Report: FCC Scrutiny of KCBS Forced Changes in News Coverage
A report in the Los Angeles Times details KCBS-AM, San Francisco’s brush with the FCC in the aftermath of its reporting the movements of ICE agents in the Bay Area. The LA Times’ Byron Tau writes, “KCBS radio reported on immigration agents in unmarked vehicles, drawing conservative backlash and a federal investigation from FCC Chairman Brendan
Carr. Facing regulatory scrutiny, the San Francisco Bay Area station demoted well-regarded journalists and sharply curtailed its political coverage for months. As pressure has eased, KCBS has gradually resumed more ambitious reporting, reflecting tensions between regulatory oversight and editorial independence.” Carr accused the station of failing to operate in the public interest and threatened an investigation. This was enough for Audacy management to back off its reporting. Tau writes, “KCBS demoted a well-liked anchor and dialed back on political programming, people said. For months, reporters were dissuaded from pursuing political or controversial topics and instead encouraged to focus on human interest stories, according to the current and former staffers.” The piece notes that anchor Bret Burkhart, the one to first present the ICE actions on the radio, was demoted. He eventually left the station for another position. See the Los Angeles Times story here.
Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2031. The company reports that it “received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by its exchange agent, representing approximately $476.02 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 97.580% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding.” This move allows Urban One to kick the can down the road another three years in exchange for paying debt holders a higher rate of return.
transitioned by Audacy and Cumulus Media from Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports at the end of December. That move was announced in October with the companies saying that beginning December 29, Westwood One will assume programming and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming and Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs. Gelb says, “It’s sad to see CBS Sports Radio/Infinity Sports Network closing its doors as we once knew it, but grateful for the memories and excited to see what the next chapter in my sports talk journey brings.”
station featured a strong anti-communist tone. Station general manager Mike Sena says the reason for the change is financial. “Like our beautiful city, Radio Mambí, its audience and the media industry are evolving rapidly, which presents financial challenges for many in the market.” The station is continuing to broadcast, airing archived programming, music, and Spanish-language broadcasts of the NBA’s Miami Heat and MLB’s Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald says staffers that have lost their jobs include Jorge Luis Sánchez Grass, José Luis Nápoles, José Carlucho, Lilliet Rodríguez and Lucy Pereda. 
Annual Digital Sales Mentorship Program. Candidates now have until December 29 to apply. MIW says, “This year-long program is a career-accelerating opportunity designed to strengthen the next generation of women leaders in digital radio sales. One outstanding female seller or manager will be selected to receive personalized, hands-on mentorship from a top industry expert; an opportunity that can reshape a career trajectory.” 
than just retail businesses. From brands to home services to manufacturers — if your customers are shopping online, you’ll be able to find them, right at the point of purchase; 2) Move the dollars that matter. Learn why successful advertisers are shifting traditional TV budgets to Amazon DSP to reach ready-to-buy audiences more efficiently; and 3) Prove performance with clarity. See real results from local case studies that connect campaign exposure to leads, site visits, and sales. 
drive. The station says Weber will remain a contributor to WISN programming and station initiatives. Weber says, “It has been an incredible honor to wake up Wisconsin for the past 35 years, and I’m grateful to every listener who has made this show part of their morning routine. I’m not retiring – just shifting formats – and I’m excited to continue the conversation in a new twice-weekly podcast.” WISN program director Jerry Bott comments, “Jay Weber has been one of the best talk show hosts in America for a long time. He’s built a bond of trust and credibility with his listeners, and after 35 years on the daily morning clock, transitioning to a twice-weekly podcast is much-deserved while still delivering for his loyal listeners. We fully support Jay with his decision and are proud to help him continue his legacy on the iHeart podcast platform.”
“Glenn’s combination of experience, authenticity and professionalism will immediately strengthen our afternoon reporting and bring a recognizable, trusted voice to our evening anchoring. We’re excited to welcome Glenn and see the impact he will have on our newsroom and the Chicago audience.” Marshall says, “Chicago made me. I listened to WBBM Newsradio as a kid and dreamed of one day being part of the voices that inform this city. Now I get to continue telling the stories that matter to the neighborhoods I know and love. I am proud to join the team and shine a light on the issues and victories that shape our communities every day. Thanks to Craig Schwalb, Kevin Cassidy and everyone at Audacy for this opportunity.”
Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and “Up First,” from NPR. Representing a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews, they were drawn from a shortlist of 25 programs the Globes had previously deemed eligible. The nominations avoided politics or controversy by passing on popular podcasts from the shortlist, such as conservative-leaning programs ‘The Megyn Kelly Show,’ ‘The Tucker Carlson Show,’ ‘The Ben Shapiro Show,’ Candace Owen’s ‘Candace’ and, most notably, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ which topped Spotify, Apple and YouTube’s list of weekly podcast charts this year. The left-leaning ‘Pod Save America’ also was snubbed, as were popular true crime podcasts like ‘Morbid’ and ‘Rotten Mango.’” Kennedy notes in his report that Ben Shapiro lobbied hard for his show. “Shapiro had launched an all-out Golden Globes publicity campaign for his decade-old podcast, on which he’s spoken with the likes of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the past year. In addition to making the rounds with industry publications, Shapiro also secured massive billboard space in New York City’s Times Square.” 
and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. Fisher House says, “This informational talk show will leave listeners feeling inspired during the entire Holiday Week, sharing stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. Your audience will hear stories of heroic service members injured in combat or during training exercises as well as veterans who need long-term medical care over the course of their lives. Whether it’s a complicated birth of a child or a devastating head injury from a motorcycle accident, Fisher House is there for the spouses, parents, and children of America’s service members every step of the way. For more information on this radio special, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or 
News people I coach reckon that my epitaph will read: “Consequence, not Process.”
Carolina – southwest of the city of Charlotte. The company says the move will bring “Charlotte’s premier source for news, conversation, and community connection to a powerful 100,000-watt signal.” The company is moving WLNK to the 100.9 and 93.3 frequencies. Charlotte VP and market manager Marsha Landess adds, “We are thrilled to elevate WBT to the FM dial, ensuring that even more listeners can connect with the voices they trust every day. These moves further strengthen our position in the market and reinforce our commitment to serving Charlotte with the best local programming, news, and entertainment.”
Andy Economos, the founder of Radio Computing Systems (RCS), was a leader in bringing digital tech into the radio industry. In 1980, he was leaving his position as head of technology for NBC Inc. to start his own company. I was EVP of the NBC FM stations. Andy and I were walking to lunch, crossing Sixth Avenue at 49th street and he asked me, “Is there any software your radio stations could use?”
New York. Bold Gold says WDLA-AM will “broadcast Catskills News Talk, the Voice of Sullivan and the Catskills, a news and talk format featuring ‘Ciliberto & Friends’ with radio legend Paul Ciliberto.” Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari states, “There is something truly special about turning the lights back on for a local radio station. We are beyond excited to bring local radio back to life for the people of Walton and Delaware County; to once again give this community a local voice, a source of connection, and radio stations they can call their own.” 
standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”
co-host of “The Bottom Line,” beginning Monday (12/8). Brenberg will continue his role with the network co-hosting “The Big Money Show” alongside McDowell, Jackie DeAngelis and Taylor Riggs. Brenberg says, “It’s been great to work with Dagen on ‘The Big Money Show’ and I am excited to join her on ‘The Bottom Line’ where we can continue our conversations surrounding the biggest market movers and business drivers that are impacting Main Street, Wall Street, and everyday Americans.”
Christmas Kids,” a Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. Clark Howard says, “I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark’s Christmas Kids. I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.”
publication RockTownNow.com. Saga COO Wayne Leland states, “Tom understands what makes local media matter. His role at Harrisonburg Media Group positions us to grow our brands and expand the value we deliver to our listeners, readers, and advertisers. We’re excited to have him leading the team.” Nankival comments, “I am thrilled to rejoin Saga as VP and general manager of the Harrisonburg Media Group, which is a shining star in our company. My job is to keep it performing at a high level and serving the Shen Valley community with unwavering commitment and dedication.”
My introduction to Rush Limbaugh begins in the fall of 1992. I began listening to Rush’s radio show after seeing him campaigning on stage with George H.W. Bush during the 1992 fall presidential election. Bill Clinton would win the election and so would begin the greatest, media political rivalry ever between Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton. Rush’s middle America authentic voice was cutting through the mainstream media noise of the day from a generationally unique perspective. He was the perfect counterculture combatant to Bill Clinton’s political philosophy. Being a baby boomer myself and two years younger than Rush, I was immediately hooked on the EIB radio network!
MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”
FM translators W239CY, Patchogue at 95.9 and W296EK, Brentwood at 107.1 for $500,000 from Cantico Nuevo Ministry. The addition of the three signals will improve news/talk WABC’s coverage in Suffolk County. Red Apple Media will assume operation of the signals under a Local Marketing Agreement. 
purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash and the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030. As of 5:00 pm ET yesterday (12/1), Urban One received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., representing approximately $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 92.2% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding. 
Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” 
Kraeutler – wife of program founder and host Tom Kraeutler. Tom Kraeutler passed away on February 2 of this year, but the show continued with longtime co-host Leslie Segrete hosting the program. The show was produced by Money Pit Media and Squeaky Door Productions. Sue Kraeutler says, “I want to thank our loyal affiliates and sponsors for believing in us going back to when we first started some 25 years ago. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time that we closed the Squeaky Door.” “The Money Pit Radio Show” aired on hundreds of radio stations across the U.S.
By now, a music station in your market – hopefully in your cluster – is all-Christmas-music-all-the-time, a great perennial franchise.
come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made 
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
January 1. Co-president of the Urban One Audio Division Eddie Harrell says, “For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster. His commitment to excellence, his instinct 
for developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division.” Willner began his career with Urban One and transitioned to account executive before rising to national sales manager, general sales manager and ultimately, director of sales. Harrell adds, “Dave has had the benefit of learning the business under Howard’s guidance for many years, and he embodies the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next chapter. I’m confident he will build on Howard’s strong foundation and continue to advance the success of the Baltimore market.” The company says Mazer will work closely with Willner through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.