Arrest Made In Arson At PA Governor's Mansion

(NY Post Graphic)

A suspect has been arrested after an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion as Governor Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside early Sunday morning. At a press conference on Sunday, authorities named 38-year-old Cody Balmer as the suspect.

Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, according to officials.

Early Sunday, April 14, an arsonist set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in Harrisburg, forcing Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to evacuate. The blaze caused significant damage, state police reported. No injuries occurred, with the family fleeing around 2 a.m. as firefighters tackled the fire.

Shapiro, 51, a first-term governor and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, is known for his moderate stance and bipartisan work. Pennsylvania’s third Jewish governor, he often highlights how his faith guides his leadership. On Saturday, the first night of Passover, he shared a photo of his family’s seder at the mansion.

Dish Asks FCC To Allow Distant Feeds During Local Carriage Disruptions

EchoStar Communications, the parent company of Dish Network and Sling TV, petitioned the FCC Friday to eliminate a rule that bars its pay TV services from importing alternative broadcast network feeds during carriage disputes with local TV stations.

Under current FCC regulations, local TV stations affiliated with major networks (e.g., ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW) hold exclusive rights to distribute their programming within their designated markets. This means that satellite and cable providers like Dish Network and Sling TV cannot replace a local affiliate with a station from another market or a national feed during disputes, even if the local station is blacked out due to failed retransmission consent negotiations. These blackouts can deprive viewers of major network programming, including news, sports, and primetime shows.

EchoStar’s Proposal:

EchoStar is asking the FCC to abolish these exclusivity rules, specifically the syndicated exclusivity and network non-duplication regulations. Their argument is that allowing providers to import distant network-affiliated signals (e.g., a New York or Los Angeles affiliate) during a blackout would ensure customers retain access to network content. 

Trump "Fully Fit" To Serve

President Donald Trump underwent his annual physical examination Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, marking his first such exam during his second term as the 47th U.S. President. 

The White House released the results on Sunday, April 13, 2025, stating that Trump is in "excellent cognitive and physical health" and "fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State," according to Capt. Sean P. Barbabella, D.O., MC, USN, Physician to the President.

The exam, which lasted nearly five hours, involved extensive testing, with Trump describing it as including "every test you can imagine." He told reporters on Air Force One afterward that he felt "in very good shape," highlighting a "good heart" and "very good soul." Trump also noted he took a cognitive test, claiming he "got every answer right." 

According to the health memo, Trump is on two medications for cholesterol control (Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe), taking Aspirin for cardiac prevention and he also uses Mometasone cream as needed for a skin condition. As for his weight, the 6-foot-3 politician weighs 224 lbs. During his last physical as president in 2020, he weighed 244 lbs., per the Associated Press.

Trump, who at 78 is the oldest president sworn into office, has faced scrutiny over his health, particularly after an assassination attempt in July 2024 that resulted in a minor ear injury. The White House emphasized transparency, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the administration aimed to provide an update post-exam, contrasting with what they called a lack of openness from the prior administration. Doctors reportedly offered Trump "a little bit" of health advice, though no specifics were shared.

Bill Maher: ‘Why The Democrats Are So Unpopular’

On his HBO show "Real Time," Bill Maher Friday called President Donald Trump a “possible friend” after attending a recent star-studded White House dinner with UFC’s Dana White and Kid Rock. Maher used his monologue to slam critics who argued he shouldn’t have met with Trump due to their political differences.

Maher, who voted for Clinton and Obama, said he felt more comfortable talking candidly with Trump than he would have with them. He described Trump as calm and open, even when they disagreed, suggesting this reflected why Democrats are losing favor. Maher listed his gripes with Democrats—Israel’s war with Hamas, child sex changes, biological men in women’s sports, and "wokeness"—as points of contention.

He shared a light moment from the dinner, held in what he jokingly called the “blowjob room,” referencing Bill Clinton’s scandal. Maher said Trump noted that many approved of their meeting, though not all, and Maher agreed, saying they both disliked those who opposed their dialogue. “So MAGA fans, don’t worry, your boy gave me nothing, just hats,” Maher quipped, emphasizing Trump’s willingness to listen despite their differences.

After audience applause from the reference to former President Bill Clinton’s liaisons with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky died down, Maher then tore into those who didn’t like his attendance at the dinner, taking aim at Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey’s record-setting Senate speech.

The Daily Caller reports Maher criticized Booker, mocking his long-winded speeches and repetitive editorials. “Don’t talk? Really, that’s what liberals have?” he said, arguing that refusing to engage is weaker than open discussion.

Syracuse Radio: Ted Long Reaches Career Milestone

From CNYRadio.com comes heartfelt congratulations to Ted Long, a Central New York radio legend, who marked an extraordinary milestone on April 12, 2025: 45 years in the broadcasting industry, all spent at Syracuse’s iconic Top 40 station, 93Q (WNTQ). 

Ted Long 45 yrs at WNTQ

Ted’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his community has made him a cherished figure in the region’s airwaves.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, Ted—half of the beloved “Ted and Amy in the Morning” show—was surprised by his colleagues with a festive array of balloons and a custom cake that brought laughter to the studio. The cake, adorned with the playful caption “Nobody could ever fill your shoes... or your pants!” featured a photo of Ted proudly holding up a pair of oversized jeans from his past, a nod to his inspiring weight-loss journey following gastric bypass surgery in 2011. The lighthearted tribute perfectly captured Ted’s humor and the camaraderie he shares with his team.

The celebration was shared with fans through a live video on the Ted & Amy 93Q Facebook page, capturing the joyful moment when co-host Amy Robbins, alongside a parade of colleagues, presented Ted with the cake in the studio. Photos from the event, posted afterward, showcased the smiles and warmth that filled the room, reflecting the deep respect and affection Ted has earned over his decades at 93Q.

Ted’s career began almost immediately after high school, as he shared in a 2013 interview with CNYRadio.com when he and Amy celebrated 25 years on air together. Now, nearly 37 years strong, the “Ted and Amy in the Morning” show remains a cornerstone of Central New York’s mornings, blending humor, heart, and music to start listeners’ days on a high note. Their partnership has garnered numerous accolades, including a prestigious induction into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to their enduring impact.

Aside From Practicing, Here's Another Way To Carnegie Hall

If you’ve ever dreamed of performing at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall, that dream may be closer than you think. This June, award-winning Christian music artist Matthew West is inviting singers from across the country to join him on stage as part of his live concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City, June 26–29, 2025.

That’s right — Matthew West is forming a live choir of passionate, vocalists/fans to back him during a full concert performance in one of the most iconic venues in the world. With just 76 spots remaining, this is a limited and extraordinary opportunity for singers to be part of a powerful musical moment that will inspire audiences and glorify God through song. 

Whether you’re a worship leader, choir member, or simply someone who’s been moved by Matthew West’s music, this is your chance to stand and sing on stage with him, lift your voice in harmony, and make history in a place where legends have performed.

R.I.P.: Bill Barber, Iconic Orlando Radio Personality

Bill Barber (1951-2025)

William “Bill” Barber, a beloved Orlando native and radio icon, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at AdventHealth Hospice Care in Orlando—the same building where he was born on September 7, 1951, about 74 years ago. 

A lifelong resident of Orlando, Bill’s passion for radio and music defined his remarkable life and left an indelible mark on his community.

Bill’s love for radio sparked at a young age, leading him to begin his broadcasting journey at just 13 years old at WFIV in Kissimmee. By 14, he landed his first paid gig at WSLC in Clermont, showcasing his extraordinary determination. When his mother couldn’t drive him to the station for his Sunday morning two-hour slot, Bill would ride his motor scooter to Clermont.

Over the years, Bill honed his skills at various stations, building a reputation for his charisma and talent. He became a household name in Orlando as “Billy The Kid” on WLOF 95 AM. Later, he joined WBJW 105 FM, where he captivated morning audiences and eventually took on the role of program director. Bill’s career also included a memorable stint at Country K92 FM, followed by time at Oldies WEBG 100.3 FM, where.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was known for his quick wit, infectious humor, and genuine warmth.

Bill’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of his family, his “radio pals,” and the countless listeners who tuned in to hear his voice over the decades.

(🎩Hat Tip: Dave Townes at Channel 95 Tribute Facebook Page)

Radio History: April 14

 

➦In 1912...Two young wireless radio operators at Cape Race, Newfoundland, Robert Hunston and James Goodwin heard the first distress call from the luxury liner RMS Titanic, en route to New York south of the Grand Banks. An iceberg had grazed the ship’s side, popping iron rivets and shearing off a fatal number of hull plates below the waterline. The great ship, on its maiden voyage, sank just under three hours later. 1,517 passengers were lost at sea.

➦In 1925...The first regular-season Chicago Cubs game was broadcast on radio by WGN, with Quin Ryan as the caller. The Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-2 at Wrigley Field, marking an early milestone in sports broadcasting.

➦In 1930...Robert Ripley overcame his shyness and a stutter to host the first of his Believe It Or Not radio programs on NBC, about strange and freakish facts.  The show would intrigue listeners on various networks for the next 18 years.

➦In 1942...Detroit radio priest, Father Charles E. Coughlin was censured for anti-Semitism.  U-S Attorney General Francis Biddle wrote a letter to the Postmaster General, Frank Walker, and suggested revoking the second-class mailing privilege of the publication Social Justice, which would make it impossible for Coughlin to deliver newspaper to his readers.

Radio History: April 13

➦In 1922..KHJ Los Angeles officially signed on.

KHJ - 1927

Today KHJ is owned and operated by Relevant Radio, Inc., the station broadcasts Roman Catholic religious programming as an affiliate of the Relevant Radio network.

KHJ was first licensed on March 18, 1922 to C. R. Kierulff & Company in Los Angeles, for operation on the 360 meter entertainment wavelength. The Kierulff company acted as contractors responsible for installing the station in the Los Angeles Times building at First and Broadway, and in November the newspaper's owner, the Times Mirror Company, became the official licensee.  The KHJ call letters were randomly assigned from a roster of available call signs, although the station quickly adopted the slogan "Kindness, Happiness and Joy".  Test transmissions began on April 8th.  The station's formal debut broadcast was held on April 13th from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

In April 1965, programming consultant Bill Drake crafted KHJ's top 40 format. Drake hired program director Ron Jacobs, who had created formats in Hawaii and California. The format, known as "Boss Radio", featured a restricted playlist and restrained commentary by announcers (although a few, such as Robert W. Morgan, Charlie Tuna, Humble Harve Miller, and The Real Don Steele, were allowed to develop on-air personas). 

Other DJs from this era (1965–1980) included Roger Christian, Gary Mack, Dave Diamond, Beau Weaver, John Leader, Sam Riddle, Johnny Williams, Frank Terry, Johnny Mitchell, Tommy Vance, Scotty Brink, Steve Clark, Bobby Tripp, Tom Maule, and Bill Wade. One defining characteristic of Boss Radio was the jingles by the Johnny Mann Singers.

Drake's format spread throughout North America, bringing high ratings to KFRC in San Francisco, WFIL in Philadelphia, KGB in San Diego, WQXI in Atlanta, WRKO in Boston, and CKLW in Windsor, Ontario, Canada (serving Detroit). Drake and his business partner Gene Chenault brought many of their announcers from the other Boss stations, using those stations as a farm system to develop talent.

The station switched to a country music radio format in 1980 and back to pop music in 1983. In 1986, KHJ changed its call letters to KRTH, adopting an oldies format as a sister station to KRTH-FM 101.1 FM. Three years later, the station was sold to Liberman Broadcasting who aired Spanish-language formats from 1990 to 2014, using the call letters KKHJ until 2000, when it regained its original calls.

➦In 1930...WHOM AM NYC signed on.

This station was founded in 1925 by the New Jersey Broadcasting Corp., owned by Outdoor Advertising executive Harry O'Mealia, whose company owned thousands of billboards around the metropolitan area. WHOM was originally a Jersey City station, having taken over 1450 AM from the merged WIBS/WKBO.

WHOM debuted with a 15 minute inaugural broadcast on April 13, 1930 at 5:45pm. The host was chief announcer Howard Lepper, previously the manager of WIBS. Then, according to Angelfire.com,  the station left the air to make time for WNJ and WBMS, returning to the air at 9pm for a gala show that lasted until 2am. In 1931, WHOM absorbed the airtime of WNJ, and the following year, it became a full-time station with the demise of WBMS.

In 1946, WHOM officially changed their "city of license" from Jersey City to New York.

In 1989, the station was sold to Infinity Broadcasting, owners of WXRK 92.3, among others. Calls were changed to WZRC on April 28, 1990 and the station instituted a heavy-metal rock format as "Z-Rock," a service of the Dallas-based Satellite Music Network and was so anxious to enter the New York market. In December 1992, WZRC switched to country music.

Then in 1993, Infinity signed a lease agreement with a Korean programming service making WZRC 1480  the first full-time Korean-language station in New York.

➦In 1953...Music ‘Til Dawn with host Bob Hall premiered on WCBS 880 AM NYC. American Airlines owned the program.  The show also aired on five other CBS-owned stations in cities served by the airline. The list of cities expanded to include at least eight others, with many hosts over the years all bearing the signature "soothing" voice.

Trump Exempts Smartphones, Electronics From Chinese Tariffs

The Trump administration has announced exemptions for smartphones, laptop computers, memory chips, and other electronics from its "reciprocal tariffs." 

This includes exemptions from a 125% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10% global tariff on most other countries. The decision, published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, also covers hard drives, computer processors, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, benefiting companies like Apple, Samsung, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. 

The exemptions aim to shield consumers from price hikes, as these products are rarely made in the U.S., and domestic production would take years to establish. However, the relief may be temporary, as the exclusions suggest potential future tariffs at lower rates, possibly 25% for semiconductors, though specifics remain unclear. The move follows a volatile week of trade tensions, with China imposing a 125% tariff on U.S. goods in retaliation. 

The Trump Administration is exempting smartphones and other electronics from his reciprocal tariffs -- a reprieve for tech companies and consumers amid fears that Trump's 145% tariffs on Chinese goods would send prices skyrocketing. @selinawangtv reports. https://t.co/J4t0xxBbTu pic.twitter.com/GXZxZorDf3

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) April 13, 2025

The exemption of smartphones, laptops, memory chips, and other electronics from the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs (125% on Chinese imports, 10% on most other countries) has a direct impact on U.S. consumers:

• Lower Prices Preserved: These products, heavily reliant on foreign manufacturing (especially from China), won’t face immediate tariff-driven price hikes. For example, a $1,000 iPhone or laptop could’ve jumped by hundreds of dollars with a 125% tariff. Exemptions keep costs stable for now, protecting consumers’ wallets during high-demand periods like holidays or back-to-school seasons.
• Continued Access to Variety: No tariffs mean no supply chain disruptions for popular brands like Apple, Samsung, or Dell, ensuring consumers can still choose from a wide range of devices without shortages or forced shifts to pricier alternatives.
• Temporary Relief, Uncertain Future: While consumers dodge a bullet now, the exemptions hint at potential future tariffs (e.g., 25% on semiconductors). If implemented, these could gradually increase costs for electronics, hitting budget-conscious buyers hardest.
• Wider Economic Ripple: Stable electronics prices help curb inflation in a key sector, but consumers may still feel pressure from tariffs on other goods (e.g., clothing or cars), which could eat into disposable income for tech purchases.

Trump-China Playing Hard Ball Over TikTok

Donald Trump’s relationship with TikTok continues to be a wild ride. 

Back in 2020, during his first term, he pushed to ban the app, citing national security concerns over its Chinese owner, ByteDance, potentially sharing U.S. user data with Beijing. He signed an executive order to force a sale or ban, arguing it was a espionage risk. Fast-forward to his 2024 campaign, and Trump did a 180. He joined TikTok, racked up millions of followers (over 15 million by early 2025), and credited it for helping him reach young voters.

Why the flip? Critics say it’s opportunism—TikTok’s massive user base (170 million Americans) is a political goldmine. Supporters argue he’s pragmatic, recognizing the app’s cultural and economic weight. However, this past week Trump announced a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, singling out China while pausing tariffs on other countries for 90 days. 

This came after China slapped an 84% tariff on U.S. goods, retaliating against earlier U.S. hikes (a 34% “reciprocal tariff” on April 2, building on prior levies). Trump’s justification? China’s “imprudent” retaliation and failure to play ball on trade and TikTok.

The tariff escalation has apparently tanked TikTok talks. A deal was reportedly close—Vice President JD Vance had been hammering out terms with investors and ByteDance for months. The plan? A U.S.-based TikTok owned mostly by American firms, with ByteDance holding a minority stake. China’s approval was the final hurdle, expected to clear until Trump’s tariff announcement. Beijing balked, insisting on tariff negotiations first, stalling the deal. Trump responded by extending the TikTok ban deadline another 75 days (from April 5), buying time but leaving the app’s future murky.

'On The Money' columnist Charles Gasparino reports sources suggest the standoff is near intractable. China’s tying TikTok to broader trade talks, using it as leverage against Trump’s tariffs. Trump, meanwhile, has hinted at tariff relief for a TikTok deal, saying things like, “Maybe I’ll take a couple points off if I get approvals.” But with tariffs now at 145%—pushing the U.S. trade-weighted average to a century-high 24%—both sides are digging in. China’s retaliatory moves, like restricting rare earth minerals (key for tech), signal they’re not bluffing.

What to Watch  

• China’s next move: Will they escalate tariffs further or signal openness to a TikTok sale?  
• Market fallout: Tariffs are already rattling stocks and supply chains—can Trump sustain the pressure?  
• Political blowback: Banning TikTok could cost Trump with young voters, but so could looking soft on China.

Dow Jumps Over 600 Points To End Wild Week

Media stocks on Wall Street experienced significant volatility this week, largely driven by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and their broader economic implications. Here’s a breakdown of key developments based on available information:

Market Context: The week saw intense market swings due to Trump’s tariff announcements. On April 9, 2025, stocks surged after Trump paused some "reciprocal" tariffs for 90 days, with the S&P 500 jumping 9.5%, the Dow rising nearly 8%, and the Nasdaq soaring 12.2%—its best day since 2001. However, this relief rally was short-lived. By April 10, stocks fell again as the market digested ongoing trade uncertainties, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.1%, the Dow shedding 666 points, and the Nasdaq declining 2.8%. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of market fear, spiked above 50, reflecting heightened investor anxiety.

Media Stocks Performance:

Warner Bros. Discovery: WBD faced pressure amid the broader market turmoil. Posts on X noted media stocks like WBD slumping after the tariff pause rally faded, reflecting investor concerns about economic fallout from trade policies. While specific daily performance for WBD wasn’t detailed, the company announced John Malone’s decision not to seek board re-election, transitioning to chair emeritus. This move, while not directly tied to stock performance, underscores strategic shifts at WBD during a turbulent market week.

Disney: Disney shares were hit hard by tariff concerns, as noted in posts on X. The company’s exposure to international supply chains and consumer discretionary spending likely amplified its vulnerability to trade war fears. Exact percentage drops weren’t specified, but the sentiment was negative alongside other media giants. 

Fox Corp: Fox Corp was highlighted as an outlier, maintaining relative stability compared to peers like Disney and WBD. This resilience could stem from its focus on domestic broadcasting and less exposure to tariff-sensitive sectors, though specific data on its weekly performance wasn’t provided.

Trump Media & Technology Group: DJT, which operates Truth Social, saw positive movement earlier in the week. Posts on X reported a 9% gain in premarket trading on April 7 after announcing a deal with Crypto.com to launch ETFs, though its performance later in the week wasn’t detailed. Its stock has been volatile, often reacting to Trump’s public statements, like his claim it was a “great time to buy.”

Comcast: Comcast was mentioned in posts on X for its optimistic move to develop a Universal theme park in the UK, signaling confidence despite market volatility. However, no specific stock performance metrics were provided for the week.

Broader Media Sector Trends: Media stocks, part of the consumer discretionary sector, were particularly sensitive to tariff-driven fears of reduced consumer spending and higher costs. The sector has been under pressure since Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, with concerns about supply chain disruptions and inflation impacting advertising revenues and content production costs. The brief rally on April 9 offered temporary relief, but renewed selling on April 10 and lingering trade war fears kept media stocks volatile.

Overall, media stocks mirrored the market’s rollercoaster, rallying midweek on tariff pause hopes before sliding back as trade tensions persisted.

John Malone Named Chair Emeritus At WBD

Media mogul and cable TV pioneer John Malone has decided not to seek re-election to the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) board of directors at the company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled for June 2, 2025. 

Instead, he will transition to the role of chair emeritus, a move announced by WBD Friday. In this new capacity, Malone will continue to attend board meetings regularly and provide strategic counsel to the board and management team, while stepping back from day-to-day oversight and relinquishing his board vote.

Malone, 84, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the 2022 merger between Discovery, where he was a major shareholder, and WarnerMedia, creating WBD. His decision to step down is not due to any disagreement with the company, and he remains a significant shareholder, reportedly holding about 0.8% of WBD stock as of 2024. 

Malone’s influence in the media industry is extensive, with a career spanning decades, including leading Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) and founding the Liberty Media empire, which has stakes in companies like Charter Communications and SiriusXM. He is also chairman of Liberty Media and Liberty Global.

WBD’s CEO, David Zaslav, praised Malone’s “brilliant strategic mind” and credited his insights for shaping the company’s trajectory, particularly through the merger and its ongoing challenges, such as managing a heavy debt load from the deal. Malone expressed confidence in WBD’s future, citing progress in making the company “resilient, agile, and positioned for profitable growth.” He emphasized his continued involvement as both a shareholder and advisor, noting his admiration for WBD’s assets and storytelling.

The board will maintain its size at 13 directors, with 12 independent, as WBD plans to nominate Anton Levy, a tech investor from General Atlantic, to fill the vacancy.

Bill Maher Provides Trump Dinner Talk Recap

Bill Maher, a longtime critic of Donald Trump, visited the White House for a private dinner on March 31, arranged by Kid Rock, who aimed to bridge divides through face-to-face conversation. 

Maher discussed the experience on his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher on April 11, 2025, offering a detailed account that stirred varied reactions. 

Maher described the dinner as a surprisingly positive encounter, lasting about two and a half hours, with Trump, Kid Rock, and UFC CEO Dana White in attendance. He emphasized it wasn’t a diplomatic summit but a casual meeting between a comedian and a president. 

Key points from Maher’s recounting:

• Trump’s Demeanor: Maher found Trump “gracious and measured,” contrasting with his public persona. He noted Trump laughed, including at himself, and seemed self-aware, unlike the “crazy person” Maher expected from Trump’s TV appearances. Maher remarked, “A crazy person doesn’t live in the White House. A person who plays a crazy person on TV a lot lives there.”
• Conversation Topics: They discussed policy issues like Iran, Gaza, the Syrian refugee crisis, and Trump’s proposed third term. Maher said he challenged Trump on some points and praised others, like Trump’s stance on limiting DEI initiatives, restricting trans athletes, and supporting Israel’s military actions. They also found common ground on ending “wokeness” and securing the border.
• Notable Moments: Maher brought a list of nearly 60 insults Trump had hurled at him over the years, which Trump signed—a move Maher found “very Trumpian.” Trump gave Maher several MAGA hats as a cheeky gift. Maher also claimed Trump used the word “lost” when referencing the 2020 election, a rare admission, though Trump didn’t dwell on it.
• Personal Reflection: Maher said he felt comfortable talking to Trump in a way he wouldn’t with past Democratic presidents like Clinton or Obama. He criticized Democrats for being unrelatable, suggesting Trump’s candid style resonates more with voters. However, Maher clarified he didn’t “go MAGA” and expected their public sparring to resume, noting, “MAGA fans, don’t worry. Your boy gave me nothing, just hats.”

TV Antenna Usage in Homes Drops to 19%

A new Horowitz Research survey, “State of Media, Entertainment, and Tech: Subscriptions 2025,” reveals a complex landscape for the TV industry, with sharp declines in traditional pay TV and antenna use contrasted by significant growth in streaming services.

According to TVTechnoloy.com, the report shows homes with access to live TV channels dropped from 32% in 2020 to 19% in 2025, while traditional pay TV (MVPD) subscriptions plummeted from 81% to 44% over the same period. Conversely, SVOD subscriptions climbed from 70% to 81% of homes, and free streaming services surged from 52% to 70%.

Virtual MVPDs, such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, saw a decline from 29% of homes in 2020 to 23% in 2025. Over the past decade, the video service mix has shifted dramatically: in 2015, 47% of homes had only MVPD subscriptions, while just 7% were streaming-only. By 2025, 49% of homes were streaming-only, with only 11% relying solely on pay TV. Dual MVPD and streaming subscriptions fell from 40% in 2015 to 33% in 2025, while homes with no video subscriptions remained nearly steady at 7% (up from 6%).

Antenna usage, skewing toward lower-income and older households, was found in 26% of homes led by those 50+, compared to 19% overall. Only 9% of homes earning over $100,000 had antennas, versus 26% of those earning under $50,000. Among homes without MVPD subscriptions, 28% used antennas, but just 10% of households led by 18- to 34-year-olds had antenna access.

The report also covers consumer spending on subscriptions, popular streaming platforms, bundling trends, broadband adoption, smart home opportunities, and more.

NAB To FCC: Streamers Don't Comply With CALM Act

 
The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act is a U.S. law passed in 2010 to address the issue of excessively loud TV commercials. It requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that commercials on broadcast, cable, and satellite television have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The goal is to prevent jarring volume spikes that annoy viewers. The FCC implemented rules in 2012 which provides technical guidelines for measuring and controlling audio loudness.

The CALM Act applies only to traditional TV platforms—broadcast stations, cable operators, and satellite providers—not to online streaming services like YouTube, Hulu, or Netflix. Enforcement relies heavily on consumer complaints, with the FCC investigating patterns of non-compliance rather than actively monitoring broadcasts. Non-compliant providers can face penalties, but enforcement has been criticized as weak, with few actions taken despite thousands of complaints since the law’s passage.

Regarding the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) statement, they recently told the FCC that broadcasters are complying with the CALM Act, but many consumer complaints about loud ads stem from unregulated streaming services. 

The NAB argues that these online platforms, not covered by the CALM Act, are the primary culprits behind loud commercials today, and no new regulations are needed for broadcasters. This comes as the FCC considers updating its rules due to a surge in complaints, with some pushing to extend the CALM Act to streaming services—a move the NAB and others caution against without careful consideration.

There’s been talk of modernizing the CALM Act to include streaming, like a bill proposed in 2022, but it hasn’t passed. The debate hinges on balancing consumer relief with regulatory overreach, especially since streaming platforms operate differently from traditional TV. Some argue the FCC lacks clear authority over streamers without new legislation, while others see voluntary industry standards as a potential fix.

CPB Unveils Executive Promotions

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has promoted Kathy Merritt to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Debra Sanchez to Executive Vice President, Government and External Affairs and Acting Corporate Secretary.

Merritt will oversee CPB’s Operations, as well as Radio/Journalism, System Strategies, Next Generation Warning System, Community Service Grants, and Television Content departments.

Sanchez will continue to lead the Education team, as well as oversee Government and External Affairs. She is also taking on the role of Acting Secretary, overseeing the Office of the Corporate Secretary, serving as liaison between the CPB Board of Directors and staff.

Kathy Merritt, Debra Sanchez

“Kathy and Deb are both accomplished professionals with decades of experience in public media who are highly qualified to lead CPB during these challenging times,” said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and CEO.

Prior to her promotion, Merritt has been Chief, Station and System Strategies, where she oversees a portfolio of grants and initiatives that strengthen public media stations’ ability to serve their local communities and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public media system.

Sanchez has been CPB’s Senior Vice President for Educational Media and Learning Experiences, where she develops and oversees children's content investments and educational initiatives at the national level and works closely with stations to enhance their development and execution of local educational services.

Merritt and Sanchez succeed EVP and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy and Corporate Secretary, SVP and Chief of Staff Teresa Safon. Levy and Safon will continue to serve CPB as consultants, advising Harrison and the senior leadership team.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to Michael and Teresa for their long and distinguished service to CPB and public media,” Harrison said. “Both will stay on as consultants as we address threats to our funding.”

In addition to Merritt and Sanchez, Daryl Mintz has been promoted to Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, and Evan Slavitt has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel.