Secretary Of State Makes The Rounds of Sunday News Shows

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made appearances on all three major Sunday political talk shows—NBC's Meet the Press (hosted by Kristen Welker), CBS's Face the Nation (hosted by Margaret Brennan), and ABC's This Week (hosted by George Stephanopoulos). 

These interviews, conducted from Miami, focused heavily on the U.S. military operation the previous day that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were brought to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges.

Key Themes Across the Appearances

Rubio consistently emphasized that the operation was not an act of war against Venezuela but targeted drug trafficking threats to U.S. national security. He downplayed President Trump's statement that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela, clarifying it meant influencing policy direction rather than direct governance. Rubio highlighted ongoing oil sanctions (described as a "quarantine") as primary leverage to push for changes benefiting U.S. interests and the Venezuelan people, including stopping drug flows, gang migration, and adversary influence.

He avoided ruling out future military options, noting the president "retains all optionality," but stressed the current focus on economic pressure over occupation or boots on the ground. Discussions touched on opposition figures like María Corina Machado and Edmundo González (with Rubio expressing admiration but noting practical realities), and potential broader implications (e.g., hints at pressure on Cuba).

Breaking News Forces Early Start For Tony Dokoupil

Tony Dokoupil made an early debut as anchor of “CBS Evening News” on Saturday, conducting a lengthy interview with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth about the U.S. military raids in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — two days ahead of his scheduled Monday launch.

WATCH: The CBS Evening News with @TonyDokoupil starts now on CBS. pic.twitter.com/Gf8thwbmyE

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 3, 2026

The special edition broadcast from a CBS-owned station in San Francisco, as the network rushed to cover President Trump's announcement of the strikes. 

It marked Hegseth's first appearance on CBS and his first interview since the operation, personally arranged by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, according to a source familiar with the booking.

During the interview, Dokoupil — whose on-screen graphic labeled Hegseth “Secretary of Defense” rather than the Trump administration's preferred “Secretary of War” — questioned the operation's rationale.

“I want to go back to the rationale tonight: Is it about freedom, or is it about oil?” Dokoupil asked, noting Trump's press conference remarks suggesting both factors played a role. Hegseth cited multiple reasons, including Venezuela's actions against U.S. oil companies, hemispheric security, drugs, and cartels poisoning Americans — all justifying what he called Trump's “bold and courageous action.” He noted the operation proceeded without prior congressional knowledge.

Dokoupil's official “CBS Evening News” launch remains set for Monday from New York. His planned “Live From America Tour,” starting in Miami and visiting U.S. cities, has been delayed until later in the week.

The early debut comes amid scrutiny of CBS's editorial direction under Weiss, including recent statements emphasizing focus on average Americans over elites and new principles like “We love America.” Dokoupil himself posted online last week criticizing legacy media for over-relying on advocates, academics, and elites.

WaPo, NY Times Withheld Details Of Pending Attack

The New York Times and Washington Post delayed publishing details of a secret U.S. military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after learning of it shortly before the operation began on the night of January 2-3, 2026, in order to avoid endangering American troops.

Senior editors at both outlets agreed to hold their stories for several hours following warnings from the Trump administration that premature reporting could expose and jeopardize U.S. forces involved in the high-risk mission. 

The raid, part of Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 U.S. aircraft disabling Venezuelan air defenses, followed by elite Delta Force commandos seizing Maduro and his wife from a compound in Caracas. The operation succeeded without U.S. fatalities, and the outlets published afterward.

This voluntary restraint aligns with longstanding U.S. journalistic practices during sensitive national security operations, where media sometimes withhold details to protect lives—despite no legal mechanism forcing such delays, unlike in some other countries. 

Historical examples include delays on stories about the Bay of Pigs invasion, NSA warrantless wiretapping, and recent prisoner exchanges.

The decision has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between the press and the administration, but sources familiar with the matter emphasized it was driven by ethical considerations for troop safety rather than partisanship. 

The raid itself has sparked broader debates over its legality, international reactions, and U.S. intentions in Venezuela.

U-S Attack, Aftermath Dominates News Cycle

Coverage of Venezuela across cable news networks (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News) and major newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal) has been dominated by a dramatic breaking story: the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026. 

This event follows years of tension over the disputed 2024 presidential election (widely viewed internationally as fraudulent, with opposition candidate Edmundo González seen as the legitimate winner), economic collapse, migration crises, and U.S. accusations of drug trafficking tied to Maduro's regime.

Coverage is intense and wall-to-wall in the immediate aftermath, with live updates, timelines, analyses of legality, international reactions, and speculation about Venezuela's future (including U.S. intentions to "run" the country temporarily and exploit its vast oil reserves).

📺Cable News Networks

Fox News: Heavy focus on the success of the U.S. operation, portraying it as a bold strike against a dictator involved in narcoterrorism. Reports highlight details like FBI involvement in transport, Trump's real-time viewing of the raid, and potential for opposition leader María Corina Machado (2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner) to emerge. Emphasis on reclaiming Venezuelan oil assets "stolen" from U.S. companies and celebrating the removal of a socialist regime. Interviews with Trump and supportive Republicans frame it positively.

CNN: Extensive live coverage, including timelines of the raid, visualizations of strikes in Caracas, and questions about legality/international law (e.g., sovereignty violations). Reports note Democratic criticism (e.g., lawmakers feeling misled about no regime change plans), international backlash (e.g., from China, Iran), and context on prior escalations like boat strikes and bounties on Maduro. Balanced with on-the-ground reporting from Caracas and profiles of Maduro's defiance.

MS NOW/NBC: Similar to CNN, with live blogs emphasizing uncertainty, potential for prolonged U.S. involvement, and reactions from Maduro supporters. Highlights satellite imagery of damage, Venezuelan defiance (e.g., Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming duties), and concerns over humanitarian impacts or escalation.

Overall, cable coverage reflects partisan leans: Fox News more celebratory of the Trump administration's actions, while CNN/MS NOW include more scrutiny of risks, legality, and global condemnation.

📰Major Newspapers

New York Times: In-depth live updates, timelines of U.S.-Venezuela tensions (dating back to Chávez era), and analyses of motives (oil, drugs, immigration). Reports on holding stories at government request for operational security, refugee implications (e.g., low U.S. admission caps), and potential for Machado or González to lead a transition.

Washington Post: Live updates with photos of Maduro's arrival in New York; editorial board praised the operation as a "major victory for American interests" and the downfall of a dictator. Focus on celebrations among Venezuelan diaspora and oil industry silence.

Wall Street Journal: Less directly highlighted in recent results, but typically focuses on economic angles (e.g., oil reserves, sanctions impacts) in broader Venezuela reporting.

Newspapers provide more contextual, investigative pieces compared to cable's real-time urgency, often noting the 2024 election fraud, mass exodus (over 8 million Venezuelans fled), and Maduro's alliances with China/Russia/Iran.

Historically (pre-2026 event), U.S. media widely criticized Maduro's regime for authoritarianism, election rigging, and humanitarian crises, with little pro-Maduro sympathy. The current story amplifies this, framing the U.S. action as culminating long-standing pressure, though with debates over methods and consequences.

Podcaster Declares Legacy Media 'Dead'

Megyn Kelly declared legacy media "dead" and dismissed CBS News' revamp efforts as futile, stating on X that "nothing will happen at CBS" in response to incoming anchor Tony Dokoupil's promotional video pledging to rebuild viewer trust.

The former Fox News host, now an independent podcaster, wrote: 

Nothing will happen at CBS. Nothing. Legacy media is dead and evening news has been totally irrelevant for a long time. CBS has not had evening viewers in any competitive way in more than a decade. It’s not reversible. https://t.co/btMjgqEQCe

— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) January 1, 2026

Kelly's comments came amid escalating tensions with CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, with whom she has feuded publicly since late 2025 over unrelated conservative disputes.

Dokoupil, set to debut as solo anchor of CBS Evening News on this week (with an early appearance Saturday due to breaking news), released a video acknowledging widespread distrust in legacy media. He criticized outlets for over-relying on elites, academics, and advocates while sidelining "average Americans," and promised transparency, independence from corporate influences, and a focus on viewers.

The changes follow Paramount's acquisition by Skydance and Weiss' appointment as editor-in-chief in October 2025. Weiss, founder of The Free Press, has introduced new principles for the broadcast, appointed Dokoupil, and planned a now-canceled 10-city "Live From America" listening tour.

Reactions have been polarized: some conservatives praise the admission of past flaws, while skeptics, including Kelly, argue the evening newscast format is outdated and ratings declines irreversible amid competition from cable, digital, and social media.

The relaunched program faces scrutiny as network evening news viewership continues to erode industry-wide. Early reception and ratings will indicate whether the overhaul gains traction.

Nick Shirley Talks About Death Threats

Independent journalist Nick Shirley has reported receiving death threats, including warnings that he will be "Kirked"—a chilling reference to the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—following his viral video alleging widespread fraud in Minnesota's taxpayer-funded childcare programs.

The 23-year-old YouTuber posted a 42-minute investigative video on December 26, 2025, documenting visits to several daycare centers, many operated by members of the Somali community, that appeared empty or inactive despite receiving millions in public funds. Shirley claimed to have uncovered over $110 million in potential fraud in a single day of filming, highlighting misspelled signs, luxury vehicles, and facilities billing for services without visible children.

The video rapidly amassed over 100 million views on X, amplified by shares from high-profile figures including Elon Musk, JD Vance, and President Trump. It triggered federal actions, such as DHS and FBI investigations into Minnesota programs, ICE site visits, and a temporary freeze on some federal childcare payments to the state.

During an appearance on the PBD Podcast last week, Shirley described escalating harassment: online and in-person threats, doxxing of his family (including calls to his younger sister), and specific messages like "you're going to be Kirked" or "you'll be the next Kirk," invoking the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Shirley expressed frustration that the backlash focused on him rather than the alleged fraud, insisting his reporting was about accountability, not partisanship or anti-immigrant sentiment.

Minnesota officials and some centers have countered the claims, stating recent inspections found children present and no evidence of fraud at the filmed sites—though many had prior citations for safety or staffing issues. Critics accused Shirley of selective timing (e.g., off-hours filming) and promoting biased narratives amid broader, pre-existing probes into state fraud, including the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal.

Montgomery Radio: LP Streamz 100.5 Plays The Local Hits

A Montgomery, Alabama, FM translator has launched Streamz 100.5, a Hip-Hop and Contemporary R&B station uniquely programmed based on local streaming data, marking what operators call a first-of-its-kind approach in the U.S. radio market.

The station, airing on low-power translator W263BX (80 watts) and fed by the HD2 channel of WQKS-FM 96.1, replaces a previous rhythmic throwbacks format. Despite its limited power, operators say the signal fully covers the city, serving as a testbed for aligning broadcast radio with real-time community listening habits online. Radio futurist James Cridland writes in his radio newsletter the station is using a service called StreamStats from Bridge Ratings.

Rick Peters

Bluewater Broadcasting Managing Partner Rick Peters describes Streamz as bridging live radio and local streaming trends, turning listeners' online choices into direct influencers of the on-air playlist—effectively making audiences active programmers rather than passive ones.

Program Director DJ Fresh explains the process as a "weekly vote": The station analyzes over three million local streams weekly from 19 pure-play streaming services, using Bridge Ratings' Stream Stats tool to identify top songs in the Montgomery metro area, which then form the core playlist. 

The lineup also features Compass Media Networks' DeDe In the Morning syndicated show.

Operators emphasize the format's goal of reflecting Montgomery's evolving musical tastes in real time, with the slogan implying: If locals are streaming it, Streamz will play it. They position the concept as groundbreaking, allowing community-specific streaming behavior to shape broadcast content on a hyper-local level.

And The Holiday PPMs Keep On Coming...

🌲Miami Holiday Ratings: No All-Christmas Station in Sight

Once again, Miami stands out as one of the rare major markets where no significant station committed to full-time Christmas music during the holiday period. A few smaller signals experimented with the format, but none managed to break into the top 25 (6+).

Persons 6+ Highlights:

• Cox Media Group's Soft AC WFEZ (Easy 93.1) climbed to #1, posting its strongest share in more than a year (up from 6.6 to 7.3).
• Cox Media Group's Urban AC WHQT (Hot 105) slipped to #2 (down from 6.9 to 6.6).
• TelevisaUnivision's Spanish Hot AC WAMR (Amor 107.5) held steady at #3 (5.8 to 5.9).
• Audacy's Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 The Beach) stayed at #4 (5.3 to 5.7).
• iHeartMedia's Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (Magic 93.9) advanced to #5 (5.0 to 5.3).
• Audacy's AC WLYF (101.5 Lite FM) fell to #6, recording its lowest share since January (5.2 to 5.1).WFEZ also remained the market's cume leader, growing 6.4% (from 740,400 to 787,500). Overall market listening declined 2.1%. Persons Using Measured Media (PUMM) dropped 7.1% from November but rose 14% year-over-year.

Persons 25-54 Highlights: 

• WFEZ dominated the demo for the 12th consecutive book. Key movements:WMIA returned to #2, delivering its fourth straight upward trend but still trailing the leader by over a full share.
• Cox Media Group's Rhythmic AC WFLC (Hits 97.3) held at #3 with a modest gain.
• WMXJ rose to #4, rebounding from the prior month's dip.
• iHeartMedia's Spanish Contemporary WZTU (Tú 94.9) claimed sole possession of #5 with a small increase.
• WHQT fell three spots to #7, giving back most of the previous month's gains.

Demo PUMM was down 7.9% month-to-month but up 14.3% from the previous year.

At CES: AI Dominates

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9, major tech companies like Nvidia, AMD, Samsung, and Lenovo will aggressively promote artificial intelligence as the core feature of new consumer gadgets, targeting investors, business clients, and everyday shoppers still skeptical of AI-driven devices.

AI Hardware Dominates the Show Floor..The event, a key launchpad for annual tech products ranging from ready-to-buy items to speculative concepts, will spotlight AI-infused hardware. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is expected to deliver a high-profile keynote on AI infrastructure, joined by competitors pushing AI as an essential rather than optional feature.

Smart Glasses and Wearables Lead AI Push..Smart glasses will be a major highlight, building on Meta's recent models and upcoming launches from Snap and others by late 2026. Smaller brands like Rokid, Xreal, Vuzix, and new entrants will drive most announcements, while Meta and Snap focus on software updates or demos. Additional AI-first wearables, including rings and novel forms, aim to provide smartphone-free access to intelligent assistants—despite past flops like the Humane AI Pin.

Humanoid Robots Gain Prominence..Humanoid robots will also steal attention, with the Consumer Technology Association dedicating an entire hall (likely North Hall) to robotics. Displays will include enterprise-focused models for manufacturing and logistics, plus companion robots like Tombot's Jennie dog for elderly care. Larger firms like LG may tease concepts, emphasizing progress in complex tasks like laundry folding, though challenges in battery life, cost, and safety persist.

TVs Remain a CES Staple..Televisions will continue as a traditional centerpiece, with Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense unveiling advanced sets featuring improved color reproduction and vivid imagery via new RGB/Mini-LED technologies. Aesthetic "art TVs" like Samsung's The Frame will see more imitators.

Other Notable Highlights..Motorola, under Lenovo's keynote spotlight, is poised to reveal its first book-style foldable phone. Wearables will advance health tracking, incorporating features like sleep apnea monitoring, women's health focus, glucose tracking, and chronic condition management.

Overall, CES 2026 underscores the industry's bet on AI integration to finally convince mainstream consumers, amid a mix of practical innovations and ambitious prototypes.

Billy Joel Performs With Cover Band

Billy Joel surprised fans by joining a tribute band covering his music for a two-song performance at the 30th birthday celebration for the Florida Village of Wellington on Jan. 2, delighting the crowd with his unmistakable voice despite ongoing health recovery.

The 76-year-old music icon, who owns Middlesea Farms in the village along Palm Beach Point Boulevard, took the stage unannounced during Turnstiles' show at the village amphitheater. Wearing a winter jacket, black cap, and using a cane amid recovery from fluid buildup on his brain, Joel sat at the keyboard and performed his 1989 hit "We Didn't Start the Fire" followed by 1978's "Big Shot."

"I wasn't planning on working tonight," Joel laughed before starting, as his daughters Della and Remy danced alongside him. 

The audience sent him off with chants of "Bill-y! Bill-y! Bill-y!"Turnstiles, named after Joel's 1976 album, was performing as part of the village's birthday bash when the surprise occurred.

Joel, whose career spans over 50 years, rose to fame with 1977's "The Stranger" after early albums in the 1970s. 

The Palm Beach Post reports Joel has deep ties to Palm Beach County, owning homes in Manalapan and Wellington, with recent reports of building in Boca Raton.

He ended a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden in 2024 but paused other live performances indefinitely due to his recent health issues.

In Memoriam: Musicians, Artists , Notables We Lost In 2025

Wayne Osmond, 73. The singer and guitarist was a founding member of The Osmonds, a million-album-selling family act known for such 1970s teen hits as “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo” and “Down By the Lazy River.” Jan. 1.

Peter Yarrow, 86. The singer-songwriter was best known as one-third of Peter, Paul and Mary, the folk music trio whose impassioned harmonies transfixed millions as they lifted their voices in favor of civil rights and against war. Jan. 7.

Sam Moore, 89. He was the higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, known for such definitive hits of the era as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin.’” Jan. 10.

Bob Uecker, 90. He parlayed a forgettable playing career into a punch line for movie and TV appearances as “Mr. Baseball” and a Hall of Fame broadcasting tenure. Jan. 16.

Garth Hudson, 87. The Band’s virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag.” Jan. 21.

Dick Button, 95. He was one of the most accomplished men’s figure skaters in history, and one of his sport’s great innovators and promoters. Jan. 30.

Gene Hackman, 95. The Oscar-winning actor whose studied portraits ranged from reluctant heroes to conniving villains and made him one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers. Feb. 18. Found dead with his wife Betsy Arakawa.

Roberta Flack, 88. The Grammy-winning singer and pianist’s intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recording artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after that. Feb. 24.

Carl Dean, 82. Dolly Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene.” March 3.

George Foreman, 76. The fearsome heavyweight boxer lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second and third acts as a 45-year-old world champion and a successful business owner. March 21.

Richard Chamberlain, 90. The handsome hero of the 1960s television series “Dr. Kildare” came out as gay four decades later and was known as the “king of the miniseries” for his roles in “The Thorn Birds” and “Shogun.” March 29.

Val Kilmer, 65. The brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” died of pneumonia. April 1.

R.I.P.: Barbara Davitt, Pioneer At WATR Waterbury, CT

Barbara Davitt (1933-2026)

Barbara Davitt, a pioneering figure in Connecticut radio, passed away on January 1, 2026 (a Thursday), at the age of 92, just three days after her birthday on December 29.

She spent 61 years at Waterbury's WATR (1320 AM / 97.7 FM), making her one of the longest-tenured broadcasters in U.S. radio history.

Davitt began her radio career in the late 1950s and joined WATR on November 22, 1963—the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She initially served as the station's "weather girl" before launching and hosting "Coffee Break", a popular community-focused morning segment featuring interviews, local news, arts updates, and civic engagement. The show became one of the nation's longest-running radio programs, known for its warm, informative style that connected generations of listeners in Greater Waterbury and central Connecticut.

In March 2024, she reduced her schedule to Tuesdays and Thursdays but continued hosting until her passing, showing no interest in full retirement. She was celebrated for her contributions to broadcasting, theater, and community service, often called the "queen of Waterbury radio" and a "living landmark."

TributesWATR announced her death via Facebook, describing her as a "cherished colleague and mentor" whose influence would be missed. Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski issued a statement mourning her as a "true broadcasting pioneer" and "daily companion to generations of listeners," praising her role in strengthening community ties.

R.I.P.: Stephanie Smallwood, Lafayette LA, Personality

Stephanie Smallwood

Stephanie Smallwood, a beloved radio personality in Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away early on Sunday morning after battling an illness that began in October 2025. She had retired from her on-air role on December 1, 2025.

She was a longtime DJ and program director at KFXZ Z105.9 (an Adult R&B station owned by Delta Media Corporation), where she was described as the "heart and soul" and "backbone" of the station. 

Her warm voice and deep connection with listeners made her a trusted fixture in the Acadiana community for years, shaping the station's sound and building lasting bonds with thousands across Lafayette and surrounding areas.

Delta Media's General Manager Johnette Cochran expressed profound shock and heartbreak, noting Stephanie's passion for her audience and the airwaves. Even competing stations, like Townsquare Media Lafayette, extended condolences, highlighting her broad impact on local radio.

Her broadcasting career spanned decades: she started in radio at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's KRVS station (known then as USL), later spent 14 years in TV news at KATC-TV3, and returned to radio at Z105.9 around 2013, eventually rising to program and music director roles.

The Acadiana region is indeed mourning this loss, with local news outlets like KATC, KADN, and 107.9 iShot reporting on her passing and celebrating her legacy as a pioneering voice in Southwest Louisiana radio.

Radio History: Jan 5

Sam Phillips

➦In 1923...Sun Records founder Sam Phillips was born in rural Alabama.  His Memphis record studio will always be remembered as the first professional home of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins.  He died July 30, 2003 at age 80.

➦In 1935...Phil Spitalny‘s All-Girl Orchestra was featured on the debut of CBS radio’s “The Hour of Charm”.  It ran on various networks until 1946.

➦In 1940...Edwin H. Armstrong demonstrated FM broadcasting in a long-distance relay network, via five stations in five States.  FM radio was assigned the 42 to 50 MHz band of the spectrum in 1940. There was interest in the new FM band by station owners.

➦In 1965...60 years ago this week

Clark Weber was also on the air at WCFL, WMAQ, WIND, WJJD and WAIT. He later ran Clark Weber & Associates, an advertising agency specializing in radio advertising.

➦In 1973…, Bruce Springsteen released his debut album ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ.’ It sold only about 25,000 copies in its first year of release.  Two tracks from the album, "Blinded By The Light" and "Spirit In The Night," were released as singles but neither made a dent in the charts.