An LA Times article over the weekend portrays 60 Minutes as a TV news titan facing existential threats from Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit and Paramount’s merger-driven pragmatism. While the program’s dogged reporting and storied brand suggest it can weather the storm, Owens’ resignation and corporate pressures raise doubts about its independence. The chilling effect of Trump’s tactics, combined with FCC scrutiny, challenges 60 Minutes’ ability to maintain its “swagger.”
The article suggests that any willingness to placate Trump could lead 60 Minutes staff to self-censor, undermining the program’s bold legacy. The pressure to avoid antagonizing the administration, especially with FCC oversight looming, threatens editorial freedom.
Cited for exmple: Paramount’s merger priorities may prioritize financial and regulatory goals over journalistic principles, potentially forcing CBS News to soften its stance. The article notes speculation about whether CBS will make further concessions to clear the merger path.
Industry-Wide Impact: Trump’s success in pressuring 60 Minutes—symbolized by Owens’ resignation—could intimidate smaller news outlets, amplifying the chilling effect across media. The article frames this as a broader warning to the press about the costs of challenging the administration.
During The Last Minute Sunday of “60 Minutes,” Co-Anchor Scott Pelley delivered a candid tribute to outgoing executive producer Bill Owens, whose resignation stunned viewers with its underlying revelations.
“Bill stepped down Tuesday. It was tough for him and for us. But he did it for us—and for you,” Pelley said.
“For 57 years, we’ve tackled controversial stories, recently on the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. Bill ensured they were fair and accurate, always rigorous. But our parent company, Paramount, is navigating a merger that needs Trump administration approval.
Pelley explained to viewers on Sunday, Paramount has begun to supervise “60 Minutes” stories in new ways. Former CBS News President Susan Zirinsky, a longtime news producer, has reportedly been asked to look at the show's stories before they air.
"No stories were blocked, but Bill believed this compromised the independence honest journalism demands. We’re not happy about it. By resigning, Bill showed he was the right leader for ‘60 Minutes’ all along.”
Pelley’s reference to Paramount pointed to its chair, Shari Redstone, who has yet to comment publicly on Owens’ exit.
The segment was quickly pinned on Bluesky, where “60 Minutes” now shares updates, having abandoned Elon Musk’s X months ago.
Key Networks, a next generation radio syndication company, announces that it has partnered with television news network NewsNation to syndicate a radio simulcast of NewsNation’s primetime two-hour special on President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days in office. The special, “CUOMO Town Hall: The First 100 Days,” will air live on Wednesday, April 30th, from 8:00pm-10:00pm ET and is available to radio stations now on a market exclusive basis from Key Networks.
Moderated by anchor Chris Cuomo, along with authors and commentators Bill O’Reilly and Stephen A. Smith, the town hall will include a live phone interview with the President.
The event will be simulcast live on The CW. Following the event, the town hall will be available on demand on NewsNationNow.com and the free NewsNation app.
Originating from New York City, the two-hour event will showcase additional members of the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside leaders of the Democratic Party and a variety of notable guests, such as former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The town hall will be held in front of a live studio audience comprised of Democrats, Republicans, and Independent voters.
Prior to the powerhouse line up, the network will host a one-hour live preshow entitled, “Countdown to the Town Hall.” Moderated by NewsNation Now’s Anna Kooiman, the special program will include contributions from political editor Chris Stirewalt and The Hill’s Blake Burman. As part of the special programming, Decision Desk HQ will release an exclusive poll regarding how Americans feel about President Trump’s first 100 days in office. The results will be released on The Hill at 6 p.m. ET, April 30.
Leading up to Trump’s 100th day in office, the network will provide special programming beginning Sunday, April 27th. Coverage will kick off with a new series entitled, Driving the Vote: The First 100 Days, featuring senior national correspondent Brian Entin who will travel across the country to speak with everyday Americans about what they think of the new administration. The four-part series will spotlight voters living along the U.S. Interstate 80 talking about what they are celebrating, what they are frustrated by, and how their lives have been affected by the new policies and executive orders put in place by President Trump.
Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, said: “We are excited to partner with the team at NewsNation to bring this important content featuring the best and brightest commentators reviewing President Trump’s first 100 days to stations across the country. Our goal is to deliver great content for our affiliates and advertisers – Mission accomplished!”
To see if “CUOMO Town Hall: The First 100 Days” is available for your station, contact Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, at 844.KEY.NETS or dennis@keynetworks.com.
CNN’s primetime viewership on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, fell below 500,000 total viewers, with the critical 25-54 demographic dropping under 100,000, signaling ongoing struggles for the network.
According to AdWeek, “The Source with Kaitlan Collins” at 9 p.m. ET drew 464,000 total viewers, followed by “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” at 10 p.m. with 459,000, and “Laura Coates Live” at 11 p.m. with a mere 269,000. Only “Anderson Cooper 360” at 8 p.m. crossed the half-million mark, attracting 535,000 viewers.
In the 25-54 demographic, prized by advertisers, CNN’s primetime shows performed dismally: Cooper led with 93,000, Phillip had 90,000, Collins garnered 76,000, and Coates trailed with 46,000.
Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald commented, “CNN’s collapse accelerates, hitting a stunning low under Kaitlan Collins and Abby Phillip: below 500,000 total viewers in primetime and well below 100,000 for viewers under 55. It’s almost impossible to do this poorly.”
CNN’s top hour lagged behind MSNBC’s weakest and was dwarfed by Fox News. MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle” at 11 p.m. drew 799,000 total viewers and 99,000 in the 25-54 group, while Fox News’ “FOX News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher pulled in over 1.5 million total viewers and 194,000 in the key demographic.
CNN’s ratings woes are not new. In November 2024, the network recorded its lowest-rated week since June 2001, averaging just 268,000 viewers, compared to Fox News’ 1.4 million. These figures highlight CNN’s ongoing challenge to regain viewership amid a shifting media landscape.
Atlanta’s sports talk radio station 93.7/680 The Fan, the exclusive radio home of Atlanta Braves games for the past 16 years, has secured a 12-year contract extension, ensuring broadcasts through 2037. This long-term deal solidifies one of the longest-standing partnerships in Atlanta sports media, deepening the connection between the Braves and their fanbase.
“We are thrilled to continue our storied partnership with the Atlanta Braves,” said David Dickey, president of Dickey Broadcasting, which operates The Fan. “This extension reflects our commitment to delivering top-tier sports content and keeping Braves fans engaged with every pitch, hit, and victory for years to come.”
Derek Schiller, Braves president and CEO, praised The Fan’s role in uniting the team with its supporters. “Dickey Broadcasting has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant connection between our fans and the Braves,” Schiller said. “Their exceptional coverage, passionate commentary, and dedication to excellence perfectly align with our vision. We’re excited to extend this journey together through 2037.”
Atlanta’s WZGC 92.9/The Game welcomes Ali Mac as the new female co-host for its “Morning Shift” show, starting Monday, April 28, 2025. She joins Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan, who began hosting in March 2023.
“Ali brings incredible energy and communication skills,” said Mike Conti, The Game’s brand manager. “She’ll connect with listeners and make the show a blast.”
Mac fills the vacancy left by Tiffany Blackmon, a former ESPN sideline reporter, who departed last month after two years to explore new ventures, Conti noted.
Ali Mac
Mac is no stranger to Atlanta radio, starting as a Q100 intern 20 years ago and later working on-air at Star 94.1, Kicks 101.5 (now New Country), and B98.5. She briefly co-hosted on Kicks with Cadillac Jack, who passed away April 17, 2025, from a heart attack.
For the past four years, Mac worked at Impact Partnership, a Marietta marketing firm for financial advisers, alongside former Atlanta radio talents like Doug Turnbull, Kevin McAlpin, Heather Branch, and Randy Cook. There, she hosted podcasts and radio shows for advisers, sharpening her skills. “I learned a ton about retirement planning,” Mac said.
Tyrone Johnson has been let go from 97.5 The Fanatic, marking another departure from The Best Show Ever?
He announced the news on social media Friday, saying, “It was a good run. I regret nothing.”
In an interview with The Inquirer, Johnson said he knew the exit was coming but was unsure of the timing. “I want to thank my coworkers and supporters. I’ll miss them,” he said, adding, “I’m excited for what’s next.”
Johnson joined The Fanatic in 2016 as a producer and later worked with Mike Missanelli, a partnership that sparked some heated on-air moments, including a 2020 incident where Missanelli threw his headset in frustration. After Missanelli’s abrupt departure in May 2022, Johnson launched The Best Show Ever? with cohosts Ricky Bottalico, Hunter Brody, and Jen Scordo.
The show quickly unraveled. Brody was cut in July 2023 and now works part-time at 94.1 WIP. Scordo was laid off in May 2024 during Beasley Media Group’s company-wide cuts.
The future of the afternoon slot is uncertain, though Bottalico remains under a multiyear contract. Program director Scott Masteller did not respond to inquiries. Speculation suggests Missanelli, who returned to the station in August 2024 to host middays with Bill Colarulo, may reclaim the afternoon slot.
YouTube marked a milestone last Wednesday, celebrating over 20 billion videos uploaded since its debut 20 years ago.
Launched in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, reportedly inspired at a dinner party, YouTube’s domain went live on Valentine’s Day. Video uploads began April 23, with Karim’s 19-second “Me at the Zoo,” filmed at the San Diego Zoo’s elephant exhibit, now viewed 348 million times.
From its humble start, YouTube has grown into a cultural cornerstone, poised to surpass U.S. cable TV in paid viewership. Nielsen reports it was the top video source in the U.S. in March 2025, with 20 million videos uploaded daily.
Its YouTube TV service has become one of the top pay-TV operators in the U.S. with increasing numbers of podcasts and other programming being viewed on TV sets rather than mobile.
In the 20 years since the first video was uploaded to its platform, YouTube has become the second-most visited website in the world, with people collectively watching more than a billion hours of videos every day. CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent David Pogue looks at how creators are building online communities, and how artificial intelligence may fundamentally change YouTube's offerings.
Alphabet during its earnings call on Thursday said it supports more than 270 million paid subscriptions driven by the video site and cloud storage service Google One. YouTube Music and Premium supports more than 125 million subscribers, including trials, globally.
Megyn Kelly has become a powerhouse in American media, navigating a transformed landscape with her independent platform.
Her daily podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, attracts millions of subscribers. This year, she added a morning news briefing to her afternoon program and launched MK Media, a video and audio podcast network to amplify creators and journalists in news and entertainment.
Her path was challenging, according to the Daily Signal. After 13 years at Fox News as a top interviewer, Kelly left in 2017. Her subsequent NBC tenure left her disillusioned. “I was in despair about journalism,” she told The Washington Examiner, citing toxic environments and attempts to control her language on issues like gender and race. Unsure about staying in media, she considered legacy outlets unfit for her candid style.
Ben Shapiro’s suggestion to explore podcasting sparked her comeback.
“I couldn’t go back to institutions that wouldn’t let me be myself,” Kelly said. Her independent streak—she admits she chafes under authority—made entrepreneurship the logical choice. “I don’t do well with bosses,” she noted.
Chubby Checker, born Ernest Evans on October 3, 1941, in Spring Gully, South Carolina, and raised in South Philadelphia, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, a long-overdue recognition for the artist who revolutionized dance culture with his 1960 hit “The Twist.”
The announcement came Sunday night during a live broadcast of American Idol, with the induction ceremony set for November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, to be streamed live on Disney+ and later rebroadcast on Hulu and ABC.
Checker, now 83, joins fellow 2025 inductees including Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, and others, with special committee honorees like Philadelphia producer Thom Bell, Salt-N-Pepa, and Warren Zevon also recognized.
Checker’s induction follows decades of advocacy for his inclusion, as he was eligible since the Hall’s inaugural class in 1986 but only received his first nomination in 2025. His signature song, “The Twist,” a cover of Hank Ballard and the Midnighters’ 1958 B-side, became a cultural phenomenon after Checker’s version, recorded for Philly’s Parkway Records, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 and again in 1962—the only song to achieve this feat.
In-car video technology is increasingly becoming a priority for consumers, driven by the demand for enhanced entertainment, connectivity, and safety features in vehicles.
Consumers are seeking immersive in-car experiences, particularly for passengers, as vehicles evolve into "living spaces." Technologies like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, adopted by over 25 automakers, are redefining in-car entertainment with high-quality video and audio experiences.
The rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, which often feature larger interior screens, has fueled interest in in-car video for streaming, gaming, and other media consumption during commutes or long trips.
The NFL will make a Christmas Day tripleheader a permanent fixture, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on The Pat McAfee Show.
“We will clearly have three games every year,” he said. This season, Netflix will stream two games, and Amazon Prime Video will air one as part of its Thursday Night Football package, as confirmed at the NFL owners' meetings. Last Christmas, Steelers-Chiefs and Ravens-Texans drew 24.1 and 24.3 million viewers on Netflix, the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history.
The 2025 NFL schedule, set for release on May 14, may reveal Christmas matchups earlier. While the NFL avoided Christmas games for years, it began tripleheaders in 2022 and 2023, scaling back to two games last season due to the holiday falling on a Wednesday.
Goodell emphasized that three games will occur annually, regardless of the day, with Christmas falling on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday over the next three years, and Monday through Thursday from 2028 to 2031.
On Friday night, FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on X of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, arrested for allegedly obstructing immigration agents. The image, showing Dugan handcuffed and escorted by three law enforcement officers in a perp walk, obscured her face. Patel captioned it, “No one is above the law.”
The Justice Department’s Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy states that DOJ personnel should not share a defendant’s photo unless it serves a law enforcement purpose or is already public in the case. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who established this policy under the Obama administration to limit media access to defendant photos like mug shots, told CNN that Patel’s post violates it.
“They’re trying to maximize intimidation,” Holder said, regardless of Dugan’s actions.
It’s unclear if Attorney General Pam Bondi has altered the DOJ’s policy on sharing defendant photos following Patel’s post. Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, told CNN the post marks “a clear departure” from policy, emphasizing that Dugan posed no public safety threat and wasn’t given a chance to present her side. “The arrest itself is the point,” he said.
Dugan was arrested Friday by the FBI, facing charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest. She appeared in court that day and was released after the hearing.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner, held at the Washington, D.C., Hilton, drew notable figures but was skipped by President Donald Trump and his administration. The annual event, which funds journalism supporting White House coverage, is known for its mix of humor aimed at presidents, and gatherings of celebrities, media leaders, and luminaries.
Trump, absent from the dinner since 2015 and during his first term, did not attend. He and First Lady Melania Trump were at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome on April 26, 2025. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also declined to attend.
🚨 WATCH: Axios reporter delivers stern message to liberal media at White House Correspondents' Dinner about Biden’s health coverage: “We should have done better”
“Biden's decline and its coverup by the people around him is a reminder that every White House regardless of party… pic.twitter.com/Qucn4TMb3k
➦In 1922...WOI-AM, Ames, Iowa, became the country's first licensed educational radio station.
The history of WOI can be traced back to 1911 when Physics Professor "Dad" Hoffman set a transmission line between the Campus Water Tower and the Engineering Building and set up a wireless telegraph station. By 1913 this was known as experimental station 9YI and it was sending and receiving weather reports by morse code on a regular basis. The first sound broadcast was an hour of concert music on November 21, 1921.
The Commerce Department issued a full radio license for station WOI in April 1922 and the first regular broadcast took place on April 28, 1922. It is the oldest fully licensed noncommercial station west of the Mississippi River. The original callsign 9YI is now WOYI and is retained by the ISU Campus Radio Club, with the amateur radio station located in the Electrical Engineering building. The first regular programming on WOI was farm market reports gathered by ticker tape and morse code and broadcast throughout the state.
➦In 1932..."One Man's Family" was first aired on the NBC Radio Network.
One Man's Family, was an American radio soap opera, heard for almost three decades, from 1932 to 1959. It was the longest-running uninterrupted dramatic serial in the history of American radio. Television versions of the series aired in prime time from 1949 to 1952 and in daytime from 1954 to 1955.
One Man's Family debuted as a radio series on April 29, 1932 in Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco, moving to the full West Coast NBC network the following month, sponsored by Snowdrift and Wesson Oil. On May 17, 1933, it expanded to the full coast-to-coast NBC network as the first West Coast show heard regularly on the East Coast. The show was broadcast as a weekly half-hour series (1933-1950), sponsored by Standard Brands from 1935 through 1949, then shifted to daily 15-minute installments, initially originating from the studios of San Francisco radio station KPO, NBC's flagship station for the West Coast, eventually moving to Los Angeles.
➥In 1958...Herb Oscar Anderson started at WMCA 570 AM NYC. H-O-A became the morning personality at 77WABC during most of the 1960s. When he arrived at WABC in 1960, the station was in the early stages of a battle for listeners with WMCA, WINS and WMGM. He was one of the station’s “Swingin’ 7” air personalities, a group that included Scott Muni and was known as the All Americans. But Anderson was a throwback in a changing music scene, a fan of the big band sound, not necessarily the rock ’n’ roll he was playing on a 50,000-watt station that reached well beyond the city limits.
As the station’s low-key “morning mayor,” Mr. Anderson had a mandate: to appeal to adults whose buying power was critical to advertisers, more than to the teenagers who were already tuning in. Each morning, his booming, melodic voice crooned his lyrics to his signature song, “Hello Again”:
“Hello again, here’s my best to you. Are your skies all gray? I hope they’re blue."
➦In 1965...at 3 p.m., Top 40 radio visionary Bill Drake took over KHJ 930 AM in Los Angeles, and introduced the ‘Boss Radio‘ format, featuring the top hits of the day, quick jingles, fast DJ talk, and fewer commercials. Drake installed his protege Ron Jacobs as PD. KHJ hit #1 within six months and was quickly copied across North America.
