Sports fans consume over two hours more audio content daily than average Americans, listening to sports radio, podcasts and satellite content for 6 hours and 26 minutes daily, according to the inaugural Sports Audio Report. Sports audio listeners -- especially podcast audiences -- also typically spend more on sports merchandise than those who prefer video coverage.

LGBTQIA+ stories or characters make 33% of people between 18 and 34 more likely to watch a TV show, Horowitz Research found. Executive Vice President Adriana Waterston says that media and brands need to "get comfortable with LGBTQIA+ inclusion, even if it means ruffling some feathers along the way, if they want to resonate with younger generations of Americans."

Taylor Swift's songs that disappeared from TikTok under Universal Music Group's decision to remove its content returned to the platform last week, highlighting the megastar's power. Executives have posited that Swift is leveraging TikTok's promotional value, while others have suggested she is using the platform to reach younger audiences.

A new initiative launched by CBS Stations in California will see veteran reporter Julie Watts highlight issues that affect local communities in the state and search for answers and solutions to viewers' questions. "Our goal is to ultimately increase transparency and accountability at the state capitol, not just from lawmakers and elected officials, but also from state agencies, appointees and the government staffers behind the scenes," Watts says.

A new AI-powered chatbot assistant is rolling out on Facebook, Messenger, Whatsapp and Instagram in more than a dozen countries, including the US. The tool allows users to get help finding information or completing tasks. It is powered by Meta's open-source LLaMA 3 LLM, which executives tout as more powerful than the original LLaMA launched in 2023.

Spending on political advertising ahead of this year's November elections has reached $2.17 billion, putting spending for the elections cycle ahead of 2020, when $2.12 billion had been spent at this point, AdImpact reports. A relatively quiet primary season saw 2024 spending dip below 2020 levels, but increased spending by President Joe Biden's campaign and several Congressional candidates has driven numbers back up.

Companies that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion can increase their reach 26% in two years, says strategist Troy Sandidge. DEI marketing must start with an introspective look at an organization's current state and what changes are possible, Sandidge advises, and consider the context of messages before jumping on bandwagons.

National Association of Broadcasters Television Board Chair Pat LaPlatney presented daytime talk show host Jennifer Hudson with the NAB TV Chairman's Award, which celebrates groundbreaking achievements by individuals in television. "So much more to come 'cause, y'all, we still got 23 more years to go. I ain't goin' nowhere," Hudson told attendees during the NAB Show's "We Are Broadcasters" session.

NAB's 2024 Election Toolkit provides ideas and resources to help increase voter registration, education and turnout. With an increased focus on fighting misinformation and intentional disinformation, the toolkit provides tips on fact-checking and identifying false information online, as well as examples of broadcasters' work in action.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would ensure Americans who depend on AM radio each month for news, entertainment and critical safety information can continue to have access to this reliable communications medium. Take action by urging Congress to pass legislation to keep AM radio in vehicles.