Headlines
FCC to Lift Freeze on Applications for New LPTV, TV Translator Stations
The move is part of a phased process running into 2026 that will also lift the current freeze on major changes for Class A television, low power television and TV translator stations and permits
OpenAI, Google & Anthropic All Just Quietly Backtracked User Privacy Settings: Is Your Company’s Data Now Exposed?
OpenAI, Google and Anthropic all reversed user privacy protections in August, exposing media companies using free AI tools to data surveillance, law enforcement reporting and permanent training data retention unless users actively opt out.
BIA
Indiana Media Habits Show Rising Consumption Even As Ad Dollars Show Digital Shift.
Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America,” and the just-released forecast for ad spending in the state reflects an intersection of another kind. BIA Advisory Services says digital media ad spending will surpass traditional media spending in 2025.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Station Sales Week Of 9/5
Ahead of its sign-on, Smile FM sells the CP of 98.9 WWRW Big Rapids Township MI to Jeffrey Scarpelli’s Mentor Partners in exchange for 99.1 W256CC Big Rapids and $108,642.
Connoisseur Completes Acquisition of Alpha Media
Connoisseur Media has completed its acquisition of Alpha Media.
Television
Fox News Thrives Since Settlement, But 2020 Election Coverage Fight Continues
Between the staggering payment to bypass a defamation trial and revelations about the lengths to which Fox went to avoid telling its audience what it didn’t want to hear about Donald Trump’s defeat, many wondered if its actions in November 2020 would damage Fox News or compel it to change directions. Not so much, it turns out.
Radio
More News, Less Hits: News/Talk, Top 40 Station Counts Trending In Opposite Directions.
Two formats that have shaped the past 70 years of radio history, news/talk and top 40, are moving in different directions when it comes to total stations, based on Inside Radio/PrecisionTrak’s format counts for August.
Media
NAB Show New York Spotlights AI, Live Sports, Creator Economy
The National Association of Broadcasters has unveiled details for the 2025 NAB Show New York, set for Oct. 22-23 at the Javits Center. The event, recognized as the East Coast’s premier media and entertainment gathering, will bring together professionals from radio, broadcasting, sports, live events, advertising, marketing, film and television.
Verticals
How Back To School Is Becoming A Holiday For Gen Z, Gen Alpha
With Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s growing influence over family purchases, and social media turning everyday products into status symbols (hi, Labubu!), back to school is now as much about self-expression as it is about school supplies.