Audacy Partners With iHM To Expand Footprint

In a groundbreaking collaboration that marks a significant milestone for the radio industry, iHeartMedia and Audacy, the United States’ two leading radio operators, have unveiled a transformative content distribution partnership. 

iHeartMedia, the #1 audio company in the U.S., and Audacy, a leading audio content and entertainment company, today announced that Audacy will expand the reach of its full broadcast radio portfolio through a content distribution partnership. Effective today, Audacy’s collection of over 240 radio brands and time-shifted podcasts will now be available on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service.

iHeartRadio listeners will now have access to Audacy's diverse and engaging content, including:

• 28 sports brands, like WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM) in New York – America’s most-listened-to sports radio station.
• Seven of America's top eight most-listened-to All News stations, including the most-listened-to news station, 1010 WINS (92.3 FM / WINS-AM) in New York.
• Dozens of the country’s favorite music brands, such as the World Famous KROQ (KROQ-FM) in Los Angeles and 93XRT (WXRT-FM) in Chicago.

Through the iHeartRadio app, Audacy content will be available on more than 500 additional platforms and over 2,000 additional devices, including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

“This is an exciting day for our industry as the addition of Audacy’s stations to iHeartRadio maximizes radio’s presence across the country as the most listened to and trusted medium for audiences and consumers,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia. “This move gives our listeners even more opportunities to connect with the stations and content most relevant to them, aligning with our mission to always meet our audiences where they are and enhance their experience.”

“We believe in the power of being everywhere, and this partnership is a meaningful step in our strategy to ensure our iconic stations, talent and programming are available wherever and however audio is consumed,” said Chris Oliviero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy.

Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen on their favorite device everywhere they go.

This strategic alliance integrates Audacy’s extensive portfolio of over 240 AM/FM radio stations and podcasts into iHeartMedia’s widely accessible iHeartRadio digital platform, significantly expanding the reach and accessibility of Audacy’s diverse audio content.

Under this agreement, Audacy’s robust lineup of stations and podcasts will now be available to iHeartRadio’s vast user base through its app, which is supported on more than 500 platforms and devices. 

These include smart speakers, in-car digital dashboards, mobile applications, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other connected devices, ensuring that listeners can access Audacy’s content seamlessly across a wide array of modern technologies. This move not only amplifies Audacy’s national footprint but also enhances the listening experience for millions of users by offering a broader range of programming options on a single, user-friendly platform.

This partnership comes at a time when the audio industry is experiencing rapid transformation, with listeners increasingly turning to digital platforms for their entertainment and information needs. 

By combining forces, iHeartMedia and Audacy are not only expanding their respective audiences but also reinforcing the enduring relevance of radio in the digital age. The collaboration is poised to create new opportunities for advertisers, content creators, and listeners alike, fostering a more dynamic and interconnected audio landscape.

The integration of Audacy’s content into iHeartRadio is expected to roll out in phases, with listeners gaining access to a diverse array of programming, including music, talk radio, sports, news, and exclusive podcasts. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and their shared vision of delivering high-quality audio experiences to audiences nationwide, solidifying radio’s role as a vital medium for entertainment, information, and community engagement.

Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of ten new inductees into the RADIO HALL OF FAME for 2025. 

The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at the in-person 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago.

Tickets are on sale now at: www.radiohalloffame.com. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, home to the Radio Hall of Fame. 

THE 2025 Radio Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Tom Carballo, or Mojo, of Mojo In The Morning – WKQI FM / Detroit
• Alice Cooper, The Alice Cooper Show
• Colin Cowherd, The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• DeDe McGuire, DeDe In The Morning
• Mike McVay, McVay Media
• Martha Quinn, The Martha Quinn Show, iHeartMedia
• Bob Lacy and Sheri Lynch, The Bob & Sheri Show
• Scott Simon, Weekend Edition Saturday, National Public Radio
• Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart
• Julie Talbott, Premiere Networks

Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 900 industry professionals invited to cast votes and four inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame 2025 Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Kraig Kitchin

Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “Our 2025 Induction Ceremony and Celebration will be a special, standing room only, event honoring the talents, history and contributions of 11 incredible people. I cannot wait to celebrate the careers and impact of these men and women who’ve made a forever positive impact on the radio industry!”

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “It is an honor to induct another amazing class of talented individuals to the Radio Hall of Fame that adds to the history of radio. These Radio Hall of Famers have entertained us, informed us, and helped to bring special moments to our lives through a medium that does this better than any other. I look forward to welcoming this year’s inductees as we honor their legacies and share their stories which will serve as an inspiration for future generations to come.”

David Plier, Chairman, The Museum of Broadcast Communications, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s class into the Radio Hall of Fame—an extraordinarily talented and diverse group of broadcasters whose voices have informed, inspired, and entertained listeners across America. This year’s inductees reflect the depth, creativity, and cultural impact of radio across generations and formats. We’re especially excited to celebrate the Class of 2025 as we bring the Induction Ceremony back to Chicago."

Trump Says A Buyer Is Lined-Up for TikTok

In FOX's Sunday Morning Future Show yesterday President Donald Trump announced that a buyer has been identified for TikTok, the popular social media platform facing a potential ban in the United States due to its ties to China. 

In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that the prospective purchaser is a group of affluent investors, though he did not disclose their identities. He stated that the deal would likely require approval from Chinese authorities, expressing optimism that Chinese President Xi Jinping would greenlight the transaction. Trump further noted that he expects to formally announce the buyer within the next two weeks.

Trump: “We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way.”

Bartiromo: “Who's the buyer?”

Trump: “I'll tell you in about two weeks.” pic.twitter.com/qxF3WMZ3Z8

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 29, 2025

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions over TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company, which has raised national security concerns in the U.S. due to fears of data privacy and potential influence by the Chinese government. 

The looming ban, set to take effect unless the app is sold to a U.S.-based entity, has prompted urgent efforts to resolve the issue. 

Trump’s comments suggest a potential resolution, with the involvement of wealthy investors signaling a high-stakes deal to keep TikTok operational in the American market. Further details about the buyer and the terms of the agreement are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

Record 72.2M Americans To Travel This Week

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers. 

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.” 

 Independence Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation 

🚘By Car: AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. This Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Last July 4th week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their car or running out of gas.  

Drivers are seeing some increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021. This year, the price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side. The Israel Iran conflict has driven up the price of oil in recent days but not dramatically. Escalation and duration of the conflict are two factors to watch. Weather is also a wild card. The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.   

For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3rd is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles. Some of the top destinations based on advanced bookings are also on AAA’s list of most popular places to visit over July 4th: Orlando, Denver, Boston, Oahu, and Seattle. Hertz says most drivers are looking to rent SUVs and midsize sedans.

📻According to Edison Research...

• AM/FM Radio Reach: According to the 2025 Infinite Dial study, 74% of Americans aged 18 and older who are drivers or passengers use AM/FM radio as an audio source in their primary vehicle, up from 70% in 2023 but below pre-pandemic levels of 81% in 2019-2020.
• Ad-Supported Audio in Cars: AM/FM radio commands nearly 90% of ad-supported audio listening in cars, a share that has remained consistent for years. This dominance persists across all age groups, though younger drivers (18-34) are more likely to also use digital sources like streaming or podcasts.
• Impact of Car Model Year: The share of AM/FM radio listening decreases with newer vehicles. For pre-2006 model year cars, radio accounts for 86% of in-car listening, but this drops to 69% for 2015-2018 models as newer infotainment systems (e.g., Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) offer more audio options. Despite this, radio remains the leading in-car audio source.
• Time Spent Listening: Americans spend about 73 minutes per day listening to audio in cars, with radio capturing two-thirds (67%) of total in-car audio time. For many, especially younger listeners (13-34), the car is the primary or exclusive place for radio listening, with 54% of radio listeners only tuning in while driving, rising to 62% among 13-34-year-olds.

MD Radio: Alternative WRNR To Make On-Air Return

After two years as an online-only station, the Annapolis-based adult alternative radio station WRNR is set to return to AM/FM broadcasting on July 4, 2025. 

Originally launched in 1998 by Steve Kingston, WRNR operated on 103.1 FM for 25 years until its sale in February 2023 to Peter and John Radio Fellowship for $1.54 million, which shifted the frequency to contemporary Christian programming as "Bright FM." 

Kingston’s Empire Broadcasting System retained the WRNR intellectual property, including its call letters and format, keeping the station alive online.

In 2024, Kingston’s Cortona Media acquired WYRE (810 AM) and FM translator W228ER (93.5 FM) in Annapolis, enabling WRNR’s return to terrestrial radio. 

The station will broadcast from WYRE’s studio at 25 Silopanna Road, leveraging a city-owned tower leased from Annapolis. The AM signal, at 250 watts, is a daytimer, signing off at sunset, but its location near the Chesapeake Bay extends its reach. The FM translator at 93.5 FM enhances coverage in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

WRNR will maintain its adult alternative format, targeting 25- to 54-year-old listeners with a mix of alternative rock, new music, and emerging artists, consistent with its 2023 programming. 

The station aims to remain community-focused, offering local news, disc jockeys, and programming tailored to Annapolis, as emphasized by Kingston and managing partner Kirk Litton. The return has generated excitement among local music fans.

Anchor Bret Baier And Trump's Relationship With Fox News

In a New Yorker Radio Hour interview with David Remnick, Fox News anchor Bret Baier described Donald Trump's relationship with Fox News as a "cat-and-mouse game." Baier highlighted the dynamic where Trump publicly criticizes the media, including Fox News, calling them "nasty" or "the enemy of the people," yet remains highly accessible to journalists, including Baier himself, who has Trump's personal number. Baier noted that despite Trump's vocal criticisms, he frequently engages with the same media outlets he denounces, suggesting a strategic interplay.

Trump's Love-Hate Relationship with Fox News: Baier described Trump's engagement with Fox News as a "cat-and-mouse game." Trump frequently criticizes the network, labeling it as part of the "enemy of the people" or calling out anchors like Baier as "nasty" when challenged, as seen in a 2023 interview over 2020 election claims. Yet, Trump remains highly accessible, providing Baier and others direct access, suggesting a strategic use of Fox's platform to reach its large conservative audience while maintaining a narrative of media distrust.

Internal Editorial Divide: Fox News hosts a spectrum of voices, from Baier's self-described "center-right" approach, which emphasizes factual reporting with limited spin, to more opinion-driven figures like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Mark Levin, who align closely with Trump's rhetoric. This divide reflects Fox's attempt to balance journalistic credibility with catering to its predominantly conservative viewers, who expect alignment with their political leanings.

Audience-Driven Content: Fox News operates in a competitive media environment where audience retention is critical. The network's coverage often reflects the preferences of its viewers, who lean heavily Republican and pro-Trump. This dynamic can constrain anchors like Baier, who aim for objectivity but must navigate a viewer base that often demands affirmation of conservative talking points, as seen in the backlash against Fox's early Arizona call for Biden in 2020.

Legal and Financial Pressures: Fox News has faced significant legal repercussions, notably a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 over false election fraud claims. This has heightened caution around amplifying unverified narratives, though the network continues to tread a fine line to maintain its audience's trust and avoid alienating its core demographic.

Influence and Power: Fox News remains a dominant force in conservative media, shaping political narratives and influencing Republican politics. Its role as a megaphone for Trump and other conservative figures underscores its power, but this also invites scrutiny over its responsibility to counter misinformation, as Baier acknowledged in his reflections on the network's coverage of election fraud claims.

CNN Pundit Refers to Justice Kagan As Political 'Hack'

During a weekend segment on CNN's Saturday Morning Table for Five, where Scott Jennings, a conservative commentator and Daily Mail columnist, reacted to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday, regarding nationwide injunctions related to President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. 

The Supreme Court’s decision, authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, limited the ability of federal district judges to issue nationwide injunctions that block executive policies across the entire country.

Specifically, the ruling addressed Trump’s executive order, signed on January 20, 2025, which seeks to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants or those on temporary visas. 

Justice Kagan

The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the executive order itself but focused on the procedural issue of nationwide injunctions. 

The 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, partially lifted injunctions issued by federal judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington, allowing Trump’s order to potentially take effect in 28 states that did not challenge it, starting 30 days after the ruling (July 27, 2025).

Liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented. Sotomayor, reading her dissent from the bench, called the ruling a “travesty for the rule of law” and argued it enables the executive branch to bypass constitutional constraints.

Jennings, known for his conservative perspective on CNN, used the segment to critique the use of nationwide injunctions and specifically called out Justice Elena Kagan for perceived inconsistency. He referenced a 2022 statement Kagan made at a Northwestern University law school discussion, where she reportedly said, “It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks.” 

🔥@ScottJenningsKY slams Kagan with her own words as she reverses course on nationwide injunctions:

"Kagan said that of course, when we had a Democrat president. Now, she voted against the decision."

“Just goes to show you that some of these folks really are HACKS." https://t.co/hjugXlojAr pic.twitter.com/dqlytMbdpN

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) June 28, 2025

Jennings argued that Kagan’s dissent in the 2025 ruling contradicts her earlier stance, suggesting hypocrisy since her 2022 comment was made under a Democratic administration (Biden’s). He stated, “Just goes to show you that some of these folks really are hacks,” implying that Kagan’s position shifted based on political alignment.

Jennings further celebrated the ruling as a “great day for Donald Trump,” noting that it clears the way for Trump to enact his agenda, including the birthright citizenship order, while also highlighting other achievements like stock market highs and diplomatic efforts.

Palm Beach Radio: Public Media Group To Acquire WFLM 104.7 FM

South Florida Public Media Group, which manages Miami’s NPR flagship WLRN, has agreed to purchase WFLM “The Flame” 104.7, a Palm Beach County FM station currently broadcasting hip hop and urban contemporary music.

The $6.45 million deal, announced June 6, 2025, awaits FCC approval. If approved, the station will transition to a noncommercial license, offering local news, investigative reporting, and NPR programming. 

"I'm very confident that we're going to make this deal work," Richard Rampell, the media group's chairman of the board, said. "This is going to happen. Palm Beach County is finally going to have a public radio station."

WFLM 104.7 FM (50 Kw)

The acquisition aims to fill the radio news gap in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, marking the area’s first high-signal NPR affiliate in over a decade. Previously, the county’s NPR affiliate, WXEL-FM 90.7, was sold in 2011 and rebranded as classical station WPBI, with WLRN’s NPR content later broadcast on the weaker 101.9 FM signal, limiting its reach.

Milwaukee Radio: DeDe Returns to Mornings On WJMR

"DeDe in the Morning," a popular syndicated radio show hosted by DeDe McGuire, is set to return to Saga Communications’ Adult R&B station "Jammin 98.3" (WJMR-FM) in Menomonee Falls/Milwaukee starting Monday, July 7, 2025.

The show, originating from K104 (KKDA-FM) in Dallas, first joined WJMR in July 2018 as its initial affiliate when it began syndication. 

It was replaced by Premiere Networks’ "Steve Harvey Morning Show" at the start of 2024 but is now making a comeback after 18 months. 

Known for its humor, engaging features like the Mad Minute Prank Call, and discussions on hot topics, relationships, and life, the show features DeDe alongside co-hosts Lady Jade and JJ Williamson. Program Director Don Black emphasized DeDe’s energy and connection with Milwaukee listeners, while McGuire expressed excitement about returning to the city’s airwaves.

VOA Rescinds Layoffs...For Now

Voice of America (VOA) after significant errors were identified in the documentation outlining the terms of the layoffs. These errors could have potentially undermined or significantly delayed President Trump’s broader efforts to overhaul and downsize the federally funded news organization.

The reversal was communicated through an email sent by VOA’s human resources office to its employees, the majority of whom—approximately 90 percent—are union-protected and based in Washington, D.C., according to the layoff plan submitted to Congress earlier this month. 

However, the email clarified that the affected reporters and support staff are not being reinstated to their roles. 

Instead, VOA’s parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), indicated that it is preparing to conduct another round of layoffs, referred to as a “reduction in force” (RIF), in the near future. 

Originally, hundreds of VOA journalists and support staff had been slated for termination effective September 1.Leading this aggressive restructuring effort is Kari Lake, a prominent Trump ally and senior adviser to the USAGM. In a separate email, Lake reaffirmed her commitment to drastically reducing the agency’s workforce, stating that her plan to cut VOA’s staff by 85 percent “remains unchanged.” 

The administration’s push to scale back VOA’s operations has sparked concerns about the future of the organization’s journalistic independence and its role as a global source of credible, publicly funded news.

Canadian Libs Cave To Trump, Drop Tech Tax

Canada rescinded its Digital Services Tax (DST) on Sunday, just before its first payments were due on Monday, to resume trade negotiations with the United States. The DST, introduced in 2020 and enacted in June 2024, imposed a 3% tax on revenues from digital services like online advertising, marketplaces, social media, and user data for companies with global revenues of €750 million or more and Canadian digital revenues exceeding CAD 20 million. 

The tax applied retroactively from 2022, targeting major U.S. tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, and Uber, with an estimated $2 billion USD due initially.

The decision followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on last week, to terminate all trade talks with Canada, calling the DST a “direct and blatant attack” on U.S. companies. Trump threatened new tariffs on Canadian goods within a week, citing economic leverage and also criticized Canada’s dairy tariffs, though he mischaracterized their impact, as most U.S. agricultural exports face no tariffs under the USMCA.

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who initially insisted on proceeding with the tax despite U.S. objections and G7 discussions on global tax regimes, announced the repeal to prioritize a “mutually beneficial” trade deal. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump agreed to resume talks, aiming for a new economic and security partnership by July 21, 2025, as set at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

Diddy Trial: Jury Deliberations Expected Monday

The Sean Combs trial is set to resume on June 30, 2025, in Manhattan federal court, marking the eighth week of proceedings. Here’s what we can expect:

Jury Deliberations to Begin: On June 30, the presiding judge, Arun Subramanian, is expected to issue final instructions to the jury, after which deliberations will commence. This follows the conclusion of closing arguments on June 27, 2025, and a charge conference on June 25, where jury instructions were finalized.
Focus of Deliberations: The jury, consisting of twelve members (eight men and four women), will deliberate on the charges against Sean Combs, which include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that the sexual encounters, referred to as "freak-offs," were consensual and part of a swinger’s lifestyle, not criminal acts. The prosecution, however, alleges Combs led a criminal enterprise that coerced women into sexual activities through violence, threats, and blackmail.

Key Evidence and Arguments: The jury will consider six weeks of testimony from 34 prosecution witnesses, including ex-girlfriends like Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and a woman referred to as "Jane," as well as former employees and law enforcement agents. Key evidence includes a 2016 hotel security video showing Combs assaulting Ventura, text messages, and videos of alleged "freak-offs." The defense rested after a brief 25-minute case, relying heavily on cross-examination to argue consent and challenge witness credibility, without calling Combs to testify.
Potential Outcomes: Deliberations could lead to a verdict on the charges, with possible outcomes ranging from acquittal to conviction. If convicted on all counts, Combs faces up to life in prison. The duration of deliberations is uncertain, but given the high-profile nature of the case and the volume of evidence, it could take days or longer.

The day will likely be pivotal, as the jury’s deliberations could determine Combs’ fate in this high-stakes case.

Brendan Carr Sees Busy Summer At FCC

At a press conference following the FCC’s June Open Meeting, Chair Brendan Carr announced an ambitious agenda for the summer, leveraging the agency’s restored quorum with the addition of Republican Commissioner Olivia Trusty.

“We’re set for a highly productive July and August with several initiatives ready to move forward,” Carr stated.

Carr, a Republican, outlined key priorities, including revisiting FCC ownership caps to support local broadcasters, addressing concerns about EchoStar’s spectrum use, and reviewing the Paramount Global-Skydance Media merger, though he provided no timeline for the latter. He also reaffirmed his stance that the FCC has authority to regulate news content on licensed broadcast stations but not on cable networks like Fox News or OAN.

Responding to speculation that the FCC might loosen ownership caps for most broadcasters while maintaining restrictions on network-owned stations like ABC, CBS, and NBC, Carr clarified, “We’re open-minded about the outcome. My focus is empowering local broadcasters to serve their communities, especially as trust in national networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC is at historic lows.” 

He emphasized that local broadcasters are a key priority, stating, “One of my guiding principles is ensuring they have the freedom to meet local needs.”

Carr further explained the FCC’s authority to regulate broadcast content, citing Congress’s distinction between broadcasters and cable networks. “Broadcasters use a valuable public resource—6 MHz of spectrum—which comes with a license and statutory benefits like retransmission consent,” he said. “This creates a unique regulatory framework, requiring broadcasters to meet public-interest obligations, unlike cable networks.”

Is CNN For Sale? Or Not?

Dylan Byers, a prominent media journalist and senior correspondent at Puck, has extensively covered the evolving media landscape, including the challenges faced by CNN under its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). His statement, "If WBD wanted to sell CNN, it would have already," reflects a critical perspective on the strategic decisions surrounding CNN's future, particularly in light of WBD's announced corporate split in June 2025. Below, I’ll provide context for Byers’ comment, analyze its implications, and expand on the dynamics at play, incorporating insights from his reporting and broader industry trends.

Byers’ remark suggests that WBD’s leadership, led by CEO David Zaslav, has not prioritized an immediate sale of CNN despite its struggles, such as historically low ratings and a declining cable news market. Instead, WBD’s decision to separate its businesses into two entities—Streaming & Studios (including Warner Bros., HBO, and Max) and Global Networks (including CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery)—indicates a strategic restructuring rather than an outright divestiture of CNN. This split, expected to be completed by mid-2026, positions CNN within a new debt-laden company under CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, signaling a focus on cost-cutting and operational efficiency rather than a quick sale.

Byers’ point implies that if selling CNN were a straightforward priority, WBD could have already found a buyer, given the network’s high-profile brand and historical significance. However, the lack of a sale suggests complexities—whether financial, strategic, or market-related—that have kept CNN within WBD’s portfolio for now.

David Zaslav

Why a Sale Hasn’t Happened:

Market Conditions: The media industry’s contraction, particularly in cable news, limits the pool of buyers willing to invest in a declining asset like CNN. Potential buyers, such as private equity firms or other media conglomerates, may see limited upside given CNN’s ratings and revenue challenges. Byers’ comment suggests that WBD would have found a buyer if the market were more favorable.

Strategic Value: Despite its struggles, CNN remains a globally recognized brand with 1.1 billion unique viewers across 200 countries and valuable digital assets like CNN.com. WBD may believe that restructuring CNN under Wiedenfels could unlock value through cost-cutting or repositioning before considering a sale.

Complex Ownership History: CNN has been “orphaned” by multiple corporate parents (Time Warner, AOL, AT&T) before WBD, each struggling to integrate or maximize its value. This history may make WBD cautious about selling hastily, especially after the 2022 merger’s failure to deliver promised synergies.

Regardless of what happens and when  Byers predicts a grim outlook for CNN, likening its potential fate to HLN, a former CNN sister network that ceased live programming in 2022. Significant layoffs, reduced budgets, and “persnickety indignities” (e.g., shoddier offices, fewer perks) are expected as Wiedenfels seeks to streamline operations.

CNN staff morale is reportedly “grim,” with employees fearing layoffs and salary cuts. High-profile anchors like Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper, who command eight-figure salaries, are particularly vulnerable as WBD seeks to align costs with ratings.

Tucker Carlson Claims Fox News Made Him Fat

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson recently claimed that his time at the network contributed to his weight gain. Speaking with ex-colleague Clayton Morris on his YouTube show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, on June 23, 2025, Carlson discussed the challenges of working at Fox News, a network both men have criticized for its coverage of U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran.

“I just got fat,” Carlson admitted. “It’s incredibly hard physically. It was the hardest job I ever had.”

 

Carlson, a former primetime ratings leader, was fired from Fox News in April 2023, around the time the network settled a $787 million defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems. The suit accused Fox of spreading false claims about Dominion’s voting equipment during the 2020 election. Text messages uncovered during the case revealed Carlson’s critical views of the network and President Trump, as well as racially charged comments. Despite this, the 56-year-old now claims to support Trump.

Carlson also alleged that senior Fox News figures offered to back him if he ran against Trump in 2024, an offer he declined. He claimed many at the pro-Trump network privately dislike the president but publicly support him. Until this conversation with Morris, Carlson had largely avoided discussing his departure from Fox News.

TNT Sports Will No Longer Produce NBA TV Programming

Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports will cease producing content for NBA TV, ending a 17-year partnership, as announced in an internal memo from Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser on June 27, 2025. 

Starting in early October, the NBA will take over programming and operations for NBA TV and NBA.com. 

The decision, which may lead to job cuts at TNT’s Midtown Techwood campus in Atlanta, follows failed negotiations to align on the value of TNT’s expertise and content quality. 

While TNT Sports will no longer produce NBA TV content, it retains licensing rights to create NBA content for TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights, and will continue airing live games internationally. 

The popular show “Inside the NBA,” featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, will still be produced in Atlanta. Starting in the 2025-2026 season, TNT’s NBA game package will shift to Amazon, NBCUniversal, and Disney’s ESPN and ABC.

Radio History: June 30

Santos Ortega

➦In 1899...Early radio actor Santos Ortega was born in New York City.   In the early 30’s he served as foil for Frank Crumit and Julia Sanderson, ‘The Singing Sweethearts of the Air,’ and starred in Bulldog Drummond (1942-43), The Adventures of Nero Wolfe (1943–1944) and The Adventures of Charlie Chan (1947-48).

Perhaps his most notable radio role was Commissioner Weston on The Shadow. Ortega was heard in the daytime radio serials Valiant Lady and Perry Mason, and lent his remarkable range of voice characterizations to other radio dramas such as Inner Sanctum, The Mysterious Traveler, Suspense, Casey Crime Photographer, The Eternal Light, The Columbia Workshop, The Big Story, You Are There, and X Minus One. For 20 years he played Grandpa on CBS-TV’s As the World Turns.

He died April 10 1976 at age 76.

➦In 1913...Harry Wismer born (Died – December 4, 1967). He was a sportscaster and the charter owner of the New York Titans franchise in the American Football League (AFL).

Wismer played college football at both the University of Florida and Michigan State College, his playing career ending at the latter school when he damaged a knee severely during a game against the University of Michigan. He then began broadcasting Michigan State sports on MSC's radio station WKAR. In 1934, he was hired as the public-address announcer for the Detroit Lions. The Lions were in their first season in Detroit and were owned by George A. "Dick" Richards, who also owned Detroit radio station WJR. Wismer soon began doing a ten-minute daily radio show covering the Lions in addition to his PA duties, while continuing as a student at Michigan State.

After the 1936 season, Wismer was encouraged by Richards to abandon his studies and come to work for WJR on a full-time basis as the station's sports director. Among Wismer's WJR duties was serving as play-by-play announcer for the station's Lions broadcasts. He stayed until 1941 when he was hired by the NBC Blue Network, the predecessor to ABC. During the 1940s Wismer was named Sportscaster of the Year three years running by Sporting News magazine.

Wismer achieved the height of his fame as the voice of the Washington Redskins. His first game for the Redskins was a most inauspicious one in December 1940, their 73–0 loss to the Chicago Bears' great "Monsters of the Midway" team in the 1940 championship game. At one point Wismer was a 25% owner of the club as well, with the majority of the stock being retained by founding owner George Preston Marshall. However, the relationship between the two had greatly degenerated by the mid-1950s over several issues, not the least of which was Marshall's steadfast refusal to sign any black players. The relationship dissolved in claims, counterclaims, and litigation, and Marshall then set out to destroy Wismer's future as a broadcaster, with some success. Wismer was also involved for a time in the broadcasting of Notre Dame football.

He died Dec 3 1967 of a cracked skull suffered in a drunken fall the day previous, at age 54.

➦In 1921…RCA, the Radio Corporation of America, was formed.  RCA was the dominant electronics and communications firm in the United States for over five decades. RCA was at the forefront of the mushrooming radio industry in the early 1920s, as a major manufacturer of radio receivers, and the exclusive manufacturer of the first superheterodyne models. RCA also created the first American radio network, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC).

The company was also a pioneer in the introduction and development of television, both black-and-white and especially, color. During this period, RCA was closely identified with the leadership of David Sarnoff. He was general manager at the company's founding, became president in 1930, and remained active, as chairman of the board, until the end of 1969.

By 1926 the market for commercial radio had expanded, and RCA purchased the WEAF and WCAP radio stations and networks from AT&T, merged them with its WJZ (the predecessor of WABC) New York to WRC (presently WTEM) Washington chain, and formed the National Broadcasting Company (NBC).  GE used RCA as its retail arm for radio sales from 1919, when GE began production, until 1930. Westinghouse also marketed home radios through RCA until 1930.

John Bardeen, William Shockley and Walter Brattain at Bell Labs, 1948

➦In 1948...Three Bell Telephone Laboratories scientists demonstrated their new invention to replace the vacuum tube — the transistor. John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain and William Shockley were awarded a Nobel Prize for their work.  The transistor is the key active component in practically all modern electronics. Many consider it to be one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century.