Conservative Groups Petition FCC for Regulatory Relief
More than 20 conservative groups, led by Heritage Action for America, sent a letter Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr voicing their support for the agency’s efforts to modernize what they call outdated ownership regulations that they say negatively impact local TV and radio stations. The letter puts forth the argument that digital media is at an advantage over analogue media due to these regulations. “The FCC’s television and radio ownership rules date back to the
1940s, when broadcast dominated mass communications in the U.S. Since then, the media marketplace has changed drastically – from widespread deployment of cable and satellite television networks to the rise of social media, podcasts, and streaming. Local broadcasters compete directly with Big Tech, streaming services, and social media platforms in the marketplace of consumer content. Yet, unlike their competitors such as YouTube and Facebook, broadcasters are limited by the ownership rules in how many households and consumers they can reach. This is an inherent disadvantage.” The letter adds, “By eliminating the national television cap, local TV duopoly restrictions, and local radio ownership caps, broadcasters can better achieve the scale and efficiencies necessary to compete – and to attract vital investment – in a fragmented and rapidly evolving information market.” See the complete letter here as posted by NAB.
floated debilitating rate regulation schemes that target national network broadcasters for their newsrooms’ editorial decisions, harassed private companies for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and threatened tech companies that respond to consumer demands for content moderation and fact-checking. Separately, they have attempted to shutter Voice of America and sought retribution against lawful residents that protest Administration policies.” She cited two occasions where presidents – FDR in 1939, and John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s – asked their FCC Chairs to shut down media outlets critical of their policies and those FCC Chairmen boldly refused. 
distributed over 30 podcasts with Bloomberg Media that offer critical news alongside compelling storytelling across the world of business and finance. We are thrilled to continue our partnership to develop, distribute and monetize this impressive lineup and grow our audience worldwide. With an impressive lineup of upcoming shows in the pipeline, our renewed partnership will continue to leverage iHeart’s massive audience reach to expand upon Bloomberg’s community of listeners and provide them with engaging content across the current economic landscape.”
suitable for all formats. All are hosted by WMAL-FM, Washington, DC morning personality Larry O’Connor. Fisher House says, “The inspiring and patriotic radio show features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War, and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, the injuries and illnesses they endured, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries.” For more information on this radio special, contact Larry O’Connor at: 562-665-9537 or 
2022. Prior to joining WGFX-FM, Anderson was a sports anchor, reporter, and digital contributor at WKRN-TV, Nashville. While this sounds like a budget move on the station’s part, Anderson didn’t mention the reason she’s out in her X post: “First and foremost, thank you so much to our loyal listeners, you made my time in radio here so amazing. You all are so passionate about your teams here in Middle Tennessee and I love that. I’m gearing up for the next chapter of my book to write itself. All I’ve ever known is to keep navigating it to the best of my ability.”
earned a Peter Lisagor Award for their 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. Williams also accepted the William Booth Award from The Salvation Army at their annual Chicago Civic Luncheon held May 8 at Navy Pier. The William Booth Award is one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army and honors people who show strong character and commitment to their community. Williams hosts a radiothon on WGN Radio every December for the organization. In addition to his on-air work, Williams also hosts “The Mincing Rascals” award-winning podcast featuring a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories released every Wednesday.
original interviews, including 28 with individuals who have had near-death experiences (NDEs). He says, “This series weaves together stories of survival, grief, revelation, and spiritual awakening. It brings together voices rarely heard in one place: grief counselors, psychologists, metaphysical teachers, mediums, and survivors of clinical death – all sharing their deeply human experiences and insights.” He adds, “This series was created for people in mourning and for those who are curious about life beyond this world. The program is not driven by ideology or dogma. It’s about opening a door and letting others walk through it in their own way. I truly hope this presentation can bring people some measure of peace.” 
LLC, owner of news/talk KIVA, Albuquerque and hosts the afternoon drive “Rock of Talk” show. The seat is currently held by Democrat Gabe Vasquez. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Aragon ran for congress in the state’s 1st Congressional District in 2021 and previously ran for mayor of Albuquerque. He tells the paper, “I can win this race… We need more privatization of education. I think the approach that’s being taken at the national level is important. We don’t want to do without the money, but we definitely want to do without the bureaucracy.” 
radio.” Nielsen says delineating between total listening (or viewing) and the ad supported universe is vital in today’s burgeoning media landscape where consumer choice grows by the day and marketers are looking at every available opportunity to cut through. In the first quarter of 2025, ad supported audio represented 64% of total listening. This is similar to TV, where 72% of total viewing was spent on ad supported platforms, in Q1 according to Nielsen’s recently launched Ad Supported Gauge report. Looking at ad-supported audio, consumers spent 66% of their daily listening time with radio, 19% with podcasts, 12% with streaming audio services and 3% with satellite radio. Radio accounts for anywhere from 47% of daily ad supported audio time among people 18-34 to 73% among 35+. Meanwhile, podcasts are the inverse, representing 15% of daily audio time for people 35 and older compared with 32% among those 18-34. 
same period in 2024. The company reports that net broadcast revenue was $39.8 million, down 13.6% from Q1 in 2024, and digital media revenue also fell to $10.2 million, a decline of about 4.5%. Salem’s net loss for the quarter was $7.1 million compared to the net loss of $5.1 million it reported in Q1 of 2024.
current events.” Roeper says, “I’m thrilled to be joining my friend Bob Sirott every week so we can exchange views about whatever Chicagoans are talking about, whether it’s the new pope, the prospects for his Cubs and my White Sox, to what’s happening with pop culture or news. Bob was instrumental in launching my TV career back in the day, and I look forward to this new collaboration.” Roeper and Sirott last collaborated on air when Sirott co-anchored “Fox Thing in the Morning” on Fox32 in the 1990s. Roeper won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy for commentary and the duo teamed up for a second Emmy on a half-hour special that aired in 1998.
great results for the country and doing so in an efficient manner. That starts with being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. From day one, we have been combing through every FCC contract to eliminate redundancies and wasteful spending. No stone is being left unturned. To date, we have reduced more than $567 million in authorized contract spending, including by ending bloated or unnecessary IT contracts. This is an important step towards ensuring long-term efficiency and maintaining our focus on the FCC’s core responsibilities.”
Fame. Root tells TALKERS that he was a friend of Pete Rose. They both lived in Las Vegas, Rose was a guest on Root’s radio show and that led to Root and Rose starring in a national TV commercial together and becoming fast friends. Root wrote a column in 2020 imploring the president to pardon Rose, but it was this February when Root felt compelled to text the president. Root says that within 15 minutes of his sending that text the president announced he would pardon Rose. Root adds, “This all started with an interview on my radio show. I’m sure Pete is looking down from heaven with a big smile. His final dream was to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s about to come true. All because of a Vegas friendship late in Pete’s life with a guy who just happened to know the President of the United States! Thank you, President Trump.”
Right now, dozens of well-suited, over-priced, unpleasant lawyers are fighting in Hollywood over the title credit their client should receive on a movie, TV show, or book cover. Placement within the credit roll at the end of a show is a battleground of egos and legalities. Part of the process of securing proper credit is governed by multiple union rules negotiated by multiple unions and corporate dictates of corporate masters. (You don’t get to be CEO of Paramount by being a nice guy.)
expectations: core radio advertising finished at -12.4% excluding digital, and Cable TV advertising was -6.3%. Our cable TV ratings stabilized significantly in the first quarter of 2025 and are performing in line with our 2025 budget. Second quarter core radio advertising pacings have weakened over the past several weeks and are now -8.7%. Our first quarter 2025 digital revenues were down 16.1% driven by expected weakness in streaming and podcasting revenues. Based on our year-to-date performance, we reaffirm our full year guidance of $75 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Our cumulative debt repurchases so far in 2025 are $88.6 million at an average price of 53.9%, resulting in reduced gross debt of $495.9 million, and we currently have approximately $79.8 million of cash on hand. In a challenging marketplace, our focus remains on controlling costs, managing leverage and retaining a strong liquidity position.”
and Fayetteville. Dunn says, “After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire and begin the next chapter of my life. Beasley Media Group has been more than just a workplace – it’s been my extended family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent over 30 years doing what I love, with people I deeply respect and admire. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with late company founder George Beasley, Caroline, Brian and Bruce over the years.” CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Kent’s contributions to Beasley Media Group – and to the radio industry at large – have been nothing short of exceptional. His strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and passion for radio have guided teams and inspired generations of broadcasters. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
The book includes access to the Get Clear Career Assessment — a tool to help teens discover their top talents, passions and mission. Coleman says, “Every student has incredible potential, but they often don’t know where to start. This book is about helping them discover their unique strengths and passions — so they can step forward with a clear vision and the confidence to pursue the work they’re meant to do.” Coleman is a three-time bestselling author and a co-host of “The Ramsey Show.” He also hosts “Front Row Seat,” part of The Ramsey Network, that debuted in January and has accrued more than 50 million views. The show “dives deep into the untold truths behind success through unfiltered conversations with top achievers.”