iHeartMedia Layoffs: Day 2 Developments

iHeartMedia, the largest radio broadcaster in the U.S. with around 10,000 employees across its local stations and national audio divisions, has initiated a significant round of layoffs this week, affecting hundreds of staff members nationwide. 

The cuts, estimated at about 5% of the workforce, began on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, and have extended into Wednesday, October 8, as the company prepares for its Q3 earnings report later this week.

These moves are part of broader cost-cutting efforts to meet a full-year goal of $150 million in savings by the end of 2025, amid ongoing industry challenges like declining ad revenue and debt restructuring (including a recent $4.1 billion debt exchange). iHeartMedia described the layoffs as impacting "very few jobs," but reports from affected employees and industry outlets paint a picture of widespread disruption, particularly in smaller and medium-sized markets.

The layoffs target a mix of on-air talent, programmers, producers, sales staff, and executives, with some stations potentially facing format flips as a result. 

This follows multiple prior rounds of reductions in 2024 and early 2025, continuing a pattern of centralization and operational streamlining under CEO Bob Pittman. 

Below is a market-by-market breakdown of confirmed impacts, based on announcements from affected individuals and media reports as of October 8.

Philadelphia (PA)

• Sean Brace: Co-host and midday personality at Fox Sports The Gambler (97.5/1400) was let go on Tuesday. Brace, a veteran sports talk host, shared on social media: "With that, my time with iHeart has come to an end. Industry can be tough at times. We move forward no matter what."
• Mutha Knows (Danielle "Mutha" McRae): Co-host on Power 99 (92.5 WPGC)'s "Rise & Grind Morning Show" was also cut, impacting the station's urban morning drive lineup.

Milwaukee (WI)

• Steve Czaban and Brian "Butch" Butch: Morning co-hosts at 97.3 The Game (WMIQ) departed on Wednesday. Czaban, who joined in 2019 after the station's flip to sports talk, and Butch shared lighthearted farewells on X, referencing post-layoff plans like Peloton workouts. Rumors suggest the station may flip back to music, contributing to the roster trim.

Tampa (FL)

• Sarah Jacobs: Assistant Program Director and midday host at US 103.5 (WWRM) exited on Tuesday. Jacobs had been with iHeartMedia Tampa since 2017, handling programming and on-air duties for the country outlet.

Salt Lake City (UT)

• Joyce Wirthlin: Market President and Senior VP of Sales departed after nearly 30 years with the cluster. Named to her leadership role in 2021, her exit highlights cuts at the executive level.
• Hooker (from Hooker & DB Morning Show): Co-host on Rock 106.7 (KXRK) was let go, affecting the station's rock morning drive.

San Francisco/Los Angeles (CA)

• Hudson Hott: Evening host on Star 101.3 (KSFO) in San Francisco and weekend/fill-in host on ALT 98.7 (KYSR) in Los Angeles was impacted. Hott's dual-market role underscores the national scope of the cuts.

Houston (TX)

• Sean Salisbury: Afternoon host on Sports 790 (KBME) announced his departure on Wednesday via X: "Very Grateful for good coworkers…" Salisbury, a former NFL player turned broadcaster, had been a staple on the station.

NFL Great Urges Bad Bunny To Keep His Ass In Puerto Rico

The announcement of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LX halftime show performer sparked significant backlash, consistent with the criticism faced by recent halftime show selections. The Puerto Rican artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is facing scrutiny primarily for his past criticisms of President Donald Trump.

NFL Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson expressed strong opposition to Bad Bunny’s selection in an interview with TMZ, arguing that anyone with negative views about the United States should not perform at the Super Bowl. Dickerson stated that Bad Bunny should "keep his ass where he's at" in Puerto Rico, emphasizing his belief that performers should show patriotism. 

Eric Dickerson

When informed that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and Bad Bunny is a U.S. citizen, Dickerson acknowledged this but maintained, “It’s not the U.S. That’s the way I look at it.” He further insisted that if Bad Bunny has criticized the U.S., he should "stay in your country" and not perform.

President Trump also dismissed the choice, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and claiming unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny. He criticized the decision as a misstep by the NFL’s entertainment promoter, stating, “I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it — it’s, like, crazy.”

Bad Bunny has been outspoken against Trump, notably endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, making him one of the more politically vocal halftime performers in recent years. This has fueled further controversy, with some fans vowing to boycott the halftime show or even the entire Super Bowl in protest of his selection.

The debate reflects ongoing tensions around the intersection of politics, national identity, and entertainment at high-profile events like the Super Bowl.

Day 3: More September PPM Markets Released By Nielsen

Nielsen Audio on Wednesday released Day 3 of Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings for the month of September.  The ratings measure audience share (typically 12+ demographic, Monday-Sunday 6AM-Midnight) based on the previous survey period—in this case, September 2025 (August 21 to September 17). Day 3 releases focused on mid-sized PPM markets in Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Columbus, and Cleveland.

The released markets highlighted ongoing post-summer trends, including gains in Adult Contemporary (AC) and rhythmic formats amid seasonal shifts, while some talk and sports stations faced declines. 

Below is a market-by-market overview of top performers and significant changes (compared to August 2025):

Charlotte (NC)

• Radio One Adult R&B "105.3 R&B" WOSF surges to 7.5 (up 1.1), claiming the lead for the first time since August 2023.
• Beasley Country "103.7" WSOC-FM rebounds to 7.3 (up 0.9).
• Beasley Classic Hits "K104.7" WKQC slips to 6.9 (down 1.3).
• Beasley Adult R&B "V101.9" WBAV rises to 6.8 (up 0.3).
• iHeartMedia Variety Hits "102.9 The Lake" WLKO holds steady at 6.0.

Portland (OR)

• iHeartMedia AC "K103" KKCW climbs to 9.2 (up 1.5), reclaiming the top spot.
• iHeart Classic Hits "106.7 The Eagle" KLTH dips slightly to 9.0 (down 0.5).
• Connoisseur AAA 101.9 KINK trends to 6.1 (down 0.2).
• iHeartMedia Classic Rock "105.9 The Brew" KFBW drops to 6.0 (down 1.0).
• iHeartMedia Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 107.5" KXJM rises to 3.9 (up 0.7), marking a strong upward move.

San Antonio (TX)

• Cox Media Group Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM holds the lead at 7.2 (down 0.4).
• iHeartMedia Country "KJ 97" KAJA rises to 6.2 (up 0.3).
• Christian AC "K-Love" 91.3 KZLV gains to 5.7 (up 0.6).
• Univision Regional Mexican "Que Buena 92.9" KROM surges to 5.1 (up 1.5).
• Connoisseur Variety Hits "102.7 Jack-FM" KJXK climbs to 4.5 (up 0.6).

Sacramento (CA)

• iHeartMedia News/Talk 1530 KFBK/93.1 KFBK-FM extends its lead to 9.7 (up 0.8).
• Audacy Classic Rock "Eagle 96.9" KSEG slips to 8.0 (down 0.7).
• Bonneville AC "Mix 96" KYMX falls to 5.9 (down 0.6).
• iHeart Soft AC "92.5 The Breeze" KBEB rises to 5.5 (up 0.2).
• Audacy CHR "106.5 The End" KUDL jumps to 4.9 (up 1.3), its best since September 2019.

Salt Lake City/Ogden/Provo (UT)

• Capital Broadcasting Hot AC "Now 97.9" KBZN surges to 7.6 (up 0.7), its best since August 2015 and first lead since September 2016.
• Bonneville AC "FM 100" KSFI dips to 7.3 (down 0.1).
• KSOP Inc. Country "Z104" KSOP-FM holds at 7.1.
• iHeartMedia Classic Hits 94.1 KODJ rises to 5.4 (up 0.6).
• Broadway Media CHR "Mix 105.1" KUDD leaps to 5.2 (up 1.5).

TV RATINGS: The Five Leads The Fox News Pack

FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 2.4 million viewers in primetime during the week of September 29 leading CBS (2 million viewers) according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel.

Year-to-date, FNC continues to lead all broadcast networks with Monday-Friday primetime viewers. In Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.6 million viewers and 151,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

The network commanded 63% of the primetime and total day cable news audience. FNC commanded 96 of the top 100 cable telecasts for the week.

The Five averaged 3.7 million viewers and 302,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable with viewers. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.8 million viewers and 243,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.6 million viewers and 225,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 3.22 million viewers and 298,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.7 million viewers and 281,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.5 million viewers and 170,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 2.9 million viewers and 376,000 in the 25-54 demo continuing to outpace the broadcast competition including ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2.2 million viewers), CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2 million viewers) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.1 million viewers). 

Week-over-week, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is down 43% with viewers, 59% in the 25-54 demo and 56% in the 18-49 demo following its return to ABC.

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2.2 million viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2 million viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 2 million viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 2 million viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 2 million viewers) and The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1.9 million viewers) all led NBC’s Today Third Hour (1.8 million viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna and Friends (1.3 million viewers) and ABC’s GMA3 (1.2 million viewers).

➤Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

On Saturday: Kayleigh McEnany’s Saturday in America (Saturday, 10 AM - 12 PM/ET) was the most-watched show of the day with 1.4 million viewers. At 10 PM/ET, FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla was the number one show in the 25-54 demo with 124,000 viewers. In primetime, Life, Liberty & Levin (weekends, 8 PM/ET) and My View with Lara Trump (Saturday, 9 PM/ET) each drew 1.1 million viewers.

On Sunday: Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday, 10 AM/ET) was the number one show of the day with 1.5 million viewers. The Sunday Briefing (Sunday, 11 AM/ET) hosted by Peter Doocy led the way in the 25-54 demo with 112,000 viewers. In primetime, Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) and Life, Liberty & Levin each drew 1.4 million viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 9-29-25 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.

Jimmy Kimmel Plays The Victim Card

Over two weeks after his return—Jimmy Kimmel escalated his defense during an interview on Bloomberg's Screentime (aired October 9). He accused critics of deliberately twisting his words: "I believed my comments about the reaction to the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk were 'intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized' by critics before his show was suspended."

He reiterated that his monologue critiqued "the MAGA gang's" politicization, not the shooter or Kirk's death, but admitted the phrasing was "blurry" and open to misreading.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel says his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk were “intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized” by the political right.

More from @BloombergLive's #BloombergScreentime https://t.co/NEswrAm0JL pic.twitter.com/UZLaBVDtMl

— Bloomberg (@business) October 9, 2025

Kimmel called the backlash a "coordinated" effort by right-wing media to "play into a narrative" and silence dissent, linking it to broader Trump-era pressures on comedy (e.g., CBS axing Stephen Colbert in July 2025).

He dismissed calls for his firing as "narcissistic" overreach, joking: "If bad phrasing gets you suspended, half of Congress would be off-air."

SiriusXM Radio: Megyn Kelly To Launch New Channel

Variety is reporting Megyn Kelly has a multi-year deal to lead her own dedicated SiriusXM channel, launching November 4, 2025. This builds on her existing Triumph slot, creating "The Megyn Kelly Channel" for expanded programming under Devil May Care Media. 

It will feature live, bold news and conversations, with Kelly promising "no-B.S. news" and content her audience trusts. Details on full programming are forthcoming, but it aligns with her empire's growth, potentially incorporating MK Media shows and true crime content. Kelly called SiriusXM a "stellar, blue-chip brand" partner, signaling deeper integration beyond her current 12–2 p.m. slot.

In 2020, Kelly founded Devil May Care Media as her independent production company, emphasizing "tough, fair, smart" content free from corporate constraints. Wholly owned by Kelly (no outside investors for equity), the company produces The Megyn Kelly Show and has grown into a full-fledged media conglomerate. 

Key expansions include:

• MK Media (Launched March 2025): A podcast network hosting shows from other creators, such as Next Up with Mark Halperin (political analysis), The Nerve with Maureen Callahan (news and culture), Spot On with Link Lauren (entertainment), and After Party with Emily Jashinsky (conservative commentary).
• MK True Crime (Debuted August 2025): A dedicated channel with true crime programming, original "Kelly’s Court" segments, live trial coverage, investigations, and legal breakdowns featuring experts like Mark Geragos and Jonna Spilbor.

In July 2025, Kelly appointed Hope Hicks—former Trump White House Communications Director and Fox Corp. executive—as Chief Operating Officer to oversee operations, business development, and growth. Hicks, praised by Kelly as "strong, smart, strategic," has helped scale the company amid Kelly's vocal support for Trump and critiques of "corporate media."

This move positions Kelly as a key player in audio media, rivaling figures like Joe Rogan in reach and influence. Her channel will be available via SiriusXM satellite, app, and streaming, with video elements on social platforms.

Boston Radio 98.5 The Sports Hub Dominates

In the summer 2025 Nielsen Audio ratings (July 6–September 17), 98.5 The Sports Hub overwhelmingly outperformed WEEI in Boston’s sports-radio market, particularly among the key men 25-54 demographic. 

The Sports Hub’s daytime shows claimed first place in every time slot, while WEEI’s programs struggled, with none ranking higher than a tie for sixth. Overall, The Sports Hub led the market with an 11.1 share, securing the top spot, while WEEI lagged behind, tying for ninth with a 3.4 share.Morning Drive (6-10 a.m.)

The Sports Hub’s Toucher and Hardy dominated as Boston’s highest-rated radio show, earning a 17.9 share. In contrast, WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show tied for sixth with WROR’s Bob and LBF In The Morning at a 4.9 share.Middays (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Zolak and Bertrand on The Sports Hub took first with a 12.5 share. WEEI’s Jones and Keefe, despite recent gains, tied for seventh with Magic 106.7’s programming at 3.5.Afternoon Drive (2-6 p.m.)
Felger and Massarotti held the top spot for The Sports Hub with an 11.1 share, though this marked a decline from their 14.8 share in summer 2024 and a 30% drop from spring 2024’s 18.4 to 12.2. WEEI’s afternoon programming plummeted to 15th with a 2.0 share.

Evening Transition (6-7 p.m.) The Sports Hub’s Baseball Hour, hosted by Tony Massarotti, tied WZLX for second with a 7.5 share. WEEI’s mix of Red Sox pregame and Christian Arcand tied WCRB for 17th at 1.7.Evening (7 p.m.-Midnight)

WEEI saw its strongest performance during Red Sox broadcasts and Christian Arcand, tying The Sports Hub’s Joe Murray show for fourth with a 5.2 share, buoyed by the Red Sox’s first playoff season since 2021.

Neilsen 6+

The Sports Hub’s consistent dominance underscores its stronghold on Boston’s sports-radio audience, while WEEI’s struggles highlight the challenge of competing without top-tier daytime programming, despite leveraging Red Sox playoff excitement.

Dolly Parton Says 'I Ain't Dead Yet'

Dolly Parton, the 79-year-old country music icon, has been dealing with some health challenges recently. Late last month, she announced the postponement of her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years—six shows scheduled for December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace—due to unspecified "health challenges." She explained that she would continue working on projects from Nashville but couldn't rehearse for the live performances, emphasizing her commitment to her career: "God hasn't said anything about me stopping yet."

More specifically, Parton was diagnosed with a kidney stone that led to an infection, forcing her to pull out of a Dollywood event. A representative confirmed to outlets that the issue was "just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those."

On Tuesday, Parton's younger sister, Freida Parton (68, a fellow musician and one of Dolly's 11 siblings), posted on Facebook urging fans to pray for her: "Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. She hasn't been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me." 

She added an optimistic note: "She's strong, she's loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in her heart she's going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!"

The post quickly went viral, garnering nearly 4,000 comments, 19,000 shares, and widespread media coverage, amplifying fears that Parton might be gravely ill. 

The very next day, on Wednesday, Parton addressed the rumors head-on with a two-minute video posted across her social media platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook, and her website). Dressed in her signature flamboyant style and appearing energetic while filming promotional content for the Grand Ole Opry, she captioned the post: "I ain't dead yet!"In the video, Parton laughed off the speculation with her trademark wit and warmth:"I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!"

I ain’t dead yet! pic.twitter.com/Mp553laadI

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 8, 2025

On her health: "I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working."Parton also touched on broader context, mentioning she hadn't taken good care of herself after her husband Carl Dean's death (though reports confirm Dean is still alive as of this date—possibly a slip or reference to personal challenges). She reiterated her faith and determination to keep going, true to her resilient persona.

Springfield MO Radio: Mid-West Family Shuffles Two Formats

Mid-West Family Broadcasting initiated a strategic shuffle of formats between two of its FM stations in the Springfield, Missouri market. The move aims to optimize signal coverage and audience reach in the Ozarks region. The changes primarily involve swapping frequencies between a rock station and a contemporary hits outlet, allowing the rock format to expand its footprint beyond the urban core of Springfield. 

The stations retain their core programming lineups, including syndicated shows and local talent, but benefit from improved signal propagation on the new dials.

Stations Involved and Changes:  The shuffle affects KQRA (formerly 100.3, now 92.9 FM) and KOSP (formerly 92.9, now 100.3 FM).

Effective Date: The changes went live on October 8, 2025, at approximately 12:01 AM local time, following FCC approval for the frequency swaps.

Rationale: According to Mid-West Family Springfield General Manager Brian Tyndall, the adjustment leverages the superior propagation of the 92.9 signal for Q102's rock format, which had been constrained by the 100.3 FM's more limited range. This is intended to boost listenership and ad revenue in underserved areas without altering the stations' musical identities or on-air teams.Background on 

Mid-West Family in Springfield, MOMid-West Family Broadcasting, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, operates four stations in the Springfield market: the two involved in this shuffle, plus Classic Rock "104.7 The Cave" (KKLH) and Classic Country "105.1 The Bull" (KOMG). 

The company has a long history of local-focused programming in the Midwest, emphasizing live and local content. 

Legacy Media Grudgingly Cover Trump's Peace Plan

Legacy media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times (NYT), The Washington Post (WaPo), NPR, BBC, and The Guardian, have covered President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal extensively since its unveiling on September 29, 2025. 

The plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchanges, Hamas disarmament, transitional governance under a Trump-chaired "Board of Peace," and Gaza reconstruction, has been portrayed as a high-stakes diplomatic gamble. 

Coverage balances cautious optimism about potential breakthroughs—like the October 8 agreement on the first phase (hostage releases and partial Israeli withdrawal)—with deep skepticism over its feasibility, perceived pro-Israel bias, and risks of failure amid ongoing violence. As of October 9, 2025, reporting emphasizes negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, but highlights persistent hurdles like disarmament and Palestinian sovereignty.

Outlets generally frame the plan as Trump's bold "peace through strength" approach, crediting his personal involvement (e.g., ultimatums and envoy deployments) for progress, while critiquing it for lacking balance and ignoring broader Palestinian rights. Social media discussions on X reflect this, with users noting media panels (e.g., CNN's Abby Phillip) praising Trump's leverage but questioning long-term viability.

Reactions Positive Momentum: By Sunday, outlets like ABC News and WaPo reported Trump's announcement of a signed first-phase deal, with hostages expected "very soon" and troops withdrawing to agreed lines. CNN's roundtable Sunday featured bipartisan praise for Trump's "peace through strength," with panelists across ideologies agreeing on its hostage-release success.

Human Cost Focus: NPR and NYT underscore ongoing deaths (e.g., 67 in recent strikes), questioning how negotiations proceed amid "no let-up" in violence.

Legacy media consensus: The plan's partial success (e.g., first-phase sign-off) is a Trump triumph, but full implementation hinges on Egypt talks resolving disarmament and governance. Failure could greenlight intensified Israeli operations with U.S. backing, per Trump's warnings.

Judge Blocks Feds From Using Force Against Journalists

U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey in the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) barring federal agents from using force, riot control weapons, or threats of arrest against journalists and legal observers covering protests in Chicago. 

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed earlier this week by a coalition of Chicago-based journalists, legal aid groups, and civil rights advocates against senior Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Tae Johnson. The order is effective immediately and lasts for 14 days, unless extended by the court.

The decision arises amid escalating tensions in Chicago over President Donald Trump's "national street crime crackdown," which has involved deploying federalized National Guard troops and ICE agents to quell what the administration describes as "violent riots and lawlessness." Protests have centered on immigration enforcement actions, particularly at the ICE Detention Center in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago. 

On September 19, 2025, federal agents were filmed using tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray on crowds, including credentialed journalists who were clearly identified and not participating in any unlawful activity.

Journalist @mulchy_ of @Chicago_Reader was deliberately targeted by federal law enforcement with a crowd-control munition and chemical irritants while covering protests outside the ICE facility in Broadview, IL, on Sept. 26.https://t.co/dBRwW6qoK8

— U.S. Press Freedom Tracker (@uspresstracker) October 9, 2025

The Lawsuit: Filed on October 7, 2025, in federal court in Chicago, the suit (captioned Chicago Free Press v. Noem) alleges violations of the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, and due process rights. Plaintiffs include reporters from outlets like the Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, and independent journalists, as well as the National Lawyers Guild's Chicago chapter. 

Details of the Ruling Judge Blakey, a Barack Obama appointee, granted the TRO after an emergency hearing on October 8, 2025. Key provisions include: 

Prohibitions: 

• Federal officers (including ICE, DHS, and National Guard personnel) are barred from:Using "riot control agents" (e.g., tear gas, pepper spray) or "less-lethal munitions" (e.g., rubber bullets, flash-bang grenades) against identifiable journalists or legal observers.
• Employing "physical force" or "threats of arrest" to deter reporting, unless there's an "imminent threat" to officer safety.
• Interfering with "clearly identified" press activities within "public view" of protest sites.

Jacob's Media Plans To Triple Down On Digital

Consultants and researchers Jacobs Media and its partner company, jacapps, recognize the revenue challenges broadcasters are facing, and have decided to triple down on helping stations face this head-on. The companies are announcing these solutions that are available to all commercial, public, and Christian radio stations: A series of three free webinars designed to help broadcasters develop their digital strategy and begin implementation.

Jacobs D.R., a digital consulting service launched over a year ago to help stations – from those that are just getting started to others who have begun realizing success – develop and implement a successful digital revenue strategy.

The inclusion of programmatic advertising in all apps developed by jacapps, providing stations with an immediate and growing revenue source from their mobile apps.

Radio History: Oct 9

➦In 1890...Aimee Elizabeth Semple McPherson born (Died – September 27, 1944), also known as Sister Aimee or simply Sister, was a Canadian-American Pentecostal evangelist and media celebrity in the 1920s and 1930s, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.

McPherson has been noted as a pioneer in the use of modern media, because she used radio to draw on the growing appeal of popular entertainment in North America and incorporated other forms into her weekly sermons at Angelus Temple, one of the first megachurches.

In her time she was the most publicized Protestant evangelist, surpassing Billy Sunday and her other predecessors. She conducted public faith healing demonstrations before large crowds; testimonies conveyed tens of thousands of people healed.  McPherson's articulation of the United States as a nation founded and sustained by divine inspiration continues to be echoed by many pastors in churches today.

News coverage sensationalized her misfortunes with family and church members; particularly inflaming accusations she had fabricated her reported kidnapping, turning it into a national spectacle. McPherson's preaching style, extensive charity work and ecumenical contributions were a major influence on Charismatic Christianity in the 20th century

➦In 1935...the "Cavalcade of America" first aired on he CBS Radio Network.   It was initially broadcast on radio from 1935 to 1953, and later on television from 1952 to 1957. Originally on CBS, the series pioneered the use of anthology drama for company audio advertising.

Cavalcade of America documented historical events using stories of individual courage, initiative and achievement, often with feel-good dramatizations of the human spirit's triumph against all odds. The series was intended to improve DuPont's public image after World War I. The company's motto, "Maker of better things for better living through chemistry," was read at the beginning of each program, and the dramas emphasized humanitarian progress, particularly improvements in the lives of women, often through technological innovation.

➦In 1937...program director John Rook was born in Chillicothe Ohio. Beginning in the late 1960’s he took first WLS Chicago, then WCFL Chicago and then KFI Los Angeles to dominance in audience share, and consulted dozens of other stations to success. He died March 1 2016 at age 78.

➦In 1940...John Winston Ono Lennon born (murdered December 8, 1980)

➦In 1943...The radio fantasy series "Land of the Lost" began its five-year run, first on ABC Radio Network. It was written and narrated by Isabel Manning Hewson, about the adventures of two children who traveled underwater with the fatherly fish Red Lantern. Each week the show opened with the line, "In that wonderful kingdom at the bottom of the sea...", and then Red Lantern showed Billy and Isabel where different lost objects were stored beneath the waves.

The Land of the Lost radio series aired from 1943 to 1948 on the Mutual Broadcasting System and NBC. Betty Jane Tyler was the voice of the young Isabel, and Ray Ives was the voice of Billy. Several actors voiced Red Lantern, including Art Carney, Junius Matthews and William Keene. The announcer was Michael Fitzmaurice, and Cyril Armbrister directed.

With music by John Winters and lyrics by Barbara Miller, Peggy Marshall did the vocal arrangements. Organist Bob Hamilton provided background music.

➦In 1967...Legendary New York DJ Murray The K was fired from station WOR-FM, where he had moved to when the station switched from a locally programmed free form rock approach to a Drake Top 40 format heavily spiced with oldies. He was fired because of his "inability to live with direction" as the DJs were no longer allowed to pick their music and talk as much.

San Fran Radio: Connoissuer Media To Acquire Bonneville Stations

Connoisseur Media, a Connecticut-based broadcaster with a rapidly growing national presence, has announced a landmark agreement to acquire Bonneville International’s four San Francisco Bay Area radio stations. 

The deal includes 102.9 KBLX (Urban Adult Contemporary), 99.7 KMVQ (Top 40, branded as "99.7 NOW"), 96.5 KOIT (Adult Contemporary), and 98.5 KUFX (Classic Rock, branded as "98.5 K-Fox") in San Jose. This acquisition significantly strengthens Connoisseur’s footprint in the vibrant San Francisco media market, complementing its existing Bay Area stations: Mix 106.5 (KEZR) and Bay Country (KBAY) in San Jose, and 95.3 KUIC and 101.7 KKIQ in the East Bay.

Jeff Warshaw

Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “San Francisco is a world-class media market, and these iconic stations are a perfect complement to our growing portfolio. We are thrilled to expand our service across the Bay Area, prioritizing local programming, local voices, and deep community engagement. This commitment defines Connoisseur Media and delivers the authentic, community-focused experience that listeners and advertisers deserve.”

Strategic Expansion and Portfolio Growth:  The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Connoisseur, coming just one month after its high-profile merger with Alpha Media, which bolstered its presence in multiple markets. Upon completion of the Bonneville deal, Connoisseur’s portfolio will encompass 220 stations across 48 markets, reinforcing its position as a major player in the U.S. radio industry. The addition of Bonneville’s San Francisco stations, known for their strong listener bases and diverse formats, aligns with Connoisseur’s strategy to target high-value markets with robust local identities.

The San Francisco stations bring a mix of popular formats to Connoisseur’s roster:

• 102.9 KBLX: A leading Urban Adult Contemporary station, serving a diverse audience with soul, R&B, and community-focused programming.
• 99.7 KMVQ (NOW): A Top 40 powerhouse, delivering contemporary hits to a broad, youthful demographic.
• 96.5 KOIT: An Adult Contemporary staple, known for its soft rock and holiday music dominance in the Bay Area.
• 98.5 KUFX (K-Fox): A Classic Rock station based in San Jose, catering to rock enthusiasts with a loyal regional following.

These stations, operated from Bonneville’s studios in Daly City, complement Connoisseur’s existing Bay Area stations, creating synergies across formats and geographic coverage. KEZR (Mix 106.5) and KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose, along with KUIC and KKIQ in the East Bay, already give Connoisseur a foothold in the region, and the new additions position the company to dominate the broader Bay Area radio landscape.

Transaction Details: The deal, brokered by Kalil & Co., Inc., is pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is expected to close in late 2025. 

Connoisseur Media was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while Bonneville International was advised by Strong & Hanni. The purchase price has not been disclosed, in line with standard practice for such transactions pending regulatory approval.

Bonneville International, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been a significant player in the San Francisco market since acquiring these stations in 2018 for $141 million from an Entercom divestiture trust. In a statement, Bonneville indicated that the sale aligns with its broader strategy to focus investments across its diverse portfolio, which spans radio, television, streaming, digital platforms, and mobile apps. 

The company operates 22 radio stations in markets like Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle, alongside its KSL-TV and digital properties in Salt Lake City. The decision to divest its San Francisco cluster suggests a reallocation of resources toward other growth areas.

Philly Radio: Rise & Grind Morning Show Axed Amid iHM Layoffs

The Philadelphia radio landscape felt the sting of corporate belt-tightening Tuesday as iHeartMedia, the nation's largest radio broadcaster, kicked off another round of layoffs. Among the casualties was the long-running "Rise & Grind Morning Show" on Urban AC Hip Hop station "Power 99" WUSL (98.9 FM), marking the end of a 15-year staple for the city's vibrant Hip Hop and R&B community. 

The show's co-host, MuthaKnows (real name: known for her sharp wit and "The Tea" gossip segment), announced her departure in a heartfelt social media post, revealing she was let go upon returning from vacation after 14.5 years of service.

MuthaKnows' post captured the raw emotion of the moment: “Who gets to come back from vacation and hear the dreaded ‘we’re going in a different direction’ speech? Yours truly, after 14.5 years of faithful service.” Her exit effectively shutters the show, which had been a weekday fixture from 6-10 a.m., blending local Philly flavor with national Hip Hop hits, celebrity interviews, and community spotlights. 

This isn't an isolated cut—it's part of iHeartMedia's broader cost-cutting efforts, driven by ongoing financial pressures including a staggering $20 billion debt load and a shift toward digital and streaming revenue amid declining traditional ad sales.

Launched around 2010, the "Rise & Grind Morning Show" quickly became a cornerstone of WUSL's programming, embodying the grind of urban life with high-energy banter, music from artists like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and local Philly talents, and segments like "The Tea with Mutha Knows" that dished on pop culture and city buzz. 

The core lineup evolved over the years but centered on MuthaKnows' chemistry with co-hosts Mikey Dredd (who handled production and on-air energy) and later additions like Roxy Romeo, who joined in 2018 to bring a fresh female perspective from her stints in Las Vegas and Houston.

Key Milestones:

✔2010s Build: Started as a duo with Mikey Dredd and MuthaKnows, gaining traction during Philly's Hip Hop renaissance.

✔2018 Expansion: Roxy Romeo's addition boosted listenership, with the show relocating her from "Real 103.9" in Vegas to amp up the show's diversity and appeal.

✔Community Impact: Regular features included artist interviews (e.g., previews for Doja Cat), hometown hero nominations, and tie-ins with iHeart's Recovery 360 podcast on substance use awareness, hosted by station news director Loraine Ballard Morrill.

✔Ratings Success: Consistently ranked as a top morning show in the market for Adults 25-54 among Urban AC listeners, per Nielsen data, helping Power 99 maintain its "#1 for Hip Hop and R&B" status in Philly.

iHeartMedia's Layoff Wave: The October 2025 purge isn't iHeart's first—previous rounds in November 2024, August 2024, and January 2025 trimmed hundreds of jobs, often targeting programming and on-air talent to streamline syndication and cut costs. Sources describe the current cuts as "ongoing" and potentially company-wide, with more expected over the coming days.

In Philadelphia alone, the fallout also includes: Sean Brace, Program Director and host of "The Daily Ticket" on FOX Sports "The Gambler" (97.5/1480 WDAS), who helped launch the station in 2019.

Additional Context Scope: 

• Layoffs began early on October 7 and are expected to continue, potentially impacting more markets like Milwaukee, Dallas, and others. No official total from iHeartMedia, but insiders describe it as "widespread" across management, programming, and on-air staff.
• Impact on Programming: In Philadelphia, Power 99's morning show is shifting to syndicated "The Breakfast Club." Similar syndication increases are anticipated elsewhere to fill voids.
• Company Statement: iHeartMedia has not commented directly, but past responses emphasize "modernizing" operations for efficiency.