Industry News

Virginia Sports Personality Tony Mercurio Dies at 75

The Virginian-Pilot reports that longtime Hampton Roads sports talk host Tony “Blastman” Mercurio died last weekend at age 75 after battling a number of illnesses, including diabetes. According to the obit, during his career, Mercurio served with WGH-AM, Newport News and WVSP-FM, Yorktown, Virginia “ESPN Radio 94.1 FM.” Read the complete obit here.  

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that includes the demand that ByteDance sell TikTok within a year or it is banned in the U.S.; the pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses and Israel’s plans to invade the city of Rafah; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on Idaho’s abortion law and arguments over former President Donald Trump’s contention he has “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution; the U.S. migrant crisis; and Tennessee passes law allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Premiere Networks and Jesse Kelly Sign Long-Term Extension

Talk show host Jesse Kelly and Premiere Networks agree to an exclusive long-term agreement that extends his relationship with the company. Kelly will continue his role as host of “The Jesse Kelly Show,”im heard on more than 200 affiliate stations. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Jesse Kelly. Since joining our industry-leading talk lineup three years ago, we’ve watched him build a loyal following of passionate fans who value his authentic, bold and relatable brand of entertainment. We look forward to many years of continued success together.” Kelly comments, “As blessed as I am to be part of Premiere, I know they’re twice as blessed to have me. I can’t wait for three more years of being the Da Vinci of the airwaves.”

Industry News

“98.5 The Sports Hub” Names Tim McKone to Midday Show

Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” announces that Timim McKone is named the new headline anchor and co-host on the station’s “Zolak & Bertrand” midday program. McKone takes over for Rob “Hardy” Poole, who moved to mornings with Fred Toucher on the station in January 2024. McKone has been a part-time on-air personality at the station since 2013. In addition to co-hosting and providing headlines on all weekday and weekend shows across the station, he has served as studio host for the Celtics and Bruins radio broadcasts.

Industry News

WWO: Marketers Underestimate Sales Effect of Creative

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post looks at the results of an ongoing study by Advertiser Perceptions that surveys brands and media agencies on the sale contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: Brand, Creative, Reach, Recency, and Targeting.im Interestingly, marketers and media agencies massively underestimate the immense sales effect power of creative. NCSolutions says that creative drives half of sales, about two-and-a-half times what advertisers perceive. The Advertiser Perceptions February 2024 study reports brands and media agencies say creative only represents 19% of total sales effect. NCSolutions science reveals creative generates an eye-popping 49% of incremental sales. According to System1 chief customer officer Jon Evans, “Creative is the number one factor in explaining the performance of your advertising and yet most marketers still don’t realize it. That means that those who focus on getting the creative right have a huge competitive advantage. Firstly, marketers need to wake up to the importance of creative and secondly realize it isn’t some dark art but something you can measure and improve to give you an advantage over the competition who haven’t realized this yet.” Read the blog post here.

Uncategorized

FOX Business Anchor Liz Claman Inducted into Cable Hall of Fame

im

Longtime FOX Business anchor Liz Claman was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Ziegfield Theatre in New York on April 19. Claman is host of “The Claman Countdown” and was joined at the event by show executive producer Brad Hirst and senior producer Milanee Kapadia. Also attending in support of Claman was FBN SVP of programming Ralph Giordano and vice president Charlie Brady. Claman stated, “I value this award more than you’ll ever know.”

Industry News

“Free Talk Live” Goes Independent Post-GCN

The nationally syndicated program “Free Talk Live” announces that it will continue operating as a completely independent program after Genesis Communications Network ceases operations on May 5.im Program founder Ian Freeman – who is currently in federal prison after a crypto-currency fraud conviction – thanked GCN and CEO Ted Anderson for 20 years of great syndication service. Freeman says the change will mean no recorded network inventory for affiliates and the elimination of the middleman means no more affiliate agreements. He adds that the current hosts of the program are dedicated to keeping “Free Talk Live” on the air.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the pro-Palestinian protests on several U.S. campuses over the Israel-Hamas war; the presidential race; SCOTUS hears arguments over Oregon city’s ban on sleeping overnight in public spaces; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s job security; Earth Day and climate change; the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the U.S. migrant crisis were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS 2024 Uncategorized

Powerful Agenda Being Set for TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The forthcoming 27th annual installment of  the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering will be meticulously documented on video for posterity. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state of the art television soundstage ‘A’ at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on the adjacent TV soundstage ‘B,’ the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.”  Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage will be of tremendous historical significance.  We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’  It will be a ‘symposium’ for the ages reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era in American media and culture. People all over the world and for years to come will bear witness to this ‘happening.’”

All TALKERS 2024 activities take place in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the campus of Hofstra University

REGISTRATION DESK OPEN

7:30 am to 5:00 pm

Registration Director: Barbara Kurland, Business Manager, TALKERS

Assistant Registration Director: Debbie Bernstein, Associate, TALKERS

EXHIBITION DISPLAYS OPEN

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Backbone Networks

Representatives: George N. Capalbo, CTO; George L. Capalbo, Marketing Communications Director; Richard Cerny, President

Broadcasters General Store

Representatives: David Antoine, CBRE/CBNT, Sales Engineer; Buck Waters, Outside Sales Rep

Comrex

Representative: Chris Crump, CBNE, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing

BREAKFAST

8:00 am to 9:00 am

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Master of Ceremonies: Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS

Special Conference Kickoff: “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World”

Speaker: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”

Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award

Presenter: Mark Goldman, Co-founder/Media Relations Specialist, Goldman McCormick Public Relations.

Recipient: Howie Carr, Host, Howie Carr Radio Network

Sponsored by Sean Hannity / Premiere Networks

OPENING SESSION

9:00 am to 9:40 am

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Singing of the National Anthem 

Performed by: Daliah Wachs M.D., Host, “The Dr. Daliah Show”

Welcoming Greetings: “Radio and Beyond”

Speaker: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Presentation of the Woman of the Year Award

Special Remarks: Dave Gorab, VP/GM Talk Programming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Presenter: Larry Young, Host, WOLB, Baltimore

Recipient: Sharon “Sherry” Madison, Executive Producer, the Joe Madison Show, SiriusXM Satellite Network

Award Acceptance: TBA

Special Presentation: The Case for AM Radio

Introducer: Alex Fife, VP/Operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia, Total Traffic & Weather Network

Speaker: Bill Brady, Owner/Host, KFNX, Phoenix

Sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show

PANEL DISCUSSION: “GENERATING NEWS/TALK REVENUE IN THE DIGITAL ERA”

9:45 am to 10:25 am

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Introducer: Joe Thomas, Owner/PD/Host, WTON, Staunton, VA

Moderator: Steve Lapa, President, Lapcom Communications Corp.​

Panelists: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; Kathy Carr, President, Howie Carr Radio Network; Ron Hartenbaum, Managing Member, Crossover Media; Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks

Sponsored by The Martha Zoller Show

FIRESIDE CHAT: “THE STATE OF SPORTS TALK RADIO”

10:30 am to 10:55 am

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Guest: Fred Toucher, Co-host, Morning Show, WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub), Boston

Sponsored by Backbone Networks

PANEL DISCUSSION: “BRAVE NEW WORLD”

11:00 am to 11:35 am

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Moderator: Harry Hurley, Morning Host, WPG, Atlantic City

Panelists:  Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM; Heather Cohen, President, The Weiss Agency; Steven Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP, associate publisher TALKERS / Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University.

Sponsored by Premiere Networks

PANEL DISCUSSION: “PROGRAMMING NEWS/TALK RADIO”

11:40 am to 12:20 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Introducer: Paul Vandenburgh, Owner/Host, WGDJ (Talk 1300), Albany

Moderator: Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting

Panelists: Grace Blazer, VP, National NTS Brand Coordinator, Director of News and AM Programming Florida Region, iHeartMedia Miami; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York region/WMCA/ AM 970 The Answer; Bill Hess, Corporate PD, News/Talk, Cumulus Media / PD WMAL, Washington, DC; Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York; Doug Stephan, CEO/founder, Stephan Multimedia/host “Good Day” morning show; Greg Stocker, Brand Manager, WPHT, Philadelphia.

Sponsored by The Ramsey Show

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: GLENN BECK 

12:25 am to 12:55 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Speaker: Glenn Beck, Host, “The Glenn Beck Show” / Premiere Networks

Sponsored by Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City

LUNCH

1:00 pm to 2:25 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Lunch Master of Ceremonies: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Dean’s Message: “Welcome to Hofstra”

Speaker: Mark Lukasiewicz, Dean, Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Hofstra University

Special Greeting: “In Front of the Camera” 

Speaker: Rob Finnerty, host, “Wake Up America,” Newsmax TV

Presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year Award

Recipient: John Curley, Host, KIRO, Seattle

Broadcasters Foundation of America Donation/Spotlight

Presenter: Harry Hurley, Morning Show Host, WPG, Atlantic City

Acceptance: Scott Herman, Chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America

Sponsored by Newsmax TV

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: “THE GREAT DEBATE”

2:30 pm to 3:00 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Debaters:  Mike Gallagher, Host, Salem Radio Networks; Thom Hartmann, Host, WYD Media

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director, Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago

Sponsored by Our American Stories 

PANEL DISCUSSION: “BEYOND POLITICS”

3:05 pm to 3:40 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Moderator: David Bernstein; GM, Broadcast Operations, TALKERS

Panelists: Asa Andrew, M.D., Host, the Doctor Asa Show; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Co-host, Morning Show, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; Lee Habeeb, CEO/Host/Producer, “Our American Stories”/American Private Radio; Danielle Lin, Producer/Host, “The Art of Living and the Science of Life”; Walter Sabo, consultant, Sabo Media Implementers/Host “Sterling On Sunday”; Daliah Wachs, M.D., Host, “The Dr. Daliah Show.”

Sponsored by Doug Stephan’s “Good Day”

PANEL DISCUSSION: “BEHIND THE MIC”

3:45 pm to 4:20 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Moderator: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”

Panelists: Howie Carr, Host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond; Chris Krok, Host, WBAP, Dallas; Frank Morano, Host, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Networks; Martha Zoller, Host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA

Sponsored by Radio America

PANEL DISCUSSION: “THE BIG PICTURE”

4:25 pm to 5:05 pm

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Moderator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Panelists: Kraig T. Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network; Chris Oliviero, Market President, Audacy New York; Deborah Parenti, Publisher, Radio Ink RBR+TVBRTavis Smiley, Host / Owner, KBLA, Los Angeles/Smiley AudioMedia; Lisa Wexler, Host, WICC, Bridgeport.

Sponsored by The Michael Berry Show 

CLOSING RECEPTION

5:10 pm to 6:15 pm

“Studio A” Television Soundstage

Presentation of Freedom of Speech Award

Closing Reception Master of Ceremonies: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City

Special Guest Speaker: Brian Kilmeade, Host, FOX News Radio / FOX News Channel

Presenter: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Recipient: John Catsimatidis, CEO/Owner, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Network

Sponsored by C. Crane

More TBA

Program agenda subject to change without notice

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

Industry News

Beasley Considering Reverse Stock Split to Prevent NASDAQ Delisting

Beasley Broadcast Group announces that it sought and has received approval from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC to transfer the listing of its Class A common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market. If you recall, Beasley was notified by Nasdaq last October 13 that its stock hadim traded below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for 30 consecutive days and it was being given 180 days to regain compliance. This move gives Beasley another 180 days to come into compliance by having its stock price trade at the $1.00 threshold or above for 10 consecutive days. The company announces that it has notified Nasdaq that it intends to cure its deficiency in satisfying the minimum bid price requirement by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. It would require the approval of current shareholders to do so. A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares in a company, thereby increasing the value of the existing shares.

Industry News

Cumulus Issues Preliminary Q1 Operating Results

Cumulus Media releases preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 – Marchim 31). The company says it expects to report net revenue in a range of $199 million to $201 million – change of between 3.3% and 2.3%. It also expects to report a net loss in a range of $(14.9) million to $(13.4) million and Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $7.65 million to $9.15 million. The company will report its actual first quarter 2024 operating results on Friday, May 3.  

Industry Views

Pending Business: Talk Radio Questionnaire

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imTime to thank the lawyers in the Donald Trump trial for once again proving beyond any doubt the power of talk radio.

1. Sellers – Get ready for Mother’s Day and Christmas rolled into one.

2. Managers – Prepare a fresh new page in your talk radio media kit.

3. On-air talk radio talent – Don’t throw away that lottery ticket, your number could come in.

4. Media consultants – Hit the brakes on making TV as an automatic first choice for your political campaigns, we’ve got a story for you.

5. Owners – Play your cards right and that talk radio format may have jumped in value.

It has been widely reported that jurors selected for the Donald Trump-Stormy Daniels trial were presented a questionnaire with the following question, “Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” Now wait just a minute all you jury profilers out there or fans of the TV show “Bull.” This is big, but I have a few questions of my own:

1. Why would any lawyer be interested in the radio listening habits of a (potential) juror?

2. Why specify “talk radio?”

3. What’s with the need to know about specific programs?

4. What’s the definition of “listen?” Daily? How long?

Maybe it’s time to recognize just what all this means to great talk radio talent and marketers.

I’m sure by now you have figured out where this goes – influence – as in talk radio hosts, the original influencers.

The very nature of a jury selection questionnaire screening for talk radio listening and specific programs is fascinating. Did an attorney conclude that talk radio shows influenced a potential juror’s feelings, opinions, perceptions (the very currency of talk radio) when it comes to Donald Trump or Stormy Daniels or any other key player on the legal stage?

As every seller knows, talk radio talents were the original influencers and continue to drive sales every day. To the local sellers and managers in the New York DMA pitching Sid Rosenberg, Joe Piscopo, Mark Simone and the other great local talents, imagine experienced legal teams evaluating the influence of their daily shows on potential jurors. Same for the nationally syndicated talent heard in the New York DMA. Talk radio lives and is influencing in the Big Apple!

“Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” that line of questioning should now become part of your daily marketing testimonial. After all, if teams of well-respected lawyers feel talk radio listening can influence the decisions of jurors in one of the most historic cases ever to be tried in our country, imagine what talk radio can do for your advertisers!

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.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: It’s Artificial Intelligence

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imI asked ChatGPT: “Vendors are now offering radio stations a service that delivers advertising commercial copy generated by AI. Because AI draws from what’s already been done, this risks sound-alike scripts. Is there a list of commercial clichés users should instruct AI to exclude?”

Instantly, the robot replied: “While there isn’t a definitive list of commercial clichés, as they can vary depending on industry, audience, and cultural context, here are some common examples to consider instructing AI to avoid:

1. Don’t miss out!

2. Limited time offer!

3. One-of-a-kind deal!

4. Act now!

5. For a limited time only!

6. Unbeatable prices!

7. Revolutionary product!

im

8. Best in class!

9. Cutting-edge technology!

10. Guaranteed satisfaction!

11. Change your life today!

12. Once in a lifetime opportunity!

13. Hurry, while supplies last!

14. Get yours today!

15. New and improved!

These are just a few examples, and there are many more clichés that could be included in such a list. It’s also important to consider the specific audience and context when identifying and excluding cliches from AI-generated advertising commercial copy.”

Skynet has become self-aware. 

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins,” and  The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.

Industry News

WIP, Philadelphia’s Glen Macnow to Retire in July

Longtime WIP, Philadelphia sports talk host Glen Macnow announces that he’ll retire from the Audacyim sports talk outlet where he’s been an on-air personality for the past 31 years. Currently, Macnow hosts the Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm shows and the Eagles pre-game show. Macnow says his last weekend program (which he co-hosts with Mike Sielski) will be July 13. Get more on this story and Macnow’s career at WIP from Crossing Broad here.

Industry News

BFoA Announces Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award to be presented annually at the Golden Mic Award Gala beginning in 2025. The BFoA says the Spirit Award will be bestowed upon an individual who exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to theim Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo, who passed away earlier this year. Board members, officers, supporters, contributors, and sponsors with a long history of demonstrating Lombardo’s commitment to the Foundation will be candidates for this special recognition. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Phil brought the sense of urgency that is often needed to give donors an understanding of why they need to donate to our charitable purpose. He led the board for many years, overseeing significant advancements that brought in more funds, and thereby allowing us to continue to distribute financial aid to broadcasters in need.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threat to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; speculation about more Iran-Israel military strikes; the tensions at Columbia University and Yale over Israel-Hamas protests; the U.S. House passes a ban on TikTok; the Supreme Court to hear arguments about criminalizing homelessness; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. The March 2024 survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Despite being a combined -2.5 in back-to-back down or flat sweeps (11.5 – 9.0 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WISN is #1 for the seventh consecutive month. For the fourth time in a row, crosstown format foe – Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ – is unlisted. Appearing at #22, Civic Media progressive news/talk WAUK “The Sha 101 FM” posts a .2 (6+). Repeating in fifth-place, Cumulus Media Nashville news/talk WWTN posts its third progressive trend for a combined +2.6 (3.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). Meanwhile in that Tennessee market, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLAC is trending 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 (January – February – March, #17 to #18, 6+). Albeit that their combined March 2024 6+ total is 4.8, three news/talkers surface in West Palm Beach’s top twenty. Specifically, Hubbard’s WFTL bounces back from a February dip of seven-tenths with a gain of three-tenths (3.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WJNO is up or flat the third straight time (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, #14 to #13, 6+) and ties co-owned WZZR (1.4 – 1.1, flat at #13, 6+). With a half-share March increase to 6.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+), Audacy Hartford’s WTIC-AM continues an alternating down-up-down pattern that began in October and has yielded an overall +1.1 (5.1 – 4.8 – 5.3 – .2 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Remaining flat at 1.6 (6+), cross-town Red Wolf-owned WDRC-AM slips from #14 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
Industry News

Stephanie Miller Among Those To Enter Buffalo’s HOF

Buffalo Hall of Fame The Buffalo Broadcasters Association (BBA) has announced this year’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees; Stephanie Miller included on the list is syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller. Buffalo Broadcasters Association president Steve Monaco comments, “Our Hall of Fame classes become more impressive every year. Each inductee has made important contributions to broadcasting in Buffalo.” A standup comedienne and best-selling author, Miller gained her first radio experience doing comedy bits on Sandy Beach’s morning show. She began her talk radio career at Los Angeles’ KFI in 1994. Miller would later host afternoons in Los Angeles at KTZN in 1997, before doing evenings at KABC (1997 – 2000). Her show was heard on progressive news/talk KTLK from 2005 – 2013 and she started the “Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour” podcast. In a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview, Miller admitted, “I never thought about doing talk radio. To me talk radio was like old gray-haired guys talking about the budget.” Miller’s fellow BBA 2024 inductees will be former WGR sports radio morning host Howard Simon; former WGR-TV news anchor/reporter Sheila Murphy (who was a news reporter/anchor at Buffalo radio outlets WGR-AM and WBEN); network television producer/writer/actor Nick Bakay; former WKBW-TV reporter Mary Travers Murphy; morning radio team Shredd & Ragan; WGRZ-TV videographer J. Dooley O’Rourke; and former director of national sales for Buffalo/Toronto Public Media Jim DiMino. The Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Dinner will be held September 19 at 7:00 pm at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville.
Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

March 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 survey period (February 29 – March 27) 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.

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 5.1 – 3.8, #5 – #9

KJCE .3 – .1, #28 – #30

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .5 – .9, #24 – #21

KVET-AM .9 – .7, #21 – #23

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 7.4 – 8.4, #2 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Note: News/talk KLBJ-AM’s -1.3 (5.1 – 3.8) is Austin’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

 

 

RALEIGH

 

News/Talk

WTKK 8.0 – 7.3, #3  – #4

WPTF .8 – .6, #19 – #23

 

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .5, #24 – #24

 

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 2.2 – 3.0, #15 – #13 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 .2 – DNA, #25 – DNA (Carolina Hurricanes)

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 8.5 – 8.7, #2 – #2

 

 

 

 

INDIANAPOLIS

 

News/Talk

WIBC 4.9 – 5.1, #10 – #8

 

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #25 – DNA

 

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.0 – 2.6, #16 – #16

WNDE .5 – .5, #21 – #22

WXNT .2 – DNA, #25 – DNA

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.6 – 5.6, #11 – #6

 

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

 

 

MILWAUKEE

 

News/Talk

WISN 9.0 – 9.0, seventh consecutive month at #1

WAUK DNA – .2, DNA – #22

WLIP .1 – .1, #27 – #26

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.1 – 2.4, #15 – #15

WSSP .2 – .2, #20 – #22

WOKY .1 – .1, #20 – #26

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.6 – 2.9, #13 – #13

WHAD 1.2 – 1.3, #17 – #17

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

 

 

 

NASHVILLE

 

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 6.5, #5 – #5

WLAC 2.1 – 1.8, #17 – #18

 

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Sports Talk

WGFX 4.9 – 6.6, #9 – #4

WPRT 1.5 – 2.3, #19 – #17 (Predators)

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.9 – 4.8, #9 – #9

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #24 – #23

 

Note: Sports talk WGFX’s +1.7 (4.9 – 6.6) represents the largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

 

 

 

PROVIDENCE

 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.8 – 6.2, #4 – #5

WHJJ  1.1 – 1.3, #13 – #13

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.7 – 1.5, #11 – #11

WPRV DNA – .1, DNA – #18

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.4 – 2.1, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.4 – 1.4, #12 – #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

 

 

 

NORFOLK

 

News/Talk

WNIS  2.0 – 2.0, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .1, #23 – #23

 

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #22 – #21

 

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.4 – 1.3, #16 – #17

WGH-AM .2 – .1, #23 – #23

 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

 

 

JACKSONVILLE

 

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.9 – 8.3, #3 – #3

 

News

WJBT-HD2 .DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #21 – #21

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.2 – 2.1, #13 – #13

 

 

 

 

WEST PALM BEACH

 

News/Talk

WFTL 2.3 – 2.6, #9 – #8

WZZR 1.4 – 1.1 #13 – #13

WJNO 1.1 – 1.1, #14 – #13

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .4, #16 – #17

WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #17

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.1 – 2.6, #10 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

 

 

GREENSBORO

 

News/Talk

WPTI 3.2 – 3.5 #10 – #11

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

None

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.7 – 4.6, #6 – #6

WUNC 2.6 – 2.5, #12 – #12

 

 

MEMPHIS

 

News/Talk

WREC 1.5 – 1.8, #10 – #8

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.5 – 2.3, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #15 (Grizzlies)

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.7 – 1.6, #9 – #10

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

 

 

 

HARTFORD

 

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.7 – 6.2, #6 – #5

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.6, #14 – #16

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .2, #18 – #20

WPOP DNA – .2, DNA – #20

 

News

None

 

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.4 – 2.1, #16 – #13

 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.1 – 5.0, #7 – #7

WFCR .4 – .4, #18 – #18

 

Industry News

Travis’ Atlanta, Seattle Travelogue

Clay TravisThis past Tuesday (4/16) in Atlanta, Clay Travis of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” joined Georgia leaders, lawmakers, and over 300 attendees at Greater Georgia’s Second Annual Legislative Awards Ceremony. Among those at the Travis-emceed  event included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; former Senator/Greater Georgia chair Kelly Loeffler; and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Then the following night (Wednesday, 4/17), Travis was in Washington State where he spoke at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Bellevue. The biannual event drew over 500 attendees and addressed politics; economics; and culture. Hillsdale College is a sponsor of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” which airs weekdays 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm (ET) on more than 470 stations. During his trip, Travis visited/broadcasted live from Dickey Broadcasting Atlanta news/talk WFOM “XTRA 106.3 FM,” and iHeartMedia Seattle news/talk KPTR “1090 The Patriot.” Travis formerly hosted FOX Sports Radio’s weekday morning “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis.”  Pictured above: Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn (left) and Clay Travis (right) at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar
Industry News

BFA Honors Industry Leaders

BFASeveral notable industry executives were honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the organization’s annual breakfast held this past Wednesday (4/17) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Among those cited was RAB president/chief executive officer Erica Farber, the recipient of the Lowry Mays “Excellence in Broadcasting Award.”  Pictured above (l-r): McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay; Wiley partner Kathleen Kirby; CBS Radio and ABC Radio executive Don Bouloukos; Erica Farber; NBCU Local chief revenue officer/president, commercial operations Frank Comerford; ABC Affiliate Relations, Disney Platform Distribution executive vice president John Rouse; and ABC Radio Network president/ESPN Radio senior vice president Traug Keller.
Industry News

KMJ’s Triple-Play Day At City Hall

Cumulus Media’s Fresno news/talk KMJ was celebrated in triplicate at Fresno City Hall yesterday (4/18), as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer officially declared April 18thChristopher Gabriel Day”; “Christina Musson Day”; and “Fresno’s Morning News Day.” Gabriel is part of KMJ’s “Morning News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am), while Musson co-hosts the station’s “Broeske & Musson” program (9:00 am – 11:00 am). The proclamations were in recognition of the station’s community service and several awards KMJ has recently received. KMJ’s morning news team – Gabriel, Liz Kern, KMJDon York and Gabe Navarro – won a Golden Mike for “Best Newscast” from RTNA Southern California; Gabriel also notched a “Best Sportscast” Golden Mike. Meanwhile, Musson won her second successive Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award for “Best Co-Host, Talk/Personality – Small/Medium Market Radio.” Pictured above (top photo right to left): Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer; KMJ, Fresno’s Christina Musson; her husband Ralph Rendon; and Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld. Also pictured above (bottom photo left to right) Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld; KMJ, Fresno’s Christopher Gabriel; his daughter Cadence; his wife Wendy; and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 15 – 19

The tensions between Israel and Iran escalating from the Israel-Hamas War was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.   At #2 this week was the presidential race followed closely by former President Donald Trump’s election tampering criminal trial. Other hot topics include the state of the U.S. economy focusing on inflation,  House Speaker Mike Johnson’s struggle with members of his own party per supporting Ukraine and Israel, The U.S. migrant crisis, and SCOTUS and the January 6 case.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here

Industry News

Genesis Communications Network to Shut Down

TALKERS has learned that effective Sunday May 5, Genesis Communications Network (GCN) will be ending its broadcasting operations.  In a letter sent to its program producers, signed by GCN owner/CEO Ted Anderson and chief engineer George Prondzinski, it states, “It is with great sadness, I wish to inform you that the Genesis Communications Network will be closing effective Sunday May 05, 2024. im This decision has been most difficult for us to make in lieu of poor economic and industry conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you and appreciate your affiliation with GCN.”  GCN was launched in 1998 by Anderson and has featured a diverse line up of daily and weekend programming covering politics, finance, health, self-help, how-to and topics of general interest. At last count the network was carrying 37 hosts and programs including Alex JonesWhen asked by TALKERS if GCN would continue in any form, Anderson replied, “No, I’m done but would entertain proposals from anyone interested.”  

Industry News

AM Radio Legislative Hearing Set

Congressional Seal“Draft Legislation to Preserve Americans’ Access to AM Radio” is the title of a legislative hearing that House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and ranking member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) will hold the last day of the month (4/30). Rodgers and Pallone previously released draft legislation that mirrors legislative language the Senate Commerce Committee passed out last year. NAB president/CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “NAB is deeply grateful to chair Rodgers and ranking member Pallone for their continued leadership in safeguarding continued access to AM radio in new cars. With 82 million monthly listeners, AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System and serves as a trusted source of factual news and diverse programming in communities across the country. Local broadcasters look forward to continuing to work with [Rodgers, Pallone] and all committee members to ensure this critical communications medium remains accessible to listeners across the country.” The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S.1669/H.R. 3413) currently has 48 co-sponsors in the Senate and 245 House co-sponsors. In related news KFNX, Phoenix owner Bill Brady will be delivering an address titled “The Case for AM Radio” at the forthcoming TALKERS 2024:Radio and Beyond conference on June 7 at Hofstra University.  More information in stories below and here.
Industry News

Winding Up A Sterling Career

Industry Views

Lee Harris is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Radio journalist, personality, media manager and tech creator Lee Harris is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” It’s been nearly a year since Harris surprised the world of broadcast journalism when he announced that after nearly 30 years, he would be leaving one of the most important positions in all-news radio – morning anchor at the legendary 1010 WINS, New York. He left by his own choice to accept the position of director of integrated operations with NewsNation, the new and rapidly growing cable news network, where he would be responsible for the development and distribution of the multi-platform operation’s audio content. Based at NewsNation’s New York newsroom, this Edward R. Murrow Award-winner would also assist in news writing and the creation of NewsNation specials. He is also playing a large hand in the programming of the company’s major radio property – the historic WGN, Chicago. Harrison and Harris discuss a variety of subjects from 1010 WINS history back to its top 40 roots to NewsNation’s positioning as an unbiased news platform. (Harris will moderate “The Great Debate” between Mike Gallagher and Thom Hartmann scheduled for TALKERS 2024 on June 7.) Harrison and Harris’s fascinating conversation also covers AI and technology’s impact on programming. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Berliner Resigns From NPR

NPR

As we reported just yesterday (TALKERS  4/17), NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner was suspended one week without pay from the public media organization after writing an essay for Substack publication The Free Press without first seeking permission from NPR as required by his contract. Now comes word from The New York Times that Berliner – who accused the broadcaster of liberal bias in that online piece – has resigned from the nonprofit. In his resignation letter, Berliner called NPR “a great American institution” that should not be defunded. In the letter posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Berliner writes, “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish NPR to thrive and do important journalism.” He, however, continues that he “cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems I cite in my Free Press essay.” CBS News notes that Katherine Maher, who became NPR’s CEO last month, wrote a staff memo several days after publication of Berliner’s essay addressing his criticisms of the organization’s editorial process. Among Berliner’s claims are that NPR is failing to consider other viewpoints and that it is fixated on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.   
Industry News

KSL, Salt Lake City Adds “America Tonight”

Kate DelaneyThis past Sunday (4/14) in Las Vegas, Kate Delaney was a keynote speaker for the NAB Leadership Foundation’s “Focus on Leadership” speaker series. The “America Tonight” host comments, “I was honored to speak at NAB this year. Radio, at its best, keeps and grows an audience with great storytelling, innovative use of audio and the experience you create for listeners.” Delaney’s NAB appearance coincided with the announcement that her Talk Media Network show joins the nighttime lineup of Bonneville Salt Lake City news/talk KSL, which just received an NAB Crystal Radio Award. “I’m thrilled ‘America Tonight’ can now be heard on KSL,” Delaney states. “It’s a powerful station with a rich history of serving its listeners.” Program director Kevin LaRue adds, “KSL is excited for overnight news programming with a combination of solid information and a big personality to be a trusted companion to our listeners.” Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng remarks, “Kate Delaney is a pro’s pro. She’s made her own luck, through hard work and great communication. Talk Media Network is proud to be expanding her audience. Thank you KSL for continuing to invest in radio. Your operation is one of the best, shining examples in our business.” Meanwhile, “Amazing Americans” founder Jerry Schemmel passes hosting duties of the weekly, one-hour show he started in 2019 to Delaney who looks forward “to continuing to share compelling and captivating and inspirational stories of human achievement. Radio listeners are hungry for authentic, true-life stories, to leave them feeling inspired.” Meet Kate Delaney at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond on June 7 at Hofstra University.
Industry News

Triton Digital Releases March Podcast Ranker

imAs measured by Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, SiriusXM Podcast Network remains #1 on March’s “Top Sales Networks Report.” Per the data, SiriusXM Podcast Network’s stats are 42.5 million average weekly downloads/13.2 million average weekly users. It is again followed by (#2) NPR with 25.1 million average weekly downloads/7.0 million average weekly users and (#3) Wondery, 21.0 million average weekly downloads/6.8 million average weekly users. The top three downloaded podcasts were NPR News Now (NPR); Dateline NBC (NBCUniversal News Group); and Crime Junkie (audiochuck). Ranked by total listeners, NPR News Now (NPR); Crime Junkie (audiochuck); and Up First (NPR) are again first, second, and third, respectively. Among March debuts were Three (SiriusXM Podcast Network, both downloads and listeners); Killer Psyche (Wondery, downloads); and Environment (NPR, listeners). Participating Sales Networks include content owners/creators and sales representation organizations. Any sales network or publisher with a United States audience is eligible to participate in the U.S. Podcast Report. The March reporting period is February 26, 2024 – March 31, 2024).
Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s hush money/election tampering trial; U.S. response to Iran-Israel tensions; Ukraine-Israel aid debate; inflation/economy concerns; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s political struggles; the migrant crisis; and Boeing under pressure were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (4/17) according to the research of TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.9 – 6.5, #2 – #2

KEX 1.5 – 1.8, #21 – #20

KUFO .8 – .8, #24 – #23

KPAM .1 – .2, #34 – #32

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.6 – 1.5, #20 – #21

KXTG 1.2 – 1.5, #22 – #21

KPOJ .6 – .5, #26 – #26 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .1 – .2, #34 – #32

KFXX Stream  DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.1 – 5.8, #4 – #3

KOPB Stream  1.0 – .7, #23 – #25

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.6– 4.0, #8 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.4 – 3.9, #14 – #9 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.9 – 4.4, #6 – #6

WNSC .8 – .8, #18 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.7– 2.6, #14 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM .9 – .8, #25 – #24

KTKR .5 – .5, #30 – #29

KZDC .3 – .4, #33 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.7, #16 – #13

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.3 – 6.5 #3 – #4

KSTE-AM 2.9 – 2.5, #12 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.4 – 1.7, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #23 – #21

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #13 – #13

KQEI .3 – .3, #27 – #22

KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.5 – 3.8, #9 – #10

KDKA-AM Stream  .3 – .2, #23 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.6 – 8.4, #3 – #2

KDKA-FM Stream  .6 – .4, #19 – #21

WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.2 – 5.2, #8 – #8

Note: Sports/talk KDKA-FM’s +.8 (7.6 – 8.4) represents Pittsburgh’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 6.4 – 6.7, #3 – #2

KNRS-AM/FM 3.1 – 2.6, #13 – #17

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .8 – .9, #23 – #23

KZNS-FM .7 – .5, #24 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .1 – .3, #28 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

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

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

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.8 – 3.4, #15 – #13

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .3 – .1, #27 – #27

KUMT DNA – .1, DNA – #27

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .9 – 1.1, #26 – #26

KXNT .6 – .5, #29 – #30

KMZQ DNA – .1, DNA – #37

KXNT Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KKGK .3 – .6, #32 – #28 (Golden Knights)

KWWN .6 – .4, #29 – #32

KRLV .2 – .2, #34 – #33

KENO DNA – .1, DNA – #37

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.6 – 1.7, #22 – #22

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 5.0 – 5.9, #7 – #5

WDBO 3.1 – 3.5, #13 – #12

WFLF .8 – .7, #19 – #19

WFYY-HD3 .3 – DNA, #24 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .8, #19 – #18 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.4 – 1.7, #14 – #15

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.2 – 11.3, #2 – #1

WKRC 6.1 – 6.0, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.1 – 1.0, #19 – #19

WSAI .6 – .6, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.1 – 3.2, #10 – #10

Note: In addition to advancing to #1, news/talk WLW’s +1.1 (10.2 – 11.3) represents Cincinnati’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.8 – 5.4, #9 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #23

Sports Talk

WKRK 3.7 – 4.3, #11 – #10

WKRK Stream .4 – .4, #21 – #21

WARF .2 – .2, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.4 – 7.2, #6 – #5

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 4.4 – 5.3, #6 – #4

KCMO-AM 2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #16

KMBZ-AM 1.8 – 1.4, #17 – #18

KMBZ-FM Stream .8 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.0 – 1.8, #12 – #17

KCSP Stream  .3 – .1, #25 – #29

KWOD .1 – .1, #28 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.9 – 2.9, #13 – #12

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Notes: News/talk KMBZ-FM’s +.9 (4.4 – 5.3) represents Kansas City’s biggest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Conversely, sports/talk KCSP’s -1.2 (3.0 – 1.8) is the market’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.3 – 5.2, #7 – #8

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.2 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .4, #21 #20 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .3, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 5.6 – 5.9, #6 – #6

Note: Sports/talk WBNS-FM’s +1.4 (7.2 – 8.6) represents Columbus’ largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com