Skydance May Hire ‘Bias’ Monitors At CBS News

Skydance executives are considering establishing an internal ombudsman at CBS News to address Trump administration concerns about bias and secure FCC approval for their merger with Paramount Global, Shari Redstone’s struggling media empire, according to  Charles Gasparino sources at The NY Post  On The Money column. 

The ombudsman would oversee news content to ensure neutrality, potentially satisfying FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who has stalled the $8 billion deal over perceived left-wing partisanship at CBS despite its claims of objectivity. Carr is exploring oversight remedies, and a source close to him says the ombudsman idea aligns with his thinking. A Skydance insider notes that Jeff Shell, slated to lead the merged company’s news division, is open to the concept.

The FCC, which regulates broadcast media, can block mergers if news content violates “public interest rules” against bias on public airwaves. CBS News, part of Paramount, has long faced conservative criticism for an alleged liberal tilt. Last month, Carr launched a bias probe into CBS following a complaint from the Center For American Rights (CAR) over a selectively edited “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign, further delaying the merger. Without a remedy, approval could slip past the first quarter of 2025, a timeline critical for Redstone, who stands to gain $1.8 billion to bolster her family’s dwindling wealth amid Paramount’s decline, and David Ellison, whose media ambitions—backed by his father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a Trump ally—rely on merging with Paramount’s assets.

The “60 Minutes” controversy stems from a Harris interview aired on October 7, where her typically convoluted responses appeared polished, but a promo revealed a less coherent version, prompting CAR’s FCC complaint. CBS cited time constraints for the edits, but Carr and Trump—whose $20 billion lawsuit against CBS alleges election interference—remain unconvinced. While Trump’s case (and a recent $15 million ABC settlement) looms, Carr’s inquiry is the merger’s primary hurdle. Recent FCC talks with CAR floated remedies like relocating operations from liberal hubs or diversifying staff, but no settlement discussions have gained traction. Neither FCC nor Skydance commented.

Bob Pittman Buys iHeartMedia Stock

Bob Pittman, the Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc., this week purchased 200,000 shares of the company's stock at an average price of $1.60 per share, totaling $320,000. 

This transaction was disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released on Thursday. Following the announcement of this insider purchase, iHeartMedia's stock price surged by 23.2%, rising from $1.51 on Wednesday, March 5, to $1.86 on Thursday, March 6. This significant jump reflects investor confidence in Pittman’s move, often interpreted as a signal that the CEO believes the stock is undervalued and that the company has strong future potential.

Pittman’s purchase came after a challenging period for iHeartMedia’s stock. In the four trading days following the company’s fourth-quarter earnings release on February 27, 2025, the stock had dropped 27.7%, falling from a higher value to $1.51 by March 5. The earnings report and subsequent commentary from iHeartMedia executives indicated a mixed outlook: while fourth-quarter revenue grew by 6% to $1.13 billion, driven by digital audio and podcasting growth, the company forecasted a low single-digit revenue decline for the first quarter of 2025. 

MIW Releases '24 Gender Analysis Study

The MIW 2024 Gender Analysis Study, conducted by Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), is an annual report that tracks the representation of women in leadership roles within the U.S. radio broadcasting industry. 

The study analyzes data collected by PrecisionTrak from 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across the country as of December 31, 2023. It focuses on three key management positions: General Manager (GM), Sales Manager, and Program Director/Brand Manager, providing insights into the progress of female leadership in radio.

Key Findings from the 2024 Study:

General Manager Roles:

• In 2024, women held 21.67% of GM positions (approximately 2,430 stations), a slight decrease from 22.17% in 2023.
• Despite the dip, this figure reflects significant growth from 2004, when women accounted for just 14.9% of GMs.
• In the top 100 markets, women managed 22.92% of stations, also down slightly from 23.96% in 2023 but still above the national average.

Sales Manager Roles:

• Sales management remained the strongest area for women, with 35.67% of stations (around 4,000 stations) having a female Sales Manager in 2024.
• This represents a notable increase from 34.37% in 2023, highlighting continued opportunities for women in this sector.

Program Director/Brand Manager Roles:

• Women programmed 11.50% of stations (approximately 1,173 stations) in 2024, a figure that remained essentially flat compared to 2023.
• In the top 100 markets, female Program Directors dropped to 10.14%, a decline of over 3% from 2022, underscoring persistent challenges in this area.
• MIW identifies this role as the "greatest challenge" for women in radio management.

Broader Context and Insights: The study reflects a mixed picture: while women have made gains in sales management, progress in programming remains stagnant, and GM representation saw a slight decline.

Ruth Presslaff

Historically, the MIW Gender Analysis Study, which began in 2000, has shown slow but steady growth in female leadership. For instance, the GM percentage has risen from 14.9% in 2004 to 21.67% in 2024, though recent years indicate a leveling off.

MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering change through mentoring initiatives, acknowledging the unique challenges women face in the industry amid a shifting media landscape.

Significance: The 2024 study highlights both achievements and ongoing hurdles for women in radio. Sales management stands out as a bright spot, while programming roles continue to lag, suggesting a need for targeted efforts to boost female representation in creative and decision-making positions. The data serves as a benchmark for the industry, encouraging radio companies to prioritize gender diversity in leadership.

This information is based on the latest available data from the MIW 2024 Gender Analysis Study as reported on March 7, 2024, aligning with the current date of March 7, 2025, and reflects the most recent full-year analysis available.

Pew Study Shows How The Pandemic Has Changed Us

The Pew Research Center has published several reports examining how the COVID-19 pandemic, which officially began impacting the U.S. in March 2020, has altered American life over the past five years. Based on surveys and analyses conducted through late 2024, these reports highlight shifts in societal attitudes, behaviors, work, technology use, and religious practices, while underscoring persistent partisan divides and a complex recovery. 

Here’s a detailed look at key findings from their work, reflecting changes as of March 7, 2025, five years after the pandemic’s onset:

Societal Division and Personal Toll

A major Pew survey from October 2024, involving 9,593 U.S. adults, found that 72% of Americans believe the pandemic did more to divide the country than unite it. This perception aligns with pre-existing trends of political polarization, declining trust in institutions, and a fragmented information environment, all of which the pandemic amplified rather than created. About 75% of respondents reported that COVID-19 took a toll on their own lives—27% described it as a major toll, and 47% as minor. Despite over 1 million U.S. deaths and millions affected by long COVID, only 21% now view the virus as a major public health threat, down from 67% in July 2020, signaling a broad shift toward moving on.

Changes in Work

The pandemic reshaped the American workplace dramatically, as detailed in Pew’s “How COVID-19 Changed U.S. Workplaces: Looking Back 5 Years Later.” Early 2020 saw unemployment spike from 3.8% to 14.4% by April as businesses closed, with a sharp recovery to around 4% by late 2021. Remote work surged—by October 2020, 71% of workers whose jobs could be done from home were teleworking full-time, up from 20% pre-pandemic. By 2024, many still preferred hybrid or remote setups, with most citing better work-life balance, though some noted feeling disconnected from colleagues. Parents faced unique challenges, with employment among mothers dropping sharply in 2020 and not fully rebounding until late 2022. In a 2024 survey, 61% of workers not fully remote felt their employers would handle safety measures appropriately in a future pandemic, though 19% worried about insufficient precautions.

Technology Adoption

Pew’s report, “How COVID-19 Changed Technology’s Role in American Life,” highlights a lasting technological shift. By October 2024, 48% of Americans said the pandemic changed how they use technology, with 18% noting a major change. Younger adults (under 30) were most affected (62%), as were Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans (around 60%), compared to 40% of White adults. Urban dwellers reported higher shifts than rural ones. Among those noting change, 48% said it made life both easier and harder—upper-income households leaned toward “easier,” while lower-income ones reported more hardship. Early in the pandemic, virtual schooling exposed digital divides, with 25% of teens in lower-income households lacking reliable internet or devices, prompting calls for federal action (support for government-provided high-speed internet rose from 28% in 2019 to 43% in 2021).

Perceptions of Risk and Response

Pew’s “Americans’ Views on COVID-19 Risk and Emergency Response” shows a steep decline in perceived threat. By October 2024, only 20% saw COVID-19 as a major population health risk, and 40% likened it to a cold or flu. Mask-wearing plummeted—only 4% wore masks regularly, down from widespread use in 2021, with partisan gaps narrowing (6% of Democrats vs. 2% of Republicans). Looking back, 61% believed the public health system would handle a future emergency well, though Democrats (73%) were more optimistic than Republicans (50%). Trust in scientists dropped from 87% in April 2020 to 73% by October 2023, and 54% felt the media exaggerated COVID-19’s risks.

The findings suggest Americans have largely adapted to a “new normal,” but not without scars.

Report: ESPN Giving Stephen A Smith 100 Million Reasons To Re-Up

Stephen A. Smith has inked a lucrative new five-year contract with ESPN, valued at a minimum of $100 million, securing his role as the star of First Take while reducing his obligations across other network programming, according to sources familiar with the deal who spoke to The Athletic. This adjustment will allow Smith to maintain his presence on the daily morning show that has become his signature platform, while dialing back his appearances elsewhere on ESPN, freeing up time for him to expand his commentary on political topics outside the network.

Under the terms of the agreement, which sources shared anonymously due to an anticipated lack of public disclosure, Smith will remain a cornerstone of First Take but step away from being a regular fixture on ESPN’s flagship NBA pregame show, Countdown, which airs before The Finals. However, he may still pop up occasionally on major basketball studio broadcasts, as well as during high-profile events like the Monday Night Football pregame. ESPN, when approached, declined to offer any comment on the matter.

The shift comes as ESPN has entered a licensing deal with TNT to integrate the popular Charles Barkley-fronted Inside The NBA into its lineup, a move Smith has publicly endorsed. His reduced ESPN commitments are expected to open doors for more frequent appearances on external platforms, particularly to discuss politics, while also providing opportunities to boost his income beyond his ESPN salary.

At 57, Smith has become increasingly outspoken on political matters, frequently weighing in on figures like President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as broader current events. His commentary has gained such traction that some have even floated his name as a potential presidential contender. Beyond ESPN, Smith has been a regular guest on shows like Fox News with Sean Hannity and uses his independent platform, The Stephen A. Smith Show, to delve into topics far removed from sports, cementing his status as a prominent media voice.

There's Irony To Note In the Rachel Maddow MSNBC Rant

Rachel Maddow's recent comments about MSNBC, made during her Monday night monologue on February 24, 2025, have sparked significant fallout both within the network and among its viewers, as well as generating reactions across political and media circles. Maddow, the network's highest-rated anchor, used her platform to criticize MSNBC's leadership for a major programming overhaul that involved canceling several shows, including that of her colleague Joy Reid, and letting go of numerous staff members. Her remarks centered on the treatment of employees and the decision to end programs hosted by non-white anchors, which she described as "unnerving" and a "bad mistake."

The context for her comments stems from MSNBC's restructuring efforts, announced in late February 2025, which saw the cancellation of prime-time and weekend shows hosted by Joy Reid, Alex Wagner, Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, Ayman Mohyeldin, and José Díaz-Balart. As part of this shake-up, most of the staff producing these shows, including much of Maddow’s own team (except for her executive producer and a few senior producers), were informed they were being let go, with the option to reapply for new roles or take severance. This move was unprecedented in its scale at MSNBC, a network that historically reassigned staff rather than cutting them outright after cancellations. Maddow’s critique highlighted the inefficiency and poor morale resulting from this approach, stating, “It’s not the right way to treat people, and it’s inefficient and it’s unnecessary and it kind of drops the bottom out of whether or not people feel like this is a good place to work.”

Maddow also pointed out the racial implications of the cancellations, noting that both of MSNBC’s non-white prime-time hosts (Reid and Wagner, whose mother is Burmese) were losing their shows, alongside Phang’s weekend program. She called this pattern “indefensible” and expressed personal dismay at losing Reid as a colleague, emphasizing Reid’s value to the network. These comments were a rare public rebuke of her own employer, amplifying existing tensions at MSNBC, which has faced declining viewership since the 2024 election and is preparing for a corporate spinoff from Comcast into a new entity.

Paramount Global Claims Trump Wants To 'Punish' It

Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, has requested that a federal judge dismiss a $20-billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump concerning edits made to a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This legal action stems from an interview aired in October 2024, ahead of the presidential election, which Trump claims was deceptively edited to favor Harris and influence the election outcome.

Paramount filed two motions Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The first motion seeks to dismiss the lawsuit entirely, arguing that it represents "an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact." Paramount asserts that Trump's lawsuit is an attempt to punish CBS for its editorial decisions, which are constitutionally protected under free speech rights. The company contends that news organizations have the latitude to edit content for clarity and brevity, as long as the edits do not distort the truth—a standard they claim was met in this case.

The second motion requests that, if the case is not dismissed, it be transferred to federal court in New York, where CBS is headquartered. Paramount argues that the lawsuit, filed in Amarillo, Texas, lacks jurisdiction there, as the interview was neither filmed nor edited in Texas, and Trump, a Florida resident, has no substantial connection to the venue beyond adding Texas Representative Ronny Jackson as a co-plaintiff to anchor the case in the state. This filing choice has raised accusations of "judge-shopping," given that the case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee.

Judge May Block Paramount-Skydance Deal

A Delaware judge has agreed to review claims in a class action lawsuit asserting that Paramount Global's $8 billion sale to Skydance Media should be halted, as it allegedly disadvantages public shareholders, per a court filing on Thursday.

Reuters reports the deal, orchestrated by Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone in July, involves a two-step process to sell her stake in the Hollywood studio to David Ellison's Skydance, a rising player in the streaming landscape. The transaction awaits regulatory approval to finalize.

In January, Project Rise Partners, an investor group, put forward a $13.5 billion bid to buy Paramount, which was turned down by a special committee of Paramount’s board. This prompted pension funds representing New York City employees, who hold Paramount stock, to file a lawsuit in Delaware’s Court of Chancery. The suit claims that Paramount’s special committee neglected its fiduciary responsibilities to public shareholders by dismissing the Project Rise Partners offer.

The judge in Delaware Chancery Court called for the case to be completed before FCC review of the merger finishes in early April.  But on Thursday, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick granted an expedited timeline for the pension funds’ lawsuit but rejected their request for a temporary restraining order to pause the deal, noting that closure did not seem imminent. In her eight-page decision, McCormick stated, “Although plaintiffs have shown sufficient harm to justify expedition, the harm does not appear immediate enough to require a TRO.” She mandated that Paramount and Skydance provide the pension funds with “optimally” five business days’ notice before closing, allowing the funds an opportunity to request a TRO if needed. Neither Paramount nor Skydance immediately commented on the matter.

The agreement with Skydance included a 45-day “go shop” window, ending August 21, during which Paramount could seek alternative bids. Should Paramount opt for another buyer, it would owe Skydance a $400 million termination fee. The board considered a rival proposal from media veteran Edgar Bronfman Jr., but his withdrawal paved the way for Skydance Media to assume control of Redstone’s media conglomerate.

ABC News Staffers Now Doing More With Less

ABC News has drastically reduced the staff of the third hour of its flagship morning program, "Good Morning America," known as "GMA3," as part of widespread layoffs ordered by its parent company, Walt Disney Co., according to a report from the Status newsletter. The cuts included the dismissal of Catherine McKenzie, the executive producer of "GMA3," announced by network head Almin Karamehmedovic.

The atmosphere at ABC News turned bleak following the layoffs, which staffers described as devastating. One employee likened the cuts to "a massacre," while another painted a picture of despair, noting, "It's a very somber scene in the building — people crying and upset." Staffers were left reeling, making frantic phone calls to one another in an attempt to process the sudden changes.

The restructuring eliminated nearly 200 positions across ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks. As a result, the production team for "Good Morning America" will now take charge of "GMA3." Simone Swink, the executive producer of "GMA," will oversee all "GMA"-branded programs across their various time slots, while Seni Tienabeso has been named VP of ABC News Live and select specialized units. Long-form programming, including ABC News Studios, "20/20," "Nightline," and "Impact x Nightline," will now fall under unified leadership, with digital and social operations more tightly integrated into newsroom and other teams.

Amid the upheaval, one employee captured the prevailing sentiment: "It's all about doing more with less. That's what this is." 

Among the notable casualties were Cindy Galli, an executive producer on ABC’s investigative team, known for its coverage of government fraud, corporate corruption, and consumer advocacy, and Zach Toback, vice president of news and non-fiction production and studio operations. Toback, a veteran of ABC News since 1995—save for a two-year stint at NBC News—oversaw resources for major programs like "GMA," "World News Tonight with David Muir," "The View," "20/20," and "Nightline." His exit is particularly significant given his key role in relocating ABC News to the new Robert A. Iger building in Manhattan’s Hudson Square last year, per Status.

The layoffs also hit ABC News Studios and the digital department, which lost about 30 employees. This included the entire 15-person team at FiveThirtyEight, the data-driven news site founded by Nate Silver.

Radio History: March 7

➦In 1876...Patent granted to  Alexander Graham Bell for the telephone. Three days later, he and associate Thomas Watson successfully tested their invention. Elisha Gray, Antonio Meucci and Thomas Edison all claimed to have invented the telephone first, and the issue is still a source of controversy.

There has long been a debate over whether Bell was truly the first man to invent the telephone. Bell was presented with more than 600 patent lawsuits, but the courts continually ruled that he was legally the inventor.

There are several controversies about the invention. First is that Bell received a patent before he had a working device, which was unusual. His critics, including Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison—who claimed to have had a working telephone but did not file for a patent—accused Bell’s father-in-law, former Congressman Gardiner G. Hubbard, of persuading the patent office to give Bell his patent over Gray.

➦In 1933... CBS radio debuted its first daytime radio serial, “Marie the Little French Princess”, which had a run of 2.5  years on the air.  Marie, The Little French Princess was the first soap opera on CBS radio. It was daily program at daytime. Hilman Brown as producer and director of the serial was one of respected person in radio broadcast. He was inducted into the  Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.

➦In 1938...The St. Louis Dispatch began a two-year experiment delivering newspapers via radio facsimile, with the first transmission sent through station W9XZY. This innovative use of radio waves to transmit printed content showcased the medium’s versatility beyond audio broadcasts.

The Beatles 1963

➦In 1962...The Beatles performed for 52 BBC Radio programs, beginning with an appearance on this date and ending with the special The Beatles Invite You to Take a Ticket to Ride, recorded on 26 May 1965. Forty-seven of their BBC appearances occurred in 1963 and 1964, including 10 on Saturday Club and 15 on their own weekly series Pop Go the Beatles, which began in June 1963. As The Beatles had not accumulated many original songs by this time, the majority of their BBC performances consisted of cover versions, drawing on the repertoire that they had developed for their early stage act.

In total, 275 performances of 88 different songs were broadcast, of which 36 songs never appeared on their studio albums.

➦In 1981...The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) and ceased issuing the First and Second Class Operator Licenses. This shift marked a significant change in radio broadcasting regulation, simplifying licensing for operators while maintaining technical standards. The GROL became a key credential for those working with radio transmission equipment, reflecting the evolving professional landscape of the industry.

Judy Garland, scene from 'Wizard of Oz'

➦In 2001…The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reveal their list of the top 365 "Songs Of The Century".

Bloodbath At Audacy Stations Nationwide

On Thursday, employees across the United States at Audacy, received disheartening news as the company implemented a series of layoffs affecting various stations and roles. The cuts, part of a broader restructuring effort, touched numerous markets and personalities, including some high-profile figures in the radio industry.

Among those impacted was David O’Leary, a beloved voice at Boston’s Magic 106.7 (WMJX), who announced his departure after two decades with the station. 

David O'Leary

O’Leary, a fixture in the Boston radio scene, shared the news with his listeners and followers via social media. “A little news: After 20 marvelous years at MAGIC 106.7, my time there has come to an end,” he wrote. Reflecting on the volatility of the broadcasting world, he added, “Broadcasting is an exciting and often unpredictable industry, and the company is making some cutbacks.” Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, O’Leary remained optimistic, stating, “I’m absolutely fine, and excited about what’s ahead for me.” In a heartfelt farewell, he expressed gratitude to his colleagues, giving special mention to Sue Tabb and Kendra the Entertainer. “I’ll miss you, but am incredibly proud of our time together and the great work we did on the air. I’m excited for what’s ahead!” he concluded.

Another casualty of the layoffs was Lucy Burdge, a familiar name in Boston media circles. Burdge, who previously worked at sports radio station WEEI before transitioning to a sports betting host role at Audacy’s BetQL network, also saw her time with the company come to an end. In her own social media post, she reflected on her decade-long journey with Audacy. “After 10 years with Audacy, today was my last day,” she wrote. “I am deeply grateful for all of the opportunities, experiences and mostly the wonderful people I worked with in the past decade and I’m looking forward to what’s next.” Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter that spanned multiple platforms and roles within the company.

Lucy Burdge

The layoffs were not confined to Boston but rippled across Audacy’s nationwide network of radio stations. Audacy, which owns WEEI, Magic 106.7, and several other Boston-area stations, as well as properties in markets across the country, has been navigating a challenging period. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2023 after restructuring its finances, but the latest cuts signal ongoing efforts to stabilize and adapt to a shifting media environment.

In an official statement, an Audacy spokesperson addressed the workforce reductions, framing them as a strategic necessity. “Audacy has made workforce reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business,” the spokesperson said. “We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The statement underscored the company’s intent to remain a key player in the industry despite the difficult decisions.

The layoffs come at a time when the media industry as a whole faces mounting pressures, including competition from digital platforms, changing listener habits, and economic uncertainty. For Audacy, which operates over 200 radio stations nationwide and produces podcasts and digital content, the cuts reflect a broader trend of consolidation and cost-cutting. Employees and observers alike have noted the emotional toll of such changes, with veteran broadcasters like O’Leary and Burdge expressing both gratitude for their past and hope for their future, even as the company they leave behind recalibrates its path forward.

Broadcasters Encouraged By Talk Of Radio Deregulation

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington made headlines Wednesday at the 2025 NAB State Leadership Conference with comments signaling a strong push toward radio deregulation. 

Speaking in a fireside chat with NAB EVP of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Rick Kaplan, Simington stated, “Should we expect broadcast deregulation? I think it’s absolutely clear that we will.” This remark stirred excitement among radio and TV operators eager for regulatory relief to better compete with Big Tech platforms like Google, Facebook, and streaming services, which face fewer restrictions.

Simington expressed optimism about a shift in the FCC’s focus under Chairman Brendan Carr, suggesting the agency would move away from heavy-handed oversight toward a more “infrastructure-focused” approach, prioritizing “bread and butter, hard technology issues.” He criticized existing regulations as outdated, saying, “They don’t just come from another era, they come from another paradigm,” a comment met with murmurs of agreement from the audience. His stance aligns with a broader narrative among broadcasters who argue that loosening rules—such as ownership caps—would level the playing field against unregulated digital giants.

He also touched on the FCC’s enforcement processes, which he has recently criticized, noting that Supreme Court decisions (likely referencing the end of Chevron deference in 2024) could challenge the FCC’s fining authority. Simington suggested this might disproportionately affect broadcasters, hinting at a need to rethink enforcement to favor deregulation.

While Simington didn’t detail specific deregulation proposals—like whether he’d support the NAB’s call to eliminate all AM ownership limits or iHeartMedia’s “middle ground” approach—his comments build on his prior record. In November 2021, he told the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association that he’d push for relaxing ownership rules, questioning whether broadcasters still wield the market power justifying stringent regulations from a bygone era. His March 2025 remarks reinforce this deregulatory zeal, positioning him as a key ally for radio industry leaders seeking freedom to innovate and grow.

Simington also nodded to recent Supreme Court rulings—likely the 2024 decisions gutting Chevron deference—which could limit the FCC’s ability to impose fines or enforce old rules. He argued this hits broadcasters harder than digital platforms, reinforcing his case for leveling the playing field through deregulation rather than piling on more oversight.

The audience—radio and TV leaders—loved it, reportedly murmuring in agreement. Posts on X from March 5 reflect this enthusiasm, with some calling it a “game-changer” for radio’s fight against Big Tech. Others speculated on practical outcomes: fewer ownership restrictions could spark consolidation, letting big players like iHeart or Cumulus snap up more stations to bulk up their ad revenue and digital offerings. Smaller operators, though, might worry about getting squeezed out.

BIA Advisory Service Update: Digital Pacing Revenue

According to the latest forecast by BIA Advisory Services, local advertising revenue in the United States is projected to reach a substantial $171 billion in 2025, excluding political spending. This figure represents a notable increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year, 2024, with the growth primarily driven by a surge in digital media spending. The rise in digital advertising underscores the ongoing shift in the media landscape, as businesses increasingly allocate their budgets toward online platforms to reach their target audiences effectively.

When political advertising is factored into the equation, the total estimated local ad spend for 2025 climbs slightly to $171.4 billion. However, this combined figure reflects a modest decline of 0.5% from 2024 levels. The slight downturn can be attributed to the unusually high volume of political advertising that characterized 2024, likely influenced by major election cycles, which typically inflate ad spending in even-numbered years. In contrast, 2025, as an off-cycle year, is expected to see a natural reduction in political ad investments.

BIA’s latest projections include minor refinements to its earlier 2025 estimates. Specifically, the forecast for ad revenue excluding political spending has been revised upward by a marginal 0.03%, while the total local ad revenue, including political contributions, has been adjusted upward by 0.1%. These tweaks reflect BIA’s efforts to fine-tune its predictions in response to evolving market dynamics and newly available data.

In a news release accompanying the forecast, Nicole Ovadia, Vice President of Forecasting and Analysis at BIA Advisory Services, commented on the findings. “Our latest forecast indicates that local advertising is showing resilience, despite the ongoing changes in the economic landscape,” she stated. Ovadia emphasized that while core advertising spending—outside of political cycles—is expected to remain steady, the firm has recalibrated its outlook to account for several key influences. These include macroeconomic factors such as fluctuating interest rates and shifts in consumer sentiment, as well as significant changes in how audiences consume media. The latter, in particular, has fueled the robust growth of digital advertising, as businesses adapt to trends like increased online engagement and the proliferation of streaming platforms, social media, and mobile usage.

The forecast highlights the adaptability of the local advertising sector, which continues to evolve amid technological advancements and economic uncertainties. As digital channels increasingly dominate the media ecosystem, they are poised to play an even more central role in driving advertising revenue growth in the years ahead.

Most Podcast Listening is At Home

Edison Research was inspired by a comment overheard recently about podcast listening, and how it’s common knowledge that most podcast listening happens in the car. In the spirit of combating popular misperceptions, this week’s insight seeks to clarify where the majority of podcast listening time actually takes place (hint: it’s not in the car).

Edison Research’s Share of Ear study collects listening location data for audio consumption among all platforms in the U.S., including home, work, car, and “any other place.”  

At-home listening accounts for an impressive 67% of total daily podcast consumption time according to the most recent Share of Ear. Besides the reality that people spend by far the most amount of their time at home, the at-home environment offers a variety of listening devices including smart speakers, internet-connected TVs, and computers, in addition to mobile phones. Since so many shows now have video components, at-home listeners can view podcast video on screens larger than their mobile phones. And we know from our qualitative research that podcast listeners can listen while they multitask at home.  

Following home, at-work contributes 16% to the overall daily listening time to podcasts.

The car, often thought of as prime podcast real estate, captures 11% of daily listening time. Edison theorizes that because people often take short drives during the day including quick trips to the store, or school, or on errands, that those short trips might not be conducive to becoming fully engaged with a podcast. 

Finally, 6% of listening happens in various other locations, such as gyms, grocery stores, or while walking.  

The next time you press play on your favorite podcast, chances are you’re joining millions of others as they listen from home and let the stories unfold. Whatever the reasons, home is the undisputed champion of podcast listening locations.