2026 GAB Georgian of The Year
The legislation requiring AM radio in all U.S. passenger vehicles is being delayed in the house which could cause it to not advance before the August recess. The bill has continued to gain support despite the Energy and Commerce Committee choice to leave it off their agenda. The bill now has 259 House members and 61 senators backing the bill and the senate version has passed committee and is awaiting a floor vote. The proposed law would mandate AM Radio in all new passenger vehicles due to its importance in public safety and rural communications. Industry leaders and rural auto dealers both emphasize the importance for storm warnings and local news.
In its 25th year, the 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon set a new fundraising record after collecting over $2.1 million for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The two day broadcast took place last week on July 24th and 25th. WSB featured stories from patients and families to encourage listeners to donate to help fund medical care, research, and support for families. A diverse group of Cox Media Group (CMG) Atlanta personalities hosted the event helping reach new heights in the event that has raised more than $34 million since 2001. This year several Georgia and national figures attended the event including Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Aflac CEO Dan Amos, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and US Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.
National Public Radio (NPR) is cutting their own budget by $8 million to help support local member stations left vulnerable after the Trump administration’s recession of federal funding for public broadcasting. Katherine Maher, NPR CEO, said the company made this decision in hopes to provide relief for stations. According to a report by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), over 100 stations run the risk of going dark with loss of funding which could impact stations in 34 states. Maher is concerned for those who may lose jobs and listeners in rural and culturally underserved areas that may lose coverage. While this is only a short term solution, Maher sees this as an opportunity to strategize for the remainder of the year in order to secure new donors and emphasize the importance of local journalism.
Media ownership has once again landed in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) hands after going back and forth between the FCC and courts since 2003. The Eight Circuit Court upheld most of the FCC’s rules but did away with limits to television ownership. Chairman Brendan Carr sees this opportunity as a “break glass moment” to do away with some of the outdated radio ownership rules as well. Carr opposed the FCC’s past decisions to follow the status quo considering it doesn’t support local news outlets the opportunity to compete in today’s media landscape. Many industry leaders and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) support Carr in modernizing the industry’s broadcast rules.
A new bipartisan bill, the “Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act” (S.867), has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Democrats, with companion legislation in the House. This proposed legislation aims to prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they disseminate. Proponents argue this is necessary to prevent the “weaponization” of the FCC for political purposes, citing concerns about recent actions by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, and to protect First Amendment rights by insulating license holders from politically motivated attacks.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr dismisses such criticism, asserting his actions are based on past precedent and designed to ensure broadcasters adhere to their public interest obligations. He maintains the FCC’s crucial role in holding broadcasters accountable due to the unique benefits of a federal broadcast license. While the bill has significant Democratic support, it currently lacks Republican backing and is considered a long-shot in the GOP-controlled Congress, serving more as an indicator of potential future legislative priorities.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed President Donald Trump’s $9 billion funding cut to foreign aid and public media, sending the legislation to the White House for signature. The chamber voted 216 to 213 in favor of the package, which had been altered by the Senate to exclude approximately $400 million in cuts to the PEPFAR HIV/Aids prevention program. Only two House Republicans voted against the cut, joining Democrats in opposition.
Republicans supporting the measure framed it as a step towards “fiscal sanity” and argued that the $1 billion allocated for public media supports outlets they claim are biased against conservative viewpoints. Conversely, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated the cuts “undermine America’s soft power” and would diminish rural Americans’ access to emergency information via public radio. The vote followed delays due to Republican disagreements on other legislation and had previously passed the Senate with a narrow 51-48 vote.
Viewership for Major League Baseball’s Midsummer Classic on FOX saw a decline, averaging a 3.8 rating and drawing 7.19 million viewers. This figure ties last year’s mark as the lowest-rated All-Star Game on record and ranks as the second-least watched since 2022. Despite this dip (3% compared to 2023), the MLB All-Star Game continues to be the most-watched All-Star event in sports. The Home Run Derby on ESPN followed closely with 5.73 million viewers, with both MLB events outperforming the NBA All-Star Game and the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games. The article highlights that even with declining numbers from its heyday, MLB remains a dominant force in summer ratings, especially as live sports continue to be a reliable draw for linear television.
Mid-year data from Listen Notes reveals a significant surge in podcast activity for 2025, with active shows more than doubling 2024’s rate, reaching 533,943 shows that have released an episode this year. This marks the most activity since the peak pandemic years, with 101,957 new podcasts debuting in the first half of 2025. While new launches are highest at the year’s start and decline by summer, the number of “dead shows” (inactive podcasts) is also slowing, indicating a healthier ecosystem. Globally, two-thirds of podcasts originate from the U.S., with 61% in English, and “Society & Culture” remains the leading genre. Spotify’s Anchor FM dominates as the most used hosting platform, and Listen Notes reported removing a record 4,168 AI-generated fake shows in June, underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain data integrity in the booming podcast landscape.
Mark Robertson, morning driver and PD at 98.7 The River/WYKZ is retiring at the end of this week. His retirements come after spending 50 years in radio, 48 of which were spent at 98.7. Andy Woods will take over his morning spot. Woods comes from Country 94.3 The Dude in Columbia, SC where he was the brand manager and PM driver.
Marketron CRO Todd Kalman in a new “Radio Matters” blog post, highlighted that radio continues to dominate ad-supported audio. Radio still holds 66% of listening time for adults over 18 and almost 90% in cars according to Edison Research’s share of ear. The changes to the Nielsen Portable People Meter (PPM), has shown increased audiences and the weekends and drive time showing the largest gains for all listeners. This has led to more impressions and making radio advertising even more appealing.
On Wednesday, Brendan Carr traveled to Sioux Fall, SD to deliver his first major policy speech to lay out his “Build America Agenda” for the FCC. Carr’s speech detailed his plan on modernizing FCC operation, expanding the reach of high speed internet and pushing for his “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative. Even though Carr hasn’t made public what specific items will be marked for deletion, he mentioned that the first group of regulations could delete 40 rules or requirements. The NAB is in support of Carr’s push to update media regulations to reduce the burden on broadcasters.
The National Association of Broadcasters is continuing to push the FCC to allow software based emergency alerts systems (EAS). Last Tuesday, three executives from the NAB and several radio engineers met with the FCC Chairman’s Senior Counsel, Danille Thurman. Their presentation included reasons to why they want a software based EAS including that it would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. The NAB also made claims that several stakeholders including radio and television broadcasters and the cable industry supported this switch. The group ran through these benefits with Thurman and advocated for the fact that the proposal is consistent with the Chairman’s current “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative within the FCC.
PRX, in partnership with WABE Atlanta and local community organization Plywood Place, is bringing its three-day Podcast Creator Summit back to Atlanta from July 30 to August 1. Following a successful event in Austin and a previous summit in Atlanta last summer, this year’s gathering will feature workshops, talks, and networking opportunities for emerging podcasters. Sessions are designed to explore topics such as Atlanta’s unique influence on podcasting, demystifying video integration, and the future trajectory of the medium. Notable speakers include industry leaders like Donald Albright (Tenderfoot TV), Je-Anne Berry (Pineapple Street Studios), Will Pearson (iHeartPodcasts), and Sherri Daye Scott (WABE). The summit will also host PRX’s Creative Design Workshop, a three-day immersive experience applying Design Thinking principles to help producers innovate solutions for podcasting challenges through collaborative teamwork.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has expressed enthusiasm for the Commission’s new Republican majority and quorum, signaling a busy summer agenda focused on accelerating broadband infrastructure, licensing spectrum, and addressing space and national security issues. Despite currently operating with a three-person Commission (two Republicans, one Democrat), Carr anticipates many proposals will achieve bipartisan support. A key priority for the Chair is to update media ownership rules, a process that began recently with an announcement to “refresh the record” on the National Television Multiple Ownership Rule. The pending quadrennial media ownership review, which includes local radio ownership rules, is also expected to move forward. Commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat, voiced concerns about relaxing ownership limits, arguing it could lead to media consolidation, stifle diverse local voices, and result in job losses. She advocates for “targeted” relief rather than broad changes that might disproportionately benefit large companies. Carr, however, maintains an “open-minded” approach, emphasizing his goal to empower local broadcasters to better serve their communities, especially given declining trust in national programs. Gomez recently embarked on a “First Amendment Tour,” discussing concerns about government actions against free expression and broadcasters.
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” has achieved a significant milestone in the U.S. House of Representatives, surpassing the simple majority threshold with 228 co-sponsors. This bipartisan support, driven by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), mirrors strong backing in the Senate, where the bill has already reached a supermajority of 61 co-sponsors. The proposed legislation aims to mandate AM receivers in all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S., leveraging AM radio’s crucial role in the country’s Emergency Alert System. Advocates emphasize AM radio’s integration with FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which uses 77 Primary Entry Point AM stations to deliver emergency alerts to over 90% of Americans, even when other communication networks fail. Despite this growing support, the bill still requires approval from the House Energy and Commerce Committee before it can be considered by the full chamber. Current legislative priorities, including budget reconciliation and international tensions, are impacting its immediate progress in Congress.
Atlanta radio veteran Jenny Hobby is set to leave her role at Star 94 (WSTR-FM) after nine years to become the Brand & Communications Director for CURE Childhood Cancer. Hobby, who previously co-hosted “The Bert Show” on Q100 (WWWQ-FM) and spent time at Kicks 101.5 (WKHX-FM), shared that her decision was deeply personal, stemming from her daughter’s successful battle with cancer. She expressed a passion to use her extensive media background and storytelling expertise to serve families fighting childhood cancer, emphasizing that children deserve better treatment. CURE Childhood Cancer CEO Kristin Connor highlighted Hobby’s authenticity, passion, and personal experience as unique assets for advancing the organization’s mission. Hobby will undergo a farewell transition period with Star 94.
The National Association of Broadcasters is pushing for the FCC to allow software based emergency alerts systems (EAS). The NAB believes that upgrading the hardware requirement will improve the EAS security and robustness. Digital Alert Systems (DAS) is concerned about moving into a software model before addressing cybersecurity and operational concerns. The DAS continues to push for a more cautious rulemaking process before the FCC makes any changes. Both sides of the debate are supported with some seeing the benefits including complicity reduction while others have unresolved questions that the modernization has brought up.
On June 10th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the Office of Management and Budget approved its rule modifications concerning the sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government provided programming. The compliance deadline will not take effect until December 8th, but the verification requirements have been made clear. Broadcasters will now have to conduct a “duty of inquiry” to determine if programming is sponsored, paid for or furnished by a foreign governmental entity and if so must make a public disclosure. There are two options to meet the verification requirement: a certification option and a screenshot option. The exemptions to the rule include commercial advertising, readily identifiable ads, commercial and educational broadcast stations, political candidates and existing program agreements.
Last week, Olivia Trusty won confirmation for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by a 53-45 vote. With her confirmation she will be given a five year term on the FCC and also gives the Commission enough members to secure a majority vote. The confirmation vote had to be sped up after Nathan Simington vacated his seat two weeks ago leaving the commission without a quorum. The appointment will allow the Commission’s upcoming monthly meeting on June 26th to take place as planned.
The Friends of Georgia Radio Hall of Fame’s fourth annual class has a list of inductees ranging from executives to engineers to on air personalities. David Dickey, the first honoree on the list, is known for starting Atlanta’s first sports talk outlet and continuing to expand the sports media market throughout the city. Steve Howard is honored for being the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs’ football and basketball teams and his legacy with the UGA Athletic Association. Kevin and Taylor, the two morning hosts credited with popularizing 104.7 the Fish, will also be honored for their community engagement through the station. Another sports broadcaster, Scott MacLeod, will be honored for his presence covering Georgia College and high school sports. Austin Rhodes will also join the inductees as one of Georgia’s longest running talk show hosts. Mike Lawning will be recognized as a veteran engineer for his upgrades and statewide expansion efforts. Lastly, Avery Weiss the host of the Bert Show which launched in Atlanta in 2001 will be celebrated as the last of the 9 honorees.
iHeartMedia Atlanta has announced the promotion of Ferrari Simmons to Assistant Program Director for Urban Contemporary station “96.1 The Beat” (WRDG). Simmons, a familiar voice currently hosting “Rari at 2” from 2–7pm, will take on expanded responsibilities including coaching talent, overseeing station imaging, and shaping the overall sound. Program Director Vladimir Scott lauded Simmons’s deep roots and passion for Atlanta’s culture, while iHeartMedia Division EVP Jill Strada highlighted his growth from an influential on-air personality to a strategic leader. This move underscores Simmons’s significant presence in the Atlanta hip-hop scene and his continued impact on the city’s broadcasting landscape.
Public radio and local journalism nationwide are facing a critical challenge as the White House has formally requested Congress to rescind over $1.1 billion in already-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This move, alongside proposals to eliminate most future funding, poses an immediate and potentially devastating impact on over 1,500 local noncommercial public media stations. CPB funding is vital for local public radio stations, supporting staffing, music licensing, and transmitter costs, and plays a crucial role in providing essential local news coverage and maintaining emergency alerting infrastructure, especially in rural communities. Industry leaders emphasize that federal funding for public media is irreplaceable, warning of lasting consequences for a system that serves as a free and reliable lifeline for information and community connection.
Broadcasters and advertising agencies are actively resisting proposed legislation, notably in New York, that would mandate clear labeling for any artificial intelligence voices or images used in advertisements, with fines for non-compliance. While proponents argue for consumer transparency and combating misinformation, industry groups including the National Association of Broadcasters, the New York State Broadcasters Association, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies are sounding the alarm. They contend that such rules would significantly increase costs for advertisers, particularly burdening small businesses and local radio stations that utilize AI for localization tags. Concerns also include overly broad definitions of AI that could encompass standard post-production techniques, hindering innovation and creating compliance uncertainty. With similar bills now advanced to the legislative floor in New York and the session nearing its close, the industry is urging lawmakers to reconsider these proposals.
The National Association of Broadcasters reports significant progress for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979/S. 315), crediting over 800,000 listener advocates for its growing bipartisan support in Congress. This crucial legislation, which aims to mandate AM radio access in all new vehicles for public safety and fair competition, recently saw a surge of new co-sponsors. Notably, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) is among the latest members of the House to sign on, bringing the bill closer to passage with 205 co-sponsors, while its Senate counterpart already boasts filibuster-proof support.
The CW Network announced that Savannah Bananas will make their broadcast television debut on Sunday, July 27th. The Savannah Bananas have gained traction since their inaugural season in 2016 for their unique spin on baseball games including choreographed dances and unique celebrations. Their popularity has landed them several features, including those with ESPN, CNN, CBS News, and Sports Illustrated, but this will be the first time one of their sold-out games will be on the air. Both the CW Network and Savannah Bananas are thrilled about the new partnership.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting a 6.6% budget increase for the upcoming fiscal year which will be largely funded through industry fees. This could mean increased costs for radio stations, but since there is a minimal increase of 0.5% in the Media Bureau’s budget then the impact could be limited. The bulk of the spending is planned to go towards updating outdated IT systems while integrating AI. The agency also plans on cutting 74 full-time positions which will be the lowest the staff has been in decades and in turn save them $22 million in expenses.
Bobby Tatum has been selected to be IHeartMedia’s Area President of its new South Carolina-Georgia area effective immediately. Tatum first joined IHeartMedia in 2007 as an account executive in Greensboro, NC. His most recent position was as Area President for multiple markets in Georgia. Tatum is excited about the opportunity to be on the team for both markets again and use his experience to continue the momentum and success in both places.
The broadcast industry is working to upgrade how its TV signals are sent by using the ATSC 3.0 and phasing out the ATSC 1.0. TV stations currently have to run both systems limiting what they can do with NextGen TV. Many stations are pushing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to set a date for all stations to switch over. The Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) would be an important part of this switch which would allow important broadcast systems to continue running if GPS signals were to ever go down. Overall, this new switch could open up billions of dollars in new opportunities with the new tools that the system could bring. In addition, people in smaller areas without access to good broadcasting signals would be reached.
Atlanta sports radio welcomes a new voice to its morning lineup! Ali Mac has officially joined “The Morning Shift” on 92.9 The Game (WNNX-FM Atlanta), marking a significant addition to the station’s influential morning program. Mac brings a unique perspective and energy to the show, contributing to the vibrant sports media landscape in Georgia. Her move highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of morning drive radio in one of the nation’s top markets.
Cumulus Media has announced the promotion of Justin Schaflander to a key leadership role, overseeing its Atlanta radio stations as Vice President/Market Manager. Schaflander, a seasoned broadcast executive, will now be responsible for the strategic direction and operations of Cumulus’s Atlanta cluster. This elevation signifies a continued commitment to strong local leadership and strategic growth within one of Georgia’s largest radio markets.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) is now accepting applications for its 2025 MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship. This year-long initiative, now in its seventh year, is specifically designed to advance female programming professionals into senior leadership roles across the U.S. radio industry.
The program offers invaluable opportunities, pairing one selected mentee with top-level programming executives for a full year of guided development, structured networking, and personalized coaching. It aims to provide practical leadership tools and increased visibility within the business. This mentorship is open to U.S.-based women currently working as brand managers, program/content directors, assistant PDs, or music directors. The selected mentee will also receive an exclusive opportunity to attend the 2026 NAB Radio Show in Las Vegas.
Applications are open now and will be accepted through June 20. This initiative is a cornerstone of MIW’s mission to empower women in radio and build a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our members in Region 13 as winners of the 2025 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards! These prestigious awards recognize the highest standards of journalistic excellence.
Many Georgia stations and individuals were honored for their exceptional work. Among the notable winners from our state were:
- WSB-TV Atlanta earned multiple awards for Overall Excellence, Breaking News Coverage, Investigative Reporting, and News Series.
- WXIA-TV Atlanta was recognized for News Documentary and Hard News.
- WAGA-TV Atlanta received awards for Breaking News Coverage and Investigative Reporting.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) was honored for Overall Excellence, News Documentary, and Excellence in Innovation.
- WABE-FM Atlanta received recognition for Feature Reporting.
- WMAZ-TV Macon was awarded for News Series.
- WTOC-TV Savannah secured an award for Digital.
These awards underscore the dedication and talent of Georgia’s broadcasters in delivering vital news and impactful storytelling to their communities. Congratulations to all the winners!
S. 315 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
60 Cosponsors
- Achieved passage through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
184 Cosponsors
H.Con.Res.12 Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act
173 Cosponsors
24 Cosponsors
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