It’s been a wild ride in radio this year. 2025 threw some heavy challenges at us. But if you’ve been tuned in, you know there’s a lot more than just noise out there.
The broadcast community has felt the impact of major political decisions, particularly the end of funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This shift has reverberated across U.S. radio, leaving many stations scrambling to adapt. The effects of such cutbacks will linger, shaping the industry for years to come. Radio World is committed to following the fallout from this move.
In July, when Tropical Depression Chantal hammered the Carolinas, WCHL in Chapel Hill took a direct hit. Flooding at their transmitter site led to an estimated $150,000 in damages along with the loss of two key transmitters. As an alum of UNC-Chapel Hill and a former WCHL employee, this story struck close to home. It’s a reminder of radio’s strength in adversity, showcasing the dedication to serving the community.
Meanwhile, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has gained traction in Congress, earning bipartisan support throughout 2025. Yet, it still waits for a vote in the full House. The bill made it through the 118th Congress but stalled before any final decisions were made. With the 119th Congress poised to act, there’s a renewed hope for its passage.
The FCC has been inundated with feedback this year, with broadcasters sharing ideas for better regulatory practices. The commission’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, which started in March, aims to eliminate outdated rules and unnecessary regulatory burdens. Under Chairman Brendan Carr, deregulation discussions have become a focal point.
Just a couple of years ago, the debate around geotargeting consumed countless hours of coverage. Recently, the effective date of rules regarding FM boosters was finally released in the Federal Register after months of speculation. It’s a step forward in localizing content, a critical demand from many broadcasters.
Earlier this year, NOAA Weather Radio stations faced numerous downtimes due to rolling software updates. The planned outages raised concerns about the reliability of weather communications, especially during severe conditions. This issue intensified as NOAA announced significant reductions in workforce, leading to questions about their capacity to handle emergencies.
In a nostalgic turn, Radio World introduced a recurring feature this October that celebrates radio’s rich history. Contributor Dan Slentz highlights vintage collections, including audio gear and memorabilia from iconic stations. It’s a delightful dive back into the industry’s roots, showcasing stories of passion and dedication.
No roundup would be complete without mentioning the inspiring Women in Engineering series. This year, I had the chance to profile three amazing women making strides in the engineering sphere. One standout, Grove, shared her journey at the Bonneville studios in Denver, making waves in the local radio scene with over 30 years of experience.
For the latest updates and community news, check out our SmartBrief newsletter here: link text. There’s plenty to discover! Stay tuned.