The most prominent recent development in the Alex Jones saga is that he is publicly calling for President Trump’s impeachment or the invocation of the 25th Amendment related to the ongoing Iran war/conflict. On his show and X posts this week, Jones described the situation as “absolutely out of control,” warned about preparations for a national draft or ground invasion, and urged pressure on Congress to end the conflict. He has framed it as a quagmire involving issues like control of the Strait of Hormuz and resource shortages, claiming his earlier predictions aligned with events.
The Iran war has caused many followers to jump from the Trump train.
(U.S. SUN & PAGE SIX) Many of Howard Stern’s former employees are reportedly fighting for more severance after getting laid off earlier this month.
Stern laid off about a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM show, Page Six previously reported, because he’s preparing to drop to just one new show a week after Labor Day.
But many of the now-unemployed staffers declined the severance package offer of just about one week of pay per year worked, instead pushing for more money, the US Sun reported Thursday.
The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has expressed concern over a recent wave of Big Four (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) network affiliation changes/swaps among local TV stations, launching investigatory actions into at least one (and potentially more) of these transactions as of late July 2026.
These involve stations in multiple markets shifting affiliations—for example, CBS affiliations moving from certain Nexstar-owned stations (in places like Albuquerque and Bismarck) to others such as Hearst or Forum stations (sometimes on digital subchannels), and an ABC affiliation shift in St. Louis tied to activity involving Gray Media and Sinclair.
Carr has framed the issue around the idea that some broadcasters appear to treat affiliation deals as a lawless free-for-all. He stated that “This is not the Wild West, or as I like to say, it’s not Nam. There are some rules of the road,” and that companies mistaken in viewing it as completely unregulated are wrong. The FCC is examining whether the moves may violate federal policy or existing rules governing network-affiliate relationships.
A key worry is that the flurry of changes could leave local TV stations in a weaker bargaining and operational position relative to the national networks that supply national news and entertainment programming. This ties into broader FCC priorities around localism and stations’ ability to fulfill public-interest obligations.
It always amazes me that someone making this kind of money puts it all on the line with some stupid action like drinking and driving…
NYTimes– When CBS Sports signed Tony Romo to a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, a top sports media executive called me immediately after and said, “This is the worst contract in media history.”
It may end up being just that.
CBS has called a timeout on the deal after Romo’s arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Following the arrest has been a steady drip of new information, including 45 minutes’ worth of multi-angle video of the traffic stop during which Romo is given a citation for an open container of alcohol that contradicted him saying he had no drinks.
The incident led the network to announce that Romo “is on leave from his role at CBS until further notice.” CBS elevated J.J. Watt to team with Jim Nantz in the network’s No. 1 NFL booth and offered no further comment.
Romo’s contract calls for him to receive a nearly implausible $72 million over the next four years, but he is going to have to make quite a case to get his top job back.
“I’m told that there have been dozens of screen tests conducted in recent weeks for potential ‘60 Minutes’ correspondents, a practice several veteran television executives I spoke to described as odd. As they noted, those under consideration for a job on broadcast television’s most prestigious news program should already have a body of work to review and a screen test would also do little to shed light on a journalist’s investigative reporting skills. In any event, CBS News has been asking those interested in a job to participate in the tests — even those under contract at other networks, creating somewhat of a stir within the industry.”
— Oliver Darcy, Status media newsletter
Sidebar: The tests themselves are also, well, unusual. Some have featured mock interviews with a person playing Ghislaine Maxwell, the close Epstein associate. Weiss has long wanted to secure an interview with Maxwell, So, in that context, perhaps the Maxwell mock interview makes a little sense, though it is nevertheless a bizarre way in which to interview for any job, never mind ‘60 Minutes.
August heat will hit the PNW this weekend. Thousands will turn out to view the hydro races and KMIH “The Bridge” will have all the action on-air at 88.9 FM.
Effective September 1, 2026, Audacy will discontinue operations of News & Talk 840 AM (KXNT-AM) in Las Vegas. That’s the 3rd AM station there shut down since 2023.
Conservative Talk/News will be heard on KDWN Vegas 101.5 K-Dawn.
The property the transmitter for KXNT sits on has been sold to a developer.
This will happen in Seattle someday. There are many stations underperforming. It’s just a matter of time.
It is certainly sad to read this. Whatever the faults of AM radio, its signals can travel great distances at night. This is excellent for emergency situations and for people living in isolated areas beyond the range of local radio signals.
The NIMBYs on Vashon won’t stand for a transmitter site getting turned into a subdivision, so I think those are all relatively safe. The Mercer Slough sites (880/1150/1540) are all on preserve land owned by the city of Bellevue, so they aren’t going anywhere. The 850 site is owned by Vertical Bridge but is in the Puyallup River floodplain.
The 1590/1300/1680 site on Bainbridge would probably fetch a pretty penny. It’s surrounded by housing on two sides. The entire island is within city limits (and therefore a designated Urban Growth Area). A proposal to build there would probably fly even if the neighbors don’t like it.
The West Seattle site of 1050/1250 looks ripe for housing development and 1420/1620 in Renton as well. 1210 in Auburn could be turned into an industrial site.
KXNT Host Alan Stock announced the closure Friday at the start of his “News at 8” program, reading from a prepared statement while wearing headphones.
“I have an important update for our listeners. Effective September 1, News Talk 840 KXNT will conclude its broadcast operation,” Stock said. “To put it simply, the station’s transmitter site is shutting down. Our parent company, Audacy, explored a number of alternative transmission options, but ultimately wasn’t able to identify a technically and financially viable long-term solution. This wasn’t an easy decision.”
“I know KXNT has been a part of this community for a long time, and it’s been an honor to spend time with you every day,” Stock continued. “I’m incredibly grateful to our listeners, our advertisers, and everyone who has made the station such an important part of Las Vegas.”
The approximately 40 full- and part-time staffers will remain with Audacy.
THAT is rare. No loss of jobs. Just fortunate there was an FM in town to catch them when they fell.
The old KLSN call letters are alive in Spokane. Well, barely. At the bottom of the June ratings chart sits the Contemporary Christian station with a call sign once used in Seattle. SEARCH KLSN @ QZVX.COM: https://shorturl.at/2txnp June Nielsen ratings for Spokane: https://radioinsight.com/ratings/spokane/
Alex Jones' Trump Allegiance Fractured
Jason Remington • August 1, 2026
The most prominent recent development in the Alex Jones saga is that he is publicly calling for President Trump’s impeachment or the invocation of the 25th Amendment related to the ongoing Iran war/conflict. On his show and X posts this week, Jones described the situation as “absolutely out of control,” warned about preparations for a national draft or ground invasion, and urged pressure on Congress to end the conflict. He has framed it as a quagmire involving issues like control of the Strait of Hormuz and resource shortages, claiming his earlier predictions aligned with events.
The Iran war has caused many followers to jump from the Trump train.
Stern Pinching Pennies Regarding Employee Severance
Jason Remington • August 1, 2026
(U.S. SUN & PAGE SIX) Many of Howard Stern’s former employees are reportedly fighting for more severance after getting laid off earlier this month.
Stern laid off about a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM show, Page Six previously reported, because he’s preparing to drop to just one new show a week after Labor Day.
Network Switcheroo Concerns FCC
Jason Remington • August 1, 2026
The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has expressed concern over a recent wave of Big Four (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) network affiliation changes/swaps among local TV stations, launching investigatory actions into at least one (and potentially more) of these transactions as of late July 2026.
These involve stations in multiple markets shifting affiliations—for example, CBS affiliations moving from certain Nexstar-owned stations (in places like Albuquerque and Bismarck) to others such as Hearst or Forum stations (sometimes on digital subchannels), and an ABC affiliation shift in St. Louis tied to activity involving Gray Media and Sinclair.
Carr has framed the issue around the idea that some broadcasters appear to treat affiliation deals as a lawless free-for-all. He stated that “This is not the Wild West, or as I like to say, it’s not Nam. There are some rules of the road,” and that companies mistaken in viewing it as completely unregulated are wrong. The FCC is examining whether the moves may violate federal policy or existing rules governing network-affiliate relationships.
A key worry is that the flurry of changes could leave local TV stations in a weaker bargaining and operational position relative to the national networks that supply national news and entertainment programming. This ties into broader FCC priorities around localism and stations’ ability to fulfill public-interest obligations.
Living the Life Of Romo
Jason Remington • August 1, 2026
It always amazes me that someone making this kind of money puts it all on the line with some stupid action like drinking and driving…
NYTimes– When CBS Sports signed Tony Romo to a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, a top sports media executive called me immediately after and said, “This is the worst contract in media history.”
CBS has called a timeout on the deal after Romo’s arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Following the arrest has been a steady drip of new information, including 45 minutes’ worth of multi-angle video of the traffic stop during which Romo is given a citation for an open container of alcohol that contradicted him saying he had no drinks.
The incident led the network to announce that Romo “is on leave from his role at CBS until further notice.” CBS elevated J.J. Watt to team with Jim Nantz in the network’s No. 1 NFL booth and offered no further comment.
Romo’s contract calls for him to receive a nearly implausible $72 million over the next four years, but he is going to have to make quite a case to get his top job back.
Start Your (Hydro) Engines
Reader Submission • August 1, 2026
August 1954 Hydro highlight… Dr. Black calmly said to Cantrell, “Did you have an invitation?” And offered him a cocktail.
Filling out the “60 Minutes” roster
Reader Submission • August 1, 2026
“I’m told that there have been dozens of screen tests conducted in recent weeks for potential ‘60 Minutes’ correspondents, a practice several veteran television executives I spoke to described as odd. As they noted, those under consideration for a job on broadcast television’s most prestigious news program should already have a body of work to review and a screen test would also do little to shed light on a journalist’s investigative reporting skills. In any event, CBS News has been asking those interested in a job to participate in the tests — even those under contract at other networks, creating somewhat of a stir within the industry.”
— Oliver Darcy, Status media newsletter
Sidebar: The tests themselves are also, well, unusual. Some have featured mock interviews with a person playing Ghislaine Maxwell, the close Epstein associate. Weiss has long wanted to secure an interview with Maxwell, So, in that context, perhaps the Maxwell mock interview makes a little sense, though it is nevertheless a bizarre way in which to interview for any job, never mind ‘60 Minutes.
Getting Baked @ SeaFair
Jason Remington • July 31, 2026
August heat will hit the PNW this weekend. Thousands will turn out to view the hydro races and KMIH “The Bridge” will have all the action on-air at 88.9 FM.
Turn Out The Lights On Your AM Station
Jason Remington • July 31, 2026
Effective September 1, 2026, Audacy will discontinue operations of News & Talk 840 AM (KXNT-AM) in Las Vegas. That’s the 3rd AM station there shut down since 2023.
Conservative Talk/News will be heard on KDWN Vegas 101.5 K-Dawn.
The property the transmitter for KXNT sits on has been sold to a developer.
This will happen in Seattle someday. There are many stations underperforming. It’s just a matter of time.
AM radio is dying
Steve • August 1, 2026
It is certainly sad to read this. Whatever the faults of AM radio, its signals can travel great distances at night. This is excellent for emergency situations and for people living in isolated areas beyond the range of local radio signals.
AM Real Estate
T.K. • August 1, 2026
The NIMBYs on Vashon won’t stand for a transmitter site getting turned into a subdivision, so I think those are all relatively safe. The Mercer Slough sites (880/1150/1540) are all on preserve land owned by the city of Bellevue, so they aren’t going anywhere. The 850 site is owned by Vertical Bridge but is in the Puyallup River floodplain.
The 1590/1300/1680 site on Bainbridge would probably fetch a pretty penny. It’s surrounded by housing on two sides. The entire island is within city limits (and therefore a designated Urban Growth Area). A proposal to build there would probably fly even if the neighbors don’t like it.
The West Seattle site of 1050/1250 looks ripe for housing development and 1420/1620 in Renton as well. 1210 in Auburn could be turned into an industrial site.
The fall of AM radio
Jason Remington • August 1, 2026
Right. The Auburn station is a great location for something like an Amazon distribution center, between Seattle and Tacoma.
KLSN calls used in Spokane
Jason Remington • July 31, 2026
The old KLSN call letters are alive in Spokane. Well, barely. At the bottom of the June ratings chart sits the Contemporary Christian station with a call sign once used in Seattle. SEARCH KLSN @ QZVX.COM: https://shorturl.at/2txnp June Nielsen ratings for Spokane: https://radioinsight.com/ratings/spokane/
Seattle Not Home of New Police Chief
Jason Remington • July 31, 2026
Seattle’s new police chief LIVES IN WISCONSIN. That’s the kind of allegiance and dedication the city needs.