WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” afternoon drive co-host Tony Massarotti is off the air this week
serving a suspension for his racially insensitive comments made on last Friday’s program. As TALKERS reported on Tuesday (2/21), Massarotti – who co-hosts the show with Mike Felger – on Monday (2/20) apologized for his comments. You can see TALKERS coverage of that here.
According to the Black Podcast Listener Report 2.0 from Edison Research with SXM Media and Mindshare USA, 43% of the Black 18+ population in the U.S. has listened to a podcast in the last month. Edison says that percentage is larger than the percentage of the overall 18+ population that reports listening to a podcast in the last month, which is 38%. Other findings of note from the study include: 1) Black women podcast listeners are more likely to be monthly listeners and Black men podcast listeners are more likely to be weekly listeners:
Among Black monthly podcast listeners, 55% are women, but among Black weekly podcast listeners 52% are men; 2) Many Black monthly podcast listeners have begun listening to podcasts recently: 48% have been listening to podcasts less than a year; 27% have been listening less than six months; 3) 34% of Black monthly podcast listeners have stopped listening to a podcast they used to listen to regularly, but creators can address some of the reasons why: 24% of those who stopped listening said it was because the show stopped producing new episodes, 20% said they forgot about the show between seasons, 12% said the host offended them; and 4) Black weekly podcast listeners are more likely to engage with podcast advertisers than the overall U.S. weekly podcast listener: After hearing an ad on a podcast they regularly listen to, 61% of Black weekly podcast listeners (compared with 49% of U.S. weekly podcast listeners) recommended a product to a friend or family member; 68% of Black weekly podcast listeners (compared with 63% of U.S. weekly podcast listeners) gathered more information about a company or product; 52% of Black weekly podcast listeners (compared with 44% of U.S. weekly podcast listeners) purchased a product or service. Find out more about the report here.
The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation announce the 2023 National Board of Directors and Officers. AMW/F president Becky Brooks says, “The role of the AWM and Foundation boards is to lead our organizations and industry as we recognize, connect and educate women in all facets of media. With our mission to advance all women in media, it is as vital as ever to have insightful, diverse leadership. This year’s directors are dedicated to investing their time and resources to guide us and foster growth for AWM and each
of our programs.” The officer roles are: Annie Howell, chair, chief communications officer, Hallmark Media; Katina Arnold, incoming/vice chair, vice president, communications, ESPN; Heather Cohen, immediate past chair, EVP, The Weiss Agency; Brenda Hetrick, treasurer, president, Matrix Solutions; and Monica Bloom, treasurer-elect, VP of marketing for First Look Media. New directors serving on the board are: Cori Abraham, SVP, Entertainment Unscripted Development, Crime and Documentary Development, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming; Jayne Bussman-Wise, creator acquisition & growth, Amazon AMP; and Chesley Maddox-Dorsey, CEO, American Urban Radio Networks. The following leaders will continue serving on the AWM Foundation Board of Directors: Tim Clarke, SVP, digital audio content, Audacy; Vicki Lins, president and CEO, CTAM; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink, RBR, and TVBR; Josie Thomas, former EVP, chief diversity and inclusion officer, CBS (Retired); and Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group.
— iHeartMedia’s news/talk WIOD, Miami reports that Florida Republican State Senator Blaise Ingoglia wants to designate a stretch of Cortez Boulevard between U.S. 41 and State Road 50 in Brooksville, Florida as “Rush Limbaugh Way.” He’s filed a name change bill for the regular legislative session that would take effect in July if passed.
— Audacy, Inc. will report its 2022 fourth quarter financial results on Wednesday, March 15 before markets open. It will host a conference call and webcast at 10:00 am ET that morning to review the results and recent progress against its strategic initiatives.
— Townsquare Media, Inc. will release fourth quarter 2022 financial results before the markets open on Thursday, March 9. It will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2022 financial results at 8:00 am ET on that day.
— SiriusXM announces its annual MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour begins today (2/23) and run through March 11. SiriusXM says, “MLB Network Radio’s experts and insiders visit each MLB team camp, and Team USA as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic, to give listeners a comprehensive preview of every club. The MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour will consist of one-hour shows, each dedicated to a single team. SiriusXM’s hosts – many of whom are former general managers or players – will interview players, managers and executives on location at various spring training ballparks and share an inside view of each club in preparation for the upcoming season.”
The Russia-Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin’s recent threat against the West, and China’s diplomatic visit to Moscow; the Supreme Court’s hearing of arguments regarding the liabilities of social media platforms for what users post; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “national divorce” suggestion; the race for the GOP nomination for president in ’24; the toxic train wreck in Ohio and criticism of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s handling of it; Wednesday’s deadly Orlando shooting spree that left three dead; the attacks between Palestinians in Gaza and forces in southern Israel; and the massive winter storm affecting much of the Northern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.
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 “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.8 – 8.6, +.8, third to the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #14 to #10 and WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.0 – .9, -.1, flat at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.3 – 12.9, +1.6, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 14th month in succession, 11.3 – 12.9, +1.6
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WASH (-4.5)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 2.8 – 3.7, +.9, #13 to #11
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, sixth to fifth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots) 8.0 – 8.8, +.8, second to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.6 – 3.9, -.7, seventh to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, seventh to sixth
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #9 to #12
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 8.0 – 8.8, +.8
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WBQT (+1.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMJX (-8.3)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #13 to #8
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.9, +1.0
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WFEZ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, third to second
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” flat at 5.5, repeats in third-place
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, #10 to #15
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.9 – 2.6, +.7, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW flat at 4.9, locked in sixth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 4.7 – 6.3, +1.6
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.6)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-6.8)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #15 to #16
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, seventh to eighth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Lions) 7.6 – 6.8, -.8, second to third and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #16 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, third month in a row, 15.7 – 7.7, -8.0
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic rock WCSX and country WYCD (+1.7)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-8.0)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, eighth to tenth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun and Arizona Cardinals) 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #22 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun) 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #23 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 8.1 – 8.0, -.1, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KALV (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-9.5)**
*Represents a tie for the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” flat at 3.1, anchored at #14
Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 3.7 – 3.0, -.7, #12 to #15
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) 7.5 – 7.1, -.4, locked in second-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 5.5 – 7.2, +1.7
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR KDWB (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-8.3)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” .8 – 1.9, +1.1, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.5 – 6.9, +1.4, fourth to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KPBS, first month, 5.5 – 6.9, +1.4
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KPBS and classic rock KGB-FM (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-7.9)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 3.7 – 4.5, +.8, #12 to #9
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, repeats at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, locked at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, unchanged at #15
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 18th month in a row, 11.4 – 7.8, -3.6
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE; classic hits-oldies WRBQ; and news/talk WHPT (+.8)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV (-3.6)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #16 to #15; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, #20 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, #11 to #6
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, fourth consecutive month, 14.4 – 6.2, -8.2
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: hot AC KALC (+2.1)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOSI (-8.2)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #18
Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .6 – 1.2, +.6, #20 to #19
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM”.6 – .7, +.1, steady at #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.3 – 5.4, +1.1, remains in sixth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #10
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, sixth consecutive month, 14.5 – 8.4, -6.1
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIF (-6.1)
*Represents a tie for the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.4 – 5.2, +.8, repeats in ninth-place and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, steady at #17
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .5 – .7, +.2, #24 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #11 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, first month, 8.9 – 10.2, +1.3
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLOU (+1.6)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-7.7)
Up next: January 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
The presidential quadrennial historically provides talk media hosts with a bonanza of content – especially for those in early caucus and primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire who get to actually have the stars of politics stop by in person or call in as guests. Pictured here is WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway (right) with former South Carolina Governor and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley (left) during her recent visit to Iowa as her bid for the ’24 GOP presidential nomination begins. Conway tells TALKERS, “You can always tell when presidential season is truly up and running by exactly which candidates and potential candidates are showing up on WHO Radio’s ‘Simon Conway Show!’” Conway says that in addition to Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) appeared in studio and he expects former President Donald Trump to appear this week.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including 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). Nielsen’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM rises eight-tenths for a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR is up six-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is off three-tenths, finishing with a 4.1 share and the #6 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM tacks on three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.8 share good for the #9 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM adds six-tenths for a 3.4 share and the #9 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and the #4 rank. Read Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
Areva Martin – host of the afternoon drive “Areva Martin in Real Time” on KBLA, Los Angeles – is honored with the Silver Award in the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards for her podcast “The Special Report – Spotlighting Racial Disparities and Social Inequities in America” in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Social Media Content, Campaign or Channel category. The Anthem Awards were launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards to
recognize social impact work across the globe. A noted civil rights attorney, Martin is also president and CEO of Special Needs Network, Inc, a nonprofit organization that responds to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. She says, “Giving birth should be safe and joyous for everyone, but Black women are more than three times likely to die from childbirth than white women. We are thrilled to have our episode on ‘Black Maternal Health’ win Silver in competition of the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards. ‘The Special Report’ production team has spent countless hours producing powerful programming that spotlights social injustice in America to encourage social and systemic change. Every day at the Special Needs Network in Los Angeles, we live the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. This award recognizes our work.”
Former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling is joining Clay Travis’ OutKick to host a twice-weekly baseball video podcast that will debut on Friday (2/24). Outkick says “The Curt Schilling Baseball Show” will feature Schilling’s vast baseball knowledge, expert analysis, and unvarnished opinions on the most-talked-about issues and stories in the game. Clay Travis comments, “Curt Schilling is one of the best baseball analysts in the country.
His hall-of-fame career and love for the game are evident to anyone who has ever followed him. OutKick is and will always be the strongest proponent for smart, original, funny and authentic voices in all of sports. He’s a perfect fit for the brand and I’m thrilled to welcome him to our team.” Outkick also reports that its January 2023 digital performance, where the platform saw 311% growth year-over-year in unique visitors, marked the most growth over 2021 among its competitive set. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the platform attracted 9.1 million multi-platform average unique visitors, up 235% from the fourth quarter of the prior year, according to Comscore.
SiriusXM promotes Gail Berger to SVP and general manager of automotive partnerships, taking over for the retiring Rodney Pickett. SiriusXM chief commercial officer Joe Verbrugge says, “Gail is a proven leader with extensive relationships and experience in the automotive community and whose programs have delivered
significant, positive results for our organization. We are excited for Gail to lead our automotive teams and to continue to drive growth of SiriusXM’s dominant in-car presence.” Berger comments, “SiriusXM’s strong and deep relationships with every major automaker and tens of thousands of dealers and remarketing organizations across the United States are a testament to our team’s talent and capability. I am excited to step into this leadership position and continue to grow our business and deliver the best customer experiences in the vehicle.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Rosanna Scotto, co-host of WNYW-TV, New York “FOX 5,” will honor this year’s Golden Mike Award recipient, Jack Abernethy, CEO of FOX Television Stations, and Jeff Smulyan, founder, CEO and chairman of Emmis Corporation, will pay tribute to the 2023 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Richard E. Wiley. BFoA chairman Scott
Herman says, “We’re delighted to have such prestigious presenters at this year’s Golden Mike Award dinner. We’re looking forward to Rosanna and Jeff’s contributions to our program and thank them for lending us their time and talent, as broadcasters come together to honor Jack and Dick.” BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “The Golden Mike Award gala is one of our biggest fundraisers. We’ve seen an incredible uptick in requests for aid, and we thank everyone who has bought a table or ticket. The funds allow the Foundation to continue providing aid to hard-working individuals in our industry who have fallen on very challenging times due to illness or disaster.” For more information or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe, his visit to Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s renewed antipathy toward the West; U.S.-China relations as a top Chinese diplomat meets with Vladimir Putin; the Supreme Court hears arguments about Section 230 that gives immunity to digital platform owners from content posted by users; the Georgia grand jury indictment recommendations in the 2022 election results case; the toxic train wreck in Ohio and criticism of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; the Biden administration’s new rule affecting migrants who travel through other countries to enter the U.S. from Mexico; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy joins the race for the GOP nomination for president in ’24; and the winter storm affecting much of the Northern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 ratings period 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.
Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.
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 “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.1 – 3.9, +.8, tenth to ninth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.1 – 1.7, +.6, #23 to #19
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.6, fifth to seventh and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” steady at 2.0, remains at #17
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #10 to #12 and WFAN’s internet stream 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #21 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 2.8 – 3.8, +1.0, #12 to #10
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, third month in a row, 10.4 – 6.5, -3.9
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.5)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-3.9)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, third to sixth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #12 to #9
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, #19 to #16
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, seventh month in succession, 13.1 – 6.8, -6.3
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: smooth AC KTWV (+1.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-6.3)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #12 to #9
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.8 – 4.5, -.3, continues in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #20 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.4 – 3.9, +.5, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, fourth straight month, 14.8 – 7.3, -7.5
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: triple A WXRT (+3.0)*
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-7.5)
*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” flat at 1.7, #18 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 6.9, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, eighth to seventh
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 1.9 – 2.7, +.8, #16 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.9 – 6.1, +.2, third to fourth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third successive month, 15.5 – 8.1, -7.4
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KISQ (+2.1)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-7.4)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, eighth to tenth
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #20 to #17
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.8 – 6.2, +2.4, sixth to first
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.5 – 3.1, +.6, #16 to #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, first month, 3.8 – 6.2, +2.4
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+2.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-5.2)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 3.3 – 3.8, +.5, #12 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #18 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 23rd consecutive month, 14.7 – 9.6, -5.1
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-5.1)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 4.4 – 6.3, +1.9, seventh to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks and Falcons) 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #16 to #14
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #20 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, first month, 8.0 – 8.3, +.3
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk WSB-AM & WSBB (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (-2.8)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 6.2 – 5.8, -.4, third to fifth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0, fifth to second and WIP’s internet stream 1.2 – 1.6, +.4 #20 to #19
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, flat at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 3.6 – 5.0, +1.4, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, first month, 6.0 – 7.3, +1.3
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOGL (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WBEB (-11.0)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.1 – 2.2, +1.1, #21 to #16
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, repeats in seventh-place and cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.0 – 3.6, +.6, tenth to eighth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 4.8 – 5.1, +.3, sixth to fourth and WFAN’s internet stream flat at 1.6, #16 to #17
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Jets, Rangers, Islanders) 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ, first month, 5.8 – 6.6, +.8
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+1.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: hot AC WALK-FM (-5.9)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .4, #18 to #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 14th consecutive month, 7.6 – 6.8, -.8
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KRQB (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KGGI (-.9)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers ) 2.9 – 4.3, +1.4, eighth to seventh
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” steady at 1.3, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, eighth consecutive month 22.7 – 8.5, -14.2
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KISQ (+2.8)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-14.2)**
**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.2 – 7.1, +.9 fourth to second
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, repeats at #14 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, #18 to #20
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, ninth to seventh
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Jets, Rangers, Islanders) 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #20 to #18
WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.1, +.4, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, first month, 10.9 – 7.4, -3.5
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-5.1)
Up next: January 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Beasley Media Group is producing a new program hosted by developmental psychologist Dr. Cooper Lawrence and radio personality Anthony Michaels that will air in evenings (7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight) on WRXK-FM, Fort Myers; WPBB-FM, Tampa; and KXTE-FM, Las Vegas. Beasley says that “Cooper and Anthony” is a “new conversational talk show, geared towards men, that will focus on sex, relationships and
advice!” The duo has worked together since 2006, including a formerly syndicated radio show and a podcast. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “As someone who grew up listening to fun and edgy night shows like ‘Loveline’ and others, I’m very excited to launch the ‘Cooper & Anthony’ show on three of our great rock brands. They will most certainly make radio a lot more interesting at night in Fort Myers, Tampa and Vegas.” Cooper states, “This is the show I got into radio to do. I’ve been waiting for the right team with the same vision. We found it with the amazing folks at Beasley. Anthony and I can’t wait to share this show with our listening family, because it’s all about them!”
Tony Massarotti – one half of the afternoon drive duo of “Felger and Mazz” on Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” – apologized yesterday (2/20) for the racially “insensitive” and “hurtful” comments he made on Friday’s program. The Boston Herald reports that Massarotti’s co-host Mike Felger was
broadcasting remotely from a business center in a New Orleans hotel in which two Black people were sitting behind him. Referencing a previous trip to New Orleans in which Felger’s vehicle was stolen, Massarotti asked Felger if the two could hear him and when Felger replied that they couldn’t, he said, “OK, so I would be careful if I were you because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.” During his apology on Monday, Massarotti said he gets why the joke, intended to be poking fun at Felger, was wrong. “It didn’t come off that way. It came off as something far broader and ignorant, and I’m regretful of that… I sincerely apologize, and I will do my best to make sure it never happens again.”Read the story in the Boston Herald.
Red Apple Media says station personality Rita Cosby is joining owner John Catsimatidis for the daily 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm hour on 77 WABC Radio that is now called “Cats & Cosby.” Cosby, who hosts her eponymous show on WABC and the Red Apple Media Network from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, will also occasionally join
Catsimatidis on his nationally syndicated Sunday morning program, “The Cats Roundtable.” Catsimatidis says, “I’ve known Rita Cosby for many years and have always deeply admired her incredible journalistic skills. She knows how to ask the right questions so that we can find and reveal the truth on every story. She’s a tremendous broadcaster and I’m delighted she is joining me.” Cosby comments, “I’m beyond thrilled to be working with iconic John Catsimatidis, one of the most accomplished and dynamic business leaders in America. This fast-paced show will look at all sides of the stories that have great impact on New Yorkers, our country, and the world. It’s a journalist’s dream to join John and his great team.”
Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington is making changes to its on-air clock and director of news and programming Julia Ziegler has posted a memo to the station’s website to make listeners aware. Starting Monday, Feb. 27, WTOP will sound a bit different on air. She says, “For years, WTOP listeners have been used to hearing our sports reports at :15 and :45 and money/business news at :25 and :55 past each
hour. Starting next Monday, our sports reports will begin airing at :25 and :55 and our money/business reports will move to :10 and :40 past each hour. We will also be reducing the number of commercial breaks listeners hear each hour and increasing the amount of news we deliver at the same time. These changes allow us to provide our listeners with longer, uninterrupted news segments, which we believe offer a better listening experience overall.” Ziegler adds they are tweaking how they approach news content. “WTOP will always be the place you can turn to when news is breaking, but we realize news consumers want more than that — not just from WTOP but from the news industry as a whole. So, it is our commitment to balance out those serious news stories we deliver each day with news about the good things going on in the D.C. region, too. Stories that make you smile; stories that inspire hope; and stories that make you laugh or are just cool. We’re also committed to providing you with stories that can help you, your kids, your finances and your health, too.”
Michael Gallagher of the Nashville Post writes about the sports talk trio of Jonathan Hutton, Chad Withrow and Paul Kuharsky – known as “Midday 180” while working at Cumulus Media’s sports talk WGFX-FM – their ultimate decision to join Clay Travis’ Outkick and the effect that had on the Nashville sports talk scene. Hutton
says of their decision in 2021 to go with Outkick, “The timing was perfect, but we also had a chance to grow what we were already doing. We didn’t have to leave Nashville. We own our intellectual property; you don’t have that with radio companies. We’re able to form our own show company, so to speak, and we’re part of the much larger grand scheme of Clay’s vision.” Gallagher’s piece looks at the digital frontier the trio began exploring with Outkick and chronicles their return to the Nashville airwaves. Read his complete story here.
Edison Research’s latest ranking of the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. based on total network reach for Q3-Q4 2022 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+ is released and SiriusXM Podcast Network (formerly SXM Media), Spotify, and iHeartRadio take the top three spots, respectively. This ranker – measuring reach
as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience – is based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics, and Edison says the Q3-Q4 ranker includes increased sample size implemented last year and is based on surveys of 10,579 weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The rest of the top 10 are: 4) Wondery/Audible/Amazon Music, 5) Audioboom, 6) The New York Times, 7) NPR, 8)Audacy, 9) Acast Creator Network, and 10) Cumulus Podcast Network.
Beasley Media Group sports talk stations announce partnerships with Major League Soccer clubs. First, WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” and the New England Revolution extend their partnership to make “98.5 The Sports Hub” the flagship home of the Revolution for years to come. Longtime Revolution play-by-play
voice Brad Feldman returns to the call alongside former Revolution and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies. Additionally, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will introduce “The Soccer Show” – a weekly one-hour program to air on Saturday mornings from 6:00 am to – 7:00 am. In Philadelphia, Beasley’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” announces a new partnership with the Philadelphia Union to serve as the club’s official radio broadcast partner. Primary hosts of Union match broadcasts will be Dave Leno and Sheanon Williams.
President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe including a surprise visit to Ukraine; Vladimir Putin announces Russia is suspending participation in the latest nuclear arms treaty; the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments against Section 230 that gives internet publishers immunity from postings by users; Jimmy Carter enters hospice; the aftermath of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and criticism of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s response; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gives January 6 Capitol security camera footage access to FOX News’ Tucker Carlson; and the winter storm affecting much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
It looks like the podcast business is hitting those ever-present speedbumps.
No, I am not predicting a demise. I’m just asking why there weren’t a few more hardball questions.
If you sell or manage with eyes wide open, you’ve already read what the February 15 New York Times article chronicled. The cutbacks, drops, and hiring freezes hitting the double-digit-growth podcast business has some in the radio business saying, “Told ya so.”
Who has the chutzpah to say that to Tom Brady and Michael Strahan of Religion of Sports, or Michelle Obama of “The Michelle Obama Podcast?” When your bank account is on fumes, you speak the economic truth. The formula of star power driving unique audio content didn’t instantly convert to super-sized audience levels attracting super-sized revenue. What did VOX, Spotify, Amazon, NPR and other well-respected players miss?
— Never assume, (because assuming…) An out-of-the-box assumption listeners would pay for content to create a separate income stream, didn’t really take. Even the most aggressive marketer would think twice before assuming that listeners generating millions of downloads of free podcasts would suddenly pay to listen. Maybe a select few passionate followers would, but could you change the historic perceived value of the masses? When it comes to paywalls for play, be sure to test, adjust, and re-test before you project income.
— Ad sales sell out levels. A typical podcast has about a quarter of the inventory available in a typical hour of most news/talk and sports talk programs. Yet despite podcasts with limited inventory and higher CPM for host-read ads inside the podcasts, the projections from those well-respected companies tanked. The reason is elegantly simple. Too much podcast inventory chasing too few dollars.
— It’s the economy, stupid. Thank you, political strategist James Carville. The story goes the phrase was on a sign in Bill Clinton’s campaign headquarters and helped Clinton beat Geroge Bush in 1992. Did any of the gurus consider the economy?
— Who would have thought print newspaper sales have something in common with podcasts? Did anyone consider the impact of endless ad inventory becoming a commodity despite celebrity content? Never easy to predict which celebs will convert from the big screen or TV to podcast audio.
I had the privilege of producing cast members of Discovery’s “American Chopper” in a 39-episode podcast series. Even those crazy motorcycle dudes were challenged bringing their millions of TV and online fans to the podcast world. Hindsight is 20/20. Let’s never stop learning so we can always aim for higher earnings.
Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Weekend ask-the-expert shows can be a powerful marketing tool. In a recent column, I outlined how attorneys – an industry where supply exceeds demand – can differentiate from competitors’ look-alike billboards and often-tacky TV spots.
And, well-coached, brokered weekend hours can drum up lots of business for financial advisors, and how-to hosts fielding calls on a variety of other topics. For years, an EXTERMINATOR has done Saturday mornings on WPRO-AM, Providence, and the guy’s a rock star.
Tip for weekend warriors: Record every call you take. Build a library.
— With a trove of pre-recorded calls, you can recycle previous live calls, to get-the-ball-rolling, and steer the conversation into your lane. And sounding so popular implies your authority.
— With all we do to make your weekend show “appointment listening,” you don’t want to disappear when you’re on vacation.
— When you assemble the show that airs in your absence, do include the appropriate disclaimer, but avoid the “Best of” cliché that screams “re-run.” Instead of simply repeating a previous show intact, make it a true best-of, with calls that were on-topic and particularly helpful.
— And rather than repeatedly saying “Don’t’ call,” let the board op thank those who do call (off-air); or if calls ring-through to voicemail, use it to collect callbacks, deepening your collection.
— You can also repurpose calls into topical FAQ podcasts, to-which you Tweet links, and promote on-air and to your email database.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books; and “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
“The John Kincade Show” at Beasley Media Group sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia’s “97.5 The Fanatic” is hosting Open House Week in which listeners are invited to join them in person at the Beasley Media Group performance studio in Philadelphia. Show hosts John Kincade, Bob Cooney and Pat Egan have been
soliciting listeners via the station’s website to reserve spots to be in-studio today through Friday (2/24). Kincade says, “More than any show in Philly sports radio, we have always been interested in getting out and interacting with our listeners. This is a great way for us to welcome our listeners behind the scenes at our brand-new performance studio to get even better connected with the show.” Special guests scheduled to join the show include Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin, Sixers radio announcer Tom McGinnis, Sixers TV announcer Kate Scott, former Phillies players Tommy Greene and Mickey Morandini, Flyers radio broadcasters Tim Saunders and Steve Coates, Zach Berman from The Athletic, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.