Industry Views

Lee Harris is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Radio journalist, personality, media manager and tech creator Lee Harris is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” It’s been nearly a year since Harris surprised the world of broadcast journalism when he announced that after nearly 30 years, he would be leaving one of the most important positions in all-news radio – morning anchor at the legendary 1010 WINS, New York. He left by his own choice to accept the position of director of integrated operations with NewsNation, the new and rapidly growing cable news network, where he would be responsible for the development and distribution of the multi-platform operation’s audio content. Based at NewsNation’s New York newsroom, this Edward R. Murrow Award-winner would also assist in news writing and the creation of NewsNation specials. He is also playing a large hand in the programming of the company’s major radio property – the historic WGN, Chicago. Harrison and Harris discuss a variety of subjects from 1010 WINS history back to its top 40 roots to NewsNation’s positioning as an unbiased news platform. (Harris will moderate “The Great Debate” between Mike Gallagher and Thom Hartmann scheduled for TALKERS 2024 on June 7.) Harrison and Harris’s fascinating conversation also covers AI and technology’s impact on programming. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

KSL, Salt Lake City Adds “America Tonight”

Kate DelaneyThis past Sunday (4/14) in Las Vegas, Kate Delaney was a keynote speaker for the NAB Leadership Foundation’s “Focus on Leadership” speaker series. The “America Tonight” host comments, “I was honored to speak at NAB this year. Radio, at its best, keeps and grows an audience with great storytelling, innovative use of audio and the experience you create for listeners.” Delaney’s NAB appearance coincided with the announcement that her Talk Media Network show joins the nighttime lineup of Bonneville Salt Lake City news/talk KSL, which just received an NAB Crystal Radio Award. “I’m thrilled ‘America Tonight’ can now be heard on KSL,” Delaney states. “It’s a powerful station with a rich history of serving its listeners.” Program director Kevin LaRue adds, “KSL is excited for overnight news programming with a combination of solid information and a big personality to be a trusted companion to our listeners.” Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng remarks, “Kate Delaney is a pro’s pro. She’s made her own luck, through hard work and great communication. Talk Media Network is proud to be expanding her audience. Thank you KSL for continuing to invest in radio. Your operation is one of the best, shining examples in our business.” Meanwhile, “Amazing Americans” founder Jerry Schemmel passes hosting duties of the weekly, one-hour show he started in 2019 to Delaney who looks forward “to continuing to share compelling and captivating and inspirational stories of human achievement. Radio listeners are hungry for authentic, true-life stories, to leave them feeling inspired.” Meet Kate Delaney at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond on June 7 at Hofstra University.
Industry News

Triton Digital Releases March Podcast Ranker

imAs measured by Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, SiriusXM Podcast Network remains #1 on March’s “Top Sales Networks Report.” Per the data, SiriusXM Podcast Network’s stats are 42.5 million average weekly downloads/13.2 million average weekly users. It is again followed by (#2) NPR with 25.1 million average weekly downloads/7.0 million average weekly users and (#3) Wondery, 21.0 million average weekly downloads/6.8 million average weekly users. The top three downloaded podcasts were NPR News Now (NPR); Dateline NBC (NBCUniversal News Group); and Crime Junkie (audiochuck). Ranked by total listeners, NPR News Now (NPR); Crime Junkie (audiochuck); and Up First (NPR) are again first, second, and third, respectively. Among March debuts were Three (SiriusXM Podcast Network, both downloads and listeners); Killer Psyche (Wondery, downloads); and Environment (NPR, listeners). Participating Sales Networks include content owners/creators and sales representation organizations. Any sales network or publisher with a United States audience is eligible to participate in the U.S. Podcast Report. The March reporting period is February 26, 2024 – March 31, 2024).
Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

OutKick, the national multimedia sports platform, continued its growth trajectory in Q1 of 2024 versus Q4 of 2023 with 81 million total multiplatform views, up 10%, and 78 million total multiplatform minutes, up 7%, according to Comscore. The platform also saw 6.1 million average monthly multiplatform unique visitors. Additionally, OutKick in March 2024 garnered 24 million total multiplatform views, up 2% versus February 2024, and 23 million total multiplatform minutes, up 4% from the previous month, according to Comscore. In commenting on the digital performance, SVP/managing editor Gary Schreier tells TALKERS, “I’m excited to see OutKick’s continued growth in Q1 of 2024. It’s a direct result of our talented and smart team who push the boundaries on any topic, which separates us from other sports sites. OutKick takes on the important issues and asks the vital questions in sports that our competitors seem afraid to touch.”

As a way to help medium- and small-market stations maximize political advertising in the upcoming midterm elections, Gen Media Partners and the Ten-Minute Trainer Network will conduct a free webinar next Wednesday (4/24) at 12:00 noon (ET). According to Gen Media Partners executive vice president Greg Tacher, “Preparation is vital to ensure stations take full advantage of the political cycle. This is a terrific opportunity for small and medium market stations to gain free valuable knowledge that can help them generate political advertising revenue.” Ten-Minute Trainer Network/P1 Learning president Bryan Marriott adds, “The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is excited to partner with Gen Media Partners to bring this important and timely webinar. In less than an hour, attendees will gain valuable insights from political advertising experts.” The webinar will be hosted by Gen Media Partners’ senior vice president of political/issue advocacy & strategic alliances Roger Rafson; vice president/political strategies manager Linley Grande; and political broadcast strategist Heather Karban. Gen Media Partners is an independently-owned media sales and content organization; The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is a collaboration between P1 Learning and The Swagger Institute.  Click here for the link to register.  

The debut episode of iHeartPodcasts’ weekly “I Choose Me with Jennie Garth” is set to be released April 30. Actress/entrepreneur/designer Garth played “Kelly Taylor” for ten seasons on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Val Tyler” on “What I Like About You.” When “Kelly Taylor” found herself in a love triangle and was forced to choose one man, she said, “I choose me.” Those three words stayed true to Garth in real life, becoming her formula for fulfillment she wants to share with listeners. “I Choose Me” is the second venture with Garth and iHeartPodcasts, as she’ll continue to host “9021OMG” with her friend/former co-star Tori Spelling.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s hush money/election tampering trial; U.S. response to Iran-Israel tensions; Ukraine-Israel aid debate; inflation/economy concerns; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s political struggles; the migrant crisis; and Boeing under pressure were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (4/17) according to the research of TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.9 – 6.5, #2 – #2

KEX 1.5 – 1.8, #21 – #20

KUFO .8 – .8, #24 – #23

KPAM .1 – .2, #34 – #32

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.6 – 1.5, #20 – #21

KXTG 1.2 – 1.5, #22 – #21

KPOJ .6 – .5, #26 – #26 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .1 – .2, #34 – #32

KFXX Stream  DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.1 – 5.8, #4 – #3

KOPB Stream  1.0 – .7, #23 – #25

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.6– 4.0, #8 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.4 – 3.9, #14 – #9 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.9 – 4.4, #6 – #6

WNSC .8 – .8, #18 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.7– 2.6, #14 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM .9 – .8, #25 – #24

KTKR .5 – .5, #30 – #29

KZDC .3 – .4, #33 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.7, #16 – #13

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.3 – 6.5 #3 – #4

KSTE-AM 2.9 – 2.5, #12 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.4 – 1.7, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #23 – #21

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #13 – #13

KQEI .3 – .3, #27 – #22

KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.5 – 3.8, #9 – #10

KDKA-AM Stream  .3 – .2, #23 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.6 – 8.4, #3 – #2

KDKA-FM Stream  .6 – .4, #19 – #21

WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.2 – 5.2, #8 – #8

Note: Sports/talk KDKA-FM’s +.8 (7.6 – 8.4) represents Pittsburgh’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 6.4 – 6.7, #3 – #2

KNRS-AM/FM 3.1 – 2.6, #13 – #17

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .8 – .9, #23 – #23

KZNS-FM .7 – .5, #24 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .1 – .3, #28 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.8 – 3.4, #15 – #13

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .3 – .1, #27 – #27

KUMT DNA – .1, DNA – #27

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .9 – 1.1, #26 – #26

KXNT .6 – .5, #29 – #30

KMZQ DNA – .1, DNA – #37

KXNT Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KKGK .3 – .6, #32 – #28 (Golden Knights)

KWWN .6 – .4, #29 – #32

KRLV .2 – .2, #34 – #33

KENO DNA – .1, DNA – #37

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.6 – 1.7, #22 – #22

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 5.0 – 5.9, #7 – #5

WDBO 3.1 – 3.5, #13 – #12

WFLF .8 – .7, #19 – #19

WFYY-HD3 .3 – DNA, #24 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .8, #19 – #18 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.4 – 1.7, #14 – #15

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.2 – 11.3, #2 – #1

WKRC 6.1 – 6.0, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.1 – 1.0, #19 – #19

WSAI .6 – .6, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.1 – 3.2, #10 – #10

Note: In addition to advancing to #1, news/talk WLW’s +1.1 (10.2 – 11.3) represents Cincinnati’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.8 – 5.4, #9 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #23

Sports Talk

WKRK 3.7 – 4.3, #11 – #10

WKRK Stream .4 – .4, #21 – #21

WARF .2 – .2, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.4 – 7.2, #6 – #5

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 4.4 – 5.3, #6 – #4

KCMO-AM 2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #16

KMBZ-AM 1.8 – 1.4, #17 – #18

KMBZ-FM Stream .8 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.0 – 1.8, #12 – #17

KCSP Stream  .3 – .1, #25 – #29

KWOD .1 – .1, #28 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.9 – 2.9, #13 – #12

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Notes: News/talk KMBZ-FM’s +.9 (4.4 – 5.3) represents Kansas City’s biggest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Conversely, sports/talk KCSP’s -1.2 (3.0 – 1.8) is the market’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.3 – 5.2, #7 – #8

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.2 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .4, #21 #20 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .3, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 5.6 – 5.9, #6 – #6

Note: Sports/talk WBNS-FM’s +1.4 (7.2 – 8.6) represents Columbus’ largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Up next: March 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

NPR Suspends Editor Over Critical Essay

NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner has been suspended for one week from the public media organization after writing an essay for the Substack publication The Free Press without seeking permission from NPR first as required by his contract. However, it was the content of the piece that’sim caused controversy as Berliner criticized the organization saying it “had allowed liberal bias to affect its coverage.” This comes as there is renewed interest among conservative legislators in challenging the use of federal funds for public media with allegations of editorial bias as a primary reason to end federal underwriting of media. NPR managing editor for standards and practices Tony Cavin spoke to The New York Times about Berliner’s piece and said it “mischaracterized NPR’s coverage of crucial stories.” Read the NYTimes story here.

Industry News

New York Festivals Announces 2024 Radio Awards Winners

The New York Festivals Storytellers Gala Announces the 2024 Radio Awards winning entries via a virtual event yesterday (4/16) at 6:00 pm ET. The virtual event included global audio highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some ofim radio’s most respected storytellers. Highlights included the BBC being honored with the 2024 Broadcaster of the Year Award. NYFestivals honored legendary sports journalist Donna de Varona with the 14th annual NYF Lifetime Achievement Award. “Murder in Boston: The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart Shooting,” produced by the Boston Globe was recognized by NYFestivals with the 2024 National Press Club Award, which honors the highest scoring news program. View the 2024 Storytellers Gala. View the 2024 winners’ showcase.

Industry News

Round Two of March PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered February 29 through March 27. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM rises three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds three-tenths for a 7.9 share and remains ranked #2. In Detroit, Cumulus Media news/talk WJR dips two-tenths to finish with a 2.3 share but remains ranked #14, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ is steady with a 5.3 share that keeps it ranked #9 in the market. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI falls half a share to a 3.0 share and moves back one spot to the #10 rank, while Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM also loses a half share, finishing with a 2.2 share good for the #18 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Audacy Partners with Super Hi-Fi for Radio Management Platform

Audacy announces its partnership with Super Hi-Fi, a firm focusing on AI-powered radio services for broadcast and digital media companies. This enhanced partnership is expected to drive operational innovation and efficiency across Audacy’s digital ecosystem. “The partnership will streamline Audacy’sim digital content programming, production, and broadcasting processes while creating stickier listener environments and more opportunities for advertisers to engage with them.” Audacy chief technology officer Sarah Foss says, “As the nation’s second-largest radio broadcaster, we’re always integrating cutting-edge technologies into our stack to deliver the best experiences for our 200 million monthly listeners and more efficiencies to our business. This partnership underscores our commitment to building the future of digital audio, and we’re thrilled to see it start coming to fruition.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Longtime WIBC-FM, Indianapolis talk radio host Tony Katz is entering into national syndication via Key Networks, beginning April 22. “Tony Katz Today” will air live Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET from Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM and a weekend program is also available for air on Saturday or Sunday.

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s The Black Effect Podcast Network announces a new original series titled, “Family Therapy: The Podcast,” hosted by psychotherapist Elliott Connie. It will document a family’s journey to healing through live group and individual therapy sessions. President of creative development and production Dollie S. Bishop says, “We are excited to announce ‘Family Therapy: The Podcast’ and share this incredible journey with listeners. Elliott Connie is a brilliant counselor, and our hope is that this series will entertain, educate and empower people to prioritize mental wellbeing and strengthen familial bonds.”

Audacy Podcasts adds a new show from Puck, the new media company focused on putting journalists at the center of its business model, with “Fashion People,” hosted by Lauren Sherman, a leading voice in the fashion community and writer of Puck’s private email “The Line Sheet.”

A new podcast from New England Public Media uses a mix of storytelling, psychological insight, and societal commentary to examine the stories we don’t tell, what they say about our world, and what they do to our minds. “The Secrets We Keep,” is hosted by veteran NEPM reporter Karen Brown and uses the lens of secrets to explore societal taboos and stigmas around sexual orientation, abortion, genetic origins, family scandals, and money – through the voices of secret-keepers, and those kept in the dark.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. considers sanctions against Iran for its attack on Israel; the hush money case against former President Donald Trump; the presidential race; inflation and the state of the U.S. economy; China is accused of fueling U.S. fentanyl crisis; SCOTUS hears arguments on validity of obstruction charges against January 6 rioters; the move to oust Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House; Mayorkas impeachment articles head to the Senate; a Boeing whistleblower to testify before Senate subcommittee today; and USC cancels a graduation speech by its 2024 pro-Palestinian Muslim valedictorian over safety concerns were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.5 – 4.8, #7 – #5

WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 7.6 – 7.9, #2 – #2

WDCH .7 – .6, #22 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #17 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .9, #21 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .4 – .4, #24 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #27 (Wizards)

WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 13.0 – 11.0, 29th month in succession at #1

Note: Although it is #1 for the 29th consecutive month, public radio news/talk WAMU registers a -2.0(13.0 – 11.0), the largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets surveyed thus far.

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 3.2 – 3.4, #13 – #12

WXKS-AM .8 – .4, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.9 – 4.6, #6 – #6

Business news WRCA .2 – .3, #26 – #24

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.1 – 9.7, third straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #12 – #13

WEEI-AM .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.1 – 6.4, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.6 – 3.8, #8 – #9

Note: Public radio news/talk WGBH’s -.8 (4.6- 3.8) represents Boston’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.2 – 1.0, #25 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – .9, #25 – #27 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .6 – .4, #28 – #31

WMEN .1 – .3, #36 – #32

WQAM Stream .1 – .2, #36 – #34 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 5.1 – 5.6, #5 – #5

WLRN-HD2 .1 – .1, #36 – #36

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.1 – 3.9, #10 – #7

KTTH 1.6 – 1.5, #22 – #23

KVI 1.0 – 1.0, #24  – #24

KPTR .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 2.5, #17 – #18

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 2.3 – 2.7, #19 – #17

KJR-FM 2.4 – 2.1, #18 – #19 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .7 – .7, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 7.2 – 7.2, #1 – #3

KSWS .1– DNA, #28 – DNA

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.5 – 2.3, #14 – #14

WFDF .6 – .6, #22 – #23

WJR Stream .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

News

WWJ 5.3 – 5.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .4, #25 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 7.1 – 7.5, #3 – #2 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.5, #21 – #18 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #28 – #27

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.8 – 1.6, #18 – #17

WUOM 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.5 – 3.0, #9 – #10

KTAR-FM 2.7 – 2.2, #12 – #18 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.2 – 2.6, #18 – #14 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #34 – #33 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS DNA – .1, DNA – #33

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.3 – 2.7, #15 – #12

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.7 – 4.1, #8 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #14

KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WCCO Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #28 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #32

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.1 – 7.4, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Wild)

KSTP-AM .1 – .2, #31 – #28

KQQL-HD3 .1 – .1, #31 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 7.4 – 7.5, #2 – #2

KNOW Stream .7 – .8, #23 – #22

Note: News/talk WCCO’s -.6 (4.7- 4.1) represents a tie for Minneapolis’ largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.6 – 4.8, #7 – #5

KLSD .5 – .5, #25 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.0 – 3.4, #16 – #14

KGB-AM .8 – .9, #21 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 7.3 – 7.1, #1 – #2

 

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.9 – 5.1, #6 – #5 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.2 – 3.0, #10 – #14

News

Business news WHNZ .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.7– 1.9, #18 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #18

WMNF-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: News/talk WFLA’s -1.2 (4.2- 3.0) represents Tampa’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #17 – #17

KHOW 1.2 – 1.2, #24 – #21

KDFD 1.4 – 1.1, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.7 – 3.6, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.2 – 2.4, #18 – #17 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP .1 – .1, #36 – #34

KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #34

KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 3.7 – 2.9, #10 – #14

KUNC 1.1 – .8, #27 – #26

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.3 – 3.7, #10 – #10

WCBM 2.0 – 1.9, #14 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.3 – 1.6,  #18 – #16

WDCH  .6 – .5,  #20 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #12 – #11

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.2 – 3.2, #11 – #12

WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #25

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 2.8 – 3.0, #14 – #14

KFTK 2.1 – 1.6, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #24 – #22

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #24 – #25

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #24 – #25

Sports Talk

WXOS 5.0 – 5.1, #9 – #9 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.9 – 5.0, #10 – #11 

Up next: March 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of March PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 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). The survey covered February 29 through March 27. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises two-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #9 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.6 share and the #20 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-FM adds one-tenth for a 4.6 share good for the #5 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI inches up one-tenth for a 5.5 share that keeps it locked into the #3 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM dips three-tenths, finishing with a 3.2 share and the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM falls six-tenths to a 1.4 share good for the #25 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM is steady with a 5.4 share but falls back to the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Futuri: Audiences Expect Media to Use AI

According to a study from Futuri and CMG Custom Research, not only do radio and television audiences expect media to use artificial intelligence in broadcasts, 20% believe they’ve already listened to a radio station using it and 49% of TV news viewers believe they’ve seen it. Futuri CEO Daniel Anstandig presented the results of the nearly 5,200-person study at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Other takeaways from the study include that for radio, people cannot easily distinguish between human and AI audioim content: Participants were presented with paired samples of AI-generated voices created using Futuri’s AudioAI and human voices. 60% of the time, they identified the AI as human. The study also found respondents open to the use of AI with many believing that AI will improve content across news, video, and audio. For example, 45% of TV news viewers believe AI can assist in selecting better news stories; 54% of local TV news viewers believe AI can enhance weather forecasts, showcasing the potential for AI to elevate traditional news through proper newsroom integration; and respondents also indicated a high level of trust in AI-generated content, specifically when informed by reputable sources like local and national news outlets. Anstandig comments, “Futuri’s study shows that audiences are open to media’s adoption of AI for content creation. In fact, they already believe they’ve experienced AI in use on radio and television. We learned that audiences believe that AI will assist media in creating more relevant and engaging content. They just want to be informed of its use, and for it to be used in the right scenarios.

Industry News

Former OK City Talk Host Carole Arnold Dies at 85

The Oklahoman reports that former Oklahoma City talk radio host Carole Arnold died last Friday at age 85 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Arnold worked for then-Clear Channel Communications for about 20 years, including eight as a host at news/talk KTOK. She left KTOK in 1996 and later worked at KNOR, Norman and KOMA, Oklahoma City (now KOKC). Read the full obit here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/15) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial begins in New York; Iran’s attack on Israel and the Israel-Hamas war; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to provide U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine; SCOTUS to hear January 6 obstruction charges case; the presidential race; U.S. migrant crisis; SCOTUS gender-affirming care ruling; and the selloff in stocks on the world’s financial markets were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) 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.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.8 – 4.0, #11 – #9

WOR 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #34

News

WINS-FM 4.5 – 4.6, #7 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.0, #19 – #14

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #33 – #32

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #32

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #46 – #45

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.0 – 1.9, #15 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #25 -#26 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.7 – 4.0, #4 – #9

WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #22 – #23

Notes: News WCBS-AM’s +.3 (1.7 – 2.0) represents a tie for New York’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Conversely, public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.7 – 4.0) represents the market’s largest (6+)February 2024 – March 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.4 – 5.5, #3 – #3

KEIB .7 – .7, #32 – #33  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .7, #34 – #33  

News

KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

Sports Talk

KLAC .7 – .8, #32 – #32 (Clippers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, #15 – #17

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #9  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 2.0 – 1.4, #18 – #25

WVON .1 – .2, #40 – #38

WLIP .4 – .1, #34 – #40

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.4, #3  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .3 – .1, #35 – #40

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.1 – 2.9, #10 – #11 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #31 (Bulls)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #40

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18   

Note: News/talk WLS-AM’s -.6 (2.0 – 1.4) represents Chicago’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .1, #32 – #34

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.7 – 6.5, #3 – #3

KNEW .4 – .3, #28 – #30  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.0, #9 – #10

KGMZ 2.1 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #28

KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.6 – 7.2, #2 – #2

KALW .4 – .2, #28 – #33

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.3 – 3.6, #12 – #10

KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #29 – #28  (Mavericks)

KSKY .8 – .7, #33 – #33

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #38 – #35

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.3, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM .1 – DNA, #42 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.9 – 3.6, after back-to-back months at #1, falls to #10 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 1.7, #19 – #24

KRLD-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #30 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #5  

Note: Sports talk KTCK’s -1.3 (4.9 – 3.6) represents a tie for the most significant (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in these twelve PPM-markets.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.4 – 3.2, #14 – #13  (Rockets)

KPRC .4 – .3, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #33 – #32

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .7 – .8, #25 – #26

KBME .5 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KFNC .1 – .2, #33- #30

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #32   

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3– 7.7, #3 – #2

WFOM .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #34

WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #9 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.1 – 2.5, #17 – #17

WZGC Stream .5 – .4, #26 – #28 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.7, #11 – #10

WRAS  .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.0 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #24

WURD .4 – .6, #27 – #26

WPHT Stream .8 – .5, #26 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #29

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #32 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 6.0 – 5.8, #5 – #4

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #29

WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 5.7 – 5.5, #6 – #6

WIP Stream 2.0 – 3.2, #15 – #12

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #13      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s internet stream registers Philadelphia’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase (2.0 – 3.2, +1.2). 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #18

WOR 1.2 – 1.0, #19 – #21

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.1 – 4.9, #3 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .7 – .6, #23 – #24

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.4, #12 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

KPWK .5 – .2, #19 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .5 – .3 #19 – #19

KPCC DNA – .1, DNA – #25

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 2.1 – 1.8, #15 – #19

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 4.7, #4 – #5

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27

KNEW .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.6 – 2.8, #7 – #10

KGMZ 2.0 – 2.0, #19 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .5, DNA – #26

KGO .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

KGO Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

KTCT .3 – .2, #26 – #27   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.2 – 7.5, #2 – #1

WOR 3.6 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.1 – .7, #18 – #19         

News

WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.4, #11 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #18

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .3, #23 – #22

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: March 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Audacy Names Ryan Hurley WFAN, New York PD

The new brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York is Ryan Hurley, who comes from a two-decade stint with crosstown competitor “ESPN New York” (WEPN-FM). Hurley takes over programming WFAN and the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio) from Spike Eskin,im who is returning to Philadelphia as a host at the company’s “SportsRadio 94WIP.” Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Ryan knows radio, sports and New York, making him a triple threat to take the reins of WFAN, which continues to be the city’s most influential and dominant sports platform. In addition, with Infinity Sports Network, Ryan will have a major impact on the sports conversation nationwide. All of us at Audacy are excited to welcome him to the team.” Hurley, who joined ESPN New York as an intern in 2004 after graduating from Hofstra University and worked his way up to PD in 2017, says, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join this legendary station. The term ‘dream job’ can get thrown around a lot, but as someone who grew up listening to ‘The Fan’ religiously, that is exactly what this is. There is an incredible team here led by Chris Oliviero, and I look forward to this journey ahead with them.” Additionally, David Mayurnik has been named assistant brand manager of WFAN and Infinity Sports Network and will report to Hurley.

Industry News

Cumulus Extends Exchange Offer Again

Cumulus Media’s subsidiary, Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc., has further extended the Expirationim Time in its previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, in which it is offering to exchange any and all of its outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029, to April 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm New York City time. As of Friday (4/12), approximately $15 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes had been validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation and not withdrawn.

Industry News

Key Networks Names Ron Russo President of Sales

Key Networks names Ron Russo as president of sales. Russo most recently served in the same capacity for Westwood One. Key Networks CEO Rob Koblasz says, “Ron Russo is highly respected inim the radio industry and across the agency community, having run sales for the second largest radio network in the country. This is a significant addition to our executive leadership team and brings deep experience, tenure, and valuable industry and agency relationships to our bench at Key Networks. We thank outgoing president of sales Jason Wilberding for his contributions and wish him well in the real estate endeavors he is leaving to pursue.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Iran’s missile and drone strike against Israel; the hush money case against former President Donald Trump begins this week in NYC; the presidential race, including President Joe Biden’s ballot issues in Ohio and Alabama; House Speaker Mike Johnson’s push for aid to Israel and Ukraine; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s efforts to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; the U.S. migrant crisis; the stabbing in Sydney, Australia that left seven dead were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WPHT, Philadelphia Launches Live “Politics and Pints” Series

im

Audacy’s Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia launched the first in a series of live presentations titled, “Politics and Pints,” hosted by its legendary midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) personality Dom Giordano. It took place at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA last evening (4/12) between 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm. The event featured U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) as its inaugural guest, pictured above (r) in conversation with Giordano (l). A cash bar for soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase was set up in the lobby of the Center. Tickets for the successful presentation were $50.00+fees and included a signed copy of Senator Paul’s book: Deception: The Great COVID Cover-Up.

Industry News

Salem Launches “This Week on the Hill”

im

Pictured above at the Salem Media Group studios in Washington, DC are (from l-r): Family Research Council president (and program host) Tony Perkins, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Salem Radio Network v.p./news and talk programming (and program executive producer) Tom Tradup. Early this morning, they taped the first edition of the new, hour-long weekly news program, “This Week on the Hill,” that premieres this weekend on the Salem Radio Network with additional releases on the Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network and on TOWNHALL.com. Topics covered this weekend include Johnson’s invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “motion to vacate” the Speaker’s position, the battle over reauthorization of the FISA program, and the latest controversy over abortion laws in America. Tradup states, “We are so proud to have Speaker Johnson as the centerpiece of our ‘This Week’ program. He brings a depth of experience that delves beyond the surface skirmishes in Congress and really gives our audience eye-level insight that only a man two-heartbeats from the presidency can offer.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 8 – 12

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was abortion, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling outlawing most abortions and former President Donald Trump saying he would not sign a federal law outlawing abortion. And at #3 this week was the state of the U.S. economy. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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.