April 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One
April 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
For context, MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.
Meanwhile, NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 4.0 – 3.2, #9 – #11
WOR 1.6 – 1.4, #20 – #20
WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23
WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #34 – #37
News
WINS-FM 4.6 – 4.7, #5 – #5
WCBS-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #14 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #32 – #34
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #32 – #34
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #45 – #39 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 1.9 – 2.3, #15 -#13 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – 1.1, #26 -#22 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.0, #9 – #8
WNYC-AM 1.0 – .6, #23 – #27
Notes: The +.5 registered by sports talk WFAN’s internet stream (.6 – 1.1) represents New York’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase; conversely, news/talk WABC’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.
The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 5.5 – 4.6, #3 – #3
KRLA .7 – .9, #33 – #32
KEIB .7 – .6, #33 – #34 (Clippers)
News
KNX-FM 3.0 – 3.4, #10 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #38
Sports Talk
KLAC .8 – 1.6, #32 – #27 (Dodgers, Clippers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 2.2 – 2.1, #17 – #19
Notes: Whereas sports/talk KLAC’s +.8 (.8 – 1.6) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, news/talk KFI’s -.9 (5.5 – 4.6) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.
The flagship of the Angels and Lakers is sports talk KESN (DNA); Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app; games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 3.2 – 3.8, #9 – #9 (Blackhawks)
WLS-AM 1.4 – .9, #25 – #27
WLIP .1 – .3, #40 – #35
WVON .2 – .2, #38 – #39
WLS-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #40 – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4 – #4
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #40 – #39
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.9 – 3.3, #11 – #10 (Cubs, Bulls)
WSCR Stream .4 – .3, #31 – #35 (Cubs, Bulls)
WSHE-HD2 .1 – .1, #40 – #45
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 2.0 – 2.0, #18 – #18
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22
KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #37
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.2, #3 – #3
KNEW .3 – .3, #30 – #30 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA
KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.0 – 3.9, #10 – #6 (Giants)
KGMZ 2.0 – 1.9, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)
KNBR Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #28 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #37
KGO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37
KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #37
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.2 – 7.1, #2 – #1
KALW .2 – .2, #33 – #32
Notes: Sports/talk KNBR’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.
Games of the San Jose Sharks are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #11
KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #28 – #29 (Mavericks)
KSKY .7 – .6, #33 – #34
KLIF-AM .4 – .3, #35 – #36
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.3 – 1.4, #28 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 3.6 – 3.7, #10 – #10 (Stars)
KRLD-FM 1.7 – 2.3, #24 – #20 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #31 – #31 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 4.2 – 3.1, #5 – #12
Note: Public radio news/talk KERA’s -1.1 (4.2 – 3.1) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.2 – 2.8, #13 – #17 (Astros, Rockets)
KPRC .3 – .4, #28 – #27
News
KXYZ .1 – .1 #32 – #34
Sports Talk
KBME .5 – 1.1, #27 – #23 (Astros, Rockets)
KILT-AM .8 – .9, #26 – #25
KILT-AM Stream .1 – .4, #32 – #27
KFNC .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 2.9 – 2.5, #17 – #18
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.7– 7.1, #2 – #2
WFOM .5 – .2, #26 – #32
WGKA .3 – .2, #30 – #32
WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #35
WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 2.5 – 3.8, #17 – #10 (Braves)
WZGC 3.8 – 3.8, #9 – #10 (Hawks)
WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #29 (Hawks)
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.7 – 3.4, #10 – #13
WRAS .5 – .6, #26 – #25
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: Sports/talk WCNN’s +1.3 (2.5 – 3.8) represents Atlanta’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, while news/talk WSB-AM’s -.6 (4.2 – 3.1) represents a four-way tie for the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.3 – 2.3, #15 – #15
WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #23
WPHT Stream .5 – .7, #27 – #26
WURD .6 – .4, #26 – #27
WURD Stream .2 – .1, #29 – #31
WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31
WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.8 – 5.5, #4 – #6
KYW & WPHI Stream .2 – .3, #29 – #28
WTEL .1 – .1, #31 – #31
Sports Talk
WIP 5.5 – 6.7, #6 – #4 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.1 – 3.1, #13 – #9
Note: Sports/talk WIP’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) represents Philadelphia’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.5 – 1.6, #18 – #18
WOR 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #19
WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #28
News
WINS-FM 4.9 – 5.2, #5 – #2
WCBS-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #17 – #15 (Mets)
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .5, #27 – #24 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .4 – .5, #26 – #24
WINS-FM Stream .6 – .5, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.4 – 2.6, #12 – #11 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #28
Note: The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO .1 – .1, #25 – #25
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .3, #23 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .3 – .4 #19 – #19
KPCC .1 – .1, #25 – #25
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.8 – 1.9, #19 – #16
KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #27 – DNA
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.7 – 3.9, #5 – #7
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #28
KNEW .2 – .2, #27 – #28 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 2.8 – 3.2, #10 – #9 (Giants)
KGMZ 2.0 – 1.8, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)
KNBR Stream .5 – .9, #26 – #26 (Giants)
KGO Stream .2 – .4, #27 – #27
KGO .2 – .2, #27 – #28
KTCT .2 – .2, #27 – #28
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 7.5 – 7.3, #1 – #1
WOR 3.6 – 3.1, #9 – #10
WKXW Stream .7 – .7, #19 – #21
News
WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #11 – #13
WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #18 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #22 – #24
WCBS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #25 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 3.9, #10 – #8 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Notes: Sports/talk WFAN’s +1.0 (2.9 – 3.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.
The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).
Up next: April 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them.
talking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorney
general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.”
Does anyone care anymore?
Actor Hugh Grant’s Tweet called it “The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley.” He was reacting to Apple’s 
Melanie Ricks – transitions to a digital-only format this summer. Station director of content Kyle Wallace says, “We are excited for Mel and the new opportunities a digital show presents itself, particularly as fans explore new ways to consume our content. Carrie and Ben are part of the up-and-coming generation of young broadcasters, and since both teammates joined the ‘Truth’ team at its inception, their passion and grasp on the Milwaukee community will translate through the airwaves.” GKB says, “Jammin with Juice promises to be a dynamic addition to the lineup, offering a fresh perspective on pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle through the lens of two local millennials. Hosted by Ben ‘Jammin’ and Carrie ‘Noni Juice,’ the show promises to dissect trending topics, share candid opinions, and deliver plenty of laughter as they explore and entertain.”
his radio career in 2010 in Battle Creek, for WBCK-FM and WBXX-FM, former Cumulus stations now owned by Townsquare Media. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker comments, “Steve has proven himself to be an accomplished leader in the Dallas market the past 10 years and we are thrilled to have him moving back home to Michigan, an area of the country that is important to Steve and his family. We are excited for him to get started and eager to see the impact he will have.” Holm says, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come back home. The Grand Rapids and Muskegon teams are a tightly knit group and are determined and ready to win. I’m excited to be joining them and look forward to the challenges and growth ahead.”
revenue for its stations by general format and the company’s sports revenue was $56.6 million – an increase of 6.5% – while its news/talk revenue fell 5.5% to $40 million. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy delivered a solid start to 2024 with Q1 EBITDA increasing 173% vs the prior year. Second-quarter revenues are currently pacing up low-single
digits, and we expect another quarter of substantial EBITDA growth, enhanced by our continuing work on expense reductions. Our improving results are predominantly attributable to a significant acceleration in digital revenue growth, continuing meaningful revenue share gains, and declining expenses as our transformational investments bear fruit. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization, which will reduce our debt by 80%, and are now awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. I want to salute our team for their excellent work in driving financial and operating progress while simultaneously executing our reorganization plan, all without disruption to customers, listeners, partners, vendors or our staff.
Moberly, Missouri – including news/talk KWIX – have been let go and all programming is now syndicated. The same is being reported about the company’s stations in the Farmington/Festus, Missouri market that includes news/talk KJFF. KOMU-TV reports that Moberly market manager Bob Dakin would not comment on how many employees were let go but confirmed that all local programming – including news and sports – is being replaced by national content.
was $34.1 million, up 1.3% over Q1 of 2023. Broadcast Advertising net revenue was $45.5 million, down just 1% from a year ago. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s first quarter results met our previously issued guidance, and that we are building momentum and gaining market share, primarily due to our local focus and our unique and differentiated digital platform… Our first
quarter performance improved over the fourth quarter across each of our segments. Importantly, our Digital Advertising segment returned to revenue growth in the first quarter (+1.3% year-over-year), and our Townsquare Interactive segment achieved net subscriber growth and month-over-month revenue growth in March, a meaningful turning point for the business. In total, Digital represented 53% of Townsquare’s first quarter 2024 net revenue and Adjusted Operating Income. The strong cash generation characteristics of our assets provided us the ability to execute two attractive equity transactions in April using cash on hand: the accretive share repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at an 11% discount to the pre-announcement share price, and an option buyout at an attractive price point, thereby avoiding shareholder dilution. In addition, during the quarter we repurchased $4 million of our common stock and paid a high-yielding dividend while also investing in our business. We ended the quarter with a strong cash balance of $57 million, and following the April equity transactions, maintained a cash balance of $28 million at the end of April, retaining financial flexibility moving forward.”
When a new restaurant opens, smart owners put the phone on busy so would-be diners believe the joint is hot, packed and hard to get in to. At street fairs we are drawn to merchant booths with long lines. Crowds give us confidence.
mornings and late nights at the heritage station. Prior to that he served for 15 years as the local host of the evening magazine program on Seattle’s KING5 NBC. During his career on KIRO, Curley has spearheaded a number of extremely creative and high-profile charitable promotions in addition to operating an independent business as a fund-raising auctioneer for charitable causes and organizations across the nation. He raises an average of $80 million per year with this endeavor. In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “John Curley is a true on- and off-air original… iconoclastic, candid, and smart. His charity work as a radio personality over the years has been creative, entertaining, and effective. However, it is his remarkable skill and productivity as an auctioneer for non-profits around America that is absolutely stunning. When John gets on that stage, he raises auctioneering to a heart pounding art form and drags every ounce of generosity out of his spellbound audiences. His patter is song and his moves are dance.”
to about 7% of its workforce. Reports of who has been let go are just trickling in but so far some of the people who’ve been let go include (
(5/11) airing from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. Good Karma Brands founder Craig Karmazin comments, “We are so proud of the work Aaron and Emmett have put in to earn the opportunity for a new national show. Fans are familiar with their voices locally in Cleveland and nationally with their fill-in hosting work. They are a great representation of Good Karma Brands and Cleveland, and their contributions will continue to put the city on the national stage.” The program will also air on “ESPN Cleveland,” ESPNCleveland.com, TheLandOnDemand.com, and the ESPN and The Land on Demand apps.
“Walter has demonstrated the importance of the late-night talk radio with his Sunday night nationally syndicated program and has welcomed his listeners, who he refers to as ‘friends on the radio,’ to unpack their day-to-day lives. He’s made strides at ‘Talk Radio 1210 WPHT’ for a decade, and we’re ecstatic to finally bring his entertaining brand to the Delaware Valley five nights a week.” Sterling, who as Walter Sabo operates the Sabo Media Partners consultancy, comments, “Late-night radio is golden media time for a live program. It’s a one-on-one stage for lighter conversations, serving as morning drive for late-shift doctors, nurses, bus drivers, hotel managers, security staff and more. Thank you, David Yadgaroff, Greg Stocker, Jeff Sottolano and the incredible programming and engineering teams at Audacy. Over the years, I’ve made strong connections with Talk Radio 1210 WPHT listeners and look forward to building them as I join weeknights!”
determined that granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Further, Audacy says, “According to the MRC, Audacy is attempting to employ an ‘entirely new’ and ‘vague and undefined’ special warrant process’ to delay the Commission review of Audacy’s proposed foreign ownership until ‘sometime down the road’ when the company ‘may choose’ to file a petition for declaratory ruling seeking such review. This specious claim not only mischaracterizes the company’s waiver request detailed in the Application, but completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.” Separately, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to Congressman Nicolas Langworthy (R-NY) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), who both wrote to her implying that the Commission is not going through “its normal, statutorily required process” and voiced concern over Soros Fund Management’s acquisition of Audacy debt. Langworthy wrote that Audacy being “owned by a deeply partisan individual [George Soros], could have a fundamental impact on the nature of local radio and potentially silence political viewpoints.” Rosenworcel’s response indicates she believes the Commission is handling the matter appropriately, saying, “The Bureau staff will review the record and decide if the transfer is in the public interest pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.”
rock WBCN-FM and then on sports talk WBZ-FM, “98.5 The Sports Hub,” will be back on the Boston airwaves “soon.” Shertenlieb exited WBZ-FM last November after his professional relationship with partner Fred Toucher fell apart and Toucher re-upped with Beasley to continue hosting the “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning show. Now, iHeartMedia cuts ties with the classic rock WZLX-FM, Boston morning team of Pete McKenzie and Heather Ford and installs “The Rich Shertenlieb Show.”
Audio advantage.” The guide provides data to counter prevailing myths that marketers often believe. Some examples include: 1) the notion that “apps have all the audience” is not true as “ad-supported platforms are key to marketer’s winning and Audacy’s 200 million+ is miles above Spotify (48.6M) and Pandora (41.2M)”; 2) “young people don’t listen to audio” isn’t true as 96% of Gen Z listen to audio daily – with 44% being daily radio users; and 3) “I can’t measure audio” is also false because marketers can “track, measure and analyze
There is something about 40.
Ratings – and advertisers’ results – reward what listeners remember, what sticks-out, not clichés that blend-in. So, avoid blah-blah-blah such as…
station for the past 17 years. He says, “This is truly a dream come true for me. We have recruited a new board of directors who are committed to work with us to make the station even stronger. WGSO Radio will continue to be independent, committed to free speech and opposed to censorship in any form. While our focus will always be the New Orleans area, we are proud to welcome listeners from around the country… Our station is an important part of our community and will continue to serve our region for many years to come. I look forward to serving in these new roles to ensure a bright future for WGSO Radio.” Crouere’s “Ringside Politics” will continue to air on the station from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Conway and David Flouffe.” PodcastOne says that the weekly podcast – to debut on May 22 – will “go beyond the headlines and bylines driving the heated 2024 presidential race to offer expert opinions and perspectives in the most pivotal presidential campaign in American democratic history.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray says, “Kellyanne and David are icons in the political landscape. Their intelligent delivery of data and facts, their dynamic presentation of opinions and strategy and their wealth of knowledge on what it takes to become the next President of the United States is a privilege and a thrill to listen to, and we at PodcastOne are excited to be able to bring this podcast to the public.”
and podcasts are all a part of what we do, so show us what you’ve got. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of programming including scheduling content, coaching on-air staff, station and AM/FM cluster strategy, development of on-air/online promotions and generating associated revenue, oversight and content creation for digital extensions (including streams, websites and podcasts), and have a strong customer service approach towards listeners, staff, & sales. Additionally, the candidate will act as the program director for Legendary News Radio KKOB and KNML The Sports Animal.
region that carry Carr’s independently syndicated afternoon drive talk show. He is an inductee in the Radio Hall of Fame. With roots in investigative print journalism, Carr is the New York Times best-selling author of The Brothers Bulger and Hitman, in addition to several other Boston organized-crime books and two novels. He has remained in newspaper work that goes back prior to his radio career as an active columnist for the Boston Herald and has received a National Magazine Award for his work with Boston Magazine. Boston organized-crime boss Whitey Bulger was so infuriated by Carr’s groundbreaking reporting that he once put out a murder contract on Carr – a story detailed on “60 Minutes.” At his 2013 trial on murder and racketeering charges, Bulger tried to have Carr banned from the courtroom by calling him as a defense witness. Before he was brutally murdered in a gangland hit, the crime czar still said his greatest regret was not murdering Carr when he had the chance. Carr once taught a course at Harvard, where he had to cross a picket line against himself to get to his class. In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “Howie Carr is the real deal – the best of both the old and new schools in media. He was practicing ‘cross-platform’ journalism and commentary long before it became the digital-era norm. He’s got ink in his veins and RF in his brains. His impact in the Northeast has been so strong for such a long time that if the six New England States were to consolidate as one, he would possibly be its first governor.” Carr will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. For more information, see story below.
debt exchange and ABL Facility upsize and extension. This is an excellent outcome for the company especially given the generally difficult financing environment for legacy media companies. Specifically, we extended maturities to 2029, reduced the principal amount of outstanding debt by approximately $33 million, obtained attractive interest rates, maintained a structure free of financial maintenance covenants, and increased capacity on our ABL Facility by 25%.” The Exchange Offer means approximately $325.7 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) were tendered for new 8.000% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (the “New Notes”) issued by the Issuer. Following the expiration of the Exchange Offer and Term Loan Exchange Offer, approximately 96.8% of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Old Notes and Old Term Loans on a combined basis, were tendered for exchange of New Notes and New Term Loans, respectively.
the chief engineer for Cumulus Media in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, Florida. Beasley says Ringer will be responsible for transmitter and studio maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of the market’s RF systems, maintaining and utilizing Wheatstone and WheatNet for audio routing and broadcasting, and other related duties. Ringer comments, “Having been raised in studios and transmitter sites, I feel that broadcast engineering is in my DNA. My father has been a broadcast engineer for more than 40 years and has taught me most of what I know. I credit him with instilling an unwavering work ethic in me as I watched him work tirelessly through my childhood years. I have been working in radio for more than 25 years and love every aspect of what I do.”
client, Yamanair Creative. James McDaniels moves up from his role as producer to production manager for the Yamanair Commercial Production Team. He will be responsible for assigning, producing, and coordinating spots for clients. Kyle
Castellani is promoted from writer to head writer for the Yamanair Commercial Production Team. In his new role, Castellani will oversee copywriting and project management for the team. East Coast director of commercial production MJ Bloch says, “We are thrilled to have Kyle Castellani as Lead Writer. His creativity is unmatched, and we’re excited to see what the future brings. James McDaniels has been an amazing producer and voiceover artist for many decades. We are so delighted to have him on the Benztown team in this role. His talent and dedication to his craft are top notch.”
trip to the semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. GKB founder and CEO Craig Karmazin comments, “We are proud to introduce broader coverage of Badgers Volleyball and to create additional avenues for audience expansion. It is an exciting time, and our partnership with UW Athletics will present opportunities for a team that is proven to be best in class both on and off the court.” GKB market manager Greg Scalzo adds, “We are excited to build off of the already established UW Women’s Volleyball brand and enthusiasm surrounding women’s sports to deliver the ultimate listening experience for fans.”
the new magazine-style show, “The WORD on the Street,” on Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Audacy Greenville SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “I am thrilled to have Mike return to ‘News/Talk 98.9 WORD.’ Mike is part of the fabric of Greenville; he connects with our audience and will be a terrific advocate for our advertisers. Having Mike and Joey onboard will enhance our incredible lineup and offer listeners live, locally connected talent.” Gallagher comments, “To return to the same station where I started my radio career 35 years ago is mind-blowing. I’m excited to reconnect with Upstate audiences and advertisers on this powerhouse brand. Having my dear friend Joey play a significant role in the show is the icing on the cake. Everyone knows the Upstate is home to me. So, who says you can’t go home again?” Hudson adds, “I’m ecstatic to join the team at this heritage station. It’s especially gratifying to join my longtime friend and mentor Mike as he makes his triumphant return to the Upstate. As a lifelong resident of the area, I’m fortunate to continue serving the community I love as part of The Voice of the Carolinas. Thank you to Steve Sinicropi, Mark Hendrix and the 98.9 WORD family for welcoming me back to the airwaves.” As part of the changes, “Straight Talk with Bill Frady,” now airs from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
daypart, starting Monday (5/6). KLIF program director Bruce Collins says, “We are extremely excited to add Brian Kilmeade to the 570 KLIF-AM/96.3 FM-HD2 weekday radio lineup, especially as we head into the election season. Brian will be talking each day to the movers and shakers in the political world, keeping DFW up to date. Together with Sean Hannity weekday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, we have the national political scene more than covered.” Kilmeade comments, “I am thrilled to be joining a great station with a rich history like KLIF and enter the fourth biggest market in the country. I’m honored to be a part of this first-class lineup right in the middle of this historic election season, and in short order will be in Dallas to meet all the listeners in person!”
resources, and encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being. “I’m Listening,” Audacy’s flagship program created on the belief that the power of talk saves lives, is continuously committed to delivering more mental health conversations, resources, and pathways to help over 200 million listeners. The company says, “We are trusted companions and loyal friends to our listeners. We know the power of talk saves lives. We meet people where they are and assure them it’s okay to not be okay. Each year, Audacy activates ‘I’m Listening’ through national campaigns featuring artists, celebrities, and athletes who share their experiences with mental health. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), these events help raise awareness and support of issues that we all face in our daily lives. This year’s broadcast will air on Wednesday, September 25 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.”