July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.
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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place
KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11
Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-1.0)
*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**
**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11
WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**
**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1
WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)
*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12
WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)
Up next: July 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
is a great opportunity to help lead one of the best newsrooms in the area. I look forward to coaching and training future newsroom leaders and collaborating with our veteran journalists. I am excited to work with this new management team to deliver great local coverage of Washington, DC, and the surrounding communities.” McFarland comes to WTOP from NBC Boston, Telemundo Boston and New England Cable News where he was assistant news director. Nguyen recently served as a multimedia reporter in local markets in Kansas (WIBW-TV) and Illinois (WQAD-TV) as well as having worked at CNN, Radio Free Asia, NHK World and CCTV America in both reporter and assignment editor roles. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler comments, “I am so excited to have the force of Monique, Giang and Bill behind our daily newsroom operations. Having their combined talents on both the broadcast and digital sides is exactly what we need to meet our daily mission of delivering the most compelling content to our listeners and readers across all platforms.”
37-year career in journalism, during which he broke barriers and uplifted young sports writers. Parker says, “There’s nothing better than being honored by your own people, your peers, so this is very special to me. I want to thank my family, my friends, all the people who have supported me throughout the years, all my mentees – they fuel me, they inspire me every day. How I got here is that plenty of people helped me along the way, and that’s what it’s all about.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We couldn’t be more proud of Rob. He truly deserves this recognition for his trailblazing career in sports journalism, and for his continuing efforts to elevate and mentor the next generation.”
voice acting services for cash or barter, directed by Benztown producers in collaboration with station program directors and producers, and totally customized to their needs… The actors call in to radio stations, asking questions, playing along with comedy bits, sharing local information, talking up contests and promotions, and more – all according to the specific needs of each station.” Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “We live in a digitally overloaded world, and human interaction and connectivity have become increasingly crucial. Role Callers serves as an invaluable tool, effectively sparking live listener engagement on some of the nation’s most prominent morning shows.”
iHeartMedia’s financial by segment, broadcast radio revenue was $429 million, a decline of 7.2% over Q2 of 2022. Network radio was $122 million (down 4.2%), digital revenue (excluding podcast) was $164 million (down 1.6%), and podcasting revenue was $96.7 million (up 12.9%). iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We are pleased to report that our second quarter 2023 results reflected Adjusted EBITDA slightly above the midpoint of the guidance range, and more than double the Adjusted EBITDA we generated in the first quarter, and our consolidated revenue were above the guidance range. The continued positive performance of our Digital Audio Group, led by our Podcasting business, and the significantly improved relative performance of our Multiplatform Group during this soft advertising period, are encouraging metrics for us, and we’re seeing indications of improving macroeconomic trends which we expect to have a positive impact for us in the second half of the year, with most of that impact in Q4.”
hosts of the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm program, effective Monday (8/14). They have been the interim hosts since February. Additionally, Jake Skorheim has assumed hosting duties for the evening program “KIRO Nights.” Skorheim was the producer for the Dori Monson show from 2009 through 2016. Bonneville Seattle director of news and talk 
programming Bryan Buckalew says, “I’m thrilled about these new shows, and I hope our audience will be too. Listeners can expect dynamic conversations based on the top news stories of the day, keeping our community informed and entertained. Jack and Spike have good chemistry and a keen sense of humor. They do a great job of blending informative discussions with lighthearted banter. In an era marked by divisiveness, Jack and Spike emphasize common ground over polarizing debates. Their show demonstrates the power of dissecting complex issues rather than simply magnifying superficial differences.” Buckalew adds, “I couldn’t be more excited to have Jake back in the building. He is thoughtful, creative, and has a great sense of humor. I look forward to listening as Jake develops his distinct voice and builds an audience across a diverse range of digital platforms.”
television’s most-watched network across both primetime and total day viewership and was #2 in the 25-54 demo with total day behind ESPN. FNC’s “The Five” has been number one in viewership for seven consecutive quarters securing 2,591,000 total viewers and 254,000 in the A25-54 demo. 
the Council Award of Special Recognition from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History(ASALH). ASALH was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to document the contributions of African Americans to American history. The award will be presented at the 108th Annual Conference in Jacksonville on September 23.
What happens when the world-wide leader is for sale? When they stopped spanning the globe 25 years ago, I thought the budget cut would help the leader. I could still hear the great Jim McKay describing the agony as Vinko Bogataj rolled down that ski slope in utter defeat. There were so many different images of the thrill of victory, but for most of the 37 seasons of “Wide World of Sports,” the agony of defeat was forever connected to that helpless Yugoslavian skier.
She was the agent I enjoyed working with most over three decades I was an active real estate investor. We remain good friends, and her technique informs the work I do coaching agents – and attorneys and financial advisors and other professionals – who host ask-the-expert radio shows.
“The Daily” ranked #1 (based on unique U.S. monthly audience). NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” came in #3 and NPR’s “NPR News Now” was #4. The lone talk radio personality whose podcast landed in Podtrac’s Top 20 was Dan Bongino. His Cumulus Podcast Network show ranked #11.
court under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act for peddling false information about the COVID pandemic in order to sell supplements and vitamins. The trial was set to begin on August 21 before Nepute and prosecutors agreed to pay an $80,000 fine and refrain from marketing his vitamin products as effective preventatives against COVID-19. Nepute and Quickwork LLC – a company in which he is part owner – were targeted by federal officials after Nepute claimed on his “Real Talk with Dr. Eric Nepute” program that vitamin D and zinc supplements could prevent or cure COVID-19. Nepute signed a consent order in 2021 agreeing not to disseminate information that his supplements could prevent COVID but in 2022 he caught the government’s attention for saying vitamins were more beneficial than the COVID vaccine. 
tight end Darren Waller and mental health and mindfulness coach Donny Starkins, with new originals joining the slate soon. Williams says, “We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with iHeartPodcasts. With the help of iHeart’s unmatched expertise and platform, we are building a robust content slate and what I believe will be an enjoyable and unique listening experience.” Smith adds, “IN’s approach is guided by inspiring and transformative power-rich storytelling and authentic, entertaining and thought-provoking conversation. We want to elevate and empower creatives, amplify diverse voices and perspectives, and enlighten, entertain and engage our audience. At IN our mantra is, ‘Louder for the folks in the back!’”
Association of Broadcasters and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters strongly urge lawmakers to support legislation that enables news providers to negotiate with dominant digital platforms for fair terms and conditions when our content appears on their platforms. Meta – a nearly trillion-dollar company – repeatedly chooses to restrict news content for its users to avoid compensating news producers for the value it gains on their vital journalism. These retaliatory tactics demonstrate Meta’s monopolistic dominance over the advertising marketplace and its ability to dictate how radio and TV broadcasters, newspapers and others can reach audiences online. Rather than working to ensure its users have access to trusted news and information, Meta is holding news content on its platform hostage. Policymakers should not reward Meta’s coercive behavior. At a time when misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated content proliferate online, the future of democracy relies on the accessibility of fact-based, trustworthy journalism.”
the history making adventure of a lifetime, blowing the lid off the Iran-Contra scandal and almost taking down the Reagan presidency.” Former New York Times bureau chief Stephen Kinzer states, “During the 1980s and 1990s, Cookie Hood was the single driving force behind the most successful television coverage of Central America that appeared across the United States. ‘Journalista’ is a series of stories over four decades in the making and will entrance each listener to the realities of what really happened during that time.”
the journal refers to AM, FM, online and satellite talk radio, cable news/talk TV, and talk podcasting.
Springfield, MA, joined TALKERS as its managing editor almost a quarter-of-a-century ago in 2000. The big story during that pre-9/11 year was the excruciatingly inconclusive presidential election between Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore that took over a month to settle.
Congressman to support the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act, Senate Bill 1669…stopping automakers from removing the AM band from new models they are manufacturing. SRN hosts Mike Gallagher, Charlie Kirk, Sebastian Gorka, Hugh Hewitt, Brandon Tatum and Dennis Prager are featured in the PSAs. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup comments, “This action is one way the 80-million people who depend on AM radio for news, critical weather updates and vigorous debate on issues can peacefully and patriotically approach their lawmakers directly to share their views.”
as the sports director at WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York on campus and holds positions as a weekend news anchor for WABC-AM, New York and is a sports department intern for WABC-TV, New York. RTDNA Foundation says, “Yaw’s impressive journey includes internships at prominent companies like NBC 4 New York, FOX News Channel, Turner Sports, NBA on TNT, and SiriusXM. He looks up to journalist Jeremy Schaap for his impactful storytelling beyond the field of play and aims to make a similar difference in communities. As someone who largely relies on loans to cover school costs, receiving this scholarship means the world to him.” 
weekend on behalf of the NFL Alumni Health. A special panel has been put together that will be led and moderated by Doctor Asa on the topics of mental health, performance, 
longevity, and living a healthier lifestyle. In partnership with Hall of Fame legend Ray Lewis, Doctor Asa will be leading some powerful fireside chats with some of the all-time NFL greats, including Emmitt Smith, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, and more. Doctor Asa says, “It’s an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event. Being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the league’s highest honor. It means that these champions used their natural talent, overcame tremendous adversity, and found a way to win in every area of life.” Hall of Fame weekend takes place August 4-6 in Canton, Ohio. 
on August 8 during the organization’s annual convention. Among the three 2023 inductees is former talk radio personality and current classical music KVNO-FM, Omaha morning host Otis Twelve. His radio career began in 1973 and in 1993 he became morning host at news/talk KFAB, Omaha. He served as a talk host on crosstown KKAR, Omaha from 1999 through 2001. He also served as a movie critic for TV stations KETV and then KPTM from 1984 to 1996.
HALF of all radio stations in the United States lose money – at least they did back in 1991. The NAB used to put out an annual report revealing how many radio stations were profitable. Usually half the stations in America lost money. Since consolidation, the NAB stopped putting out that report. It is reasonable to believe that far, far fewer stations lose money today. Shared costs, real estate, technical economies due to digital equipment versus analog all indicate that there must be fewer money-losing properties.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”
platforms. He says this year there are attendees from 47 states coming to the sold-out program. Erickson says, “This is the tenth of these I have done, and I have to thank Charlie, my producer, for doing so much of the heavy lifting while I have concentrated on doing my show. The format for each individually named speaker is a conversation on stage with me asking them questions from the attendees. The attendees will shortly receive a survey link where they can submit questions for me to incorporate into the conversations. The theme of the conference this year is ‘Forward: Which Way.’” 
normalcy and measured thought by telling people the truth on local issues. Johnson says the independent element of local news is crucial in being the voice of the people who live in the community.” In a release, Big Radio CEO Ben Thompson says, “Local news, information, and entertainment is what people look for from their local stations and Johnson will add to that aspect in a positive way.”
its program schedule airing from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Station program director Jeremie Poplin comments, “The Blitz is proud to welcome Dan back to the market in Tulsa and we look forward to the tremendous content he presents each day.” 
living in the state of Nevada. The native Iowan was beloved by WHO Radio listeners and colleagues. He was known nationally for his thought-provoking talk show and on-air debates, but also for sharing information about local severe weather and other urgent news relevant to his listeners. Mickelson was known for tackling serious topics but was equally appreciated by his devoted listeners for providing much joy and humor with his infectious laughter.” iHeartMedia Des Moines market president Joel McCrea adds, “Jan Mickelson was the best at his craft. He was always prepared and knew how to get you to listen to the radio. If you disagreed with him, he would take your call first because he wanted a spirited conversation. All of us at WHO miss Jan Mickelson.”
being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame this year. Matthews served as host of the WHAM-AM, Rochester evening sports talk show for 35 years. He was also a newspaper sports columnist and a regular contributor to the Gannett News Service. 
programs will be made available on FOX Nation in the coming months. OutKick founder Clay Travis says, “OutKick has seen rapid growth over the last two years and we are thrilled to begin streaming our authentic content with the loyal audience that FOX Nation has cultivated.”
annual “95.5 WSB Care- a-Thon” to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, raising $1.9 million. Throughout the two-day radio broadcast WSB hosts Scott Slade, Clark Howard, Mark Arum, Erick Erickson, Eric Von Haessler and Shelley Wynter were joined on-air by patients and families as they shared their stories of resilience, loss and hope.