iHeartMedia, Inc. announced Thursday David Hillman has been named its Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary.
In his new role, Hillman will oversee all legal matters for the company, including the compliance, regulatory and corporate governance functions, as well as the company’s Government Affairs, Business Affairs and Privacy teams.
David Hillman
Hillman comes to iHeart with broad media experience. Most recently he served as Chief Legal Officer and member of the founding leadership team of Venu Sports, a sports streaming joint venture between ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery. Prior to Venu, Hillman worked at Paramount Global, last serving as EVP and General Counsel of CBS Sports and CBS News & Stations. He also served as General Counsel at both Simon & Schuster and Westwood One.
“David has very relevant experience across a range of media businesses, as well as specific familiarity with the audio industry,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “We believe his wealth of experience will make him an ideal addition to the iHeart executive team as we continue to grow our momentum as the #1 audio company in America.”
“iHeart is the leader in the audio space in America, backed by a management team deeply committed to growth and innovation, and I’m excited to join and contribute to what’s next,” said Hillman. “I look forward to working with iHeart’s leadership, partners, and the talented Legal team to help advance the company across every corner of the audio landscape.”
➦In 1874...Guglielmo Marconi born (Died – 20 July 1937). He was an Italian inventor and electrical engineer, known for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission, development of Marconi's law, and a radio telegraph system. He is credited as the inventor of radio, and he shared the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics with Karl Ferdinand Braun "in recognition of their contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy".
Marconi was also founder of The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in the United Kingdom in 1897 (which became the Marconi Company). He succeeded in making an engineering and commercial success of radio by innovating and building on the work of previous experimenters and physicists
His father was a wealthy land owner and his mother was a member of Ireland’s Jameson family of distillers. Marconi was educated by tutors and at the Livorno Technical Institute and the University of Bologna.
Marconi 1901
In 1894 Marconi became fascinated with the discovery by German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz of “invisible waves” generated by electromagnetic interactions. Marconi built his own wave-generating equipment at his family’s estate and was soon sending signals to locations a mile away. After failing to interest the Italian government in his work, Marconi decided to try his luck in London.
The 22-year-old Marconi and his mother arrived in England in 1896 and quickly found interested backers, including the British Post Office. Within a year Marconi was broadcasting up to 12 miles and had applied for his first patents. A year later, he set up a wireless station on the Isle of Wight that allowed Queen Victoria to send messages to her son Prince Edward aboard the royal yacht.
By 1899 Marconi’s signals had crossed the English Channel. The same year, Marconi traveled to the United States, where he gained publicity offering wireless coverage of the America’s Cup yacht race from off the coast of New Jersey.
Marconi joined the Italian Fascist party in 1923. In 1930, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini appointed him President of the Royal Academy of Italy, which made Marconi a member of the Fascist Grand Council.
Marconi died in Rome on 20 July 1937 at age 63, following a series of heart attacks, and Italy held a state funeral for him. As a tribute, all radio stations throughout the world observed two minutes of silence on the next day. His remains are housed in the Villa Griffone at Sasso Marconi, Emilia-Romagna, which assumed that name in his honor in 1938.
In 1943, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a decision on Marconi's radio patents restoring some of the prior patents of Oliver Lodge, John Stone Stone, and Nikola Tesla. The decision was not about Marconi's original radio patents and the court declared that their decision had no bearing on Marconi's claim as the first to achieve radio transmission, just that since Marconi's claim to certain patents were questionable, he could not claim infringement on those same patents.
➦In 1908...Edward Roscoe Murrow born at Polecat Creek, near Greensboro, NC (Died from lung cancer at age 57 – April 27, 1965), He was a broadcast journalist and war correspondent. He first gained prominence during World War II with a series of live radio broadcasts from Europe for the news division of CBS. His live, shortwave broadcasts relayed on CBS electrified radio audiences as news programming never had: previous war coverage had mostly been provided by newspaper reports, along with newsreels seen in movie theaters; earlier radio news programs had simply featured an announcer in a studio reading wire service reports.
During the war he recruited and worked closely with a team of war correspondents who came to be known as the Murrow Boys.
A pioneer of radio and television news broadcasting, Murrow produced a series of reports on his television program See It Now which helped lead to the censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy.
➦In 1949…An article in LOOK magazine predicted that radio was doomed because if the growing popularity of television. However, radio reinvented itself as a local service and became bigger than ever, while LOOK disappeared in 1971.
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) will celebrate a remarkable group of industry pioneers for their lifetime contributions at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards Luncheon. The event is set for Friday, November 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Bill Whitaker, a 2018 Giant Honoree and correspondent for 60 Minutes and CBS News, will return as the event’s emcee.
The 2025 honorees are:
Kelsey Grammer: Award-winning actor and producer known for TV, stage, and film.
David Muir: Anchor and managing editor of ABC World News Tonight and co-anchor of 20/20.
Lynn Beall: Retired EVP and COO of Media Operations at TEGNA Inc., recognized for her innovative strategies.
Dick Ferguson: Distinguished radio executive and retired EVP of Cox Radio Group.
Rick Dees: Legendary radio host, entertainer, and entrepreneur.
Gary Sandy: Beloved actor, iconic for playing Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati.
John R. Feore, Jr.: Esteemed communications attorney and trusted industry advisor.
Lesley Visser: Hall of Fame sportscaster with a 50-year career at the Boston Globe, CBS Sports, ABC, and HBO.
Steven Portnoy: ABC News Radio National Correspondent, who will also receive the 2025 LABF Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award for his dedication to preserving broadcast history.
“This event shines a spotlight on the visionaries who’ve shaped media,” said LABF Co-chairs Heidi Raphael, Beasley Media Group’s Chief Communications Officer, and Jack Goodman, a veteran DC communications attorney. “We’re thrilled to honor these trailblazers for their lasting impact on broadcasting and American culture.”
For more details on the honorees, sponsorships, tables, or tickets, contact Debbie Beagan-Carcich, 2025 Giants of Broadcasting Event Producer, at debbie@giantsofbroadcasting.org or 732-245-7799, or visit www.tvradiolibrary.org/giants.
Audacy has announced a new Chief Marketing Office. She is Jenny Nelson.
Jenny Nelson
In this role, Nelson will oversee all of Audacy’s marketing efforts, including brand/design, research, B2B marketing/activation and corporate communications. She will also continue to focus on sales enablement and supporting Audacy’s local and national sales.
Nelson has a proven track record of success at Audacy, where she has held senior roles since 2008. Her previous position as Executive Vice President, Marketing Solutions & Strategy, was pivotal in shaping the company's strategic sales strategies and managing sales enablement.
Her career also includes experience at media companies, ad agencies and marketing firms, including Susquehanna Radio Group and BBDO, a global leader in advertising. Nelson earned a Bachelor's degree from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from San Francisco State University.
Audacy’s Other Recent Senior Leadership Changes:
Kelli Turner was appointed permanent President and CEO, having served as interim CEO since January 2025 when David Field stepped down.
Chris Oliviero was named Chief Business Officer, and Bob Philips became Chief Revenue Officer.
Four senior executives departed: Chief Operating Officer Susan Larkin, Chief Digital Officer J.D. Crowley, Chief Marketing Officer Paul Suchman, and General Counsel Andrew Sutor. Mike Dash was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel to succeed Sutor.
"CBS Evening News" anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois paid tribute to outgoing "60 Minutes" producer while being candid about the corporate pressure the network is facing from President Donald Trump.
"Finally, tonight, a story that is personal for us here at CBS News," Dickerson told viewers at the end of Tuesday's newscast. "Our friend and colleague, Bill Owens, announced today he is stepping down as executive producer of ‘60 Minutes.’"
"In its more than half a century on the air, '60 Minutes' has prided itself on independent reporting, but Owens said he was no longer allowed to run the broadcast as it had been run and to make independent decisions," DuBois said.
Fox News Digital reports Dickerson went on to acknowledge that "60 Minutes" was at the center of Trump's lawsuit against the network, but then said, "CBS’ parent, Paramount Global, is trying to resolve this suit as it works to complete a merger that needs government approval."
Paramount Global plans to merge with Skydance Media, which requires authorization from Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
"Owens has stood firm, insisting ‘60 Minutes’ has done nothing wrong, and he would not apologize," DuBois said.
"Bill Owens was also the supervising producer of this broadcast. He’s a man of great integrity. We will always be grateful to him for his wisdom, his guidance and above all, his friendship," Dickerson said.
An article published by The Wrap Wednesday evening , titled “CBS News in Turmoil Over ‘Perfect Storm’ at ‘60 Minutes’ and CBS News.
Bill Owens
The story detailed significant internal unrest at CBS News, driven by a combination of external pressures and leadership changes. The turmoil stems from President Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, the abrupt resignation of 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens, and Paramount Global’s (CBS’s parent company) potential settlement to secure a merger with Skydance Media.
The article described CBS News as facing a “perfect storm” of challenges, including pressure from the Trump administration, internal leadership upheaval, and corporate priorities tied to Paramount’s Skydance merger.
The resignation of 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens on Tuesday, after 24 years at CBS, was a focal point. Owens cited a lack of autonomy, stating in a staff memo that he could no longer make “independent decisions” or run the show as he had previously. Sources told The Wrap that Owens held back tears during a staff meeting, saying, “I am the corporation’s problem,” reflecting his resistance to corporate pressure to settle Trump’s lawsuit.
Trump’s lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, alleges that 60 Minutes deceptively edited an October 2024 interview with Kamala Harris to favor her in the 2024 election by cutting a “word salad” response about the Israel-Hamas conflict. CBS released the full transcript in February 2025, but mediation talks signal a likely settlement, which critics view as capitulation.
Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from the Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr, is seen as driving Redstone’s willingness to settle. The article quoted sources saying CBS News is “already weathered plenty of changes,” and further concessions could erode its credibility.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper made sharp criticisms of Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global (CBS’s parent company), on his show The Lead on this week, accusing her of compromising CBS News’ journalistic integrity by likely settling a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS.
Tapper’s comments framed Redstone’s potential settlement as “bending the knee” to Trump to protect a lucrative merger with Skydance Media, prioritizing profit over principles. Below is a detailed breakdown of Tapper’s remarks, their context, and their relevance to the user’s interest in media dynamics, drawing on provided web sources and X posts.
Tapper’s key comment, “It seems as if Shari Redstone is likely to bend the knee to Trump and settle this allegedly frivolous lawsuit,” suggesting Redstone is sacrificing CBS’s editorial independence to appease Trump. He concluded with a pointed jab: “Hope the money’s worth it, Shari,” implying Redstone’s motives are driven by financial gain rather than journalistic values.
Tapper explained that Trump’s lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, alleges CBS’s 60 Minutes deceptively edited an October 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to favor her in the 2024 election. Trump claims the network cut a “word salad” response about the Israel-Hamas conflict, airing a shorter version to make Harris appear more coherent.
Tapper defended CBS’s actions, noting, “This is just editorial discretion. Editors do it all the time with recorded interviews, including all the time with taped interviews by Fox [News].” He cited legal experts who call the lawsuit “frivolous” and likely to fail in court.
Tapper linked Redstone’s potential settlement to Paramount’s proposed multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr. He said, “Shari Redstone is the majority owner of Paramount, and she stands to make a fortune if this merger goes through.”
MSNBC has announced premiere dates for its new primetime lineup, set to debut the week of May 5, 2025, as part of a broader schedule overhaul.
The changes include new shows anchored by prominent figures, reflecting the network’s strategic shift to leverage high-profile talent and adapt to evolving viewer preferences.
New Primetime Shows and Premiere Dates:
The Weeknight Premiere Date: Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET Hosted by the anchors of MSNBC’s weekend program The Weekend—Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez—will occupy the 7:00 p.m. slot. The program is expected to build on the conversational, multi-perspective format of The Weekend, which has been praised for its diverse viewpoints. The move to primetime reflects MSNBC’s confidence in the trio’s ability to engage audiences during a high-visibility timeslot.
The Briefing with Jen Psaki Premiere Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET (airing Tuesday through Friday). Psaki, former White House Press Secretary under President Joe Biden, The Briefing will take over the 9:00 p.m. slot previously occupied by Alex Wagner Tonight. Psaki, who already anchors a Monday 8:00 p.m. show and hosts Inside with Jen Psaki on Sundays, brings her political expertise and insider perspective to primetime. The show is expected to offer sharp political commentary and interviews, leveraging Psaki’s experience in government and media.
Psaki’s move to the 9:00 p.m. slot coincides with Rachel Maddow returning to a once-weekly Monday schedule at 9:00 p.m., freeing up the Tuesday-through-Friday slot for Psaki. Alex Wagner will transition to a senior political analyst role, continuing to contribute to MSNBC’s coverage.
MSNBC’s primetime changes, outlined in a memo by network president Rebecca Kutler on February 24, 2025, aim to refresh the lineup amid competitive pressures and a shifting political landscape. The cancellation of The ReidOut and the reassignment of Alex Wagner signal a pivot toward new voices and formats.
The promotion of The Weekend anchors to The Weeknight and Psaki’s expanded role reflect MSNBC’s focus on personalities with established audience appeal and political credibility. This move may also be an effort to broaden the network’s ideological range, as Michael Steele (a former Republican National Committee chair) brings a conservative perspective to balance Sanders Townsend and Menendez.
Alongside the programming changes, MSNBC is establishing a new Washington, D.C., bureau with its own team of correspondents, signaling a commitment to robust political reporting. This infrastructure supports the new primetime shows, which will likely rely on on-the-ground reporting and insider analysis.
John Sterling, the legendary radio voice of the New York Yankees from 1989 to 2024, launched a new one-hour sports talk show on 77WABC in New York, airing Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, starting this weekend.
This marks Sterling’s return to radio after retiring from Yankees play-by-play duties in April 2024, followed by a brief postseason cameo in October 2024. The show reflects Sterling’s enduring passion for sports broadcasting and his desire to stay connected with fans in a less demanding format.
Sterling, known for his colorful commentary and deep sports knowledge, will offer insights, stories, and his signature wit. He told The Athletic, “I watch everything,” indicating discussions will extend beyond baseball to appeal to a wide audience.
“This is a thrill...the ballgame’s NOT over,” said Sterling. “I am eager to connect with sports fans on 77 WABC and looking forward to bringing the biggest names in sports on the air to share their stories and insights with listeners.”
“I’ve had the honor of working with a legend such as John previously, and I know that with his expertise in the sports world and professionalism in broadcasting he will hit it out of the park!” stated Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC. “John is known, loved, and respected in the sports world, and we’re excited that he is joining our on-air team of high-profile personalities.”
A 12-time Sports EMMY Award winner, Sterling was the play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees for 35 years, from 1989 until he announced his retirement in 2024. He called 5,060 consecutive Yankees games from 1989 to 2019 and announced eight World Series games. He also worked alongside Suzyn Waldman on the Yankees Radio Network, starting in 2005, and during the 1980s, he provided play-by-play for The New Jersey Nets and the New York Islanders.
🎧Listeners can tune in via 770 AM, online at wabcradio.com, or through the 77WABC app.
Comcast reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025 today , beating Wall Street’s expectations despite losing 199,000 broadband customers. This means they made more money than analysts predicted, even though fewer people signed up for their internet service.
The company’s overall revenue was $29.89 billion, slightly above the expected $29.77 billion, and adjusted earnings per share were $1.09, topping the forecasted 98 cents. However, their stock dropped about 3% in premarket trading because investors were worried about the broadband losses, which is a key part of their business.
Even with fewer broadband customers, Comcast made more money by charging higher rates, boosting broadband revenue by 1.7% to $6.56 billion. Their newer businesses, like Xfinity Mobile (which added customers) and the streaming service Peacock, also helped. Additionally, their film studios and theme parks contributed to the strong results, despite some challenges.
NBCUniversal, Comcast’s media and entertainment division, played a significant role in the earnings beat, though it had both wins and losses.
Here’s how it impacted the results:
Peacock’s Growth:Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, was a bright spot. It grew to 41 million paid subscribers, beating analyst estimates of 37.21 million. This is a big jump from 36 million at the end of 2024.
Revenue for Peacock increased 16% to about $1.3 billion, and its losses shrank to $215 million, compared to $639 million in the same quarter last year. This shows Peacock is moving toward profitability, which is good news for Comcast.
The media segment, which includes Peacock, saw revenue rise 1% to $6.44 billion, with Peacock’s growth driving a 21% increase in adjusted EBITDA (a measure of profit) to $1 billion. This helped offset other media weaknesses.
The theme parks division, also part of NBCUniversal, was a weak point. Revenue fell 5% to $1.88 billion due to lower attendance, partly because of the Los Angeles wildfires. This dragged down the Content and Experiences segment’s overall performance.
Despite the drop, Comcast is optimistic about future growth with the upcoming Universal Epic Universe park opening in Florida on May 22, 2025, which they call their “most ambitious parks experience ever.”
Cumulus Media, which owns over 400 radio stations and operates the Westwood One network, has been removed from the NASDAQ stock exchange as of May 2, 2025.
This happened because their stock price kept falling below $1 per share for too long, and they didn’t meet other NASDAQ requirements, like having enough shareholder equity (a measure of the company’s financial health).
Their stock price dropped 90% over the past year, hitting just $0.27 recently, and they’ve been struggling with a huge debt of $797 million while burning through cash quickly.
Instead of fighting the decision, Cumulus chose not to appeal and will now have its stock traded on the OTCQB market, a less prestigious platform for smaller or struggling companies.
This move won’t directly affect their radio stations or daily operations, but it’s a sign of financial trouble.
The company is trying to grow its digital side, like podcasts and online marketing, but the traditional radio business is facing tough times with declining ad revenue. Think of it like a big store chain being kicked out of a fancy mall for not making enough money—they can still sell stuff, just in a less prominent spot.
The radio industry in 2025 continues to navigate a complex landscape shaped by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and economic pressures.
Radio is moving online to keep up with how people listen today. Traditional AM/FM stations are losing ground to streaming services like Spotify, podcasts, and internet radio because listeners want music or talk shows on their phones or smart speakers whenever they want. For example, Nielsen reports that audio (including radio, podcasts, and streaming) accounts for nearly 20% of Americans’ daily media time, with 67% of ad-supported audio time going to radio, but younger listeners (18-34) spend 32% of their audio time on podcasts.
Radio makes money mostly from ads, but companies are spending less on traditional radio ads because they’re putting more money into digital ads on platforms like Google or social media. In 2023, U.S. radio ad revenue was about $12 billion, but it’s expected to drop to $11.28 billion by 2029. Local radio ads are holding up better than national ones, but overall, the industry is struggling.
However, People still love radio for local news, sports, and familiar DJs. A 2025 TechSurvey found that 61% of listeners tune in for radio personalities, more than for music (56%).
The Center for American Rights (CAR), a conservative advocacy group, filed a new “news distortion” complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), targeting major broadcast networks ABC, NBC, and CBS.
The complaint alleges that these networks disseminated “false or misleading information” in their coverage of the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant. CAR claims this coverage represents a “failure of their responsibilities under the public interest standard” mandated for broadcast licensees.
The filing marks the latest in a series of actions by CAR and FCC Chair Brendan Carr to challenge perceived biases in mainstream media, particularly in the context of immigration-related reporting, amid a politically charged post-2024 election environment.
Allegations accuse the networks of misrepresenting facts surrounding Abrego Garcia’s deportation. Specifically, CAR asserts that the networks portrayed Abrego Garcia in a manner that downplayed his immigration status or legal issues, presenting him as a sympathetic figure without fully disclosing relevant details.
Kilmar Campos Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant, was deported from the United States in early 2025. The controversy surrounding his deportation appears to stem from media portrayals that CAR and Carr claim misrepresented his status.
Jesse Tack and Anna Marie, the morning hosts of Hubbard Radio’s WUBE-FM (B105) in Cincinnati, will also be heard on their sister station, 92.3 WIL (WIL-FM) in St. Louis starting Monday, April 28.
This move follows a significant lineup swap at WUBE last September, when Jesse and Anna transitioned from afternoons to mornings, replacing The Big Dave Show (hosted by “Big Dave” Chandler and Jason “Stattman” Statt), which shifted to afternoons. The swap was described as a bold move to refresh B105’s programming, and the duo’s 2024 CMA Award win just five weeks later underscored their success in the new slot.
Hubbard Radio’s decision to simulcast the show on WIL likely stems from the duo’s strong track record, including their CMA recognition and ability to connect with listeners through community involvement and authentic chemistry.
Jesse Tack: A veteran radio personality, Jesse has been with WUBE since 2008, starting as an evening DJ before moving to afternoons and, in September 2024, to mornings. He has also served as the station’s Assistant Program Director since January 2022. Originally from Iowa, Tack began his radio career at 16 and has a background that includes stints in Kansas City and Cincinnati’s WYGY-FM (97.3). He has won two Country Music Association (CMA) Broadcast Awards for Large Market Personality of the Year—first in 2017 with co-host Amanda Valentine and again in 2024 with Anna Marie. His twin brother, Joey Tack, is also a CMA-nominated radio host in Knoxville, TN.
A Cincinnati native, Anna Marie grew up listening to B105 and attended Ohio Media School, initially aiming for a television career but finding her passion in radio. She joined WUBE in August 2022 as Tack’s afternoon co-host after six years hosting mornings at Cumulus Media’s WMDH (102.5 Nash-FM) in Muncie, Indiana. She co-won the 2024 CMA Large Market Personality of the Year Award with Tack, a milestone she noted as a childhood dream fulfilled, documented in her journal. She also won an Indiana Broadcasters Association Station of the Year award during her time in Muncie
Hubbard, which owns both WUBE and WIL, is capitalizing on the duo’s proven success to bolster WIL’s morning ratings. WUBE has a storied history, with six CMA Station of the Year awards and three Academy of Country Music (ACM) Large Market Station awards, making it a flagship for Hubbard’s country format.
iHeartMedia announced today that Reid Spivey has been named Program Director for KNIX/Phoenix.
Reid will be responsible for branding, oversight, and day to day operations of heritage Country KNIX. He will report to Mark Medina, Senior VP/Programming for iHeartMedia Phoenix.
Reid Spivey
Medina said, “Reid has demonstrated incredible leadership ability, a mastery of programming mechanics, and a true passion for the KNIX brand, he will be fantastic at the helm.”
Reid has been with iHeartMedia Phoenix for 10 years as an Assistant Program Director across multiple brands including KZZP, KMXP, and most recently KNIX for the past 7 years. Prior to Phoenix Reid worked at iHeartMedia’s WAEV/Savannah and WHQC/Charlotte, as well as WABB/Mobile, and his career started at WDCG/Raliegh.
“KNIX is a legendary station and I’m excited to continue the legacy we’ve built here in Phoenix. This team is truly one of the best in Country radio. A big thanks to Mark Medina, Linda Little, Kris Foley and Gene Romano for this opportunity, and thanks to Steve Geofferies for his mentorship over my 7 years as APD.” Spivey commented.
"CBS Mornings" experienced a significant ratings surge on Monday, April 14, drawing 3.952 million viewers, which propelled the show to a rare first-place finish among morning news programs, outperforming NBC's "Today" (2.489 million viewers) and ABC's "Good Morning America" (2.655 million viewers).
The boost was largely attributed to the high-profile coverage of co-host Gayle King's participation in an all-female Blue Origin spaceflight, a roughly 10-minute trip to the edge of space alongside notable figures like Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn.
The event, part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, marked the first all-female crew to travel to space since 1963, generating significant public interest.
Nielsen reports the coverage led to a strong performance in the coveted Adults 25-54 demographic, with 593,000 viewers, and was the show’s best viewership since Oprah Winfrey’s 2021 interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, which drew 4.82 million viewers. For the week of April 14, "CBS Mornings" averaged 2.453 million total viewers, a 34% week-to-week increase, and saw a 27% gain in the 25-54 demo, making it the only morning show to record positive week-to-week gains in both categories. Compared to the same week in 2024, the show was up 13% in total viewers and 10% in the demo.
Despite the Monday spike, "CBS Mornings" quickly reverted to its typical third-place position behind "Today" and "Good Morning America" for the remainder of the week. The show’s weekly average of 2.453 million viewers was still 36,000 below NBC’s "Today," and it lagged in the 25-54 demo as well.
By the following week, ratings reportedly dipped to a low of 1.87 million viewers, marking the show’s worst performance since its 2021 relaunch.
