Former Radio personality David Anton passed away February 21. Anton died aboard his boat, according to friends it was the place he loved most.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he moved to the Minneapolis St. Paul area after being recruited by REV 105.
Anton also loved radio, he loved the music, the people, and the magic of making it happen. He felt blessed to be a part of it for so many years all the way from college radio to WCCO. He was an avid Blackhawks fan, and never a fair weather fan. Though when it was nice out, you could find him enjoying nature and gardening. And more than anyone can even could ever know, he loved his children.
Memorial service 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 3rd. A Celebration will follow at Cuzzy's Bar, 507 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
➦In 1897...British patent No. 12,039 (1897) "Improvements in Transmitting Electrical impulses and Signals, and in Apparatus therefor", was granted to a 22-year-old Marconi.
As a boy he took a keen interest in physical and electrical science and studied the works of Maxwell, Hertz, Righi, Lodge and others. In 1895 he began laboratory experiments at his father’s country estate at Pontecchio where he succeeded in sending wireless signals over a distance of one and a half miles.
In 1896 Marconi took his apparatus to England where he was introduced to Mr. (later Sir) William Preece, Engineer-in-Chief of the Post Office, and later that year was granted the world’s first patent for a system of wireless telegraphy.
The apparatus that Marconi possessed at that time was similar to that of one in 1882 by A. E. Dolbear, of Tufts College, which used a spark coil generator and a carbon granular rectifier for reception. A plaque on the outside of BT Centre commemorates Marconi's first public transmission of wireless signals from that site. A series of demonstrations for the British government followed—by March 1897, Marconi had transmitted Morse code signals over a distance of about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) across Salisbury Plain. On 13 May 1897, Marconi sent the world's first ever wireless communication over open sea.
➦In 1950...Karen Anne Carpenter born (Died - February 4, 1983 at age 32). She was a singer and drummer who was part of the duo the Carpenters alongside her brother Richard. She was praised for her contralto vocals, and her drumming abilities were viewed positively by other musicians and critics.
Carpenter was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and moved to Downey, California, in 1963 with her family. She began to study the drums in high school, and joined the Long Beach State choir after graduating. After several years of touring and recording, the Carpenters were signed to A&M Records in 1969, achieving commercial and critical success throughout the 1970s. Initially, Carpenter was the band's full-time drummer, but gradually took the role of frontwoman as drumming was reduced to a handful of live showcases or tracks on albums.
Carpenter had the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which was little-known at the time, and was briefly married in the early 1980s. She died at age 32 from heart failure caused by complications related to her illness; her death led to increased visibility and awareness of eating disorders. Her work continues to attract praise, including being listed among Rolling Stone's 100 greatest singers of all time.
➦In 1963..The Four Seasons became the first group to score three consecutive No. 1 hits in the US with “Walk Like A Man”. Interestingly, the recording session for this song was interrupted by smoke and water seeping into the studio due to a fire in the room above.
➦In 1974....Super WCFL 1000 AM Chicago Survey From March 2, 1974
➦In 1983…Sony and Philips introduced their jointly-developed compact disc system. Within a decade of the CD’s introduction, vinyl records had virtually disappeared from stores. The compact disc is an evolution of LaserDisc technology, where a focused laser beam is used that enables the high information density required for high-quality digital audio signals.
The radio business’ slog through a slow advertising market appears to be improving in 2024. “As we look to the year ahead, we see 2024 as a recovery year and we expect a return-to-growth mode,” iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman said during the company’s Thursday earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Billboard reports iHeartMedia expects its first-quarter revenue will be flat to down 2% compared to the prior-year period. That would be an improvement from the 5.2% revenue decline, to $1.07 billion, in the fourth quarter. iHeartMedia actually beat its previous revenue guidance of a high single-digit decline. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $208 million was down 34% from the prior-year period but fell within the guidance range of $205 million to $215 million.
Wall Street cheered the news. iHeartMedia shares rose as much as 33.9% to $3.04 Thursday morning before falling to a still-impressive $2.75, up 21.1%, in the early afternoon.
Full-year revenue of $3.75 billion was down 4% year over year. Revenue for the multiplatform group — which includes broadcast radio stations, live and virtual events, and the company’s national sales organization — was down 6.2% to $2.44 billion.
Podcasts were bright spots in both the fourth-quarter and full-year results. In the fourth quarter, a 16.6% increase in podcast revenue more than offset a 1.1% decline in all other digital revenue, leading the digital audio group revenue up 5.5% to $317.7 million. For the full year, a 13.8% improvement in podcast revenue drove a 4.6% improvement in iHeartMedia’s digital audio group as other digital revenue was flat.
Earlier this year, Pat McAfee sent shockwaves through the sports media world when he openly criticized Norby Williamson, the ESPN executive senior vice president of studio and event production. During an appearance on Showtime’s “All the Smoke” podcast, McAfee doubled down on his previous comments, asserting that he doesn’t have “a motherf------ boss”.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
The Warning Shot:
McAfee initially referred to his comments about Williamson as a “warning shot.”
He emphasized that he is the executive producer of his show and reports directly to ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
According to McAfee, he doesn’t consider Williamson his boss.
Williamson, the former president of ESPN, had previously left McAfee waiting for 45 minutes during a meeting years ago.
Williamson allegedly banned ESPN talent (many of whom were friends with McAfee) from appearing on McAfee’s show when it was still on YouTube.
The tension escalated when McAfee’s show replaced SportsCenter at noon, leading to a behind-the-scenes war between SportsCenter personnel and McAfee’s team.
McAfee viewed the move to ESPN as a positive step and didn’t expect internal resistance.
The Unexpected Battle:
Upon joining ESPN, McAfee felt unwelcome and realized he was in a battle with his own company.
The negativity didn’t come from external sources but from within ESPN itself.
McAfee described it as being at war: “We’re at war. That’s what we’re doing.”
He discovered leaks, negative comments, and efforts to undermine his show.
The goal seemed to be making the show impossible to advertise with and discouraging viewership.
In this power struggle, Pat McAfee stands firm, asserting his independence and commitment to his show. The battle continues, and fans eagerly watch how it unfolds.
Cox Media Group cancels “The Mark Kaye Show” based at its Jacksonville news/talk outlet WOKV-FM and syndicated to O&Os WDBO, Orlando; KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa and WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton.
The program aired in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart and the stations are going to replace the show with “The Erick Erickson Show” based at CMG’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. The Erickson program is syndicated by Compass Media Networks. It appears that producer Hannah Guile is also exiting as a result of this move.
In a memo to staffers obtained by Barrett News Media, Cox Media Group Jacksonville Vice President and Market Manager Jimmy Farrell said “Earlier today we let Mark Kaye know that we’re no longer continuing with The Mark Kaye Show. The show’s last airing was today. Moving forward, we’re excited to transition to The Erick Erickson Show weekdays from 12 – 3 PM.”
From his early days hosting “The Big Ape Morning Mess” on 95.1 WAPE in Jacksonville to his transition to the talk radio world, he had carved a niche for himself. His voice—a blend of wit, candor, and unapologetic takes—had rallied the Kayetriots, a tribe bound by conservative ideals.
The show began as a modest hour-long segment in 2017, but Mark’s influence grew. By January 2019, it expanded to two hours, and after the passing of Rush Limbaugh, Mark stepped into the coveted 12-3pm timeslot. His syndicated show reached other Cox Media Group stations, including 1290 WHIO/95.7 WHIO-FM in Dayton, 740 KRMG/102.3 KRMG-FM in Tulsa, 580/107.3 WDBO in Orlando, and late-nights on 750 WSB/95.5 WSBB in Atlanta. He even hosted a weekly show on Newsmax TV12.
President Joe Biden’s appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers did not perform as well as he might have hoped.
Biden appeared on the talk show, hoping to draw up support amid his tight race against likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. The attempt struggled to land, however, especially among the critical 25-54 age demographic, Nielsen Media Research found.
The interview brought in an average of 852,000 viewers and just 181,000 in that demographic. The figure is 32% less than the same day the year prior.
Meyers’s show has declined in ratings significantly over his tenure, partly due to the public transition away from cable television.
Biden has made it a strategy to attempt to connect with voters through talks with entertainment figures and comedians rather than press interviews. Critics suspect that the strategy is a purposeful one aimed at avoiding hard-hitting questions, as entertainers are unlikely to confront him with administration problems in an uncomfortable manner.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) speculated that Biden’s appearance was a calculated one meant to soothe divisions within the Democratic Party over the war in Gaza, particularly ahead of a tough primary in Michigan.
Fox News Channel’s late night offering Gutfeld! nearly tripled Meyers on Monday night averaging 2,131,000 viewers, 291,000 in the 25-54 demo and 174,000 in the 18-49 demo.
Country radio listeners want a human connection from their stations of choice, according to Smith Geiger Group’s Andrew Finlayson who made a presentation to CRS attendees on Thursday
Listeners have diverse desires when it comes to radio, and their preferences shape the experience they seek. Here are some key aspects that resonate with radio audiences:
Human Connection: Listeners value the personal touch that radio provides. They appreciate on-air personalities who introduce them to new music, share insights about songs and artists, and offer companionship. The presence of an on-air personality significantly influences listening time, especially among Black audiences. Authenticity and relatability matter more than polished perfection.
Content Preferences:
Country Music News: Fans of country music appreciate updates about their favorite genre.
Music Information: Insights into the music being played and details about artists enhance the listening experience.
Local Breaking News: Relevant local news keeps listeners informed.
Area Weather: Weather updates cater to practical needs.
Escape from Everyday: Country radio serves as an escape from broader news categories like national/international news, sports, and politics .
Style of Presentation:
Casual Approach: 68% of listeners prefer a casual, everyman style.
Avoiding Values or Politics: 63% appreciate personalities who steer clear of political discussions.
Authenticity Over Polish: Genuine personalities resonate with 86% of listeners 1.
Elements for On-Air Talent:
Being Real: Authenticity matters most.
Positive Outlook: A positive demeanor resonates with audiences.
Transcending Boundaries: Being local to the listener’s area is less critical, suggesting great personalities can connect beyond geographical limits.
AI Voices: While AI voices in radio broadcasting exist, their reception is mixed. Some listeners remain skeptical or outright opposed, emphasizing the continued importance of human elements in radio.
In summary, listeners seek a good time, companionship, and an escape from the everyday through radio. Whether it’s discovering new music, hearing local news, or connecting with authentic personalities, radio continues to play a vital role in people’s lives.
The study underscores the enduring value of human connection, authenticity, and relatability in on-air talent, which remain central to the listening experience.
The heirs of Walt and Roy Disney, who founded the Walt Disney Company in 1923, have taken a firm stance in the ongoing proxy battle. In a pair of letters addressed to shareholders, nine of the founders’ grandchildren, including Abigail and Roy Disney, have publicly announced their support for Bob Iger12.
They have forcefully rejected the campaign led by Trian Partners CEO Nelson Peltz and others, referring to them as “hedge-fund-backed opportunists.” The heirs express concerns that these activists are not interested in preserving the Disney magic but rather stripping it down to make a quick profit for themselves.
This proxy fight is not merely about the company’s future; it’s a battle for its soul. The Disney heirs draw parallels to a past episode when another corporate raider, Saul Steinberg, attempted a hostile takeover of Disney. Steinberg’s defeat serves as a reminder that the current activists must also be defeated to protect the company’s rich legacy and guide its bright future.
Nelson Peltz, an experienced activist investor, launched his first proxy campaign against Disney in January 2023. His criticisms include Disney’s compensation practices, lack of a succession plan, and weak corporate governance3. However, the Disney heirs stand firmly behind Bob Iger and the current board, emphasizing the importance of preserving the company’s magic and legacy.
In this high-stakes battle, the Disney family rallies behind their CEO, Bob Iger, as they defend the beloved company from what they perceive as wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The New York Times has initiated a leak investigation following a report by The Intercept.
The report revealed that the Times had withheld an episode of its podcast, “The Daily,” which focused on sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7. The controversy centers around information related to freelancers involved in the original reporting. The Times management is actively probing how this information was leaked to The Intercept.
The Wrap reports this internal investigation, led by the Times’ Director of Policy and Internal Investigations, Charlotte Behrendt, is highly unusual for the publication, as such probes are infrequent within their own staff.
The coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict has been a point of tension across media outlets, with the challenge of navigating the complexities of war and framing the conflict accurately. The Times previously faced criticism for its reporting on a Gaza hospital explosion, where it later issued an editors’ note acknowledging overreliance on Hamas claims without immediate verification.
The contract between MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) and Comcast has been extended until March 7, following ongoing discussions between the two parties.
Orioles fans who subscribe to Comcast-operated Xfinity will be able to watch the team’s spring training game against the New York Yankees on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. The original contract was set to expire on the last day of February but has now been extended by a week, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Here are some key points about the situation:
MASN and Comcast Relationship: MASN, which serves as the TV home for both the Washington Nationals and Orioles, has had a deal with Comcast since 2006. However, there is currently no direct-to-consumer option to watch MASN, so fans rely on cable subscriptions to access most Orioles and Nationals games1.
Potential Blackout: If the two sides fail to reach a new agreement by next week or cannot agree on another extension, MASN would be blacked out for Xfinity subscribers. This extension provides a temporary reprieve, but the situation remains uncertain1.
Challenges for Regional Sports Networks: MASN faces challenges similar to other regional sports networks. In recent years, these networks have lost subscribers as viewers shift from cable to streaming services. In some markets, Comcast has moved regional sports networks to more expensive premium tiers. If a similar move were made in the Baltimore area, subscribers who don’t watch MASN might see a slight decrease in their cable bills, but baseball fans who want to watch Orioles and Nationals games would need to subscribe to an elevated Xfinity package or consider switching to other cable providers like DIRECTV or Verizon Fios1.
As negotiations continue, fans hope for a resolution that allows them to enjoy their favorite baseball games without disruptions.
President Biden and Donald Trump both traveled to southern Texas today to use the border with Mexico as a backdrop for their push to convince voters that they would best handle the recent surge in migrants crossing into the U.S. The day offered a split-screen preview of a debate that is likely to continue in the months leading up to November’s presidential election. Recent polls showed voters’ views on immigration have shifted to the political right, including one that found that Americans are most likely to say that immigration is the country’s top problem. Biden, who has in recent months changed his tune on immigration and begun to favor a border crackdown, visited Brownsville. He met with border officials there and delivered a speech criticizing Republicans for blocking a recent bipartisan immigration bill and daring Trump to team up with him in tightening border security.
Pres. Biden and Trump both visited Texas' southern border, taking on a key election issue. Biden questioned why Republicans didn't pass the strongest bipartisan border bill in years, while Trump attacked the record migrant crossings. @MaryKBruce reports. https://t.co/n7pQTxNeACpic.twitter.com/rHvaZSAf3U
Biden travels to the Southern Border, where over 7 million migrants have crossed over illegally since he took office, and starts talking about the "Climate Crisis." Donald Trump is talking about Laken Riley, a young woman who was killed last week by one of these…
JUST IN: Biden travels to the Southern Border, where over 7 million migrants have crossed over illegally since he took office, and starts talking about the "Climate Crisis."
Donald Trump is talking about Laken Riley, a young woman who was killed last week by one of these… pic.twitter.com/F00iNZrpxL
➤CHAOS AS AID TRUCKS ARRIVE IN GAZA: Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian civilians as chaos erupted around a convoy of aid trucks in Gaza, the Israeli military and enclave health officials said. The two sides gave starkly different accounts after dozens were killed, and Hamas paused cease-fire talks. Aid deliveries to Gaza have become dangerous missions as law and order have broken down in some parts of the enclave after almost five months of war and as the population grows increasingly desperate with supplies of food and medicine running short.
Outrage is growing after more than 100 people, including civilians seeking food aid in Gaza City, were killed after Israeli troops opened fire on a small group described as an "imminent threat." The gunfire and panic led to a deadly stampede. pic.twitter.com/UHJNJG1CXs
Police working for Hamas have largely vanished from the streets.
➤POLL: U-S DIVIDED ON UKRAINE: As Russia makes battlefield advances and Ukrainian soldiers run short on ammunition, U.S. adults have become fractured along party lines in their support for sending military aid to Kyiv, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Democrats are more likely to say the U.S. government is spending “too little” on funding for Ukraine than they were in November, but most Republicans remain convinced it’s “too much.” That divide is reflected in Congress, where the Democratic-held Senate — with help from 22 GOP senators — passed a $95 billion package of aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan earlier this month. But the bill, which includes roughly $60 billion in military support for Kyiv, has languished in the Republican-held House as Speaker Mike Johnson has so far refused to bring it up for a vote. President Joe Biden, along with top Democrats and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, passionately urged the Republican speaker during a White House meeting this week to take up the foreign aid package, but Johnson responded by saying that Congress “must take care of America’s needs first.”
➤U-S SENATE PASSES GOV'T FUNDING: The Senate followed the House in passing a temporary extension of government funding on Thursday, sending the measure to President Biden's desk after a bipartisan vote that once again averts a government shutdown. The Senate voted 77 to 13 to approve the short-term extension that funds some government agencies for another week, through March 8, and others until March 22. The House passed the bill earlier in the day by a vote of 320 to 99. The president has said he will sign the legislation.
Congressional leaders had announced a deal to keep the government open Wednesday evening, saying they "are in agreement that Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to fund our government." Six of the 12 annual spending bills will now need to be passed before the end of next week. The leaders said the one-week extension was necessary to allow the appropriations committees "adequate time to execute on this deal in principle" and give lawmakers time to review the package's text.
Wildfires burning along the Texas Panhandle have become the largest in the state's history, already consuming 1.1 million acres with a containment rate of only 3%. At least two people have been killed and thousands of livestock are feared dead. pic.twitter.com/8utncq64DZ
➤TRUMP REMAINS ON ILL BALLOT..FOR NOW: An Illinois judge is extending a hold on a Wednesday decision barring Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot over his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, keeping the delay in place until the suit is fully resolved on appeal. The ruling issued Thursday is a procedural win for Trump because it extends the delay from just a few days to until the challenge plays out on appeal, which could take months. That means a similar case out of Colorado could be resolved by the US Supreme Court first, potentially negating the Illinois challenge. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter, who kicked Trump off the ballot, has agreed to extend the pause past Friday after Trump appealed her ruling Wednesday night.
➤POLL: BIDEN TOO OLD: Swing-state voters across every major demographic group describe President Joe Biden as too old, a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll has found, showing that concerns about his age have permeated even the most reliable constituencies of the Democratic party. Overall, eight in 10 voters in crucial states said Biden was too old, when asked to think about the frontrunners in the 2024 election. The survey was taken after a special prosecutor’s report that cast the 81-year-old president as an “elderly man with a poor memory.” In contrast, less than half of respondents said his almost-certain rival, 77-year-old Donald Trump, was too old. Still, Trump faces his own vulnerabilities with swing-state voters, with a majority saying the former president is dangerous.
In a sign of how top-of-mind Biden’s age and acuity are for swing-state voters, more than 1,000 poll respondents mentioned those themes even before they were asked about them directly. They referenced them in reply to an open-ended question about what they had seen, read or heard about the candidate recently.
A federal judge held a veteran investigative reporter in contempt of court on Thursday for not revealing her sources for articles she wrote about a scientist who was investigated by the FBI.
The NY Times reports Catherine Herridge, formerly of CBS News and Fox News, was ordered to pay $800 a day until she divulged the information. The judge, Christopher Cooper of U.S. District Court in Washington, stayed the fine for 30 days to give Ms. Herridge time to appeal.
The case, which has alarmed First Amendment advocates, relates to a series of articles that were written by Ms. Herridge and her colleagues in 2017, while she worked at Fox News. The articles revealed that the F.B.I. had investigated the scientist, Dr. Yanping Chen, a Chinese American who is the president of the University of Management and Technology in Arlington, Va., over suspicions of Chinese military ties and whether she had lied on U.S. immigration forms.
The FBI ended its investigation without bringing charges against Dr. Chen, a year before Ms. Herridge and her colleagues published and aired their reporting.
In 2018, Dr. Chen sued the FBI and other government agencies, accusing them of violating the Privacy Act by leaking information to Ms. Herridge. The Privacy Act has protections for personal information collected by federal agencies.
Judge Cooper ruled last year that Ms. Herridge must reveal her confidential sources. On Thursday, he held her in civil contempt for disobeying that order. He said he had not issued the order lightly, deciding that Dr. Chen’s need for the information overcame Ms. Herridge’s First Amendment protections.
“Herridge and many of her colleagues in the journalism community may disagree with that decision and prefer that a different balance be struck, but she is not permitted to flout a federal court’s order with impunity,” Judge Cooper wrote in Thursday’s ruling.
Patrick Philbin, a lawyer for Herridge, said in an email: “We disagree with the district court’s decision, and to protect Ms. Herridge’s First Amendment rights, we intend to appeal.”
Herridge, who left Fox in 2019 to join CBS News as a senior investigative correspondent, was among nearly two dozen CBS News journalists who were laid off by the network this month.
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees, including on-air personalities Cody Alan (SiriusXM) and the duo Pat & Tom (KNCI/Sacramento), alongside off-air luminaries Mike Moore (WKHX/Atlanta), Jim Robertson (retired, KIKK/Houston, WOGK/Gainesville/Ocala) and Meg Stevens (WUBL/Atlanta).
The honorees were announced during the CRS Honors at CRS 2024. They will be inducted at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner on June 19 at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. More information on the event, including date, time and ticket information, will be released closer to the event.
“On behalf of the selection committee, congratulations to the well-deserving Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2024. These professionals stand out in so many ways and are a great example of distinguished broadcasters who have positively affected the lives of so many in the country radio and music community,” shares Joel Raab, the CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Chairman.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format.
Marking the Palm Springs debut for The John Clay Wolfe Show, Alpha Media’s 93.7 KCLB Rock introduces the program to its Saturday morning lineup starting tomorrow, March 2. It will air 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT. Heard on more than 65 radio stations nationwide, the show attracts more than a million listeners weekly. Wolfe drives the morning program with his love of cars, comedy and daily observations along with celebrity guests like Sammy Hagar, Adam Carolla and Cheech and Chong.
Wolfe comments, “We’re excited and looking forward to sharing our show with new listeners who are making KCLB their favorite radio station.”
“We at 93.7 KCLB are very excited to be the latest station to add its call letters to the growing list of The John Clay Wolfe Show affiliates across the country,” says Dax Davis, Director of Sales and Programming for Alpha Media Palm Springs. “As the heritage Rock Station in the Coachella Valley, we are always looking for great and entertaining content our listeners can relate to and can’t find anywhere else...The John Clay Wolfe Show checks all of those boxes!”
The tightening economics of the TV news industry have fueled speculation that the multimillion dollar contracts its top stars have long enjoyed are set to face steep cuts, reports Mediaite.
Earlier this month, Claire Atkinson at The Ankler reported that new CNN chief Mark Thompson was scrutinizing the large salaries of big names at the network. A veteran of the considerably more frugal BBC and relatively more frugal New York Times, Thompson is working to foment a digital revolution at CNN as part of an effort to fend off the oncoming linear apocalypse. To do so, according to Atkinson, he’s eyeing some of the top salaries weighing down CNN’s balance sheet.
It’s not just CNN. Fox News, which continues to turn a billion dollar annual profit despite industry-wide headwinds, is not ruling out belt-tightening when it comes to its stars. A source familiar with the inner workings of the network told Mediaite, “The business model is evolving; they’re looking at all costs including talent.”
The business model is indeed evolving. Cord-cutting is an existential threat to what has long been an extraordinarily lucrative way to deliver news. Cable news networks make some of their money from advertising and most of their money from affiliate fees paid by cable carriers. Fox Corporation’s cable properties, which include Fox News, earned $1.4 billion in advertising and $4.1 billion in affiliate fees in 2023. Every year that second number grows smaller; the rapid pace of consumers jumping to streaming and other cheaper alternatives is a real crisis for the industry. Last year, the proportion of U.S. households paying for traditional TV subscriptions dropped below 50% for the first time.
The solution: frantically prepare for a post-linear world while profits are still high. Pull the emergency brake before the car flies off the cliff.
That has manifested mostly in layoffs; CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS News, ABC News, and NBC News have all implemented staffing cuts in the last two years. Yet the salaries commanded by the networks’ stars are increasingly out of touch with this bleak reality. Networks can only afford to shrink their newsrooms a dozen reporters at a time for so long before people start to question how the big names are still making tens of millions.
