Headlines
Study: Radio’s Audience Is Twice as Large as Media Buyers Think
Despite being the leading mass reach medium in America, radio continues to face deep-seated misconceptions among advertisers and media planners. A new study is again showing just how far off the mark media planners still are when it comes to AM/FM.
FCC Moves to Accelerate Transition to NextGen TV
The Federal Communications Commission has issued a Public Notice that the agency hopes will accelerate the transition to NextGen TV, aka ATSC 3.0 and encourage more broadcasters to expand the reach of 3.0 broadcasts and services.
BIA
How Will the Local Advertising Market End This Year?
The local advertising market outlook for 2025 has been slightly revised by BIA. Earlier this year, BIA analysts projected total local media spending of $171 billion (excluding political) for 2025. The new projection of $168.2 billion reflects a 1.5% drop from the previous estimate.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Scripps Selling WFTX Fort Myers To Sun Broadcasting
The $40 million sale will put the Fox affiliate in the hands of a local owner.
Fox, CBS Mull TV Station Deals If FCC Allows It
As Nexstar and Tegna gobble up more stations, broadcasters don't want to sit on the sidelines. Will the FCC let the Big Four jump in?
Television
Midterm Political TV Ad Spend Up 22% To $10.8B
Strong political TV/streaming advertising will continue next year for the 2026 mid-term elections, rising to a projected new record total of $10.8 billion, according to AdImpact.
Radio
Salem’s David Santrella: We’ll Never Be A ‘Digital-First’ Company.
Salem Media Group is leaning heavily into digital transformation as it seeks to stabilize revenue and position itself for long-term growth. CEO David Santrella describes it as a company in transition that is “slaughtering old ideals.”
FCC
FCC 2025 Regulatory Fees Set – Dates and Payment Procedures to Follow
Last Friday, the FCC released its Order adopting the regulatory fees to be paid by broadcasters and other regulated entities at some point before the October 1 start of the federal government’s new fiscal year.
FCC Sets Comment Deadlines For EAS And DIRS Proceedings
The Federal Communications Commission has set the comment deadlines for its rulemakings looking at making updates to the Emergency Alert System and the Disaster Information Reporting System—both of which could have an impact on radio stations coast to coast.