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Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 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 Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.4 – 6.0, -1.4, third to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 2.2, -.9, #12 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 6.7, -.5, fourth to third and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in a row, 10.0 – 16.7, +6.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+6.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KXL (-1.4)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) steady at 3.7, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, continues at #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC flat at .3, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in succession, 8.3 – 11.0, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and adult hits WLKO (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, locked at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #17 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 14.0 – 15.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country KCYY (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.1 – 8.8, -1.3, first to second and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) unchanged at 1.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.1 – 13.9, +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-1.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, carries on at #13 and KDKA-AM’s internet stream .4 – .7, +.3, #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 5.9 – 5.4, -.5, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 8.3 – 13.3, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 6.7 – 4.4, -2.3, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second month in a row, 12.1 – 20.0, +7.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+7.9)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-2.3)**

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.0 – 2.3, +1.3, #26 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third straight month, 10.6 – 14.1, +3.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+3.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.6)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.1, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 11.4 – 13.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.0 – 10.7, +.7, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.6 – 2.8, -.8, #9 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.7 – 2.6, +.9, #19 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 11th consecutive month, 10.0 – 10.7, +.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 6.3 – 6.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 14.1, +4.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI (+4.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock WMMS; country WGAR; and public radio news/talk WKSU (-.8)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #13 to #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, steady at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC, first month, 5.7 – 8.6, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KZPT (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.8 – 5.3, -1.5, fourth to eighth  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.2 – 8.0, -1.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, second straight month, 10.1 – 9.2, -.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WSNY (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTVN (-1.5)

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 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.  

Industry Views

Remaining Optimistic About Radio

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host

An article in the Los Angeles Times shows a picture of a radio DJ next to a control board boasting the headline, THE RESURGENCE OF RADIO. Dateline: 1982.  This headline appears in various forms every few months in articles and blogs throughout the country. Writers discover radio! The power of radio! The popularity of radio! Why is radio either dying or being rediscovered when neither is true?

Recent artifacts: Every single press release from Nielsen reveals that radio is doing fine thank you. After decades of promoting its television clients and bashing radio, now that Nielsen measures radio – son of a gun – radio is thriving, it’s alive, it’s growing, it’s a success. Nielsen’s tone is one of surprise that radio attracts large, loyal audiences.

Why is radio’s 100 years of success a revelation rather an assumption? First it is because radio is ubiquitous. Walk into a store, radio. Turn on the car, radio. Wake up, radio. The sound of radio has always been everywhere and continues to be everywhere. Maybe once a year I go to a gym and hear Spotify, but I have to ask an employee where that music is coming from and they are never sure! Television is not everywhere; it has to be turned on. Magazines, websites, books, direct mail have to be considered and then opened. Not ubiquitous. Radio’s ubiquity renders it invisible on the media landscape. Radio wins by losing.

Radio salespeople sell radio to negotiators, time buyers. The job of a negotiator is to criticize and devalue the product being pitched. That’s their job. A salesperson spends nine hours a day with negotiators telling them that their product is at death’s door. To a radio salesperson, every day is a bad day. They become immersed in the pessimism of radio’s future.

“Do you realize that most 19-year-olds discover new music from the Internet?” declares a time buyer to a radio salesperson. Oddly, the fact that 19-year-olds occasionally find new music on other audio media is a dark mark against proven radio. Until this moment, the location of new music discovery had never been a deal point for the Honda dealer time buyer. But, boy this “discovery” business is charts-and-graphs serious!

To perform as a programmer or talent in radio one must be an optimist about its future. A programmer or host is intimate with listener response to their work. Radio stars see the millions and millions, and millions of dollars raised for quality charities every single year by their words, their appeal — their credibility. TV stations and newspapers rarely conduct fund drives. Have you ever heard a local TV anchor ask for donations for – anything? No, probably because it wouldn’t work as well as a pitch from the morning host on your station. A powerful, yet unseen, spokesperson can be quite persuasive to a listener to donate their money to a charity.

SiriusXM satellite radio’s lead investors, Apollo and Blackstone jointly engaged me to consult the company on site for many years. During that time, I became well-acquainted with the initiatives of all-digital audio platforms: Audible, Amazon, Pandora, Spotify, Google and many others.

At digital media conferences spokespeople for those companies would sit on panels and bash the dinosaurs called AM and FM. However, those same companies insisted on branding themselves as… radio! Spotify RADIO. Pandora RADIO!

Walter Sabo is a long-time radio industry consultant and thought leader.  He hosts and produces a network radio show titled “Sterling on Sunday” 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET.  www.waltersterlingshow.com.   walter@sabomedia.com

Industry News

Round Two of Holiday PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #7 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM falls eight-tenths but remains ranked #3 in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.8 share good for the #13 rank and sister all-news WBZ-AM also adds one-tenth for a 4.8 share finish that puts it in the #6 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM falls 1.1 shares to finish with a 5.5 share pushing it down to the #3 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM adds three-tenths for a 5.5 share that puts it in a tie for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

“Mike & The Mad Dog” Reunion Happens on “First Take”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Next Wednesday (2/1), sports talk radio legends Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo will reunite for a two-hour appearance on ESPN’s morning show, “First Take,” with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim. Russo and Francesa co-hosted their show on WFAN, New York from 1989 through 2008 and became the template by which sports talk debate shows were often created. Smith says, “When we think about sports debate shows’ inception, in my opinion it starts with talk radio. And there is no way on earth you can talk about talk radio without bringing up ‘Mike & The Mad Dog.’ This business has changed – and flourished – because of what they accomplished as a dynamic duo spanning 19 years. They are, unquestionably, the standard. So, it’s easy to says that not only am I looking forward to having them reunite on ‘First Take,’ I’m HONORED to have them. Can’t wait.”

Industry News

Spencer Bynes to Lead iHeartMedia Atlanta

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

iHeartMedia announces that Spencer Bynes moves from his role as area president for the Texas region to metro president for the Atlanta market, effective February 1. iHeartMedia says that in his new role, Bynes will be responsible for overseeing all programming and marketing for iHeartMedia’s Atlanta-based radio brands, as well as developing and managing key partnerships with current and potential clients across all iHeartMedia platforms. Additionally, he will actively build and foster community relationships across the market and region, while providing leadership, guidance and oversight to the team. Division president Kim Guthrie says, “Spencer has done a superb job in his leadership role in Texas, where he drove positive changes in culture and performance. In addition, his talents on how best to recruit, develop and coach a leadership team make him a wonderful fit for our needs here in Atlanta.” Bynes comments on his new position, saying, “What an extraordinary opportunity! Atlanta has a robust and flourishing economic business environment, a fascinating community of people from every part of the world and an incredible music culture and heritage. I am honored to join this team. I look forward to expanding iHeartMedia’s reach and influence and helping our customers thrive and grow their businesses.”

Industry News

Newsmax Complains of “Blatant Censorship” in Exit from DirecTV

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

As of Tuesday (1/24), Newsmax TV is not available on AT&T’s DirecTV satellite television service. AT&T says in a statement that it wanted to continue to offer the channel but says Newsmax’s demand for an increase in its carriage fee would have meant “significantly higher costs that we would have to pass on to our broad customer base.” But, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “This is a blatant act of political discrimination and censorship against Newsmax.” Newsmax says, “DirecTV pays cable license fees to all top 75 cable channels and to all 22 liberal news channels it carries. Almost all of these channels are paid hefty license fees significantly greater than Newsmax was seeking — and despite the fact that most of the channels have far lower ratings than Newsmax.” Ruddy adds, “The most extreme liberal channels, even with tiny ratings, get fees from AT&T’s DirecTV, but [in their view] Newsmax and OAN need to be deplatformed.” Conservative channel OAN was removed from the DirecTV platform in April of 2022.

Industry News

LiveOne Names Jim Berk to PodcastOne Board of Directors

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

LiveOne announces that Jim Berk is joining the board of directors for PodcastOne. The company says that Berk has over 25 years serving as chief executive, including his prior experience as CEO of PodcastOne, knowledge of the entertainment and media sector, and his expertise in strategic planning, operations, mergers, and acquisitions. Berk is currently chairman and CEO of Goodman Media Partners, investing in early-stage media and tech companies. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray comments, “Jim has an impressive track record of working with public companies and has extensive knowledge of our business. We are thrilled to bring his expertise back in the company and on our board during this crucial period of growth for PodcastOne as we are launching our IPO.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Kevin McCarthy-led House and the removal of top Democrats from the Intelligence Committee; the matter of classified government documents found in the possession of Joe Biden, Mike Pence, and Donald Trump; Russia’s aggressive response to the provision of tanks to Ukraine from Germany and the U.S.; the questions about George Santos’ true source of the freshman congressman’s campaign funds; Facebook reinstates former President Donald Trump; the state of the U.S. economy and concerns about a recession; and Pope Francis “decriminalizes” homosexuality were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022  (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 7.8, -.8, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, flat at #14 and WJFK-FM’s internet stream .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.5 – 11.3, -.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 13th month in succession, 11.5 – 11.3, -.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WMZQ and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-1.0)

 BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, #14 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots) 8.5 – 8.0, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.7 – 4.6, -.1, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, eighth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, second month in a row, 9.7 – 12.5, +2.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WROR and CHR WXKS-FM (-.8)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.0 – 8.9, +.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban AC WHQT (+.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.2)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, second to third

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to third

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in succession, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KIRO-FM (-1.1)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #15

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Lions) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, continues in the runner-up slot and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in a row, 11.7 – 15.7, +4.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+4.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WRIF (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.8 – 8.1, +.3, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second consecutive month, 11.3 – 16.7, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: sports talk KMVP-FM (-1.1)

*Represents a tie for the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, anchored at #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, steady at #14

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.7 – 2.0, -.7, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) unchanged at 7.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.3, -.4, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second straight month, 11.4 – 15.0, +3.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+3.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.4)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 5.4, +.8, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, second month in a row, 8.3 – 13.6, +5.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.2)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, #7 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.2, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, anchored at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF unchanged at 2.6, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 17th month in a row, 8.1 – 11.4, +3.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+3.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)

DENVER

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) steady at  2.4, #17 to #16 and cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #8 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, third consecutive month, 9.8 – 14.4, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KALC (-2.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, locked at #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .4 – .6, +.2, #25 to #20

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM”.7 – .6, -.1, flat at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.6 – 4.3, -.3, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, fifth consecutive month, 11.8 – 14.5, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, #12 to #9 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #16 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, flat at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 4.3 – 3.6, -.7, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, first month, 9.4 – 14.8, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock KSHE (-1.3)

*Represents a tie for the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

 Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

News Staff Moves at Audacy’s WCBS-AM and WINS in New York

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Audacy announces several personnel moves at its all-news stations WCBS-AM and WINS-AM/FM in New York City. Journalism pros Brigitte Quinn and Lynda Lopez will handle midday anchor duties with Lopez joining 1010 WINS and Quinn moving from WINS to sister station WCBS 880, where she will host and serve as managing editor of the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm “Newsline” program. Additionally, Audacy is promoting reporter Sophia Hall to Long Island bureau chief. Ivan Lee is brand manager for the two news stations and he says, “Since we embarked on our journey of two unique brands but one cohesive news organization, we have made tremendous strides increasing our coverage of the tri-state area and today’s announcements continue that exciting trend. Lynda’s knowledge of New York City is a perfect fit for the legendary 1010 WINS, while Brigitte and ‘Newsline’ allows WCBS 880 to go beyond the headlines. Plus, Sophia’s experience will make sure that we have focused coverage on one of the largest and most important parts of our listening area – Long Island.”

Industry News

Round One of Holiday PPM Ratings Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM dips two-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for the #10 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-AM/FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that lifts it to the #5 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago dips one-tenth to a 4.8 share that keeps it locked in the #4 rank, while Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN falls two-tenths to finish with a 2.8 share good for the #12 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth tacks on four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.7 share that puts it in the #7 rank. And Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta falls one share for a 4.4 share finish good for the #7 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Salem Adds Pérez Castellón to Miami Spanish Talker

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Salem Media Group announces that South Florida radio host and activist Ninoska Pérez Castellón is joining the lineup of its new Spanish-language talk format on WWFE-AM, Miami “La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.” Salem recently acquired the signals that will comprise “La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.” Pérez Castellón served with Univision Radio for 26 years, leaving WAQI “Radio Mambi 710 AM” after its recent change of ownership. Pérez Castellón, a well-known South Florida media personality who was born in Cuba and raised in Miami and is an activist in the fight for freedom in Cuba, has appeared in national and international media outlets including “Nightline,” CNN, “Hannity,” “The O’Reilly Factor,” Al Punto Univision, and MSNBC as an expert on Cuban issues. Salem Media Miami VP and general manager Monica Rabassa comments, “We are extremely happy and honored to have Ninoska Pérez Castellón join Salem Media Miami. Ninoska’s unrelenting voice in support of freedom and just causes now has a new home at ‘La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM.’” Pérez Castellón states, “I am thankful that Salem Media, a powerhouse in conservative thought, has stepped up and given Hispanic conservative voices a home at a time when we have been under attack for the sole purpose of silencing us. I am extremely happy to be back on the airwaves connecting with the audience I love.” In addition to Ninoska’s program, the station’s revised lineup will also feature Father Albert Cutié, a.k.a. Padre Alberto, who currently hosts a television talk show produced and transmitted by Mega TV in South Florida, and nationally on DirectTV and AT&T U-verse.

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases 2022 U.S. Podcast Report

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Triton Digital released its first-ever U.S. Year-End Podcast Report for the year 2022 that delves into the evolving U.S. podcast landscape and addresses such issues as listening habits and insights into audience demographics. According to the report, podcast downloads increased by 20% in 2022 over 2021, with an average of 3.8 hours of content downloaded per listener, per week. Other notable findings include: 1) Listeners downloaded 5.6 episodes per week, on average, and News was the most downloaded genre, followed by Comedy and True Crime; 2) Monthly podcast listeners are younger than the general population with over 25% of monthly podcast listeners between the ages of 25 to 34, and tend to skew more male; 3) Compared to the general U.S. population, podcast listeners tend to have a higher household income (121 index for HHI $100K+), be more educated (131 index for College Graduate+) and be more diverse (115 index for Hispanic ethnicity, 109 index African American); and 4) The most downloaded podcast in 2022 was “NPR News Now” and the number one top new show was “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra” (NBCUniversal News Group). Triton SVP measurement products & strategy Daryl Battaglia says, “As the podcast industry continues to grow, we look forward to sharing these insights to help publishers and advertisers make more informed decisions. Podcasting is an engaging and powerful storytelling medium and our inaugural year-end podcast report acts on our commitment to provide our customers with credible, insightful and trusted data around the consumption of podcast content and listener habits.” See the complete podcast study here.

Industry News

Cumulus Marketing Consultant Honored with MLK Award

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Pictured above is Cumulus Media Charleston, South Carolina senior marketing consultant Cynthia Alston Bell (right) with WICV-TV anchor and WMGL-FM midday host Tessa Spencer (left) at the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Portrait Awards at which Bell was honored for outstanding service to the community. Spencer served as emcee for the event.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The classified government documents found in the possession of President Joe Biden and the news that classified documents were also found in possession of former Vice President Mike Pence; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy blocks Democrats from Committees; Tuesday’s U.S. Senate hearing addressing Ticketmaster parent Live Nation and the fiasco selling Taylor Swift concert tickets; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ ban on an AP African American studies course; Germany agrees to join the U.S. in sending tanks to Ukraine to help in the battle against Russia’s invasion of the country; the deadly shootings in Northern California; and the ongoing media coverage of Congressman George Santos’ backstory were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, ninth to tenth

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, seventh to fifth and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, locked at #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #12 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 7.6 – 10.4, +2.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classical WQXR (-.6)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, #8 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, sixth month in succession, 12.1 – 13.1, +1.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+1.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.5)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, #10 to #12

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.9 – 4.8, -.1, anchored in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, seventh to sixth  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, third straight month, 12.4 – 14.8, +2.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+2.4)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-1.0)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #20 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.4 – 6.7, -.7, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, seventh to eighth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) steady at 1.9 #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 7.4 – 5.9, -1.5, second to third

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second successive month, 10.5 – 15.5, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KQED (-1.5)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to eighth

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #18 to #20

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 5.1 – 3.8, -1.3, third to sixth

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 2.9 – 3.7, +.8, #13 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.1 – 2.5, -.6, #12 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE, second month in a row, 7.1 – 9.1, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock KZPS (-1.6)

HOUSTON

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.0 – 2.4, +.4, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 22nd consecutive month, 12.5 – 14.7, +2.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+2.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: CHR KRBE (-1.2)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks and Falcons) 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #14 to #16

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 3.0, -.8, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WAMJ, first month, 8.6 – 8.3, -.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase (Tie): contemporary Christian WVFJ and classic rock WNNX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (-1.1)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #23 to #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, sixth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, fourth to fifth

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #18 to #19

WIP’s internet stream, flat at1.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.2 – 3.6, -1.6, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WBEB, second month in succession, 10.7 – 16.8, +6.1

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WBEB (+6.1)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOGL (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022  decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, ninth to seventh and cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #12 to #10

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 4.1 – 4.8, +.7, repeats in sixth-place and WFAN’s internet stream steady at 1.6, #18 to #16

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Jets, Rangers, Islanders) flat at 1.4, remains at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Connoisseur hot AC WALK-FM, first month, 6.1 – 10.7, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban contemporary WWPR and classic hits-oldies WBZO (-1.4)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .5 – .4, -.1, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 13th consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KSGN (+1.4)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KRQB (-1.0)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.1 – 7.0, -.1, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers ) steady at 2.9, tenth to eighth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, seventh consecutive month 13.8 – 22.7, +8.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+8.9)**

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country KBAY (-1.6)

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022  increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets; KOIT-FM’s 22.7 is the largest 6+ share of any station from these 12 markets. 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1 repeats in fourth-place

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #15 to #14 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and NY Giants) 2.7 – 3.0, +.3, tenth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Jets, Rangers, Islanders) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second straight month, 7.1 – 11.2, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ (-1.4)

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry Views

WICC, Bridgeport Star Lisa Wexler Guests on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Lisa Wexler, a woman of many accomplishments and talents, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Wexler hosts the daily 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show on Connoisseur Broadcasting’s western Connecticut news/talk giant WICC, Bridgeport. In 2013, she was elected Westport/Weston Connecticut Probate Judge – and re-elected two more consecutive times as a Republican and recently a fourth time as a Democrat…. all by wide margins. Wexler has been the recipient of numerous broadcasting awards and accolades, including the prestigious Gracie Award. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the New York and Connecticut Bars. She co-wrote the international best-seller, Secrets of a Jewish Mother (Penguin/Dutton, 2010) with her mother, Gloria Kamen (an advice columnist) and her sister, Jill Zarin (one of the original Housewives of New York City). Listen to the podcast here. 

Industry News

News/Talk Pro Kent Sterling Joins WGCL, Bloomington

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

News/talk and sports radio pro Kent Sterling joins Sarkes-Tarzian, Inc’s WGCL-AM/W245DP, Bloomington, Indiana as program director and host of the 7:00 am to 9:00 am “Sterling in the Morning” program. In announcing Sterling’s joining the station, the company says, “Kent Sterling spent six years majoring in journalism and minoring in fun at Indiana University where he met his wife, made lifelong friends, and learned about basketball from Bob Knight. He has spent his career in media hiring great talent and becoming a respected host himself. Dan Dakich, Michael Grady, and Matt Taylor are among those Kent hired into radio.  He led ‘The Fan’ in Indianapolis (WFNI-AM) and ‘101 ESPN in St. Louis (WXOS-FM) to dominant positions in sports radio and helped head WIBC-FM [Indianapolis] to four Marconi Award wins for radio excellence and another national Crystal Award for public service. Kent’s proudest professional accomplishment is founding the WIBC Radiothon to Benefit The Salvation Army, which has raised over $3,000,000 to help Hoosiers in need. It continues to generate money and awareness for the organization as it helps Hoosiers in need.”

Industry News

Money Matters Radio Promotes Wolfe and Silva

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Jason Wolfe is promoted to chief operating officer for Money Matters Radio Inc., the company that produces the syndicated program, “Financial Exchange Radio.” At the same time, the company promotes Tucker Silva from his executive producer post to director of broadcast operations, according to company president and CEO Barry Armstrong. The program is hosted by Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong and is heard on 14 affiliate stations. Wolfe began his tenure with Money Matters in August of 2014 after many years serving as the VP of programming and operations for sports talk WEEI and news/talk WRKO in Boston. Money Matters says, “Since joining Money Matters, Wolfe has led the growth of the show’s radio network as well as creating new content and sponsorship opportunities for current and prospective clients, negotiating all network contracts, and expanding the show’s digital footprint through a daily live video stream which can be seen on Facebook, Twitch and the show’s website.” In his role as COO, Wolfe will oversee all aspects of the company’s policies and procedures, including finance, network operations, sales, and marketing.

Industry News

Virginia Radio Hosts Catch Up

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (left) with Bishop E.W. Jackson (right), a radio host currently syndicated by American Family Radio. Katz tells TALKERS magazine that he and Bishop Jackson chatted before his church’s 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast last week. Katz and Jackson both worked in Boston – Katz at WRKO and Jackson at the old WHDH – and both grew up in the Philadelphia area.

Industry News

Broadcaster’s Son Sworn in as Wyoming Secretary of State

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Pictured above is Mount Rushmore Broadcasting owner Charles Gray (top) at the swearing in of his son Chuck Gray (right) as the new secretary of state for Wyoming. Mount Rushmore Broadcasting owns news/talk KVOC, Casper, Wyoming.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By Editor | by Editor

Audacy’s Cadence13 podcast studio launches, “WEAPONIZED with Jeremy Corbell & George Knapp,” a multi-platform, investigative podcast series hosted by investigative filmmaker Jeremy Corbell and award-winning investigative journalist George Knapp in which they “pull back the veil on the world of the known to explore the world of the unexplained. They break news and share never-before-seen footage, previously suppressed documents, original recordings, and hard evidence related to UFOs, the paranormal, cutting-edge science, cover-ups, conspiracies, and big-time crimes.”

The nationally syndicated travel show “RMWorldTravel” starring Robert and Mary Carey officially surpasses the 500-station mark and is now heard on 510 affiliate stations across the U.S.

The Weather Channel and Skyview Networks announce the expansion of their partnership with the inclusion of SnoCountry Ski Reports. With this expansion, The Weather Channel and SnoCountry will utilize Skyview Networks’ network audio sales platforms and regionalization capabilities to provide winter ski reports to unique geographic audiences, giving listeners valuable ski resort conditions through the winter season.

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio is broadcasting from this year’s PGA Show in Orlando today (1/24) through Friday (1/27). The PGA Show is not open to the public and SiriusXM’s hosts will share with their audience insight into the latest in golf instruction, equipment, apparel and more. Listeners will also hear one-on-one interviews with many of the PGA Professionals in attendance at the event.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/23) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The ongoing special counsel investigation into the government documents in the possession of President Joe Biden; the two mass shootings in Northern California that have claimed the lives of 18 people; the battle between the Biden administration and House Republicans over raising the United States’ debt ceiling; today’s court hearing of arguments over whether to publicly release the grand jury report on allegations former President Donald Trump and his allies tried to overturn the 2020 Georgia election results; the debate in Europe over supplying Ukraine with tanks to fight Russia; the precarious state of Republican Congressman George Santos’ political career as questions about campaign funding are raised; and the NFL’s Divisional playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Baseball Bonanza

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

As The Beatles sang, “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter.” Baseball – even Spring Training while it’s still chilly in March – says “Here Comes the Sun.” That’s what baseball means… to listeners.

To local advertisers, it’s an opportunity for The Little Guy to sound big. In the words of one GM – who has made a pile of money selling baseball – “It’s ego and envy.”

Sales: It’s a thing, not a number

 The sponsorship package cannot be quantified on a-cost-per-ANYTHING basis. It’s not “efficient” in agency terms, but baseball is powerful “reputation appropriation.” Translation: Advertisers can tell the world they’re big-enough for baseball.

— The rapid-response plumber, the roofing repair guy, and the lumber yard or hardware store or any independent local retailer slugging-it-out against big box competitors can be part of the Astros or the Braves or the Cardinals or the Dodgers or the Rangers or the Giants brand.

— Low-hanging fruit: Prospects who are, personally, fans. For decades, we’ve been telling reps at conservative talk stations to pitch businesses that fly big American flags. So which local retailers do you know to be baseball fanatics?

— Milk the value-added stuff affiliates get. Include some tickets in the package. Take ‘em to a game and bring ‘em up to the broadcast booth for a selfie with the radio team. Can you rent a sky box for a game and throw a client party?

— Make a list of guys-who-own-guy-stuff businesses. Home improvement and auto repair have always been opportune.

— Second and third-generation retailers might family-feud about other things. But grandfather AND father AND son can agree on this expenditure lots quicker than you can get consensus about a ROS spot package on “Kiss” or “Lite” or “Magic.”

— Baseball is a high-affinity branding opportunity. I don’t know when I will need to buy a tire…because nails lurk. But I already know where I’ll buy it, because they advertise in Red Sox games. And get this! All year long, that particular advertiser says, in all his commercials, in a thick Boston accent, “You go, Red Saux!”

— Warm list: Who’s advertising on stadium signage? That’s an ego clue. But it’s just branding. Radio can add-value to that expense by “telling your story,” and adding a call-to-action.

— Baseball = beer, so prospect DUI defense attorneys, and auto body shops. 😉

— Reps: You’re not calling from KXXX. You’re calling from Padres Radio. The team logo is in your email and sales material.

— Way-back-when: As Mickey Mantle launched one into the cheap seats, Mel Allen would proclaim it “another Ballentine Blast!” Back to the future: I’ve been at games where everyone there got a free something because the team did such-and-such. Can you invent a cool feature for local sponsorship? Every listener who says they heard ___ gets free ____ the next day.

IMPORTANT: Update copy as the season progresses. This is a franchise, not plug-N-play programming that babysits nights and weekends. Nothing says auto-pilot and disserves clients like spots and promos that crow “Baseball is back!” in July.

I was the Motor-Mouth Manager

War story: I programmed WTOP, Washington in the 1980s, long before there were Washington Nationals. We were your Orioles Baseball Station; and I was managing a union shop…but I ended up joining AFTRA because our announcers were newscasters who couldn’t say “Mid-Atlantic Milk Marketing Association” as rapidly as I, an ex-1970s Top 40 DJ.

— So – believe it or not – the company paid my initiation fee. And every time there was a change in that 65 seconds-of-copy-crammed-into the 60-second opening billboard that ticked-off all the sponsors, I got ‘em all in, and I got $10-something in my Pension & Welfare Fund. Sweet. But I digress…

— To OUR ear, that whole word salad sounds hellishly rushed. But to ADVERTISERS, it’s like having your caricature on the wall at the see-and-be-seen steak house. Every business named there is a someone, associated with everyone else there. They’re part of a local Orioles or Mariners or Mets Baseball Who’s Who. And everyone who isn’t isn’t.

— I’ve been on calls with reps closing baseball packages because “It’s worth it just for the promos!” So, include sponsor mentions in ROS promos.

— That said, sell enough in-game frequency to be heard. Two or three spots per game won’t be.

Next week: Avoiding the most common error I hear baseball stations make.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books; and “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

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