Vernon Davis' The Next Role Joins The Cumulus Podcast Network

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has announced that The Next Role with Vernon Davis has joined the Cumulus Podcast Network. Former NFL star and Super Bowl champion turned actor and producer Vernon Davis launched The Next Role, his new podcast that focuses on career transition and reinvention.

The Next Role with Vernon Davis combines cinematic storytelling with deep, thought-provoking conversations exploring the transformative journeys of athletes, artists, comedians, and entrepreneurs as they redefine their careers and push creative boundaries. Each episode delves into the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual process of reinvention – breaking barriers, embracing risk, and taking that big leap into uncharted territory. Vernon’s guests share their stories, their fears, and what it takes to keep evolving at the highest level.

The Next Role with Vernon Davis dropped its first episode Thursdasy featuring former NFL star and 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee Delanie Walker. Other guests scheduled to appear on the podcast with Vernon include comedian and actor Rickey Smiley; producer, author, and motivational speaker DeVon Franklin; comedian and “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross; actor Danny Trejo; NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice; and model, actress, and entrepreneur Eugena Washington, among others.

New episodes drop Thursdays and are available on major podcast platforms including YouTube and Apple Podcasts. As part of Westwood One’s portfolio, The Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes The Next Role with Vernon Davis exclusively with this new partnership.

“The Next Role is more than a podcast—it's a movement. I created this show to highlight the courage it takes to reinvent yourself, especially after a career in the spotlight,” said Vernon Davis. Adding, “Partnering with the Cumulus Podcast Network gives me the platform to amplify these powerful stories and connect with listeners who are navigating their own transitions. I’m excited to bring these conversations to life and inspire others to embrace their next chapter."

 
"Vernon Davis brings a rare blend of authenticity, creativity, and drive to the podcast space,” said Collin Jones, President, Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network.  Davis is a former NFL star who established himself as one of the league’s most dominant tight ends during his 14-year career split between the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Washington Commanders.

Family Matters Joins The Cumulus Podcast Network

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has announced that Family Matters has joined the Cumulus Podcast Network. Hosted by CJ Pearson, Family Matters tackles the most pressing social, cultural, and political issues in America as told from a perspective rarely heard in podcasting: conservative, culturally aware, and authentically Black.

With a voice that loves family, faith, country, and straight talk, Family Matters represents the loud, proud, and passionate conservative voices in the Black community. Each episode will focus on one to three hot-button topics in the culture or political sphere that the hosts dissect from their unique vantage point.

C J Pearson

Family Matters dropped its first episode today featuring former Senior Biden White House official Yemisi Egbewole, conservative activist Michaelah Montgomery, and Kamala Harris delegate turned Trump supporter Audrey McNeal. Other guests scheduled to appear on the podcast include Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Annemarie Wiley, PragerU Personality Xavaier DuRousseau, among others.

“Joining the Cumulus Podcast Network is a huge moment for Family Matters. We’re bringing unapologetically conservative, culturally aware, and authentically Black voices to the forefront — voices that have been ignored for far too long,” said host CJ Pearson. “This show is about faith, family, freedom, and fearless truth-telling. I’m proud to be part of a network that values bold ideas and real conversations, and I can’t wait to shake things up.”

“We’re proud to welcome Family Matters to the Cumulus Podcast Network. CJ brings a fresh, dynamic energy to our growing portfolio of personality-driven podcasts,” said Collin Jones, President, Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network. “His truly unique perspective adds depth, authenticity, and a powerful new dimension to our lineup, and we’re thrilled to partner with CJ to bring this content to market.”

New episodes drop Wednesdays and are available on major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. As part of Westwood One’s portfolio, The Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes Family Matters exclusively with this new partnership.

FOX Weather's Bob Van Dillen Reaches 30-Year Milestone

FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen Thursday marked his 30 year anniversary as a broadcast meteorologist. He was joined by his fellow FOX Weather colleagues Stephen Morgan and Marissa Torres to reflect on his early days as an on-air meteorologist in 1995 and the journey he took to land his "favorite job" at FOX Weather.

Van Dillen launched his professional journey in the mid-1990s as a forecaster for the Metro Weather Service on Long Island, New York, where he honed his skills in local weather prediction. He then transitioned to on-air roles at local television stations in upstate New York: WUTR (ABC affiliate, Utica, NY): Early meteorology position focusing on regional forecasts. His early stops included:

• WXXA (FOX affiliate, Albany, NY): Delivered weather segments for local news.
• WTVH-TV (CBS affiliate, Syracuse, NY): Served as morning meteorologist for over two years, covering evening newscasts and producing a weekly series on El Niño/La Niña phenomena.

Mid-Career: WCNC and HLN Breakthrough.  In the early 2000s, Van Dillen moved south to WCNC 6 News, the NBC affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he worked as a weekend meteorologist, reporting on severe weather events in the Southeast.

Bob Van Dillen

His big break came around 2003 when he joined HLN (then Headline News, part of CNN) as the meteorologist for the top-rated morning show Morning Express with Robin Meade, co-hosting alongside Robin Meade for more than 20 years until the show's end in 2023.

During this period, he became a familiar face for national audiences, delivering daily forecasts with his signature Jersey accent and relatable style. Highlights included live coverage of major events like Hurricanes Matthew, Michael, and Harvey; Superstorm Sandy; and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades.  He also ventured into adventurous reporting, such as flying with the Blue Angels, ice climbing on an Alaskan glacier, and broadcasting from the Steamboat Weather Summit in Colorado.

In July 2023, Van Dillen joined FOX Weather, FOX News Media's free ad-supported streaming weather service, as an on-air host and meteorologist, based in New York. He contributes to live storm coverage, forecasts, and special segments, often sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, like his excitement for the platform's third anniversary in October 2024.

Notable moments include reporting on coverage of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024. Helene, a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida before carving a destructive path through the Southeast, caused catastrophic flooding in Georgia, including Atlanta. While reporting live from North Atlanta near Peachtree Creek (which crested at its third-highest level on record, around 23 feet), Van Dillen interrupted his broadcast to rescue a woman trapped in her submerged vehicle.

HEROIC RESCUE: @foxweather meteorologist rushes to save a woman from rising floodwaters as deadly Helene slams Southeast. pic.twitter.com/Nv9tvtFJoF

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2024

The Rescue: He removed his wallet from his pants to avoid losing it in the water.

• Wading into chest-deep (for him at 6'1") floodwaters, he reached the vehicle and reassured her: "Yeah, I gotcha. I got you loud and clear."
• He unbuckled her seatbelt, lifted her onto his back, and carried her through the raging currents to dry ground and safety.

The entire effort was captured on FOX cameras, showing Van Dillen navigating the hazardous conditions while staying composed.

FOX Weather President Sharri Berg praised his "relatability and conversation-focused style" as a perfect fit for the team.

Diddy Writes Sentencing Judge: 'I've Been Humbled and Broken'

On Thursday, Sean “Diddy” Combs sent an emotional letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over his trial, ahead of his sentencing on Friday. Convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, Combs faces up to 10 years per count. 

He was acquitted of more severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

In the letter, Combs expressed deep remorse: “I lost my way, consumed by drugs and excess. My selfishness led to my downfall. I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” 

He described a transformation during his time in a Brooklyn federal detention facility since his arrest last September, stating, “The old me died in jail, and a new version of me was reborn. Prison will change you or kill you—I choose to live.”

Acknowledging the high-profile nature of his two-month Manhattan trial, Combs wrote, “I know this case has drawn global attention, and Your Honor may feel pressure to make an example of me.” 

He pleaded for leniency, asking to be “an example of what a person can do if afforded a second chance.”

Senator Loses It During CBS This Morning Interview

On Thursday, Democraty Senator Elizabeth Warren clashed with CBS News host Tony Dokoupil on CBS Mornings over a claim pushed by prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Vice President JD Vance, that Democrats sought healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants during government shutdown talks. 

The claim, which contributed to the shutdown late Wednesday, was framed as a key issue.

Dokoupil, 44, stated to Warren, "Republicans say you’re fighting for taxpayer dollars for, as they put it, illegal aliens. I know that’s not strictly true, but there is a provision—"Warren interrupted, "Not strictly true?"Dokoupil attempted to clarify, "It’s not directly true, but—""It is a flat-out lie!" Warren exclaimed, emphasizing that no Medicaid or Medicare provisions provide aid to undocumented immigrants.

🚨JUST IN: Leftist Sen. Elizabeth Warren LOSES IT on CBS Mornings when challenged about the provision for illegal aliens to receive Healthcare benefits in the radical list of demands she & Schumer used to shut the government down. pic.twitter.com/V8a9snz0iu

This woman can't have a…

— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔊𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔫 𝔄𝔤𝔢 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 🇺🇸 (@GoldenAgeTimes2) October 2, 2025

As Dokoupil tried to interject, citing a Democratic counteroffer to restore Medicaid benefits for certain noncitizens impacted by prior legislation, Warren firmly denied the claim, stating, "Zero!" The exchange grew heated, with Warren briefly apologizing but continuing to challenge Dokoupil’s framing, insisting no such provision existed in the funding bill.

R.I.P.: Chris Dreja, Founding Member of the Yardbirds

1966. From left: Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Chris Dreja, Keith Relf, and Jim McCarty

Chris Dreja, one of the five original members of the Yardbirds, has died. The guitarist was 79.

Muriel Levy, on Threads. "With deep sadness, I announce that my brother-in-law Chris Dreja, former Yardbirds rhythm guitarist and bassist, has passed away after years of health struggles," she shared, noting the support of her sister Kate and Dreja’s daughter Jackie.

Born in Surrey, England, in 1945, Dreja met guitarist Top Topham through his brother and debuted live at a Duster Bennett show, alongside future Yardbird Jimmy Page. 

In 1963, Dreja and Topham formed the Metropolitan Blues Quartet with Keith Relf, Jim McCarty, and Paul Samwell-Smith, soon renaming themselves the Yardbirds. 

After Topham’s departure, Eric Clapton joined, and the band gained fame for their dynamic live performances.

The Yardbirds scored Top 10 hits like "For Your Love" and "Heart Full of Soul," and released the influential Five Live Yardbirds. 

Clapton left in 1965, replaced by Jeff Beck, and the band recorded their 1966 album, Roger the Engineer, featuring Dreja’s cover art and songwriting contributions. When Samwell-Smith exited, Dreja switched to bass, and Page joined. Beck soon left as well.

The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968. Dreja declined to join Jimmy Page’s New Yardbirds, later Led Zeppelin, opting for photography; he notably shot the back cover for Led Zeppelin’s debut album. In 1983, Dreja joined Box of Frogs with former Yardbirds members, releasing two albums before splitting in 1986. 

The Yardbirds reformed in 1992, with Dreja playing until 2013, when strokes forced his retirement; Topham replaced him. Dreja’s health declined further before his death.

Radio History: Oct 3

➦In 1901...The Victor Talking Machine Company, was incorporated.  In 1929 it was bought by the Radio Corporation of America and became RCA Victor.

Nipper

The famous Victrola phonograph logo, with Nipper the dog, and the words “His Master’s Voice”, appeared on all RCA Victor phonographs..

➦In 1946...singer Dennis Day, a popular tenor featured on The Jack Benny Show, started his own NBC show, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day (1946–1951). Day having two programs in comparison to Benny's one was the subject of numerous jokes and gags, usually revolving around Day rubbing Benny's show, and sometimes other cast members' and guest stars' noses in that fact (e.g., "Dennis, why do you have two horns on your bicycle?" "Why shouldn't I? I've got two shows!"). His last radio series was a comedy and variety show that aired on NBC's Sunday afternoon schedule during the 1954–55 season.

➦In 1949...Radio station WERD 860 AM Atlanta became the first to be owned and programmed by African Americans.

➦In 1952...The sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet started airing on ABC-TV.  It continued until April 23, 1966 The show starred Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Nelson, and their sons, David and Ricky.

In the early 1930s, a booking at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York gained national network radio exposure for Ozzie Nelson's orchestra. After three years together with the orchestra, Ozzie and Harriet signed to appear regularly on the radio show, The Baker's Broadcast (1933–1938), hosted first by Joe Penner, then by Robert Ripley (famed for Ripley's Believe it or Not!) , and finally by cartoonist Feg Murray. The couple married on October 8, 1935 during this series run, and realized working together in radio would keep them together more than continuing their musical careers separately.

Gallup: Americans' Trust in Media Hits Record Low

Gallup has released its annual survey measuring public trust in the mass media, revealing a troubling new low. Only 28% of Americans express a "great deal" or "fair amount" of confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report news fully, accurately, and fairly. 

This marks a decline from 31% in 2024 and a significant drop from 40% in 2020. The findings highlight a deepening crisis of credibility for traditional media, with stark partisan and generational divides underscoring the trend.

Key Findings

• Overall Trust Declines: The 28% trust level is the lowest in Gallup’s decades-long tracking, down from a high of 68% in 1976. This continues a steady erosion since the early 2000s, when trust hovered around 50%.
• Partisan Divide: Republican confidence in media has plummeted to a historic single-digit low of 8%, the first time it has dipped this far. Democrats, by contrast, report 47% trust, though this is also down slightly from last year. Independents, a critical swing group, show just 23% confidence, reflecting broad skepticism.
• Generational Gaps: Older Americans (aged 65+) retain significantly higher trust in media at 42%, while younger adults (18-34) are far more skeptical, with only 15% expressing confidence. This generational divide suggests a growing disconnect, as younger audiences increasingly turn to non-traditional sources like social media, podcasts, and influencers for information.
• Media-Specific Trends: Trust in newspapers dropped to 29%, television news to 26%, and radio to 27%. Online-only news sources, not explicitly measured, are implied to fare even worse, given the broader distrust in "mass media."

This erosion is partly fueled by a decades-long political campaign to undermine credible journalism. Since the 1990s, terms like "fake news" and "mainstream media bias" have been weaponized, particularly by Republican leaders, to cast doubt on fact-based reporting. 

President Donald Trump’s frequent attacks on media as "the enemy of the people" have resonated with his base, reflected in the 8% Republican trust figure. This rhetoric, amplified by partisan echo chambers on platforms like X, has normalized dismissing inconvenient facts as fabrications.

The media itself is not blameless. High-profile missteps—such as sensationalized coverage, perceived bias in framing, or failures to adequately address misinformation—have damaged credibility. The rise of "clickbait" journalism and the blending of opinion with reporting have further muddied the waters, especially for younger audiences who prioritize authenticity and transparency.

The generational split is particularly alarming. Older Americans, raised in an era of trusted anchors like Walter Cronkite and print journalism’s heyday, maintain a baseline faith in traditional outlets. Younger generations, however, are digital natives, shaped by fragmented information ecosystems. Only 15% of 18- to 34-year-olds trust mass media, with many citing concerns about corporate ownership, agenda-driven reporting, and a lack of representation. 

For instance, a 2024 Pew Research study noted that 60% of Gen Z prefers getting news from social media influencers over traditional outlets, a trend likely intensifying in 2025.

Chicago Radio: Michelle Rutkowski Named Brand Manager At WXRT

93XRT (WXRT-FM), an Audacy station in Chicago, announces Michelle Rutkowski as the new Brand Manager effective October 13. In this role, Rutkowski will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. She succeeds Laura Duncan, whose last day will be November 3.

“We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family. Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee. We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT,” said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Chicago. “I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure as Brand Manager of WXRT. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car!"

Michelle Rutkowski

“This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades,” said Rutkowski. “It’s an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is. I would like to thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Kevin Cassidy for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Rutkowski is a Chicago native with two decades of radio experience. After starting her career at WKQX and WLUP, she joined Milwaukee’s WLUM in 2006, quickly advancing from nighttime personality to Music Director and Programmer. In 2016, her role expanded to direct programming across three stations, including WLDB and FONZ. Rutkowski was most recently the Vice President of Programming and Operations for Milwaukee Radio Alliance, where she led the 2024 launch of Froggy, a new country station focused on emerging artists.

📻Listeners can tune in to 93XRT (WXRT-FM) in Chicago and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can connect with the station via X, Facebook, and Instagram.

TV Ratings: Fox News Channel Beats CBS and ABC In 3Q

FOX News Channel (FNC) continued to overtake the broadcast competition, surging ahead of ABC and CBS during the third quarter of 2025 with weekday primetime viewership, according to Nielsen. Year to date, FNC (3.3 million) remains leader in all of television with weekday primetime viewers, finishing ahead of CBS (3.1 million), ABC (3.1 million) and NBC (3 million). 

During weekday 3Q’2025, FNC drew 2,934,000 viewers and 299,000 in the 25-54 demo in primetime, ahead of ABC (2.751 million viewers) and CBS (2.097 million viewers) and only slightly trailing NBC’s 2,990,000 viewers. 

This quarter is the third highest 3Q in network history, behind 2020 and 2024, and marks 95 consecutive quarters as number one in cable news with primetime viewership. In contrast, CNN and MSNBC declined double digits across all key demographics and hit record lows in the 25-54 demo. CNN saw its lowest-rated demo quarter in network history with total day (61,000) and primetime (87,000) while MSNBC had a demo low in total day (41,000) and primetime (66,000) dating back to 1997 and 1998, respectively. 

FNC remains the second fastest growing cable network among total viewers during primetime and number one in cable news among Hispanic and Asian viewers with total day in 3Q and September.

For The Week:  FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 3 million viewers in primetime during the week of September 22 leading CBS (2.2 million viewers) according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. In Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.6 million viewers and 159,000 in the 25-54 demo. The network commanded 64% of the primetime and 63% of the total day cable news audience. FNC commanded 98 of the top 100 cable telecasts for the week.

The Five averaged 3.7 million viewers and 332,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable with viewers. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.8 million viewers and 270,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.7 million viewers and 259,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 3.3 million viewers and 313,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.7 million viewers and 269,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.5 million viewers and 193,000 in the 25-54 demo.

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3 million viewers and continued to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1.9 million viewers; 283,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.2 million viewers; 240,000 A25-54).

Notably, Gutfeld! continued its reign as late night’s most-watched program on Wednesday, September 24th as ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! lost 70% of its audience following Kimmel’s return to the show after being benched by the network. Gutfeld! drew an audience of 3,233,000 in viewers, outpacing Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2,414,000 P2+), CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1,988,000 P2+) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1,244,000 P2+).

➤Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

FNC saw its daytime programs continue to outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2.3 million viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 2.1 million viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2 million viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 2 million viewers), The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1.9 million viewers) and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1.8 million viewers) all led ABC’s GMA3 (1.4 million viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna and Friends (1.4 million viewers) and NBC News Daily (1.3 million viewers).

On Saturday:  Kayleigh McEnany’s Saturday in America (Saturday, 10 AM-12 PM/ET) drew 1.3 million viewers (106,000 A25-54) leading cable news, while FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla (Saturday, 10 PM/ET) was the top show in the demo with 126,000 A25-54 (1.1 million viewers).

On Sunday:  Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday,10 AM/ET) was the top show of the day with 1.6 million viewers (125,000 in the 25-54 demo). Jacqui Heinrich’s debut as rotating co-anchor of The Sunday Briefing (Sunday, 11 AM/ET) nabbed 1.3 million viewers and 120,000 A25-54. Sunday Night in America (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) was the second most-watched show of the day with 1.3 million viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 9-22-25 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages exclude repeats and include the corresponding program name.

Layoffs Hit Bloomberg Radio

Bloomberg Radio, the 24/7 global business news station operated by Bloomberg L.P., announced a round of layoffs on October 1, 2025, affecting several employees in its audio division. This marks a relatively rare cost-cutting measure for Bloomberg's media arm, which is largely insulated by the profitability of the company's core Bloomberg Terminal product used by financial professionals. 

The layoffs appear tied to ongoing efforts to streamline operations amid broader media industry pressures, including declining ad revenues and shifts in content distribution.

Key Details on the Layoffs:  The exact number of positions eliminated hasn't been publicly disclosed, but reports indicate "several" staffers were affected. This is part of a broader restructuring in Bloomberg's newsroom and broadcast operations, following similar (though smaller) cuts earlier in the year.

Notable Departures: 

Michael Lysak

Michael Lysak: As Head of Global Radio and TV Syndication, Lysak oversaw Bloomberg Radio's national network, providing business reports and content to affiliates like Audacy and iHeartMedia. He joined Bloomberg in 1993, contributing to the launch of Bloomberg Television and international channels. Lysak was known for his hands-on leadership, often citing founder Michael Bloomberg's egalitarian work ethic as an influence—such as the founder's habit of answering phones personally in the company's early days. His exit is seen as a significant loss for syndication efforts, which serve mainstream news stations with accessible "money reports" rather than niche business analysis.

Nancy Lyons

Nancy Lyons: Afternoon business anchor, whose departure was confirmed alongside Lysak's. Lyons handled key on-air segments, and her exit may disrupt daily programming schedules.

These cuts follow a July 2025 newsroom reorganization that eliminated around a dozen roles across print, TV, and radio, though Bloomberg stated it would end the year with a larger overall staff. Historical precedents include a 2023 layoff of about 10 people in similar areas and a major 2009 reduction of 100 broadcast jobs during the financial crisis. Bloomberg's media division employs over 2,700 people globally, making it one of the largest newsrooms in the U.S.

Bari Weiss to Lead CBS News

Paramount Global is poised to formally announce its acquisition of The Free Press, the provocative conservative-leaning media outlet founded by Bari Weiss, in the coming days, according to a report by Status. 

While the final purchase price remains undisclosed, the deal is expected to significantly reshape the media landscape, given The Free Press’s reputation for challenging mainstream narratives and its growing influence among readers seeking alternative perspectives.  The acquisition marks a bold move by Paramount to integrate a polarizing yet impactful voice into its portfolio, which includes CBS News, a storied institution in broadcast journalism.

As part of the agreement, Bari Weiss, the outspoken journalist and founder of The Free Press, will reportedly take the helm of CBS News as its new leader. This appointment is likely to stir controversy within the ranks of CBS News, where Weiss’s iconoclastic style and conservative-leaning editorial stance may clash with the outlet’s traditional journalistic culture. 

Bari Weiss

Weiss, a former New York Times opinion editor, has built The Free Press into a platform known for its unapologetic critiques of progressive orthodoxy, attracting a dedicated audience while drawing criticism from detractors who view its coverage as divisive.

The acquisition comes at a time when media companies are grappling with declining trust in traditional news outlets and a fragmented audience increasingly turning to independent platforms. 

The Free Press, launched in 2021, has capitalized on this shift, positioning itself as a champion of free speech and a counterweight to what it perceives as ideological conformity in legacy media. Its rapid growth, fueled by high-profile contributors and a subscription-based model, has made it an attractive target for Paramount, which is seeking to diversify its content offerings and bolster its relevance in a competitive digital landscape.

The move also signals Paramount’s intent to reposition CBS News, which has faced challenges in maintaining its audience share amid cord-cutting and the rise of streaming platforms.

FCC Suspends Operations

The U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, after Congress failed to pass funding legislation by the September 30 deadline. 

This impasse, driven by partisan disagreements over spending priorities, has led the FCC to suspend most of its operations, aligning with standard procedures during lapses in appropriations. Here's a breakdown of the key impacts and what's next:

Scope of Suspension: The FCC has halted routine activities, including processing applications, rulemaking, enforcement actions, and consumer complaint handling. Public-facing filing systems and databases (e.g., the Daily Digest) remain accessible but unprocessed, with potential delays.

• Staffing: Approximately 81% of the FCC's roughly 1,500 employees (about 1,215 people) have been furloughed without pay, though they are entitled to retroactive compensation once funding resumes. Essential staff for emergency response (e.g., protecting life and property) and spectrum auctions (funded separately via auction revenues) continue working.
• Website and Services: FCC websites may not update in real-time, and submissions could face delays or non-processing until operations normalize.Impacts on Broader FCC-Related ActivitiesFilings and Deadlines: Most deadlines for comments, regulatory fees, and proceedings during the shutdown are automatically extended to the next business day after operations resume. However, this doesn't apply to pre-existing deadlines outside the lapse period unless the FCC issues further guidance.
• 
  Broadcast and Telecom Industries: Broadcasters face paused compliance tasks (e.g., Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists, EEO reports) and delayed rulemakings on ownership caps and emergency systems. Transaction reviews (e.g., mergers) have their informal 180-day "shot clocks" suspended.
• Public Safety: The FCC Operations Center remains active 24/7 for emergencies, contactable at (202) 418-1122 or FCCOPS@fcc.gov.
• Other Programs: Initiatives like Wi-Fi aid for schools and libraries (E-Rate) may see disruptions, though core protections like air traffic control and national security functions persist across government.

The shutdown is in effect with no immediate resolution in sight. Negotiations between Republicans and Democrats continue, potentially focusing on temporary continuing resolutions (CRs) or concessions on healthcare subsidies and spending cuts. Past shutdowns (e.g., 2018-2019) lasted weeks but resolved with back pay and minimal long-term disruption once funded.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr noted on September 30 that the agency is "proceeding apace with our plans" and hopes detailed guidance won't be needed long-term.

'The Life of a Showgirl' To Be Released At Midnight

Taylor Swift releases her 12th studio album tonight at midnight ET. “The Life of a Showgirl” is slated to include 12 songs; see track list here.

Swift is Spotify’s most-streamed artist and one of the bestselling musicians of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Her 2023-24 Eras Tour grossed over $1B—the highest-grossing music tour in history. The 14-time Grammy-winning artist is also the first and only person to have won four Album of the Year awards. She holds 80 records in all, according to Guinness World Records, including the greatest seismic activity caused by a music concert (equivalent to a 2.3-magnitude earthquake for her July 22-23, 2023, Seattle show).

The album will be accompanied by an AMC Theatres release. The 89-minute “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” includes a music video screening and behind-the-scenes footage, and is expected to gross $35M-$40M. 

Swift is gearing up for a busy promotional week following the October 3, 2025, release of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Breaking her self-imposed "no-interview" rule for this era, she's scheduled to appear on three major late-night shows in early October, focusing on U.S. and U.K. audiences. These spots align with the album's launch and come amid buzz around her recent engagement to Travis Kelce and her re-recording triumphs. Here's a breakdown of the confirmed appearances:

These appearances mark Swift's return to late-night TV after a quieter promo cycle for previous releases, emphasizing her role as a cultural powerhouse. No U.S. spots on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Kimmel Live! have been announced yet, but her history with those hosts (e.g., Colbert in 2020, Kimmel in 2014) leaves room for potential adds.

Learn more about Taylor Swift here (w/video).