Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The latest indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges related to the events of January 6; the status of Hunter Biden’s plea deal and calls for further investigation into his business dealings and how involved President Joe Biden was; the 2024 presidential race; the gunman in the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting is sentenced to death; the Russia-Ukraine war; and musician Lizzo is sued by former dancers for harassment were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Dr. Asa Andrew To Present at the 2023 Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Talk media personality Dr. Asa Andrew will be presenting this year at the annual 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fameim weekend on behalf of the NFL Alumni Health. A special panel has been put together that will be led and moderated by Doctor Asa on the topics of mental health, performance, imlongevity, and living a healthier lifestyle. In partnership with Hall of Fame legend Ray Lewis, Doctor Asa will be leading some powerful fireside chats with some of the all-time NFL greats, including Emmitt Smith, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, and more. Doctor Asa says, “It’s an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event. Being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the league’s highest honor. It means that these champions used their natural talent, overcame tremendous adversity, and found a way to win in every area of life.” Hall of Fame weekend takes place August 4-6 in Canton, Ohio. 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Special counsel Jack Smith announces the grand jury indictment of former President Donald Trump in connection with the events of January 6; the investigation into Hunter Biden and the status of his plea deal; the 2024 presidential race; the Russia-Ukraine war; the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strikes; and Lizzo is sued by former dancers for sexual assault, harassment and discrimination were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Hunter Biden investigation and “on hold” plea deal; Donald Trump’s various legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the ongoing heatwaves affecting parts of the U.S. & Europe and the larger topic of climate change; the Russia-Ukraine war; the growing U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf;  Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman, dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Fires Don Geronimo Over “Barbie” Episode

According to a number of sources, including from CBS News Baltimore, iHeartMedia has fired WBIG, Washington morning personality Don Geronimo after he made comments on the air about WUSA-TV reporter Sharla McBride. While covering the NFL’s Washington Commanders training camp for iHeartMedia – which has the radio play-by-play rights to the club’s games – Geronimo is reported to have said, “Hey look, Barbie’s here. Hi, Barbie girl. I’m guessing she’s a cheerleader.” The club initially barred WBIG from covering practice on Fridayim (7/28) and terminated his employment on Saturday. iHeartMedia issued the following statement: “After an internal review, Don Geronimo is no longer an employee of WBIG. We take matters of this nature very seriously and this behavior does not align with our core values.” McBride commented to ESPN, “When I heard the comments made about me on the radio show, I felt incredibly insulted and embarrassed. In my 17 years as a professional journalist, I have never been disrespected in such a blatant manner while trying to do my job. Their words were sexist and misogynistic. No woman should experience this in the workplace, and I appreciate the Commanders’ swift response in handling this matter.” For his part, Geronimo stated via social media, “At this time I will not be providing comment on the events of the last few days. I am consulting with my advisers as to my options moving forward, including an accurate reflection of the situation.” Read the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Hunter Biden investigation and the status of his plea deal; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; questions about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health; a judge blocks an Arkansas law making librarians and booksellers liable for making “harmful” books available to children; the heatwave affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the Russia-Ukraine war; trucking industry giant Yellow plans to file bankruptcy; and the $1.05 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

KWAM, Memphis News Anchor Ben Deeter Signs Extension

Starnes Media Group announces that it has signed a long-term contract extension with KWAM, Memphis news anchor Ben Deeter. He’ll continue to co-host the award-winning “Wake Up Memphis” show as well as anchor the midday newscasts. Deeter joined KWAM in 2021 after graduating from Cedarville University. He’s the winner ofim multiple Tennessee Association of Broadcasters awards as well as a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. Starnes Media Group CEO Dalton Glasscock says, “For Ben Deeter this is a job and passion, not a side hustle. Ben is the only local conservative morning show host in Memphis bringing you the news every day. Ben Deeter is giving you the news to keep your families safe, holding our leaders accountable, and bringing humor and good stories to match. KWAM, with Ben Deeter, leading the charge is the only place to go for news you can count on.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Judge Maryellen Noreika defers her decision on approving a plea deal between Hunter Biden and prosecutors and Republicans’ calls for impeaching President Joe Biden over Hunter Biden’s business dealings; Donald Trump’s legal battles and Rudy Giuliani’s admission he made false statements about Georgia election workers; the Fed raises interest rates and indicates future rate increases are possible to battle inflation; the 2024 presidential race; a whistleblower testifies that the U.S. government is concealing its UFO capture program; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s stated deployment of nuclear weapons; the intense heatwaves affecting much of the U.S. & Europe and the great topic of climate change; and Sinead O’Connor dies at 56 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

OpenAI Seeks Dismissal of Defamation Suit

Artificial Intelligence firm OpenAI has filed a Motion to Dismiss the defamation suit filed against it by talk show host Mark Walters, who hosts radio programs produced by his CCW Broadcast Media company. TALKERS reported the suit by Walters back on June 9 in which Walters claims the use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT by journalist Fred Riehl that created content stating the Walters was accused of embezzling funds from the Secondim Amendment Foundation defamed him. No such accusation ever actually took place. In its Motion to Dismiss, Open AI argues several points, including that Georgia is not the proper jurisdiction, but it summarizes its argument that Walters’ claims don’t meet the burden of defamation when it says, “Even more fundamentally, Riehl’s use of ChatGPT did not cause a ‘publication’ of the outputs. OpenAI’s Terms of Use make clear that ChatGPT is a tool that assists the user in the writing or creation of draft content and that the user owns the content they generate with ChatGPT. Riehl agreed to abide by these Terms of Use, including the requirement that users ‘verify’ and ‘take ultimate responsibility for the content being published.’ As a matter of law, this creation of draft content for the user’s internal benefit is not ‘publication.’”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Hunter Biden’s guilty plea and criticism of the “sweetheart” deal that would have sent regular Americans to prison; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy considers Joe Biden impeachment in connection with Hunter Biden investigation; the Fed is expected to hike interest rates again today; the heatwaves affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere and the report that the Atlantic Ocean’s currents are being harmed by global warming; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang disappears from public view and is replaced; LeBron James’ son suffers cardiac event at basketball practice; and today’s House panel hearings on UFO’s were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Premiere and Patty Steele Launch New Podcast

Premiere Networks and award-winning broadcast radio star Patty Steele announce the launch of “The Backstory with Patty Steele” podcast. The program features Steele as she “enlightens and entertains listeners with a journey through pivotal moments in history and pop culture.” Some of the stories include a look at theim world-famous architect and the mass murders that took place at his home; how bathing suits went from 30 pounds of wet wool to the thong; the original Olympics with athletes competing completely in the nude; and an iconic inventor who actually stole his masterpiece. Steele says, “My fascination with these kinds of stories is all about a fun peek behind the curtain of what we think we know about famous folks, events and lifestyles. When we discover these incredible backstories, it’s a blast worth repeating to friends! I look forward to helping listeners deepen their connection to the past, so we can understand how we got to the present, and how to better map out our future.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia, Inc will report its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 on Tuesday August 8. The company will conduct a conference call at 8:00 am ET, following the release of its earnings announcement to discuss its financial results and business outlook.

The GCN-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” show joins the program lineup at Alexandra Communications’ news/talk KUJ-AM/K254DK, Walla Walla, Washington in the late night daypart.

Mobile Radio Partners launches a sports betting format on WTOX-AM, Richmond, Virginia using content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. The station is being branded “Richmond’s Best Bet, 1480-The Line.” Station general manager Mark Smith comments, “The new format will bring 24-hour sports betting programming to Richmond for the first time. The new station leverages the growing interest in sports betting by covering all sports through the wagering lens. So many markets have embraced sports betting stations and it’s high time that Richmond started delivering the news and analysis folks need with best-in-class content from VSiN.”

NHPR names Travis Boucher chief financial officer. In this role with the public media organization, Boucher will oversee NHPR’s financial and compliance functions and be a strategic partner to NHPR’s board and senior leadership as the organization builds and deploys its resources over the coming years.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The status of Hunter Biden’s “sweetheart” plea deal; the feds sue Texas over Rio Grande immigrant barrier; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the legal fight over Alabama’s congressional map; U.S.-Israel relations in the wake of that country’s weakening of its Supreme Court; the heatwaves affecting the U.S. and Europe and the fires scorching Greek islands; and conservatives freak out over the Barbie movie were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Pulling the Rug Out from Under

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen was the last time you went shopping for a quality living room rug? Not an oriental, because that is just too easy. We’re talking high quality living room rug that will blend in and stand the test of time… and the dog. Next to fighting with a credit card company, it’s the worst shopping experience ever.

Try this at home when you have nothing better to do. Chances are you want to find the rug of your dreams, so you check out the major department stores. Up the escalator, walk through home furnishings and an employee may or may not be available. Most likely not, so you head to an adjacent department, and someone sends someone who barely knows the product and selection.

This scenario is repeated at most major department stores today, so off we go to our favorite furniture store where rugs are an accessory, like belts in the men’s store. No go here. Time to head over to the carpet, tile, and rug store.

Employees here are a bit more available and knowledgeable, but the quality and selection are just not quite right. Time for the expensive specialty store where expertise and service are #1 and so is price. $10,000 for that!

Time for the online experience to take over with countless purchase options, reviews, and confusing virtual reality options. This is getting painful. The attempted purchase is frozen in frustration. What does this have to do with what we do? Live and learn.

— Are you always available for your advertisers? When business is soft you lob in a mandatory attempt and move on. When business is through the roof, are you quick to return a call or open a new door?

— Do you simply walk through the same motions, or reflect the energy and enthusiasm of an exciting program lineup? Think of the rug seller, flipping through those rugs. Boring!

— Do you earn the price or just blame the boss? Since day one, some sellers find it easier to blame the boss instead of earning the value proposition.

— Are your advertisers frozen in frustration? Feel free to use the phrase that pays. Defrost that frozen decision maker before your competitor does.

A great program director once told me, the best on-air talents observe life with a pad and pen. Their notes come to life when the mic goes on. The same is true for great sellers and managers. Every purchase experience can improve your next call.

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 News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Texas Governor Greg Abbott under pressure to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande; the weekend’s premieres of The Barbie Movie and Oppenheimer; the extreme heat affecting much of the United States and Europe; the Jason Aldean “Try That in a Small Town” controversy; the latest attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war; Israeli protests over Netanyahu’s plans to weaken the country’s Supreme Court; Elon Musk transitions Twitter to its new name X were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Charlie O Malonee

Sports media pro Charlie O Malonee is promoted to assistant brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk KIFM-AM, Sacramento “ESPN 1320.” In this role, Malonee will support the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, andim branding. He’s been serving as a producer for the station since 2019. Audacy regional president Stacey Kauffman says, “Charlie O’s experience as a producer and deep understanding of our station’s content has been instrumental in KIFM’s success. With this new role, Charlie O will continue to elevate our content strategy, support our talented team, streamline operations and reinforce our distinctive branding. We are confident that his passion and dedication will help take ‘ESPN 1320’ to the next level.”

Industry News

British Record Collector and Author Jonathan Scott is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Get ready for a journey back to the earliest days of sound recording as British author and music historian Jonathan Scott is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Scott is the author of the fascinating book, INTO THE GROOVE: The Story of Sound from Tin Foil to Vinyl (Bloomsbury, 2023). He tells the story of recorded sound – the technological developments, the humans that made them happen – and their impact on society, from the phonograph to LPs, EPs and the recent resurgence of vinyl. Harrison and Scott dissect a mind-blowing feat that we all take for granted today –  the domestication of soundThomas Edison’s phonograph, the first device that could both record and reproduce sound, represented an important turning point in the story of recorded sound, but it was only the tip of the iceberg, and came after decades of invention, tinkering and experimentation. Scott traces the birth of sound back to the earliest serious attempts in the 1850s, celebrating the ingenuity, rivalries and science of the modulated groove. And, of course, the conversation raises the controversial question, in which medium does music actually sound better? Vinyl or digital? Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

GBH to Broadcast from NAACP National Convention in Boston

Public media organization GBH is the exclusive public media partner for the NAACP’s 114th National Convention taking place in Boston from July 28 to August 1. In this role, GBH will provide extensive on-site coverage of the gathering with “Boston Public Radio and Basic Black,” the longest-running program on public television focusing on the interests of people of color. “AMERICAN EXPERIENCE,” produced at GBH, will preview a new documentary, “The Busing Battleground,” a telling of the tumultuous integration of the Boston Public Schools through a court-mandated busing plan in the 1970s. GBH CEO Susan Goldberg says, “At GBH, we are committed to covering important events, being present in our community, and representing our audiences, both in the stories we tell and how we tell them.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of July 17-21

The various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race, followed by the Hunter Biden investigation at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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

“The Ramsey Show” Moves to Live Airing on Florida’s “The Shepherd”

MARC Media Group announces that it is adding “The Ramsey Show” to its religious talk format “The Shepherd” that airs on WIWA-AM, Orlando; WTMN-AM/W242CS, Gainesville; and WRZN-AM/W278CI, Ocala/The Villages in Florida. MARC says, “For live ‘tough love’ personal finance advice, America has long tuned to Dave Ramsey,im who is considered the top personal finance guru in the country. But here in Central Florida, loyal listeners had to wait for rebroadcasts of the program late into the night. That changed this week when ‘The Ramsey Show’ began airing live weekday afternoons on ‘The Shepherd’ radio stations.” MARC chief revenue officer Scott Miller comments, “We couldn’t wait to bring ‘The Ramsey Show’ live to our Florida listeners. This is not just talk radio, it’s life changing. What more important message could we bring to our growing base of listeners than live financial peace based on The Greatest Book of All?”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Donald Trump legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the IRS whistleblowers and the Hunter Biden investigation; the controversy over Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town”; the global summer heatwave and climate change; Texas abortion lawsuit; Russia steps up bombing of Ukraine; and the $1 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and LinkedIn Collaborate on Podcast Projects

iHeartMedia and LinkedIn are entering a strategic partnership to introduce new offerings to the business podcast space. Key elements of the partnership include LinkedIn and iHeartMedia collaborating to produce new shows for the LinkedIn Podcast Network powered by iHeartPodcasts; partnering to license leading business and B2Bim podcasts, offering a differentiated promotional playbook to help them grow and monetize their content; and the companies teaming up to offer new resources for niche and emerging business podcasters. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne states, “iHeartMedia is thrilled to team up with LinkedIn to help propel professional conversations through the podcast space. The combination of our vast reach and industry resources and expertise with LinkedIn’s professional network will allow us to bring a new level of innovation and growth to the communities’ business creators care about most.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Donald Trump receives target letter from special prosecutor Jack Smith regarding January 6 case and Judge Aileen Cannon hears arguments about timeline in classified documents case; the 2024 presidential race; IRS whistleblowers to testify before House committees regarding Hunter Biden investigation; U.S. Army private Travis King crosses the DMZ and is taken into custody by North Korea; immigration and controversy over border police policies; Israeli President Isaac Herzog to address a joint session of Congress; and CMT pulls Jason Aldean video after criticism erupts were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT steady at 4.4, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, sixth month in succession, 10.5 – 11.4, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (-1.1) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.2, -.1, second to third

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, repeats at #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, stays in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.9 – 8.3, +.4, third to second

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, sixth straight month, 9.4 – 9.8, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC; public radio news/talk WUNC; and adult contemporary WRAL (+.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCMC (-.7)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.6 – 6.8, +.2, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, first month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI and alternative WOLT (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.2 – 9.8, -.4, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” flat at 1.1, #16 to #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – .6, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, third straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.0 – 5.2, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, ninth to seventh   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.4 -1.3, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, flat at #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fifth month in succession, 13.3 – 11.8, -1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.2 – 5.9, +.7, locked in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 2.2, #11 to #12

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .0 – .1, +.1, #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #12 to #9

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN steady at 1.6, unchanged at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB, first month, 8.4 – 9.0, +.6

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM & WEAN (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WCTK (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.0 – 3.7, +.7, remains at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #15 to #12

WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” .2 – .5, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, sixth straight month, 10.7 – 10.3, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3 +.8, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, second month in a row, 8.7 – 10.0, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.3)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WQIK (-2.1)

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.9 -1.6, -.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.4, continues at #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – .9, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 3.2, +.6, tenth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WOLL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-3.7)**

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets  

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC .9 – 1.0, +.1, flat at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, sixth month in a row, 13.3 – 14.0, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPTI; country WTQR; and CHR WKZL (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #11 to #10

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, eighth to ninth

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO flat at 1.5, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 12.2, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-1.1)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .4, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .9 – 1.6, +.7, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.6 – 3.5, -2.1, sixth to ninth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .7 – .5, -.2, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 41st month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: sports talk WUCS (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.1)

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

Industry News

Salem Co-Founder Stu Epperson Passes at 86

Salem Media Group co-founder Stuart Epperson has died at 86. The company says that Epperson, along with his brother-in-law Edward Atsinger, founded Salem Communications (now Salem Media Group) in 1986 and expanded Salem’s influence with Christian andim politically conservative news/talk formatted radio stations and media assets nationwide. Epperson was a longtime leader in Christian radio as a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. In 2005, Time Magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. Salem executive chairman Ed Atsinger comments, “Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived. A life that personifies the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. Now there Is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Today’s hearing before Judge Aileen Cannon in the Donald Trump classified documents case; the Georgia Supreme Court denies Trump’s attempt to shut down 2020 election investigation; the global heatwave and climate change; the 2024 presidential race and Joe Manchin’s third party run tease; a judge blocks Iowa’s six-week abortion ban; Russia backs out of Ukraine grain deal and bombs Ukraine grain port; and the Hollywood writers and actors strikes were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 5.6, -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, anchored in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.6 – 9.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KWJJ and similarly-formatted KUPL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW and news/talk KEX (-.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, #8 to #11

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.6, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WKKT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFAE (-.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #14

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.3 – 2.4, -.9, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth consecutive month, 7.6 – 8.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KCYY and news/talk KTSA (-.9) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.9 – 9.6, -.3, first to second

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, ninth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.6 – 1.0, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.5 – 10.2, +1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, seventh month in a row, 11.5 – 11.2, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock WDVE (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-2.3)*

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, repeats in third-place

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, seventh to eighth

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+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 11.0, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-.9) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 5.2 – 8.4, +3.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+3.2)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.4)

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, continues at #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .4 – 1.3, +.9, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game”.7 – 1.3, +.6, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WMMO (-2.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.5, +.3, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.9 – 4.2, -.7, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 17th consecutive month, 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WVXU (-.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.1 – 2.9, -1.2, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eighth month in a row, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: CHR WAKS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR steady at 3.8, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 9.0 – 10.5, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.8)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, second to fourth   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 11.0, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WCOL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTVN and sports talk WBNS-FM (-.9)

Up next: June 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Industry Views

Pending Business: Shorter and Faster is Better

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Looks like Major League Baseball is about to show the radio business how to score the winning run. Major League Baseball decided it was time to reverse the aging fan base, declining gameday gates, and shorten three-plus-hours of in-game boredom.

Despite the downhome storytellers doing play-by-play on radio and innovations of TV coverage, the game was getting tedious, and it was time for Major League Baseball to change or slowly but surely face the fate of the dinosaur.

Sound familiar? Yes, there are some baseball innovations that entertained people like the infamous mascots of yesteryear, but MLB is about the hallowed Hall of Fame heritage of pinstripes, red socks, and Dodger blue. Change means risk and in baseball swinging for the fences is a 1 in 18 shot.

Getting a little too close for comfort? Fans and sponsors needed a new spark to ignite baseball fever, so MLB responded with a pitch clock to speed up the game and bigger bases to bring back one of the most exciting plays in sports. Guess what? Games are being played faster, gameday attendance is up 8%, TV viewership is up 14% and according to the Insider, social media views are up 67% as under-35 demographics are up 14%. Let us start connecting the dots to our business.

— News/talk radio relies on a 55+ audience. Nothing wrong with the “money demo.” But talk radio needs to look ahead to what happens AFTER the election cycle.

— Most daily talk shows are three hours long. So were most MLB games… until this year. Shorter became better as attendance and viewership shot up. Wake up radio programmers, hosts, managers! Do we have the courage and budget to program and sell shorter, faster moving programs? Radio is so stuck in an outdated model; the low growth is about to make another appearance in bankruptcy court.

— Fans got excited and social media exploded. Last time I checked, Savannah, Georgia was Nielsen radio market #145. No news/talk radio station in the top 100 U.S. radio markets has as many Facebook followers as the Savannah Bananas baseball team.

— Fans and sponsors needed a new spark. What has your radio station offered lately that is new, exciting and lights the fuse for sponsors and listeners?

Recently, a 21-year-old baseball star stole two bases then decided to steal home and the fans went crazy. Through the years we have seen the play. But every time it happens the fans in the stands are on their feet, cheering, high fiving, and re-living every detail of the excitement. Baseball is back, bigger and better than ever. All of us can learn from today’s changes in America’s Pastime.

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 News

New Jim Peters Talk Show to Take Live Video Phone Calls

Former Conk News editor-in-chief Jim Peters announces that he is launching a new live video talk show, “Jim Peters At Night,” at 11:00 PM ET on July 31 that will broadcast simultaneously on 10 platforms and networks. Peter says, “There’s nothing new about what I’m doing. There are hundreds of people doing it on Twitch everyim night. But they’re all pretty much just talking to their friends. Ours might be the first ‘professional’ talk show that will take spontaneous video phone calls and only video phone calls from the public.” Peters goes on to say, “When I started this project, I decided I was going to go wherever the prevailing technology took me. Although I’ve hosted several television talk shows in the past, I’m a radio guy at heart. So, we started with a live audio show… but it’s currently way easier to do live video than live audio. So, then it became a radio show with a video feed, and standard phone call-in. But when I realized that we could take video phone calls, I said screw it, let’s get real: it’s a TV show – with the public joining in, on the screen.” Peters’ new program will debut on Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, OnlyFans, Odysee, Telegram & Trovo, and audio-only on Podbean Live.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Russia-Ukraine war and Russia’s backing out of the Black Sea grain deal; the extreme weather affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Hollywood writers and actors strikes; and the fight for social media dominance between Meta and Twitter were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

im

June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 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.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, #11 to #10

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, #18 to #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.3, seventh to eighth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, locked at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eighth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.6, -.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.3, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” flat at 2.8, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, fourth month in succession, unchanged at 5.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KBUE (-1.8)

 

 

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #9 to #11

Cumulus Media-owned WLS-AM “890 AM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #22 to #20

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #15  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, ninth straight month, 7.3 – 7.2, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WDRV and country WUSN (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WBEZ (-.5)

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #23 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.5 – 5.3, +.8, fifth to fourth  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third month in succession, 9.0 – 7.8, -1.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KITS (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.8)

 

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 6.6 – 5.1, -1.5, first to second

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #20 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KLUV, first month, 5.1 – 5.4, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KVIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-1.5)

 

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #9 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 28th consecutive month, 9.2 – 8.9, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KILT-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSBJ (-.7)

 

 

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.7 – 6.5, -.2, remains in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #14

Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, sixth successive month, 8.7 – 10.4,+1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban AC WAMJ (-1.5)

 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.3, +.2, locked in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WMGK (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP’s internet stream (-1.2)

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

 

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 2.5, -.7, #10 to #16

iHeartMedia’s WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #20

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to ninth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to fifth

WFAN’s internet stream 1.1 – 1.4, +.3, #22 to #20

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, flat at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fourth month in a row, 6.4 – 6.7, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WABC (-.7)

 

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KPWK “Fox Sports AM 1350” flat at .1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .3, anchored at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, third straight month, unchanged at 7.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KFRG and hot AC KBIG (-.6)

 

 

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.3, -.2, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.0 – 4.5, +.5, continues at #7

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.3 – 1.1, -1.2, #16 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville classic rock KUFX, second month in a row, 6.6 – 7.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KEZR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.2)

 

 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.4 – 5.5, -.9, fourth to third 

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.0, #20 to #19

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, repeats at #16

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #18 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 4.6, +1.4, ninth to sixth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group contemporary WMGQ, first month, 7.2 – 8.7, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

 

Up next: June 2023 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 News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Yesterday July 12

The most discussed story on news/talk radio yesterday (7/12) was the direction of inflation and the impact of President Joe Biden’s “Bidenomics” initiative.  At #2, the Russia-Ukraine War.  At #3, the 2024 presidential race.  At # 4, former President Donald Trump’s legal battles. At # 5, the heat and flooding conditions facing various parts of the nation this summer.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See last week’s complete chart here.