By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The Redfin TV ad ends: “Sell for more than the home next door.” Write local retailers’ commercial copy that communicates a consumer benefit that succinctly – and repeat it and repeat it — and your clients will renew.
QUICK QUIZ, from the auto insurance battle-royal:
“Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance.”
Geico…slugging-it-out with…
Michele Tafoya Joins Salem Podcast Network. National sports media figure Michele Tafoya is joining Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network to host a new podcast titled, “Sideline Sanity.” The former NBC Sports sideline reporter’s new show – focusing “life, politics, and world news” will be produced four times per week, beginning
on May 23. Tafoya’s broadcasting career includes a lot of radio in addition to her TV work. She served with iHeartMedia’s sports talk “KFAN,” hosted afternoon drive on Audacy’s WCCO-AM, and worked alongside morning star Tom Barnard at Cumulus Media’s KQRS-FM. She says, “I’m thrilled to 
launch my first podcast with the Salem Podcast Network. It’s exciting to join the chorus of talented Salem voices discussing the historic issues facing America and the world.” Salem Twin Cities general manager Nic Anderson comments, “I cannot wait for the rest of the country to get to know Minnesota’s own Michele Tafoya beyond her successful years of reporting from the sidelines. She’s full of insight, passionate about her platform, and she’s ready to speak her mind. And Salem Media-Twin Cities is eager to help as we produce her podcast for a national audience and look forward to working with her locally as opportunities arise.” Tafoya announced her retirement from NBC Sports in February of this year and has joined the campaign of Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls as campaign co-chair.
David ‘Mad Dog’ DeMarco to Exit ‘The Game’ in Lansing After 26 Years. Sports talk personality David “Mad Dog” DeMarco is leaving his role as afternoon drive host on Townsquare Media’s WVFN, Lansing, Michigan after tomorrow’s program, capping a 26-year sports talk career in the market. According to a story in the Lansing State
Journal, DeMarco began his sports talk gig in 1996 as part of “The Sports Guys” on WVFN. For four years in the early aughts, the “Mad Dog & Company” show aired on crosstown WQTX-FM, returning to WVFN in 2007. For the past 12 years, DeMarco has been selling for the station, as well. He says, “I had to be like Clark Kent and then go into sales mode and hit the streets as a salesman. That’s what a lot of people don’t understand. They just think that I did the show for three hours and I go home and smoke cigarettes and get high and stuff. I had to really buckle down and be disciplined that I was going to do this. And I did. It’s not even ratings anymore. It’s how much money that you can bring in. It’s like the mafia — you’re an earner is what you are. And if you can’t earn, you’re not going to be around.”
Edison: Comedy Top Podcast Genre for First Quarter of 2022. According to data from Edison Research’s Edison Podcast Metrics, the top podcast genre in the U.S.
during the first quarter of 2022 was comedy. This list of podcast genres is based on weekly audience size. (Nineteen genres are identified as having at least one percent reach among those in the U.S. age 18+.) The list of the Top 10 Genres for Q1 2022 is: 1) Comedy, 2) News, 3) Society and Culture, 4) True Crime, 5) Sports, 6) TV and Film, 7) Business, 8) Arts, 9) Religion and Spirituality, and 10) Education. Edison Research SVP Melissa Kiesche comments, “As advertisers increasingly seek to target podcast listeners, it becomes more important to understand the appeal of various genres in the space.”
TALKERS News Notes. There’s special programming available from ABC Audio for the coming Memorial Day weekend. ABC News Radio will present, “Honor, Hope and Healing,” hosted by correspondents Aaron Katersky and Alex Stone. The program
reports on America’s heroes, including those who lost their lives serving their country and individuals performing good deeds at home. It features Katersky’s interviews with Gold Star families who lost loved ones last summer in Afghanistan as the U.S. withdrew its troops. The special also shines a light on COVID-19’s toll on the country as well as the resilience of Americans trying to emerge from the pandemic and 
recover from the past two years…..WNYC Studios announces that Kenya Young is appointed to the newly created position of SVP, WNYC Studios – part of New York Public Radio. In this position, Young will oversee a portfolio that includes “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” “The Takeaway with Melissa Harris-Perry,” “The United States of Anxiety with Kai Wright,” “Death, Sex and Money with Anna Sale,” “La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience,” and the “Blindspot” series co-produced with HISTORY. Young was most recently managing editor for collaborative journalism at NPR. Young will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for WNYC Studios’ portfolio of podcasts, and leading and supporting the teams developing and producing shows. In partnership with Emily Botein, VP, original programming, she will manage and grow current Studios productions and build out WNYC Studios new documentary unit devoted to producing
longform nonfiction audio works…..Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal “Save Democracy” Tour 2022 will make a Los Angeles appearance at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Joining Miller will be Hal Sparks, Frangela, and John Fugelsang on Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 pm for an evening of standup comedy and special guests. Miller says, “We have a lot of work ahead of us supporting the Democratic agenda that moves all of America forward by delivering an even bigger majority to Capitol Hill.”…..“The Regular Joe Show,” 
hosted by Joe Giganti and syndicated by Genesis Communications Network, adds two new stations to its roster of affiliates. Pan American Broadcasting’s KDAZ-AM/K245CD, Albuquerque adds the program to air from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and WPA Radio LLC’s KTLR-AM/K279CR, Oklahoma City is now airing two hours of the program daily. Giganti says, “These are exciting opportunities to bring our upbeat, witty take on some of the most pressing and challenging issues of the day. I think it’s so important to maintain your ability to laugh and have a little fun, especially when tackling some of the heavier hot topics – perhaps now, more than ever.”
The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Roe v Wade, COVID-19, Elon Musk & Twitter, and Western Drought/Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/11). The high cost of food and gasoline, the roiling stock market & plunging value of cryptocurrency, and concerns about a recession; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rumors of Vladimir Putin’s poor health, and Putin’s warning to Finland over plans to joins NATO; the Trump-approved primary candidates for the November midterms and Trump’s influence over the GOP; the protests over the leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., concerns about new variants, and the Chinese zero-COVID policy; the controversial attempt by Elon Musk to acquire Twitter; and the drought and wildfires affecting the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Salem Media Group First Quarter Revenue Rises 5.5%. Reporting financial data for the first quarter of 2022, Salem Media Group says total revenue was $62.6 million, an increase of 5.5% over the same period in 2021. Operating income was $5 million, up
14.2% from the same period a year ago. Salem posted net income of $1.7 million in Q1 of this year compared to the net income of $0.3 million reported for the same quarter in 2021. Breaking down the company’s data by segment, net broadcast revenue increased 10% to $48.4 million from $44 million in 2021, while digital media revenue increased 7.1% to $10.3 million from $9.6 million, and publishing revenue decreased 31.8% to $3.9 million from $5.7 million. Looking ahead, Salem Media Group says that for the second quarter of 2022, it is projecting total revenue to increase between 6% and 8% from second quarter 2021 total revenue of $63.8 million.
The Vastness of Night. “The two most effective, engaging forms of advertising are in-theatre and overnight radio,” says Walter Sterling. “Surrounded by darkness without distractions, the audience choses to receive the advertising message in the comfort of a bed, perfectly adjusted car seat, or reclining throne. Overnight radio is 25% of the broadcast day. Twenty-five percent. A locally hosted all-night show in a major city is a gift to listeners and advertisers.” You say you can’t afford an all-night talk radio host? Read more of what Walter Sterling has to say here.
Tom Millikan Upped to Assistant Brand Manager for WXYT-FM, Detroit. Executive producer Tom Millikan is promoted to assistant brand manager at Audacy’s sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” He will continue in his executive producer role for “The Morning Show with Stoney and Jansen.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market
manager Debbie Kenyon says, “Tom has done an outstanding job as an executive producer and has played a vital role in the success of the station. He is very deserving of this promotion and we look forward to even greater success with Tom in his new role.” Millikan comments, “Throughout my 20-plus years in radio, I’ve been blessed with countless memories of championships and pure joy. I’m living out a dream. I wanted to work in sports radio since the format exploded in the early 90s and I’ve been blessed by the tutelage of all of my co-workers and peers. I was born and raised in Detroit and Detroit sports are part of my DNA. Listeners might not agree with my opinions or show content all of the time, but I genuinely try to produce shows that Detroit sports fans want every single day.”
ABC Audio Promotes Liz Alesse to VP. Rising from the director and executive producer of podcast programming position to vice president of ABC Audio is Liz Alesse. In this role, Alesse will oversee the organization’s entire audio business,
including ABC News Radio, podcasts, and the entertainment content service. ABC News senior vice president of streaming and digital content Reena Mehta says, “She has been instrumental in growing and re-organizing our award-winning podcast team, developing successful content and monetization strategies, and partnering closely within the news division and across The Walt Disney Company to promote our work. Liz oversaw the successful launches of new podcasts, including, ‘Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,’ ‘Close Up’ and ‘The Book Case with Kate and Charlie Gibson.’ She also spearheaded creating the ‘GMA’ Channel on Apple Podcasts, which holds the new ‘Good Morning America’ podcast and ABC Audio’s growing library of lifestyle, culture and entertainment on-demand audio content. Under her leadership, the team received Webby Awards, a Gracie Award, GLAAD Special Recognition honors and more.”
Edison Research Q1 Top 50 Podcasts Chart; Controversy Has Not Hurt Joe Rogan. The Edison Podcast Metrics chart of the top 50 podcasts in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2022 has been released and the controversy surrounding Spotify’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” in 2021 has not harmed listening; in fact, it appears to have helped it. Edison Research director of research Gabriel Soto says, “Despite a turbulent and controversial ride for Joe Rogan at the beginning of the quarter, his show not only remains the most popular in the U.S., but it has increased in listenership – distancing itself from the number two spot.” This chart by Edison ranks the 50 biggest podcasts by audience size, based on Edison Podcast Metrics (formerly known as the Podcast Consumer Tracking Report). Edison says its list is “the only podcast measurement service that measures the relative audience size and demographics of all podcast networks in the U.S. and measures based on actual podcast listening, not downloads, and does not require an opt-in from podcast networks. Some of the other podcasts making the chart connected to radio-oriented companies include: #6 “Stuff You Should Know” (iHeartPodcasts), #9 “The Ben Shapiro Show” (The Daily Wire), #18 “The Dan Bongino Show” (Cumulus Podcast Network), #31 “The Dave Ramsey Show” (The Ramsey Network), and #39 “The Mark Levin Show” (Cumulus Podcast Network).
TALKERS News Notes. According to data from Nielsen, Newsmax’s live coverage of former President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally pushed the network ahead of CNN
in audience viewership on Friday night (5/6). Newsmax says that it pulled 738,000 total viewers between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm ET, with an evening prime-time average of 579,000 viewers. CNN peaked at 645,000 viewers during Anderson Cooper’s show, drawing an average audience of 545,000 on Friday night. Newsmax adds that for the past year, is has consistently held the position as the fourth-highest-rated cable news channel in the U.S. and a top-20 cable channel in daytime, according to Nielsen…..The Independent Broadcasters Association says it is delivering on its 
promise to provide an efficient way for members to share local talent in which all talent made available to members by members will be on a very affordable cash basis, eliminating the need for costly barter deals. IBA executive director Ron Stone comments, “One of the most costly expenditures for independent radio is paying for syndication, whether by cash, barter, or a combination thereof. Our goal is to provide our IBA members with an opportunity to choose cost-effective talent from other IBA members and eliminate the need to give local inventory to large networks that sell to the very clients we used to do business with nationally, and at far better prices than network pricing. This, I believe, is a huge opportunity to get back inventory used against us at extremely low prices.”
The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, Mark Esper Book, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Roe v Wade, Musk & Twitter, COVID-19, and Western Drought Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/10). The state of the U.S. economy, the high cost of food and gasoline, and concerns about a recession; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rumors of Vladimir Putin’s poor health, and the U.S. House approves aid to Ukraine; former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s book, A Sacred Oath, that paints former President Donald Trump in an unflattering light; the Trump-approved primary candidates for the November midterms and Trump’s influence over the GOP; the protests over the leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade; the controversial attempt by Elon Musk to acquire Twitter; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., concerns about new variants, and the Chinese zero-COVID policy; and the drought affecting the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
by Walter Sterling
Talk Show Host
NEW YORK — The two most effective, engaging forms of advertising are in-theatre and overnight radio. Surrounded by darkness without distractions, the audience choses to receive the advertising message in the comfort of a bed, perfectly adjusted car seat, or reclining throne.
Overnight radio is 25% of the broadcast day. Twenty-five percent. A locally hosted all-night show in a major city is a gift to listeners and advertisers. The audience identifies with the references made by their neighbor, the radio host. Bonding is immediate.
Joe Gallagher to Return to WGY, Albany for Weekend Shows. The Albany Times-Union reports that talk host Joe Gallagher is returning to iHeartMedia’s news/talk WGY-AM/FM, Albany to host a one-hour program at 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday
mornings. Gallagher was let go from the station in 2020. He’d served as the station’s afternoon drive host for years and was hosting weekends when he departed in pandemic-related staff reductions. WGY news and program director Jeff Wolf says, “He’s been gone about two years, and pretty much on a weekly basis I get listener feedback saying ‘Bring Joe back.'” Gallagher hosted a few special programs earlier this year and that started the ball rolling in getting him back on a scheduled show. Wolf adds, “We were thrilled. He was all about it and, obviously, we are too.”
Wilson Named Operations Manager for Cumulus Media Mobile. Radio programming pro Vincent “Mojo” Wilson joins Cumulus Media’s Mobile, Alabama station group that
consists of news/talk WXQW-AM and four music brands as operations manager. He’ll also serve as PD for WXQW-AM and CHR WABD-FM. Wilson was most recently director of operations for Southern Broadcasting in Florence/Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Cumulus Mobile VP and market manager Don Boyd says, “‘Mojo’ is a talented programmer and on-air personality with a strong track record leading urban, CHR, Gospel and news/talk stations. He will be an excellent addition to our top performing team in Mobile as operations manager of our five-station group.”
Greta Van Susteren to Moderate Newsmax’s Pennsylvania Senate Primary Debate. News/talk television personality Greta Van Susteren is moderating tomorrow’s Newsmax debate between the top contenders for the GOP nomination for Pennsylvania’s open
U.S. Senate seat that’s being vacated by retiring Senator Pat Toomey. The debate will take place on the campus of Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania in which Van Susteren will moderate candidates Dr. Mehmet Oz, David McCormick, Ambassador Carla Sands, Kathy Barnette, and Jeff Bartos. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy says, “Pennsylvania is one of the most important states on the national map. And this race will have national implications, so we’ll be hosting this Newsmax debate live for all Americans to watch.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former Chicago Bears great Olin Kreutz has been let go from his contributor role at the new digital sports venture CHGO Sports after he physically attacked a fellow staffer on Monday (5/2). Kreutz is also a contributor to Audacy’s sports talk WSCR “The Score” and NBC Sports Chicago. Kreutz is apparently not disputing the incident. He tweeted a picture of Mike Tyson with the text: “Social media made y’all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.”…..The National Association of Broadcasters announces that Alex Siciliano is joining the organization as senior communications strategist. Siciliano reports to NAB chief of staff and EVP of public affairs Michelle Lehman. In this newly created position, Siciliano will lead NAB’s public relations efforts on key advocacy issues, developing and implementing media relations strategies to advance broadcasters’ policy agenda before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission. Siciliano was most recently VP of communications at The Petrizzo Group. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Alex has years of experience in shaping and executing effective messaging campaigns on policy issues. Broadcasters will benefit from his deep advocacy background as he shapes NAB’s communications on the most important issues facing our industry. We are thrilled to welcome him to NAB.”…..The Freakonomics Radio Network names Neal Carruth as EVP and general manager. Carruth most recently led NPR’s news podcasting strategy, and his responsibilities at Freakonomics Radio Network will include helping to set the strategic and editorial direction of the organization. His hiring follows the March appointment of Gabriel Roth from Slate as editorial director. Carruth says, “For years now, I’ve been a serious fan of the work that Stephen Dubner and the team have done on the Freakonomics Radio podcast. I love the podcast’s combination of curiosity, rigor, and delight. I can’t wait to work with the team to grow the audience for the current slate of shows and to help them develop new properties. I’m so excited about this opportunity to help increase the reach and the impact of the Freakonomics Radio Network.”…..SiriusXM announces that entrepreneur, investor, best-selling author, and founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, Randi Zuckerberg, will host a new SiriusXM original podcast titled, “Crypto Café With Randi Zuckerberg.” SiriusXM says, “With cryptocurrency being a hotly debated topic, Zuckerberg’s new podcast will feature both casual and educational conversations with metaverse experts, tech futurists, and top business executives who will share industry tips and explain the skills and foundational knowledge necessary to navigate the crypto ecosystem safely and successfully.”
The Economy, January 6 Conviction, Roe v Wade Leak, Midterm Primaries/Trump & the GOP, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, Musk & Twitter, and Western Drought Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/2). The state of the U.S. economy, including falling stock and bond prices, ongoing supply chain issues and employment; a retired New York cop is convicted of assaulting a police officer in the January 6 Capitol attack; the unprecedented leak of a draft decision indicating the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade; the primary battles ahead of the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; concerns about the rising rate of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the U.S.; Elon Musk’s attempt to acquire Twitter; and the impact of the Western drought on cities in the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: R.I.P. Bill Balls. “He’s the Central Casting baritone, shouting or growling-through whatever promo copy the station sends.” And consultant Holland Cooke warns that “because radio ratings – and your advertisers’ results – are a memory test, conformity is detrimental to station imaging.” In this week’s column – and now that we’re a Month into the MLB season – HC points to baseball’s unlikeliest success story as a template for freshening station imaging. Read it here.
Pending Business: Drop These Excuses to Earn More. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about two tired old excuses that no seller should be uttering in today’s media landscape. When negotiating rates, are you still arguing with your client using the phrases, “We don’t give it away” and “We have hard costs?” If so, Steve explains why this is dated and is only harming your potential commission. Read more here.
Sarah van Mosel Named EVP of iHeart Audience Network. Digital audio revenue pro Sarah van Mosel is named executive vice president for iHeartMedia’s iHeart Audience Network. She was most recently chief revenue officer at Stitcher, where she led podcast revenue strategy across SiriusXM, Pandora and Stitcher. The iHeart Audience
Network is iHM’s new audience-based buying service that provides advertisers with inventory “sourced from the expansive iHeartRadio database and other premium publishers across streaming and podcasting.” 
In her new role, van Mosel will assist with iAN sales operations, publisher development and podcast slate partnerships and will report to Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. Byrne says, “The iHeart Audience Network is the first and only audio marketplace that seamlessly unifies all forms of audio with one common set of audiences, and we’re thrilled Sarah is bringing her expertise, vision and talent to take these unique capabilities to their full potential for advertisers and publishers. She’s been at the forefront of innovation in podcasting from the very beginning and her unique perspective on the rapidly growing medium will ensure this venture becomes the premier service for all brands. The team is looking forward to seeing where she takes iAN next.”
Cumulus Media Ups Brian Philips to Chief Content Officer. Rising to chief content officer for Cumulus Media is Brian Philips, who has been serving the company as EVP
of content and audience since 2019. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “Brian Philips is an exceptional executive and the perfect choice to lead our programming efforts as we continue to execute our audio-first strategy, which is transforming the company from a traditional radio broadcaster into a multi-dimensional audio media company. This promotion reflects Brian’s tremendous contributions, and I have full confidence in his creative vision, operational expertise, and savvy leadership to guide us through this critical evolution.”
TALKERS TIP. Excellent Correspondent Available for Interviews from War. News directors and talk show hosts take note. Gregg Stebben, who spent years being interviewed every month by talk stations all over the country as an editor for Men’s
Health magazine, is now in Poland and Ukraine as a volunteer doing radio interviews about the Ukraine situation. He’s available to be “Your-Man-in-Poland/Ukraine.” In an interview, he can talk about the situation with refugees in Poland and all over Europe, his personal experiences with Ukrainian refugees, and the mood in Poland and Western Ukraine. Are the Polish overwhelmed by absorbing almost 3 million refugees and/or terrified they might be next on Putin’s list? He can also talk about his trip to the Ukraine border, and what he’s seen and heard in Poland that makes him fear this Russian invasion will turn into a global conflict if Putin is successful in Ukraine. To schedule an interview with him: Gregg@Stebben.com, 843.722.3100 (cell or text).
WBAP, Fort Worth/Dallas Celebrates 100 Years of Service. Fort Worth/Dallas news/talk station WBAP-AM begins celebrating its 100th year of service to the market today (5/2) from its Victory Park studios. Station program director Bruce Collins says, “We begin the celebration today and have exciting things planned throughout the year to celebrate. WBAP has
meant so much to the DFW community. It is going to be a fun year.” The celebration was kicked off this morning as the “WBAP Morning News” team featuring Hal Jay and Brian Estridge welcomed back notable contributors, including former on-air talent and executives that “helped WBAP become a trusted leader in Dallas-Fort Worth.” The station plans to continue its centennial celebration with historical audio clips played on the station daily, the launch of a podcast series highlighting the key figures in the station’s 100 years, and a celebration in the fall. WBAP signed on for the first time under the direction of famed Fort Worth businessman Amon G. Carter on Tuesday, May 2, 1922, operating at 10 watts of power. Within the first six months, WBAP established itself as a service to the community, becoming the first station to air livestock market reports and weekly church services. As the station continued to evolve, WBAP would become the first to broadcast a rodeo, air remote broadcasts, and send a war correspondent to Europe in the early days of World War II. Additionally, WBAP was the first station with regularly scheduled newscasts. Today, WBAP operates as a 50,000-watt, clear-channel station operated by Cumulus Media.
Tom Webster to Leave EVP Role with Edison Research. Announced in his “I Hear Things” blog on Friday (4/29), Edison Research SVP Tom Webster will be stepping
away from his role with the company next month. He outlines his new professional goals, saying, “…I want to continue to work to establish a podcast industry: a place where established networks and independent podcasters alike have fair access to information, revenue, and opportunity. I think there are some structural issues in podcasting, and some information arbitrage, as well. I want to work on both of these issues, and help to create the sandbox I wish to continue to play in for years to come.” You can read it here.
The Economy, White House Correspondents Dinner, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Russia-Ukraine War/Pelosi Visit, Elon Musk & Twitter, COVID-19, NFL Draft, and Naomi Judd Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The state of the U.S. economy, high gas & food prices, and threats of a recession; Saturday evening’s White House Correspondents Dinner; the primary races leading up to the November mid-term elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Nancy Pelosi’s visit with Volodymyr Zelensky; the controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s attempt to acquire Twitter; the rate of COVID-19 infections in the U.S., the debate over masks, and China’s zero-COVID policy; the weekend’s 2022 NFL Draft; and the death of country legend Naomi Judd after a long battle with mental illness were some of the most-talked-about stars on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Here is a tip or two to help you increase your income.
Drop these two old school excuses from your sales banter and get closer to the winning side of your business interactions.
I am as serious as your commission check. What I am about to share, fresh from the field, is as old as your first pocket calculator with the same limitations of performance, yet I hear this day after day in my marketing work. It’s old, tired, and needs to go.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The 1970s-sounding “Star Wars” type lasers and WHOOSH that still plague sound-alike station imaging now seem as dated as those 1960s TV “Batman” fight-scene graphics: “POW!” And doggedly dodging them all is the Central Casting baritone, shouting or growling-through whatever copy the station sends.
“To stand out, take whatever you think is normal, and do the exact opposite.”
50 years ago, I was an English teacher; and I’ve been assigning reading ever since. And here’s a page-turner that will not only inform your station’s on-air marketing, it may inspire your career.
JB Wilde Rises to VP of Content & Programming for Townsquare Media. Programming pro JB Wilde is promoted to vice president of content & programming for Townsquare Media. Wilde, who joined the company in 2016 as director of content for
the Rochester, Minnesota station group, was most recently regional content director for the company’s New York and New Jersey stations. Townsquare says that in this new role, Wilde will “help drive the company’s live and local strategy and lead a group of regional content directors who work closely 
with multiple Townsquare clusters of local media brands to entertain, inform, and grow audience across all platforms – broadcast, digital, social and events.” In addition to Wilde’s promotion, Townsquare Media is promoting two local leaders to the corporate Content and Programming Group. Christopher “Sweet Lenny” Barber is elevated to regional content director from the company’s Rockford, Illinois cluster, where he has spent the last six years as director of content. Danielle Kootman also joins as regional content director after spending the last six years in the company’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa cluster as digital managing editor. Townsquare SVP/content and programming Kurt Johnson comments, “Could not be happier to promote JB and add Danielle and Lenny to the Content and Programming team. They’ve succeeded at every job we’ve given them, and their skills will strengthen the team and continue Townsquare’s growth as the leading local media company in our markets.”
Sound Bites from NAB2022. “No matter how well-planned the agenda,” consultant Holland Cooke says he’s “always found that the most valuable part of a convention is…convening, catching-up with old friends and making new ones.” And being the first NAB Show in three years, HC gathered some quotable quotes. Read them here.
New York Festivals Radio Awards Announces 2022 Winners. The New York Festivals Radio Awards announced the 2022 Storytellers Gala award-winners at the virtual event held yesterday (4/26) in conjunction with the NAB Show. NYFestivals says,
“Innovative audio work created by world-class storytellers from 24 countries were celebrated at the April 26 Storytellers Gala virtual event. Creative and compelling audio entries from around the globe were recognized by the 2022 Radio Award Grand Jury including engaging podcasts and audiobooks, masterful dramas, and documentaries, up-to-the-minute news coverage, entertainment and music specials all created by world renowned storytellers.” Some of the American companies that took home Gold first-place trophies include: CBS News Radio, which won “Best Coverage of Breaking News” and “Best Coverage of Ongoing News”; NBC News for “Narrative/Documentary Podcast”; and SiriusXM for “Health Podcast.” You can see all the winners here.
NAB Announces Winners of 2022 Crystal Awards. The National Association of Broadcasters announced the 10 winners of the 35th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards yesterday (4/26) at the NAB Show. The NAB Crystal Radio Awards recognize radio
stations for their year-round commitment to community service. The 10 2022 NAB Crystal Radio Award recipients were chosen from 50 previously announced finalists. Spoken-word radio stations that won include: Bonneville International’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix; Hubbard Radio’s talk KTMY-FM, Minneapolis-Saint Paul; and Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM, Philadelphia.The winners were chosen by a panel of judges representing the broadcast industry, community service organizations and public relations firms.
The Economy/Recession Fears, Russia-Ukraine War, Twitter, January 6 Investigation, COVID-19, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Trump Org Investigation, and Harvard Slavery Atonement Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/26). The sell-off in U.S. financial markets, inflation, and experts’ fears of a recession; Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, its cutting off gas to Poland and Bulgaria, and the threat of nuclear attacks; Elon Musk’s victory in acquiring Twitter; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; the low rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. and the ongoing lockdowns in China; the battle for control of congress in the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the New York AG’s investigation into the financial dealings of the Trump Organization; and Harvard University acknowledges past ties to slavery and pledges $100 million to atone for it were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: NAB, Long Time No See. For the first time in three years there’s a NAB Show in Las Vegas, and in a Sunday ceremony Jim Bohannon was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Covering the convention for TALKERS, Holland Cooke says, “There are still some masks, and – after three years – lots of hugs.” Also, in today’s column, HC’s notes from a conference session that asked, “What Business Are You In?” Read it here.
Pending Business: Raising Your Rates? Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the soaring cost of, well, just about everything and how that’s probably what forced a station he deals with to raise its rates by 250%! If you’re a seller who has to break the rising rates to your clients, how do you do it gently? He offers some thoughts on that. Read it here.
Round Four of March PPMs Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 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 March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Emmis Communications’ news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis sheds two-tenths to finish the survey with a 9.5 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains locked in the #2 rank. In Milwaukee, the battle between iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN and Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ tightens. WISN lost 1.2 shares to finish with an 8.3 share good for the #2 rank, while WTMJ adds six-tenths for an 8.2 share finish that moves it into the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share that keeps it ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM slides two-tenths to a 3.1 share and falls back to the #12 rank. In Jacksonville, Cox Media Group’s news/talk WOKV-FM rises three-tenths to a 10.5 share and remains #1 in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.
Beasley Promotes Tina Murley to Chief Revenue Officer. Media sales pro Tina Murley is promoted to chief revenue officer for Beasley Media Group. Murley most recently served as the vice president of sales at the company since December 2020 and prior to that was director of sales at the company’s cluster for six years. In her new
role, she will be responsible for overseeing all revenue on behalf of the company. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “It is an absolute privilege to promote Tina to the position of chief revenue officer at Beasley Media Group. She has done a phenomenal job leading our company’s sales efforts 
over the past two years. Her ‘can do’ spirit and ability to lead our sales teams has been truly exceptional. I look forward to her continuing to drive our revenue growth across all the company’s platforms well into the future.” Murley comments, “I want to thank Caroline, Bruce, Brian, Brad and the entire Beasley family for entrusting me to lead the sales charge for Beasley Media Group. When I joined the company, I had the honor of meeting George Beasley and knew instantly that I wanted to play a larger role in his company. What I didn’t know is that I would be joining a collaborative and dedicated sales force that leads with ideas and is truly vested in client success. As CRO, I look forward to empowering our best-in-class team to succeed, grow revenue, and deliver results for our valued clients and shareholders.”
The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, January 6, COVID-19, DeSantis vs Disney, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Musk vs Twitter, and France Re-Elects Macron Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Friday’s Wall Street sell-off, the high price of gasoline & food, and concerns about a recession; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Ukraine; the recording of Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy saying Donald Trump should resign the presidency following the January Capitol attack; the controversy over mask mandates, the watch for BA.2 variant outbreaks, and the lockdowns in China; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ move to punish Disney by taking away its special tax status; the battle for control of congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Elon Musk’s negotiations with Twitter over his go-private bid; and Emmanuel Macron defeats Marine Le Pen to remain president of France were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30
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 2022 – March 2022 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, ninth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.3 – 6.8, +.5, third to second
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, third month in a row, 8.7 – 10.0, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.8)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.6 – 6.7, -.9, third to fourth
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, repeats at #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 1.8 – 2.5, +.7, #15 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.5 – 7.8, -.7, first to third
Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 7.7 – 8.4, +.7
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock WRDU (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTKK (-.9)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.7 – 9.5, -.2, locked in the runner-up slot
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Pacers) 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, repeats in tenth-place
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .9, continues at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.9 – 4.7, -1.2, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, third successive month, 12.1 – 12.4 +.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): country WLHK and alternative WOLT (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFYI (-1.2)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.5 – 8.3, -1.2, continues at #2
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.6 – 8.2, +.6, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, flat at #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.5 – 1.2, -.3, repeats at #16
Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” .8 – 1.0, +.2, steady at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 5.6 – 5.9, +.3, sixth to fifth
Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 8.8 – 8.9, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits/oldies WRIT (-2.0)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 7.2 – 6.8, -.4, repeats in the runner-up slot
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.4 – 2.8, +.4, steady at #14
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) .7 – 1.0, +.3, remains at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 6.0 – 5.5, -.5, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, third month in a row, 8.2 – 7.5, -.7
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): alternative WBUZ and contemporary Christian WFFH (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WRVW (-.9)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.9 – 6.7, -.2, stays in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .8, repeats at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, and Bruins) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, steady in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, unchanged at #9
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, anchored in tenth-place
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN flat at 2.3, steady at #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, second straight month, 11.1 – 11.3, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: CHR WPRO-FM (+.4)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WKLB and classic hits-oldies WSKP (-.4)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #19
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .3 – .4, +.1, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third month in succession, 10.6 – 10.4, -.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rock WNOR (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WVBW (-1.5)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 10.2 – 10.5 +.3, #1
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” 1.2 – .7, -.5, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT flat at 3.7, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: news/talk WOKV-FM, third consecutive month, 10.2 – 10.5 +.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: country WQIK (+1.6)*
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-.9)
*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” flat at 2.3, repeats in ninth-place
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #11 to #13
iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .6 – .4, -.2, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, third month in succession, flat at 9.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: country WIRK (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-2.5)**
**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.7 – 5.1, -.6, carries on in fifth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, ninth to tenth
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, third month in a row, steady at 13.4
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: CHR WMKS (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: country WPAW (-.8)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #13 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, repeats in tenth-place and WMFS’ internet stream .7 – 1.0, +.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, third successive month, 12.4 – 13.6, +1.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 5.1, -.2, seventh to ninth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #14 to #15
The internet stream of Audacy’s WTIC-AM, 1.5 – .6, -.9, #13 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 9.6 – 10.1, +.5, anchored in the runner-up slot
New England Public Media’s flat at .4, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 25th successive month, unchanged at 10.9
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WZMX (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: hot AC WTIC-FM (-1.5)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “MiGs, Masks & Musk,” looks back at this past week of 4/18 to 4/22. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Christopher Ruddy, CEO Newsmax; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Bill O’Reilly, talk show host/commentator, Key Networks; and Joe Madison, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Round Three of March PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 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 March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. 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 adds four-tenths for an 8.1 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish and climbs to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX tacks on two-tenths for a 3.3 share good for the #13 rank. Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte leaps nine-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.2 share and rises to the #10 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI, San Antonio jumps from #7 to #3 after climbing 1.1 shares for a 6.2 share finish. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM is #1 in the market after leaping 1.5 shares to wrap the month with a 9.9 share, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM is up three-tenths, finishing the survey with a 6.3 share good for the #3 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.
Triton Digital March 2022 U.S. Podcast Report Released. Data from Triton Digital’s March 2022 U.S. Podcast Report is released. The ranking of the 100 top podcasts – based on average weekly downloads – is of the pool of programs from participating
podcast networks. In March, “NPR News Now” from NPR was the #1 podcast in the U.S. But Cumulus Media podcasts fare very well in the ranker, with several in the top 25 including “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #2, “The Dan Bongino Show” at #7, “The Mark Levin Podcast” at #19, “The Matt Walsh Show” at #21, and “The Michael Knowles Show” at #24. Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” was up to #12 in March and Audacy Podcast Network’s “Pod Save America” ranked #11. You can see the complete ranker, as well as a rank of the top 20 U.S. podcast networks, here.
iHeartMedia and Seneca Women Partner for Search for the Next Great Female Podcasters. This new partnership between iHeartMedia and global women’s leadership platform Seneca Women will establish the “first-ever Seneca Women Podcast Academy, a program designed to help amplify the voices of women in podcasting. The inaugural class will consist of 10 winners from iHeartMedia’s
nationwide initiative, ‘Seneca Women to Hear: The Search For the Next Great Female Podcasters,’ which set out to find the next breakout female podcast stars.” The Seneca Women Podcast Academy will help these winners develop and launch their own shows on the Seneca Women Podcast Network, distributed by iHeartMedia. The six-week intensive program will kick off in May and will include one lecture per week with direct access to industry-leading mentors, all women who are at the top of their respective fields in podcasting. Creators will also receive a stipend and top-of-the-line audio equipment to produce episodes of their shows, which will all become part of the Seneca Women Podcast Network. iHeartPodcast Network COO Will Pearson says, “iHeartMedia is proud to say that 50% of our new shows over the past 12 months are hosted by women. We want to continue that growth and we believe starting the Seneca Women Podcast Academy is an exciting next step toward changing the makeup of podcasting. These 10 shows will only bolster our platform and we’re thrilled to offer these creators the space and support to become the next generation of influential podcasters.”
Skyview Networks Promotes Jeanne-Marie Condo to President of Network Partnerships and CRO. Media executive Jeanne-Marie Condo is promoted to president of network partnerships and chief revenue officer for Skyview Networks.
Skyview CEO and president Steve Jones comments, “Jeanne-Marie has been the architect of our sales strategy, carefully integrating business partners to create unrivaled value for our advertising clients while driving significant return for the audio brands we steward. This new title recognizes Jeanne-Marie’s leadership role in the company and across the industry wherein she has become respected for her commitment to our clients and early development and implementation of integrated sales and brand awareness for our advertisers.” Condo has been with the company since shortly after its inception by executive chairman of the board Ken Thiele.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WGN-AM, Chicago morning drive host Bob Sirott will be one of the personalities on Marquee
Sports Network’s new program “The Reporters” when it debuts on May 1. Marquee general manager Mike McCarthy says, “We’re excited to launch ‘The Reporters’ as part of our Sunday morning programming lineup, discussing the biggest sports stories with the writers and broadcasters closest to the action. We look forward to bringing additional coverage across the Chicago sports landscape to Marquee viewers.”…..Edison Research is 
presenting “Moms and Media 2022” in a webinar on Thursday, May 5 at 2:00 pm ET. The company says this year’s study provides insight on U.S. moms and their media usage, social media habits, and current outlook on tech. Findings incorporate data from The Infinite Dial study from Edison Research, Wondery, and ART19, as well as new data from a national online study of adults 18 and older. You can get registration information here…..The nationally syndicated weekend program “Talkin’ Pets” with host Jon Patch celebrates 32 years on the air this month. Patch says, “Each week
you get a variety of veterinarians and trainers, not just me, which keeps our show current, fresh, exciting and always new.” The program also features news on animal welfare, wildlife, farming, and environmental issues that affect animals, as well as interviews with celebrities…..AdLarge signs an ad sales partnership deal with globally recognized financial icon Tori Dunlap on the re-launch of her “Financial Feminist” podcast. AdLarge says, “The first season of Financial Feminist podcast, which wrapped in Summer 2021, it was ranked #1 in business podcasts and is currently the only woman-founded, woman-hosted, and women-focused podcast in the Top 20.”
The U.S. Economy Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 18-22. The state of the U.S. economy including the high price of gasoline & food, the supply chain problems, the crash of Netflix stock, and concerns about a recession combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Tied at #2 this week was the Russia-Ukraine War, U.S. foreign policy, and the French presidential race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, followed by COVID-19 at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30
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 2022 – March 2022 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.7 – 8.1, +.4, fourth to third
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #14 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB flat at 8.9, first to second and KOPB’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.3 – 9.1, +.8
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLTH (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult hits KYCH and classical KQAC (-.9)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 3.3 – 4.2, +.9, #14 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, repeats at #16
Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .4 – .5, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, eighth to tenth
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .8, +.3, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second consecutive month, 6.3 – 6.6, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM and alternative WEND (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WHQC (-1.3)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 5.1 – 6.2, +1.1, seventh to third
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, 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 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second straight month, 7.1 – 8.4, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR KXXM and rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-.9)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” flat at 6.5, anchored in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #12 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, third month in a row, 10.2 – 11.3, +1.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.1)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 4.8 – 3.9, -.9, seventh to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.5 – 7.6, +.1, repeats in fourth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fifth month in succession, 10.8 – 11.4, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-1.3)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 8.4 – 9.9, +1.5, #1
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.0 – 6.3, +.3, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.1 – 4.6, +.5, tenth to sixth
Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM second month in succession, 8.4 – 9.9, +1.5
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic rock KAAZ (-1.4)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #15 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, repeats at #15
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): Spanish contemporary KRGT and similarly-formatted KXLI (+.5)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: hot AC KVGS (-1.2)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.3 – 5.9, -.4, fourth to sixth
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, #17 to #16
iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #16 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE flat at 2.4, #15 to #13
Number One 6+ (Tie): iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, third straight month, 7.9 – 8.3, +.4 and co-owned adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 6.1 – 8.3, +2.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: urban AC WCFB (-.8)
*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 12.2, -.1, second to first and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.3 – 5.1, -.2, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 1.1 – .8, -.3, repeats at #19
iHeartMedia-owned WSAI “Fox Sports AM 1360” .6 – .8, +.2, #22 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fifth to fourth
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, first month, 12.3 – 12.2, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: hot AC WKRQ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.5)**
**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, sixth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.2 – 4.3, +.1, #11 to #9 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.0 – 1.9, +.9, #17 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 4.4 – 3.2, -1.2, #9 to #12
Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.5 – 2.2, +.7, #15 to #14
Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, third month in a row, 11.1 – 10.4, -.7
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): classic hits-oldies WMJI and sports talk WKRK’s internet stream (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WCPN (-1.2)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 7.8 – 7.3, -.5, first to second
Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .9 – 1.6, +.7, remains at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, continues in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio news/talk KCUR; urban contemporary KPRS; and country WDAF (-.8)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, #1
News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” .3 – .2, -.1, #20 to #19
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.8 – 8.6, -.2, remains in second-place and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM”.6 – .5, -.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 8.3 – 8.5, +.2, repeats at #3
Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, second straight month, 9.3 – 8.7, -.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WNCI (-.9)
Up next: March 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Bill O’ Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Multi-platform news/talk media star and best-selling author Bill O’ Reilly is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” O’ Reilly’s 40-plus year career has been colorful, controversial, and continues to be consequential. After gaining prominence as an anchor for the mainstream TV networks ABC and CBS, he served as host of the groundbreaking celebrity gossip entertainment-industry show, “Inside
Edition,” and then evolved into politics going on to be the top-rated host at FOX News Channel for approximately two decades. Today, his short-form commentaries, syndicated by Key Networks, are heard on hundreds of news/talk radio stations across the nation and he’s currently in the process of launching a new nightly, long-form syndicated program titled, “No Spin News.” Harrison and O’ Reilly discuss the state and future of modern era news/talk media in addition to looking back at what it was like for the independent-minded talker to co-host and partner with former President Donald Trump on his recent four-city “History Tour.” Be sure to meet Bill O’ Reilly at the forthcoming Talkers 2022 conference at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10. To listen to the entire podcast, please click here.
Sean Hannity Becomes Longest-Running Primetime Cable News Host. According to FOX News Channel, primetime superstar Sean Hannity notches another industry milestone as he tops the late Larry King to assume the mantle of the longest-running primetime cable news host in U.S. television history. Today (4/21), marks 25
consecutive years, six months, and 15 days at the helm of a primetime cable news program – beating King’s run on CNN. Hannity has been a staple of FNC’s primetime lineup since the launch of the network in 1996. He was co-host of “Hannity & Colmes (with the late Alan Colmes) that debuted on October 7, 1996. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Sean’s authenticity and insightful commentary have created one of the most enduring connections with our audience and it’s been an honor to watch him over the years. A FOX News original, he has helped innovate the industry, and we are incredibly proud of his extraordinary success.” Hannity comments, “I am extremely grateful to FOX News Media and to our loyal, dedicated viewers whom I am proud to serve every night.”
WHAM/WSYR Talk Host Bob Lonsberry Pens Blog Post About Personal Mental Health. Longtime WHAM, Rochester and WSYR, Syracuse talk host Bob Lonsberry’s April 20 post to his blog reveals a man searching for help to deal with mental health issues he confesses have plagued him his entire life. The blog doesn’t go into specific
detail about his own struggles but does document to some degree his family history of mental illness, especially that which tormented his mother for most of her life. He begins the post saying, “This column is not intended to elicit sympathy or be seen as courageous. Not by any means. It is rather a report on the final desperate action of a man who has destroyed the lives of his family, hurt countless other individuals, failed at his religion, and probably devolved from narcissist to sociopath. This isn’t pretty or sweet, but neither is it manipulative or attention seeking. It’s just a column. Please, leave me the delusion that I’m a writer. And if me being nuts makes you more comfortable asking if you might be nuts, too, and maybe need some help, too, then good. That’s the point.” Read the blog post here.
Round Two of March PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM jumps 1.4 shares for an 8.7 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish and climbs to the #2 rank, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WMAL-FM slips two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish good for the #10 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston continues its ascent, tacking on 1.1 shares to wrap the survey with a 4.7 share and the #8 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-FM slides seven-tenths to a 5.5 share and the #6 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM remains on top posting a 7.4 share to stay ranked #1. The talk in St. Louis is dominated by Audacy as heritage news/talk KMOX finishes with a 3.6 share, after shedding two-tenths, and remains ranked #11, while sister talker KFTK-FM drops eight-tenths for a 2.6 share finish good for the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.
Meghan Ottolini Joins WEEI-FM, Boston’s ‘Merloni & Fauria’ Show. Boston sports media personality Meghan Ottolini is getting an expanded role on sports talk WEEI-FM’s “Merloni & Fauria” afternoon drive program, effective May 4. She’s been serving as
a part-time host on the show since January of 2021. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “Meghan is a rising star in this industry, and we are very excited to have her join ‘Merloni & Fauria’ each afternoon. Writing is a passion of Meghan’s and she will be able to continue to do that for our station’s website, enabling her to create can’t-miss content for Boston sports fans – both on air and online.” Ottolini most recently served as a multimedia reporter for the Boston Herald since 2017. Additionally, she was an on-air talent for NBC Sports Boston’s “Quick Slants” television program. She comments, “I’m thrilled to join WEEI and work alongside Lou [Merloni] and Christian [Fauria] delivering premier sports talk coverage in the best sports city in the country. This opportunity is such a privilege and I look forward to having a lot of fun in this next chapter of my career.”
The TALKERS magazine 2022 Heavy Hundred of Talk Radio Hosts is Published. The 2022 edition of TALKERS magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – has been published. Since the early 1990s, TALKERS editors – with input from industry leaders – have compiled this annual feature created to recognize the hard-working talk radio personalities in America. TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey says of this 2022 edition, “Creating the Heavy Hundred is always a challenging task for our editorial staff. Our use of both hard and soft factors in evaluating candidates for the list only adds to the difficulty in selecting the “most important” radio talk show hosts, but it’s a project that allows us to really get a big-picture look at the key players in this format and it’s something that we take very seriously. Congratulations to all of the talk radio personalities who are recognized on this year’s Heavy Hundred!” See the list here.
FOX News Digital Top Performer in Multiplatform Minutes for March. According to the Comscore data for the month of March, FOX News Digital finished as the top-performing news brand in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes. FOX News
Digital says this marks its fourth consecutive quarter ranking as number one in the category in the news competitive set. FOX News Digital delivered 3.5 billion total multiplatform minutes, topping closest rival CNN.com (3.35 billion). For the first quarter of 2022 (Jan.-Mar.), FOX News Digital delivered 9.2 billion total multiplatform minutes versus CNN.com’s 7.85 billion. However, In the multiplatform unique visitors metric, CNN.com was far and away on top with 136.3 million compared to FOX News Digital’s 79.2 million for March. For the first quarter, CNN.com’s multiplatform unique visitors total was 147.9 million to FOX News Digital’s 85.3 million.
Radio Pros Launch New Consulting Firm. The new firm is called the Smith Richards
Collective and is being launched by radio executives Steve Smith and Tim Richards and digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen. The organization says it “brings deep radio operations, programming, and digital marketing experience to radio stations and groups, with a fresh approach and innovative strategies to help stations grow their audience and revenues, while saving money.” It adds that in addition to podcast and radio talent coaching services, the Smith Richards Collective offers full-service white glove consulting for radio stations and groups, as well as an embedded full-service digital marketing agency, McIvor Marketing, which offers stations and groups a full spectrum of digital resources and support.
Salem New York’s ‘The Answer’ to Produce ‘The Salem Business Breakfast.’ Next Wednesday (4/27) Salem Media Group’s news/talk WNYM-AM, New York “AM 970 The
Answer” is presenting “The Salem Business Breakfast” at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. It takes place from 6:00 am to 10:00 am as Joe Piscopo broadcasts the morning show live. An interactive business panel discussion will be moderated by attorney and AM 970 The Answer personality Arthur Aidala that will include: Bernie Kerik, former NYPD Police Commissioner; Steve Perillo, president & owner of Perillo Tours; Ace Watanasuparp, national director of strategic sales at Citizens Bank Home Mortgage Division & founder of Chase Restaurant Group; Jason Greene, vice president of Magniflood INC; and Melanie Landano, founder & owner of Mel’s Butcher Box.
TALKERS News Notes. New York City Audacy radio stations are airing the podcast episodes hosted by WCBS-FM personality Patty Steele for which she won a 2022 Gracie Award in the category National Podcast – Lifestyle Limited Series. The program
is titled “The Deep 6” and the episodes that will be aired on April 24 at 6:00 am consist of her interview with her 26-year-old son Jake about his heroin addiction and his journey to recovery. Steele, a mother of three, reveals her struggle through the ordeal that simultaneously occurred with her breast cancer diagnosis. With five years of sobriety under his belt, Jake and his mom decided it was time to make their story public with the hope of helping others. Steele comments, “It’s important that we take the stigma away from addiction issues and talk openly about what is truly affecting our children. I’m so grateful that Jake and I are in such a good place that we’re able to share our journey.” WINS director of news and programming Ben Mevorach states, “Patty’s conversation with her son is heartbreaking, inspiring, life-affirming, and compelling. It is one of the most important podcasts to come along in a very long time. What makes it so powerful is its authenticity. You can feel the pain and unrelenting love for her son on this very personal journey. Patty is brave beyond words to share and explore all that has happened and 
because her story could be any parent’s story, every parent will find a part of themselves in it.”…..Pictured at left is Salem Radio Network talk radio host Mike Gallager(left) with 16-time WWE World Champion wrestler Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair (right). Gallagher bumped into Flair while taking his first “maskless” flight since the pandemic began in 2020…..Audacy is conducting 45 volunteer events nationwide to celebrate Earth Day as part of its 1Day1Thing Sustainability Initiative. The series of events, which will engage employees across the company, aim to make a positive impact on the communities in which the company serves and the planet. Projects including tree planting, park and waterway cleanups, recycling projects and habitat restoration, among others. Audacy director of sustainability Jaimie Field says, “We pride ourselves on our relentless commitment to supporting the health and success of the communities that are at the heart of our business, and we’re thrilled to unite our teams across the country to do some good for our planet. Sustainability is a focal point of our Audacy Serves initiative, and we’re looking forward to leveraging these actions this Earth Day to make a lasting impact on our environment, both today and for generations to come.”…..Good Karma Brands president Steve Politziner has been inducted into the 45th class of the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission recognizes an elite group of individuals who have made major impacts to the Palm Beach County sports landscape. By bringing ESPN to the market through the power of radio, TV and events, he helped shape Palm Beach County’s sports identity, created a home for sports fans and has provided coverage to the great sports stories, teams and athletes that make up the community.
Russia-Ukraine War, Netflix Crash/Financial Markets/Inflation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, DeSantis vs Disney, College Debt Forgiveness, COVID-19, Macron-Le Pen Race, and Arizona Wildfire Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/20). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its ICBM test and threat of nuclear weapons use; the crash of Netflix’s stock, its effect on the financial markets and the broader issue of high gas and food prices; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushes legislation to strip Disney of its decades-old special district benefit; the Biden administration’s move to provide 50,000 students with college debt forgiveness; the ruling that cancels the air travel mask mandate and the BA.2 variant; the tight race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen for president of France; and the raging Arizona wildfire were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30
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 2022 – March 2022 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, ninth to tenth
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.3 – 8.7, +1.4, fourth to second
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, repeats at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2, #1
Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .8, +.1, stays at #20
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, third month in succession, 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news WTOP & WTLP (+1.4)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU (-1.2)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, tenth to eighth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.2 – 5.5, -.7, fifth to sixth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 6.3 – 7.3, +1.0, fourth to second
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #14 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.3 – 5.0, +.7, repeats in seventh-place
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, continues at #12
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 8.4 – 9.2, +.8
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WRKO (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-1.0)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, #13 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, third consecutive month, 9.1 – 9.0, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): Spanish news/talk WURN and the internet stream of urban AC WHQT (+.4)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-1.0)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” steady at 7.4, #1
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.7 – 5.0, -.7, second to sixth
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 1.9 – 2.9, +1.0, #21 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.3 – 5.9, +.6, fifth to third
Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, third straight month, unchanged at 7.4
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: country KNUC (-.9)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #14 to #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 6.1 – 5.0, -1.1, fourth to eighth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons and Red Wings) 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #15 to #17
Wayne State University’s WDET 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, repeats at #20
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.7, -.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk WXYT-FM and country WDRQ (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news WWJ (-1.1)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.4 – 4.6, -.8, third to fourth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, #11 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 6.3 – 6.8, +.5, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 6.3 – 6.8, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KSLX (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk KFYI (-.8)
Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ had been #1 the past seventeen months.
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, #7 to #12
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, steady at #14
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, locked at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 4.9 – 5.0, +.1, seventh to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, anchored in second-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, third month in a row, 10.1 – 8.5, -1.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KZJK (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.6)*
*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.3 – 3.8, +.5, #13 to #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 5.8, -.5, second to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third consecutive month, 8.1 – 7.0, -1.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KFBG (+2.3)**
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-1.1)
**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) steady at 4.4, remains in seventh-place
Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, flat at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #15 to #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, seventh month in succession, 8.6 – 8.1, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: rock WXTB (-.9)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, repeats at #16; KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.3 – 1.6, -.7, #17 to #18; and KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #15 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, locked at #7
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, second straight month, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: hot AC KIMN (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KJMN (-.9)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #11 to #10
Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, repeats at #13
Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” steady at 3.8, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, second month in a row, 8.6 – 8.4, -.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classical WBJC (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WWMX and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-1.1)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #13 to #15
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #20 to #19
The internet stream of Audacy’s KFTK flat at .9, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.7 – 5.2, +.5, tenth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, third month in a row, 8.6 – 9.8, +1.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rock KSHE (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk KFTK (-.8)
Up next: March 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Drew Anderssen Jumps to Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas. After a long career with Cox Media Group in Tulsa, Orlando and, most recently, at news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, news/talk programming pro Drew Anderssen joins Audacy as brand
manager of KRLD-AM, Dallas “Newsradio 1080” and the Texas State Networks. In this role, Anderssen will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for the station and networks. Audacy regional president and market manager Brian Purdy says, “We’re delighted to bring 
Drew aboard to lead KRLD and TSN. For over two decades, Drew has proven to be a winning brand leader across multiple formats, which we trust will serve him well as he takes the reins of DFW’s news and information brand.” Anderssen comments, “I’m thrilled to join Audacy and work with the phenomenal team at KRLD and the Texas State Networks. This was a tremendous opportunity to return to the city where I grew up and fell in love with radio, and work with such a prestigious brand and decorated team. I’m grateful to Susan Larkin, Jeff Sottolano, Brian Purdy and Gavin Spittle and I can’t wait to hit the ground running in the Lone Star State.”
Round One of March PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 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 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Audacy’s all-news WINS tacks on one-tenths for a 4.1 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish to remain ranked #7. Red Apple Media’s crosstown news/talk WABC/WLIR-FM adds nine-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share good for the #8 rank. iHeartMedia’s Los Angeles news/talk KFI is up seven-tenths for a 4.7 share finish that boosts it to the #5 rank while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.9 share and the #7 rank. In Atlanta, Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM dips by half a share for a 6.9 share finish and falls from #2 to #3. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this round of markets here.
Ramsey Press Publishes Dr. Jon Delony’s New Book. Titled, Own Your Past, Change Your Future, the latest book from Ramsey Solutions’ Dr. Jon Delony “reminds readers there’s a better, healthier way to live.” Ramsey Press says, “Normalizing stress has left us more disconnected than ever. In fact, Americans have gotten so used to loneliness
that 82% of people said they don’t even feel close to or known by the friends they spend the most time with. What we’ve failed to realize is loneliness and chronic stress debilitate our physical and mental health. Dr. John Delony reminds readers they are worth being well, meeting them in the trenches of their anxiety and loneliness with easy-to-understand concepts that ultimately lead to healing.” Dr. Delony adds, “We’re living life like every second is the Super Bowl, and we’re doing it all by ourselves. Humans were not designed to shoulder immense pressure alone. Enough is enough. We’ve got to get back to basics and connect with others in ways that are deep and meaningful.”
George Plaster to Leave WNSR for Main Street Media. According to a report in the Tennessean, sports media personality George Plaster is leaving Southern Wabash Communications’ sports talk outlet WNSR “Nashville Sports Radio” to launch a streaming program via Main Street Media. When the streaming platform debuts this
summer, Plaster’s show will stream from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. Main Street Media founder Dave Gould says, “We couldn’t be more excited about having George join Main Street Media. George is a Nashville sports icon, and we believe our audience will really enjoy listening to him and the shows we have planned.” The report indicates that Plaster’s co-host and former Vanderbilt University football coach Watson Brown will join him in the move. Plaster says, “I’m excited about the opportunity to join Watson Brown in this new venture. I am really impressed with Main Street Media; it’s an incredible media story. I also want to say a big thank you to Ted Johnson and the WNSR staff for a really fun sports talk experience. I can’t wait to get started at Main Street Media.”
‘Sounds of Sinatra’ Host Sid Mark Passes at 88. The man who hosted the nationally syndicated Frank Sinatra radio show based at Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia for the
past 22 years has died. Sid Mark died at age 88 on Monday (4/18). Sid Mark’s “Sounds of Sinatra” was syndicated for 43 years and was carried by radio stations airing different formats, including full-service AM outlets and news/talk stations. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “He presented the music of Frank Sinatra from the standpoint of a friend as well as a fan. As the host of the longest running, single artist, syndicated radio program in America, Sid was the leading authority on Frank Sinatra and his entertainment legacy. His personal relationship with Sinatra began in the mid 1960s and allowed Sid to offer more than just the remarkable music but insights into Sinatra’s career with personal anecdotes and stories behind the timeless music.”
Russia-Ukraine War, Travel Mask Mandate/COVID-19, Biden Approval Ratings/Midterm Elections, the Economy/Inflation, January 6-Ginni Thomas Controversy, School Curriculum Battles, and Musk vs. Twitter Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/19). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, NATO’s reaction, and the economic impact of the war; a judge rules the air travel mask mandate is illegal, the concerns about the BA.2 variant, and the brutal lockdowns in Shanghai and Hong Kong; President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings and the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections; the state of the U.S. economy and high gas & food prices; the controversy over Ginni Thomas’ purported role in the January 6 Capitol attack; the Florida-led fight over sex-gender issues and critical race theory in public school curricula; and Elon Musk’s attempt to acquire Twitter and take it private were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30
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 2022 – March 2022 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #13 to #8
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #13 to #16
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, repeats in seventh-place and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #16 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.6 – 3.1, +.5, #16 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, eighth to tenth
Number One 6+: Emmis urban AC WBLS, third consecutive month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WABC (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classical WQXR (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, seventh to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, #11 to #7
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #16
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, ninth successive month, 5.8 – 5.5, -.3
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk KFI (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KRCD (-.7)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 4.6 – 3.5, -1.1, fifth to seventh
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, third to second
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, first to third
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, third consecutive month, 5.7 – 5.8, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): triple A WXRT and classical WFMT (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk WGN (-1.1)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #18 to #14
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 7.0, -.3, continues in second-place
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 7.9 – 9.0, +1.1, first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, third straight month, 7.9 – 9.0, +1.1
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): public radio news/talk KQED and country KRTY (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-.8)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #14 to #12
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #18 to #15
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.2, +.6, #23 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, steady in ninth-place
Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, second month in a row, 7.2 – 6.8, -.4
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KJKK (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KZZA (-.7)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, flat at #7
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, twelfth consecutive month, 8.1 – 7.5, -.6
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR KRBE (-1.0)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 6.9, -.5, second to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #18 to #17
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #20 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #13 to #8
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: urban AC WALR (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (-1.2)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #19 to #20
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to seventh
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked in ninth-place
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 3.6 – 2.5, -1.1, #10 to #13
WIP’s internet stream, 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #15 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 6.1 – 6.9, +.8, fourth to third
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WUSL (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WUMR (-1.7)
Note: Eight days into the March 2022 sweep (3/11), adult contemporary WISX became Spanish contemporary WUMR.
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, sixth to seventh
Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 2.7, +.8, #18 to #13
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11 and cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #14 to #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.1 – 6.8, +.7
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-1.3)
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, flat at .4, #20 to #19
Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .3 – .2, -.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 7.5, -2.0
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rock KCAL-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-2.0)*
*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #13 and cluster-mate KGO “810 AM” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #14
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.4, -.6, fifth to fourth
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY second straight month 7.5 – 10.9, +3.4
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: country KRTY (+3.4)**
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): Spanish adult hits KBRG and classic rock KUFX (-1.0)
**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.8, +.5, first
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.1 – 1.6, -.5, #14 to #18 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #20
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #13 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, second month in succession, 6.3 – 6.8, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WKXW; classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM; contemporary Christian WAWZ; sports talk WFAN; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.5)
Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WHTZ (-1.1)
Up next: March 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — News and talk radio sellers are boring.
Sorry if I offended you. But that’s what I see in the marketing work I do.
It’s all about numbers on paper. If ratings are not part of the pitch, it comes down to a laundry list of predictable guests, a boilerplate bio, and whatever else is fast and easy.
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
COOKEVILLE, Ten. — Positive outcomes haven’t exactly been the norm for several radio talk show hosts who’ve been hospitalized in the COVID-era.
Spoiler Alert: Don’t read any further unless you want to see how a popular Cookeville, Tennessee personality fashioned a warm & fuzzy post-hospital story and is now enjoying a new lease on life.
On its own, this is the type of feel-good scenario all of us can applaud; the element further enhancing it regards the part the medium itself played.
Those adhering to the English proverb, “Good things come to those who wait,” will undoubtedly nod in approval for what appears below.
Cindy Rollison to Lead Cumulus Tri-Cities, Tennessee. Sales and management pro Cindy Rollison returns to Cumulus Media to serve as vice president and market manager for the Tri-Cities, Tennessee station group that includes news/talk WJCW-AM
and sports talk WXSM-AM plus two music brands. Rollison takes over for Debbie Caso, who is retiring after 43 years in the market. Rollison served as VP and market manager for Cumulus’ former station group in Blacksburg, Virginia from 2007-2018. She’s been serving as regional marketing consultant for Mel Wheeler, Inc. Radio and Digital Advertising since 2019. Cumulus regional VP Mark Sullivan says, “I’m thankful to Debbie Caso for making such a valuable contribution to the community and company for so many years and wish her much happiness in her retirement. At the same time, I’m very pleased that we have someone of Cindy Rollison’s caliber and experience joining our team. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Cindy again, after many successful years working together with our cluster in Blacksburg. I’m looking forward to many successes together.”
Justin Schaflander Named Director of Sales for ‘ESPN LA.’ Radio sales pro Justin Schaflander is named director of sales for Good Karma Brands’ sports talk KSPN, Los Angeles “ESPN LA 710 AM.” He was most recently a region president with
iHeartMedia. In the early 2000s, Schaflander was a director of sports for CBS, running the Dodgers Radio Network. He says, “I’m thrilled to join ESPN LA and Good Karma Brands. To return to LA, work with some of the most iconic brands in sports and have it wrapped up in Good Karma Brands’ culture makes this a bucket list experience! I would like to thank the team for making this process and transition seamless and fun, and I can’t wait to start learning and working with this special group of teammates.” Good Karma Brands acquired “ESPN LA 710 AM” and “ESPN 1050 AM in New York” earlier this year. The company also took over the agreement to perform ESPN’s obligations under the Local Marketing Agreement for WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN” in New York.
Kidney Transplant a Life-Changing Event for WHUB, Cookeville’s Brent Carl Fleshman. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian writes today about Cookeville, Tennessee talk radio host Brent Carl Fleshman who recently underwent a lifesaving – and life-changing – kidney transplant. Fleshman serves with Zimmer Broadcasting’s Cookeville station group where he hosts the morning drive show on news/talk WHUB “News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub” and serves as program director, among other duties. In May of 2014, Dr. Barbara Fleming was doing a segment on Fleshman’s program when she
noticed something about Fleshman that concerned her. She prompted him to seek treatment at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University and he got into the hospital’s kidney transplant program. Fleshman says, “I’ve been given a second chance with this kidney and am grateful to the man who signed that donor card [making it possible for me to] continue doing what I love every day. I intend to make the most of it. I look forward to getting back on the air soon and have asked Dr. Fleming to be on my first show. If [the host of WHUB’s 30-minute Saturday health program, ‘Your Best Health Connection’] hadn’t noticed my symptoms eight years ago and gone to Vanderbilt with me, I would never have seen this day. Radio saved my life.” Read his story here.
Gordon Smith Joins Beasley Board of Directors. Former NAB president and CEO Gordon H. Smith is nominated by the Beasley Media Group board of directors to be added to the slate of directors to be presented at the annual shareholders meeting on
May 25. The official unanimous vote took place during the company’s board of director’s meeting on March 31, 2022. Smith, who served two terms as a Republican U.S. Senator representing Oregon, led the NAB from 2009 through 2021. Beasley board chair and CEO Caroline Beasley says, “It is such an honor and a privilege to welcome Gordon to the Beasley Media Group board of directors. His outstanding leadership, dedication and service to broadcasters and our nation is unparalleled. His understanding of Washington and how to navigate the halls of power will serve our board well for years to come. I look forward to working closely with Gordon and our board as we continue to evolve our company forward.”
47th Annual Gracie Award Winners Announced. The Alliance for Women in Media
Foundation announces the winners of the 47th Annual Gracie Awards which will return in-person on May 24 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles with local and student awards given on June 22 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. AWMF says the event will honor some of the most talented women in television, radio and digital media. AWMF chair Heather Cohen says, “Throughout this past year we have seen a number of remarkable projects by and about inspirational women.” AWMF president Becky Brooks adds, “We are honored to shine a spotlight on these women, whose stories have driven cultural awareness, offered entertainment that has made us laugh, cry, and everything in between. This year, we will be returning to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and are delighted to return to an in-person format so that we can properly celebrate together.” Some of the national radio honorees include Allison Keyes, CBS News Weekend Roundup; Cheri Preston, ABC News Radio; Jen Horn, Victoria Keelan, and Jai Kershner, “The DJV Show”; Heather Hunter, WMAL-FM, Washington’s “O’Connor and Company”; Jeana Gondek, WOKV-FM, Jacksonville, “Jacksonville’s Morning News”; Judi Franco, WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; Lori Barghini and Julia Cobbs, KTMY-FM, Minneapolis “The Lori & Julia Show”; MalaniKai WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, “Word on the Street”; and Rita Cosby, WABC, New York. See the complete list of honorees here. Pictured above at the most recent in-person ceremony (2019) are (from l-r): country artist Kelsey Ballerini, Heather Cohen, and Becky Brooks.
Comrex to Unveil Gagl Remote Contribution Solution at NAB Show. The newest remote contribution solution from Comrex will be showcased at the NAB Show in Las Vegas April 23-27. Dubbed Gagl, this new cloud service delivers conferenced audio
from multiple contributors in high-quality. Gagl allows between one and five users to send and receive audio from computers and smartphones. Participants can connect and send audio by simply clicking a link using any common web browser. Their audio is conferenced (if there’s more than one user) and delivered to a Comrex hardware codec such as an ACCESS or BRIC-Link. All participants can hear other participants, and the codec can send audio back to them. Comrex says Gagl could be used as the hub for a round-robin reporting program or for a large-cast radio show to support multiple simultaneous connections at once. Because it offers low latency, it’s 
appropriate for call-in talk radio. Gagl could also be used to allow a single contributor to connect back to the studio from a computer or smartphone. Designed with audio quality in mind, Gagl provides stable connections with limited bandwidth. Gagl uses the Opus audio encoder, with a bit rate that delivers both voice and music in excellent quality. Gagl also delivers audio directly to a Comrex codec with all the stability enhancements, pro-grade audio connections, and features that hardware codecs provide. With a simple user interface, Gagl is easy for users with any level of technical expertise to use. Gagl works with Comrex hardware IP audio codecs including the AES67-compatible ACCESS NX Rack IP audio codec and ACCESS MultiRack multi-channel IP audio codec as well as the BRIC-Link series – a sneak peak of the next addition to the BRIC-Link codec line will also be featured at the 2022 NAB Show. LiveShot (a bonded IP solution for live video) and other IP audio solutions for IFB and POTS and /ISDN replacement can be found at the Comrex booth C3024 in Central Hall along with a “behind the curtain” look at some new concept products.
Russia-Ukraine War, Hunter Biden/Rudy Giuliani Investigations, Inflation/Recession Fears, Brooklyn Shooter Search, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, COVID-19, Severe Southern Weather, and Gilbert Gottfried Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/12). Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and President Joe Biden’s use of the term “genocide”; the investigation into Hunter Biden’s international business ventures and the investigation into Rudy Giuliani’s potential violation of foreign lobbying laws; high gas and consumer goods prices in the U.S. and fears the inflation will cause a recession; the search for the man who opened fire in a Brooklyn subway injuring 26 people; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the reinstating of mask requirements in some places in the U.S. as the BA.2 variant dominates and the brutal lockdowns taking place in China; the severe weather affecting the Southern U.S.; and the death of comic Gilbert Gottfried were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERSmagazine.
iHeartMedia Adds New Talk Radio Outlet to the Seattle Market. Seattle market AM KPTR is now news/talk as “1090 The Patriot, Seattle’s Conservative News Talk.”
iHeartMedia announces the new station and reveals it is airing Premiere Networks syndicated programming including: “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” “Sean Hannity,” and “Jesse Kelly” from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. iHeartMedia Seattle SVP of programming Rich Moore comments, “We are proud to be launching a new station in Seattle, seeing an opportunity to bring a powerful conservative talk lineup to the airwaves. This station brings highly engaging content and information with leading talent in the conservative talk space that our listeners will gravitate towards.”
Joe Pags Show Gets into Seattle Market on KPTR-AM. WOAI-AM, San Antonio-based talk host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo is part of the new Seattle news/talker KPTR-AM
“1090 The Patriot.” Pags’ Compass Media Networks-syndicated “The Joe Pags Show” is airing on the new station from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Joe Pags says, “I am thrilled to bring my show to the great city of Seattle. Being part of this lineup of talk stars is a true privilege. I can’t wait to give the people of the Emerald City a place to come to voice their concerns, have some fun, and take part in important dialogue.” “The Joe Pags Show” is heard in more than 160 markets including Houston, Boston, Minneapolis, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
iHeartMedia and the NFL’s Washington Commanders Ink Audio Partnership. The NFL’s Washington Commanders and iHeartMedia Washington DC announce a new, three-year partnership deal to be the team’s exclusive radio broadcast partner. Starting
this season, the team’s games will air on classic rock WBIG-FM “BIG 100.3 FM” and be featured on the station’s website and on the iHeartRadio app. In addition to the team’s radio gameday broadcast, iHeartMedia says this partnership will offer a “robust lineup of exclusive programming across iHeartMedia D.C.’s radio stations and on the iHeartRadio App. New this season, fans will also be able to access archived radio broadcasts of the team’s games anytime via the Commanders channel on the iHeartRadio App.” iHeartMedia has no broadcast sports talk station in the market, but has four other music brands plus news/talk WWDC-HD2/W284CQ “104.7 WONK-FM” and news WUST-AM “DMV’s Black Information Network.”
NAB’s Michelle Duke Honored with MIW’s Trailblazer Award. The recipient of this year’s MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer Award from Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. is Michelle Duke, president, NAB Leadership Foundation and chief
diversity officer. The MIW Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and success in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. In 2012, it was renamed the “Frances Preston Trailblazer Award” in honor of Frances Preston, longtime president and CEO of BMI. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “What a joy to recognize and celebrate Michelle’s many accomplishments with this Trailblazer Award. I’ve worked with Michelle via Broadcast Leadership Training and know firsthand that her efforts are tireless and her work throughout our industry is meaningful. This award was a long time coming.”
TALKERS News Notes. A new study titled, “Exploring The Brand Benefits of Trust and Companionship in Audio,” commissioned by iHeartMedia and PMX (the investment arm of Publicis Media), finds that “consumers perceive radio and podcast personalities as highly relatable, trustworthy and authentic. These findings present rich opportunity for advertisers to build brand affinity and favorability, and drive purchase in audio environments.” The study was conducted by Magid and reveals that “55% of participants said they listen to commercials more often on radio and in podcasts than through any other medium. In addition, 53% found radio and podcast advertisements to be more relevant than on any other medium and 51% said they are more trusting of radio and podcast advertisers than on any other medium. When comparing radio versus streaming music services in nine consumer categories including restaurants, retail, automobiles and more, consumers who purchased a product were more likely to buy from an audio advertisement in every single category.”…..The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Ted Davis, former voice of the Milwaukee Bucks who retired after the 2021-22 season, posted to Facebook that he’s leaving his current gig at iHeartMedia’s sports talk WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game.” He’ll continue to work with the station in a fill-in capacity. He co-hosted the “Heller & Davis” show with Mike Heller, who will continue to host the program solo…..iHeartMedia Denver announces that veteran sports broadcaster Jerry Schemmel returns to the KOA Colorado Rockies Radio Network, effective immediately. Schemmel shares play-by-play and color analyst duties with Jack Corrigan for all 162 Colorado Rockies games and returns to KOA for his 11th season following a two-year hiatus. He says, “I am elated to be coming back to the KOA Colorado Rockies Radio Network booth. I couldn’t be happier to be working with Jack Corrigan and producer Jesse Thomas. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get back at it.”
Russia-Ukraine War, the Economy/Inflation, January 6 Committee/Prosecutions, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, COVID-19, Macron-Le Pen Race, and Severe Southern U.S. Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/11). Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the allegations of war crimes, and the implications for U.S. relations abroad; the state of the U.S. economy, soaring inflation, and President Joe Biden’s ethanol authorization; the January 6 committee’s ongoing investigation and the prosecution of those who entered the Capitol; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; America’s retreating from COVID-19 protocols, concerns about the BA.2 variant’s spread, and China’s zero-covid lockdown policy; the race for president of France between liberal Emmanuel Macron and far-right Marine Le Pen; and the severe spring weather hitting the U.S. South were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — How easy is it to do business with you?
I’m betting it’s more difficult than you think. Most professional sellers rarely “eat their own dog food,” as in be the advertiser at your talk radio station.
Try this exercise. Be the client trying to make an advertising inquiry. Is the experience of going through the switchboard at your station friendly or is it the typical “if you know your party’s extension….”? Is it a confidence builder or killer as you go undercover and try to navigate becoming an advertiser?
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Imagine the next wave.
The Great Town Hall Debate is a video game designed by experts, where players pick political parties, moderators, topics, questions, debaters, venue and media coverage. Can our video game be so advanced you can program facial expressions, gesture reactions, even voice volume and inflection? Maybe some gaming wizard is working on the concept as you read this, or maybe not. But let’s go with it for a minute and sell it.
Criminal Trial Attorney and Radio Talk Show Host Arthur Aidala is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Get ready for a deep dive into an analysis of the criminal justice system, Supreme Court politics, and the causes of spiking urban crime stats. Nationally famous New York defense lawyer and high-profile on-air TV and radio legal analyst, Arthur Aidala is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” For more than 25 years, Aidala has handled high-profile cases
at the investigative, trial, and appellate levels, including a famous win for NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and obtaining a full acquittal of William Rapetti in the highly publicized New York City crane collapse case. Now he’s been recruited to join the airstaff at New York City’s “AM 970 The Answer” (WNYM) to host a daily one-hour power-packed radio show (“The Arthur Aidala Power Hour”) currently in its third month on the air. Michael Harrison describes Aidala’s air work as “nothing short of fantastic.” Don’t miss this fast-paced, content-rich example of why “The Michael Harrison Interview” has been a favorite of media enthusiasts and talk radio junkies around the world for almost seven years. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
Triton Digital Releases Streaming Rankers for February 2022. The most recent streaming ranker report from Triton Digital is released for U.S. listening in February. Triton’s rankers are based on Average Active Sesions (AAS) – the average number of
sessions at any point in time in the reported time period, with invalid sessions omitted. AAS can be calculated by dividing Total Listening Hours by the number of hours within the reported time period (AAS=TLH/Hours in period). For the period Mon-Sun 6am-12am, iHeartMedia is the #1 publisher with 291,890 AAS. NPR Member Stations is #2 with 81,180 AAS, followed by Audacy at #3 with 65,774 AAS and Cumulus Streaming Network at #4 with 41,342 AAS. Other radio-related companies of note ranking in the top 25 include Beasley Broadcasting Corporate at #7 (18,423 AAS), Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (14,884 AAS), Salem Communications at #11 (9,498 AAS), Urban One at #12 (8,084 AAS) and Bonneville International at #13 (6,783 AAS). See the whole report here.
Cumulus Boise Names Nancy Wirth Director of Sales. Radio and television sales pro
Nancy Wirth is named director of sales for Cumulus Media’s Boise station group that includes news/talk KBOI-AM/FM, sports talk KTIK-AM/K237HA “The Ticket,” and three music brands. Wirth most recently served as faith-based radio and TV group the Dove. She says, “Cumulus has always been the best of the best. I am ecstatic to be part of the Cumulus Boise team, and I look forward to working with everyone and growing in this dynamic company.”
Montemayor Joins Beasley Detroit as General Sales Manager. Another move in the sales department at Beasley Media Group Detroit as Lynn Montemayor joins the
company as general sales manager for the cluster that includes sports talk WCSX-HD2/W228CJ “Motor City Sports Talk – The ROAR” and four music brands. Montemayor spent the past four years as a partner & chief marketing officer Detroit-based marketing firm Fortysix/5. Beasley Detroit VP of sales Tina Murley comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn Montemayor to the Beasley Detroit team. Lynn is a highly respected, industry professional that has a keen understanding of client needs and how to build winning marketing plans. She is the perfect addition to our amazing team in Detroit.”
iHeartMedia Partners with Super League Gaming for Metaverse Projects. Forging ahead with its endeavors in the metaverse, iHeartMedia announces a partnership with Super League Gaming – a network of metaverse games, monetization tools, and content channels – that “will leverage iHeartMedia’s massive North American sales force of 1,500 sellers in every major market nationwide, as well as its vast roster of partners, to bring Super League’s highly-sought-after ad inventory and influencer
network to brands looking to gain entry to the metaverse.” The two companies will also collaborate on the development and rollout of iHeartMedia’s “iHeartLand” virtual spaces and fan experiences across metaverse platforms as well as the distribution of Super League’s immersive new 3D and NPC (non-player character) ad units. The press release further states that “Super League will share its deep knowledge and insights on open metaverse gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft. This includes the company’s robust suite of exclusive analytics to help guide the go-to-market plans and future-forward sales strategies for iHeartMedia’s portfolio of premium brand advertisers.” iHeartMedia EVP, digital distribution and platform partnerships Jessica Jerrick says, “As we develop and introduce our unique iHeart experiences in the metaverse this year, we’re thrilled to partner with Super League to create new and compelling ways to connect our brand partners to passionate fans in our virtual spaces and beyond. Super League’s expertise, coupled with their best-in-class ad tech and expansive inventory across Roblox games, puts them at the forefront of this exciting space and makes them an ideal partner for iHeartMedia’s new extensions in the metaverse.”
Alex Jones Being Held in Contempt of Court. According to numerous reports, including one from CNN, talk media personality Alex Jones is being held in contempt of court for failing to sit for depositions in the suit against him by families who lost loved
ones in the Sandy Hook School shooting. Connecticut Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis ruled that Jones intentionally failed to comply with the court’s orders but so far has not issued a warrant for his arrest. Jones’ attorneys say he is being advised to remain at home due to medical issues, but his attorneys also confirmed in a court filing that Jones has been hosting his daily “Info Wars” show from a studio away from his home. CNN’s report says, “Until he sits for a deposition, Bellis ordered, Jones will have to pay fines that will start at $25,000 a day on April 1 and increasing by $25,000 each business day.” Christopher Mattei is the attorney representing a number of Sandy Hook families and he argues that Jones should be jailed until he is deposed to show that refusing the court’s orders “are not worth it.”
Jesse Kelly Participates in KTLK, St. Louis’ ‘Patriot Speaker Series.’ Last weekend, Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Jesse Kelly participated in the inaugural “Patriot Speaker Series” produced by iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTLK-FM, St. Louis “104.9 The Patriot” and hosted by KTLK morning personality Jamie Allman. The event took place before a sold-out crowd of more than 300 guests and featured a conversation between Allman and Kelly, who chatted about their careers in radio and the latest news headlines, before taking questions from attendees. Pictured (from l-r) are: iHeartMedia St. Louis market president John Beck, Allman, Kelly, iHeartMedia St. Louis SVP of programming Gail Austin, and iHeartMedia St. Louis SVP of sales Libby Nolan.
TALKERS News Notes. Pictured at right is nationally syndicated talk radio host and
best-selling author Todd Starnes in front of The Ronald Reagan Ranch Center where he was invited to deliver the keynote address at an event hosted by Young America’s Foundation. He also delivered a speech to hundreds of college students at West Coast Baptist College near Los Angeles…..The new book from SiriusXM Urban View talk host Joe Madison hits the #1 position on the Amazon Political 
Literature Criticism book chart. Radio Active: a Memoir of Advocacy in Action, on the Air and in the Streets (Xlibris US, 2021) is described as “the story of Madison’s decades of activism, from his childhood in a segregated neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, to interviewing Barack Obama in the Oval Office. It’s a delightful tale, a call to action and an eye-opening commentary on the racial divide that persists in America today.”…..Audacy expands its broadcast partnership with the New York Mets by making the Audacy app the exclusive free digital streaming home for all Mets games as part of WCBS-AM’s flagship partnership with the team. English and Spanish language broadcasts of Mets baseball will be available on the Audacy app for consumers within
the Mets broadcast territory and Mets.com beginning Opening Day on April 7. Audacy New York SVP and market manager Chris Oliviero states, “Following one of the most successful off seasons in franchise history, we’re thrilled to gear up for the 2022 season by making our outstanding coverage of the Mets even more accessible to millions of local fans. In the car, on their phone or however they may be listening – in English or in Spanish – the Amazin’ faithful will now have the ability to seamlessly catch every pitch during what is sure to be an exciting season.”…..iHeartMedia announces a slate of original podcasts as part of its My Cultura Podcast Network launching in partnership with award-winning actress, producer, director and activist Eva Longoria. The company says the upcoming shows further My Cultura’s dedication to celebrating and elevating Latinx voices, stories, and content creators like Longoria. The projects span across genres – two of the series will be hosted by Longoria herself, including an interview series and a food and culture show. Longoria, along with actress Dania Ramirez, will also executively produce a scripted podcast series based on a true story. SVP, head of production and development for My Cultura, Gisselle Bances says, “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership, and the growth of our network, as we continue to tell our stories and celebrate our Latinidad. We’re thrilled to partner with Eva as we continue to increase the representation and visibility of our community and cultura in the podcast industry and beyond.”…..TuneIn announces a newly inked, multi-year partnership agreement with Major League Baseball ahead of Opening Day that will – for TuneIn Premium subscribers – include live and on-demand game coverage of all 30 MLB teams, on-demand post-game analysis, Spanish-language broadcasting coverage, and spring training play-by-play coverage.
Russia-Ukraine War, Trump’s Putin Request, Gas Prices/Inflation, January 6/Ginni Thomas, Hunter Biden Investigation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, COVID-19, Cawthorn Allegations, and West Bank Violence Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/31). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the war’s effects on the European and American economies; former President Donald Trump beseeches Vladimir Putin with requests for damaging information on President Joe Biden; the high price Americans are paying at the pump and in grocery stores; the January 6 committee’s investigation and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife Ginni’s texts to Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows asking him to overturn the 2020 election; the DOJ’s investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns about the Omicron BA.2 variant; GOP Congressman Madison Cawthorn tells a reporter powerful Republicans invited him to an orgy and did cocaine; and the Palestinian-Israeli violence in the West Bank were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Is Your Show the Dog? Or the Tail? “Spoiler Alert: Both!” consultant Holland Cooke reckons. As radio faces new audio competitors, HC follows up last week’s column “Weekend Warriors: Renegotiate” by outlining tactics that make ask-the-expert hosts sound popular and preeminent and leverage on-air shows to the digital on-demand platform listeners and advertisers increasingly favor. Read more here.
Pending Business: Marketing Madness. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the innovation that’s taken place in the static advertising realm – bus shelters and taxi tops, for example. He says that talk radio also has the ability to create innovative marketing opportunities for clients within its own technological parameters. In fact, it’s crucial to competing. “Developing and presenting unique, cutting-edge sales and marketing solutions is a relationship builder that can cement a long-term bond,” he says. Read more here.
Beasley Media Group Names Kevin Rich VP of Operations. Radio executive Kevin Rich joins Beasley Media Group as vice president of operations, effective April 18, 2022. Rich was most recently market president and chief revenue and content officer at Townsquare Media’s Albany operations in which he was responsible for overseeing and
managing the market with a focus on generating revenue across the company’s media and entertainment platforms. In his new role with Beasley, Rich will work closely with company president Bruce Beasley, chief operating officer Brian Beasley and vice president of operations Brad 
Beasley in overseeing the day-to-day business of the company’s 62 radio stations and multiple platforms. Company CEO Caroline Beasley says, “It’s an absolute privilege to welcome Kevin into our Beasley Media Group family. His credentials and leadership skills are the perfect fit with our organization. We look forward to Kevin sharing his outstanding strategic skill set, especially on the digital side of the business, with our teams across the organization.” Rich comments, “I am thrilled to join the Beasley Media family at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. This is an exciting time for our industry, and I am honored to be joining such a talented team as we continue to deliver the very best content, provide comprehensive solutions to advertisers, and strengthen our market presence in the communities we serve.”
Detroit News Radio Pro Ken Rogulski Joins WHMI-FM, Howell as News Director. Radio news pro Ken Rogulski is named news director and morning drive news anchor at Krol Communications’ full-service/classic hits WHMI-FM, Howell, Michigan. Rogulski
has held down a number of assignments at WJR-AM, Detroit for almost two decades including newscaster, street reporter, fill-in talk show host for the late Frank Beckmann, and performing his live annual broadcast from the policy conference on Mackinac Island. He is recipient of numerous awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, The Associated Press and The Society of Professional Journalists as well as having been a correspondent for ABC News and Westwood One News. Rogulski will lead the news staff that includes Jessica Mathews, Mike Kruzman, and Tom Tolen.
WLW, Cincinnati Celebrates 100 Years. The iHeartMedia station that was once a 500,000-watt signal dubbed “The Nation’s Station” celebrated its 100th birthday on
March 23. WLW, Cincinnati is one of a number of heritage stations that launched in 1922. iHeartMedia’s WGY, Albany also celebrated its 100th this year. “Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo has two WLW videos that TALKERS readers may find interesting. The first is from a WLW Radio reunion produced in March of 2020 by Vuolo and current Nexstar Media executive Sean Compton. The second is a tour of the station’s transmitter with Randy Michaels produced on December 9, 1985.
WWL, New Orleans to Commemorate 100th Year of Broadcasting. As NOLA.com reports, New Orleans news/talk WWL-AM is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first broadcast on March 31, 1922. WWL was the first station to serve the lower Mississippi
River valley. The NOLA piece notes that “WWL was an outgrowth of physics experiments and wireless radio classes offered at Loyola University as early as 1907. On March 31, 1922, WWL’s first broadcast from Loyola’s Marquette Hall consisted of an on-air fundraising appeal from Father Edward Cummings, S.J., Loyola University’s president, followed by someone playing a few songs on an upright piano.” Loyola operated the station until 1989 when it sold the station and its sister WLMG-FM to Keymarket Communications.
TALKERS News Notes. A partnership between iHeartMedia and Collab Inc will result in the creation of Curativity, LLC, a new podcast studio publishing creator-centric shows with Collab’s top talent, as well as the debut a new slate of family shows. The Curativity kids slate will kick off with three shows featuring popular kids Collab talent Mr. Jim, including a new weekly series, “Spyology Squad,” set to launch April 4. In addition, the kids’ programs, “Kids Animal Stories,” and “Kids Short Stories,” will join the slate…..Milwaukee Board of School Directors-owned triple A WYMS-FM, Milwaukee “88Nine Radio Milwaukee” expands its flagship “Community Stories” program into a full-length weekly podcast called, “Uniquely Milwaukee.” The podcast launch is part of Radio Milwaukee’s 15th birthday celebration this year, growing a program that has been a part of its mission-driven offerings since 2007. The first episode of “Uniquely Milwaukee” centers on bodegas in the city. Station director of content Nate Imig says, “‘Community Stories’ are a beloved part of Radio Milwaukee. By expanding this content into a weekly thematic podcast, ‘Uniquely Milwaukee’ will greatly increase the amount of stories we’re able to share with listeners.”
Ukraine Song Getting Airplay, Garnering Downloads. A song penned by Streamline
Publishing chairman and CEO Eric Rhoads is getting airplay on radio stations in the U.S. and has also been one of the most downloaded songs the past couple of weeks. Rhoads, whose company publishes radio trades Radio Ink and RBR-TVBR, says he decided “we needed a ‘we are the world’ kind of anthem. I wrote a title called, ‘Tears for Ukraine,’ and some lyrics. I then went to Billy Craig, he co-wrote with me and produced it.” You can hear the song here.
Russia-Ukraine War, Biden at NATO, COVID-19, Gas Prices/Inflation, Brown Confirmation Hearings, Ginni Thomas and January 6, Midterms and Trump & the GOP, and the Oscars Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; President Joe Biden calls for Vladimir Putin to be removed from power at NATO conference; concerns about the Omicron BA.2 variant that’s rampant in the U.K. and parts of Asia; Americans’ frustration over high gas prices and the high cost of consumer retail goods; the aftermath of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Katanji Jackson Brown; the January 6 committee’s investigation and texts between Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife Ginni and Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows in which she appears to urge him to overturn the 2020 election results; the battle for control of congress in November’s midterm elections and speculation about Donald Trump’s potential 2024 run; and Sunday night’s Oscars telecast were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to research from TALKERS magazine.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Have you noticed the marketing driving the madness this March? The marketing machine seems to be present everywhere — especially the sports book marketing. It’s reinventing how marketers use some old school media.
Last time we noticed, our friends in the bus shelter business simply painted bus bench backs or posted large signage in the bus shelters. This static advertising supported branding, location-based ads, and in the case of the old school bus bench, catchy phrase, logo or headshot and phone number.
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Midnight in Moscow,” looks back at this past week of 3/21 to 3/25. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Jennifer Horn, talk show host, KRLA (AM 860 The Answer), Los Angeles; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Ivan Pentchoukov, national editor, The Epoch Times. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Townsquare Media to Acquire Cherry Creek Broadcasting for $18.75 Million. This deal for Townsquare Media, Inc. to acquire Cherry Creek Broadcasting LLC for $18.75 million will add assets including 35 radio stations in nine markets to Townsquare’s portfolio, which will include 356 stations in 74 markets when the deal is closed sometime in the third quarter of this year. To accomplish the transaction, and due to FCC ownership regulations, Townsquare will divest six radio stations in Missoula, Montana, to Anderson Broadcasting, Legacy Broadcasting (a non-profit
organization), and Missoula Community Radio (also a non-profit organization), and place two radio stations in Tri-Cities, Washington in a divestiture trust. Townsquare says this transaction solidifies its position as the only local media and digital marketing solutions company of scale focused principally on markets outside of the top 50 in the United States, a vital differentiator for the company. Company CEO Bill Wilson comments, “We are very excited to announce the acquisition of Cherry Creek’s market leading local media 
brands. The acquisition includes many local heritage brands with strong competitive positions, meaningful audience share, and very talented local teams. This represents an excellent opportunity to deploy our Digital First Local Media strategy across a broader footprint, bringing our national scale, strong digital platform, and resources to the local communities and local businesses in these markets, building upon the strong relationships these local teams have already built with their communities. We look forward to accelerating the digital growth in these markets as we implement our flywheel of powerful and effective marketing and advertising (digital and radio) solutions and technology platforms, in combination with our highly relevant, localized content on air and online. We believe this acquisition furthers our goal of being the #1 Digital First Local Media Company in markets outside of the top 50 in the United States.” This transaction is being funded with cash on hand and Townsquare CFO Stuart Rosenstein states, “This acquisition represents a compelling use of capital that aligns with our priorities of investing in our local business through both organic investments and prudent acquisitions that support our revenue and profit growth. This acquisition is net leverage neutral and due to the strong cash generation of our business and the acquired assets, will not impact our ability to reach our goal of 4x net leverage by year end.” The Cherry Creek LLC stations in this deal are located in the following markets: Butte, Great Falls, and Missoula, Montana; Montrose, Colorado; Sierra Vista, Arizona; St. George-Cedar City, Utah; Tri-Cities and Wenatchee, Washington; and Williston, North Dakota.
Round Four of February PPM Ratings Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 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 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM rises two-tenths for a 7.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains #3 in the market while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF drops 1.3 shares for a 2.0 share finish and falls back to the #13 rank. Emmis Communications’ news/talk WIBC, Indianapolis sheds nine-tenths for a 9.7 share finish but remains ranked #2 in the market. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN falls from #1 to #2 after dipping two-tenths for a 9.5 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ adds four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 7.6 share that keeps it in the #4 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WOKV-FM, Jacksonville posts a 10.6 share after rising six-tenths and that is good for the #1 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the previous three groups) here.
Rhode Island Talk Radio Host John DePetro Continues Reporting from Ukraine. WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk radio host John DePetro is pictured above (right) interviewing displaced Ukrainian Andre (left) who is serving as a volunteer in Western Ukraine helping his fellow citizens who’ve lost their homes. DePetro says that the situation in his Western Ukrainian location is “very tense.” So much so that for security reasons, journalists now face being incarcerated for taking any type of military photo or photo showing a specific location. See his video report here.
Audacy’s WJZ-FM, Baltimore Debuts ‘Baltimore Baseball Tonight’ Program. The new “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” program on Audacy’s WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” will be hosted by midday personality Bob Haynie, Orioles legends Bill Ripken and Mike Bordick, former Orioles vice president of baseball operations Jim Duquette, and
105.7 The Fan’s Orioles beat reporter Cordell Woodland. Beginning Opening Day on April 7, the show will air at 6:00 pm ET on game nights and broadcast live from Pickles Pub across the street from the stadium when the team is home. When the team is on the road, the show will be live from various locations, including the 105.7 The Fan studios. Audacy Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys says, “‘Baltimore Baseball Tonight’ will give fans an in-depth preview of the Baltimore professional baseball team throughout the season and bring them closer to the game than ever before. We’re also extremely excited to get back out with the fans at Pickles Pub and share our collective passion for the team alongside Bob, Bill, Mike, Jim and Cordell – five individuals who have decades of insight on the team.”
TALKERS News Notes. According to data from Comscore, FOX News Digital finished February as the top-performing news brand in the competitive set in both multiplatform views and multiplatform minutes. FOX News Digital says it delivered 2.9 billion
multiplatform minutes and over 1.4 billion multiplatform views, while posting increases in multiplatform unique visitors and multiplatform minutes versus the prior month. February also marked the 12th straight month that FOX News outpaced every news organization in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes. While FOX News Digital topped primary competitor CNN.com in multiplatform total views and multiplatform total minutes, CNN.com beat FOX News 
Digital in multiplatform unique visitors by a margin of almost two to one…..As reported in Pittsburgh’s TribLive, sports radio pro Adam Crowley leaves iHeartMedia’s sports talk WBGG-AM “ESPN Pittsburgh” to join Audacy’s crosstown sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” for weekend, fill-in, and producer duties…..Actor, director and educator LeVar Burton will receive the first-ever Insight Award from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting, history and American culture during the NAB Show Welcome on Monday, April 25 in Las Vegas. The Insight Award recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Burton is known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed television mini-series “Roots” and as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” A lifelong children’s literacy advocate, Burton was host and executive producer of “Reading Rainbow,” one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history, during its 26-year run from 1983 to 2009. The show received more than 25 
Emmy Awards, including 10 for Outstanding Children’s Series, and was honored with a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 1992…..Host David Marzetti’s weekend golf program, “The Shagbag Radio Show,” is celebrating its 20thanniversary on April 2. The program is heard on iHeartMedia’s KION-AM, Salinas, California each Saturday. Marzetti, who broadcasts the program remotely from the Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, says he has never missed a live show in its 20 years on air – even during the pandemic shutdown – and has featured more than 4,000 guests on over 1,000 shows in its 20-year run.
Russia-Ukraine War Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 21-25. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the global effects of the conflict made it the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s leading a NATO summit addressing the Ukraine invasion, followed at #3 by U.S. relations with Russia and China and tied with North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile test. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Westwood One Seeks Part-Time Producer. This is a Washington, DC-based position for a part-time producer to support the “Jim Bohannon Show,” “America in the Morning” and “First Light.” The producer performs all the functions of the producer for
vacation relief and other times and will assist with the production of the programs, including news assignments, call screening, podcast and archive uploading, and other responsibilities as needed. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge of news events and passion for radio. They must be able to multitask and handle a fast-paced working environment, be detail-oriented, prompt and reliable, thrive on working as part of a team and respond well to direction. Must possess excellent writing and storytelling skills. Get more information and apply here.
February 2022 PPM Data – Information for the February 2022 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 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2
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 2022 – February 2022 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, eighth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, second to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, second month in a row, flat at 8.7
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country KASE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease (Tie): regional Mexican KLZT and classic rock KLBJ-FM (-1.1)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, remains in third-place
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 3.3 – 2.0, -1.3, #11 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 1.8, -.9, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.6 – 8.5, -1.1, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, second consecutive month, 9.6 – 8.5, -1.1
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult hits WBBB (+1.7)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTF (-1.3)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 10.6 – 9.7, -.9, repeats at #2
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Pacers) 4.6 – 3.9, -.7, eighth to tenth
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” steady at .9, anchored at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, second successive month, 11.2 – 12.1 +.9
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+1.4)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: news/talk WIBC (-.9)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 9.5, -.2, first to second
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.2 – 7.6, +.4, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, flat at #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #15 to #16
Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.2 – .8, -.4, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.8 – 5.6, +.8, ninth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 9.3 – 10.2, +.9
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: country WMIL (-1.8)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.9 – 7.2, +.3, second to third
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #13 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 2.4, -2.3, #9 to #14
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.1 – .7, -.4, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 6.6 – 6.0, -.6, fourth to sixth
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, second month in a row, 7.2 – 8.2, +1.0
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase (Tie): adult hits WCJK and country WSM-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WGFX (-2.3)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 7.0 – 6.9, -.1, third to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .7 – .8, +.1, #16 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, and Bruins) 4.4 – 3.7, -.7, sixth to eighth
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 4.2 – 3.6, -.6, seventh to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, locked at #10
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, first month, 10.4 – 11.1, +.7
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WCTK and sports talk WBZ-FM (-.7)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.3, #13 to #14
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .5 – .3, -.2, #21 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #17 to #18
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .6 – .3, -.3, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, second straight month, 11.1 – 10.6, -.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WVBW (-1.2)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 9.6 – 10.2 +.6, #1
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, #12 to #10
Number One 6+: news/talk WOKV-FM, second consecutive month, 9.6 – 10.2 +.6
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WEZI (+1.6)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.3)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, eighth to ninth
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” flat at 1.7, unchanged at #11
iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #11 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” steady at .6, repeats at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN flat at 3.2, stays in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, second month in succession, 9.1 – 9.6, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKGR (-2.4)*
*Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, remains in fifth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” .6 – .5, -.1, stays at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, repeats at #14
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, second straight month, 14.2 – 13.4, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country WPAW (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WQMG; news/talk WPTI; and country WTQR (-.8)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #12 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.7 – 3.5, -1.2, eighth to tenth and WMFS’ internet stream flat at .7, anchored at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO 2.6 – 1.3, -1.3, #12 to #17
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, second successive month, 14.1 – 12.4, -1.7
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: urban AC KJMS (+1.8)**
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (-1.7)
**Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” steady at 5.3, unchanged at #7 and WTIC-AM’s internet stream .5 – 1.5, +1.0, #16 to #13
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut”.9 – 1.1, +.2, #15 to #14
iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” .2, #20 (WPOP was unlisted in January 2022)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, remains at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 8.6 – 9.6, +1.0, continues in second-place
New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .4, -.1, #16 to #19
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 24th successive month, 11.6 – 10.9, -.7
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase (Tie): public radio news/talk WNPR and news/talk WTIC-AM’s internet stream (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WHCN (-2.0)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Casey Daniels Named Co-Host of WIBC-FM, Indianapolis’ Late Morning Show. Radio and television pro Casey Daniels is joining Emmis Communications to co-host the late morning daypart on news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis alongside Rob Kendall.
Daniels was most recently program director of Grand Rapids’ classic hits WFGR. Prior to that, she spent six years hosting and producing a daytime talk show for WSBT-TV, South Bend. Emmis Indy VP of programming David Wood says, “Casey is a storyteller with great curiosity and creativity. Pairing her with Rob Kendall and his deep knowledge of how local and state government works (or doesn’t work) will create a very entertaining and informative show.” The new “Kendall and Casey Show” will begin on April 4. Daniels says, “I’m so thrilled to be back home again in Indiana at legendary 93 WIBC. I want to thank Taja Graham, David Wood, Matt Hibbeln and Rob Kendall. I’m grateful for this amazing opportunity and what’s next. I’ll see you on the circle!”
Jon Johnson New Overnight Host on Sports Talk WIP, Philadelphia. According to a report at Crossing Broad, Jon Johnson is assuming the role of overnight sports talk host at WIP, Philadelphia. Johnson tweeted: “Some professional news: I will be taking
over for my good friend Big Daddy Graham & becoming the full-time host of the @SportsRadioWIP overnight show, starting tonight. In addition, I will still be part of @WIPMorningShow, & back at WFC, CBP covering big games again.” About Johnson’s recent role with the station, Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead writes, “This is interesting. Jon has been a Swiss army knife for WIP for a long time now, filling a variety of shifts and roles. He covers for Angelo [Cataldi] in the mornings, works night and weekend shifts, and goes down to Citizens Bank Park and The Wells Fargo Center for games.” Big Daddy Graham passed away last September after a series of health issues.
Round Three of February PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 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 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2. 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 tacks on one-tenth for a 7.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #4, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM rises three-tenths to a 3.1 share good for the #14 rank. iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento falls six-tenths to finish with a 6.5 share but remains ranked #3. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM claims the #1 rank after climbing eight-tenths to an 8.4 share, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses half a share to finish with a 6.0 share good for the #4 rank. Audacy’s KMBZ-FM, Kansas City adds six-tenths for a 7.8 share finish that boosts it to the #1 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.
Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2022: Online Audio Consumption Jumps. The 2022 edition of Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial study was unveiled yesterday (3/23) at the Podcast Movement: Evolutions conference in Los Angeles. The big takeaway is that online audio consumption in the U.S. showed significant gains year-over-year. According to the data, 73% of the U.S. 12+ population (an estimated 209 million
people) have listened to online audio in the last month, up from 68% in 2021. This jump was primarily driven by listeners age 35+, as the number of those age 35+ who listen to online audio monthly increased by 13% year-over-year. Weekly online audio listening also rose to 67% of the U.S. 12+ population, up from 62% in 2021. The report goes on to conclude that podcasting’s reach is wider than ever but listening behaviors have shifted a bit as Americans return to pre-pandemic routines. Sixty-two percent of those age 12+ in the U.S. (an estimated 177 million people) have ever listened to a podcast, up from 57% last year. Podcast listening – which skyrocketed during the beginning of the pandemic – has tailed off. Edison’s Tom Webster says, “Clearly, Americans went back to work and back to school last year, which brought podcasting numbers back in line with pre-pandemic figures. However, the trend line continues to go up, particularly with 35-54 year olds.”
‘On Being’ Host Krista Tippett Leaving Public Radio System. The executive producer and host of the award-winning public radio show and podcast “On Being” announces she will leave the public radio system effective this June. The national
weekly show, which began as “Speaking of Faith” in July 2003, and was renamed “On Being” in 2010, will continue this fall as a seasonally produced podcast. Krista Tippett says, “The front edge of growth of the organization I founded in 2013, The On Being Project, is at the intersection of media and long-term social healing. It’s time for us to live more fully into that mission, and for me to be differently present to this moment in the life of the world. For me personally, this is an energizing and necessary transition. After hosting 52 weeks of programming a year for close to 20 years, I’m ready to move to a more sustainable rhythm and to open space and time for writing, public engagement, and new extensions of our content in the world that is emerging.” “On Being” is distributed by WNYC/New York Public Radio and has more than 650,000 weekly radio listeners on public radio stations around the country. The podcast has had over 375 million total plays and downloads.
Veritonic: Audio Logo Index Ranks Top Audio Logos. The results of Veritonic’s annual Audio Logo Index reveal the top in-market audio logos for overall effectiveness. An audio logo is the spoken or sung portion of an audio ad that identifies the product or service. The company says that effectiveness is measured by logo recall, creative
resonance (i.e. uniqueness, trustworthiness, and innovation), and correct association to the brand and industry. Each logo is compared to Veritonic audio logo benchmarks developed and trained by 6-plus years of audio and human response data. This report was compiled based on responses from more than 2,800 panelists that represent the general U.S. population. The best audio logos score highly in 1) creative resonance because the most effective executions elicit resonant and positive feelings towards a brand; 2) in recall as memorability of a brand is paramount for winning future sales; and 3) in association because an audio logo is only effective if the brand is continuously and consistently associated with it (and not one of your competitors). The top audio logos in the 2022 study were: #1 Folgers, #2 State Farm, #3 Liberty Mutual, and #4 Farmers Insurance. You can see more about the study results and hear audio logo samples here.
KFAN’s Dan Barreiro Inducted into Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Twin Cities sports talk host Dan Barreiro was recently inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Barreiro is host of the afternoon drive “Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro” program at iHeartMedia’s KFXN-FM, Minneapolis “KFAN 100.3” as
well as the “Sunday Sermons with Dan Barreiro” weekend show. Barreiro was a sports columnist at the Star Tribune for 17 years. He joined KFAN in 1992. He also co-hosts the Fox 9 television program “Enough Said” on Friday nights. iHeartMedia market president Greg Alexander says, “Dan epitomizes the make-up of a tremendous talk show in the Twin Cities. He puts together compelling interviews and has the ability to break down any and every topic to entertain our listeners. He is a true talent.” SVP of programming Gregg Swedberg adds, “There isn’t a radio personality who has had the kind of ratings success over the last three decades than Dan Barreiro. He has done it by hosting intelligent, entertaining, and compelling radio. He’s more than the ‘Big Ticket,’ he is the blueprint.”
KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno Celebrates 100 Years of Service. Fresno news/talk KMJ celebrated its 100th birthday on March 23. Cumulus Media kicked off the station’s year-long Centennial celebration that will include a concert to be announced and a documentary film. KMJ began broadcasting on March 23, 1922 and is the 38th oldest licensed and continually operating radio station in America. It was originally owned by the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation, was later acquired by the McClatchy
Newspaper Company in 1925 and has seen a handful of owners in the past century. Cumulus Fresno VP and market manager Patty Hixson says, “I started listening to KMJ in my 20s. Over the past 33-plus years, I have had the great honor and privilege to have worked with some of the greatest talent in the business, both on air and in sales. I am truly grateful and humbled by the fact that I have been so blessed to serve our valued listeners – this is my home! The KMJ brand will continue to serve our community and central California through continued focus on relevant content, philanthropy, and ethical business practices. Every day we aspire to be great and it’s the men and women that work here every day, and have done so for the past 100 years, who deserve all the credit for achieving such a wonderful milestone.” Station program director Blake Taylor says, “It’s been an amazing run, and it’s far from over. KMJ has covered everything from the Harding administration to the Biden White House. Terrible tragedies to inspirational triumphs and everything in between. The service to the public of Fresno and the entire Central Valley of California will continue to be our sole focus for the next 100 years.”
TALKERS News Notes. Washington, DC sports talk outlet WTEM “The Team 980” will no longer serve as the flagship station for play-by-play of the NFL’s Washington
Commanders. The station – formerly owned by Commanders team owner Dan Snyder – is now owned by Audacy and the station issued a statement on its website that host Kevin Sheehan made on air. It reads: “The organization and the company ‘disagreed on the value of the broadcasts [and] it is also very important for us as a sports talk station, even as a long-time flagship station for the team, it was important for us to continue to be able to provide honest, objective information and analysis about the [Commanders] on our talk shows.” The station obviously believed it could not report objectively while in a financial relationship with the team…..One of radio’s hardest-working talk hosts is adding some fill-in work to his schedule. WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive personality Simon Conway –
who is simulcast to WMT, Cedar Rapids and WOC, Quad Cities – is filling in on iHeartMedia sister station WFLF, Orlando “WFLA” for “Good Morning Orlando” host Bud Hedinger, who is set to undergo heart bypass surgery. In addition, Conway will also be hosting the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated “The Weekend” show on Saturday (3/26)…..G Accelerate 
Networks announces it has signed a long-term agreement with the “Lou Dobbs Financial Reports” for exclusive advertising sales, affiliate sales, and distribution. The feature – delivered three times daily Monday through Friday, will launch April 18…..SiriusXM enters into a multi-platform agreement with Crooked Media, the independent progressive media company that produces “Pod Save America,” “Lovett or Leave It,” and “Pod Save the World,” through the 2024 election cycle and beyond. The agreement gives SXM Media, the advertising sales arm of Sirius XM Holdings Inc., exclusive global ad sales rights to Crooked Media’s extensive lineup of podcasts beginning in May. SXM Media also gains sales and sponsorship rights to digital video, social media, and live events produced by Crooked Media.
Russia-Ukraine War, Biden Europe Trip, Jackson Confirmation Hearings, Gas Prices/Inflation, COVID-19, Idaho Abortion Law, and Madeleine Albright Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/23). The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Vladimir Putin’s threats to the West, and the economic effects of the disruption in Europe; President Joe Biden travels to Europe to rally support against Russia; day three of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson; still-soaring gas prices in the U.S. and the high consumer retail prices; concerns about the Omicron BA.2 variant and the airlines ask Biden to let mask mandates expire next month; Idaho Governor Brad Little signs new, restrictive abortion policy into law; and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright dies at 84 among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
February 2022 PPM Data – Information for the February 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2
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 2022 – February 2022 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.6 – 7.7, +.1, repeats in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #15 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 10.1 – 8.9, -1.2, #1 and KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #19
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, second month in succession, 10.1 – 8.9, -1.2
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country KUPL (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-1.5)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, #13 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, flat at #16
Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .3 – .4, +.1, stays at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, #12 to #8
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .4 – .5, +.1, remains at #19
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, first month, 4.4 – 6.3, +1.9
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WKQC (+1.9)*
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (-.7)
*Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Note: Roughly two weeks into the February 2022 sweep (2/16), Radio One flipped urban contemporary WQNC to sports talk WFNZ-FM.
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, eighth to seventh
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, unchanged at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, flat at #12
Number One 6+ (Tie): Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, first month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3 and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, first month, 7.0 – 7.1, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country KAJA (+1.4)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic rock KTKX (-1.4)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.1 – 6.5, -.6, locked in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” 1.3 – .9, -.4, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, second month in a row, 9.3 – 10.2, +.9
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country KNCI (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: rock KRXQ (-.8)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 9.1 – 7.5, -1.6, second to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in succession, 10.1 – 10.8, +.7
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult hits WRRK (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KDKA-FM (-1.6)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.6 – 8.4, +.8, #2 to #1
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, eighth to tenth
Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS, first month, 7.6 – 8.4, +.8
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classical KBYU (+1.6)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KRSP (-1.2)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.4 – 2.2, +.8, #23 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #14 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.9 – 7.4, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KXQQ (-.7)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.2 – 6.3, +.1, sixth to fourth and cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #19 to #16
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, anchored at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 2.0 – 1.5, -.5, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #13 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, second straight month, 8.3 – 7.9, -.4
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock WMMO (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WOEX (-.7)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.5 – 12.3, +.8, locked in second-place and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 7.0 – 5.3, -1.7, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #17 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 4.8 – 5.1, +.3, sixth to fifth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR, second successive month, 13.4 – 12.6, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: news/talk WLW (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.7 – 5.5, +.8, seventh to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.4 – 4.2, -1.2, #6 to #11 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #16 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #11 to #9
Kent State University-owned WKSU flat at 1.5, steady at #15
Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, second month in a row, 11.3 – 11.1, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WTAM and country WGAR (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 7.2 – 7.8, +.6, #3 to #1 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” .5 – .9, +.4, #22 to #20
Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .5 – .9, +.4, #22 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.9 – 1.5, -1.4, #12 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, fifth to fourth
Number One 6+: news/talk KMBZ-FM, first month, 7.2 – 7.8, +.6
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC KZPT and country KBEQ (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-1.4)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 8.5 – 9.3, +.8, #3 to #1
News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” flat at .3, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.5 – 8.8, -.7, #1 to #2 and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” flat at .6, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.7 – 8.3, +.6, fifth to third
Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, first month, 8.5 – 9.3, +.8
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WSNY (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: CHR WNCI (-1.2)
Up next: February 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
Denver Talk Radio Host Peter Boyles Announces Retirement. Longtime Denver talk radio personality Peter Boyles called in to his own show on Salem Media Group’s KNUS-AM while on vacation to tell his listeners that he will be retiring from his radio
program. As reported by Westword, his March 21 call to substitute host George Brauchler included Boyles saying, “Everything has a beginning and a middle and an end. And I see an end coming.” Boyles recently suffered a 
health episode while on air that he referred to as an “event” and a “mini-stroke.” Boyles, who will soon turn 79, announced that there will be a five-hour “going away” show on April 1 that will include former KOA personality Mike Rosen. Boyles spent a large part of his Denver talk career at iHeartMedia’s KHOW where he hosted the morning drive show for almost 20 years. He was fired from KHOW in 2013 after getting into a physical confrontation with producer Greg Hollenback, but quickly landed his current gig with Salem’s KNUS. Boyles said during his call-in, “I remember the old-timers saying, ‘When the time comes, you’ll know it.’”
Charlie Kirk Latest Talk Host to Have Twitter Account Frozen. A report from Benzinga indicates that Salem Media Group personality Charlie Kirk’s Twitter account was frozen yesterday (3/22) after the social media platform ruled that his tweet about
transgender Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine violated its rules against “hateful conduct.” Kirk tweeted: “Richard Levine spent 54 years of his life as a man. He had a wife and family. He ‘transitioned’ to being a woman in 2011, Joe Biden appointed Levine to be a 4-Star Admiral, and now USA Today has named ‘Rachel’ Levine as a ‘Woman of the Year’ Where are the feminists??” Kirk responded, “Everything I said was precisely accurate and yet, Twitter still suspended my account. That should terrify every American, even those who disagree with me. What they want is submission. They have become the enemy of the truth.”
Leila Rahimi Promoted at Chicago TV Station; Will Continue Part Time with ‘The Score.’ Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that sports radio personality Leila Rahimi, co-host of the late morning show on Audacy’s WSCR-AM “The Score,” is being
promoted at WMAQ-TV to full-time sports anchor. The move means that Rahimi will reduce her work with co-host Dan Bernstein at “The Score” to part time. WSCR program director Mitch Rosen says in an email to his staff, “Leila will be in studio each and every Wednesday [from 9 a.m. to noon], co-hosting with Dan and adding great commentary and her unique perspective on the world of sports. Leila is a tremendous asset to The Score, and we are grateful she remains a big part of our team and that Score listeners will continue to hear Leila across all of our platforms.”
Audacy Rebrands Greenville-Spartanburg Sports Talker as ‘The Fan Upstate.’ Sports talk WORD-AM/WYRD-AM in Greenville-Spartanburg is rebranding as “The Fan Upstate” after Audacy ends the stations’ affiliation with ESPN and signs on with CBS
Sports Radio. The company says, “‘The Fan’ will continue delivering live, local content including the award-winning ‘Rob Brown Show’ and award-winning ‘Offsides with Marc Ryan’ and will now be home to CBS Sports Radio and BetQL programming. ‘The Fan Upstate’ will also continue to serve as the play-by-play home for Furman University Paladins football and basketball as well as Byrnes High School football.” Audacy SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi comments, “After years of constantly changing, syndicated ESPN content, we have made the exciting move to bring new and relevant sports talk content to our listeners in the Upstate. ‘The Fan Upstate’ will aim to provide the best original sports talk and sports betting content that our fans crave.”
Round Two of February 2022 PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this round of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish with a 4.9 share (6+, weekly AQH share) and climbs to the #9 rank. Meanwhile, Hubbard Radio’s crosstown all-news WTOP loses seven-tenths, finishing with a 7.3 share and slides from the #2 rank to #4. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston drops nine-tenths to post a 3.6 share and falls from #7 to #10, while the company’s all-news WBZ-AM sheds two-tenths and wraps the survey with a 6.2 share good for the #5 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville International’s news/talk KIRO-FM sits at #1 after adding a half share and finishing with a 7.4 share while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM rises a half share to a 5.7 share and climbs from #5 to #2. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.
TALKERS News Notes. In the wake of the recent passing of NFL insider and KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports” personality John Clayton, the station and owner Bonneville
International are launching the “John Clayton Memorial Fund” to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, an MS research organization supported by Clayton, as well as his wife, Pat. The Fund has received an initial investment of $10,000 donated by Bonneville. Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “The MS Society was an important charity for John and his wife Pat. The John Clayton Memorial Fund is a wonderful way for everyone to honor his memory and make a difference in the lives of others through a cause that meant so much to John.” Clayton served with the station for 14 years. He died on March 18 after an illness…..SiriusXM announces the upcoming launch of “Basic!,” an original SXM Podcast series, produced in conjunction with Pantheon Media and hosted by media veteran Doug Herzog and TV critic Jen Chaney. The series explores “the glory days of cable television, celebrating an era in pop culture when networks like MTV, Comedy Central, FX and ESPN changed the television landscape with groundbreaking, innovative programming.” Each episode will include guests who thrived and starred on cable TV including Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Schumer, Fab Five Freddy, Cindy Crawford, Neal Brennan, Tim Gunn and many more. The podcast premieres on May 18 and will also begin airing on SiriusXM’s Volume channel this spring.
Russia-Ukraine War, Jackson Confirmation Hearings, Biden European Trip, COVID-19, Gas Prices/Inflation, Chinese Airliner Crash, and Severe Southern Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/22). The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rest of the world’s reactions; the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees Ketanji Brown Jackson; President Joe Biden begins his visit to Europe; concerns about the spread of the Omicron BA.2 variant in the U.S.; the still-soaring price of gas at the pump and the high consumer retail prices; the mystery of the deadly crash of a Chinese passenger airliner; and the severe weather hitting the U.S. South that spawned a tornado in New Orleans were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
February 2022 PPM Data – Information for the February 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2
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 2022 – February 2022 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 4.1, +.5, #12 to #9
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, second to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 3.0 – 2.0, -1.0, #13 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 9.6 – 10.8, +1.2, #1
Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW steady at .7, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, second month in succession, 9.6 – 10.8, +1.2
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WAMU (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classical WETA (-1.1)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.5 – 3.6, -.9, seventh to tenth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.4 – 6.2, -.2, fourth to fifth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 8.3 – 6.3, -2.0, first to fourth
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to seventh
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.0, -.4, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 6.9 – 8.4, +1.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WROR (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.0)
MIAMI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” unchanged at 2.0, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second consecutive month, 8.3 – 9.1, +.8
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WFEZ (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WQAM (-.5)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, #1
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.2 – 5.7, +.5, fifth to second
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, third to fifth
Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.4, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: news/talk KVI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KIRO-AM (-.9)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #13 to #14
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, locked in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons and Red Wings) 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, repeats at #7
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, steady at #15
Wayne State University’s WDET 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #15 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, second consecutive month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country WYCD (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: the internet stream of sports talk WXYT-FM (-.7)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in third-place
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #13 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 6.5 – 6.3, -.2, anchored at #2
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, seventeenth consecutive month, 8.4 – 6.5, -1.9
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KLNZ (+.5)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.9)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, eighth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, unchanged at #14
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, third to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.4 – 6.6, -.8, locked in second-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, second month in a row, 10.6 – 10.1, -.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: hot AC KTCZ (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.6)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, repeats at #13
News: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, third to second
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.1, -.1
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: alternative XTRA-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC (-.7)
Statistical Oddity: There’s a six-way logjam at #4
TAMPA
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 3.3 – 4.4, +1.1, #11 to #7
Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #13 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.9 – 1.2, -.7, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #17 to #15
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, sixth month in a row, 8.1 – 8.6, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WXGL (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.3)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #11 to #16; KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17; and KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 1.7, -.6, #17 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.9 – 2.7, -1.2, #9 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, repeats in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock KQMT (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KKFN (-1.2)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, #9 to #11
Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13
Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .6 – 1.2, +.6, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 3.8, -.9, sixth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 5.7 – 3.8, -1.9, fifth to eighth
Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, first month, 7.4 – 8.6, +1.2
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: CHR WWMX (+2.0)*
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WYPR (-1.9)
*Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #12 to #11; KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #11 to #13; and KFTK’s internet stream .8 – .9, +.1, repeats at #19
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .8, +.1, flat at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, ninth to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #17
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, second month in a row, 8.5 – 8.6, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: country KSD (-2.8)**
**Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: February 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com