ESPN Poaches NFL Director Artie Kempner From Fox Sports

ESPN recently made a significant move in its sports broadcasting lineup by hiring award-winning director Artie Kempner from Fox Sports to take over as the director of Monday Night Football. This decision, announced around March 17, 2025, reflects ESPN's strategic efforts to elevate its NFL game presentation, particularly with an eye toward its first-ever Super Bowl broadcast scheduled for February 14, 2027.

Kempner brings an impressive resume to ESPN. With over three decades at Fox Sports, he has directed high-profile events, including two Super Bowls—Super Bowl XXXIX (Eagles vs. Patriots) and Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs. Patriots)—making him one of only 12 living directors with such experience. His tenure at Fox also included serving as the No. 2 NFL director and the lead director for NASCAR coverage, where he helmed 17 Daytona 500 broadcasts. A 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner, Kempner’s expertise spans a wide range of sports, from NFL and NASCAR to golf, tennis, college sports, and even Olympic coverage during his earlier years at CBS and NBC.

Artie Kempner

The hiring came about when ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus learned that Kempner’s contract with Fox was nearing its end. Magnus saw an opportunity to bring in a seasoned talent to bolster Monday Night Football, especially as the network prepares for the Super Bowl, which will be produced under Disney’s umbrella. Kempner replaces Derek Mobley, who directed Monday Night Football for the past two seasons and will remain with ESPN, likely transitioning back to a college football role. This marks the third director change for the program in seven years, a relatively rapid turnover compared to the stability seen at other major networks like NBC, Fox, and CBS.

A key factor in Kempner’s appeal is his prior collaboration with ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, whom he worked with extensively at Fox. Buck and Aikman, now in their fourth season of a lucrative five-year, $165 million combined contract with ESPN, previously teamed up with Kempner for significant broadcasts, including the memorable 2008 Super Bowl where the Giants upset the undefeated Patriots. Magnus has emphasized that this move was his initiative, not a directive from Buck or Aikman, though the reunion is seen as a natural fit.

Magnus has been candid about his motivations, admitting that ESPN’s game presentation has lagged behind competitors like Fox and CBS. He views Kempner as a critical addition to close that gap, stating, “Here is a guy who can elevate our game presentation.” With the Super Bowl on the horizon, ESPN aims to use the next two seasons to refine its approach, ensuring a standout performance in what Magnus calls potentially “the biggest moment in the history of ESPN.”

Kempner’s departure from Fox Sports also impacts its NASCAR coverage, where he was a fixture. His move to ESPN underscores the network’s aggressive push to strengthen its NFL offerings, leveraging his proven track record to enhance both the regular season and the high-stakes Super Bowl broadcast ahead.

Murder Charge For Suspect In Reporter's Death

A Louisiana woman named Danette Colbert, aged 48, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo reporter. Manzano, who worked for Telemundo Kansas City, was found dead on February 5, 2025, in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, while he was in town to cover Super Bowl LIX. 

Colbert was initially arrested on February 6, 2025, and charged with theft and fraud-related offenses after authorities found Manzano’s cellphone and credit card in her possession, which she allegedly used at local stores. Security footage from the hotel showed Colbert entering Manzano’s room with him around 4:35 a.m. on February 5 and leaving alone about an hour later. On March 18, 2025, the Kenner Police Department upgraded her charges to include second-degree murder, a crime that carries a mandatory life sentence without parole in Louisiana.

Manzano, Colbert

A preliminary autopsy revealed that Manzano died from the combined toxic effects of alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) and ethanol (alcohol), with positional asphyxia—where his face-down position on a pillow prevented breathing—as a contributing factor. His blood-alcohol level was reported at .232%, nearly three times the legal driving limit. The manner of death remains officially undetermined due to unclear circumstances, but authorities suspect Colbert’s involvement, though they have not publicly detailed how she may have administered the substances.

Colbert has a prior criminal history, including convictions for theft and fraud in Louisiana, where she served probation in one case and prison time in another. She was on probation at the time of Manzano’s death, stemming from a 2021 case involving drugging and robbing a man. She also faced charges in Las Vegas in 2022 for similar crimes, though those were dropped when victims declined to testify. Since her arrest, additional allegations have surfaced, with authorities investigating potential links to other suspicious deaths, including that of John Jenkins, found unresponsive in a New Orleans hotel in December 2024.

A second suspect, Ricky White, described as a transient and possible accomplice, was arrested in Florida on charges like robbery and bank fraud related to Manzano’s death. He awaits extradition to Louisiana. Colbert remains in custody without bond, and police continue to build what they describe as a circumstantial case against her, expressing confidence in securing a conviction.

Charlie Kirk Gets Prager 's Time Slot On Salem Radio Network

Salem Media Group, Inc.has announced Salem Radio Network host Charlie Kirk has agreed to move onto the Dennis Prager affiliate stations, effective Monday, March 31st.

Charlie Kirk has been doing his show in the same Noon to 3pm ET daypart as Dennis Prager since October of 2020. Today Charlie is on 195 radio stations, with 500 total affiliates across the country. Since both Charlie and Dennis have aired live in the Noon to 3pm ET daypart, it will be an easy transition for most stations. 

Prager suffered a debilitating injury last November when he fell in his home and suffered a spinal cord injury.

He is going through extensive rehabilitation because of the injury, and Salem wishes him a complete and full recovery. With that in mind, Dennis and Salem have agreed on his return for one hour a day, airing 2-3pm ET, starting Tuesday, June 3rd.

“Dennis may have some physical limitations at the moment, but his wit, wisdom, insights and passion are as strong and as clear as ever and we are delighted at his spirit and resolve to return to his audience,” said Salem Senior VP of Spoken Word, Phil Boyce. “We want Dennis to remain a part of the Salem family and want his millions of loyal fans to continue to hear his voice. Affiliates of Charlie will continue to get the Kirk show with no interruption, and affiliates of Dennis will soon get Charlie Kirk as a strong and able replacement.”

From now until June 3rd, Salem will continue to use Jack Posobiec as the substitute host in the third hour for Charlie Kirk and Dennis Prager affiliates. Posobiec is a podcast sensation, with over 3.1 million followers on X. Dennis will take over that hour and return to his seat as a national radio talk show host. He will continue with his insight and wisdom on the day’s top issues, as well as his passion for “The Happiness Hour” and “The Male Female Hour.”

Dennis joined the Salem Radio Network 25 years ago, after launching his radio show on KABC in Los Angeles. He has authored over 10 books, including his current series “The Rational Bible” explaining the first 5 books of the Bible. He and his producer Allen Estrin founded PragerU in 2009, which today records over one billion downloads per year, teaching our young people what is not taught in most schools.

Charlie Kirk has over 26 million social media followers and is well known for creating his youth based non-profit, “Turning Point USA.”

R.I.P.: Danny Simar, Longtime WFMF Baton Rouge Morning Co-Host

 

Danny Simar

Danny Simar, known to Baton Rouge radio listeners as "Jim Nasium," passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the age of 69 after a 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis. 

A beloved figure in local broadcasting, Simar co-hosted the popular morning show on WFMF (FM 102.5) alongside Randy Rice from 1979 to 1990, becoming a household name in the region during the 1980s. His radio persona, "Jim Nasium," was a "countrified" alter ego that brought humor, wit, and a unique charm to the airwaves, making him a standout in an era when radio was a primary source of in-car entertainment.

Born in Orange, Texas, to Wanda and Roy Simar, Danny moved to Baton Rouge in 1979 with his wife, Cheryl Boyd, whom he married in 1976. His career began as a sports reporter at WJBO, where he covered LSU sporting events, before transitioning to WFMF. There, he teamed up with Rice and, at times, Margaret Taylor, to create a morning show that mixed music with local commentary and memorable stunts. Highlights of his career included leading the LSU Tiger Band onto the field in his underwear, wrestling a black bear, playing tennis with John McEnroe, and producing "Tiger Tracks"—pre-game LSU football segments that creatively wove player and coach interviews into the hooks of popular songs.

Simar retired from radio in 1994 after his multiple sclerosis diagnosis forced him to step away from broadcasting to focus on his health and family. 

Despite his illness, he maintained a positive outlook, a trait friends and colleagues attributed to his grace and resilience. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from listeners, co-workers, and media figures, who consistently described him as "nice" and a true legend. Randy Rice, his long-time co-host and best man at his wedding, called him a dear friend and a broadcaster whose style was unmatched, while Johnny Ahysen, another colleague, lamented the loss of a unique voice in radio history.

Radio History: March 20

➦In 1902... Nathan Stubblefield demonstrated ship-to-shore broadcast to multiple receivers in Washington, D.C., where voice and music transmissions were made over a third of a mile (535 meters) from the steamer Bartholdi, anchored in the Potomac River, to shore.

Stubblefield w/wireless phone

He later demonstrated wireless telephony in Philadelphia on May 30, 1902 to a distance of a half mile.

He joined wireless inventor Archie Frederick Collins and stock promoters in the Collins Wireless Telephone Company. In December, 1909 the company became came a part of the Continental Wireless Tel. & Tel. Company, with A. Frederick Collins as Technical Director. Stubblefield resigned as a director in December 1911, because of what he described in a letter as their sometimes-fraudulent stock promotion practices. The other principals of the company were later convicted of fraud.

However, he continued to experiment with wireless telephony, using large circular conduction coils to transmit voice frequencies to receiving stations. In 1903, he could transmit 375 feet without earth connections, using induction. In 1904, he could transmit 423 yards.

The total wire required for the transmitting and receiving coils was of a greater length than what would be required to simply interconnect the transmitter and receiver, but the invention would allow mobility.

On May 12, 1908, he received U.S. patent 887,357 for his Wireless Telephone, using the voice frequency induction system. He said in the patent that it would be useful for "securing telephonic communications between moving vehicles and way stations". The diagram shows wireless telephony from trains, boats, and wagons. In foreign patents he showed wireless telephony with cars. However, there is no indication that he was using voice-modulated continuous high frequency waves, as used for radio today.

➦In 1906...Oswald George Nelson was born (Died of cancer at age 69 – June 3, 1975).  He was a band leader, actor, director, and producer. He originated and starred in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, a radio and television series with his wife Harriet and two sons David and Ricky Nelson.

Earlier, he & wife Harriet Nelson were regulars on the Red Skelton radio show, before he developed The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet for ABC radio from 1944 to ’54. It developed quite a following & moved to TV from 1952 to ’66.  As son Rick Nelson became a recording star in real life, the program focused more on him, ending each show with a performance.

➦In 1908...Frank Nicholas Stanton born in Muskegon, Mich. (Died at age 98 – December 24, 2006).  He was a broadcasting executive who served as the president of CBS between 1946 and 1971 and then as vice chairman until 1973. He also served as the chairman of the Rand Corporation from 1961 until 1967.

Frank Stanton

Stanton helped lead the fight for color television. By 1950 CBS had been working on its field-sequential system of color TV for a decade. On October 11, 1950 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved CBS's system as the first official color standard for commercial broadcasting in the U.S., although subsequent court challenges delayed actual commercial broadcasting until June 25, 1951.

On that day, Stanton appeared on an hour-long special, Premiere, with Robert Alda, Faye Emerson, Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey, William S. Paley and others to introduce the CBS color system.

CBS color broadcasting only lasted for four months. CBS suspended it when the manufacture of color television receivers was halted by the US government as part of the Korean War effort.  When the ban on color sets was rescinded in 1953, CBS announced that it had no plans to resume broadcasting using its field-sequential color system.  A major problem with the CBS system was that the video was not "compatible" with existing black-and-white TV sets. A competing dot-sequential color system being developed by RCA was compatible, and in late 1953, the FCC switched its approval to an RCA-based system of broadcasting color TV.

➦In 1920...station XWA (later CFCF) in Montreal, Canada, aired what is considered the first scheduled radio broadcast in North America. The program featured a concert by vocalist Dorothy Lutton. This event marked an early milestone in organized radio broadcasting, with the station pre-announcing the event to attract listeners. Some historians argue that CFCF has a strong claim to being the world’s oldest "real" radio station due to this verified, scheduled transmission.

➦In 1922...WIP-AM, Philadelphia, signed-on.

Founded by Gimbels department store, the station first went on the air on as Philadelphia's first commercial radio station with the call sign WIP, which people mistakenly think stands for "Wireless In Philadelphia," "We're In Philadelphia" or "Watch Its Progress." In fact, WIP was a call sign randomly issued by the federal government.

TV Ratings: FNC Is Number Two Network In Primetime

During the week of March 10-16, FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 3 million viewers in primetime (361,000 with A25-54), finishing as the number two network in all of television ahead of ABC (2.8 million viewers) and NBC (2.6 million viewers). In total day (6AM-6AM/ET), FNC posted 1.8 million viewers and 234,000 in the 25-54 demo. FNC commanded 63% of the cable news audience for the week across both primetime and total day. Since the election, FOX News has now posted the top 827 cable news telecasts. The Five marked its 17th consecutive week with over four million viewers.

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

For the week, The Five averaged 4.1 million viewers and 435,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news with total viewers. In fact, The Five beat CBS Evening News (4,038,000 viewers) for the week. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3.1 million viewers and 342,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 3.2 million viewers and 373,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 4 million viewers and 478,000 in the 25-54 demo, which led cable news with younger viewers. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 3.2 million viewers and 398,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.7 million viewers and 258,000 in the 25-54 demo.

FNC’s The Will Cain Show continued to drive up the ratings at 4 PM/ET for FOX News commanding 2.2 million viewers and 266,000 in the 25-54 demo, a 73% increase with viewers compared to the same week last year.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 3.3 million viewers and 445,000 with A25-54. Gutfeld! once again topped the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1,852,000 viewers; 286,000 A25-54), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1,398,000 P2+; 206,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1,031,000 P2+; 246,000 A25-54). 

FNC continued to see a number of its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition.

Report: Rupert Murdoch Not Happy w/WSJ Story On Oliver Darcy

Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul who owns The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) through his company News Corp, reportedly became furious over a profile the newspaper published about Oliver Darcy, a former CNN reporter. 

The story, written by WSJ media writer Isabella Simonetti and published in February 2025, portrayed Darcy’s post-CNN venture—a media newsletter called Status—in glowing terms, calling it “a must-read for the power brokers of publishing and entertainment.” 

The piece highlighted Darcy’s success after leaving CNN in August 2024 to start the newsletter, noting his scoops on high-profile media stories, such as the romantic relationship between New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and ABC News re-signing anchor George Stephanopoulos.

Trump Criticized For Making Cuts To News Outlets

President Donald Trump is facing significant criticism for his administration's decision to implement drastic cuts to U.S. government-funded news outlets, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). 

These cuts were part of a broader initiative, supported by Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, to reduce the size of the federal government. Critics, including U.S. lawmakers and rights advocates, argued that this move severely undermined America's global soft power, particularly at a time when adversaries like China were expanding their influence in the information space.

VOA, established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, had grown into a major international broadcaster, reaching audiences in over 40 languages and providing news to regions with limited press freedom. RFA, launched in 1996, served nearly 60 million people weekly across countries like China, Myanmar, and North Korea, often in local languages such as Tibetan and Uyghur. On March 15, 2025, more than 1,300 VOA employees were placed on administrative leave, and funding for RFA and other sister outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was terminated, dealing a potentially fatal blow to their operations.

Lawmakers from both parties voiced concerns. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the House select committee on China, warned that the cuts benefited "adversaries and authoritarians" like China and North Korea, where press freedoms are virtually nonexistent. Republican Representative Young Kim, chair of the House Select Committee on East Asia and Pacific, echoed this sentiment, stating that dismantling these platforms "cedes leverage to the Chinese Communist Party, North Korea, and other regimes," contradicting the principles of freedom foundational to the U.S. Michael McCaul, a former Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had previously praised RFA for its transparent reporting and efforts to counter Chinese propaganda, highlighting the strategic loss.

The Trump administration justified the cuts as a cost-saving measure to eliminate what it called wasteful spending on "radical propaganda." 

The White House and figures like Kari Lake, a Trump appointee advising USAGM, framed the outlets as inefficient and biased.

Erie PA Radio: After 70+ Years, WRIE-AM Signs-Off

WRIE 1260 AM Erie, PA has ceased broadcasting.  The shutdown is part of a broader strategic realignment by Cumulus Media, which has recently terminated operations at several of its stations across the United States deemed no longer viable in their respective markets.

In a carefully worded statement, a Cumulus Media spokeswoman explained the decision: "As a result of our ongoing efforts to refine our portfolio, we have chosen to suspend operations at certain stations, including WRIE-AM. This adjustment, which affects only a minimal number of individuals, allows us to redirect our resources toward enhancing the performance and reach of our other brands while we determine the most effective course of action moving forward." 

WRIE-AM, affectionately dubbed Erie Sports Radio, had carved out a niche in recent years, primarily delivering syndicated sports talk programming since 2007. 

Sun-Times To Lose 20% Of Staff

The Chicago Sun-Times, a prominent newspaper in Chicago, is undergoing a significant staff reduction as approximately 20% of its employees—30 out of about 150 staff members—have accepted a voluntary buyout offer. 

The development is part of a broader effort by its nonprofit owner, Chicago Public Media (CPM), to address ongoing financial challenges. CPM, which also oversees the public radio station WBEZ, initiated the buyout program in January to cut costs by $3 to $5 million, aiming to stabilize its fiscal situation without resorting to immediate layoffs.

The buyouts affect various roles, including high-profile columnists, editorial writers, and sports journalists, with 23 of the departures coming from the Sun-Times newsroom, which currently has 107 union and nonunion personnel. Notable exits include veteran sports writers like Rick Telander and Annie Costabile, as well as columnist Michael Sneed, who has nearly six decades of journalism experience, and much of the editorial board. Additionally, five WBEZ employees are part of the 35 total departures across CPM.

This move follows a merger three years ago between the Sun-Times and WBEZ under CPM’s nonprofit umbrella, intended to bolster both entities. However, financial difficulties have persisted, exacerbated by a rough start to 2025, as noted by CPM CEO Melissa Bell. While the buyouts have met the cost-reduction targets through voluntary exits, there remains uncertainty about further cuts, with layoffs still a possibility if financial pressures continue. The Sun-Times union has expressed hope that these departures will prevent forced layoffs, though concerns linger about the allocation of funds, with some questioning spending on management rather than retaining editorial staff.

This staff reduction reflects broader trends in the media industry, where even established outlets face economic strain, prompting difficult decisions to maintain operations while preserving their core mission—in this case, delivering impactful journalism to Chicagoans.

TN Congressman Calls Out CNN For Siding With 'Terrorists'

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett, a Republican representing the state’s 2nd district, clashed heatedly with CNN host John Berman over a federal judge’s decision to halt deportation flights initiated by the Trump administration. The confrontation unfolded during a morning segment on CNN, spotlighting a contentious legal battle over immigration policy.

The Trump administration had invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a rarely used wartime measure—to deport hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members, specifically from the Tren de Aragua group, to El Salvador. On March 15, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, an Obama appointee, issued a temporary restraining order blocking the removal of five specific individuals who had sued over the policy. Boasberg’s order demanded that any planes carrying deportees under this act return to the U.S., prompting outrage from Burchett and other conservatives.

During the CNN interview, Burchett accused the judge of “taking the side of a bunch of criminals” and lambasted CNN for what he saw as reflexive liberal bias. “I never understand why CNN takes the side of a bunch of murderers that have come into our country illegally,” he said, framing the deportees as dangerous threats and the judge’s ruling as overreach. When Berman countered that the judge hadn’t taken a side but was merely reviewing the “novel” use of the 1798 law, Burchett shot back, “Oh, come on. The difference between God and these judges is God knows he’s not one of these judges. They’re arrogant.”

🚨WATCH: Republican lawmaker spars with CNN host over judge halting deportation flights:

“I never understand why CNN takes the side of a bunch of murderers that have come into our country illegally,” @RepTimBurchett tells CNN over judge halting deportation flights. pic.twitter.com/xK840M9Jdz

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) March 19, 2025

The exchange escalated as Burchett turned his ire on CNN itself. “I guess what upsets me is that you all at CNN continuously take the side of the far left, and that’s why your ratings continue to plummet,” he declared, adding, “You are so out of touch.” He argued that the American public supported the deportations and saw illegal immigration as an “act of war” by foreign countries, citing a figure of 14 million border crossings over four years. Berman defended his questioning as “valid” and “respectful,” insisting he was probing constitutional issues, not picking sides, but Burchett dismissed this as “ridiculous,” accusing the network of being “wrong on this one.”

TODAY Is #1 Across the Board Season-to-Date

For the first time in seven years, TODAY is the top-rated morning show across the board in total viewers, A25-54 and A18-49 season-to-date. For 83 weeks straight, NBC News’ TODAY was the number-one morning show in the key demo A25-54. Additionally, TODAY also grew its demo lead over GMA versus the prior year.

TODAY is now leading in total viewers by its widest margin in 7 seasons and is posting its biggest key demo lead in eight seasons versus GMA.

➤2024-25 SEASON-TO-DATE (9/23/2024-3/16/2025)

TODAY is the #1 morning show across the board this season

Total Viewers: TODAY leads GMA by +20,000 total viewers, a reversal from the -159,000 gap seen at this point last year and its first season-to-date lead in 7 seasons (since 2017-18)

A25-54: 

• TODAY leads GMA by +213,000 A25-54 viewers:
• TODAY has widened its demo lead by 81% (+213,000 vs. +118,000 prior year) and is TODAY’s biggest advantage over GMA in 8 seasons (since 2016-17)
• TODAY is drawing its biggest share of A25-54 viewers of network morning shows (44.5%) in 13 seasons (since 2011-12)

FOX News Digital Leads All News Brands w/Multiplatform Views

FOX News Digital finished February as the number one news brand with multiplatform views and minutes, doubling CNN in each category, according to Comscore.* 

FOX News also further solidified itself as the top news brand on YouTube with 368.4 million video views, marking the fourth consecutive month it has been number one.**** 

Year-over-year, FOX News saw 103% growth on YouTube. For the month, FOX News Digital secured 4.1 billion total multiplatform minutes (up 33% over February 2024), 2 billion total multiplatform views (up 25% over February 2024) and 121 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors (up 5% over February 2024).* 

Comparatively, CNN saw declines across the board compared to February 2024 with multiplatform views (down 16% vs. February 2024), multiplatform minutes (down 22% vs. February 2024) and total digital unique multiplatform visitors (down 19% vs. February 2024). 

Additionally, FOX News Digital surpassed CNN with total digital multiplatform unique visitors. For the first time ever, FOXBusiness.com delivered 322 million multiplatform minutes surpassing CNBC.com’s 262 million multiplatform minutes. *** 

Audio No Longer Biggest Podcast Platform

For years, the word “podcast” has been synonymous with audio-first content—a passive listening experience consumed during commutes, workouts, and downtime. But, according to NuVoodoo Research that perception is no longer accurate. 

Podcasts have quietly become a video-first medium, and the numbers tell a striking story: YouTube is dominating podcast consumption, often outpacing traditional audio platforms. This shift is so significant that the very word “podcast” may be limiting creators, especially those who don’t fully embrace video.

It’s important to establish that podcast consumption is alive and well across all generations. Regular and heavy daily use shows strong engagement across age groups.

Daily Podcast Consumption (30+ Min):

• Millennials lead the way at 43%.
• Gen Z follows at 37%.
• Gen X sees 29% engagement.
• Boomers+ still show 12% engagement, demonstrating at least some reach across generations.
• Millennials outpace all generations for heavy daily podcast consumption (60+ Min) at 30%, far out-distancing even Zoomers (23%)

YouTube is the #1 Podcast Platform: Looking at weekly podcast consumption, YouTube is the most widely used platform across all generational segments among podcast users, including Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and even Boomers. In fact, Gen X males (70%), Millennial males (67%), and Millennial females (65%) report using YouTube for podcasts more than any dedicated audio platform. Even among Boomers+, YouTube pulls in 61% of males and 52% of females.

Compare this to Spotify, the leading audio-only platform, where Gen Z females (54%) and males (53%) engage at high levels, but numbers drop significantly among older demographics. Apple Podcasts barely registers, with no generation cracking 25% weekly usage.

Which Comes First: Personalities or Music?

For the seventh consecutive year, the percentage of core radio fans who listen for personalities over music has held steady in Techsurvey 2025 from Jacobs Media  Strategies.  According to Fred Jacobs blog, the line was first crossed in their “Why Radio?” question back in 2019.  That was when those who say a main driver behind radio listening flipped from being about the music to being rooted in personality appeal.

Through the pandemic and its aftermath, the gap – admittedly small – between DJs vs. music as contributors of driving radio listening remains.  In fact, not much has changed, especially in recent years regarding the power of personality on radio versus the appeal of music.  While only narrowly ahead of the thousands of songs heard every day on broadcast radio, the aggregate appeal of hosts and shows has mostly flatlined since the COVID outbreak.  But it still ekes out the win over those drawn to radio because of the music stations play.

The chart below has been widely printed and quoted over the past half dozen or so years, a compelling story that reinforces the value of proprietary hosts and shows versus music, which has become highly commoditized over the past couple of decades as playlists comprised of millions of songs became available either for free or for an affordable monthly fee sans commercials.  At those relatively low prices, just about anybody can afford to have millions of songs available on their mobile device.  Great, timely, funny, moving personalities aren’t nearly as available or common.

And yet, many radio companies and stations seemingly struggle with this consistently strong audience desire for entertaining personalities.  While it may be true that talent is generally more expensive, harder to manage, and frequently more problematic than merely building a playlist on a music scheduling system, its long-term growth and ability to build and grow brands is proven and indisputable.

This is a relatively new reason we’ve come up for why some consumers are devoting less of their media time on AM/FM radio.  While last year, about one in five (22%) pointed to an MIA DJ as the excuse for less TSL, we can see in this year’s study, it’s now up to more than one in four (27%).  Men, Millennials, and fans of spoken word radio formats are the most frequent complainers, according to Jacobs.