ABC News Radio’s overnight practices are facing new scrutiny. Questions emerged after breaking news involving Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was delayed.
What We Know: The announcement of Graham’s death came at 2:42 AM ET on Sunday morning. However, the breaking news was not included in ABC News Radio’s 3 AM ET top-of-the-hour newscast or its 4 AM ET update. Affiliates told Barrett Media that the network first communicated the news in a 4:30 AM ET email. Subsequently, the network aired the same newscast at 1 AM and 3 AM ET. Meanwhile, a separate newscast aired at 2 AM and 4 AM ET.
High-level sources at several radio companies told Barrett Media that ABC News Radio has been transparent about using pre-recorded newscasts during overnight hours. However, several program directors who air those newscasts said they were not aware of that detail. Sources confirmed ABC News Radio has used pre-recorded overnight newscasts for nearly two years.
What’s At Stake: The situation arises as ABC News Radio holds an even greater position in the radio news landscape. The network recently received a significant influx of affiliates after the end of CBS News Radio. Additionally, Disney and ABC are currently battling the FCC over the company’s eight owned-and-operated television licenses.
What Remains Unclear: It remains unknown which other hours or dayparts, if any, use pre-recorded newscasts. Sources also could not confirm the exact date ABC News Radio began re-airing overnight newscasts, only that it began in 2024. Additionally, it remains unclear whether re-aired or pre-recorded newscasts could raise concerns under FCC regulations requiring disclosure when content is not live.
What It Means: The revelation that ABC News Radio does not provide live newscasts around the clock surprised many industry observers. Several program directors told Barrett Media they only learned about the practice after being contacted about the situation. Many at the operational and station levels were not as informed about the policy as their executive and ownership counterparts.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.