Commissioner Gomez Criticizes FCC’s News Distortion Policy
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez releases a critique of what she is calling the Commission’s “improper use of the News Distortion policy.” She says, “The FCC does not have the authority, the ability, or the constitutional right to go after broadcasters for their news content. The Communications Act forbids the Commission from censoring broadcasters, and the First
Amendment protects journalistic choices from government intimidation. Nevertheless, this FCC has deployed a vague and ineffective News Distortion policy as a weapon to stretch its licensing authority and pressure newsrooms. The First Amendment is a pillar of our democracy. As federal regulators, we must respect the rule of law, uphold the Constitution, and ensure that a free press is never subjected to regulatory interference by the FCC.” The FCC’s News Distortion Policy was created in 1949 and has been criticized from time to time over the years. It has rarely been invoked until now. A Petition for Special Relief before the FCC signed by 11 people, including former FCC Chairman Thomas E. Wheeler, asks that the Commission repeal the news distortion policy. They cite case law, saying, “In Moody v. NetChoice, LLC, the Supreme Court, applying the First Amendment, reaffirmed that the government has no role in ‘un-biasing’ the media. In direct contradiction to that decision, the news distortion policy seeks to mold the speech of private broadcasters to the FCC’s own view of what is correct, complete, and accurate news. The First Amendment forbids the government from embarking on such a project.”
One of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.
Townsquare’s total Digital net revenue increased +2.1% year-over-year, representing 55% of the Company’s total net revenue, and Digital Segment Profit increased +3.6% year-over-year, operating at a 26% profit margin, and representing 55% of our total Segment Profit. In particular, I’d like to highlight the strong performance of our Direct Digital Advertising revenue streams 
(including the direct sales of our owned and operated digital properties and our programmatic offering), which increased +7% year-over-year in the third quarter, partially offsetting the significant short-term headwinds we are currently facing due to the deterioration in online audience trends; and the strong profit performance of Townsquare Interactive, which delivered Segment Profit growth of +21% year-over-year in the third quarter (+$1.1 million) and +19% year-over-year in the September year-to-date period (+$3.0 million). Despite numerous headwinds that we have encountered, we are proud that the execution of our Digital First Local Media strategy has allowed us to deliver excellent results for our clients, while also producing strong cash flow from operations due to the thoughtful and deliberate management of our expense base.”
the Infinity Networks team. Her exceptional reputation for delivering revenue growth, strategic vision, and innovative approach to developing new revenue paths makes her an invaluable addition as we scale Infinity’s sales strategy.” Condo-Bucknell says, “I am truly honored. This is a fantastic next step, doing what I love, centered on driving revenue with an exceptional team. Infinity Networks is making great strides as a network leader, and I look forward to making a significant impact. Driving revenue requires strategic plans with depth-based concepts, stellar industry relationships, fresh ideas, and new revenue paths, all of which Infinity is 100% focused on. We will leverage strategic audio partnerships, cross-generational audience engagement, and unwavering commitment to client service, driving impactful results.”
operated by CBS Broadcasting Inc., a subsidiary of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “This is a major step forward for Infinity Networks and for our partners across the industry. By bringing together a respected brand like CBS News Radio under the Infinity Networks umbrella, we’re creating a scalable platform that enhances the reach and impact of great local and national content for our advertising partners. This expansion underscores our commitment to helping broadcasters grow audiences, strengthen advertiser relationships and deliver exceptional listening experiences everywhere.”
comments, “It has been such a privilege to be part of the NewsTalkSTL team from the outset. I am thrilled to be joining ‘The Mike Ferguson in the Morning Show’ as co-host. I can’t wait to be part of the conversation with 
Mike and our NewsTalkSTL listeners every weekday morning.” Ferguson adds, “Susie is the perfect addition to the show. We’re fortunate to be able to add someone who does such great work in the conservative movement through RedState and knows our community here in St. Louis. Our audience knows Susie, likes her, and respects her. We’re going to miss Gabe, but we’re excited about what Susie brings to the show.” NewsTalk STL is head on three signals in the region: KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine, Missouri.
“Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors. 
Every talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.
LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”
CNN, FOX News Media, NBC News, and Newsmax are declining to sign the agreement. A joint statement from ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FOX News Media, and NBC News says, “Today, we join virtually every other news organization in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues. The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections. We will continue to cover the U.S. military as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press.” Newsmax adds, “We are working in conjunction with other media outlets to resolve the situation. We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon will review the matter further.”
it appears that allowing the former programmer to resign, firing half the news department, and pulling back on advertising and marketing didn’t work the ratings magic they originally had hoped for. In my opinion, KFI has seemed rudderless since Robin Bertolucci left the programming spot last November. The current programmer Brian Long, meanwhile, is also in charge of KLAC (570 AM) and KEIB (1150 AM), but with no time, a limited budget, and a decimated news department, the result is what it is. I don’t blame him at all. For his part, O’Kelly is keeping it positive, posting on Facebook, ‘All jobs end. It is not our lives or our health. Perspective is paramount. There is nothing to be sad about here. I’m genuinely excited for the future.’” Kelly is ranked #83 in the TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred. 
David Kleppinger says the school received a lot of public comments expressing concern about the loss of the station. As reported by Penn State, the new proposed transition includes commitments for WHYY to operate WPSU for at least three years after the transfer and to offer existing WPSU employees the opportunity to apply for comparable positions. Penn State also plans to transfer endowments and gifts designated for WPSU to WHYY. The story says, “Penn State will not be required to provide additional subsidy funds as previously negotiated. Rather, WHYY will first secure at least $8.36 million in outside financing. WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo said that effort is already well underway and that PSU alumni are making contributions.”
October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.” 
of NBC and Hubbard Radio president and general manager Joel Oxley. The Media Mixer series is designed to “celebrate the camaraderie of the broadcasting community and bring to light the charitable mission of the BFOA to provide a lifeline to colleagues in acute need from illness or disaster.” BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “We thank the NAB for providing this impressive event space at their headquarters, and we’re grateful to Curtis, Kelly, and Joel for their support in making this event a success for all attendees. Our Media Mixers bring together junior and senior level broadcast professionals and on-air celebrities, while raising the profile of our mission to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid.” 
market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “We are proud to launch UPSTATE RED and bring a new conservative voice to the Upstate region. ‘UPSTATE RED’ will be a premier destination for principled conversation, insightful news, and engaging talk with some of the biggest names in national talk radio, providing the most important news and information to the Upstate.” The programming lineup includes Premiere Networks’ Glenn Beck, Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Sean Hannity, and Jesse Kelly, as well as Michael DelGiorno in mornings, Westwood One’s Rich Valdes in late nights and FOX News Radio’s Will Cain.
As a media consultant, my team has had the privilege of being engaged extensively by members of the C-Suite. Becoming a member of the C-Suite is a common goal. To get into any group, acceptance often depends on acting and appearing like established members. Here are some of the actions observed of business masters whom we consulted:
licensed to Walton, New York – previously aired a country format and a news/talk format, respectively. Bold Gold Media Group president Vince Benedetto says, “We have a deep love and connection to the Catskill Mountains and Delaware County, and we are very much looking forward to bringing our programming to the wonderful community of Walton. For a long time, we have had the privilege serving the neighboring town of Hancock, and very much look forward to extending our local programming to include even more of the residents of Delaware County.”
Markets broadcast operations. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “Linnae is a proven builder of teams and revenue streams. For nearly three decades she has delivered results across every part of Salem’s business, and she has the rare ability to connect vision with execution. As we move into a ‘One World’ selling environment, Linnae is exactly the leader we need to unlock new opportunities across all of our platforms and deepen our service to advertisers. Her leadership will be central to accelerating Salem’s growth.” Also, Jamie Cohen is promoted to chief digital officer, a newly created role designed to unify and oversee all digital operations across Salem Media. Cohen was most recently SVP of broadcast digital. Santrella says, “Jamie has been one of the key architects of Salem’s digital transformation. In just seven years, he took a $6 million business and scaled it to over $40 million—proof of both his vision and his execution. This new role gives him the mandate to break down silos and unify all of Salem’s digital assets under one strategy. With Jamie at the helm, Salem is positioned not just to compete in the digital marketplace, but to lead as a fully integrated media company.”
influencers while enhancing Audacy’s cross-platform marketing capabilities.” Audacy says MOGL’s AI-powered matching system allows brands to quickly connect with athletes whose profiles align with campaign goals. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Sports is where Audacy wins and sports media is evolving beyond traditional boundaries. This partnership with MOGL is a testament to our commitment to innovation, providing a powerful content-driven approach that benefits athletes, schools, and our advertising partners. Together, we’ll empower our clients to deliver authentic, high-impact campaigns that resonate with today’s fans and drive measurable brand outcomes.”
complexities of divorce – helping people navigate every stage of the process faster, more affordably, and with far less conflict. Hello Divorce says its service “goes far beyond digitizing forms and redesigns the entire divorce experience with proprietary technology and AI to eliminate costly errors, reduce delays, and remove the bottlenecks that wreak havoc on divorce timelines.” iHeartMedia president of corporate development and ventures Joe Robinson says, “Hello Divorce offers a powerful solution for one of life’s most challenging transitions. This partnership gives them a unique opportunity to connect with people nationwide through our platforms, delivering resources and guidance that can truly make a difference.”
that listening has grown across all demographics and time periods versus the Fall 2024 Nationwide report. Some key takeaways are: 1) Among persons 25-54, total U.S. AM/FM radio AQH has grown +6%, powered by a +19% increase in the Portable People Meter markets; 2) Weekends and nights have the greatest growth compared to Fall 2024; 3) Versus Fall 2024, Spring 2025 total U.S. audience growth is greater among men versus women and has increased in older demographics; and 4) Total U.S. Spring 2025 audience growth is up significantly among college graduates and upscale $75K+ income Americans. The blog post notes that the PPM audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization, which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior. Nielsen found 23% of PPM listening occasions were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen began crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater.