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.”
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.
Salem states, “Revenue growth from the sale of broadcast airtime is negatively impacted by audiences spending less time commuting, certain automobile manufacturers removing AM radio signals, increases in other forms of content distribution, and decreases in the length of time spent listening to broadcast radio as compared to audio streaming services, podcasts, and satellite radio. These factors may lead advertisers to conclude that the effectiveness of radio has diminished. We continue to enhance our digital assets to complement our broadcast content. The increased use of smart speakers and other voice activated platforms that provide audiences with the ability to access AM and FM radio stations offers potential sources for radio broadcasters to reach audiences. Our broadcast advertising revenue is particularly dependent on advertising from our Los Angeles and Dallas markets, which generated 15.3% and 18.4%, respectively, of our total net broadcast advertising revenue during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to 15.1% and 18.7%, respectively, of our total net broadcast advertising revenue during the three- month period ended March 31, 2024.”
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.”
first quarter compared to the net income of $920,000 it reported in Q1 of 2023. Saga adds that its balance sheet reflects $28.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2024 and $23.7 million as of May 6, 2024. The company expects to spend approximately $5.0 – $5.5 million for capital expenditures during 2024.
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.”
as well as conservative talk KTTH-AM morning drive host Bryan Suits. The report indicates that evening host Jake Skorheim moves to PM drive to co-host the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm “John & Jake” show with John Curley. The evening daypart will be filled by CBS Audio’s “John Batchelor Show.” Taking over the KTTH-AM morning drive daypart from Suits is the syndicated “Armstrong & Getty” show.
of $3.5 million for the same period in 2023, “primarily due to the $6 million gain on the sale of an investment in BMI holdings and lower interest expense.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley continues to advance our core initiatives, which are focused on driving revenue and cash flow, including our digital transformation, revenue diversification and expense management initiatives. We expect digital to account for between 20% and 25% of total revenue in 2024, driven by the ongoing growth and success of our premium content creation and digital services. On the new business front, our dedicated sales teams are leveraging the tremendous audience reach and engagement of our platform to attract new advertisers. In summary, Beasley’s underlying fundamentals – mainly, our local audio and digital platforms and audience engagement – remain strong. We are proud of our teams’ steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional content and services to our listeners, advertisers, online users and sports fans, and remain confident that the actions we are taking to transform our company and strengthen our balance sheet, are laying the foundation for future growth and success.”
with Westwood One Sports. Eaby joined Westwood One as an editor after graduating from college in 1997. He has been an on-site producer for the NFL on Westwood One for 25 years, including 16 Super Bowls and 23 AFC/NFC Championship Games. Eaby has also served as an on-site producer for the network’s NCAA March Madness basketball tournament broadcasts for 23 years. WWO president and Cumulus EVP, corporate strategy & development Collin Jones says, “Our listeners, advertisers, and league partners turn to Westwood One Sports because we deliver consistently outstanding audio broadcasts. With Mike’s experience, passion, and vision, I’m confident he is the perfect person to quarterback Westwood One Sports into its next era.”
Rogers and producing Olympic-specific episodes from some of iHeart’s existing podcasts. NBCU’s coverage on iHeartRadio’s channels is expected to include Team USA men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as swimming, gymnastics, track & field, and more. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo comments, “We are thrilled to partner with NBCU on coverage of the Paris Olympics this summer and heighten the excitement around this year’s games. As the leading sports audio destination, it’s an honor to be able to provide our platform and our massive reach to bring further awareness and up-to-the minute coverage of NBCU’s broadcast of this year’s Olympics.”
“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!”
lawmen, exploring law versus crime and hero versus villain, ultimately revealing the rugged path that led to the rise of modern law enforcement. FOX Nation president Lauren Petterson says, “Viewers will feel as if they’ve teleported back to the Wild West as Sean Hannity masterfully bridges the past and the present, highlighting this fascinating era of time.” Hannity will use the true stories of the outlaws and lawmen of America’s past to track the evolution of law enforcement from the Wild West to today. From Butch Cassidy to Bass Reeves to Billy the Kid, Hannity details the men of both honor and infamy, bringing life to the myths, legends, and truths of the time. Hannity comments, “As our viewers know, I am a strong supporter of our men and women in law enforcement and I look forward to spotlighting a period of time that is pivotal in their origin.”
showroom on Thursday (5/9) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Talk show host Alan Stock and afternoon host Sam Mirejovsky will moderate the event that will be free to the public. KXNT brand manager Mark Bonilla states, “As the premier talk radio station in Las Vegas, ‘News Talk Radio 840 AM’ is dedicated to providing a platform for informed discussion and debate by offering voters the opportunity to hear directly from the leading candidates about their visions for the future of the city.”
There is something about 40.
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.
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.
They seek someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, Adobe audition, WordPress, and general computer experience is preferred. SRG offers paid vacation and great benefits including – health, vision, dental and 401K. Send your resume and demo! No phone calls. No voicetrack inquiries. Saga Communications of Iowa, LLC is an EOE. Kevin Tlam, Operations Manager, Spencer Radio Group, P.O. Box 260, Spencer, Iowa 51301
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.
continues to weigh on advertisers. With the advertising environment still unsettled, these new terms (spelled out in the preceding story) provide us additional time and flexibility to execute against our key business priorities – accelerating digital growth, reducing fixed costs, and continuing to de-lever our balance sheet – each of which is foundational to our ability to build long-term shareholder value.” The company took a net loss of $14.2 million in Q1, but it was far less than the net loss of $21.5 million it reported in Q1 of 2023. Cumulus breaks out its revenue in segments and the total broadcast revenue for Q1 of 2024 was $139.7 million, down 5.6% from Q1 of 2023. Spot revenue was $90.5 million (down 7.3%) and network revenue was $49.2 million (down 2.3%). The company’s digital segment reports revenue of $34.5 million, up 7.3% over the first quarter of 2023.
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.”
National Association of Broadcasters. She said, “AM Radio is important to communities across the country not only because it is a cultural, news and sports oasis that educates the public, but also because it is a resilient lifeline during public safety emergencies. To put it as simply as I can, the foremost reason that Congress should care about AM radio is that it is a lifesaver. No other communications medium has the reach or resiliency of AM radio. A single station can be heard as far as 700 miles away. The signal cuts through buildings and mountains. In remote areas where no cell signal or FM station can be found, AM
is there. When the power goes out, radio stations can still be found on battery or crank radios, or in your car.” She argued that cell phone notifications alone in emergency situations are unreliable as power outages can affect cell service.
To be an expert in marketing requires expertise in how memory works. Early in my consultant practice, I studied and read every book I could find on the processes of memory. The best book is Effective Frequency: The Relationship Between Frequency and Advertising Effectiveness. Put simply, how many times does a consumer have to hear a message before it has impact? The book, a collection of studies, is the foundation for every qualitative study in the field today.
It’s complicated, this whole Federal Trade Commission ruling potentially banning the non-compete. Considering where you stand on the non-compete concept, it’s really all about evaluating the five “C” profile of your media business.
APPLAUSE for Daniel Centofanti, a good egg, known to several generations of Southern New Englanders as “Giovanni,” mornings on WPRO-FM, Providence… until today, the 50th anniversary of the station’s format flip from Beautiful Music to CHR.