September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.
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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).
Note: The NFL season began September 7 – applicable flagships are bolded.
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, ninth month in succession, 9.7 – 9.6, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KUTX (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUT (-.8)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 9.4, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, #16 to #15
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.3 – 3.1, +.8, ninth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.5 – 9.1, -.4, first to third
Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 8.5 – 10.1, +1.6
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WQOK (-2.2)**
*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.0 – 6.1, +.1, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #15 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI 6.3 – 6.4, +.1, third straight month in third-place
Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 6.9 – 8.2, +1.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC WNTR (-1.0)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1, third to first
iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.7 – 9.6, -1.1, first to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.4 – 2.4, +1.0, #17 to #13
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #13
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, fifth straight month at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 6.1, +.3, fifth to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 4.8 – 7.2, +2.4, eighth to third
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3, #11 to #6
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, eighth month in succession, 10.3 – 9.3, -1.0
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.4)**
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WSM-FM (-2.0)
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, fifth to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, third straight month at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, anchored in eighth-place for the twelfth consecutive month
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, eighth to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #11 to #12
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, fifth straight month at #14
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCAI .1, #19 (did not appear in August 2023)
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.9, +1.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WCTK (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPRO-AM (-.7)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, fifth consecutive month at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 10.2, -1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-1.2)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, fifth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.1 – 10.6, +1.5
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WOKV-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WWJK (-1.1)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats in tenth-place
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.8, +.2, repeats at #12
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, third straight month at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19
Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .2, -.2, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, third month in a row, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-1.3)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, locked in eighth-place for the eleventh straight month
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, repeats in ninth-place
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, sixth straight month at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, first month, 11.2 – 13.6, +2.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+2.4)**
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WPAW (-1.2)
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats in ninth-place
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .2 – .4, +.2, #15 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, seventh to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, seventh straight month, 12.9 – 11.8, -1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK and CHR WEGR (+1.5)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-1.7)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.8 – 5.2, +.4, seventh to sixth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #14 to #12
WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, third straight month at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, repeats in ninth-place
New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .6, fourth straight month at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 44th month in a row, 10.1 – 10.5, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WDRC-AM (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.1)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Trump, currently on the docket for March 2024. RTDNA says it has consistently advocated for the public’s right to live audio and video coverage of the multiple trials facing the former president. RTDNA CEO Dan Shelley states, “For decades, RTDNA has been the nation’s leading advocate for cameras in courtroom. We believe Americans have a right to see for themselves if and how justice is administered to a former president of the United States. The only opportunity for the public to have any faith in the outcome of this trial is if people are able to see and hear the proceedings for themselves.”
of local, national, and global business news as he chats with Chicago’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and CEOs. Alongside news anchors Kim Gordon, Nick Gale, and Annie Krall, Gogoel shares the latest tech, consumer, and local business news, and why it matters to Chicagoans and their wallets. On the drive 
home each weekday from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm, host Bret Gogoel and the WLS Newsroom team share Chicago’s local news that matters on ‘PM Chicago.’ From politics and education to crime and health, ‘PM Chicago’ shines the spotlight on local stories that are important to Chicagoans, with reports from Kim Gordon, Nick Gale, and Annie Krall. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor states, “I am delighted to be adding local news and business programs for our listeners in the afternoons. Bret has risen through the ranks at WLS from a part-time board operator to news anchor and host and he is the perfect fit to helm these new offerings.”
Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Jesse Kelly, and Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, as well as Key Networks’ Bill O’Reilly. The story indicates the station’s cume has skyrocketed from about 2,100 listeners per month to 29,000 in the first week after the change (Sept. 7-13). Adell tells the paper he has no regrets about the move, “The more divided we are, the better it is for radio. It comes down to one thing — show business. If we live in a utopia, we have nothing to talk about.” Adell also says he expects cume to jump to 200,000 per month as he continues to promote the new lineup. At the time of the change, the Black community was upset with the firing of the (unpaid) hosts and the format flip, but Adell said it was purely a business move. “[T]he format was no longer profitable and only attracted about 2,100 listeners a month, an abysmally small audience for a radio station. When you look at it, no one supported it. I couldn’t get the community to support it.” 
University of Maryland. Industry experts presenting in the three-part series include: programming with consultant Mike McVay; promotion and marketing insight with Benztown marketing director Susan Aksu-Magarian; and behind the scenes of owning a station with Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan, among others. Denes says, “I was honored to lead the ‘LABF Radio & Podcasting Power Session,’ and I want to thank the incredible talent and executives that participated for their contributions and presentations as well as technical producers, Robby Gessel and Trevor Adams. We have high hopes that this session will prove valuable to students and ignite their enthusiasm for the radio and podcasting mediums that hold a special place in our hearts.”
AM, Worcester talk radio host Jordan Levy died yesterday (10/5) after a years-long illness at age 79. Current WTAG morning personality Jim Polito is quoted in the story saying, “There are so many people he did things for. He loved the city of Worcester.” Levy was first elected mayor in 1987. After leaving office in 1993, he hosted the afternoon drive show on WTAG. 
Zone – a scoreboard of regional high school sports contests. The promotion is being led by the station’s “SportsTalk” program hosted by Scott “Quake” McMahen and Joe “Cowboy” Varner. McMahen states, “We want to hear great stories from local schools celebrating how athletics is a positive part of education and invite all area high schools to submit their most inspiring stories.” The award presentation will be made on-air on “Talk 102.3 FM” during the remote broadcast of the BlueCross Bowl Tennessee High School Football Championships on December 1-3.
November 13. This year’s honorees include: Rebekah Dopp, EVP of distribution, acquisitions and affiliate relations, The CW; Rosalyn Durant, EVP, programming and acquisitions, ESPN; Suzanne Grimes, president Westwood One and EVP corporate marketing, Cumulus Media; Rashida Jones, president, MSNBC; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; and Lori Locke, EVP and chief accounting officer,Warner Bros. Discovery. Additionally, AWM will recognize Kay Olin, owner and president of Olin and Associates, and former president of Local Focus, with the Legacy Leadership Award.
along with Captain Max with Right Now Traffic, Greg Schaeffer with weather, and Louis Lee as news contributor. From 9:00 am to 10:00 am is “The Brad Giese Show” with Max O’Brien as producer and contributor. From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon is the new “Brian Joyce Unfiltered” program with Jim Stevens as producer. Cumulus Chattanooga operations manager Scott Chase comments, “Jed and JR are among the most recognizable and trusted talents in the market. The combination of their energy, enthusiasm and positivity is perfectly suited for morning drive. Brian Joyce has a lot to say, and this new time slot gives him the opportunity to dig into the issues that the community is talking about.” 
industry leaders about public relations and related topics. The conversations span public relations, PR best practices, the media, 
marketing, strategy, career development, profiles of PR pros, and more. The show airs Mondays at 5:00 pm on Hofstra University’s award-winning WRHU-FM and WRHU.org on Long Island and is available on most podcast sites. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is Goldman’s guest this week talking about the general state of radio, news and public relations as we move further into the digital era. Both Hofstra graduates, Goldman and Harrison sit on the university’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board. 
morning show from 1999-2011. Kyle Draper is the Sacramento Kings pre- and post-game host on NBC Sports California and was previously an anchor/host at NBC Sports Boston. Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottingim says, “We are excited to continue to elevate the Sactown Sports brand with the addition of ‘The Drive Guys.’ Kevin has been a fabric in the Sacramento community for four decades now and pairing him with Kyle Draper who is a familiar voice to our listeners through the Sacramento Kings broadcast just highlights our commitment to Sacramento sports.”
audience. Salem Church Products creates and distributes resources for churches and ministries in the areas of church media, worship, children’s ministry, preaching, teaching and employment through online resources including WorshipHouse Media, SermonSearch, ChurchStaffing, Children’s Ministry Deals and many others. Salem COO David Evans says, “We are proud of the Church Products business we have built over the years. What started with a single website – SermonSearch – has grown into a successful organization providing valuable resources and services to local churches and their pastors. Any time we look to sell a business, we look for organizations that share our passion and that can take that business to the next level. Gloo is just such an organization and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
says, “The new podcast expands on the topics that drive Markowicz’ most-popular columns, namely, the cultural and social issues that affect us all. From marriage and family, to career and relationships, Markowicz aims to find real answers to the deep questions that really matter, while taking listener questions and welcoming some of the biggest names in news, politics and entertainment for candid conversations.” Markowicz says, “I’m thrilled to join The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network on iHeartRadio. I’ve been approached, over the years, to do a podcast but it never felt like the right fit. Joining Clay and Buck is a dream. I’m such a big fan of both of these men and can’t wait to join the team.”
personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The 2023 class includes: talk radio personality Bob Grant, Saga Communications chief Ed Christian, and talk personality Long John Nebel. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “It’s heartfelt recognition to see these individuals and their career contributions to the radio industry recognized with this induction. They’ve made a forever impact on the audiences and businesses they interacted with and for that, we’re grateful.” 
laundering scheme. The Court recognized that an important part of this sentence was for the defendant to provide restitution to the victims. In financial crimes cases such as this, providing restitution to victims is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice and this Office.” Free Talk Live co-founder Mark Edge (right) tells TALKERS magazine, “It was a sad day for ‘Free Talk Live’ yesterday. Ian, our co-founder, received eight years in prison, followed by two on probation and a $40,000 fine. Restitution and forfeiture are as yet to be determined but will likely be six figures. Ian maintains his innocence but was taken into custody following sentencing. We were prepared for this possibility, as much as we could be. ‘Free Talk Live’ will go on seven nights a week from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.” 
Macon, Georgia. The Macon Telegram reports that “Creekside Sports” is hosted by Steve Norris and Daniel Shirley. The piece notes that Norris has experience broadcasting area high school and junior college football and has served as a local sports and news reporter, having been a freelance sportswriter for The Telegraph from 2008 until 2012. 
sports radio, starting at 570 KLIF in 1994 and eventually joining host Norm Hitzges in moving to 1310 The Ticket [KTCK-AM] in 2000.” Friedman’s brother Joel posted the news of his passing on Facebook, says, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my brother’s passing. Many of you knew about his health battle over the past several years, and he had been doing remarkably well considering everything he had gone through.”