Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications changes sports network affiliation for WVAX-AM/W275CL, Charlottesville, Virginia, switching from ESPN Radio to FOX Sports Radio. The station is airing the network’s entire sports talk lineup. Saga Charlottesville general manager Garrett Klingel says, “We’re thrilled to now be offering the biggest and brightest names in sports radio to Central Virginia. We know how sports-crazed this market is, so they deserve the best!”

Alpha Media’s sports talk KTFM-FM, San Antonio adds “The Jim Rome Show” to its program schedule, effective August 14. The program is part of the CBS Sports Radio lineup and syndication is provided by Westwood One.

Job Opportunity

FOX News Media Seeks Radio Announcer and Associate Producer/Writer

FOX News is looking for a Freelance Radio Anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOXim News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 SiriusXM Channel 115. As the Freelance Radio Anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. See more and apply here.

FOX News Audio is looking for a motivated and creative Associate Producer/Writer. As an Associate Producer/Writer, you will write compelling and conversational copy on a wide variety of news topics. You have exceptional scriptwriting skills and impeccable grammar. Your news judgment is exemplary, and you have knowledge of and passion for current events and politics. You will need to work well under constant deadline pressure. The news content will be written and produced for our terrestrial syndication affiliates, affiliate website, digital audio streams and smart speaker platforms, and in addition on FOX News Headlines 24/7 platforms on SXM Radio. See more and apply here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Heather Cohen, executive vice president of The Weiss Agency, is appointed president of the Hofstra Alumni Organization. Cohen says, “It is a privilege to continue serving the University that I am so proud of. In my new role as president, I look forward to working with the executive board, our incredible alumni, and the entire Hofstra family.”

The GCN-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” program is added to the program schedule at KGEZ-AM, Kalispell, Montana in the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

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

Industry News

OpenAI Seeks Dismissal of Defamation Suit

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

Industry News

NAB Announces Marconi Finalists

The National Association of Broadcasters announces the finalists for this year’s Marconi Radio Awards. Radio stations and personalities in the spoken-word genre making it as finalists include: Premiere Networks’ George Noory and Westwood One’s Rich Eisen in the Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year category. Sportsim talkers Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti of Audacy’s WFAN, New York and George Dunham, Craig Miller and Gordon Keith of Cumulus Media’s KTCK, Dallas-Ft. Worth are finalists in the Major Market Personality of the Year category. WDBZ, Cincinnati’s Lincoln Ware is a finalist in the Large Market Personality of the Year category and Kayla Blakeslee of Pathfinder Communications’ news/talk WOW, Ft. Wayne and Kevin Miller of Townsquare Media’s KIDO-AM, Boise are finalists in the Medium Market Personality of the Year category. Winners will be announced on October 25 at the Marconi Radio Awards Dinner during NAB Show New York. See the full list here.

Industry News

Benztown Production Libraries Now Offer AI-Aided Search Features

Benztown says it is “supercharging” its audio imaging libraries with the help of Artificial Intelligence technology. “Benztown audio production libraries now offer new AI-aided search features that make audio producers’ jobs easier and faster than ever through improved and more intuitive search functionality.” Benztown says this helps audio producers to: 1) Search Suggestions by Top User Searches – View the most popular searches andim proposed tags when you make a search; 2) Contains Exactly Search – Search for multiple keywords in the same order (substring) by searching in quotes or clicking ‘Contains exactly: “your search”; 3) Autocomplete – See suggestions of possible terms to complete your search; 4) Autocorrect – View intended results even if you make a typo in your search; 5) Suggestions And Result Preview – See suggestions and categories based on your search results, allowing you to view which elements exist for each song; and 6) Download Files in 24bit 48kHz – You can now request access to download higher resolution audio. Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann says, “The Benztown libraries have always been on the cutting edge of AI development in sync with music and practical application for imaging directors and audio content creators. We keep pushing the standards to create the best possible product for our clients.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

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

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

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

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

Industry Views

Pending Business: Pulling the Rug Out from Under

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: We Have a Winner

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imTHE Best Bit I’ve Heard This Month was by Gene Valicenti, morning host, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence.

Among advertisers he endorses: Pinnacle Discount Center, where TV prices are SO low ya wonder if the merch’ is hot. It was a hole-in-the-wall before Gene tripled its business… not a tough sell when every customer gets to “Spin the Wheel!” on the way out for even-deeper discounts or a FREE bonus TV.

“You’ve got an uncle in the TV business,” Gene says, and “Uncle Bill” gives him TVs to award listeners who chime-in on topic du jour each morning.

im

As Amazon Prime Days began, Gene spontaneously texted Uncle Bill – not a set-up, I’m told – challenging him to beat Amazon deals. ONE MINUTE later, Uncle Bill replied: “Yes! 15% less for any same-model TV Amazon is offering.” Even if nobody took him up on the offer, the gesture slam-dunks this retailer’s category ownership.

Even if you aren’t making a station advertiser a hero: How can YOU localize The Big Story?

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

On-Air Schedule Tweaks at “97.1 The Freak” in Dallas

According to a report in the Dallas Morning News, new program director Dominic “Zakk” Zaccagnini has put into effect some changes to the program lineup at iHeartMedia‘s sports/hot talk KEGL-FM, Dallas “91.7 The Freak,” effective today (7/24). Personalities Danny Balis and Mike Sirois move from the afternoon drive show to the morningim drive program alongside Kevin “KT” Turner and takes on “The Downbeat” as its name. Jeff Cavanaugh and Julie Dobbs move from the morning daypart to afternoons alongside Mike Rhyner for “The Speakeasy” program. The show times are altered by an hour with the morning program airing from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, the midday “Ben and Skin” show airing from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed by the afternoon show airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Zaccagnini tells the Dallas Morning News, “The catalyst for this change was to make a better fit for our same staff to further excel in a weekday lineup that best suits their professional and personal lifestyles.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

KKOB, Albuquerque Named Station of the Year by NMBA

Three of Cumulus Media’s Albuquerque radio stations were honored by the New Mexico Broadcasters Association with Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. News/talk KKOB-AM/FM received seven awards, including Station of the Year for the second consecutive year. It was also honored in the categories of Breaking News,im Complete Newscast, Continuing Coverage, Features News, Newscaster of the Year (news anchor Haylee Gonzales), and Sports Play by Play. In addition, sports talk KNML and country KRST-FM were each recognized for excellence. KKOB news director John Summers states, “It’s the hard work and dedication to factual journalism that brings success. Each knows and understands just how important their work is in relaying details correctly and concepts honestly. The bottom line is simple. They love what they do. And it shows.”

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Holds First Media Mixer in NYC

im

The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its first Media Mixer on Friday (7/21) at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia – hosted by nationally syndicated personality Angela Yee. BFoA says more than 150 broadcasters turned out for the event designed to give up-and-coming professionals in broadcasting the opportunity to network with talent, managers, and executives and bring awareness of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We are delighted with the large turnout of young professionals to last night’s event. We want to hold similar events in other markets. I want to thank members of our Board, industry leaders, and the talent who made themselves available to young professionals who are just beginning their broadcasting careers. Pictured above are McCarthy, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Yee, Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini, The Weiss Agency EVP Heather Cohen, and Katz TV Group president and CEO Leo MacCourtney.

Industry News

Dan Patrick Announces Retirement in 2027

Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney reports that sports media personality Dan Patrick announces to his fans thatim he plans to retire from the business in four years at the end of 2027. Patrick’s radio program is nationally syndicated via Premiere Networks and is simulcast via YouTube. The former ESPN personality responded to fans who questioned his decision by saying, “This is a young man’s game. I’m the oldest guy doing this. And I enjoy doing it, but by the end of 2027, that’ll be it. You have my word, so plan accordingly.” Read the SI story here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Charlie O Malonee

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

Industry News

Good Karma’s ESPN Chicago to Present Football Fest

Good Karma Brands announces the return of ESPN Chicago’s “Football Fest” to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Sunday, August 27. The event will feature WMVP “ESPN Chicago” personalities Tom Waddle, Marc Silverman, David Kaplan, Carmen DeFalco, Jonathan Hood, Peggy Kusinski, Dionne Miller, Chris Bleck,im Adam Abdalla, and Jeff Meller. It will also include members of the Chicago Bears Radio Network team, including Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie. Celebrity guests will include Dan “Big Cat” Katz, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN fantasy football expert Field Yates. “ESPN Chicago” director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are so excited for ‘Football Fest,’ particularly this year as we enter our first season as the radio home of the Chicago Bears Radio Network. ‘ESPN Chicago’ is at the center of Chicago’s football universe and this event will be a great way to kick off the season.”

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

Outkick Reports Strong Audience Growth

Multimedia sports platform OutKick says it has experiences “strong growth” over the past year with Q2 2023 data revealing more than 9 million monthly multiplatform unique visitors, 101 million total multiplatform views (up 45%),im and 112 million total multiplatform minutes (up 60%), according to Comscore data. Outkick founder (and Premiere Networks syndicated talk radio star) Clay Travis states, “OutKick doesn’t shy away from the most pressing topics in American sports today which is why we have continued to expand our audience every quarter.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Broadcast Group announces that it will report its 2023 second quarter financial results before the market opens on Thursday, August 3.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers announces that the Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year award for 2023 is presented to Joseph Conlon of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and a current member of SBE Chapter 17 Central Minnesota. The James C. Wulliman SBE Educator of the Year award is Andrew Gladding, CBT, of Brooklyn, NY, and a member of SBE Chapter 15 New York City. Gladding has been an SBE Member for eight years and is the secretary of Chapter 15. In his role as adjunct professor for audio production at Hofstra University, he has taken numerous steps to recruit and engage new SBE members by teaching them about the broadcasting business and engineering in particular. He is solely responsible for the addition of 40 student members to Chapter 15.

SiriusXM sports talk personality Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo is making his return to Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, New Jersey, for a special live broadcast of his show on August 4 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This is Russo’s first broadcast at the popular Jersey Shore venue since 2007. He says, “Bar A, I’m back, baby! The summer show was always a blast. I’m excited to be at it again and we’ve got a great show planned on August 4. Love all our Jersey Shore fans!!!”

Industry News

Round Four of June PPM Released

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

McDowell & Kemp Exit KTCK, Dallas

According to the Dallas Morning News, the early afternoon duo of Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp have resigned their positions with Cumulus Media sports talk outlet KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas after being unable to come to termsim on new contracts to continue “The Hang Zone” show. The report indicates that Cumulus and the two hosts had been negotiating for the better part of seven months on new, long term deals but McDowell & Kemp and the company were split over digital media projects that the two wanted to pursue beyond their work with “The Ticket.” They resigned on Tuesday (7/17). Cumulus has not officially named a new host or hosts for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

RALEIGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INDIANAPOLIS

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MILWAUKEE

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NASHVILLE

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROVIDENCE 

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORFOLK

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

JACKSONVILLE

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREENSBORO

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MEMPHIS

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

HARTFORD

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industry News

Salem Co-Founder Stu Epperson Passes at 86

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

Industry News

Round Three of June PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #14, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA loses nine-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM sheds one-tenth for wrap the survey with a 5.6 share and remains ranked #3, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses eight-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls one spot to the #8 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM adds one-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share and remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO tacks on two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish that keeps it ranked #11. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Sherry Goldman Launches Weekly PR Radio Show

Goldman Communications Group president Sherry Goldman is launching a weekly radio show called, “Let’s Talk PR & More.” The 30-minute program will feature Goldman in an in-depth conversation with an industry leader about a PR-centric topic. The show covers the broad bandwidth of public relations, as well as the disciplines itim touches, including PR best practices, recent industry trends, case studies, the media, marketing, strategy, career development, and profiles of PR pros. Goldman says, “I’m excited to launch this show and have the opportunity to talk with so many smart, inspiring, and insightful people. I’m learning so much during the conversations I’m having with them on my show, and I know everyone who listens to the show, whether on the radio or as a podcast, will find value in these conversations.” The program airs Mondays at 5:00 pm on Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY and is available nationally on the station’s livestream online and on most streaming devices. Check it out on Goldman Communications Group’s website (www.goldmanpr.net/podcast).