June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, fourth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT steady at 4.4, ninth to seventh
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, sixth month in succession, 10.5 – 11.4, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (-1.1)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.2, -.1, second to third
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, repeats at #15
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, stays in ninth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.9 – 8.3, +.4, third to second
Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, sixth straight month, 9.4 – 9.8, +.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC; public radio news/talk WUNC; and adult contemporary WRAL (+.4)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCMC (-.7)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.6 – 6.8, +.2, fifth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, ninth to seventh
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, first month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI and alternative WOLT (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.0)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.2 – 9.8, -.4, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, third to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” flat at 1.1, #16 to #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – .6, -.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #12 to #14
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, third straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.3)*
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.0)
*Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.0 – 5.2, +.2, repeats in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, ninth to seventh
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.4 -1.3, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, flat at #14
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fifth month in succession, 13.3 – 11.8, -1.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.5)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.2 – 5.9, +.7, locked in seventh-place
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, anchored in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 2.2, #11 to #12
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .0 – .1, +.1, #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #12 to #9
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN steady at 1.6, unchanged at #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB, first month, 8.4 – 9.0, +.6
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM & WEAN (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WCTK (-.9)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.0 – 3.7, +.7, remains at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #15 to #12
WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” .2 – .5, +.3, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, sixth straight month, 10.7 – 10.3, -.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-1.4)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3 +.8, seventh to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, second month in a row, 8.7 – 10.0, +1.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.3)**
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WQIK (-2.1)
**Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.9 -1.6, -.3, repeats at #12
iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.4, continues at #13
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – .9, -.4, #14 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 3.2, +.6, tenth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WOLL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-3.7)**
**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, continues in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #12
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC .9 – 1.0, +.1, flat at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, sixth month in a row, 13.3 – 14.0, +.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+1.2)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPTI; country WTQR; and CHR WKZL (-.8)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #11 to #10
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, eighth to ninth
WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, repeats at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO flat at 1.5, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 12.2, +.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+.8)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-1.1)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, seventh to sixth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15
WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .4, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .9 – 1.6, +.7, #15 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.6 – 3.5, -2.1, sixth to ninth
New England Public Media’s WFCR .7 – .5, -.2, #17 to #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 41st month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: sports talk WUCS (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.1)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
politically conservative news/talk formatted radio stations and media assets nationwide. Epperson was a longtime leader in Christian radio as a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. In 2005, Time Magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. Salem executive chairman Ed Atsinger comments, “Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived. A life that personifies the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. Now there Is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’”
experience in radio and digital sales management having worked in markets including Toronto, Buffalo, Greensboro and Houston.” She most recently was vice president of sales for the Greater Wilmington (NC) Business Journal. Curtis Media Group president/COO Trip Savery comments, “Carolyn is a great addition to our management team in Raleigh. Her experiences in radio, digital, and publishing align with the opportunities we have at WPTF, Triangle Traffic Network and ‘Rock 929.’ I am looking forward to seeing her leading our teams to even greater heights.” 
says, “We are thrilled to welcome Craig Swagler as the new general manager and president of Your Public Radio. His extensive experience in the broadcast industry, coupled with his innovative mindset and community-building approach, will be invaluable as we continue to provide exceptional programming and expand our reach. We are confident that Craig’s leadership will lead Your Public Radio to even greater heights.” Swagler states, “I am thrilled to be joining the outstanding team of content creators, storytellers, and journalists at Your Public Radio. It is an honor to serve Baltimore by amplifying issues, stories, and events of the community’s rich cultural heritage.”
touches, including PR best practices, recent industry trends, case studies, the media, marketing, strategy, career development, and profiles of PR pros. Goldman says, “I’m excited to launch this show and have the opportunity to talk with so many smart, inspiring, and insightful people. I’m learning so much during the conversations I’m having with them on my show, and I know everyone who listens to the show, whether on the radio or as a podcast, will find value in these conversations.” The program airs Mondays at 5:00 pm on Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY and is available nationally on the station’s livestream online and on most streaming devices. Check it out on Goldman Communications Group’s website (
division of Krantz Media Group and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. A press release states, “‘THE GOOD NEWS’ will ignite a transformative spark, propelling the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc into an unprecedented realm of influence. The highly anticipated USBC Radio Network, launching in August, will seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive USBC Media Network. This united effort, in partnership with KMG Networks-will empower and extend our collective reach, ushering in a future filled with boundless possibilities for all.”
children ages 6-12. In addition to parent feedback, the study includes a parent-administered survey of children podcast listeners and is the first-ever comprehensive measurement of the listening habits and preferences of U.S. podcast listeners age 6-12. The webinar will also feature video excerpts from in-home interviews with parents together with their children to highlight what families like about podcasts.”
By 2009, I had been making my living consulting and coaching talk hosts for 14 years, but I myself had not yet hosted a talk show. Like Rush Limbaugh before he went-talk, I had lots of on-air time under my belt as a music DJ. And that same skill set contributes to talk radio success: “Play the hits” (topics) and convert Cume to AQH (technique).
night. But they’re all pretty much just talking to their friends. Ours might be the first ‘professional’ talk show that will take spontaneous video phone calls and only video phone calls from the public.” Peters goes on to say, “When I started this project, I decided I was going to go wherever the prevailing technology took me. Although I’ve hosted several television talk shows in the past, I’m a radio guy at heart. So, we started with a live audio show… but it’s currently way easier to do live video than live audio. So, then it became a radio show with a video feed, and standard phone call-in. But when I realized that we could take video phone calls, I said screw it, let’s get real: it’s a TV show – with the public joining in, on the screen.” Peters’ new program will debut on Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, OnlyFans, Odysee, Telegram & Trovo, and audio-only on Podbean Live.
qualify for aid knows about its charitable mission and can apply. BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “Giving Day is an opportunity for everyone in radio and television to help our colleagues. As broadcasters, we are storytellers. Whether behind the scenes in marketing, sales, or administration, part of the production team, or on-air talent, everyone in the radio and television broadcasting profession has a common goal: to share vital stories with their communities. But who is there to help these essential community members when a natural disaster strikes, or an illness disrupts a family’s financial security and safety? The Broadcasters Foundation of America’s unique mission is to support our professional community during these hard times, when our colleagues are unable to work and struggling to pay basic living expenses.” 
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
Former President Trump Effectively Working Talk Radio. Syndicated Newsmax Radio star Rob Carson conducted an exclusive interview with former President Donald Trump yesterday morning (6/13) for his popular midday radio show (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm EDT). Newsmax played it at 12:00 noon and then repeated it during the 2:00 pm hour to the delight of the show’s national roster of affiliates. According to a Newsmax spokesperson, “President Trump called Rob this morning and we were supposed to have 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, the former President’s people started asking us to wrap up but Trump said to ignore them, stating that he wanted to spend more time with Rob, and that he is a fan of Rob’s TV and radio shows. The two ended up speaking for a half hour.” The interview covered topics including the White House cocaine controversy, Trump’s criticism of the Dept. of Justice, the 2024 campaign, the border, human trafficking, the economy and even Elvis Presley. The full interview can be heard by clicking here: 
Lynn Montemayor Promoted to Director of Sales at Beasley Media Group Detroit. The Beasley Media Group announces sales pro Lynn Montemayor has been promoted to director of sales at the company’s Detroit-based radio properties. Montemayor most recently served as the GSM of 101 WRIF-FM, 94.7 WCSX-FM, 105.1 The BOUNCE, 105.9 KISS-FM, Detroit PRAISE Network, and Motor City Sports Talk The ROAR. Beasley Media Group Detroit VP/market manager Patti Taylor tells TALKERS, “Lynn is one of the most passionate and adept leaders I have ever worked with. She is thoughtful and fair, a creative teammate and a tenacious partner. I feel lucky and grateful to be working alongside Lynn in this next chapter of the Beasley Detroit cluster.” Montemayor is stepping up to fill the shoes of Taylor who was also recently promoted to her current position.
When golf’s original championship is contested next week at Hoylake’s Royal Liverpool (England), SiriusXM will offer 45 hours of live coverage on its “Open Radio” channel (92). SiriusXM president/chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “We’re very excited to deliver our listeners another extensive week of programming for the historic Open Championship. Our coverage will feature live shot-by-shot commentary from voices who are excellent at capturing and conveying the character and excitement of Open Championship golf, as well as daily programming that will deliver all the latest news from the event and interviews with the competitors in the field.” Championship broadcasts will 
As TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. 
According to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.
In celebration of Chicago Cubs play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes’ induction next week into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the team’s flagship – Audacy sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” – will air a series of special programming. WSCR vice president and brand manager Mitch Rosen opines that, “Pat’s induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional broadcasting career and unwavering dedication to the Cubs and ‘670 The Score.’ For 28 seasons, Pat’s voice has captured the essence of Cubs baseball. We’re delighted to recount the franchise’s cornerstone moments sound-tracked by his unforgettable calls and honor a fixture in Chicago sports.” Next Friday (7/21), WSCR will air “Pat’s Call to the Hall,” a three-hour (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) audio retrospective of Hughes’ career. Hosted by Hughes’ radio booth partners Ron Coomer and Zach Zaidman, the special will feature interviews with – among others – former Cubs manager Joe Maddon; current Cubs skipper David Ross; sports broadcaster Bob Costas; and musician/songwriter Eddie Vedder. Next Saturday (7/22) following its broadcast of the Cubs game, the station will air Hughes’ induction speech from Cooperstown (New York) and will rebroadcast “Pat’s Call to the Hall.” In addition, WSCR is airing vignettes saluting Hughes’ career. The Baseball Hall of Fame named Hughes this year’s winner of the Ford Frick Award, which recognizes excellence in broadcasting. A nine-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, Hughes won the award three times in Wisconsin as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Judge Andrew Napolitano, his Ampere Parkway Productions, Lapcom Communications, and Crossover Media Group enter into a partnership to expand sales/marketing of Napolitano’s “Judging Freedom” podcast. Crossover Media Group managing partner Sue Freund tells TALKERS, “The addition of the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast to our portfolio is an honor. This partnership signifies our commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront. CMG has seen the positive results the judge delivers for advertisers which has further reinforced our enthusiasm for being involved with – and taking – this podcast to the marketing community.” Lapcom Communications president Steve Lapa – who writes a weekly (Monday) column for TALKERS – comments, “The ‘Judging Freedom’ brand resonates with over five million fans each month. We look forward to the expertise of the Crossover Media Group team as they take ‘Judging Freedom’ to the next level.” Napolitano adds, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting marketing partnership with everyone at CMG. Their expertise and dedication fit perfectly with our vision for the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast.” Napolitano’s storylines have included legal, government, and national security issues. The partnership begins with Napolitano’s 30-minute interview of Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In order to measure interest in podcast content pre-launch, Coleman Insights is having 1,000 United States and Canadian podcast listeners (in the 18 – 64 demo) rate podcast show titles and elevator pitches on a one to five scale. Regarding this “Pod Predictor” concept, Coleman Insights vice president/consultant Jay Nachlis comments, “So much money and time is invested in the launch of new podcasts without any intel as to how that content will be received. With ‘Pod Predictor,’ podcasters can determine how appealing their concept is at an affordable price point, allowing them to refine their marketing message before launching it to the public.” Possessing the ability to test one or multiple concepts, “Pod Predictor” is available to individual publishers and networks. Results will be delivered with total results, as well as breakdowns by age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and category interest.