Late Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval to a bill to pull back $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Public radio stations have warned of possible major cuts if the clawback is approved and political opponents of the plan have warned that some stations could even shut down completely. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced a deal with the White House to reallocate some money to support tribal broadcast services, but it is not immediately clear which stations might receive funding.
Coastal TV FOX affiliate KQDS-DT/21 (Duluth) left the DirecTV lineup July 17 amid a retransmission consent dispute.
Jon Adler has found a new home at “Radio Milwaukee” (WYMS/88.9), where he is now assistant program director and evening host. Adler had hosted mornings at Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s “FM 102/1” (WLUM) until cuts in March. WYMS also announced that Maggie Corry has returned to the station in the role of deputy executive director.
Brett Andrews has joined Audacy as afternoon host at “99.1 The Mix” (WMYX Milwaukee) as well as brand manager for WMYX, “103.7 KISS FM” (WXSS Wauwatosa-Milwaukee), and “Mix 105.1” (WMHX Waunakee-Madison). Andrews previously worked as senior VP of programming for iHeartMedia in the two markets until cuts earlier this year.
Eric Morris announced that he’s joining Sinclair FOX affiliate WLUK/11 (Green Bay) has a reporter.
Alicia Tipcke announced that she’s departing her position as sports director at Hubbard ABC affiliate WDIO/10 (Duluth).
Emmaleah Allen announced that she has joined Coastal TV FOX affiliate KQDS-DT/21 (Duluth) as a multimedia journalist.
Sara Knox announced that she’s been promoted to chief meteorologist at Allen Media CBS affiliate KIMT/3 (Mason City-Rochester).
Randall Gimm announced that he’s joining Gray CBS/FOX/NBC affiliates KEYC/KMNF-LD (Mankato) as a multi-media journalist.
Nebraska’s Spirit Catholic Radio announced that Jim Carroll is leaving his role as the network’s executive director and is beginning a new role as president of VSS Catholic Communications Foundation. The announcement notes that Carroll’s role will be “focused on national expansion and program development.” Eric Svoboda, previously operations manager, has taken over as executive director.
The University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications reports that renovations at KRNU/90.3 (Lincoln) will begin this August, connecting the radio station with TV, newsroom, and podcasting spaces. $1 million from the Donald and Lorena Meier Foundation and $100,000 from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association is supporting the project.
A belated note that demolition of the former WOWT/6 (Omaha) studio building at 3501 Farnam St. is nearly complete. The Gray NBC affiliate moved to a new studio three years ago; a new owner is developing the old studio site into a mixed-use building with 190 apartments.
Stephen Colbert announced July 17 that CBS intends to end “The Late Show” in May 2026 and indicated that he was not being replaced by anyone. Multiple national outlets received a statement from the network citing financial concerns. It’s not immediately clear if the network will return the 10:35 CT time slot to affiliates; CBS has continued to program the 11:35 CT slot following the end of “After Midnight” earlier this year.
Nielsen notes that broadcast TV’s monthly share of all viewing fell below 20% for the first time ever in June.
In case you missed it here:
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- FCC Monitor: Storm Rotates Antenna Atop IDS Center
- Why the 39% TV Ownership Cap Is Really Already 78%
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