Newsmax TV paid tribute to the late Rush Limbaugh as the third anniversary of his death on February 17, 2021 approaches. Afternoon host Chris Salcedo interviewed TALKERS founder Michael Harrison asking him to explain to younger viewers the significance Limbaugh played in the early development of conservative talk radio and how the medium has changed since his passing. See this informative exchange here.
The Big Lead reports from the Super Week radio row in Las Vegas that Jim Rome has announced that
his CBS Sports Radio-syndicated program will cease its video simulcast with CBS Sports and that simulcast will move to X (formerly Twitter) soon. Rome had nothing but praise for CBS Sports and added that the video simulcast will disappear for a period before resurfacing on X at a date yet to be determined. There are no reported changes coming to the radio program itself. Read the story here.
Pew Research Center says that according to its study of the podcast landscape focusing on analyzing guests featured on top-ranked shows, “most top-ranked podcasts in 2022 (76%) brought on at least one guest, with over 7,000 people appearing on these shows.” Other findings include: 1) Podcasts about certain topics tend to have guests more often, including top-ranked sports (100%), entertainment (85%)
and politics (78%) shows. In addition, 89% of news-focused podcasts (across topics) brought on at least one guest in 2022; 2) Most podcasts aren’t bringing the same guests on over and over. More than 99% of all guests only appeared once on any top podcast in 2022. In addition, about half (49%) of top podcasts brought on at least one guest more than once, and 23% hosted more than five different people more than once. The most common guests represent a range of professional backgrounds, including entertainment figures, scientists, journalists and political commentators. Pew senior computational social scientist Galen Stocking comments, “Our research has shed light on the variety of topics and approaches within the podcasting landscape. Here, we found that most top-ranked podcasts are bringing on guests, and often from a wide range of professional backgrounds. This can add to the perspectives heard on each podcast.”
Releasing U.S. podcast listening data for January, Podtrac reports that The New York Times’ “The Daily” unseats NPR’s “NPR News Now” as the #1 show on its chart, based on U.S. unique monthly audience.
NPR holds the #2 and #3 spots with “NPR News Now” and “Up First,” respectively. Commercial radio-related podcasts finishing in the top 20 include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” unchanged at #9, “The Dan Bongino Show” down one spot to #12, and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” up one spot to #14. This chart reflects programs that opt in to Podtrac measurement.
Retired WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte news broadcaster Jim Barroll passed away on Monday (2/5) at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. Barroll served for more than 30 years in the WBT-AM/FM newsroom, beginning as a reporter before moving on to afternoon drive anchor and eventually news director. Barroll
retired from the station in 2016. Over the years, his focus was often on court reporting and the criminal justice system. He covered multiple Space Shuttle launches, the 1988 Democratic National Convention, the Jim Bakker trial, Hurricane Hugo, the crash of USAir Flight 1016, and the Rae Carruth trial. In 1990, he traveled with a North Carolina political and trade delegation to Germany during the aftermath of the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the German reunification. WBT says that Barroll and fellow anchor John Stokes were the backbone of its news operation for over 30 years. His daughter Amy posted to social media: “I will miss this man so, so much. He passed away this morning from an exceedingly aggressive mantle cell lymphoma. He was a completely healthy man a month ago. I am the luckiest person in the world to have called him my father.”
A bankruptcy court judge is agreeing to Audacy’s settlement with BMI in which Audacy agrees not to challenge BMI’s pending merger in exchange for at least $25.4 million in BMI stock. This comes as Audacy makes its way through the Chapter 11 proceedings and addresses both the audit dispute and fee dispute Audacy has with BMI. Regarding the audit dispute over how many BMI shares Audacy owns,
Audacy agrees to pay BMI $550,000 in settlement of those claims. Audacy and BMI agree to resolve the fee dispute with 60 days of BMI’s merger. Based on the results of the 2017-2019 Audit, BMI asserted that Audacy owed approximately $1.68 million in fees to BMI. Audacy disputed BMI’s claim and, since 2020, has been negotiating with BMI to settle that matter and any potential claims relating to Audacy’s 2020 revenue subject to license fees. BMI has also asserted that Audacy owes approximately $9.26 million in unpaid license fees and accrued late fees, which Audacy disputes. Audacy says in its filing that this “Settlement is in the best interest of all stakeholders (including Debtors’ secured creditors, the only impaired parties) because it will, subject to the closing of the merger, bring in at least $25 million of funds to the Debtors’ estates (potentially within days of this settlement being approved), with the possibility for up to an additional $13.6 million in the following months.”
Patch.com reports that KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 FM The Fan” air personality Ron Cook announced his retirement from the station yesterday (2/5). Cook is one of the original hosts who joined the station at
its inception in 2010. Cook told his listeners, “It’s been a blast with you guys.” Cook is also a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’ll leave that position after his last column appears on Sunday. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli comments, “From the first day ‘93.7 The Fan’ signed on the air, Ron brought instant credibility to the station with, not only with reputation as one of the top columnists in the market, but also a trusted voice that sports fans wanted to hear from. That is a rare combination, and to this day we are fortunate that Ron was here with us from the beginning.” Read it on Patch here.
Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian does a deep-dive into the recent performances of the news/talk format during Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” PPM ratings period. He writes, “Last week, we recapped how all-news stations have recently performed in (volatile) ‘Holiday’ survey periods. As a companion piece, the data summarizes ratings performances of news/talk stations in the two most recent ‘Holiday’ sweeps.” See the full story here.
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
Last week, we recapped how all-news stations have recently performed in Nielsen Audio‘s (volatile) “Holiday” PPM survey periods.
As a companion piece, the following summarizes ratings performances of news/talk stations in the two most recent “Holiday” sweeps.
“Holiday” 2022 – “Holiday” 2023 6+ Increase, 43%.
“Holiday” 2022 – “Holiday” 2023 6+ Decrease, 50%.
“Holiday” 2022 – “Holiday” 2023 6+ Flat, 7%.
Average “Holiday” 2022 – “Holiday” 6+ 2023 Increase, +.61.
Average “Holiday” 2022 – “Holiday” 6+ 2023 Decrease, -.98.
Typical “Holiday” 6+ Share, 3.19 (2022), versus 3.01 (2023).
Representative “Holiday” 6+ Market Rank, #12.42 (2022), versus #12.26 (2023).
News/Talk Composite 6+ Share/Rank Arranged By Market Size
“Hol” “Hol”
2022 2023
WABC, New York 3.1 #10 3.0 #11
KFI, Los Angeles 4.4 #3 4.6 #4
WGN, Chicago 2.8 #12 2.6 #11
WLS-AM, Chicago 0.9 #24 1.7 #19
KSFO, San Francisco 1.7 #18 1.4 #22
WBAP, Dallas 3.7 #8 2.8 #14
KTRH, Houston 3.3 #12 2.6 #17
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta 4.4 #7 7.4 #2
WMAL, Washington 3.4 #7 3.1 #9
WPHT, Philadelphia 0.8 #24 1.7 #19
WKXW, Philadelphia 1.2 #20 1.2 #23
WRKO, Boston 2.8 #13 3.1 #9
KIRO-FM, Seattle 5.5 #3 4.0 #6
KFYI, Phoenix 3.3 #8 2.9 #8
KTAR-FM, Phoenix 1.7 #22 2.2 #14
WJR, Detroit 2.3 #15 2.4 #15
WCCO, Minneapolis 3.7 #12 3.8 #10
KTMY, Minneapolis 3.1 #14 1.9 #17
KTLK, Minneapolis 2.0 #17 1.6 #19
WHPT, Tampa 3.7 #12 4.1 #7
WFLA, Tampa 2.2 #17 3.2 #13
KOA, Denver 2.4 #16 2.7 #14
KHOW, Denver 1.5 #20 1.4 #19
KOGO, San Diego 5.4 #5 3.9 #6
WABC, Long Island 1.1 #21 1.1 #20
WBT, Charlotte 3.7 #10 4.0 #9
KXL, Portland 6.0 #5 4.9 #6
KEX, Portland 2.2 #16 1.1 #21
WBAL, Baltimore 3.6 #10 2.7 #11
WCBM, Baltimore 1.6 #17 1.5 #17
WMAL, Baltimore 0.6 #20 DNA DNA
KMOX, St. Louis 4.4 #9 2.8 #14
KFTK, St. Louis 1.4 #17 1.5 #17
KTLK-FM, St. Louis 0.5 #23 1.1 #18
WOAI, San Antonio 2.6 #13 2.4 #15
KTSA, San Antonio 2.5 #14 1.8 #19
KSL, Salt Lake City 4.6 #5 3.6 #9
KNRS, Salt Lake City 4.4 #6 2.2 #17
KFBK, Sacramento 8.8 #2 6.1 #3
KSTE-AM, Sacramento 3.2 #8 2.1 #16
KLBJ-AM, Austin 4.4 #5 4.1 #6
WTKS, Orlando 5.1 #7 3.1 #12
WDBO, Orlando 4.6 #8 3.1 #12
WFLF, Orlando 0.7 #22 0.6 #20
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh 2.8 #13 3.6 #8
KDKA-AM Stream, Pittsburgh 0.7 #19 0.4 #22
KDWN, Las Vegas 2.3 #16 DNA DNA
WLW, Cincinnati 10.7 #1 10.8 #2
WKRC, Cincinnati 2.8 #13 4.5 #6
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City 3.2 #11 4.1 #7
KCMO-AM, Kansas City 0.4 #25 1.8 #17
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City 1.4 #20 1.4 #19
WTAM, Cleveland 4.6 #8 4.8 #8
WTVN, Columbus 5.3 #8 4.5 #7
WTKK, Raleigh 10.4 #2 5.0 #5
WIBC, Indianapolis 5.7 #3 4.8 #8
KSFO, San Jose 1.1 #22 1.5 #19
WWTN, Nashville 4.9 #7 3.9 #12
WLAC, Nashville 1.2 #17 1.2 #19
WKXW, Middlesex 6.2 #4 5.7 #4
WOR, Middlesex 0.4 #26 1.6 #15
WKXW-Stream, Middlesex DNA DNA 0.7 #20
WISN, Milwaukee 8.8 #3 9.0 #1
WTMJ, Milwaukee 6.2 #5 6.4 #5
WPRO-AM, Providence 4.5 #7 5.9 #5
WHJJ, Providence 0.5 #18 0.8 #15
WNIS, Norfolk 2.8 #11 2.0 #14
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville 6.1 #5 6.5 #3
WPTI, Greensboro 3.2 #8 3.3 #8
WFTL, West Palm Beach 1.0 #15 2.1 #9
WZZR, West Palm Beach 1.7 #10 1.3 #13
WJNO, West Palm Beach 1.1 #13 0.6 #15
WREC, Memphis 2.6 #13 1.0 #11
WKIM, Memphis 2.1 #15 DNA DNA
KWAM, Memphis 0.4 #21 0.4 #13
WTIC-AM, Hartford 5.1 #6 5.2 #6
WDRC-AM, Hartford 1.0 #17 1.5 #15
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford 0.2 #20 0.4 #19
WPOP, Hartford 0.2 #20 DNA DNA
“Holiday” 2023 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
WLW, Cincinnati 10.8
WISN, Milwaukee 9.0
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta 7.4
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville 6.5
WTMJ, Milwaukee 6.4
KFBK, Sacramento 6.1
WPRO-AM, Providence 5.9
WKXW, Middlesex 5.7
WTIC-AM, Hartford 5.2
WTKK, Raleigh 5.0
KXL, Portland 4.9
WTAM, Cleveland 4.8
WIBC, Indianapolis 4.8
KFI, Los Angeles 4.6
WKRC, Cincinnati 4.5
WTVN, Columbus 4.5
WHPT, Tampa 4.1
KLBJ-AM, Austin 4.1
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City 4.1
KIRO-FM, Seattle 4.0
WBT, Charlotte 4.0
KOGO, San Diego 3.9
WWTN, Nashville 3.9
WCCO, Minneapolis 3.8
KSL, Salt Lake City 3.6
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh 3.6
WPTI, Greensboro 3.3
WFLA, Tampa 3.2
WMAL, Washington 3.1
WRKO, Boston 3.1
WDBO, Orlando 3.1
WTKS, Orlando 3.1
WABC, New York 3.0
KFYI, Phoenix 2.9
WBAP, Dallas 2.8
KMOX, St. Louis 2.8
KOA, Denver 2.7
WBAL, Baltimore 2.7
WGN, Chicago 2.6
KTRH, Houston 2.6
WJR, Detroit 2.4
WOAI, San Antonio 2.4
KTAR-FM, Phoenix 2.2
KNRS, Salt Lake City 2.2
KSTE-AM, Sacramento 2.1
WFTL, West Palm Beach 2.1
WNIS, Norfolk 2.0
KTMY, Minneapolis 1.9
KTSA, San Antonio 1.8
KCMO-AM, Kansas City 1.8
WLS-AM, Chicago 1.7
WPHT, Philadelphia 1.7
KTLK, Minneapolis 1.6
WOR, Middlesex 1.6
WCBM, Baltimore 1.5
KFTK, St. Louis 1.5
KSFO, San Jose 1.5
WDRC-AM, Hartford 1.5
KHOW, Denver 1.4
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City 1.4
WZZR, West Palm Beach 1.3
WLAC, Nashville 1.2
WABC, Long Island 1.1
KTLK-FM, St. Louis 1.1
WREC, Memphis 1.0
WHJJ, Providence 0.8
WKXW-Stream, Middlesex 0.7
WFLF, Orlando 0.6
WJNO, West Palm Beach 0.6
KWAM, Memphis 0.4
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford 0.4
“Holiday” 2023 6+ Market Rank
WISN, Milwaukee #1
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta #2
WLW, Cincinnati #2
KFBK, Sacramento #3
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville #3
KFI, Los Angeles #4
WKXW, Middlesex #4
WTKK, Raleigh #5
WTMJ, Milwaukee #5
WPRO-AM, Providence #5
KIRO-FM, Seattle #6
KOGO, San Diego #6
KXL, Portland #6
KLBJ-AM, Austin #6
WKRC, Cincinnati #6
WTIC-AM, Hartford #6
WHPT, Tampa #7
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City #7
WTVN, Columbus #7
KFYI, Phoenix #8
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh #8
WTAM, Cleveland #8
WIBC, Indianapolis #8
WPTI, Greensboro #8
WMAL, Washington #9
WRKO, Boston #9
WBT, Charlotte #9
KSL, Salt Lake City #9
WFTL, West Palm Beach #9
WCCO, Minneapolis #10
WABC, New York #11
WGN, Chicago #11
WBAL, Baltimore #11
WREC, Memphis #11
WDBO, Orlando #12
WTKS, Orlando #12
WWTN, Nashville #12
WFLA, Tampa #13
WZZR, West Palm Beach #13
KWAM, Memphis #13
WBAP, Dallas #14
KTAR-FM, Phoenix #14
KOA, Denver #14
KMOX, St. Louis #14
WNIS, Norfolk #14
WJR, Detroit #15
WOAI, San Antonio #15
WOR, Middlesex #15
WHJJ, Providence #15
WJNO, West Palm Beach #15
WDRC-AM, Hartford #15
KSTE-AM, Sacramento #16
KTRH, Houston #17
KTMY, Minneapolis #17
WCBM, Baltimore #17
KFTK, St. Louis #17
KNRS, Salt Lake City #17
KCMO-AM, Kansas City #17
KTLK-FM, St. Louis #18
WLS-AM, Chicago #19
WPHT, Philadelphia #19
KTLK, Minneapolis #19
KHOW, Denver #19
KTSA, San Antonio #19
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City #19
KSFO, San Jose #19
WLAC, Nashville #19
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford #19
WABC, Long Island #20
WFLF, Orlando #20
WKXW-Stream, Middlesex #20
“Holiday” 2022 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
WLW, Cincinnati 10.7
WTKK, Raleigh 10.4
KFBK, Sacramento 8.8
WISN, Milwaukee 8.8
WKXW, Middlesex 6.2
WTMJ, Milwaukee 6.2
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville 6.1
KXL, Portland 6.0
WIBC, Indianapolis 5.7
KIRO-FM, Seattle 5.5
KOGO, San Diego 5.4
WTVN, Columbus 5.3
WTKS, Orlando 5.1
WTIC-AM, Hartford 5.1
WWTN, Nashville 4.9
KSL, Salt Lake City 4.6
WDBO, Orlando 4.6
WTAM, Cleveland 4.6
WPRO-AM, Providence 4.5
KFI, Los Angeles 4.4
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta 4.4
KMOX, St. Louis 4.4
KNRS, Salt Lake City 4.4
KLBJ-AM, Austin 4.4
WBAP, Dallas 3.7
WCCO, Minneapolis 3.7
WHPT, Tampa 3.7
WBT, Charlotte 3.7
WBAL, Baltimore 3.6
WMAL, Washington 3.4
KTRH, Houston 3.3
KFYI, Phoenix 3.3
KSTE-AM, Sacramento 3.2
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City 3.2
WPTI, Greensboro 3.2
WABC, New York 3.1
KTMY, Minneapolis 3.1
WGN, Chicago 2.8
WRKO, Boston 2.8
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh 2.8
WKRC, Cincinnati 2.8
WNIS, Norfolk 2.8
WOAI, San Antonio 2.6
WREC, Memphis 2.6
KTSA, San Antonio 2.5
KOA, Denver 2.4
WJR, Detroit 2.3
KDWN, Las Vegas 2.3
WFLA, Tampa 2.2
KEX, Portland 2.2
WKIM, Memphis 2.1
KTLK, Minneapolis 2.0
KSFO, San Francisco 1.7
WZZR, West Palm Beach 1.7
WCBM, Baltimore 1.6
KHOW, Denver 1.5
KFTK, St. Louis 1.4
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City 1.4
WKXW, Philadelphia 1.2
WLAC, Nashville 1.2
WJNO, West Palm Beach 1.1
WFTL, West Palm Beach 1.0
WDRC-AM, Hartford 1.0
KDKA-AM Stream, Pittsburgh 0.7
WMAL, Baltimore 0.6
WHJJ, Providence 0.5
WPOP, Hartford 0.2
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford 0.2
“Holiday” 2022 6+ Market Rank
WLW, Cincinnati #1
KFBK, Sacramento #2
WTKK, Raleigh #2
KFI, Los Angeles #3
KIRO-FM, Seattle #3
WIBC, Indianapolis #3
WISN, Milwaukee #3
WKXW, Middlesex #4
KOGO, San Diego #5
KXL, Portland #5
KSL, Salt Lake City #5
KLBJ-AM, Austin #5
WTMJ, Milwaukee #5
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville #5
KNRS, Salt Lake City #6
WTIC-AM, Hartford #6
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta #7
WMAL, Washington #7
WTKS, Orlando #7
WWTN, Nashville #7
WPRO-AM, Providence #7
WBAP, Dallas #8
KFYI, Phoenix #8
KSTE-AM, Sacramento #8
WDBO, Orlando #8
WTAM, Cleveland #8
WTVN, Columbus #8
WPTI, Greensboro #8
KMOX, St. Louis #9
WABC, New York #10
WBT, Charlotte #10
WBAL, Baltimore #10
WZZR, West Palm Beach #10
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City #11
WNIS, Norfolk #11
WGN, Chicago #12
KTRH, Houston #12
WCCO, Minneapolis #12
WHPT, Tampa #12
WRKO, Boston #13
WOAI, San Antonio #13
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh #13
WKRC, Cincinnati #13
WJNO, West Palm Beach #13
WREC, Memphis #13
KTMY, Minneapolis #14
KTSA, San Antonio #14
WJR, Detroit #15
WFTL, West Palm Beach #15
WKIM, Memphis #15
KOA, Denver #16
KEX, Portland #16
KDWN, Las Vegas #16
KTLK, Minneapolis #17
WFLA, Tampa #17
WCBM, Baltimore #17
KFTK, St. Louis #17
WLAC, Nashville #17
WDRC-AM, Hartford #17
KSFO, San Francisco #18
WHJJ, Providence #18
KDKA-AM Stream, Pittsburgh #19
WKXW, Philadelphia #20
KHOW, Denver #20
WMAL, Baltimore #20
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City #20
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford #20
WPOP, Hartford #20
“Holiday” 2023 6+ Fluctuation from “Holiday” 2022
WSB-AM & WSBB, Atlanta +3.0
WKRC, Cincinnati +1.7
KCMO-AM, Kansas City +1.4
WPRO-AM, Providence +1.4
WOR, Middlesex +1.2
WFTL, West Palm Beach +1.1
WFLA, Tampa +1.0
WPHT, Philadelphia +.9
KMBZ-FM, Kansas City +.9
WLS-AM, Chicago +.8
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh +.8
KTLK-FM, St. Louis +.6
KTAR-FM, Phoenix +.5
WDRC-AM, Hartford +.5
WHPT, Tampa +.4
KSFO, San Jose +.4
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville +.4
WRKO, Boston +.3
KOA, Denver +.3
WBT, Charlotte +.3
WHJJ, Providence +.3
KFI, Los Angeles +.2
WTAM, Cleveland +.2
WISN, Milwaukee +.2
WTMJ, Milwaukee +.2
WTIC-AM-Stream, Hartford +.2
WJR, Detroit +.1
WCCO, Minneapolis +.1
KFTK, St. Louis +.1
WLW, Cincinnati +.1
WPTI, Greensboro +.1
WTIC-AM, Hartford +.1
WKXW, Philadelphia Flat
WABC, Long Island Flat
KMBZ-AM, Kansas City Flat
WLAC, Nashville Flat
KWAM, Memphis Flat
WTKK, Raleigh -5.4
KFBK, Sacramento -2.7
KNRS, Salt Lake City -2.2
WTKS, Orlando -2.0
KMOX, St. Louis -1.6
WREC, Memphis -1.6
KIRO-FM, Seattle -1.5
KOGO, San Diego -1.5
WDBO, Orlando -1.5
KTMY, Minneapolis -1.2
KXL, Portland -1.1
KEX, Portland -1.1
KSTE-AM, Sacramento -1.1
KSL, Salt Lake City -1.0
WWTN, Nashville -1.0
WBAP, Dallas -.9
WBAL, Baltimore -.9
WIBC, Indianapolis -.9
WTVN, Columbus -.8
WNIS, Norfolk -.8
KTRH, Houston -.7
KTSA, San Antonio -.7
WKXW, Middlesex -.5
WJNO, West Palm Beach -.5
KFYI, Phoenix -.4
KTLK, Minneapolis -.4
WZZR, West Palm Beach -.4
KSFO, San Francisco -.3
WMAL, Washington -.3
KLBJ-AM, Austin -.3
KDKA-AM Stream, Pittsburgh -.3
WGN, Chicago -.2
WOAI, San Antonio -.2
WABC, New York -.1
KHOW, Denver -.1
WCBM, Baltimore -.1
WFLF, Orlando -.1
Notes
Contact managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
iHeartMedia announces the nominees in 29 categories for this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards. iHeartMedia teamed up with South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals to host the live and in-person ceremony in Austin at the Fairmont Hotel on March 11 at 9:00 pm. ET. The ceremony will also broadcast on select iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, digitally through the iHeartRadio app and
video stream in partnership with YouTube on the iHeartRadio Channel. Podcast fans help decide the winner of the Podcast of the Year by voting online at iHeartPodcastAwards.com now through February 18. This year’s nominees include “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily,” “My Favorite Murder,” “New Heights,” “Normal Gossip,” “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” “The Retrievals,” “Scamanda,” “SmartLess” and “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “As the podcast industry continues to rapidly grow, this past year has clearly proven that podcasters are always innovating in the audio space and finding new ways to reach and engage new audiences. The nominees for the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards reflect the results of honing that creativity and we’re thrilled to celebrate and once again empower these creators and elevate the podcast industry together live in person at SXSW.” See all the nominees here.
Audacy and audio analytics and research platform Veritonic announce they have renewed their partnership. Audacy SVP of research and insights Idil Cakim comments, “Measuring the impact of our
total Audio campaigns — including radio, streaming and podcast advertising— with Veritonic allows us to show the power of Audacy’s content in connecting with audiences and mobilizing customers. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership and enable our clients and advertising partners to leverage audio to achieve the utmost in competitive edge, reach, and ROI.”
Negotiations in Congress over border legislation and aid to Ukraine and Israel; the U.S. military strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria; MAGA’s Taylor Swift-NFL conspiracy theory; the 2024 presidential race; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Fani Willis–Nathan Wade relationship; Sunday evening’s Grammy Awards; an atmospheric river drenches Southern California; and Apple’s Vision Pro headsets hit stores were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Talk radio host Joe Madison – also known for much of his career as The Black Eagle – died on Thursday (2/1) at 74 after a battle with cancer. His family released the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Joe Madison. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated, and marginalized. On air he often posed the question, ‘What are you going to do about it?’ Although he is no longer with us, we hope you will join us in answering that call by continuing to be proactive in the fight against injustice. The outpouring of prayers and support over the last few months lifted Joe’s spirits and strengthened us as a family. We continue to ask for privacy as we gather together to support each other through this difficult time.” Madison had been hosting the morning drive program on SiriusXM’s Urban View channel since 2008. Before he went into radio, Madison had become the youngest Detroit NAACP chapter leader at 24 years old. While Madison dabbled in radio while at Washington University in St. Louis, he first worked in commercial radio at Detroit’s WXYZ. From there he hosted a show on WWDB-FM, Philadelphia before moving to Washington, DC for a long stint at WWRC. He moved across town to Radio One-owned WOL, Washington where he hosted the afternoon drive show and served as program director. At this time, Radio One began syndicating his show nationally and it was simultaneously added to the lineup at SiriusXM. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison issued the following statement: “Joe Madison was one of the greatest of the greats among radio talk show hosts of the modern era. He transcended the role of ‘talent’ to rise among the ranks of America’s most influential civil rights thought leaders. His devoted following crossed the boundaries of race, age, gender, and politics. During his illustrious career, in addition to receiving countless awards in the fields of broadcasting and activism, he was a recipient of TALKERS magazine’s two most important honors, the Freedom of Speech Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award. I am humbled to have had the privilege of this great man’s friendship for more than three decades and will treasure his inspiring memory for the rest of my days.”
The man described by Michael Harrison as the “father of American consumer advocacy,” Ralph Nader, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Nader is a legendary American consumer advocate, lawyer, author and five-time significant third-party presidential candidate. His nationally syndicated “The Ralph Nader Radio Hour” (Pacifica Broadcasting), heard weekly on approximately 50 stations and as a podcast, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this February. Harrison and Nader discuss the historical role of third-party candidates in American politics in addition to taking a deep dive into the proliferation of scams and high-tech fraud, including the dangers presented to children in this technologically amplified era. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis helped raise more than $443,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during its 15th annual “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon” yesterday (2/1). The
amount raised brings the fundraising total to more than $4.2 million since 2010. Audacy Minneapolis SVP and market manager Jeff Gonsales says, “I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s hard work on this event. This is yet another great example of how local radio can truly help change lives. We’re so grateful that WCCO can partner with Second Harvest Heartland and impact the community on such an amazing and rewarding day.”
The Neuhoff Family Limited Partnership, the parent company of Neuhoff Media-Decatur, LLC and Neuhoff Media-Danville, LLC announces it is entering into an agreement to sell radio stations news/talk WSOY-AM/WSOY-FM, sports talk WDZ-AM, hip hop WCZQ-FM, and country in Decatur, Illinois (plus NowDecatur.com) and news/talk WDAN-AM, hot AC WDNL-FM, and classic rock WRHK-FM, in Danville, Illinois (plus VermilionCountyFirst.com) to Champaign Multimedia Group for a sum yet to be
announced. Neuhoff states in announcing the sale that this “transaction is part of an overall strategic decision on behalf of the Neuhoff family to depart the broadcast industry after nearly 70 years,” according to Julian Hickman and Makena Neuhoff, trustees of the Neuhoff family. The company still owns 13 radio brands spread across the Springfield, Illinois; Bloomington, Illinois; and Lafayette, Indiana markets and it “expects to make additional announcements regarding future agreements as the Neuhoff divestiture process moves forward.” Hickman states, “We are proud of what broadcast ownership has meant to our family, our employees, and the markets we serve. Our grandfather, Roger Neuhoff, began his ownership in the business during the mid-1950s. He loved the broadcast industry and was proud of the way our radio and television stations served their local communities.” Neuhoff Media president Mike Hulvey adds, “We are pleased to see the iconic local media brands of Neuhoff Media’s Danville and Decatur markets all brought together through this historic transaction with the Champaign Multimedia Group. The next chapter for the Danville and Decatur radio stations and digital platforms will create something very special for each community.” Kalil & Co., Inc. acted as the exclusive broker for this transaction.
According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, longtime pro football writer and broadcaster John McClain – who retired from the Chronicle in 2022 – is being let go from his role with Audacy’s sports
talk KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610.” McClain’s role with the station included appearing on the station’s programs, writing stories for its website and co-hosting a podcast with station personality Sean Pendergast. The 72-year-old McClain tells the Chronicle that he’s not ready to leave the Houston radio market, adding, “I’ll see if people are interested. I’m a free agent now.” Read the Chronicle story here.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee is accepting suggestions for 2024 nominees now through Sunday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. Submit suggestions for possible honorees for consideration here. Twenty-four names will be selected as
nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class. Kraig T. Kitchin, co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, comments, “The input from fellow radio industry members and listeners alike helps our nominating committee contemplate so many more individuals worthy of a nomination. We’re grateful for the input and the ideas offered.”
FOX News Channel announces that based on data from Nielsen Media Research, the cable news network achieves its 22nd consecutive year as the number one cable news network in total day and primetime. The company adds, “Since January 2002, FNC has remained the most-watched cable news
network across both total day and primetime with total viewers and the 25-54 demographic. FNC continued its ratings dominance for the month of January and grew its primetime audience in total viewers versus January 2023. Additionally, FNC was the only cable news network to show year-over-year growth in the younger 18-34 demo, growing 18% in total day and 25% in primetime, while MSNBC and CNN are experiencing double-digit declines.” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott comments, “Marking another historic feat is a true reflection of the unwavering dedication and outstanding talent that we have throughout the entire organization of FOX News Channel.”
Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian does a deep-dive into the recent performances of the all-news format during Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” PPM ratings period. He writes, “Ever since Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio) instituted the Portable People Meter as ratings currency in 2007, the ‘Holiday’ ratings period has been a veritable goldmine for stations employing the wall-to-wall Christmas music programming strategy. Adult contemporary comprises the overwhelming majority of those outlets. Usually substantial, however, is the negative impact on many other formats in ‘Holiday’ sweeps.” See his analysis of the past four “Holiday” surveys here.
iHeartMedia Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota market president Jeanna Berge is
appointed to the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board of Directors by Radio Board chair Collin Jones. Berge started her career in the broadcast industry in 2011 as an account executive for iHeartMedia in Eau Claire. She was named SVP of sales in 2018, before assuming her current role as market president. Berge assumes the board seat of Joel McCrae.
NHPR senior reporter Lauren Chooljian, who also serves as host of “The 13th Step” podcast series is being honored with a First Amendment Award from the RTDNA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Radio Television Digital News Association at a ceremony on Washington, DC on March 9. “The 13th
Step” chronicles allegations of sexual abuse by the founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment center. Several acts of vandalism followed the release of ‘The 13th Step’ at the homes of some of the NHPR journalists involved in that reporting, and their families. NHPR news director Dan Barrick says, “‘The 13th Step’ is an excellent example of the kind of journalism NHPR’s newsroom strives to produce every day: grounded in the issues facing New Hampshire, with the public’s interest at its heart. We’re very proud and grateful for this reporting to get national recognition.”
Southern Califiornia Public Radio’s KPCC, Pasadena “LAist 89.3” is partnering with the entertainment industry’s Ankler Media for it to provide Hollywood news and analysis across LAist’s multiple platforms.
The Ankler team will anchor “Entertainment Thursday” on “LAist 89.3,” reporting the latest news from Hollywood and offering insightful analysis throughout that day every week. SCPR chief content officer Kristen Muller comments, “Ankler Media is essential reading for the entertainment industry – from the studio C-suite to set builders and makeup artists.”
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
Ever since Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio) instituted the Portable People Meter as ratings currency in 2007, the “Holiday” ratings period has been a veritable goldmine for stations employing the wall-to-wall Christmas music programming strategy.
Adult contemporary comprises the overwhelming majority of those outlets.
Usually substantial, however, is the negative impact on many other formats in “Holiday” sweeps.
With that in mind, let’s review how all-news stations have performed in the last four “Holiday” survey periods.
The 2020 presidential election was held on November 3, thus exactly one month prior to the start of that year’s “Holiday” sweep (December 3). It should additionally be remembered that the COVID pandemic was roughly entering its tenth month. Eerily, the final day of that survey period was January 6, 2021, the day of domestic terrorism/insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Over the course of the “Holiday” 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024), all-news operations again battled for listenership in the ongoing annual all-Christmas music environment. Ostensibly working in their favor, however, was that the 2024 presidential campaign was waging and the previous president was embroiled in a record number of legal cases/charges/indictments.
The following chart summarizes ratings performances of all-news stations in the four most recent “Holiday” sweeps.
2020 2021 2022 2023
“Holiday” 6+ Share 3.70 3.32 3.50 2.88
December – “Holiday” Increase 35% 40% 30% 5%
December – “Holiday” Decrease 50% 50% 65% 85%
December – “Holiday” Flat 15% 10% 5% 10%
Average December – “Holiday” Increase +.31 +.22 +.28 +.40
Average December – “Holiday” Decrease -.68 -.21 -.29 -.40
“Holiday” 6+ Market Rank #10.40 #12.15 #10.55 #13.20
“Holiday” 2023 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.3
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 5.7
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.9
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.7
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 4.5
WWJ, Detroit 4.3
WINS-FM, New York 3.9
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.3
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.5
KNWN, Seattle 2.3
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.8
WCBS-AM, New York 1.6
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.4
WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore 1.0
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.0
WDCH, Baltimore .8
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2
WNOH, Norfolk .2
“Holiday” 2023 6+ Fluctuation from December 2023
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.5 +.4
WWJ, Detroit 4.3 Flat
WDCH, Baltimore .8 Flat
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 4.5 -1.2
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.3 -1.1
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 5.7 -.7
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.3 -.6
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7 -.5
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.4 -.4
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.7 -.4
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.9 -.3
KNWN, Seattle 2.3 -.3
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.0 -.3
WINS-FM, New York 3.9 -.2
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5 -.2
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.8 -.2
WCBS-AM, New York 1.6 -.1
WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore 1.0 -.1
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2 -.1
WNOH, Norfolk .2 -.1
“Holiday” 2023 By Market Rank
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 5.7 #3
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.9 #4
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.3 #4
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 4.5 #4
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.7 #5
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7 #6
WINS-FM, New York 3.9 #9
WWJ, Detroit 4.3 #9
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.3 #9
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5 #12
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.5 #12
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.8 #13
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.0 #18
WCBS-AM, New York 1.6 #19
KNWN, Seattle 2.3 #20
WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore 1.0 #20
WDCH, Baltimore .8 #22
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2 #24
WNOH, Norfolk .2 #24
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.4 #27
“Holiday” 2022 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 7.8
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 7.0
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7
KYW, Philadelphia 6.2
KNWN, Seattle 5.5
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.8
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.8
WINS-FM, New York 4.6
WWJ, Detroit 4.5
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.8
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.0
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5
KRLD-AM, Dallas 2.2
WCBS-AM, New York 2.0
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.7
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.2
WNOH, Norfolk .8
WDCH, Baltimore .6
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2
WYTS, Columbus .1
“Holiday” 2022 6+ Fluctuation from December 2022
WINS-FM, New York 4.6 +.4
KYW, Philadelphia 6.2 +.4
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.8 +.4
KNWN, Seattle 5.5 +.3
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.8 +.1
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.0 +.1
WYTS, Columbus .1 Flat
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 7.8 -.8
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7 -.7
WNOH, Norfolk .8 -.7
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5 -.4
KRLD-AM, Dallas 2.2 -.3
WCBS-AM, New York 2.0 -.2
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.8 -.1
WWJ, Detroit 4.5 -.1
WDCH, Baltimore .6 -.1
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2 -.1
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 7.0 -.1
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.7 -.1
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.2 -.1
“Holiday” 2022 By Market Rank
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7 #2
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 7.0 #2
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 7.8 #3
KYW, Philadelphia 6.2 #3
KNWN, Seattle 5.5 #3
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 4.8 #4
WINS-FM, New York 4.6 #5
WBZ-AM, Boston 4.8 #6
WWJ, Detroit 4.5 #7
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.8 #7
WINS-FM, Long Island 3.0 #10
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.5 #12
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.7 #14
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh .2 #16
WCBS-AM, New York 2.0 #17
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.2 #18
KRLD-AM, Dallas 2.2 #20
WDCH, Baltimore .6 #20
WNOH, Norfolk .8 #20
WYTS, Columbus .1 #22
“Holiday” 2021 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.4
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 5.6
KNWN, Seattle 5.5
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.4
WWJ, Detroit 5.0
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7
WINS, New York 4.4
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.1
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.8
WINS, Long Island 2.7
WCBS-AM, New York 2.6
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.6
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.6
WINS, Middlesex 1.1
WNOH, Norfolk .4
WDCH, Baltimore .1
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland .1
WYTS, Columbus .1
“Holiday” 2021 6+ Fluctuation from December 2021
WINS, New York 4.4 +.6
WCBS-AM, New York 2.6 +.4
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.8 +.2
KNWN, Seattle 5.5 +.2
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7 +.1
WINS, Middlesex 1.1 +.1
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.6 +.1
WNOH, Norfolk .4 +.1
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7 Flat
WYTS, Columbus .1 Flat
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.4 -.4
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5 -.4
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.6 -.3
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.1 -.2
WDCH, Baltimore .1 -.2
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.4 -.2
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 5.6 -.1
WWJ, Detroit 5.0 -.1
WINS, Long Island 2.7 -.1
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland .1 -.1
“Holiday” 2021 By Market Rank
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 5.6 #3
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 6.7 #3
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5 #3
KNWN, Seattle 5.5 #3
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 6.4 #4
WWJ, Detroit 5.0 #4
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.4 #4
WINS, New York 4.4 #5
KYW, Philadelphia 4.7 #6
WCBS-AM, Long Island 3.1 #8
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 2.8 #11
WCBS-AM, New York 2.6 #13
WINS, Long Island 2.7 #13
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 1.6 #19
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland .1 #21
WYTS, Columbus .1 #20
WNOH, Norfolk .4 #22
WINS, Middlesex 1.1 #23
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.6 #26
WDCH, Baltimore .1 #32
“Holiday” 2020 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 8.1
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 8.1
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 6.8
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.6
KYW, Philadelphia 5.4
KOMO, Seattle 4.6
WWJ, Detroit 4.5
WINS, New York 3.6
KNX, Los Angeles 3.2
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.9
WCBS-AM, New York 2.7
WINS, Long Island 2.6
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 2.4
WBZ-AM, Providence 1.4
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.3
WINS, Middlesex 1.2
WNOH, Norfolk 1.2
WDCH, Baltimore 0.8
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland 0.1
“Holiday” 2020 6+ Fluctuation from December 2020
KYW, Philadelphia 5.4 +.5
WBZ-AM, Providence 1.4 +.4
WINS, New York 3.6 +.3
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 2.4 +.3
WNOH, Norfolk 1.2 +.3
WCBS-AM, New York 2.7 +.2
WINS, Middlesex 1.2 +.2
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 6.8 Flat
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.3 Flat
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland 0.1 Flat
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 8.1 -1.6
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.6 -1.4
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 8.1 -1.0
KOMO, Seattle 4.6 -.7
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.9 -.7
WWJ, Detroit 4.5 -.6
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5 -.3
WINS, Long Island 2.6 -.3
KNX, Los Angeles 3.2 -.1
WDCH, Baltimore 0.8 -.1
“Holiday” 2020 By Market Rank
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5 #2
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 6.8 #3
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 8.1 #3
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 8.1 #3
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.6 #4
KYW, Philadelphia 5.4 #5
KOMO, Seattle 4.6 #6
WWJ, Detroit 4.5 #6
WINS, New York 3.6 #7
KNX, Los Angeles 3.2 #9
WCBS-AM, New York 2.7 #12
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.9 #12
WNOH, Norfolk 1.2 #12
WINS, Long Island 2.6 #13
WBZ-AM, Providence 1.4 #13
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 2.4 #14
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland 0.1 #17
WDCH, Baltimore 0.8 #21
WINS, Middlesex 1.2 #22
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.3 #24
All-News Composite Arranged By Market Rank
“Hol” 2020 “Hol” 2021 “Hol” 2022 “Hol” 2023
WINS-FM, New York 3.6 #7 4.4 #5 4.6 #5 3.9 #9
WCBS-AM, New York 2.7 #12 2.6 #13 2.0 #17 1.6 #19
KNX-FM, Los Angeles 3.2 #9 2.8 #11 2.5 #12 2.5 #12
WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago 6.8 #3 5.6 #3 4.8 #4 4.9 #4
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco 8.1 #3 6.7 #3 6.7 #2 5.7 #3
KRLD-AM, Dallas 1.3 #24 1.6 #26 2.2 #20 1.4 #27
WTOP & WTLP, Washington 8.1 #3 6.4 #4 7.8 #3 6.3 #4
KYW, Philadelphia 5.4 #5 4.7 #6 6.2 #3 4.7 #6
WBZ-AM, Boston 6.5 #2 6.5 #3 4.8 #6 4.7 #5
KNWN, Seattle 4.6 #6 5.5 #3 5.5 #3 2.3 #20
WWJ, Detroit 4.5 #6 5.0 #4 4.5 #7 4.3 #9
WINS-FM, Long Island 2.6 #13 2.7 #13 3.0 #10 3.3 #9
WCBS-AM, Long Island 2.9 #12 3.1 #8 3.8 #7 2.5 #12
WDCH, Baltimore .8 #21 .1 #32 .6 #20 .8 #22
WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA 1.0 #20
WMMS-HD2, Cleveland .1 #17 .1 #21 DNA DNA DNA DNA
WYTS, Columbus DNA DNA .1 #20 .1 #22 DNA DNA
WRAL-HD3, Raleigh DNA DNA DNA DNA .2 #16 .2 #24
KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose 5.6 #4 5.4 #4 7.0 #2 4.5 #4
WINS-FM, Middlesex 1.2 #22 1.1 #23 1.7 #14 1.8 #13
WCBS-AM, Middlesex 2.4 #14 1.6 #19 1.2 #18 1.0 #18
WBZ-AM, Providence 1.4 #13 DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA
WNOH, Norfolk 1.2 #12 .4 #22 .8 #20 .2 #24
Notes
Contact managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Production and audio ad rep firm Crossover Media Group announces it is acquiring an equity interest in Take On The Day, LLC, owner of the “Dr. Laura Program” on SiriusXM and the “Dr. Laura’s Call of the Day” and “Dr. Laura’s Deep Dive” podcasts, all hosted by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. This transaction
follows a multi-year advertising sales and production partnership between the two organizations. Terms were not announced. Crossover Media Group managing member Sue Freund states, “Throughout her more than four decades in talk radio and now podcasting, Dr. Laura has amassed an enormous following with her frank, direct, captivating style, which is sometimes provocative, always interesting and insightful, and never dull. After many years of working with her and her team at Take On The Day, we’re proud to expand our relationship and commitment to her programs, and to continue to grow our presence as a leading partner to the nation’s top audio-talk hosts.” Take On The Day LLC president Geoff Rich comments, “Crossover Media Group’s investment in Take On The Day adds so much to our ability to reach more listeners and help more sponsors. With Sue and her partners Ron Hartenbaum and Scott Calka joining the management team, we are supercharging the future of the Dr. Laura programming and brand.”
New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer (pictured) yesterday (1/29) announced “new action to protect AM radio in electric vehicles and ensure potential buyers know which cars and trucks have AM radio and those that don’t.” Calling AM radio “a vital public safety and emergency management tool that has
served as the sole lifeline during times of crisis like 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and other major storms and floods,” Gottheimer has sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, urging them to require auto manufacturers that exclude AM radio reception from their motor vehicles to display a safety warning in the car’s window sticker that should read: “Warning: No AM Radio. Vehicle Unsafe in Certain Emergencies.” Gottheimer is also a supporter of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act that would require auto manufacturers to keep AM radio in vehicles, without charging customers extra for it. Gottheimer says, “Buying a car without AM radio is like buying a car without an emergency parking brake. You may not use it every day, but you’ll be glad you have it if your brakes ever go out.”
Cumulus Media announces that its Dallas-Fort Worth radio station group raised $2,696,127 for charities in the region during 2023, topping the 2022 total by more than $400,000. In the Dallas-Fort Worth
market, Cumulus operates news/talk WBAP-AM/FM, news/talk KLIF-AM/FM, sports talk KTCK-AM/FM and two country music brands. Cumulus regional vice president Dan Bennett says, “I can’t say enough about our air talent and programming team who understand that serving our community in Dallas-Fort Worth means raising awareness for organizations that give a lift to people who need it. They give so much of their time to make a difference and 2023’s efforts show the incredible results.”
iHeartMedia San Francisco names Nicole Cortese and Todd Farber vice presidents of sales for the Bay Area, effective immediately. Cortese most recently served with Amazon Web Services in the cloud
sales division. Farber was most recently an executive director in sales at The Walt Disney Company and ABC. iHeartMedia SVP of sales Joe Donnarumma says, “Nicole’s extensive expertise and Todd’s strategic acumen, paired with their 
proven leadership in navigating the Bay Area’s competitive landscape, make them ideally suited to lead our sales teams toward greater success.” iHM San Francisco region president AJ Punjabi adds, “Bringing Nicole and Todd on board reinforces our mission to innovate and excel. Their fresh approaches are key to elevating our position as a leader in the evolving landscape of audio and digital media.”
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period covers December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls a full share to finish with a 5.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #5, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF loses two-tenths for a .6 share finish good for the #22 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN sheds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 9.0 share, but remains ranked #1 for the fourth consecutive survey, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ declines 1.2 shares for a 6.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #5. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM falls four-tenths to a 3.9 share good for the #12 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC-AM dips three-tenths to a 1.2 share and remains ranked #19. See Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets – as well as the other 36 markets – here.
The 2024 presidential race; Jordan drone attack kills three U.S. servicemembers; U.S. migrant crisis and the negotiations in congress over aid for Ukraine; House Republicans release articles of impeachment against Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; the Fani Willis affair allegations; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war; and the liquidation of China’s Evergrande were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Holiday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 survey period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
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.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 4.6 – 4.1, #5 – #6
KJCE .3 – .1, #29 – #31
News
None
Sports Talk
KBPA-HD2 .8 – 1.4, #24 – #19
KVET-AM 1.4 – 1.1, #18 – #23
KTAE 1.0 – .9, #22 – #24
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 5.1 – 5.3, #4 – #3
KUT-HD2 .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 6.0 – 5.0, #4 – #5
WPTF .8 – .6, #20 – #22
News
WRAL-HD3 .3 – .2, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 8.8 – 7.9, after back-to-back months at #1, slips to #2
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 5.3 – 4.8, #7 – #8
News
WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 3.5 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Colts)
WNDE .9 – .3, #19 – #21
WXNT .2 – DNA, #25 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.2 – 3.4, #10 – #11
Notes: Adult contemporary WYXB registers the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase(11.0 – 19.5, +8.5) by any station in all 48 PPM-markets.
Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 9.6 – 9.0, fourth consecutive month at #1
WTMJ 7.6 – 6.4, #3 – #5
WLIP .2 – .1, #23 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 3.4 – 2.7, #13 – #15 (Green Bay Packers)
WKTI 1.3 – 1.6, #18 – #17
WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #22
WOKY .1 – .2, #27 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 2.7 – 2.5, #14 – #16
WHAD .7 – .8, #21 – #20
WGKB .1 – .1, #27 – #28
WHAD Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 4.3 – 3.9, #9 – #12
WLAC 1.5 – 1.2, #19 – #19
News
WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WGFX 7.3 – 6.9, #3 – #2 (Tennessee Titans)
WPRT 1.6 – 2.0, #18 – #17 (Predators)
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 4.0 – 4.1, #11 – #11
WPLN-HD3 Stream .1 – .2, #23 – #23
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.4 – 5.9, #5 – #5
WHJJ .8 – .8, #15 – #15
News
None
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 3.2 – 3.0, #8 – #8
WVEI 2.3 – 2.0, #11 – #10
WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.1 – 1.6, #12 – #13
WNPN 1.5 – 1.3, ninth straight month at #14
WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 2.5 – 2.0, #11 – #14
WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #23 – #24
News
WNOH .3 – .2, #20 – #24
Sports Talk
WVSP 1.7 – 1.8, #15 – #15
WTAR .3 – .3, #20 – #20
WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #24
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 6.8 – 6.5, #5 – #3
News
None
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 2.1 – 1.8, #13 – #15
Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA – DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA – DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WFTL 2.5 – 2.1, #9 – #9
WZZR 1.2 – 1.3 #13 – #13
WJNO .7 – .6, #15 – #15
News
None
Sports Talk
WMEN .5 – .6, #16 – #15
WBZT .4 – .2, #18 – #19
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.0 – 1.9, #11 – #10
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 3.5 – 3.3 #9 – #8
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 4.0 – 4.2, #7 – #7
WUNC 1.7 – 2.2, #14 – #13
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 1.8 – 1.0, #10 – #11
KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WMFS 2.6 – 2.8, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)
WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO 1.8 – 1.6, #10 – #9
WKNO-HD2 .2 – .2, #15 – #15
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 5.3 – 5.2, #5 – #6
WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.5, #15 – #15
WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #20 – #19
WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 2.5 – 2.5, #12 – #11
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 4.3 – 4.0, #9 – #8
WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #18
Note: Country WWYZ registers the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease (8.2 – 5.4, -2.8) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
Mike Kinosian can be reached at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Good Karma Brands announces that WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” is making some adjustments to its weekday programming schedule that includes expanding the early afternoon “Carmen & Jurko” program (hosted by Carmen DeFalco and John Jurkovic – to three hours, airing from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
and an extended 30-minute Crosstalk segment – from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm – with afternoon drive hosts “Waddle & Silvy,” (Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman) who will stay on the air until 6:30 pm. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman says, “We’re excited to offer our fans more of what they love – sports conversations, entertainment, and passion from our ‘ESPN Chicago’ talent. Carmen and Jurko have been an on-air duo for 15 years, and we are excited to offer fans more of the show. The new programming lineup with ‘Waddle and Silvy’ live until 6:30 p.m. will take you all the way home on your commute.”