Radio & Television Business Report

Stephen A. Smith has redefined what it means to build a modern media brand. His rise wasn’t by chance — it’s the result of a barrier-breaking approach that reshaped how audiences connect with content and how companies deliver it. Forecast 2026 attendees will be able to sit in on an exclusive conversation with Smith. 

The largest Hispanic-owned media company serving Spanish-speaking consumers across the U.S. has completed the sale of its three television stations in Puerto Rico, earning $5.7 million of immediately available funds. Word of the deal's closing came concurrent with the release by SBS of its Q2 results.

A potential loss of access to all FOX-branded cable television channels and FOX Television Stations properties for those who subscribe to YouTube TV has been prevented — officially.

With CBS preparing for the May 2026 end of The Late Show and host Stephen Colbert's final program, a FOX O&O that found itself at the center of a license renewal battle with Preston Padden believes it has its own solution to a forthcoming late-night void. And, it just may be taking a page from "Gutfeld!"

Soo Kim in April 2024 sued the FCC and its then-Chairwoman and Media Bureau Chief for a decision to put his proposed TEGNA deal in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Race discrimination on the part of the Commission was at the crux of his legal battle. A D.C. federal appeals court just dismissed his case.

The Chairman/CEO and the President and Chief Operations Officer/Chief Financial Officer of the nation's largest single owner of AM and FM radio stations have entered into employment agreement amendments with the publicly traded company — deals that extend the tenure of both leaders at iHeartMedia past 2026.

An AM radio station serving Lewiston, Me., is now silent, as the licensee earlier this month received a grant for a silent Special Temporary Authority request from the FCC. If the AM returns to officially celebrate its 78th birthday will likely be up to any potential buyer.

It's a media and marketing company operating in Jackson, McKenzie, Paris, Martin and Union City, Tenn.; and in Murray, Ky., led by President/COO Christine Hillard and members of the Alt family. Now, Forever Communications has a new ownership partner, and it is the company's Chief Revenue Officer.

You've seen and heard the recent quarterly earnings results from the nation's largest, publicly traded radio broadcasting companies. For many, digital advertising growth is robust. However, that hasn't offset continued weakness in core advertising for linear, over-the-air stations. Next year is expected to be a bit better.

It can be heard across no less than four FM frequencies and a Class B AM with a signal that can go as far as Evansville and Seymour, Ind. It also happened to be ranked No. 1 overall in the Louisville market in the March 2025 Nielsen Audio ratings. This unique Classic Hits brand is now the property of one Randy Michaels.

It enjoys agreements with Cumulus Media, Hubbard Radio, iHeartMedia, Audacy, Bonneville, Beasley Media Group, American General Media and a host of other broadcast radio ownership groups. Now, TuneIn has signed a partnership with a "Big Tech" giant to expand access to its commercial-free live radio stations.

RBR+TVBR is pleased be accepting reader nominations for its 2025 Top Local TV Leaders list. But, the window to submit your choice ends September 9 ... so be sure to get yours in soon! The official Top Local TV Leaders of 2025 list will be exclusively released in the Fall 2025 RBR+TVBR magazine.

AMP Media, Sinclair Inc.'s growing audio-on-demand platform, will launch on September 3 a new local sports podcast designed for fans of the Green Bay Packers, produced in conjunction with the company's "FOX 11" in the upper Wisconsin city that's home to the storied National Football League franchise.

With the start of the broadcast and football seasons this month, Nielsen is excitedly ready to provide the industry data based on enhanced Big Data + Panel methodology. For Nielsen, it is notable as it becomes the first accredited national TV audience measurement provider for the Big Data + Panel.

The number of changes in the role of Chief Executive Officer at U.S. companies across all sectors declined by 41% from June to July 2025, and fell by 17% from July 2024, new data from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas show.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Minnesota Broadcasters Association, and local SBE chapters are putting the final touches on what is shaping up to a robust agenda for the upcoming Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic.