The Music Community Remembers..Brian Wilson

The music community has expressed profound grief and admiration following the passing of Brian Wilson, co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys, on Wednesday, at age 82. 

Tributes from artists, peers, and industry figures highlight Wilson’s transformative influence on pop music, particularly through his innovative songwriting, production techniques, and the landmark 1966 album Pet Sounds. 

• John Cusack, who portrayed Wilson in the 2014 biopic Love & Mercy, described him as “a raw open heart with two legs - and an ear that heard the angels - quite literally.” Cusack emphasized Wilson’s resilience in openly discussing his mental health struggles and completing his unfinished masterpiece Smile, calling his journey a “triumph of endurance and spirit.”
• Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon, shared a personal reflection, stating, “Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did.” He noted meeting Wilson and described him as “our American Mozart. A one of a kind genius from another world.”
• Elton John called Wilson a “musical genius and revolutionary,” underscoring his profound impact on music.
• Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones wrote, “my world is in mourning,” while Keith Richards also paid respects, reflecting Wilson’s influence across genres.
• Mick Fleetwood expressed being “greatly saddened,” adding, “Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson’s genius magical touch.”
• Questlove posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram, noting, “If there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness … damn it was Brian Wilson,” highlighting his ability to channel melancholy into beautiful music.
• Al Jardine, Wilson’s Beach Boys bandmate, called him a “humble giant” and “brother in spirit,” expressing comfort in imagining Wilson reunited with his brothers Carl and Dennis, “singing those beautiful harmonies again.” Jardine added, “we will celebrate your music forever.”

• Nancy Sinatra paid tribute, saying, “His cherished music will live forever,” reflecting the timelessness of Wilson’s work.
• Tim Burgess of The Charlatans shared a video of his Beach Boys vinyl collection, noting, “Brian Wilson - he could write about any subject and it would hit you where it counts. The best at what he did best.”
• Cameron Crowe, director of Almost Famous, wrote on X, “Those transcendent words and happy/sad melodies will be there for all-time, waiting for each new generation. Mighty love and thanks always to the great Brian Wilson.”
• Randy Bachman shared a personal memory, recalling performing with The Beach Boys and describing Wilson as a composer who “took jazz harmony, put it to a Chuck Berry beat and made a new genre of music.” He likened Wilson’s passing to losing a family member.
• Bob Dylan also paid respects, with sources noting his admiration for Wilson’s production, once saying, “Jesus, that ear. He should donate it to the Smithsonian.”
• Steven Hyden, a music journalist, wrote on X, “One of the greatest artists of my lifetime in any medium. In terms of rock songwriting, he’s on the extremely shortlist of all-time greats. Ditto production.”
• The Beach Boys as a group issued a statement, saying, “Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever.” They vowed to cherish his legacy through his songs.
• Paul McCartney, a longtime admirer, was cited in tributes for past praise of Pet Sounds, calling it “the classic of the century” and noting its influence on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. While no new statement was directly attributed to him, his historical reverence for Wilson underscores the mutual respect between the two

Moore Money with Steve Moore Enters Syndication

Moore Money with Steve Moore is now available to radio stations across the U.S. from Red Apple Audio Networks, the syndication arm of Red Apple Media. Moore is known nationwide as a leading American economist, writer, and commentator. Moore Money with Steve Moore airs on 77WABC, New York, Saturdays from 1 to 3 pm ET, with the first hour, 1 to 2 pm ET, available to radio stations nationwide.

“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to the topics of money and government,” noted John Catsimatidis, Owner and CEO, Red Apple Media and 77WABC. “His unique insider’s perspective on how government policies and the economy are intertwined are valuable insights for radio listeners. We’re delighted to offer Moore Money with Steve Moore to radio stations across America.”

“On the Moore Money show we make the world of economics and finance easy to understand, fun and entertaining. And it’s all about how listeners can make MORE money,” Moore says.

Moore served as Senior Economic Advisor to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, contributing to tax, budget, and energy policies. He served as the Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation (2014-2017), is a former member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board (2005-2014), where he continues to be a contributor, and Co-Founder and President of The Club for Growth (1999-2004), a leading conservative political advocacy group. Moore is a recipient of the Ronald Reagan “Great Communicator” award from the Republican party.

For more information on Moore Money with Steve Moore, or any of Red Apple Audio Networks’ syndicated programs, stations may contact affiliation@redappleaudionetworks.com or visit www.redappleaudionetworks.com. 

Diddy Trial: The Prosecution's Best Witnesses To Date

According to a Variety article titled “Diddy’s 4 Most Damning Witnesses So Far, From an Anonymous Assistant to a Hotel Security Guard,” the four most impactful witnesses in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial are:

Casandra “Cassie” Ventura: Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, is the prosecution’s central witness, with her 2023 civil lawsuit sparking the federal case. She testified for four days, alleging Combs raped her, subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, and coerced her into drug-fueled “freak-offs” involving sex with male escorts, which he filmed and threatened to release to ruin her career. Former prosecutor Mark Chutkow stated, “The case rises and falls with Cassie,” especially for the sex trafficking charges, as her testimony is corroborated by others, including her friends and mother.

“Mia”: A former personal assistant from 2009 to 2017, testifying under a pseudonym, Mia accused Combs of raping her, forcing her to take drugs, and making her work five days straight without sleep, supporting racketeering charges like forced labor. She recounted Combs attacking Ventura outside Prince’s house, a vivid incident Chutkow believes will resonate with jurors. Mia’s soft-spoken demeanor and lack of a civil lawsuit against Combs bolster her credibility, as she appears to have no motive for fame or money.

Capricorn Clark: Clark, who worked for Combs from 2004 to 2018, testified to witnessing Combs’ violence against Ventura and alleged acts of kidnapping and extortion, key to the racketeering charges. She described a 2011 incident where Combs, furious over Ventura’s brief relationship with Kid Cudi, kidnapped her at gunpoint and drove her to Cudi’s house, threatening to kill him. Clark also corroborated Ventura’s mother’s testimony that Combs demanded $20,000 from her the same week he threatened to release Ventura’s sex tapes.

Eddy Garcia: A hotel security guard at the InterContinental in Los Angeles in 2016, Garcia testified under an immunity order about Combs allegedly bribing him with $100,000 in cash to delete surveillance footage showing Combs beating Ventura. Garcia described Combs running the cash through a money-counting machine and handing it to him in a bag. Legal experts note this cover-up attempt could weigh heavily on jurors, with Chutkow remarking, “What legitimate mogul has a money counter? It sounds like something right out of ‘The Wire’ or ‘The Sopranos.’”

The article emphasizes that while the 2016 hotel video of Combs assaulting Ventura is critical evidence, these witnesses—offering intimate accounts of abuse, coercion, and cover-ups—are pivotal to proving the prosecution’s case of a criminal enterprise.

Diddy Trial: Prosecution May Finish Next Week

The Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking and racketeering trial Wednesdaymarked its 21st day of testimony. The key focus was the continued cross-examination of a witness testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," one of Combs’ accusers.

Testimony:Jane’s Testimony: Jane, a former girlfriend of Combs, continued her testimony under cross-examination by defense attorney Teny Geragos. She described participating in "hotel nights," which were prolonged sexual encounters often involving male escorts, orchestrated by Combs. She testified about a specific "hotel night" around New Year’s 2022, lasting approximately three days and involving three men. Jane expressed frustration over Combs spending time with another woman during this period, as evidenced by text messages shown to the jury.

Jane confirmed feeling depressed after a “sobriety party” in October 2023 at a Beverly Hills hotel, where she attempted to abstain from drugs, but Combs used ecstasy and cocaine. She described trying to break up with Combs, and a video was shown to the jury where Combs acknowledged they were in a “funk” and needed to listen to each other. In the video, both appeared to be laughing, and Combs said, “I was in a dark hole and you came here to save me.”

Jane’s testimony included details about the power dynamics in her relationship with Combs, stating she felt pressured to participate in these encounters to maintain their relationship. She noted Combs’ polyamorous behavior and her struggle with the imbalance in how he treated her compared to other women.

Other Witnesses: The prosecution indicated that two additional witnesses were expected to testify after Jane, with their testimony likely to take most of Thursday. A summary witness was also planned, though travel logistics for additional witnesses were still being arranged. 

The prosecution noted they were ahead of schedule and might rest their case as early as Wednesday, June 18, 2025, or by Friday, June 20, 2025, after potentially cutting more witnesses from their list.

RTDNA Concerned With 'Targeting' Of Reporters Covering LA Unrest

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), alongside over two dozen press freedom and civil liberties groups, has condemned the dangerous and indiscriminate targeting of journalists covering recent immigration-related protests in Los Angeles. 

In a joint letter sent this week to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the organizations criticized federal law enforcement’s treatment of journalists during protests linked to immigration raids.

The letter cites multiple reports of federal officers using excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, causing significant injuries to journalists. It notes instances where journalists, simply doing their jobs, appeared to be deliberately targeted. A similar letter addressing alleged targeting by local police is expected to be sent to Los Angeles-area police departments.

RTDNA Advocacy Advisory Council member Adam Rose, also the Press Rights Chair at the Los Angeles Press Club, has been documenting these incidents, with reports available on his BlueSky page.

Toby Canham

The press club includes physical violence as well as efforts to impair journalists' coverage, such as nonconsensual bag searches, in the category. It updates its database with reports from journalists and incidents reported on social media.

Some of the incidents have resulted in injuries.

Lauren Tomasi, U.S. correspondent for 9News Australia, was hit by a projectile while reporting live in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. Tomasi had her back to police and was speaking into the camera when an officer pointed a weapon toward her and fired it, according to a video of the incident.

Toby Canham, a freelance photographer working for the New York Post, said he was struck by a projectile on Sunday, resulting in a bruised forehead. In an interview he said the projectile, which was "hard and rubbery," knocked him to the ground. The Post published an image shot by Canham showing a law enforcement official that he said had fired at him from about 100 yards away.

Unrest Rehaping Latino Shopping Habits

Concerns over immigration policies are reshaping Hispanic consumers' shopping habits. 

The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration's aggressive deportation efforts targeting undocumented immigrants have instilled fear in many Latinos, including those with legal status, who worry about encounters with immigration authorities. As a result, many are limiting public activities, cutting back on routine shopping and dining out. Economic pressures, including job losses in sectors like construction and rising inflation, are further straining Hispanic consumers' budgets.

Tensions escalated after Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids triggered protests in Los Angeles, prompting President Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. Demonstrators, many with undocumented family members, expressed fears of leaving their homes. Protests have since spread to other cities.

The economic ripple effects are hitting consumer goods companies, food and beverage producers, restaurants, and retailers, especially in Southern states with large Hispanic populations. 

Coca-Cola reported a 3% drop in North American sales volume in the first quarter, attributing part of the decline to reduced Hispanic spending. Companies like Colgate-Palmolive, Constellation Brands (Modelo), and restaurant chains such as Wingstop and El Pollo Loco have also noted sales declines linked to lower Hispanic consumer spending in recent investor updates.

Futuri Reintroduces LDR (Listener Driven Radio™)

Futuri, the leader in AI-powered audience engagement and content technology for broadcasters and publishers, has announced that its interactive programming platform Tether has been renamed LDR (Listener Driven Radio™). 

This rebranding reflects Futuri’s renewed commitment to its foundational mission: empowering audiences to actively participate in shaping their listening experience.Originally launched as LDR in 2010, the platform pioneered real-time audience engagement by allowing listeners to influence on-air content through interactive features. 

While the platform evolved under the name Tether, the return to LDR underscores its core purpose: transforming traditional broadcasts into dynamic, listener-driven experiences.

Key Features of LDR (Listener Driven Radio™):

• Crowdsourced Song Voting: Listeners can vote on their favorite songs via the station’s website or mobile app, influencing the playlist in real-time while adhering to the station’s music strategy.
• Personalized Notifications: Users receive alerts when their chosen songs or artists are about to play, boosting tune-ins and listener loyalty.
• Customizable Branding: Stations can tailor the voting interface and visuals to align with their branding and sponsorships, providing a cohesive experience.
• Enhanced Audio Imaging: Utilizing ReelWorld’s ready-to-use imaging, LDR enhances the station’s sound by delivering captivating contest promos and intos.Current clients will see no disruption in service, and the platform’s core features and functionality remain fully intact.

As media consumption habits continue to shift, Futuri’s return to the LDR (Listener Driven Radio™) name underscores the company’s vision for a future where technology and audience participation go hand-in-hand.

For more information on LDR (Listener Driven Radio™), visit https://futurimedia.com/solutions/listener-driven-radio/

D/FW Radio: New Country 96.3 Raises$30K+ for PAWS Service Dogs

Cumulus Media announces that New Country 96.3 morning show hosts Hawkeye & Michelle’s 5th Annual “Pet for a Vet” campaign has once again made a tremendous impact, raising $33,636 to benefit Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. 

This year’s fundraiser adds to an already incredible legacy, bringing the total amount raised over the five-year partnership to more than $130,000, and helping provide life-changing service dogs to veterans in need. The event was sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus.

Hawkeye and Michelle kicked off the promotion on Monday, May 19th, calling on listeners to contribute to Patriot PAWS and help change veterans’ lives. Over the two-week campaign, they shared inspiring stories from past beneficiaries, highlighting how Patriot PAWS service dogs have made a lasting impact on veterans facing mobility challenges. The hosts also followed up on previously sponsored service dogs, giving listeners a glimpse into their training journeys and the incredible skills these dogs develop to assist their owners. Through heartfelt testimonials and educational segments, Hawkeye and Michelle underscored the critical work Patriot PAWS does to provide independence, companionship, and healing to our nation’s heroes.

This year’s campaign was extra special, as the station proudly introduced its newest sponsored service dog, Freedom—named in honor of Freedom Green, a U.S. Army Combat Medic whose own service dog, Gus, has been a life-changing companion.

In addition, every donor was entered for a chance to win a trip to see Country superstar Jason Aldean live in Chicago, making this fundraiser even more thrilling for Country music fans.

 Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, Host, “Hawkeye in the Morning,” said: “When we started this five years ago, we knew the waiting list for these specifically trained service dogs was long. We are excited to provide another veteran living with mobility issues the assistance they need.”

 Lauren Vaughan, Development Director at Patriot PAWS, shared: "Working with Hawkeye and Michelle has been an absolute joy. Their unwavering support and the enthusiasm of their listeners have brought our mission to life in ways we never imagined. Each dog they've helped sponsor represents a veteran gaining a new lease on life. We're deeply grateful for their commitment to our cause."

For more details on “Pet for a Vet” and how you can continue to support this important cause, visit www.newcountry963.com/petforavet.

About Patriot PAWS

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and providing service dogs of the highest quality to disabled American veterans, helping restore their physical and emotional independence. No Veteran ever receives a bill from Patriot PAWS.

Fox Nation Inks New Deal with Martin Scorsese

FOX Nation has secured a new deal with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese for a second season of the docudrama series "Martin Scorsese Presents: THE SAINTS," announced on Wednesday. 

The series, hosted, narrated, and executive produced by Scorsese, will feature eight new episodes premiering in November 2025 and running through Spring 2026. Each episode will focus on a single saint, including Saint Mary the Virgin, Saint Peter, Saint Carlo Acutis, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Longinus, Saint Lucia, and Saint Thomas Becket, exploring their acts of kindness, selflessness, and sacrifice over 2,000 years of history.

The first season, which premiered in November 2024, became FOX Nation’s most-watched and highest-engaged series, featuring saints like Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, and Francis of Assisi, generating millions of unique views. 

The series was created by Matti Leshem for Lionsgate Alternative Television, with Kent Jones as the writer and Elizabeth Chomko as the director. Additional executive producers include Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Christopher Donnelly, Lisa Frechette, Yoshi Stone, Matt Loze, David Ellender, and Craig Piligian. The docudrama aligns with Scorsese’s long-standing interest in faith, seen in his films like The Last Temptation of Christ and Silence.

Memphis Radio: 3 Men Arrested For Stealing Station's Copper

WGSF Ambiente Radio 1030 AM, Memphis's first Hispanic radio station, was recently knocked off the air due to a copper theft at its transmitter site. 

Thieves stole $160,000 worth of copper wiring and components, breaking through a chain-linked fence, cutting underground cables, and damaging the transmitter building. According to the police, someone broke into the building housing the radio transmitter and stole copper cables and components. They also cut the copper wiring running underground to the radio towers.

The station owner, Sergio Butron, discovered the loss after the signal went dead. 

Three suspects—(L-R) Kyle Walton (35), Terrence Goodman (32), and Jonathan Yarbrough (52)—were arrested after being caught burning the stolen copper cables nearby.  They face charges of burglary, theft, and tampering with evidence. 

Repairs are ongoing, but the station remains off the air, with no clear timeline for resuming broadcasts. The incident has frustrated Butron, who described years of work being "reduced to nothing."

Radio History: June 12

➦In 1851...Early Radio pioneer, Oliver Joseph Lodge, was born in England (Died - August 22, 1940).

Oliver Lodge

He was a British physicist and writer involved in the development of key patents in wireless telegraphy.

On 14 August 1894, at a meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Oxford University, Lodge gave a lecture on the work of Hertz (then-recently deceased). 

There he conducted a demonstration of Hertzian (radio) based wireless telegraphy, transmitting messages between two buildings, showing their potential for communication.   

This was one year before Marconi demonstrated his system for radio wireless telegraphy.

➦In 1911...the consummate radio actress Claudia Morgan was born in Brooklyn.

Throughout the 1940’s she played Nora Charles opposite Les Tremayne in The Adventures of the Thin Man. She was married to radio announcer and actor Ernest Chappell, and performed with him on the late ’40s horror show, “Quiet Please.” She was also a regular on The O’Neills, David Harum, Ford Theatre, Joyce Jordan, M.D., The Right to Happiness, Grand Central Station, Inner Sanctum Mysteries, On Stage and Dimension X.  In the early ’70s, Morgan was heard on Himan Brown‘s CBS Mystery Theater.  She died Sept. 17 1974 at age 63.

William Lundigan

➦In 1914....actor William Lundigan was born in Syracuse NY.

He began as an adolescent announcer for a hometown radio station in a building owned by his father. He spent thirteen years as announcer before being discovered by a Universal film executive in 1937.  When big screen roles dried up in the mid-50′s he returned to announcing as host of TV’s dramatic anthology Climax, and Shower of Stars, on which he did commercials for the sponsor Chrysler. He also starred in the 1959 TV series Men into Space.

He died of heart failure Dec 20, 1975 at age 61.

➦In 1928....singer/radio-TV host Vic Damone was born in Brooklyn. He entered the talent search on CBS Radio’s Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and won in April 1947. This led to his becoming a regular on Godfrey’s show. By mid-1947, Damone had signed a contract with Mercury Records. In 1948, he got his own weekly CBS radio show, Saturday Night Serenade. In January 1950 he made his first of several guest appearances on Ed Sullivan‘s Toast of the Town, including a duet with future TV hostess Dinah Shore. Over the next thirty years he became a regular featured guest on every major variety series on network television.

He died Feb. 11, 2018 from complications of respiratory illness at age 89.

➦In 1955…Monitor debuted on the NBC Radio Network. The weekend program "Monitor," the brainchild of NBC radio and television network president Sylvester "Pat" Weaver, began its 19½-year run on NBC Network Radio. The initial broadcast lasted eight hours. After an introduction by Weaver, news headlines from Dave Garroway and a routine by Bob and Ray, Garroway cued a music remote featuring live jazz by Howard Rumsey and the Lighthouse All-Stars at the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, California.

R.I.P..: The Iconic Brian Wilson, Dead At 82

Brian Wilson, the visionary leader of the Beach Boys and a defining figure in American music, died at 82, with his family announcing the news on his official website on Wednesday. 

Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Wilson was the eldest of three brothers who, along with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, formed the Beach Boys in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. His innovative songwriting, production, and mastery of vocal harmonies transformed the band into a cultural phenomenon, encapsulating the idealized Southern California lifestyle of the 1960s with hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” and “Don’t Worry Baby.” These songs, often dubbed the work of a “summer’s poet laureate,” celebrated youth, freedom, and the sun-soaked allure of the coast.

Wilson’s genius extended beyond catchy pop. As the band’s primary songwriter, arranger, and producer, he pushed creative boundaries, particularly with the 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history, Pet Sounds was a groundbreaking concept album that wove a cohesive narrative of love and introspection, incorporating unconventional sounds like bicycle bells, train whistles, and barking dogs. Its emotional depth and orchestral complexity influenced countless artists, including the Beatles, who drew inspiration for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Paul McCartney has called “God Only Knows” from Pet Sounds one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Bob Dylan praised Wilson’s production ear, suggesting it deserved preservation in the Smithsonian, while artists like Judee Sill cited Pet Sounds as a direct influence.

Despite his brilliance, Wilson faced personal struggles, including mental health challenges and substance abuse, which led to periods of withdrawal from the Beach Boys. His ambitious follow-up to Pet Sounds, the unfinished SMiLE project, became a legend in its own right, with fragments released over decades until its completion in 2004 as Brian Wilson Presents Smile. The album earned critical acclaim, showcasing his enduring creativity. Wilson also pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Brian Wilson (1988) and That Lucky Old Sun (2008), while continuing to perform Beach Boys classics to adoring audiences.

Wilson’s influence is immeasurable, shaping pop and rock music’s evolution and inspiring generations of musicians. The Beach Boys’ 36 Billboard Top 40 hits remain unmatched by any American band, a testament to his songcraft. Survived by his wife, Melinda, and their adopted children, Wilson leaves a legacy as a musical innovator whose work captured both the joy and complexity of the human experience. 

No further details on his passing were provided by his family.

ABC News To Veteran Correspondent Terry Moran: "You're Fired"

ABC News has ended its relationship with veteran correspondent Terry Moran following a provocative post on X where he labeled President Donald Trump and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller as “world-class haters.” The decision, announced on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, comes just two days after Moran’s post sparked widespread backlash and violated the network’s editorial standards.

According to an ABC News spokesperson, Moran’s contract was nearing its expiration on Friday, June 13, 2025. The network opted not to renew it, citing his post as “a clear violation of ABC News policies.” The spokesperson emphasized, “At ABC News, we uphold the highest standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism. We are committed to delivering trusted, straightforward journalism that informs our audience without bias.”

Moran, a seasoned journalist who recently interviewed President Trump in the Oval Office on April 29, 2025, has been a prominent figure at ABC News. As a former anchor of Nightline and the network’s senior national correspondent, he has covered major political and international stories for over two decades. High-profile correspondents like Moran typically sign multi-year contracts, making the timing of his contract’s end a key factor in ABC’s swift decision to part ways.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Moran posted a scathing commentary on X, accusing Trump of using hatred as “a means to an end” for “his own glorification” and describing Miller’s hatred as his “spiritual nourishment.” The post, which Moran quickly deleted, drew immediate attention from colleagues, viewers, and Trump administration officials. ABC News staff were reportedly shocked by the uncharacteristic breach of journalistic neutrality from a reporter known for his measured reporting.

The backlash was swift. Trump administration officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, condemned the post as “unhinged and unacceptable” and demanded Moran’s suspension or termination. White House communications director Steven Cheung later commented on X, using a modified version of a phrase associated with Trump’s rhetoric about Los Angeles protests: “Talk sh*t, get hit.” The original slogan, “They spit, we hit,” has been used by Trump to address unrest in the city.

ABC’s Response and Industry Reaction

Within hours of the post, ABC News suspended Moran, stating that his comments “violated our standards” and did not represent the network’s views. By Tuesday, the decision to not renew his contract was finalized, effectively ending his tenure at ABC.

The incident has ignited a polarized debate. Pro-Trump commentators and columnists argued that Moran’s remarks warranted immediate dismissal, accusing him of abandoning journalistic integrity. Conversely, some anti-Trump writers and media figures defended Moran, framing his comments as a bold critique of powerful figures. One X post from a prominent media critic lamented that Moran was “suspended for speaking truth about power,” while others criticized ABC for caving to political pressure.

Moran’s departure highlights the challenges news organizations face in maintaining impartiality in a highly polarized media landscape. ABC News, like other major networks, enforces strict guidelines to ensure reporters remain objective, particularly when covering divisive political figures. Moran’s post, though deleted, crossed a line by offering personal opinions rather than factual reporting, prompting the network to act decisively.

The timing of the incident—near the end of Moran’s contract—likely facilitated ABC’s ability to take prompt action without breaching a long-term agreement. However, the decision has raised questions about the balance between free speech and journalistic responsibility. Some industry observers note that Moran’s high-profile status and recent access to Trump for an exclusive interview may have amplified the scrutiny on his remarks.

Moran has not yet publicly commented on his exit.

Disney's Iger: Hulu Offers Stronger DTC Business Model

Disney CEO Bob Iger recently stated that gaining full control of Hulu is a significant step toward unlocking a new level of growth for the company. 

This follows Disney's acquisition of Comcast's 33% stake in Hulu for $438.7 million, finalized on June 9, 2025, ending a lengthy valuation process. The deal gives Disney sole ownership of the streaming platform, which Iger described as a critical move to strengthen Disney's direct-to-consumer business.

Bob Iger

Iger highlighted that Hulu's full integration into Disney's streaming ecosystem, which includes Disney+ and ESPN+, enhances content strategy and bundling capabilities. This is expected to drive long-term revenue and profitability, with Disney's streaming business already showing improvement, achieving profitability in Q2 2024 and further gains in Q1 2025. Hulu added 1.1 million subscribers in Q1 2025, reaching 54.7 million, while Disney+ gained 1.4 million subscribers, bolstered by strong content like Moana 2 and Daredevil: Born Again.

Iger emphasized that owning Hulu outright allows for deeper integration with Disney+, particularly with the upcoming launch of a standalone ESPN streaming service in fall 2025. This bundled offering (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN) is seen as a powerful proposition to cater to diverse audiences, potentially reducing churn and enhancing pricing power. Iger called streaming the "future of the television business," projecting roughly $1 billion in operating profit from Disney+ and Hulu for fiscal 2025.

The acquisition resolves a long-standing joint venture that began in 2007, which Iger noted had been hindered by competing interests among former partners like NBC and Fox. With full control, Disney can now streamline

TV Ratings: Fox Sees Gains Across The Board

During the week of June 2-8, FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 2.8 million viewers in weekday primetime leading broadcast networks including NBC (2.3 million viewers) and CBS (2.1 million viewers). In Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.5 million viewers and 177,000 in the 25-54 demo leading all of cable. In Monday-Sunday primetime (8-11 PM/ET), FNC averaged 2.4 million viewers and 256,000 in the 25-54 demo. Week-over-week, FNC saw gains across the board and secured 96 of the top 100 cable news telecasts during the week.

For the week, The Five averaged 3.4 million viewers and 347,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news in all categories. 

• At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.5 million viewers and 275,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.4 million viewers and 272,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. 
• At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3 million viewers and 330,000 in the 25-54 demo. 
• At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.6 million viewers and 281,000 with A25-54. 
• At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.4 million viewers and 194,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

Notably, The Five surpassed ABC’s Jeopardy! Masters (3.4 million viewers) and NBC’s American Ninja Warrior (2.7 million viewers) with viewers. Additionally, The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, Gutfeld!, Hannity, Special Report and The Ingraham Angle all surpassed TNT’s airings of The Stanley Cup Finals (2.1 million viewers) during the week.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 2.8 million viewers and 304,000 with A25-54. Gutfeld! once again topped the broadcast competition with viewers including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1.7 million viewers) ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.6 million viewers) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1 million viewers). 

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 1,837,000 viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 1,781,000 viewers) and America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 1,729,000 viewers) all led NBC’s Today Third Hour (1,694,000 viewers). 

Harris Faulkner’s The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 1,657,000 viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1,590,000 viewers) and The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1,473,000) viewers all surpassed ABC’s GMA3 (1,253,000 viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends (1,106,00 viewers) and NBC News Daily (1,092,000 viewers) with viewers. 

On Saturday: The Big Weekend Show (weekends, 6-8 PM/ET) drew 1.2 million viewers and 120,000 in the 25-54 demo. FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends, 6-10 AM/ET) delivered over 1.2 million viewers and 143,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 8 PM/ET, Life, Liberty & Levin commanded 1.1 million viewers.

On Sunday: Trey Gowdy’s Sunday Night in America (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) was the top show of the day with over 1.7 million viewers. The Big Weekend Show led the way in the 25-54 demo for the entire weekend with 231,000 viewers. At 11 AM/ET, Sunday Morning Futures commanded 1.6 million viewers and 180,000 in the 25-54 demo.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. Week of 6-2-25 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.