment of Gordon Mays, a seasoned radio professional with nearly 25 years of experience, as Operations Manager for its suburban Chicago radio cluster. 

Mays, a Chicago-area native, previously served in a similar role in Milwaukee and brings extensive expertise in operations and programming from both the Milwaukee and Rockford markets. His appointment follows an exhaustive nationwide search, with Mays’ deep local roots and industry knowledge making him a standout choice.

Karl Wertzler, Local Market Manager for Connoisseur Media’s Chicagoland stations, emphasized the strategic fit of the hire. “After conducting a thorough nationwide search, we’re thrilled to bring Gordon on board. His extensive experience and intimate familiarity with the communities we serve make this a natural fit. The timing couldn’t be better to have someone of his caliber join our team, right from our own backyard,” Wertzler said.

Gordon Mays

Mays will oversee programming and strategic initiatives for Connoisseur’s “Star Stations,” including 105.5 WZSR (Star 105.5) and 96.7 WSSR (Star 96.7), both serving the Elgin and Joliet areas with adult contemporary formats, as well as 95.9 WERV (95.9 The River), a classic hits station targeting Aurora and surrounding suburbs. 

Additionally, Mays will provide leadership across Connoisseur’s broader Chicagoland portfolio, which includes Free Country stations 102.3 WXLC (Lake County) and 98.3 WCCQ (Crest Hill), rock outlets 95.1 WIIL (Kenosha) and 104.9 WRXQ (Coal City), and AM stations 1340 WJOL (Joliet), 1050 WLIP (Kenosha), and 1220 WKRS (Waukegan). 

Mays expressed enthusiasm for returning to his hometown to lead the cluster. “I’m incredibly excited to join Connoisseur Media’s Chicagoland team and work alongside such a dedicated and talented group.

"Having grown up in these suburbs, I’ve long admired the work of this organization. I’m deeply grateful to Karl Wertzler, Brian Foster (VP of Programming), and Keith Dakin (Regional General Manager) for entrusting me with this opportunity to strengthen ties with the communities I’ve always called home. I’m eager to contribute to the stations’ legacies and foster authentic connections with our listeners,” Mays said.

Connoisseur Media, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, operates 39 radio stations across 10 markets nationwide, with its Chicagoland cluster being a key component of its Midwest strategy.