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Industry News

Today’s Radio Talk Show Hosts Face Unique Challenges

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A special panel addressing the career management issues facing today’s talk radio talent has been set for TALKERS 2023 which will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It’s always been difficult to forge a successful on-air career in radio – but today, it is particularly intense. Talk show hosts in 2023 must deal with integrating their on-air responsibilities with the multi-platform nature of modern media, fragmented pop culture, stifling budget restrictions, and highly distracted or corporately paralyzed management. This all plays out against the backdrop of controversy, political correctness, a dizzyingly non-stop news cycle and incessant technological change. The session titled, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career,” will be introduced by Ryan McCormick, managing partner, Goldman McCormick, PR and a syndicated talk show host in his own right; moderated by Heavy Hundred mainstay and the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; and include panelists (in alphabetical order): super-agent, Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Heavy Hundred member Mandy Connell,  KOA, Denver; Heavy Hundred member Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Heavy Hundred member Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network, and Heavy Hundred member Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia.   More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.

Industry News

Ovies and Giglio Launch Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Charlotte Observer reports that former WCMC-FM, Raleigh sports talk hosts Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio are launching a podcast venture after being let go by WCMC owner Capitol Broadcasting last week. The duoim have started The OG Live Podcast Co to operate their business. They say the new podcast program, titled, “Ovies & Giglio,” will drop three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings – on a YouTube channel. Giglio tells the paper, “We’re going to try to do what we’ve been doing, only on our own. The outpouring from both listeners and from our sources — coaches, administrators, commissioners, (Canes owner) Tom Dundon — that part has been overwhelming and obviously super encouraging at a time when we obviously needed it. So that’s kinda why we thought we could do this. We hope we can make the most of the chance that we have.” Read the Observer story here.

Industry News

Beasley Unveils Mental Health Awareness Month Initiative

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Beasley Media Group announces its latest Community of Caring Initiative focused on National Mental Health Awareness Month. Beasley says the goal of the public service campaign, created with support from NCH Healthcare System, is to promote awareness and education about the misconceptions of this important topicim that impact so many people on a daily basis. In addition to featuring on-air and online content across the company’s 61 radio properties, the monthlong initiative will include outreach with local community experts and in-car dashboard messaging featuring QUU RDS technology. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Beasley is proud to put a spotlight on the importance of mental health as part of our longstanding Community of Caring program. We want our listeners to know they are not alone; mental health issues are common and there’s no reason to be ashamed. The campaign will promote the skills and tools to help cope and professional support available for treatment.”

Industry News

Jerry Springer Dies at 79

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Jerry Springer, the controversial television and radio host whose eponymous TV program ran for 27 years starting in 1991, died on Thursday (4/27) at age 79 after a battle with cancer. Springer’s TV show was savaged by critics for its exploitation of the seamy side of American culture, but it was a ratings sensation in the daytime television battles. Springer’s personal background was interesting. A child of holocaust survivors who was bornim in London, Springer got a law degree from Northwestern University, served on the Cincinnati City Council before exiting in a prostitution scandal, returned to the Council a year later and eventually served as mayor of Cincinnati. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Ohio as a Democrat. He moved into television news and won regional Emmy Awards before debuting his own soon-to-be-a-hit TV show that began as an issues-oriented program. Springer was part of the Air America liberal talk radio experiment during the early 2000s in which he hosted the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET show. In 2005, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian (who then was special features editor for Inside Radio) interviewed Springer. Read his interview here. Also, author, professor, and former radio producer Bernadette Duncan included Springer in a chapter of her book, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (Talkers Books, 2016). Read that excerpt here.

Industry News

WDBO, Orlando Expands Joe Kelley Show

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM/W297BB, Orlando announces the expansion of “The Joe Kelley Show” to the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm hours, effective May 1. Station director of branding and programming Keith Memoly says, “As we embrace Joe Kelley and celebrate the expansion of his local radio show, we alsoim embrace the positive impact it will have on our community. With more time to share his insightful perspective and engaging personality, Joe will continue to uplift, connect, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.” Kelley comments, “I’m really excited about the opportunity given to me by WDBO to help lead on-air discussions about such vital issues during such unstable times. Instead of talking points, I’ll just bring my natural curiosity about issues and life. Instead of screaming and yelling, I’ll engage our great listeners in compelling discussion about the day’s events. Instead of calling people names, I’ll welcome all opinions and ideas equally. Most importantly, I want ‘The Joe Kelley Show’ to be fun, interesting and easy-to-listen-to.”

Industry News

Sports Talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh Cancels “The OG with Ovies & Giglio”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Capitol Broadcasting abruptly drops “The OG with Ovies & Giglio” – starring Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio – from the program schedule on sports talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 FM The Fan.” According to the News & Observer, Ovies tweeted after Wednesday’s program, “Today was the last edition of ‘The OG’ and the end ofim 13.5 years at The Fan. @giglio_OG and I did some really great stuff in just over 3 years of the show. Thanks for making us part of your routines.” The story quotes Capitol Broadcasting general manager Brian Grube saying a replacement show will have a single host format. The station added, “We’ve decided to move in a new direction in afternoons on ‘99.9 The Fan’ that focuses on the best way to deliver fast-moving, informative, engaging local sports content that leverages the full scope of CBC’s powerful radio, TV and digital platforms…. We’re truly grateful for Joe Ovies’ and Joe Giglio’s many contributions and wish them both the best moving forward.” Read the N&O story here.

Features

Remembering Jerry Springer: Coming To America

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

imNotwithstanding the enormity of accomplishments that enveloped this exceptionally bright and learned broadcaster, Jerry Springer remained as humble and refreshingly an “ah shucks” individual as you’ll ever hope to meet.

Perhaps that speaks to the somber circumstances that brought him to this country at the tender and innocent age of five.

It’s a borderline crime that many people think the Tulane University (B.A. in Political Science, 1965) and Northwestern University (1968 Law degree) graduate’s resume consisted solely of watching people verbally and physically beat each other to a pulp on a daily, hour-long television show that carried his name for 27 years, starting in September 1991.

It was only natural that this passionate political voice for domestic and international issues – who was a leader in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 with the 1971 passage of the 26th Amendment – be offered a meaningful podium to air his views.

Many observers, though, were stunned when – in January 2005 – Springer actually agreed to weave a daily radio talk show into his already hectic media schedule.

Field of dreams leveled

 Barely two weeks into Springer’s local run on Clear Channel Cincinnati flagship WCKY “The Revolution Of Talk Radio” and Clear Channel Detroit’s WDTW “Detroit’s Progressive Talk,” Air America Radio picked up his 9:00 am – 12:00 noon “Springer On The Radio” talkfest.

The experience had the resplendent one positively beaming. “Frankly, I’m just as excited as I can be,” he remarked to me. “Politics and public issues have always been my main interest. [It’s exciting] to have an opportunity to be part of the American conversation at a time when there is clearly a need for other points of view. Talk radio is overwhelmingly dominated by conservative ideas. There’s a place for that, of course, but we also need to hear other ideas and other points of view. Perhaps this is an area in which I can make a contribution.”

 Off-and-on discussions had been held between Springer and Air America even before the network’s March 31, 2004 sign-on. The former Cincinnati Mayor, however, confided he wasn’t thoroughly convinced he was ready to commit to doing a daily radio show. “With this last presidential election, I realized that, until we level the playing field, there’s not going to be any hope of having a more progressive government,” Springer proclaimed. “That’s when it suddenly became a priority for me. I’ve only been on Air America [since January 2005], but the early ratings returns are great; apparently, we’re doing well.”

 Life progresses

 Every Top 10 market except No. 2 Los Angeles carried “Springer On The Radio” and the overall affiliate count quickly grew to 50 outlets. “Our biggest non-Air America Radio station is [Clear Channel Cleveland news/talk] WTAM,” he pointed out. “It’s a powerhouse station and the interesting thing there is that I lead into [Premiere Radio’s] Rush Limbaugh. In some markets, I lead into [Air America’s] Al Franken and in others, I lead into Rush – talk about whiplash.”

The majority of the American populace, of course, knew Springer as the 14-year host of a show that wasn’t much of a threat to win many Peabody awards.

Approximately 10 years prior to his national exposure, though, Springer was an anchor/political reporter/commentator on Cincinnati television, proudly notching seven Emmy Awards for his nightly commentaries. “I loved doing it and don’t have any bad memories, but I’m in a different point in my life now,” Cincinnati Magazine’s five-time “Best TV Anchor” recipient commented. “Life moves on and I’m onto something else and I’m not sure I’d go back to that anymore.”

Stone cold memories

 Some would ascribe Chicago (the base of his TV show); New York; or Cincinnati as Springer’s birthplace. All would be incorrect, as he was born in London (1944) when his family successfully escaped the holocaust.

They arrived in New York City on January 24, 1949 and it is without any hesitation the usually glib Springer blurted out that particular date in reverence and sincere reflection. “I didn’t specifically go through Ellis Island,” he recounted in a markedly softer tone. “My parents and I had a five-day journey on the Queen Mary and I remember being called up on the top deck as we passed the Statue of Liberty. It didn’t mean that much to me, since I was just five years old and freezing cold. I do, however, remember being scared because I saw all those people huddled together. The other memory I have is that it was stone silent – nobody said a word.”

Radio’s role in the Americanization process

 In later years, his mother (Margot) told her son that he’d asked her why everyone was looking at the Statue of Liberty and what it meant. “She said in the German that she spoke at the time that one day it will mean everything,” Springer recalled still touched with emotion. “She was right. My family went from holocaust to this ridiculously privileged life I live today in one generation, so I know the ‘American Dream’ can work.”

The first year he and his family were immigrants, Springer lived in Manhattan’s now defunct Whitehall Hotel near Amsterdam Avenue.

One year later, they moved to a rent-controlled apartment where his parents would live for the next 32 years. “Everyone was trying to learn English,” emphasized Springer, who established a scholarship fund at Chicago’s Kellman School that serves inner city youth. “I was five years old, but my parents wanted me to become Americanized so we listened to the radio all day. One of my earliest memories as a little boy was listening in the morning to [Roger] Gallagher & [Joe] O’Brien [on New York City’s WMCA]. Some of my Americanization – including the news, sports, idioms, music and sense of humor – came through the radio.”

Compelling dialogue

Utterly and genuinely masterful at what he’s accomplished on television, a low-key Springer modestly admitted he tried to learn a little something from certain radio personalities, without consciously copying anybody. “I just turn on the microphone and talk,” he stated with simplicity. “Obviously, Rush and [ABC Radio’s/Fox News Channel’s] Sean [Hannity] are at the top of the heap, simply because they’ve been doing it for so long. I think [Air America’s] Randi Rhodes is just wonderful on the radio and Al Franken has a great sense of timing.”

Many on the right claim liberal-leaning talkers have heretofore failed in our medium because they lack the entertainment factor. If anyone knew how to present an entertaining product, it was the extremely adept Springer who flatly asserted, “The conversation has to be interesting – period. That can be in the way it’s presented; the way we accept different callers; or with little skits we do. People must feel they have to listen, but it doesn’t have to be entertaining in the ‘ha-ha’ sense all the time. To be honest, not every conservative show is entertaining – some aren’t interesting at all.”

The question of whether a program holds one’s interest or has a significant entertainment quotient has virtually nothing to do with a particular political philosophy, but rather, as Springer explained whether the host is capable of putting on a good show. “The reality is conservatives took to radio 20 years ago when liberals weren’t looking at that as an economic marketplace. Someone figured out that conservatives could really find an audience in radio because you were dealing, at that time, with angry white men going to work. You get them when they’re driving to [their jobs]. Clearly, Rush filled a void and is a tremendous talent. When people saw that, the industry moved in that direction.”

The face of liberal America

Firmly contended that conservatives did well on radio in large part because the liberals won, Springer opined in my 2005 interview, “America is far more liberal today than it ever was. I know we elect conservatives from time to time, but clearly in terms of the critical issues of the day, no one could look at America and say we are not liberal. The protest came from the right.”

Conservatives though were in charge when he was growing up and dissent came from the left.

Protests were for such noble movements and causes as civil rights, anti-war, women’s rights and the environment. “Finally, the liberals won and their agenda is how most Americans live,” Springer contended. “Even if you call yourself a conservative, chances are your kids are listening to the same music, going to the same movies and wearing the same clothing. The culture is clearly more liberal than it ever was. We don’t even blink if we see interracial dating or interracial marriage; it’s not an issue. We’ve clearly moved to the left. Since America is now so liberal in terms of its everyday living, the protest is coming from the right.”

TV show proves to be a non-issue

That’s certainly more than a plausible reason to explain the widespread success enjoyed by conservative talk radio. “With the emergence of the Christian right or whatever in the last couple of years, liberals have been getting nervous again,” Springer speculated. “You’ll start to see the emergence of liberal radio. Radio will always be the response to what’s going on in society. People aren’t going to call up [talk shows] if they’re happy with everything; they’ll get on with their lives. People who call are the ones who are upset. That’s why you’ve seen this trend in radio from liberal to conservative back to liberal.”

 Listener feedback to the engaging Springer was gratifying and, on at least one level, elicited a curious result. “We don’t get any calls – and I mean none – that comment on the [television show],” he stressed. “I sometimes wonder if they even know that it’s me or if they think I’m a guy with a similar name. From whatever side of the spectrum they’re from, no one seems to make reference to the television show. It’s a non-entity in terms of radio.”

Not a perfect fit

Those unaware of Springer’s legitimate political acumen could be caught off-guard by hearing him as the front person of an issue-charged talk program, but the host adamantly maintained, “Within 18 seconds of hearing the show, you’re going to realize it’s different. You may not agree with what I’m saying, but it’s impossible to listen [and not have an opinion].”

Commanding center stage approximately eighteen years ago were such topics as the war in Iraq; terrorist bombings in London; potential Supreme Court nominees; Social Security; and other pertinent headlines of the day. “Even if you were inclined to call and razz me about the [TV] show, it’s pretty hard to do,” Springer contended. “You’d be embarrassed because everyone else is talking about a woman crying because her son is fighting in Iraq and the next caller [weakly] says, ‘Hey, Jerry, I love those transvestites.’ It wouldn’t fit and we’ve found, for some reason, it also doesn’t exist.”

Mindless to mind-provoking

 Juggling both the radio and high-profile syndicated television show proved to be admittedly rough for Springer – who was generally up at 5:30 am. “I spend two hours at the studio going over my notes from the night before and checking if there’ve been any changes from [overnight]. I do the [radio] show and then we immediately have a 30-minute meeting. We tentatively pick a couple of subjects to talk about [on the next broadcast] and people start doing research.”

If it happened to be a television-taping day, he rushed to that studio to do shows at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and was usually back home by 9:00 at night.

Over dinner, he checked to see if there were any changes or breaking news.

“Springer On The Radio” was produced in Cincinnati, but the television show required the host to be in Chicago. “I also have a place in Sarasota; I’ve been in New York; and just recently did the show from London,” he pointed out. “It’s a lot of work and it’s a real job. I devote a couple of hours a week to the television show and the thing I do is mindless, but the radio show is real work.”    

Tongue tied

On-air radio elements consisted of Springer and caller interaction, with no emphasis placed on guests. “I’m not rushing to do it, but won’t say I’ll never do it,” he put forth. “I’m more comfortable with [the way it’s been going] and don’t want this to be a show from the top down. The idea is to have this be a middle-America show, a [program] where regular folks can [share] what they’re thinking.”

That philosophy didn’t preclude certain luminaries from voluntarily calling in, as Springer discovered when he was discussing the energy issue.

A caller identified himself to the screener as “Robert Kennedy” and it, indeed was the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “My two idols were my father [Richard, a street vendor who sold stuffed animals] and, in terms of my political conscious, [RFK Jr.’s] father,” Springer noted. “It was a great thrill to talk with [RFK Jr.] – I was like a groupie.”                                                                    

Link to a legend

In addition to momentous, that particular conversation had to be more than a bit surreal for Springer and not simply because it was with a famous activist/fellow Air America Radio talk host. (Kennedy co-hosted Air America’s two-hour weekend “Ring Of Fire” with Mike Papantonio).

When he graduated from college, Springer worked as a presidential campaign aide to Bobby Kennedy. After the New York Senator was assassinated inside Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel in June 1968, Springer joined a Cincinnati law firm and, in 1971, was elected to Cincinnati’s Council-at-Large.

With the largest plurality in the city’s history, the then 33-year-old Springer was elected Mayor of Cincinnati in 1977.

Potent platform

Air America Radio colleague Al Franken made no secret of his fervent desire to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate (which, of course, he did), while Springer’s name was frequently mentioned in a similar capacity in Ohio or in that State’s Governor’s office. “It’s possible that the day may come where I pursue either of those [offices],” acknowledged Springer, who made a Democratic gubernatorial bid in 1982. “I must say [though] I’m concentrating on this radio job right now. I didn’t realize it would take off this way when I started. This may turn out to be a bigger [stage] than any political office. I’m sure a year from now I’ll look at how my life is going, but I’m very excited about making this radio thing work.”

In addition to being the opening act for “Achy Breaky” Billy Ray Cyrus, Springer released his own country CD (“Dr. Talk”) and once dressed to play in the nets for the IHL’s Milwaukee Admirals.

With less and less free time, there wasn’t much for Springer to do other than be enticed by an occasional movie role (he played himself in at least a half-dozen films, including “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”) or television appearance. “I try to enjoy my weekends,” the steadfast New York Yankees fan confided. “It’s been depressing this year because they’ve played so abysmally [entering the 2005 All-Star break in third place, 2.5 games behind the defending 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox]. You reach a point in life where you make time for those things that have to do with the quality of life. I admit, however, it’s difficult because I’m carrying so many jobs at once.”  

Rolling along

 Being Mayor of Cincinnati – especially at such a young age – was easily one of Springer’s greatest political accomplishments, but the longtime local co-host on Jerry Lewis’ annual “Stars Across America” Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon and VP of the national MDA knew he arrived as a celebrity when he appeared on the May 14, 1998 cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. “That’s when it suddenly hit me that this is really big,” he laughed. “I’ve always kind of taken things with a grain of salt and have said that it’s only television, not life-changing.”

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Benztown Publishes 9th Annual List of Top Voiceover Pros in US and Canada

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Benztown publishes its 9th annual “Benztown 50 List of Radio’s Biggest Imaging Voices” – the radio industry’s exclusive listing of the top 50 voiceover artists in the U.S. and Canada. Benztown enlisted P1 Media Group to compile and analyze industry data using its proprietary algorithm, and is based on several criteria, includingim number of radio station affiliates, station size and market that was the foundation for the list. A special highlight of this year’s Benztown 50 is the presentation of the voiceover industry’s highest honor, the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to legendary voiceover talent, Earl Mann. A prolific voiceover artist from Canada, Mann started his career as a singer for the 1960s American folk band, the Gaslight Singers. He was an all-night disc jockey on radio stations CKEY and CHFI in Toronto in the 1960s and1970s. Sports fans will recognize Mann as the “voice of the NFL” through his work for NFL Films, as well as the voice of several college football programs and numerous NFL teams.

Industry News

“Talk Radio and Podcasting” Panel Set for TALKERS 2023

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

One of the many informative highlights of the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference will be a special panel discussion focusing specifically on the medium of podcasting as it applies to and relates to professional talk radio broadcasters. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “So much of the discussion of podcasting we see at media events around the country approach the subject from a very broad-strokes perspective and water down their focus to the thousands of amateurs in the game and micro-niches utilized for obscure interests. The effective utilization of podcasting from the perspective of talk radio professionals – as a tool to increase revenue, expand branding, offer on-demand distribution, produce ancillary products and extend independent careers – is a specific realm of focus. That’s what this panel will explore.” The session will include an introduction by Guy Benson, host, FOX News Radio; moderation by Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; and panelists Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, WYD Media; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; David Pakman, host, The David Pakman Show; and Larry Young, host, The Larry Young Podcast. Casey adds, “Each of these distinguished broadcasters brings a formidable level of expertise and field experience to the subject of podcasting’s role within the talk radio universe.” There will be more than 60 distinguished industry speakers at TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important annual gathering.  For more agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information, see story below or click here.

Job Opportunity

WNRQ-FM, Nashville Seeks Morning Drive Talent

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

iHeartMedia‘s WNRQ, Nashville “105.9 the Rock” has an exciting new opportunity to do a LIVE morning show in Music City! We’re looking for a content-driven morning host or duo that fits a rock/classic rock lifestyle. If you believe in the power of radio to connect to an audience, aren’t afraid to step outside the box a little bit, and can create a morning SHOW that’s engaging, interactive, and local, we want to hear from you! Please send audio and materials to jonathanshuford@iheartmedia.com.

Industry Views

Pending Business: You

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

I’m one of the lucky ones. In my marketing work I get to speak with radio/audio sellers and managers around the country at companies privately and publicly owned, as well as that increasingly rare breed – the radio station owner/operator. They all share one common fault. Yes, I said fault. Can you guess what it is? Probably not, because you too may share the same fault.

I’m one of the lucky ones as I was warned about this early in my career. Before we look in the mirror, let’s recall what Harry Beckwith said in his 2011 book, You, Inc. His premise was, “The first thing you sell is yourself.” Having trained hundreds of high achievers, my experience is that premise is one of the most subjective statements you will ever hear. How do you sell yourself with grace and humility? How does your ability to sell yourself stand head and shoulders above the next seller on the Zoom call or in the advertiser’s office without over-the-top braggadocio? While on calls with one high achiever, there was always a pause point where that seller took a side bar that started with, “Believe me, I’ve been working for ____ for __years…..” Sound familiar?

After a few calls on the same advertiser, the tenure pitch gets stale. The focus on “me” gets confused with building credibility through proven performance. Sorry, but You, Inc needs an update.

You see the missing link – the fault most sellers and managers share – is the lack of investment in “You.” In plain English, most sellers and managers fail to invest in themselves. We fail to recognize it takes a financial and time investment to keep our skills sharp, our minds focused on performance, and our teams coordinated with a win-win attitude.

There is a reason why high-level tennis professionals work and compete under the watchful eyes of well-compensated coaches and trainers. Pick a competitive career, from sports to entertainment, and somewhere in the mix you will find a coach, mentor, or trainer paid to help improve performance. But rarely will you find a seller or manager in the highly competitive radio/audio sales space investing in improving performance. Sorry to all you managers reading this, but who is coaching you?

Books, seminars, videos, online programs were and are still part of “stay sharp, stay current” training. Sales and managing sales departments is a moving target with change built into every day. Recruitment, strategy and digital dynamics move ahead with or without you. It is never too late to understand the investment necessary in “You” to keep sales and sales management skills improving every day.

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. Steve Lapa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Rounds Three and Four of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Rounds three and four of Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey have been released for 24 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from these markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM falls 1.3 shares to a 5.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but stays in the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips a full share for a 2.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #16. Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds one-tenth for a 5.1 finish that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share good for the #6 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN falls one-tenth to a 9.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ rises four-tenths for a 7.4 share repeating in the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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 February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 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 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3

KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues 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 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13

KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19

KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT  (-.9)

Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)

 RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, first to second

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)

*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth  

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)

PROVIDENCE

 News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10

The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)

 WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #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 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked 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 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)

Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

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

Industry News

Round Two of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 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 March sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington rises one-tenth to finish the survey with a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM sheds three-tenths for a 4.0 share finish good for the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO is steady with a 4.1 share and stays in the #9 position as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips two-tenths to a 4.4 share and slides back to the #7 rank.  Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle lost six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that leaves it in the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news  KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths for a  4.1 share that drops it to the #10 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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 February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media‘s WMAL-FM 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #7 rank

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.9 – 9.0, +.1, repeats in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals and Nationals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, continues at #13

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.1 – .8, -.3, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.1 – 12.0, -.1, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 16th month in succession, 12.1 – 12.0, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.4)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” steady at 4.1, remains in ninth-place

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 4.4, -.2, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, seventh to fifth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, third consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.1, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WEEI-FM (-.6)

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 5.3 – 4.3, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.4 – 9.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 5.4 – 4.8, -.6, fifth to sixth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #18 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KKWF (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.5)

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #16 to #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Tigers) 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, fourth to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.3 – 8.3, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLLZ (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” flat at 3.0, #9 to #12

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) unchanged at 2.9, #11 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun and Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #14 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.4 – 6.4, -1.0, first to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.4 – 7.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KSLX and adult hits KYOT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KALV (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins) 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #15 to #12

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #18 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #13 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 6.7, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.9, +1.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KMNB (-1.3)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, locked in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.6 (Padres), +1.0, #20 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS steady at 6.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second successive month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-1.6)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the first 24 PPM-markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, ninth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 20th month in a row, 7.8 – 9.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-.8)

DENVER

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 2.3 – 2.4 (Colorado Rockies), +.1, repeats at #17

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, stays in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KRFX (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, steady at #17

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.1, #19 (unlisted in February 2023)

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .9, +.4, #25 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, remains in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, second straight month, 9.6 – 8.2, -1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.4)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, remains in tenth-place

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – .9, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, continues at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU flat at 3.8, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, third month in succession, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rock KSHE (-.6)

Up next: March 2023 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

Round One of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 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 March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. 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 “77 Talk Radio” dips two-tenths to a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises one spot to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR rises two-tenths to finish with a 1.9 share good for the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is unchanged with a 4.1 share and remains ranked #5 in market, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM climbs four-tenths to a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM adds two full shares to finish the survey with an 8.0 share and leaps from #3 to #1 in the market. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas shoots up eight-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that lifts it from the #16 rank to #12. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Features

TALKERS 2023 Agenda Update

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

TALKERS 2023

June 2, 2023 – Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Presented by TALKERS in association with WRHU Radio

 Sponsored by (in alphabetical order):

The Doctor Asa Show – Backbone Networks – Benztown – The Michael Berry Show – Broadcasters General Store – C. Crane – Collette – Comrex – The Epoch Times –- Goldman McCormick PR – Guestbooker.com – The Sean Hannity Show – Newsmax – Our American Stories – Premiere Networks – Radio America – The Ramsey Show – Dr. Murray Sabrin – Stephan Multimedia – The Todd Starnes Show – Talk Media Network – Visit Atlantic City

 

AGENDA

Registration Desk Open – 7:30 am to 6:00 pm – Lobby of John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Registration Director: Barbara Kurland, Business Manager, TALKERS

Assistant Registration Director: Olivia Mannarino, Associate, TALKERS

________________________________________

Breakfast – 8:00 am to 8:55 am – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Breakfast Emcee: David Bernstein, GM/Broadcast Operations, TALKERS

“Woman of the Year Award”

Recipient: Martha Zoller, Host WDUN-FM-AM, Gainesville, GA

“Lifetime Achievement Award”

Recipient: Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC

Sponsored by Sean Hannity / Premiere Networks

________________________________________

Exhibits Open – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Lobby of John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Backbone Networks – Representative: Richard Cerny, President/CEO

Broadcasters General Store – Representative: Buck Waters, Marketing Executive

Collette – Representatives: Jim Edwards, VP, US Affinity Development; Paul Holly, Partnership Marketing Manager

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

____________________________________________

Morning Greetings – 9:00 am to 9:45 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

TALKERS 2023 Emcee: Kevin Casey, VP, Executive Editor, TALKERS

“National Anthem”

Performed by: TBA

“Morning Wakeup”

Speaker: Jimmy Failla, Host, FOX News Radio

“Setting the Stage: Triple Perspective”

Official Greeter: Todd Starnes, Host/President, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/Owner, KWAM, Memphis

“Welcome to TALKERS 2023”

Introduction: Victoria Jones, Executive Director, DC Radio Company

Speaker: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Special Guest (by remote): Bob Pittman, CEO, iHeart Media

Sponsored by The Doctor Asa Show

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 9:50 am to 10:25 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 1”

Introduction: TBA

Moderator: Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting

Panelists:

Michael Czarnecki, VP, Programming, Binnie Media

Tom Cuddy, Program Director, WOR, New York

Kevin DeLany, VP, News & Talk Programming, Westwood One

Eric Stanger, SVP, Operations, Sean Hannity Show, Premiere Networks

Joe Thomas, Host/Program Director, WCHV – Charlottesville, VA/PD, WRAD, River Valley, VA

Brett Winterble, Host, WBT, Charlotte

Sponsored by Premiere Networks
_____________________________________________

Fireside Chat Part 1 – 10:30 am to 10:50 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Guest:  Christopher Ruddy, Founder/CEO, Newsmax Media

Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Sponsored by Collette

Fireside Chat Part 2 – 10:55 am to 11:15 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Guest: Jeff Warshaw, Founder/CEO Connoisseur Media

Host: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Sponsored by Benztown

____________________________________________

“Freedom of Speech Award” – 11:20 am to 11:40 am – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Recipient: Tavis Smiley, Host/Owner, KBLA, Los Angeles

Presenter: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Sponsored by The Todd Starnes Show

_______________________________________________

Four-Way Discussion – 11:45 am to 12:10 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“The State of Sports Talk Radio”

Introduction: TBA

Facilitator: John T. Mullen, General Manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University

Panelists:

Grace Blazer, VP, National NTS Brand Coordinator, Director of News and AM Programming Florida Region, iHeart Radio

Mark Chernoff, Sports Reporter, 107.1 The Boss, Long Branch, NJ/Sports Radio Talent Coach

Spike Eskin, VP, Programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio

Sponsored by Backbone Networks

____________________________________________________

Lunch – 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Lunch Emcee: David Bernstein, GM, Broadcast Operations, TALKERS

“Welcome to Hofstra University”  

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

“Special Lunch Greetings”

Speaker: Carl Higbie, Host, Newsmax TV

“Humanitarian of the Year Award”

Presenter: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City

Recipient: Jim Thompson, Former President, Broadcasters Foundation of America (posthumously)

Accepter: Renee Cassis, Broadcasters Foundation of America

Sponsored by Newsmax

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 1:20 pm to 1:55 pm

“Talk Radio and Podcasting”

Introduction: Guy Benson, Host, FOX News Radio

Moderator: Lisa Wexler, Host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

Panelists:

Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency

Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media

Ron Hartenbaum, Managing Member, WYD Media

Chris Oliviero, Market President, Audacy New York

David Pakman, Host, The David Pakman Show

Larry Young, Host, The Larry Young Podcast

Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 2:00 pm to 2:35 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World” 

Introduction: Doug Stephan, Host, Good Day Show/Founder Stephan Multimedia

Moderator: Steve Lapa, President, Lapcom Communications Corp

Panelists:

Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group

Paul Gleiser, Host/Owner, KTBB-FM-AM, Tyler, TX

Todd Starnes, Host/President, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/Owner, KWAM, Memphis

Paul Vandenburgh, Host/Owner, WGDJ, Albany, NY

Michael Zwerling, Host/Owner, KSCO-FM-AM/KOME, Santa Cruz

Sponsored by The Ramsey Show

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 2:40 pm to 3:15 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“The Big Picture”

Introduction: Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., Associate Publisher, TALKERS/President, the Harrison Legal Group

Moderator:  Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS

Panelists:

Arthur Aidala, Esq. Founding Partner, `Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/Host, AM 970 The Answer, New York

Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/Host, The Doctor Asa Network

Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media

Lee Habeeb, Host/Producer, Our American Stories

Lee Harris, Morning Co-Anchor, WINS, New York

Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC

Sponsored by Newsmax

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 3:20 pm to 3:55 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“Programming Talk Radio – Part 2”

Introduction: Alex Fife, VP Operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network

Moderator: Walter Sabo, CEO, Sabo Media/Host/Producer, Sterling on Sunday

Speakers:

Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970 The Answer

Ross Kaminsky, Host, KOA, Denver

Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network

Dan Mandis, Host/Program Director, WTN, Nashville

Matt Meany, Program Director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio

Greg Stocker, Brand Manager, WPHT, Philadelphia

Sponsored by Our American Stories

____________________________________________

Panel Discussion – 4:00 pm to 4:35 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career”

Introduction: Ryan McCormick, Managing Partner, Goldman McCormick, PR

Moderator: Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia

Speakers:

Mandy Connell, talk show host, KOA, Denver

Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond

Frank Morano, talk show host, WABC, New York

Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA

More TBA

Sponsored by C. Crane

____________________________________________

Three-Way Chat – 4:40 pm to 5:00 pm – John Cranford Adams Playhouse

“Making the Connections Between Local and National, Radio and Television”

Facilitator: Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ

Speakers:

John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting

Brian Kilmeade, Host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel

Sponsored by The Michael Berry Show

________________________________________________

Closing Reception – 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Reception Tent next to John Cranford Adams Playhouse

Sponsor TBA

Program subject to changes

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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 February 2023 – March 2023  (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, tenth to ninth

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, seventh to sixth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, locked at #12

WFAN’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fifth month in a row, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” unchanged at 4.1, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR KIIS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.4)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past eight months

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, tenth to ninth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” steady at 4.8, locked in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls and Cubs) 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #23 to #14

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

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 6.7, -1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WSCR (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-1.3)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0, third to first

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, repeats at #14

Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KMEL (-.8)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #16 to #12

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” steady at 2.3, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) unchanged at 5.6, #1

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys and Texas Rangers) 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #13 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, third straight month, unchanged at 5.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news/talk WBAP (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC KRNB and sports talk KRLD-FM (-.6)

HOUSTON

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, #13 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 25th consecutive month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGLK and alternative KTBZ (-.7)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.2 – 6.6, -.6, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE steady at 3.6, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHTA (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WUBL (.7)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.7, -1.2, fourth to eighth

WIP’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, locked at #19

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.8 – 5.4, +.6, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second month in a row, 6.7 – 7.2, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WHYY (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.2)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, anchored at #16

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to eighth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, sixth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.5 – 6.0, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI’s internet stream (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ and rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.9)

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 -.3, -.2, locked at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy country KFRG, first month, 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFRG (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.0)

Note: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA had been #1 the past 15 months

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #19 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, second to first

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, tenth consecutive month 7.6 – 6.3, -1.3 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.8 – 6.3, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KBAY (-1.5)**

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

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

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, locked in second-place

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #12 to #9

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #18 to #14

Sports Talk: Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #19 to #17

The internet stream of Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, third consecutive month, 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW; contemporary Christian WAWZ; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.8)

Up next: March 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

Charly Arnolt Joins Outkick

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

OutKick announces that sports media personality Charly Arnolt leaves ESPN to join Outkick as co-host of a new program that is currently in development. Outkick says that Arnolt will also be “featured across OutKick platforms to discuss trending topics and to provide her authentic takes on the most pressing stories in sports.” In addition to her work with ESPN, Arnolt has been a host for WWE and is currently a reporter for UFC events. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Charly is an outstanding talent and will be a great asset for OutKick. It doesn’t surprise me she wanted to leave ESPN given their woke approach to sports and this is a great opportunity for her to join a platform that’s growing fast where she can speak her mind.” Arnolt says, “I’m extremely excited to join OutKick and work alongside Clay and a great stable of talent. The outspoken nature of the platform and its ability to create engaging content is what really piqued my interest. I have a lot of opinions that I haven’t been able to express, and I can’t wait get started.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NAB Show 2023

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

The first thing we heard was an earful from NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt regarding automakers dropping AM receivers from new cars: “This is an issue we consider to be absolutely existential.”

Quoting Nielsen’s Fall 2022 survey results, Cumulus/Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard ticked-off what he called “82 million reasons to keep AM radio in cars”

— 82,346,800 Americans listen to AM radio monthly.

— One out of three American radio listeners are reached monthly by AM radio.

— 57% of the AM radio audience listens to news/talk stations, the very outlets that Americans turn to in times of crisis and breaking local news.

 

As he presented “The State of Media, Audio and Marketing,” attendees were screen-shooting every slide in Pierre’s deck, so he offered to share (PBouvard@WestwoodOne.com). This must-see data explains and validates what he calls “The Two Jobs of Marketing: Converting Existing Demand and Creating Future Demand,” powerful ammo station reps can use to nudge advertisers who only tout special sales to instead use radio on-an-ongoing-basis.

— “If an apple orchard represents a brand’s entire customer base, converting existing demand = picking ripe apples (customers that are ‘in market’).” Those are, for instance, what he called the “3% who are looking to buy a car right now,” who will respond to the dealer’s caricature sale spots. As for the other 97%…

“If an apple orchard represents a brand’s entire customer base, creating future demand = planting new trees. It takes time and patience for new trees to bear fruit.” Thus, the worth of “emotional messaging that is designed to stand out and be enjoyed by consumers, creating positive memories of our brand that will influence future purchase decisions.”

 

Help Wanted!

Two discussions I took part in during the Small-Medium Market Forum echoed a unison I’m hearing everywhere: Where do we find on-air talent and salespeople?

— In the talent roundtable Mike McVay led, participants tended to think-young, swapping ideas for identifying entry-level candidates, possibly now podcasting. Or think-older. One participant mentioned a retired schoolteacher, comfortably pensioned, now cheerfully on-air, working fewer than 40 hours.

— The part-timer’s opportunity also came up on the sales side, in a roundtable led by Midwest Communications’ president Peter Tanz. As with industry in general post-pandemic, flexible arrangements help. And Tanz urged “Use your air, with ‘more cowbell.’” Meaning not only advertise for sellers on-air (where you’ll be talking to people who know the station); and he also suggested airing Employee Recognition salutes, of off-air staffers, which make the station sound like an appreciative employer.

— I read attendees a Help Wanted-Sales spot that has been productive at client stations, which I’ll share with you too. Simply Email me at talkradio@hollandcooke.com

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author “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;” and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books.  Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry Views

Pending Business: NAB – Never Assume the Basics

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

Welcome to the NAB edition of Pending Business.

Wait, not that NAB. I am talking about the NAB that affects every manager and seller in the broadcast business, especially radio. This NAB is all about Never Assume the Basics.

Timing could not be better. Borrell and Associates just released a report that validates the Covid pandemic-driven changes in the local advertising marketplace. The shifts are so big, they most likely will change the ad world for a long time. The report shows the measurable local advertising marketplace is now at approximately $143 billion dollars. If you believe the numbers in the report, 67% of local ad dollars are placed in digital media advertising. Simple math says 33% of local ad dollars are now split, radio, TV, all print, outdoor and direct mail. Now that is a genuine showstopper!

These numbers are a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us who remember the days when (print) newspapers were the king of the hill of local ad dollars. Whether you accept the numbers or not, the trend is your friend, and no manager or seller wants to be left behind. The major drivers behind this seismic shift in local ad dollars are the giants of social/digital media. Members of what TV personality Jim Cramer calls the FANG set – Facebook, Amazon, Google – you know what I am talking about. The shift in local dollars happened and continues happening right before our collective ears and eyes. Some of us are changing with the flow, others are still satisfied just reading a competitive radio monitor report during the Monday morning sales meeting.

Let us pause right here and get back to the danger of assuming the basics. You know what assuming can do, so let us regroup. Zoom back and take a treetop view of how you reconcile the basics of:

— local ad budgets

— sales prospecting

— packaging

What’s changed in your approach to prospecting? What NEW information and new businesses are you targeting? How has your competitive information flow adjusted to reflect local market changes? What is the newest package concept in your sales arsenal? Are you up to speed on the newer social and digital media initiatives in your local market?

Make no mistake, I am not advocating breaking the foundation. Yet we cannot ignore market dynamics. Some companies are driving change and growing in the digital/social media ad space, while others are slower. The great Teddy Roosevelt said “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!” Leadership is never easy. When it comes to sales, it should be a constant goal. Do not let anyone push you out of the way.

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. Steve Lappa will be moderating the “Generating Revenue” panel at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Jefferson Media Group Unveils “Making of America” Feature

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Jefferson Media Group announces the launch of the 60-second radio feature, “The Making of America,” hosted by Hollywood media veteran Michael Emerson that the company calls a library of audience-engaging vignettes that are offered to radio stations on a no-cost basis at this time. Emerson says, “‘The Making of America’ is original content programming from people who love America FOR people who love America. Paramount to us is the unwavering, steadfast support for America’s fundamentals such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These are just some of the many principles that we as a people cherish as Americans.” In addition to work directing, writing and producing for film and television, Emerson was host of the “Face to Face” radio news program distributed by CBS.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Guests on “Chachi Loves Everybody” Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, announces the release today (4/13) of two new episodes of “Chachi Loves Everybody,” an original podcast produced by Benztown and featuring Benztown president and audio brand builder Dave “Chachi” Denes. The first new episode features Chachi’s recent chat from Benztown’s Los Angeles studios with Michael Harrison, founder and publisher, TALKERS.  In the second new episode, Chachi talks to Wayne Johnson, founder and owner of Rockaway Records in Los Angeles.

“Chachi Loves Everybody” takes listeners with Denes – better known as “Chachi” – as he sits down for candid conversations with radio’s legends, master brand builders, up-and-comers, and innovators in the burgeoning audio space, revealing the true stories behind their successes and their insights into building iconic brands through audio. According to Harrison, “Chachi is one of the most effective media platform interviewers I’ve ever encountered. He pulled stuff out of me that I’ve never said publicly. Radio freaks are going to love this podcast.”

Today’s Benztown press release states: Before founding TALKERS, radio innovator and thought-leader Michael Harrison worked at legendary radio stations from coast-to-coast, including WNEW-FM in New York, KMET in Los Angeles, KRPI in San Diego, WTIC in Hartford, CT, and WCBS-FM in New York. He also founded the AOR format, hosted several syndicated shows, and was the first managing editor for Radio & Records. Harrison has been a columnist for Billboard, a radio station owner, and member of the band Gunhill Road.

Harrison shares with Chachi and his listeners:

— How he started his career by creating one of the first progressive rock radio stations on Long Island with his colleague Richard Neer

— What it was like to work in NYC radio for three different formats at once – and teach at NYU at the same time

— About his move to San Diego and his instrumental role in the creation of the AOR format

— Stories behind the syndicated shows he hosted and what it was like working with Norm Pattiz in the early days of Westwood One

— How he published his own radio/music charts in his Goodphone publication and being bought out by Billboard

— Moving to talk radio and founding TALKERS magazine, TALKERS.com and the TALKERS Convention

— Joining the band Gunhill Road and releasing music with them

— What the radio industry must do to stay relevant

— And more!

Listen to the new podcast episodes here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Panel Examines Podcasting Talk Radio Perspective

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

There’s a lot being said lately about podcasting but much of it is from the consumer or amateur perspective.  Within the talk radio business, podcasting plays an important but idiosyncratic role that has specific ties to talent, sales, and the extension of branding. The forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island will present a panel discussion charged with tightly focusing on the relationship between the talk radio industry – specifically its talent, stations and networks – and the burgeoning-but-murky world of podcasting.

Moderated by Lisa Wexler, talk show host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT, the panel will consist of (in alphabetical order): Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media;  Ron Hartenbaum, managing partner, WYD Media; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York;  David Pakman, talk show host/commentator, The David Pakman Show; and Larry Young, talk show host, The Larry Young Podcast.

 The session will aggressively address such questions as: What are the different types of podcasts associated with radio and what are their purposes? How can radio companies utilize podcasting to expand their brands while not watering down ratings or personnel energy?  What are the developing models for podcast monetization?  How can a talk talent use podcasting to forge an independent career? Plus a whole lot more.

The details of other panels and sessions addressing programming, sales, sports talk, career navigation, news and more will be posted in TALKERS during the next few days and weeks leading up to the big event.

TALKERS 2023 will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is on its way to an early sellout.  You can see the list of in-person speakers and get registration and hotel information here.

Industry News

Jenna Weiss-Berman Rises to EVP of Podcasts for Audacy

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Audacy promotes Jenna Weiss-Berman to EVP of Podcasts, taking over for Chris Corcoran, who leaves the company to pursue other opportunities. In this role, Weiss-Berman will oversee Audacy’s podcast network and studios, including Pineapple Street Studios and Cadence13, along with strategy and development of new podcast content and distribution partnerships. She will also collaborate with programming leadership in sports and news in the growth and development of new original podcast content for podcast studio 2400Sports and across Audacy’s 28 local newsrooms in top U.S. markets. Audacy chief digital officer and president, podcast and streaming J.D. Crowley says, “As we commit to accelerating our digital growth and enhancing performance, we’re thrilled to expand Jenna’s role to further unify and streamline our content and business efforts across our leading podcast portfolio, enabling even more rapid development of new and original IP and better leveraging our talent across the entire Audacy portfolio. Jenna’s strong leadership and deep industry relationships will propel us forward on our mission to be a leading partner of audio creators, while super-serving listeners of all backgrounds and interests and enabling our sales teams to better serve our customers and partners with unique and compelling podcast opportunities.”

Industry News

Round Four of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls three-tenths to finish with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains locked in the #2 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.4 share good for the #14 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises two-tenths for a 9.8 share finish that keeps it ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ dips half a share to finish with a 7.0 share but rises one spot to the #4 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR is up four-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank, while sister news/talk WJNO falls two-tenths to a 1.5 share leaving it ranked #13, and Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL is up one-tenth for a 1.0 share finish and the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, second month in succession, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KAMX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLQB (-1.0)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.0, -.3, locked in second-place

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 7.4, -.9, second to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.5, +2.0

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: gospel WNNL (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.2 – 8.0, +.8, carries on in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, locked at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .5, -.2, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” flat at .4, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, second month in a row, 10.4  – 9.2, -1.2 and Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 9.3 – 9.2, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WIBC (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 9.8, +.2, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.5 – 7.0, -.5, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.7 – 1.0, -.7, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.5 – 3.9, -.6, #7 to #11

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD unchanged at 1.1, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second successive month, 9.6 – 9.8, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WMIL (-1.2)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 6.6, +.4, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 5.5 – 4.4, -1.1, seventh to eighth  

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, locked at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.8 – 3.0, -.8, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, first month, 7.5 – 14.3, +6.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.8)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.8)

*Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, anchored in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics) 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, continues in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” steady at 2.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, ninth to eighth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.2, -2.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WPRO-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-2.3)**

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

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #12

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .3, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” steady at 1.8, repeats at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, second straight month, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.4 -.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #11 to #10

cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #11 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 -1.0, +.1, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .9 – .7, -.2, #14 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, seventh to eighth

co-owned WLRN-HD2’s internet stream flat at .2, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.3 – 10.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKGR (-.7)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.9, +1.0, remains 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 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, stays at #10

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, second month in a row, 12.2 – 12.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.9 – 2.9, -1.0, #8 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, eighth to seventh

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, stays at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 15th successive month, 11.8 – 10.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMC-FM (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.1 – 5.7, +.6, eighth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” unchanged at 1.0, continues at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, remains in seventh-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR and its internet stream are both steady at .4 and stay at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 37th month in a row, 10.9 – 13.7, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+2.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-2.0)

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

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Awards $20k to Minority Journalists

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Tavis Smiley-owned Los Angeles talk station KBLA “Talk 1580” donated $20,000 in scholarship money to the National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles (NABJLA) and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute(MPJI). Smiley says, “The National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles and the Minority Photo-Journalism Institute are making a tangible difference in our community by helping students pursue careers in journalism and communications. KBLA ‘Talk 1580’ strongly believes in enlightening, empowering and encouraging tomorrow’s reporters, editors and potential talk radio hosts. Hopefully, our scholarships make a difference.” The scholarship donations were raised at KBLA’s February 28, 2023, Black History Month luncheon in tribute to Black legends in Los Angeles media.

Industry News

Round Three of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) good for the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM also goes up four-tenths and finishes with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte shoots up 1.2 shares to finish the survey with a 5.5 share that moves it from the #8 rank to #4. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM is up half a share, wrapping the survey with a 3.7 share good for the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI-AM falls two-tenths for a 3.3 share that sees it decline from the #9 rank to #14. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.9 – 7.2, -.7, steady at #3

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KQAC; alternative KNRK; and rhythmic CHR KXJM (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult hits KYCH (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.3 – 5.5, +1.2, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 3.1 – 2.0, -1.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFNZ (-1.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #9 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second consecutive month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR KXXM (-1.6)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in succession, 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KSTE (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-1.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #12 to #10

KDKA-AM’s internet stream 1.1 – .9, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.2 – 6.0 -.2, repeats in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in a row, 9.9 – 11.3, +1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.9 – 5.1, -.8, third to fifth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fourth straight month, 9.9 – 10.8, +.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-.8)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #13 to #18

co-owned KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fifth successive month, 7.8 – 9.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE and classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-1.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.2, -.9, fifth to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WWKA (+2.5)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish news/talk WRSO (-1.0)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 3.1 – 1.4, -1.7, #11 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 13th consecutive month, 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease:  sports talk WCKY (-1.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, #8 to #12

WKRK’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3 #11 to #7

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fourth month in a row, steady at 11.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.6 – 4.8, +1.2, #11 to #6

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #21 to #19

Audacy-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.2, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: alternative KCJK (-.5)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, fourth to third   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.7 – 5.8, -2.9, second to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU steady at 7.2, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fourth straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZCB-HD2 (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.9)**

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

Up next: February 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 News

Round Two of February PPM Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM jumps eight-tenths to an 8.6 share lifting it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.1 share good for the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM falls seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that leaves it ranked #6 in the market. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds seven-tenths to close with a 5.4 share that moves it from the #2 rank to #5, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM falls 1.2 shares to finish with a 4.3 share and falls from #3 to #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Job Opportunity

AUN Television Network Seeking Ground Level Entry Executive

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Rick Trader, president/CEO of the AUN Television Network informs TALKERS that he is looking to expand his two-year-old ultra-conservative audio and video talk media platform. He’s looking for a sales and management executive (as well as acquiring additional programming). Over the past two years, AUN (American Uncensored Network) – which is billed as a “conservative/faith-based network” – has gained clearance on some 11 TV stations in California and Nevada. Its shows are hosted by an array of well-known commentators as well as up-and-comers. Trader tells TALKERS he “honestly believes AUN is one of the fastest growing TV and streaming networks in the country.” He states, “Now it is time to expand once again. Our goal is to be broadcasting in every major market in the next two years! This is maybe where an ambitious, hard-working manager can become part of this dream. I am looking to develop a management team to make it happen. If a candidate has expertise in managing finances and accounting, recruiting, human resources, overseeing and developing technologies, as well as creating company policy, sales and marketing, then such an individual might be looking for the challenge of a lifetime.” Trader continues, “I am looking to work with conservative/faithful, passionate ideologs like myself who are concerned with the direction our great republic is heading and want to return it to the Judeo-Christian, faith-based patriotic roots our founding fathers created! Here is the catch: all our progress and success has been achieved on a very tight budget! In fact, we cannot offer salaries. What we can offer is incentives for those who produce to be rewarded.” Interested candidates can contact Rick Trader, president/CEO, AUN TV Network at auntv@yahoo.com.