New NBC Nightly News Anchor Tom Llamas Outlines HIs Plans

Tom Llamas, succeeding Lester Holt as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News starting Monday, has outlined a vision for the broadcast that emphasizes continuity, journalistic integrity, and a focus on delivering the best possible news program.Llamas has expressed a competitive yet independent approach, stating, “We’re going to run our own race, and I think that’s how you get to number one.” He aims to focus on making NBC Nightly News the best show possible rather than fixating on outperforming competitors like ABC’s David Muir. This involves prioritizing content quality and viewer trust over direct rivalry.

Maintaining Legacy and Trust: Llamas is leaning into the storied legacy of NBC Nightly News, emphasizing its history with past anchors like John Chancellor, Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams, and Lester Holt. Promotional campaigns highlight this continuity, with a voice-over stating, “As the world changes, we look for what endures,” positioning Llamas as a trusted successor. His goal is to uphold the program’s reputation for journalistic excellence and integrity.

Dual Role with Streaming: Llamas will continue anchoring Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW, making him the first Nightly News anchor to simultaneously host a daily streaming newscast. This dual role reflects his commitment to reaching both traditional broadcast and younger streaming audiences, leveraging his experience in growing NBC News NOW into a leading streaming news network.

Focus on Viewer Connection: Llamas plans to work with the “world-class journalists” at Nightly News and Top Story to deliver “the most important stories every night.” His approach emphasizes passionate storytelling, a hallmark of his career, to connect with viewers on critical issues, from breaking news to in-depth global coverage.

Building on Recent Success: Llamas has already demonstrated his capability, notably achieving a ratings victory over ABC’s World News Tonight in the key A25-54 demographic on April 17, 2025, while filling in for Holt. This suggests confidence in his ability to draw viewers as he takes on the permanent role.

Llamas, a 45-year-old Emmy-winning journalist and Loyola University New Orleans graduate, brings over 25 years of broadcast experience, including stints at ABC News and earlier roles at NBC. As the first Latino anchor of the weeknight edition of NBC Nightly News, he also represents a historic milestone, aiming to broaden the program’s reach and representation

New Nightly News Anchor Reveals Advice From Lester Holt

Tom Llamas

Tom Llamas, 45, succeeds Lester Holt Monday evening as anchor of NBC Nightly News, with Holt transitioning to a full-time role at “Dateline” after a decade in the anchor chair. 

Llamas will continue anchoring “Top Story,” a live, hourlong newscast on NBC News Now, the network’s free streaming platform.

Born to Cuban immigrants, Llamas grew up in Miami, maintaining strong ties to the community (evidenced by Gloria Estefan and Don Francisco attending a Florida party celebrating his promotion). 

He resides in Westchester County, N.Y., with his wife, Jennifer, their three children (ages 12, 9, and 7), and a cherished vinyl record collection amassed from years of global crate-digging while on assignment.

In a recent LA Times interview, Llamas discussed advice from Lester Holt about his new role. 

Holt, who described anchoring as an all-consuming commitment, warned Llamas, “Your life is going to change.” He highlighted the increased demands on Llamas’ time, advising him to balance career and family carefully. Llamas noted that his children are accustomed to his demanding schedule as a correspondent and anchor, often leaving little league games or school plays for breaking news. He emphasized maintaining open conversations with his family to navigate the challenges of his career."

Llamas is in the streaming Era, however he owns a extensive collection of vinyl records.  e explained how his collection started, Ten or 12 years ago, I went to my friend’s house in Los Angeles and he has a record player. I think he played “Sticky Fingers” from the Rolling Stones. We just chilled and we listened to the album. And I thought, “What a great experience.”

Then I realized the other fun part about records is just finding them and collecting them, and trying to get original pressings. I have Wilson Pickett records that were made in Spain. I have Beatles records where the liner notes and the album covers are in different languages. I have a room where I have them — it feels like you’re walking into a jukebox. It’s where I read the paper sometimes. It’s where I prepare for big election nights. I’ll be in there for hours. It’s how I relax."

Stephanopoulos Alleges Trump Family Is Corrupt

ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” Sunday opened with sharp allegations of corruption against President Donald Trump and his family, just six months after ABC settled a $16 million defamation lawsuit from Trump over Stephanopoulos’s prior comments about E. Jean Carroll.

The Wrap reports Stephanopoulos launched the show by linking Trump’s pardons to his fundraising activities, implying the president and his family were profiting through pay-to-play schemes.

George Stephanopoulos opened @ThisWeekABC in high-dungeon over presidential corruption: “This unprecedented money making by a sitting President and his family summarized by critics like @TheAtlantic’s David Frum: ‘Nothing like this has been attempted or even imagined in the… pic.twitter.com/XAkW8xGyA7

— Brent Baker 🇺🇲🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@BrentHBaker) June 1, 2025

“The scope is staggering,” he stated. “Trump and his family are reaping hundreds of millions, possibly billions, while taking official actions that favor contributors and investors. This week alone, we saw pardons granted to tax evaders, including one whose mother was pardoned shortly after attending a $1 million-per-person fundraiser for the president. Meanwhile, the Trump Media and Technology Group raised $2.5 billion from 50 undisclosed institutional investors.”

“‘Nothing like this has been attempted or even imagined in the history of the American presidency,’ he writes,” Stephanopoulos said. “‘Throw away the history books, discard feeble comparisons to scandals of the past … The brazenness resembles nothing seen in any earlier White House. This is American corruption on the scale of a post-Soviet republic or a post-colonial African dictatorship.’ That’s where we begin this week.”

In December 2024, ABC News and George Stephanopoulos settled a defamation lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million. The lawsuit arose from a March 2024 interview in which Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed that Trump was found “liable for rape” in a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll.

On-Air: TreasSec Fact-Checks 'Face the Nation' Host

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday and challenged host Margaret Brennan over her earlier predictions that President Trump's tariff policies would cause significant inflation. 

During a March 2025 interview, Brennan had cited studies, like one from the Peterson Institute, warning that tariffs could increase household costs by $1,200 annually. Bessent countered that these predictions were "alarmist," pointing out that inflation had not spiked as forecasted. 

🔥 SCOTT BESSENT scolds CBS host Margaret Brennan for claiming Trump would cause inflation

“Stop trying to say this 'could happen' and wait and see what does happen!”

"When we were here in March, you said there was going to be big inflation. There HASN'T been any inflation.… pic.twitter.com/6a3rWDyCDE

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) June 1, 2025

He noted that recent data showed inflation at a four-year low, with core PCE dropping significantly and consumer earnings rising 0.8% in a month. Bessent specifically said, “Margaret, when we were here in March, you said there was going to be big inflation. There hasn’t been any inflation. Actually, the inflation numbers are the best in four years.” 

He urged her to “stop trying to say this could happen” and focus on actual outcomes, citing lower energy and food prices, like a 20% drop in gasoline and collapsed egg prices, as evidence of the administration’s success.

NPR CEO: It's Not The Money, It's 1A

NPR's President and CEO, Katherine Maher, is legally challenging President Trump's executive order to cut federal funding for public broadcasters like NPR and PBS, calling it a First Amendment issue.

Speaking on The Wall Street Journal’s “The Journal” podcast, Maher emphasized that the lawsuit, filed by NPR and three local stations, focuses on free speech rather than funding, though federal support is critical for member stations. She described the order and Trump's accusations of NPR’s editorial bias as “viewpoint discrimination” and retaliatory. 

NPR’s CEO on the Fight Over Public Media https://t.co/4OxlPo7bjg

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) June 2, 2025

Maher also refuted claims of liberal bias, citing data showing NPR’s audience reflects the nation’s political diversity: roughly one-third conservative, one-third independent, and one-third liberal. She highlighted NPR’s role in serving rural communities with limited access to local news.

As far as the money is concernd: Public radio revenue remained nearly stable in 2024, with CPB-supported stations reporting $1.389 billion, slightly down from $1.393 billion in 2023, according to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s State of the System report for Fiscal Year 2024. However, this overall figure masks a growing divide: large stations saw collective revenue increases, while small and mid-sized stations experienced declines. The report also highlights looming threats to future funding due to President Trump’s executive order targeting federal support for public broadcasters.

St. Louis Radio: Robbin-Coker Named Brand Manager for Audacy

Audacy welcomes Tani “Talus” Robbin-Coker as Brand Manager of Hot 98.7 and 96.3 The Lou in St. Louis. In this role, he will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. 

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Talus into the Audacy St. Louis team to shape content strategy, champion talent and steer operations and branding for Hot 98.7 and 96.3 The Lou,” said Becky Domyan, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy St. Louis and Wichita. “His deep industry experience, creative instincts and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader to guide these two powerhouse brands. I’m confident he’ll bring fresh energy and meaningful connection to our listeners and the broader community.”

Talus Robbin-Coker

“Joining the Audacy St. Louis family represents an incredible opportunity, and I'm grateful to Becky Domyan for her trust and leadership,” said Robbin-Coker. “With the strategic guidance of Dave Richards, Skip Dillard and Mike Street, we're positioned to strengthen our community presence and create an innovative environment that resonates with listeners across St. Louis. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place.”

For two decades, Robbin-Coker has created relationship-driven brands that resonate with local communities. He previously served as the Operations Manager for Cumulus New Orleans from 2014 to 2017, overseeing four brands. As Executive Producer and Co-Host for Service Broadcast Corporation in Dallas, he propelled “Morning Rush with Claudia Jordan” to number one in its core demographic during its debut in 2017. While at Cox Media Group Miami, he forged a game-changing partnership with Triller to launch the completely sold-out "Trillerfest," headlined by Lil Wayne, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz in 2022. 

📻Listeners can tune in to Hot 98.7 on air in St. Louis and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.

📻Listeners can tune in to 96.3 The Lou on air in St. Louis and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.  

Navy Vet Targets The AP For Defamation

Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran and security consultant, is suing the Associated Press (AP) for defamation over a January 17, 2025, article by reporter David Bauder. The article covered Young’s successful defamation lawsuit against CNN, where he won $5 million in January 2025 for a 2021 report that falsely implied he illegally profited from a “black market” scheme to evacuate Afghans during the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. 

The AP article stated that Young’s business “helped smuggle people out of Afghanistan,” a claim Young and his legal team argue is false and defamatory, as it implies criminal conduct.

Young’s lawsuit, filed in April, in Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Bay County, alleges that the AP’s use of the term “smuggling” falsely branded him as a criminal, despite a prior court ruling in the CNN case affirming he committed no crimes. 

Zachary Young

His attorneys, Daniel Lustig and Michael J. Pike, argue that the AP acted with “actual malice” by publishing this statement, knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth, especially given the court’s prior findings. They cite 40 other AP articles where “smuggling” describes illegal activities like human trafficking or drug operations, reinforcing the term’s criminal connotation.

Young is seeking nearly $500 million in damages, including $18 million for economic loss, $50-75 million for reputational harm, $5-10 million for emotional distress, and $300-350 million in punitive damages. His legal team claims the AP’s article caused further damage to his reputation and business, Nemex Enterprises, which conducted legal evacuations funded by sponsors like Bloomberg and Audible, not by charging Afghans directly. 

The lawsuit notes that outlets like U.S. News & World Report, WTOP News, and The Minnesota Star Tribune retracted their republications of the AP article after receiving complaints, while the AP has refused to retract or correct its story.

The AP has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that its reporting is protected by Florida’s fair report privilege and anti-SLAPP statute, which shield the press from lawsuits aimed at chilling free speech.

The AP contends the article was a factual report on Young’s CNN verdict and portrayed him positively as vindicated, not as a criminal.

Gomez Believes 1A Prohibits FCC From Regulating Content

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez recently launched a “First Amendment Tour” to speak out against what she sees as FCC overreach. At events like the Free Press forum in Los Angeles and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference, she has warned of a “chilling effect” on free speech, citing examples like corporate parents pressuring newsrooms to tone down criticism due to fear of FCC retribution.

She has also criticized the FCC’s investigations into public broadcasters like NPR and PBS, as well as its scrutiny of DEI policies, as attempts to silence critics of the Trump administration.

Anna Gomez

Gomez has also argued that the FCC lacks the legal authority to regulate content moderation and fact-checking efforts by social media companies, broadcasters, and news outlets, asserting that such actions infringe on First Amendment rights and exceed the agency’s mandate. Her statements, made in various public forums, reflect her concerns about the FCC’s recent actions under Chairman Brendan Carr, which she views as attempts to influence editorial decisions and impose political censorship.

Gomez argues that the FCC’s jurisdiction, as defined by the Communications Act, is limited to regulating entities like radio and TV stations that use public airwaves. She asserts that the agency has no statutory authority to oversee content moderation or fact-checking by broadcasters, news outlets, or social media platforms.

She has emphasized that only Congress can amend laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which grants internet platforms immunity from liability for user-generated content, reinforcing that the FCC cannot unilaterally regulate online content moderation.

Texas Radio Hall of Fame Now Accepting Nominations

Nominations for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s 2025 Induction Class may not\w be submitted. The nominations portal will be accessible to voting members at www.TRHOF.net through Friday, June 30, 2025.

 In the initial phase of the selection process, qualified candidates may be nominated by voting members in good standing, a status that is open not only to broadcasters but their fans, friends, and family.

 “Some years ago, the TRHOF’s Executive Board took steps to ensure that the listening audience, as well as the broadcast professionals involved with the creation and delivery of quality radio, could have a say in this selection process,” says Doug Harris, a 2011 Inductee who now serves as the organization’s Executive Director. “This voting season, we are implementing a discounted rate for ‘new’ voting members, who may join at the reduced fee of $25 for their first year.” Harris says that this discount will remain in effect until midnight CST on July 8, 2025.

 Once nominations have been received, they are presented for consideration and vetting by an internal TRHOF Review Committee. These broadcast professionals then work independently to identify up to fifty candidates for consideration by the voting members. Voting in the final phase determines the twenty individuals who will be honored at the TRHOF’s Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion Weekend on November 1, 2025. This event is staged annually at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX.

Information on becoming a TRHOF voting member is available on the organization’s website and interested parties may still join—and vote—in this year’s selection.

50 Cent Says He'll Lobby Trump Against Diddy Pardon

Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has publicly stated his intention to contact President Donald Trump to discourage him from granting a presidential pardon to Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently on trial in New York City for federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. 

Combs has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations. The trial, which began on May 5, 2025, at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, could result in a sentence of 15 years to life if Combs is convicted.

On May 30, 2025, during a White House press conference, Trump was asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy about the possibility of pardoning Combs. Trump responded that "nobody’s asked" directly but noted that "people are thinking about it" and some were "very close to asking." 

He said he would "look at the facts" and consider a pardon if he believed Combs was "mistreated," emphasizing that personal feelings would not influence his decision. Trump also mentioned a past friendship with Combs, which soured after his entry into politics, citing "nasty statements" Combs allegedly made about him.

In response, 50 Cent, a longtime rival of Combs, took to Instagram, to express his opposition. He wrote, "He said some really bad things about Trump, it’s not ok. I’m gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy," suggesting that Combs’ past criticisms of Trump should disqualify him from a pardon. 

In a follow-up post on May 31, 2025, 50 Cent clarified his stance, stating, "Donald doesn’t take well to disrespect, and doesn’t forget who chooses to go against him. While working tirelessly to make America great again there is no room for distraction. He would consider pardoning anyone who was being mistreated not Puffy Daddy." 

He also corrected media reports that misquoted him as planning to "nuke" Combs’ pardon chances, clarifying that he only intended to share his perspective with Trump.

Radio History: June 2

Marconi 1901

➦In 1896...Marconi files full specs for first (radio) wireless patent. He had succeeded the previous year in sending long-wave radio signals over a distance of about two kilometres. And in 1897, Marconi formed a wireless telegraphy company to develop its commercial applications. In 1901, he sent the letter ”S” across the Atlantic from Cornwall, England to a receiving station in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

➦In 1908...Benjamin Franklin Grauer born (Died from a heart attacked at age 68 – May 31, 1977). He was a radio and TV personality, following a career during the 1920s as a child actor in films and on Broadway.

Grauer's greatest fame lies in his legendary 40-year career in radio. In 1930, the 22-year-old Benjamin Franklin Grauer joined the staff at NBC.  He quickly rose through the ranks to become a senior commentator and reporter. He was the designated announcer for the popular 1940s Walter Winchell's Jergens Journal. Perhaps, most importantly, he was selected by Arturo Toscanini to become the voice of the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Grauer took over as announcer in late 1942, and remained until the orchestra was disbanded in June 1954. Toscanini said he was his favorite announcer.

Starting in 1932, Grauer covered the Olympic Games, presidential inaugurations and international events. During his radio career, Grauer covered nearly every major historic event, including the Paris Peace Conference and the US occupation of Japan. Millions remember his NBC coverage of the New Year's celebrations on both radio and TV. Between 1951 and 1969, Grauer covered these events 11 times live from New York's Times Square. He continued covering New Year's Eve for Guy Lombardo's New Year's Eve specials on CBS in the 1970s, with his last appearance on December 31, 1976, the year before both he and Lombardo died. From the mid-1950s until the mid-1960s, Grauer's reports were part of the NBC television network's The Tonight Show, where he worked with Johnny Carson and prior to that, Jack Paar, and Steve Allen. Grauer was also one of NBC Radio's Monitor "Communicators" from 1955 to 1960.

Grauer also was one of five hosts/narrators of "The First Fabulous Fifty", a five-part NBC Radio Network documentary series on the history of the network, featuring soundbites from past NBC programs. The series was broadcast on the occasion of the network's 50th anniversary in the autumn of 1976. Grauer narrated the first installment, which covered the network's first decade on the air, 1926 through 1936.

➦In 1915...actor Walter Tetley was born in New York City.  At age 23 he moved to Hollywood where his radio career as a series of brash teenagers blossomed and lasted more than 25 years, by which time he was in his late 40’s.  His best remembered roles are as Gildy’s nephew Leroy on NBC radio’s The Great Gildersleeve, and as Julius Abbruzio on The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show.  He also voiced many popular cartoon characters.  He died at age 60 Sept. 4 1975, four years after a serious MVA had left him confined to a wheelchair.

Charles Farrell, Gil Stratton Jr. "Freddie", and Gale Storm

➦In 1922..actor/sportscaster Gil Stratton Jr. was born in Brooklyn.

While appearing in supporting roles in film in the late 40’s he began working as a radio actor in such shows as Lux Radio Theater, The Great Gildersleeve, and My Little Margie. He worked opposite Judy Garland in the 1950 radio version of The Wizard of Oz, and opposite Shirley Temple in an audio adaptation of The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. In the 1954 television season, Stratton was a regular on the CBS situation comedy That’s My Boy.  That same year he began a 16 year run as sportscaster on KNXT Los Angeles, and over time also covered sports for KNX radio and KTTV.

He died of congestive heart failure Oct. 11 2008 at age 86.

➦In 1932... CKLW first came on the air on June 2, 1932 as CKOK on 540 kilocycles. The Station was built by George Storer and was sold to a group of Windsor-area businessmen led by Malcolm Campbell, operating as "Essex Broadcasters, Ltd." CKOK became CKLW (and moved to 840 kHz) in 1933, when Essex Broadcasters, Ltd. merged with the London Free Press and its station CJGC (now CFPL), and became "Western Ontario Broadcasting", which was co-owned by Essex Broadcasters, and the London Free Press. The "LW" in the callsign is said to have stood for "London, Windsor", considered to be the two chief cities in the station's listening area. When the station's power increased to 50,000 watts, its listening area increased accordingly. In 1934, when London Free Press's station CJGC pulled out of the agreement, the station's ownership became wholly owned by Western Ontario Broadcasters. CJGC later evolved into today's CFPL 980, while CKLW moved from 840 to 1030 kc. in 1934, before settling on its present frequency of 800 kHz in 1941, thanks to a shuffle of frequency allocations.