Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of 73-year-old legendary football coach Bill Belichick, reportedly played a significant role in derailing a planned Hard Knocks docuseries that was set to feature Belichick’s first season as head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels.
According to multiple sources, including a report from The Athletic and an insider cited by Page Six, Hudson demanded to be credited as an executive producer on the HBO series, sought access to daily footage, and insisted that NFL Films executives treat her with respect, threatening they would not be allowed to use Belichick’s intellectual property (IP) if her demands were not met.
The Hard Knocks: Offseason series was poised to be a groundbreaking project, marking the first time the docuseries would focus on a college football program rather than an NFL team. Filming was scheduled to begin on March 1, 2025, with NFL Films spending two months on UNC’s campus to document Belichick’s transition from the NFL to college football. The deal, which included $200,000 in facilities fees for UNC and significant exposure for the program, was nearly finalized, with a press release prepared and an announcement planned for February 28, 2025.
President Donald Trump agreed to sit down with NBC News’ Kristen Welker in a Sunday show exclusive interview airing on Meet the Press this Sunday, May 4. The interview will take place on Friday as President Trump marks 100 days in office.
Highlights from the interview will be released prior to Meet the Press on NBC News, NBC News NOW and NBCNews.com, all available on the NBC News app. The full video interview and transcript will publish on NBCNews.com this Sunday, May 4.
Kristen Welker
Welker last sat down with President Trump for an NBC News exclusive interview in December 2024 – his first interview since winning the election – and broke news on dozens of topics that previewed his first 100 days in office including on the economy and immigration. Welker also had the only network sit-down interview with Trump during the 2024 campaign.
Season-to-date, Meet the Press with Kristen Welker is the #1 Sunday public affairs show in the key A25-54 demo and is the only program up versus the same point last season, according to Nielsen. The full Trump interview from December has garnered nearly 10 million views on YouTube, with clips reaching over 50 million views on TikTok.
Meet the Press airs at 10:30 a.m. ET in New York and Washington, D.C. and is available on local NBC stations across the country. Check local listings for the program time according to local market.
Lester Holt, the anchor of NBC Nightly News for a decade, announced he will step down from the role, with his final broadcast set for May 30, 2025.
Holt, who became the first African-American to solo anchor a weekday nightly news program in 2015, will transition to a full-time role at Dateline NBC, where he plans to expand his work on in-depth stories.
In a memo to staff, Holt reflected on his career, noting the honor of anchoring two iconic news programs and his unexpected path from a young radio reporter to a trusted broadcaster.
Tom Llamas, currently anchoring Top Story and a frequent substitute for Holt, will succeed him as anchor and managing editor starting this summer. Llamas, who will be the first Latino to host the weekday edition, praised Holt as “one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time.”
Holt’s departure follows other high-profile anchor exits amid shifts in news consumption habits.
iHeartMedia has announced Leon Williamson has been named Market President for the Memphis/Tupelo area. He will report to Kristy Beebe, Area President for iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis.
Leon Williamson
“Leon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in our industry. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success in the Memphis and Tupelo markets,” said Kristy Beebe. “Leon is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated supporter of the community actively involved in various initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. This passion for service and his strategic approach to market challenges make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under Leon’s leadership, we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients and partners.”
Williamson joins the Memphis/Tupelo markets from iHeartMedia Indianapolis where he most recently served as the Market President. He also served as the Senior Vice President of Sales in the Indianapolis market.
“Joining Memphis’ vibrant market and Tupelo’s exceptional community is an amazing opportunity! I’m absolutely thrilled to work with iHeart’s iconic and heritage brands, enhancing their legacy of connection and community,” said Williamson.
Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, announced on Thursday, that it is on track for a record-breaking summer concert season in 2025, following a historic 2024.
The company reported strong first-quarter performance, with 95 million tickets sold for 2025 concerts, a significant increase from the 144 million sold for 2024 concerts through October, marking a 3% year-over-year gain. CEO Michael Rapino highlighted a 60% increase in stadium shows compared to 2024, with over 20 million tickets already sold for 2025 events, reflecting double-digit growth in ticket sales for major tours by artists like Coldplay, Rüfüs Du Sol, and Shakira.
Despite a slight revenue dip in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year, Live Nation’s profitability rose 39% to $474 million in Q3 2024, with $7.7 billion in revenue, driven by robust demand for live music.
The company noted a shift in fan preferences toward arena and amphitheater shows, with Venue Nation venues seeing double-digit increases in on-site spending and an 8% rise in attendance, projecting 60 million fans by year-end 2024. Live Nation is also expanding its infrastructure, planning 80 new music-focused venues and allocating over $3 billion for acquisitions to meet growing demand, particularly from Gen Z audiences.
The 2025 season is expected to surpass 2024’s record, which was the company’s most active summer ever, fueled by a larger lineup of stadium, arena, and amphitheater shows.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced Thursday that the 2025 Marconi Radio Award nomination window is open through May 31.
Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the Marconi Radio Awards recognize overall excellence and performance in radio.
The winners of the 2025 Marconi Radio Awards will be announced during a special dinner program brought to you by Xperi, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Edison Ballroom the night before NAB Show New York held October 22-23.
Stations and on-air personalities may nominate themselves.
The Marconi Radio Award finalists are selected by an independent task force of broadcasters and will be announced in July.
All nominations must be submitted through the NAB member portal. The complete list of entry rules and qualifications can be found here.
Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed Thursday during a hearing in Manhattan federal court, that he rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors ahead of his sex trafficking trial.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs, 55, if he had reviewed and rejected the offer, to which Combs, dressed in a tan jail uniform, responded, “Yes I did, your honor.”
The plea deal, details of which were not disclosed, would have reduced the potential prison time compared to a conviction at trial, where Combs faces up to life imprisonment if found guilty on all five counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs, arrested in September 2024, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he led a criminal enterprise through his businesses, coercing women into drug-fueled sexual performances called “freak-offs” and engaging in physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
His defense, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, argues that the sexual activities were consensual, framing Combs’ lifestyle as that of a “swinger” rather than a criminal. Prosecutors, however, allege coercion through threats, violence, and financial control, supported by evidence like a 2016 hotel security video showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, which Judge Subramanian ruled admissible despite defense claims of manipulation.
The rejection of the plea deal, first disclosed by prosecutor Madison Smyser on April 25, 2025, reflects Combs’ determination to prove his innocence in court, with sources indicating he seeks to clear his name. Jury selection begins May 5, 2025, with opening statements on May 12, and the trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks.
The station shared time with Dallas stations WFAA and WRR. It was the first station in the United States to have an audible logo signal similar to the NBC chimes, the WBAP cowbell. According to President Herbert Hoover, the station's call letters stood for "We Bring A Program".
On May 15, 1923, the Federal Radio Commission expanded the broadcast band, and WBAP and WFAA moved to 630 kHz. Another expansion moved WBAP to 600 kHz effective April 15, 1927, and this frequency was shared with WOAI in San Antonio. On November 11, 1928, WBAP moved to 800 kHz, and on June 1, 1929, WFAA also moved to 800 kHz, sharing time (and NBC Red network affiliation) with WBAP.
Station owner Amon G. Carter was unhappy with having to share time on 800 kHz with WFAA. In May 1938, Carter Publishing purchased KGKO Wichita Falls (570 kHz) and moved it to Fort Worth as an affiliate of the NBC Blue network (which became ABC), and more importantly as a second frequency to be used when 800 kHz was not available. On March 29, 1941, as a consequence of the Treaty of Havana, WBAP and WFAA moved one last time, to 820 kHz.
Carter eventually sold half of KGKO to A.H. Belo, owners of WFAA, and on April 27, 1947, KGKO was replaced by a second shared frequency between WBAP and WFAA.
The dual frequency sharing arrangement between WBAP and WFAA continued through the 1950s and 1960s, with the stations switching frequencies several times a day. When WBAP changed frequencies, it signaled the change with a cowbell, which became widely associated with the station.
Even though the stations swapped frequencies several times each day, the network affiliations remained constant: NBC network programming stayed on 820 kHz and ABC network programming stayed on 570 kHz. This frequently proved confusing for announcers and listeners alike.
On May 1, 1970, the unique dual split-frequency lives of WBAP and WFAA ended when WBAP paid $3.5 million to WFAA in exchange for sole occupancy of 820 kHz (and the NBC affiliation).
WFAA took on 570 kHz (and the ABC affiliation) full-time. Once the frequency-sharing with WFAA ended in 1970, both stations were free to program musical formats, and WBAP began programming country music.
It also gained the added benefit of 820's clear-channel signal; previously WFAA controlled it during these prime nighttime hours. After a series of network affiliation changes in the late 1970s among WBAP, KRLD and WFAA, WBAP switched affiliations to ABC.
The original license for what would become KPQ was granted in 1927 to radio station entrepreneur Louis Wasmer, who named Seattle as the city of license and chose the call letters KGCL. He sold the not-yet-broadcasting station to a local sporting goods store, who officially changed the calls to KPQ. The store then resold it to Westcoast Broadcasting, who in 1928 "moved out" the station to Wenatchee.
➦In 1932...the first scheduled radio show featuring Jack Benny debuted on the NBC Blue Network. Here's a video clip from 1942.
Jack Benny first appeared on radio as a guest of Ed Sullivan in March 1932. He was then given his own show later that year, with Canada Dry Ginger Ale as a sponsor —The Canada Dry Ginger Ale Program, beginning May 2, 1932, on the NBC Blue Network and continuing there for six months until October 26, moving the show to CBS on October 30. Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933.
Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934 with Frank Black leading the band. He continued with The General Tire Revue for the rest of that season, and in the fall of 1934, for General Foods as The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny (1934–42) and, when sales of Jell-O were affected by sugar rationing during World War II, The Grape Nuts Flakes Program Starring Jack Benny (later the Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes Program) (1942–44). On October 1, 1944, the show became The Lucky Strike Program Starring Jack Benny, when American Tobacco's Lucky Strike cigarettes took over as his radio sponsor, through the mid-1950s. By that time, the practice of using the sponsor's name as the title began to fade.
The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's "raid" of NBC talent in 1948-49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955. CBS aired repeats of previous 1953-55 radio episodes from 1956 to 1958 as The Best of Benny for State Farm Insurance, who later sponsored his television program from 1960 through 1965.
➦In 1941...the FCC okayed the regular scheduling of TV broadcasts by commercial TV stations to begin on July 1. But the onset in the US of WW2 delayed the effective start television until the end of the decade.
➦In 1960...WLS 890 AM, Chicago, Illinois, flipped its format from Country to Top 40.
WLS had been wholly owned and operated by the radio division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) since the purchase of its parent company in 1959. Five years earlier WLS was merged with WENR, a station with which WLS had shared its frequency since the 1920s
Steve Doocy, a veteran co-host of Fox News’ Fox & Friends since its debut in 1998, announced Thursday that he is scaling back his role on the show after nearly 30 years.
He will no longer host daily from the New York City studio’s “curvy couch” but will remain a host, transitioning to a three-day-a-week schedule focused on remote segments. Doocy, who has been with Fox News since 1996, will be based in Florida, allowing him to report from various locations across the U.S., such as diners, pickleball courts, and regions like the Carolinas, the Keys, and Mar-a-Lago.
He described himself as the “coast-to-coast host,” emphasizing the flexibility of not being tied to the NYC studio daily.
The decision, made in consultation with Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott, stems from Doocy’s desire for a better work-life balance after decades of waking up at 3:30 a.m.—6,828 times, by his count—for the morning show. He cited the grueling hours (“the hours suck”) and a wish to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Kathy, and their grandchildren, especially following the recent birth of his son Peter Doocy’s second child.
Doocy, who is not retiring, expressed excitement about the new role, which aligns with his personal priorities and Fox & Friends’ tradition of remote segments.
The announcement was marked by an emotional on-air moment, with Doocy tearing up and a montage celebrating his tenure. President Donald Trump, with whom Doocy has a cordial relationship, recorded a farewell message from the Oval Office, praising Doocy’s fairness and contribution to the show’s success as the top-rated morning cable news program. The remaining co-hosts—Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and Lawrence Jones—will continue anchoring from New York, with Janice Dean and Carley Shimkus also supporting the program.
U.S. women age 18+ spend just under three hours per day listening to music, reaping the emotional and practical benefits of music consumption, according to the Women’s Audio Report: Women & Music released by Edison Research and SiriusXM Media. Women & Music follows part one of the series, Women & Podcasts, and continues to explore the relationship between women and audio consumption.
Presented by Megan Lazovick, Edison Research Vice President, alongside Melissa Paris, Vice President of Sales Research at SiriusXM Media, the research reveals the distinct ways women engage with music across different aspects of their lives, from personal enjoyment to family bonding and beyond.
To Enlarge: Right Click Image, Then Click Magnify Image
Key Findings from the Women’s Audio Report Women & Music
Music is Omnipresent in the lives of Women
89% of U.S. women age 18+ are reached by music audio daily
U.S. women ages 18+ spend an average of two hours and 55 minutes per day listening to music
77% of women’s daily audio listening time is spent with music
Women Listen to Music as an Emotional Resource and Coping Mechanism Women monthly music listeners age 18+ share some worries: 69% worry “a lot” about the economy, and 52% worry “a lot” about the future of women’s rights
85% of women monthly music listeners age 18+ have ever turned to music to cope with life challenges
Women monthly music listeners age 18+ “strongly agree” that listening to music puts them in a good mood (59%), is a good way to relieve stress (58%), and helps pass the time (53%)
Music Bridges the Generations for Women
Among women music listeners age 18+ who have children under 18:
89% listen to music with their children
77% agree that listening to music together is fun for the whole family
49% want to learn more about the music their children love
Women’s Voices in Music Matter, Particularly to Younger Listeners
There is a generational divide in preferences for female artists: 32% of women music listeners age 18-34 say most of the musical artists they listen to are female, compared with 19% of women age 35-54, and 7% of women age 55 and older
Women music listeners age 18-34 are more likely to feel they could be friends with female artists (29%) compared with 24% of women music listeners age 18+
“Women, especially young women, want representation. More younger women are primarily listening to female artists, and they’ve catapulted so many new, young female artists to superstardom,” said Lazovick. “The smart brands are paying attention and are supporting these young voices. And the fans are smart and paying attention too.”
Music is a Powerful Medium for Brands to Connect with Women U.S. women music listeners age 18+ hold tremendous purchasing power:
79% are primarily responsible for fashion and apparel purchases, 73% for grocery shopping, and 67% for health and wellness products or services.
Fifty-nine percent of women music listeners age 18+ play a “major role” in financial decisions
The top ad categories women music listeners age 18+ said were relevant to them include: movies and TV, restaurants, health/wellness, streaming videos, fashion and apparel, and travel.
“Music offers exceptional opportunities for authentic brand connections. Music’s omnipresence in women’s lives, their dedicated engagement, and emotional connection make a compelling case for music-focused advertising,” said Paris. “Brands that understand these dynamics can craft more relevant, resonant campaigns that reach women where they’re already spending significant time and emotional energy.”
The Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday approved a 2025 version of the Sunshine Protection Act, but lacked enough votes for immediate advancement, requiring further hearings.
Introduced multiple times in Congress, the act would require making daylight saving time permanent by establishing DST as the year-round standard time, meaning later sunrises and sunsets during the four months currently under standard time, providing more evening sunlight.
First introduced in 2018 by then-Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), inspired by a Florida bill. It was reintroduced in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 by Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
While the act would make DST the permanent standard time with states exempt from DST (e.g., Hawaii, most of Arizona) able to choose standard time. It aims to end the "spring forward" and "fall back" practice, which supporters argue is outdated and disruptive.
Bipartisan Supporters include Rick Scott, Patty Murray (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and others. They cite public frustration with clock changes, potential economic benefits, and more evening sunlight for outdoor activities. A 2023 YouGov poll showed 62% of Americans want to stop clock changes, with half supporting permanent DST.
Opponents counter citing health and safety experts, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, argue permanent standard time aligns better with circadian rhythms, benefiting health, safety, and schools. Concerns include darker winter mornings, posing risks for children heading to school.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some supporting permanent DST for more evening light and others favoring standard time for health reasons.
Impact On Radio
No specific studies directly address permanent DST's impact on radio broadcasting. But there would be shifts in Listener Habits:
Morning and Evening Commutes: Permanent DST would mean later sunrises in winter (e.g., sunrise after 8 AM in some regions) and later sunsets. This could shift peak commuting times, affecting when people listen to radio during drive-time slots (typically 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Stations might need to adjust programming schedules to align with new commuting patterns. One unlikely groups against this idea is National Religious Broadcasters. Why? Because a reduction of morning daylight means more time on reduced power for AM radio stations.
Evening Listening: Extended evening daylight could increase outdoor activities, potentially reducing evening radio listenership as people spend more time outside rather than indoors with radios or streaming devices.
Morning Shows: With darker mornings, listeners may wake up later or feel less engaged early in the day, prompting stations to tweak morning show formats or timing to maintain audience engagement.
Seasonal Content: Radio stations often tailor content to seasonal events or daylight-driven activities (e.g., summer playlists or winter holiday programming). Year-round DST could blur these distinctions, requiring more flexible programming strategies.
Audience Measurement: Radio ratings depend on listener data, which could shift with new daily routines under permanent DST. Advertisers may demand updated metrics to reflect these changes, affecting ad rates and revenue.
Retail and Event Ads: Extended evening daylight could boost ads for outdoor events, retail, or dining, as businesses capitalize on longer evenings. Radio stations might see increased demand for evening ad slots.
Broadcast Scheduling: Stations synchronized with network programming or satellite feeds might face challenges if national schedules don't align with local time perceptions under permanent DST. This could require renegotiating syndication agreements.
Energy Costs: Later sunsets might reduce lighting costs for studios but could increase energy use for evening broadcasts if staff work later hours.
Regional Variations: The impact would vary by geography. Northern regions with extreme daylight shifts (e.g., Alaska or the Upper Midwest) might see more pronounced effects on listener behavior than southern regions with milder changes (e.g., Florida or Texas).
The U.S. tried year-round DST during World War I (1918) and from 1974–1975 (Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act), but both were repealed due to public backlash, particularly over dark winter mornings.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the 24 nominees for the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame class.
Voting will take place from May 27 to June 16, 2025, with the top six vote-getters, plus two additional selections, inducted at the Radio Hall of Fame ceremony on October 30, 2025, at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. Nearly 1,000 industry professionals will receive ballots on May 27 to vote for up to six nominees.
Kraig Kitchin
The 24 nominees are:
Alice Cooper
Bert Weiss
Big D & Bubba
Bob & Sheri
Bob Sirott
Bob Stroud
Colin Cowherd
D.L. Hughley
DeDe McGuire
Enrique Santos
Funkmaster Flex
Joey Reynolds
John Garabedian
John Kobylt & Ken Chiampou
Kevin Matthews
Kid Leo
Larry Elder
Laurie De Young
Mark ‘Hawkeye’ Louis
Martha Quinn
Mojo in the Morning
Raul Brindis
Scott Simon
Shelley Stewart
Radio Hall Co-Chairman Kraig Kitchin stated, “Congratulations to the 2025 nominees for their outstanding on-air contributions and audience impact. This recognition reflects the Nominating Committee’s thorough review of numerous suggestions. I’m eager to see the industry’s voting results in late June.”
Dennis Green co-Chairman, added, “This remarkable group of nominees represents the best in broadcasting for the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame class. As we celebrate the 37th induction, it’s a privilege to honor those who’ve shaped the radio industry and continue to inspire. Congratulations to all nominees!”
The confidential voting process will be managed by Votem.com and overseen by Andrew Rosen of Miller Kaplan.
Democratic lawmakers have increasingly engaged with Fox News, a network traditionally aligned with conservative audiences and often critical of Democratic policies, by appearing on its broadcasts and contributing op-eds to FoxNews.com.
The shift reflects a strategic effort to reach conservative viewers, counter partisan narratives, and broaden their appeal amid a challenging political landscape following Republican gains in the 2024 elections. Below is a detailed overview based on available information, including recent trends, specific examples, and the broader context of this phenomenon.
Key Examples of Democratic Engagement with Fox News
Notable Appearances on Fox News include Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.): On March 22, 2025, Garcia appeared on Fox News to discuss key issues, a move praised on X for bringing facts to a typically skeptical audience. His appearance was seen as a model for Democrats to engage directly with conservative viewers.
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas): Cuellar backed President Donald Trump’s border security policies on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” criticizing fellow Democrats for opposing the deportation of an alleged MS-13 gang member. This appearance highlighted his willingness to align with conservative priorities on specific issues.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.): Ossoff has been vocal on Fox News, notably discussing Trump’s actions as potential impeachable offenses, signaling a bold approach to confronting conservative narratives directly.
Prominent Democrats: Posts on X from Tuesday, list high-profile Democrats like Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Wes Moore, Gretchen Whitmer, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, John Fetterman, Pete Buttigieg, Eric Swalwell, and Chris Coons as having appeared on Fox News, indicating a broad trend among national Democratic figures.
Op-Eds on FoxNews.com:
Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.): Wednesday, an X post highlighted Pritzker as a “hot new columnist” for FoxNews.com, joining other Democrats in contributing op-eds. This move was framed as surprising given Fox’s pro-Trump reputation and massive ratings.
The same post suggests a growing list of prominent Democrats with bylines on FoxNews.com, though specific names beyond Pritzker are not detailed in the sources. This indicates a deliberate strategy to place Democratic perspectives in conservative digital spaces.
The 2024 elections saw Republicans regain the White House, Senate, and likely maintain a House majority, putting Democrats on the defensive. Polls, like the Harvard Youth Poll (April 23, 2025), show declining approval for congressional Democrats among young voters (18–29), and confidence in Democratic leaders has hit historic lows. Engaging with Fox News audiences is a response to this loss of support and an attempt to rebuild trust across ideological lines.
Democratic strategist James Carville, appearing on “The Will Cain Show,” emphasized the need for Democrats to win back voters, even defending controversial comparisons of Trump to Hitler. This reflects a broader push to confront conservative narratives head-on.
Reaching Conservative Audiences: Fox News commands a large, loyal conservative audience, making it a critical platform for Democrats to communicate with voters they typically struggle to reach. By appearing on Fox, lawmakers can challenge misinformation, present alternative viewpoints, and humanize their party for viewers accustomed to partisan critiques.
NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, has initiated a new round of layoffs as part of its preparations for the separation of its cable assets into a new publicly traded company, tentatively named SpinCo.
The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and adapt to the declining linear TV market while focusing on streaming and core NBCUniversal brands. Below is a detailed overview based on available information, including financial context, the scope of the layoffs, the SpinCo separation, and critical analysis of the implications.
NBCUniversal is laying off a few dozen employees across its television and streaming divisions, including NBC, cable networks (e.g., USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC), Peacock, and the studio side. The exact number is not specified but is described as “surgical” rather than the “sweeping” cuts seen in prior rounds, suggesting a targeted approach.
Affected areas include marketing, communications, and some junior programming roles. Notable departures include Kathleen French, the current programming head, and other executives who worked across multiple cable networks and Peacock.
SpinCo is a new publicly traded company that will house most of NBCUniversal’s cable assets, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, Golf Channel, and digital properties like Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and SportsEngine. It is projected to generate $7 billion in annual revenue and reach 70 million U.S. households.
The separation, announced in November 2024, is a tax-free spinoff, with Comcast shareholders receiving stock in SpinCo. The move aims to create a “free-standing, strong collection of businesses with significant cash flow generation capability” amid the decline of linear TV.
SpinCo will be led by Mark Lazarus, former NBCUniversal Media Group chairman, as CEO, with Anand Kini as CFO and COO, and Val Boreland as president of entertainment. Other executives include Matt Hong, Jeff Behnke, and Roy Cho, overseeing sports and distribution.
Strategic Rationale:Comcast is exiting the linear cable business due to cord-cutting, declining ad revenue, and audience migration to streaming and social media platforms. SpinCo allows these cable assets to operate independently, potentially pursuing mergers, acquisitions, or new streaming strategies to remain competitive.
SiriusXM Holdings Inc. operating two primary business segments: SiriusXM and Pandora/Off-platform. SiriusXM released its first quarter 2025 operating and financial results on May 1, 2025, reflecting a challenging yet strategically focused performance amid economic headwinds. Below are the key highlights based on available information:
Q1 2025 Operating and Financial Results
Revenue: Total revenue was $2.07 billion, down 4% from $2.16 billion in Q1 2024. The decline was primarily driven by a 5% drop in subscription revenue, partially offset by a 3% increase in advertising revenue.
Net Income: Net income was $204 million, a decrease from $241 million in Q1 2024, representing a year-over-year decline of approximately 15%. Earnings per diluted common share were $0.59, compared to $0.63 in Q1 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA was $629 million, down 3% from $650 million in Q1 2024. Despite the decline, SiriusXM maintained a stable adjusted EBITDA margin of 30%, supported by lower operating expenses.
Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow was reported at $56 million, though specific comparisons to prior periods were not detailed in the available sources.
Cost Reductions: SiriusXM reduced operating expenses significantly, including a 19% decrease in sales and marketing expenses to $176 million, a 15% reduction in product and technology costs to $63 million, and a 3% decline in general and administrative expenses to $108 million. These savings helped mitigate the revenue decline.
Operational Highlights
Subscriber Metrics: SiriusXM lost 303,000 self-pay subscribers in Q1 2025, resulting in a total of approximately 33 million subscribers. This reflects ongoing challenges in subscriber retention, particularly as the company competes with music streaming services.
Advertising and Podcasting: The 3% growth in advertising revenue was driven by strength in the Pandora/Off-platform segment, with podcasting revenue continuing to grow, though specific figures for Q1 2025 podcasting were not provided. The company expanded its podcast network with new content and partnerships, such as the renewal and expansion of its agreement with Mel Robbins for exclusive talk programming.
Programming and Partnerships: SiriusXM emphasized its differentiated content, including extensive live sports coverage (e.g., the 12-team college football playoff and the 2024-2025 NBA season) and exclusive music programming like the "Life with John Mayer" channel, which introduced a new interview series, How’s Life. A new agreement with ESPN+ was announced, offering subscription bundles to enhance value for sports fans.
Strategic Focus: CEO Jennifer Witz highlighted a focus on delivering standout experiences for core subscribers, strengthening the advertising business, and enhancing service value. The company is operating with greater discipline, improving execution, and reallocating capital to high-impact areas.
98.9 The Rock (KQRC-FM) in Kansas City, an Audacy station, announces a revamped weekday programming slate.
“The Church of Lazlo,” starring Lazlo and Slimfast, will move to mornings, airing weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CT. Ashley O joins 98.9 The Rock and will host afternoons, weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.
“The legacy of 98.9 The Rock is marked by the brand’s commitment to bringing rock music to the Kansas City community and having top-tier talent who connect with loyal listeners and passionate fans,” said Roxanne Marati, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Kansas City. “This revamp is an exciting evolution for the brand.”
“We’ve been on the air for 20 years, and to take over the morning drive with such a legacy is surreal,” said Lazlo. “Our fans are the reason we’re here. Nothing is off-limits, so tune in to join the conversation.”
“I’m pumped to join the team at The Rock, speaking to the 'Heart of America' for the first time in my radio life!” said Ashley O. “I can’t wait to bring my charisma and limitless mindset to a city as lively and welcoming as Kansas City. The food is awesome, the people are ridiculously friendly and their sports teams don't suck.”
The new weekday programming lineup is as follows.
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CT: “The Church of Lazlo”
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT: “Ryan Westward”
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT: “Ashley O”
“The Church of Lazlo” has been entertaining Kansas City for over two decades. Lazlo has an extensive background in the music industry, holding roles including Brand Manager, Band Manager and Concert Promoter.
Ashley O has been with Audacy since 2022, where she also serves as the Regional Promotions Director and as morning drive host for Bayou 95.7 (WKBU-FM) in New Orleans. She began her radio career as an Account Executive in 2014, quickly rising the ranks at Cumulus Media to Director of Promotions and Digital Media in 2015. In 2018, she was elevated to Music Director for Alt 92.3 (WZRH-FM), where she was an afternoon on-air host.
📻Listeners can tune in to 98.9 The Rock (KQRC-FM) in Kansas City on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.
Cumulus Media Inc. this morning announced its operating results for the first quarter of 2025 (three months ended March 31, 2025). The company reported net loss of $32.4 million compared to net loss of $14.2 million in Q1 2024
Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media, said, "For the first quarter, we delivered revenue in line with pacing guidance despite worsening economic headwinds reflecting, among other things, the imposition of tariffs that have depressed both consumer and advertiser sentiment.
Mary Berner
"However, with that backdrop, what remains constant is our relentless focus on actions to mitigate the impacts of the macro environment. For example, we accelerated growth in our digital marketing services business, which was up 30% for the quarter; leveraged our entire platform to capture demand opportunities; and drove additional annualized cost reductions of $7.5 million.
"Moving forward, we will continue to execute these strategies while simultaneously working to fundamentally transform the way we use and leverage our key assets."
Q1 Key Highlights:
Posted total net revenue of $187.3 million, a decline of 6.4% year-over-year
Generated digital revenue of $36.6 million, an increase of 6.1% year-over-year despite the loss of the Daily Wire relationship, or an increase of 20.4% excluding the impact of Daily Wire
Digital revenue represented 20% of total revenue
Digital marketing services grew 30% driven by investments made in sales, support and fulfillment capabilities
Streaming increased by 4% driven by better monetization of the Company’s streaming inventory
Podcasting decreased by 13% or increased by 39% when excluding the impact of the Daily Wire relationship with the ex-Daily Wire increase driven by the addition of new shows and growth in existing shows
Recorded net loss of $32.4 million compared to net loss of $14.2 million in Q1 2024
Executed actions resulting in $7.5 million of annualized fixed cost reductions
Recorded Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $3.5 million compared to $8.4 million in Q1 2024
Reported total debt of $670.2 million
Ended quarter with $52.7 million of cash
Cumulus Media operates over 400 radio stations across 84 markets, delivers syndicated content through Westwood One to over 9,500 affiliated stations, and runs the Cumulus Podcast Network. The company provides advertisers with local and national reach through broadcast and digital platforms, emphasizing integrated marketing solutions and performance guarantees.
Tony Cruise, a market vet radio personality and morning host of Kentuckiana’s Morning News on NewsRadio 840 WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky, announced his retirement Wednesday. His final broadcast scheduled for the end of May 2025.
After over 32 years at WHAS, Cruise’s departure marks the end of a significant era for the station, where he has been a staple of local news and talk radio. Below is a detailed overview of his retirement, career, listener reactions, and the broader context, drawing on available information and critically analyzing the implications.
Tony Cruise
Cruise expressed gratitude to his audience, stating, “I’ve been really blessed to be here for 32 and a half years, and I will be retiring here at the end of May. I want to thank the audience that has put up with me here throughout my years at NewsRadio 840 WHAS. For my informed or uninformed opinions, takes, and sometimes stupid questions. You’ve all put up with it. I really do appreciate it. So it’s weird using the term retirement, because you never think that this day is going to come.”
WHAS, owned by iHeartMedia, has not yet announced a replacement for Cruise in the morning slot. The station’s plans for the 5–9 AM daypart remain undisclosed, raising questions about whether they will promote an internal host or seek an external candidate.
Cruise previously hosted SportsTalk 840 at WHAS, a program that ended in 2015 when the station refocused on news and talk. He also co-hosted with Tony Vanetti and Dwight Witten on Tony & Dwight in late mornings, though listener feedback suggests this format faced criticism for its tone.
Radio One’s News/Talk 1110 WBT Charlotte/99.3 WBT-FM Chester has announced that longtime Charlotte radio personality TJ Ritchie will host a new evening talk show, The TJ Ritchie Show, starting May 27, 2025.
This marks Ritchie’s return to the local market, bringing his distinctive conservative commentary to WBT’s storied lineup.
The TJ Ritchie Show will debut on May 27, 2025, occupying the 7–9 PM slot on WBT, a prominent news/talk station in Charlotte. The program aims to deliver “late, live, and local” content, focusing on political and cultural commentary with a humorous, high-energy approach. Statements from Key Figures:TJ Ritchie:
TJ Ritchie
Ritchie expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and getting to do it on the legendary WBT is such a thrill. The timing is perfect because there are so many people who are just starting to become interested in the political landscape of our culture. Being ‘America’s Coolest Conservative,’ I’ll be able to engage them with a high energy, fun, and humorous show. It’s going to be spectacular. All of that AND I get to keep my day job!”
Marsha Landess, Radio One Charlotte VP/GM: Landess highlighted Ritchie’s fit for WBT, saying, “TJ’s history of compelling, hilarious and engaging radio combined with his commitment to advertisers’ success speaks for itself. Bringing him into the WBT and Radio One Charlotte family is a win-win for everyone. I am so pleased that The TJ Ritchie Show will have a home on WBT!”
Mike Schaefer, WBT Program Director: Schaefer emphasized the station’s legacy, noting, “WBT’s history of night-time programming boasts some of radio’s biggest names – Bob Lacey, ‘Hello’ Henry Boggan, and ‘Charlotte’s Most Beloved,’ John Hancock. When the opportunity to add TJ to that list presented itself, there was nothing to think about besides a start date. We are beyond excited for TJ to bring entertaining late, live, and local programming back to Charlotte on WBT!”
Ritchie is a well-known figure in Charlotte radio, having co-hosted mornings on 95.1 WNKS (Kiss 95.1) with John “Ace” Muntz for over a decade until 2016. The Ace & TJ Show was a top-rated morning program, blending music, humor, and listener engagement, syndicated across multiple markets.
After leaving WNKS, Ritchie continued working with Ace on the syndicated Ace & TJ Show, which aired on stations like 96.1 WHQC in Charlotte. He also pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including digital content creation and advertising partnerships, maintaining a strong local presence.
Ritchie brands himself as “America’s Coolest Conservative,” suggesting a conversational, accessible approach to conservative commentary, distinct from the more combative style of some talk radio hosts. His focus on engaging new political audiences aligns with the polarized climate post-2024 elections.
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