Industry News

NAB Announces 2024 Crystal Award Winners

The National Association of Broadcasters announces the 10 winners of the 37th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards that recognize radio stations for their exceptional year-round commitment to community service. This year’s 2024 NAB Crystal Radio Award recipients were chosen from 50 previously announced finalists. They include news/talk KFI, Los Angeles; sports talk KMVP-FM, Phoenix; news/talk KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City; talk WHPT-FM, Tampa Bay; and news/talk WNRP-AM, Pensacola. See the complete list of winners here.

Industry News

Audacy Names Ryan Hurley WFAN, New York PD

The new brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York is Ryan Hurley, who comes from a two-decade stint with crosstown competitor “ESPN New York” (WEPN-FM). Hurley takes over programming WFAN and the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio) from Spike Eskin,im who is returning to Philadelphia as a host at the company’s “SportsRadio 94WIP.” Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Ryan knows radio, sports and New York, making him a triple threat to take the reins of WFAN, which continues to be the city’s most influential and dominant sports platform. In addition, with Infinity Sports Network, Ryan will have a major impact on the sports conversation nationwide. All of us at Audacy are excited to welcome him to the team.” Hurley, who joined ESPN New York as an intern in 2004 after graduating from Hofstra University and worked his way up to PD in 2017, says, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join this legendary station. The term ‘dream job’ can get thrown around a lot, but as someone who grew up listening to ‘The Fan’ religiously, that is exactly what this is. There is an incredible team here led by Chris Oliviero, and I look forward to this journey ahead with them.” Additionally, David Mayurnik has been named assistant brand manager of WFAN and Infinity Sports Network and will report to Hurley.

Industry News

New Local Show Debuts on Sports Talk WSSP, Milwaukee

Audacy sports talk WSSP-AM, Milwaukee “1250 AM The Fan” is launching a new local weekday show hosted by Steve “Sparky” Fifer called “Wisconsin Sports Daily” airing from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm,im beginning Monday (4/15). Fifer says, “I’m super excited to be hosting ‘Wisconsin Sports Daily,’ and I can’t wait to talk about our favorite sports teams with our loyal listeners. The opportunity to host great guests to add to our conversations is a plus. Let’s bring some passion back into sports talk radio in Milwaukee!” Fifer serves as assistant program director and on-air host at 1250 AM The Fan. He also hosts a Milwaukee Bucks postgame show and numerous podcasts, including “Curd & Long,” “Green and Growing” and “Spare/Time Bowling Show.” He also helps run Audacy’s BetQL Network in other markets.

Industry News TALKERS 2024

TALKERS Conference 2024 Set for Friday, June 7

Powerful Speaker Roster Being Set for TALKERS 2024 – Glenn Beck, Fred Toucher and Brian Kilmeade to Appear in Key Roles 

The 27th annual presentation of the longest running and most important national talk media gathering scheduled for Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island is being organized with 60+ industry notables set to speak.  Highlights include a special guest keynote address by Premiere Networks superstar Glenn Beck in addition to exclusive morning and afternoon “Fireside Chats” with WBZ-FM, Boston (“98.5 FM The Sports Hub) morning co-host Fred Toucher and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel host Brian Kilmeade, respectively.

The power-packed, one-day event will again be presented by TALKERS  in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio. TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey says, “We are delighted to be able to join forces again with our colleagues at Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.” TALKERS 2024 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. The focus, as always, will be on talk radio and its changing relationship with the larger arena of “audio” and “video” including podcasting, satellite, and digital venues. News/talk, sports talk, all-news, and general talk will be amply covered. The conference will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities.

The speakers already confirmed include (in alphabetical order) Dr. Asa Andrew, host/owner, The Doctor Asa Show/The Doctor Asa Network; Michael “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA; Glenn Beck, host, “The Glenn Beck Show”/Premiere Networks; Vince Benedetto, CEO/founder, Bold Gold Media Group; David Bernstein; GM, broadcast operations, TALKERS; Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeartMedia Miami; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York region/WMCA/ AM 970 The Answer; Bill Brady, owner/host, KFNX, Phoenix; John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; Howie Carr, host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Kathy Carr, president, Howie Carr Radio Network; Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS; Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; Alex Fife, VP operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network; Rob Finnerty, host, “Wake Up America,” Newsmax TV; John Fredericks, owner/host, John Fredericks Radio Network; Mike Gallagher, host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Steven Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Dave Gorab, VP/GM, talk programming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Lee Habeeb, CEO/host, “Our American Stories”/American Private Radio; Lee Harris, director, integrated operations, NewsNation/WGN, Chicago; Matthew B. Harrison, VP, associate publisher TALKERS/senior partner, Harrison Media Law; Michael Harrison, publisher, TALKERS; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, WYD Media; Scott Herman, chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America; Bill Hess, corporate program director, news/talk, Cumulus Media/PD, WMAL, Washington, DC; Harry Hurley, host, WPG, Atlantic City; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond; Brian Kilmeade, host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel; Kraig T. Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Chris Krok, host, WBAP, Dallas; Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York; Steve Lapa, president, Lapcom Communications Corp; Josh Leng, CEO/founder, Talk Media Network; Danielle Lin, host, “The Art of Living and the Science of Life”; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network; Mark Lukasiewicz, dean, Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Hofstra University; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting; Frank Morano, host, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Networks; John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, “The Joe Pags Show”; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink/RBR+TVBRWalter Sabo, consultant, Sabo Media Implementers/host “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN; Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; Tavis Smiley, host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles/Smiley AudioMedia; Todd Starnes, host/president, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/owner, KWAM, Memphis; Doug Stephan, CEO/founder, Stephan Multimedia/host “Good Day” morning show; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Joe Thomas, owner/PD/morning host, WTON, Staunton, VA; Fred Toucher, co-host, morning show, WBZ-FM, Boston (“98.5 The Sports Hub”); Paul Vandenburgh, owner/host, WGDJ (Talk 1300), Albany, NY; Dr. Daliah Wachs, host, Genesis Communications Network; Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport. CT; Brett Winterble, host, WBT, Charlotte; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; and Martha Zoller, host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA.  More speakers will be named in the coming days.

Attendance at the conference is limited to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as communication students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited and the agenda outstanding, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $379. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. The closest hotel to the conference is the nearby Long Island Marriott-Uniondale but it is nearly sold out. For a list of area hotels within a short drive to Hofstra, please click here.

Industry News

“LaVicka, Theo and Stone” Ends as Changes Coming to “ESPN 106.3” in West Palm Beach

According to a story in the Palm Beach Post, Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN 106.3” is undergoing programming changes that begin with the demise of the “LaVicka, Theo and Stone.” Ken LaVicka made the announcement on the program earlier this week as he exitedim the station. The piece notes that LaVicka said co-host Theo Dorsey will remain with the station hosting his own show beginning on Monday (4/8). The Post reports that GKB West Palm Beach general manager Stephanie Price issued the following statement: “LaVicka is still a teammate, and we are working with him on his future. We are always on the lookout for talent who can bring a new perspective to the market. We are putting more resources into both our radio and digital platforms to engage and reach the most fans, as consumption continues to evolve, as well as provide our partners more opportunities to reach those fans.”  Read the Post story here.

Industry News

No More “Puck & Jim” on Sports Talk KJR-AM/FM, Seattle

The midday “Puck & Jim” show – starring Jason Puckett (right) and Jim Moore (left) – at iHeartMedia’s sports talk KJR-AM/FM, Seattle is gone. Puckett explains how it all went down via a post to fans at X (formerly Twitter). “First off I want to apologize for being off the air for the last three weeks. These last few weeks have been the most exhausting and agonizing time of my life. I had been in contractim negotiations with iHeart – KJR since the start of January and in the last few weeks we mutually agreed that I would be off the air until we reached a deal… Both sides worked hard to get a deal done and the process was long and time consuming. Late last week I received the offer that I had been looking for and was excited and grateful to get back to work on Monday. However, a day after receiving the offer I learned that my partner Jim Moore was terminated as part of nationwide layoffs within the company. The timing of the move left me angry, sad, confused and conflicted… Many, many sleepless nights has led to my decision to part ways with the station and not seek a new contract. I’m a firm believer in loyalty and the treatment of others. From my perspective I couldn’t in good conscience continue to do the show despite my love to do so… This is not goodbye forever. The process has energized and motivated me to great lengths. Stay tuned because very soon I’ll deliver the same nonsense in a different form.”

Industry News

Sports Talk “105.7 The Fan” in Baltimore Celebrates 15 Years

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” is celebrating 15 years as a sports talker with its “Fanniversary.” Through May 31, the station will launch special “FAN 15” content to honor the past 15 years by highlighting key interviews, contributors’ top moments, vignettes that capture the mostim important sports moments and “105.7 The Fan” personalities’ favorite memories. Celebratory programming includes two live broadcasts of the “Big Bad Morning Show” hosted by Ed Norris, Rob Long and Jeremy Conn. The celebration begins tonight (3/21) with a 15th Anniversary Kick-Off Party at Ryleigh’s Oyster House. Audacy Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys comments, “105.7 The Fan’s beloved personalities have consistently delivered high-quality sports coverage fueled by passion. We’re ready to replay 105.7 The Fan’s history on and off the air and recognize the programming, personalities and listeners that have helped serve up the best in sports talk to Baltimore.”

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 7.0 – 6.9, #2 – #2

KEX 1.2 – 1.5, #22 – #21

KUFO .5 – .8, #26 – #24

KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.6 – 1.6, #19 – #20

KXTG 1.9 – 1.2, #18 – #22

KPOJ .6 – .6, #25 – #26 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .1 – .1, #32 – #34

KFXX Stream  .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.0 – 5.1, #4 – #4

KOPB Stream  1.2 – 1.0, #22 – #23

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 4.3– 4.6, #10 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.3 – 3.4, #13 – #14 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6

WNSC 1.2 – .8, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.0– 2.7, #13 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.3 – 2.3, #18 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.5 – .9, #21 – #25

KTKR .8 – .5, #26 – #30

KZDC .3 – .3, #35 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.9 – 2.3, #14 – #16 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.6 – 7.3 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.5 – 2.9, #9 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.9 – 1.4, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #25 – #23

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #14 – #13

KQEI .3 – .3, #28 – #27

KQED .3 – .1, #28 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.3 – 4.5, #9 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .3, #21 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 8.3 – 7.6, #3 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .4 – .6, #21 – #19

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.5 – 5.2, #6 – #8

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 5.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3

KNRS-FM 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .8 – .8, #24 – #23

KZNS-FM .7 – .7, #25 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .4 – .1, #27 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #28 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.6 – 2.8, #11 – #15

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .3, #28 – #27

KUMT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .8 – .9, #28 – #26

KXNT .3 – .6, #32 – #29

KXNT Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KMZQ .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .9 – .6, #26 – #29

KKGK .5 – .3, #29 – #32 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .3 – .2, #32 – #34

KENO .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.4 – 1.6, #24 – #22

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 4.3 – 5.0, #10 – #7

WDBO 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

WFLF .6 – .8, #21 – #19

WFYY-HD3 DNA – .3, DNA – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM 1.0 – .8, #19 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 3.4 – 2.4, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 12.1 – 10.2, #1 – #2

WKRC 6.1 – 6.1, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.5 – 1.1, #18 – #19

WSAI .7 – .6, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.8 – 3.1, #8 – #10   

Note: News/talk WLW’s -1.9 (12.1 – 10.2) represents Cincinnati’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.6 – 5.8, #10 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.9 – 3.7, #8 – #11

WKRK Stream .9 – .4, #19 – #21

WARF .2 – .2, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.1 – 6.4, #7 – #6

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Sports/talk WKRK’s -2.2 (5.9 – 3.7) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.0 – 4.4, #4 – #6

KCMO-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #14

KMBZ-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #17 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #21 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 3.0, #14 – #12

KCSP Stream  .2 – .3, #27 – #25

KWOD .1 – .1, #29 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.2 – 2.9, #12 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.3, #7 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.8 – 7.2, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.7 – 5.6, #8 – #6

Up next: February 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.5 – 4.5, #7 – #7

WFED .1 – .1, #29 – #30 (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.3 – 7.6, #2 – #2

WDCH .6 – .7, #23 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #15 – #16 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #20 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .4 – .4, #25 – #24 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #27 (Wizards)

WJFK-AM .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Capitals)

WSBN .1 – .1, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.7 – 13.0, 28th month in succession at #1 

Note: News WTOP & WTLP’s -.7 (8.3- 7.6) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.8 – 3.2, #15 – #13

WXKS-AM .7 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.6 – 4.9, #6 – #6

Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #26

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 11.2 – 9.1, second straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.9 – 3.3, #11 – #12

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #30

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.0 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 4.6, #9 – #8

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -2.1 (11.2- 9.1) represents Boston’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.2, #25 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .6, #27 – #28

WMEN .2 – .1, #33 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 4.1 – 5.1, #6 – #5

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36    

Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +1.0 (4.1- 5.1) represents Miami’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.2 – 4.1, #7 – #10

KTTH 1.9 – 1.6, #21 – #22

KVI 1.3 – 1.0, #24  – #24

KPTR DNA – .1, DNA – #28

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.5, #19 – #17

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 4.2 – 2.4, #7 – #18 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 3.3 – 2.3, #14 – #19

KJR-AM .8 – .7, #25 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.9 – 7.2, #2 – #1

KSWS DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Note: Sports talk KJR-FM’s -1.8 (4.2- 2.4) represents Seattle’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.1 – 2.5, #16 – #14

WFDF .5 – .6, #23 – #22

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #29 – #29

News

WWJ 5.6 – 5.3, #8 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .4, #24 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.8 – 7.1, #1 – #3 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.8 – 1.1, #17 – #21 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .3 – .2, #28 – #28

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.6 – 1.8, #19 – #18

WUOM 1.1 – 1.2, #21 – #20 

Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s -2.7 (9.8- 7.1) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decreaseby any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.

PHOENIX

News/Talk

KFYI 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #9

KTAR-FM 2.6 – 2.7, #14 – #12 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.9 – 2.2, #20 – #18 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KGME .1 – .1, #31 – #34

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #34 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.0 – 2.3, #11 – #15

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.7 – 4.7, #10 – #8 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.9 – 3.0, #14 – #14

KTLK-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #19 – #15

WCCO Stream .1 – .3, #31 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.5 – 7.1, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .2 – .1, #27 – #31

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.6 – 7.4, #4 – #2

KNOW Stream .8 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 4.9 – 4.6, #5 – #7

KLSD .4 – .5, #25 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.9 – 3.0, #10 – #16

KGB-AM .8 – .8, #21 – #21

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 7.3, #2 – #1 

Note: Sports talk KWFN’s -.9 (3.9- 3.0) represents San Diego’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.3 – 4.9, #3 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.1 – 4.2, #11 – #10

News

Business news WHNZ .1 – .2, #34 – #28

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.1– 1.7, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #16

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .2, #26 – #28

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.0 – 2.6, #14 – #17

KDFD 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KHOW 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.0 – 3.7, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 3.0 – 2.2, #14 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, #7 – #10

KUNC 1.0 – 1.1, #25 – #27

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.3 – 3.3, #9 – #10

WCBM 1.9 – 2.0, #15 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.4 – 1.3,  #17 – #18

WDCH  .9 – .6,  #19 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.8 – 3.1, #6 – #12

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.4 – 3.2, #12 – #11

WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26 

Note: Sports talk WJZ-FM’s -1.7 (4.8- 3.1) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.7 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.3 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #25 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 5.7 – 5.0, #7 – #9 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 5.1 – 4.9, #9 – #10

Up next: February 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com. 

Industry News

Audacy Names New Afternoon Show at “The Fan Upstate”

Starting next Monday (3/25), “WIRE 2 WIRE,” starring Greg “Diesel” Abee (left)and Cole Bryson (right), fills the afternoon drive daypart on Audacy sports talk outlet WYRD-AM/W249DL/W246CV,im Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina “The Fan Upstate.” The program takes over for “Offsides with Marc Ryan,” as Ryan moves to the company’s WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi states, “‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ allows us to elevate Diesel, who has worked alongside Marc for years, and Cole, who has done a great job with every sports assignment we’ve given him. ‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ will be a live, local sports show with knowledgeable, well-known local talent, and I know sports fans will love it.”

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #24 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #35

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #7

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.7, #17 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .4, #27 – #33

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #31 – #33

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #46 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.7 – 2.0, #13 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .8, #25 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.5 – 4.7, #7 – #4

WNYC-AM 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #22 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 5.4, #3 – #3

KEIB .8 – .7, #33 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #34  

News

KNX-FM 2.8 – 3.3, #12 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #37  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – .7, #32 – #32 (Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.9 – 2.0, #18 – #18

WLIP .4 – .4, #35 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #40

WVON .1 – .1, #41 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 6.2 – 5.4, #2  – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #35

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.4 – 3.1, #8 – #10 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .6 – .3, #32 – #35 (Bulls)

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.7 – 2.4, #13 – #16   

Note: News WBBM-AM & WCFS’ -.8 (6.2 – 5.4) represents Chicago’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #32

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .4, #30 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 3.2, #6 – #9

KGMZ 2.4 – 2.1, #14 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)      

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.9 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .4, #32 – #28

Note: Sports talk KNBR’s -.7 (3.9 – 3.2) represents San Francisco’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.7 – 3.3, #9 – #12

KEGL 1.2 – 1.3, #29 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .8, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #38

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.7 – 1.5, #24 – #27

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – .1, DNA – #42

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 4.9, second straight month at #1 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #17 – #19

KRLD-FM Stream .4 – 1.0, #35 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.0, #7 – #8  

Notes: The +.6 (.4 – 1.0) registered by sports/talk KRLD-FM’s internet stream represents a tie for Dallas’ highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase, while similarly-formatted KTCK’s -.7 (5.6 – 4.9) is the market’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.6 – 3.4, #9 – #14  (Rockets)

KPRC . 3 – .4, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #34 – #33

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.6 – .7, #21 – #25

KBME .6 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #28 – #33

KFNC .2 – .1, #33 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.8, #19 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.6– 7.3, #1 – #3

WFOM .6 – .5, #27 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .2 – .1, #31 – #34

WAOK Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 4.2 – 3.6, #8 – #11 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.2 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WZGC Stream .8 – .5, #24 – #26 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11

WRAS  .7 – .5, #25 – #26

WABE-HD3 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s -1.3 (8.6 – 7.3) represents Atlanta’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.0, #16 – #15

WKXW 1.3 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26

WURD .4 – .4, #28 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #29

WKXW Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #32

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .3, #32 – #28

WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 7.0 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WIP Stream 2.3 – 2.0, #15 – #15

WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #12      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.3 (7.0 – 5.7) represents Philadelphia’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .1 – .2, #32 – #27

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 5.1, #5 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #18

WINS-FM Stream 1.0 – .7, #20 – #23

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #32 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.6 – 2.7, #7 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .3 – .2, #26 – #27

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.9 (4.6 – 2.7) represents the highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #21 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .5, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #20 – #19

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 2.1, #20 – #15

KSFO Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.2 – 5.4, #4 – #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26

KNEW .2 – .3, #28 – #26  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.7 – 3.6, #5 – #7

KGMZ 2.8 – 2.0, #10 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .3, #26 – #26  

KTCT .3 – .3, #27 – #26   

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports talk KNBR’s -1.1 (4.7 – 3.6) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2

WOR 2.7 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream .8 – 1.1, #20 – #18    

News

WINS-FM 2.7 – 2.4, #9 – #11

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .5, #22 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.9, #9 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: February 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Audacy Names Judy Lakin GSM in Houston

Audacy appoints Judy Lakin general sales manager for its Houston station group that includes sports talk KILT-AM, sports betting KIKK-AM and four music brands. Lakin was most recently president of Vista14 Advertising Agency, where she was on the company’s board, and previously served asim director of sales with Cox Media Group. Audacy Houston VP of sales Alana Lujan comments, “Judy’s extensive experience in talent development, coupled with her recent involvement in business development, multi-media buying and digital innovation, makes her a powerhouse addition to Audacy’s sales leadership team. With her expertise, Judy is poised to make an immediate and substantial impact. Here’s to an exciting journey with someone who will bring so much to the table!” Lakin states, “I am thrilled to join the exceptional leadership team at Audacy. The Houston market’s wide variety of broadcast and digital products makes me eager for what will come. The local sales team’s incredible skills and high energy is a tremendous plus to this opportunity.”

Industry News

WDAE, Tampa Announces New Roles for Ronnie Lane and Tom Krasniqi

“The Ronnie & TKras Show” heard on afternoon drive on iHeartMedia’s Tampa Bay sports talk WDAE will end on March 27 as hosts Ronnie Lane (left) and Tom Krasniqi (right) are set to begin new roles on the station. Beginning March 28, Krasniqi will continue in PM drive working on a new, yet-to-be-namedim program currently in development with executive producer Chris Mathis. Lane will take on a new role as host of the signature Rays pre-game show “The Inside Pitch.” He will also continue his seasonal hosting duties with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio network. WDAE program director John Mamola says, “We couldn’t be more excited for Ronnie and Tom as they embark on their new opportunities at WDAE. These programs promise fresh content and compelling, engaging experiences for our listeners. We will continue the legacy of high performance the hosts built as a duo and the voice of Tampa Bay sports fanatics everywhere.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond Set for Friday, June 7

im

TALKERS 2024, the 27th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national conference is set and going to be one of the storied event’s most important installments. The power-packed, one-day event will again be presented by TALKERS on Friday, June 7, 2024, on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “We are delighted to be able to join forces again with our colleagues at Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.” TALKERS 2024 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. The focus, as always, will be on talk radio and its changing relationship with the larger arena of “audio” and “video” including podcasting, satellite, and digital venues. News/talk, sports talk, all-news, and general talk will be amply covered. The conference will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities. There will be over 50 top industry speakers and registration will be limited to insure intimacy. Attendance at the conference is limited to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as communication students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited and the agenda outstanding, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $379. Take advantage of the early bird fee of $279 available until 5:00 pm ET on Friday, March 15. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Nearby hotel information will be posted here shortly.

Industry News

Cumulus Launches “106.1 The Ticket” in New Orleans

Cumulus Media flips WKRN-FM, New Orleans from country to sports talk as “106.1 The Ticket.” The station will air FOX Sports Radio programming and several local shows. In addition to FSR shows suchim as “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” and “The Dan Patrick Show,” the station will air “Inside New Orleans with Eric Asher” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by “All Access with Ken Trahan” from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cumulus Media New Orleans RVP and market manager Pat Galloway says, “The love and passion of New Orleans’ sports fans is amazing. It starts in the playgrounds and ends up in the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, and now we can talk about it all the time on the all-new ‘106.1 The Ticket.’”

Industry News

Taylor Jukes Named SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia San Diego

iHeartMedia names Taylor Jukes SVP of programming for the San Diego station group that includesim news/talk KOGO-AM, talk KLSD-AM, sports talk KGB-AM, and five music brands. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “We are so excited to welcome Taylor into our San Diego cluster. Her knowledge of the audio business and track record speak for themselves. We are eager for Taylor to bring her skill set and big ideas from Miami to an already incredible cluster of stations.”

Industry News

Shelby Cassesse Announces Exit from Audacy Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh media personality Shelby Cassesse is leaving her role with Audacy’s news/talk KDKA-AM and sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Cassesse had beenim serving as a full-time KDKA Radio reporter since February 2021 and hosted her own Sunday morning talk show on “93.7 The Fan.” She posted to social media, “While news has offered so many opportunities for growth, my heart has always been in sports journalism and it’s time to fully focus on that path.” Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We are so grateful for all of Shelby’s work in the KDKA newsroom. Her time as a host at ‘The Fan’ will forever be a part of the history of that great radio station. We know the future will bring her great things. We are fortunate to be a part of her journey.” Read the Post-Gazette story here.

Industry News

Matty “Ice” Hayes Inks Extension at The Fan in Columbus

Midday talk host Matty “Ice” Hayes signs a multi-year extension to remain with Tegna’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus “97.1 The Fan” as co-host of the “Rothman and Ice” (alongside Anthonyim Rothman) program and as host of “The Fan” pregame show every gameday Saturday in the fall. Hayes says, “‘The Fan’ has been my home for 10 years and I’m very excited to continue working at a station that has been a part of my life for so long.” WBNS station manager Cody Welling comments, “Matt has been working extremely hard developing his broadcast talents. We value his point-of-view on topics, and is the perfect duo for our highly rated midday show, ‘Rothman and Ice.’ I’m happy that Columbus sports fans will be able to access Matt Hayes for years to come each weekday, and on college football gamedays.”