Headlines
Local TV faces growing audience challenge as news habits move digital
A three-year Medill Local News Initiative study of Chicago-area news consumers found declining use of local television and radio, increased reliance on smartphones and widespread skepticism about the use of artificial intelligence in news production.
Local TV Inherited Its Audience. Now It Has To Build One
Reaching the next generation of viewers will require different decisions about who gets hired, developed and promoted at local stations.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: K-Love Doubles Up In Toledo
Religious broadcaster K-Love is adding a second FM in the Toledo, OH market. Also this week, Connoisseur Media spins-off several Minnesota stations. And 3 Towers Broadcasting buys an Indiana AM
Television
Analyst: Paramount Plus WBD Equals ‘A More Formidable Competitor’
Now that Paramount has settled its antitrust concerns with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state AGs who joined him, the company led by David Ellison is ever-closer to completing its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Only 10% of Young Adults Watched Local TV News Last Week
A new survey from FutureOfTV.Live finds a sharp generational divide in local TV news viewing, with just 10% of adults ages 18-24 saying they watched local TV news during the previous week compared with 64% of adults 65 and older.
Radio
Radio Reclaims Political Ad Share As October Buying Approaches
Radio is heading into the biggest political ad weeks of the year with momentum. Kinetiq Political Insights says radio has already booked $73.5 million, nearly double its 2024 pace, while
Mobile Overtakes Radio As Primary In-Car Device For 13-34 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows
Edison Research data shows mobile devices have overtaken AM/FM Radio among 13-34-year-olds listening to audio in vehicles.
FCC
Deadline Day: FCC Fiscal Year Fees Due By Midnight
FCC regulatory fees for broadcasters are due today, capping a fee increase that ends two years of relief for AM and FM stations. 11:59p ET must receive payments through the Commission’s CORES system.
Verticals
Kevin Kiley campaign demands TV station remove political ad
The ad spot, produced by a pro-science political action committee, claims President Trump has endorsed Kevin Kiley, who is running to keep his Congressional seat.