FOX News Channel is presenting a live town hall with former President Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa on January 10 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. The program will be co-moderated by “Special Report” chief political anchor Bret Baier and “The Story” executive editor and anchor Martha MacCallum. The program will pre-empt “Hannity” that evening.
Beasley Media Group partners with Good Karma Brands and “ESPN NY” to broadcast live Knicks and Rangers games across the Garden State. Beasley Media New Jersey will air the games on WMTR, Morristown; WCTC, New Brunswick; WRAT-HD3, Point Pleasant; WJRZ-HD3, Manahawkin; and on WJRZ’s translator in Toms River at 100.5 FM. Beasley New Jersey SVP and regional market manager Daniel A. Finn states, “We are so excited to provide our listeners and fans of these iconic teams broadcast coverage across the state of New Jersey. Offering access to these franchises through ‘ESPN NY’ and Good Karma Brands is just phenomenal.”
Zimmer Marketing has a rare opening for program director for news/talk KZRG-AM, Joplin, Missouri. The company says, “KZRG has facilities typically found only in Top 30 markets, a strong staff, and location in an affordable, growing, mid-sized market. You’ll have a huge voice in programming as well as
flexibility rarely found in corporate-structured environments.” Duties include: Managing the station’s audio image via branding, focusing on timely and frequent updates; overseeing social media and creating content that relates to the station’s brand and target audience; hosting a daily on-air shift; proficiency with Google’s G Suite, Selector, and Wide Orbit Automation system; and coaching staff. Learn more at https://zimmermarketing.com/. Send your resume and audio to Mark Zimmer at: mark@zrimarketing.com
Shortly before Christmas, “Coast to Coast AM” executive producer Lisa Lyon posted the sad news that radio pro and longtime “Coast to Coast AM” personality Ian Punnett died on December 21 after a brief
illness. She writes, “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Ian Punnett passed away from a brief illness yesterday. His keen intellect and delightful sense of humor will be deeply missed. Since 2000, Ian has, in various incarnations, been a valued host of ‘Coast to Coast AM,’ including regular weekend hosting duties, his own spin-off show ‘Coast to Coast LIVE with Ian Punnett,’ a podcast entitled ‘Vaudeville for the Frightened,’ and most recently twice a month hosting duties. I’ve had the privilege of producing for Ian these past 24 years, and I will miss our friendship and the professional collaboration. Every conversation behind the scenes was as lively and entertaining and everything we strive for on the air. Ian was great radio personified.” See more here.
Just before Christmas, FOX News Media announced that two of its staffers had passed away. Director of Chicago bureau operations Adam Petlin passed away at 58 after a long illness. He was a FOX News
original, starting with the company in August of 1996 as one of the first six field photographers hired. He led the first FOX camera crew on scene in downtown Manhattan on September 11th and captured the devastation that immediately unfolded that day, delivering the very news that changed the world to millions of viewers. The organization also lost Matt Napolitano, who passed away after a brief illness at age 33. Napolitano began his FOX career in 2015 as a writer for SiriusXM news channel FOX News Headlines 24/7. He soon became a sports reporter for the service and further excelled in that position. He also appeared on FOX Business Network’s “Cavuto Coast to Coast.”
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 survey period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
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.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 4.3 – 4.6, #6 – #5
KJCE .3 – .3, #28 – #29
News
None
Sports Talk
KVET-AM 1.0 – 1.4, #22 – #18
KTAE 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #22
KBPA-HD2 .5 – .8, #27 – #24
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 5.8 – 5.1, #4 – #4
KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #33
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 6.9 – 6.0, #3 – #4
WPTF .8 – .8, #19 – #20
News
WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 3.0 – 3.3, #12 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 9.8 – 8.8, repeats at #1
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 7.3 – 5.3, #2 – #7
News
WOLT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 4.0 – 3.5, #12 – #12 (Colts)
WNDE 1.0 – .9, #20 – #19
WXNT .1 –.2, #24 – #25
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.3 – 4.2, #11 – #10
Notes: News/talk WIBC’s -2.0 (7.3 – 5.3) represents Indianapolis’ largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 10.7 – 9.6, third consecutive month at #1
WTMJ 7.7 – 7.6, #2 – #3
WLIP .2 – .2, #23 – #23
WRJN DNA – .1, DNA – #27
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 2.8 – 3.4, #14 – #13 (Green Bay Packers)
WKTI 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #18
WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #23
WOKY .3 – .1, #22 – #27
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 3.1 – 2.7, #12 – #14
WHAD 1.6 – .7, #17 – #21
WGKB .1 – .1, #27 – #27
WHAD Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.7 – 4.3, #5 – #9
WLAC 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #19
News
WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WGFX 7.4 – 7.3, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)
WPRT 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #18 (Predators)
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 4.4 – 4.0, #10 – #11
WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .1, #23 – #23
Notes: News/talk WWTN’s -1.4 (5.7 – 4.3) represents Nashville’s largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.8 – 6.4, #5 – #5
WHJJ .5 – .8, #16 – #15
News
None
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 3.4 – 3.2, #9 – #8
WVEI 2.0 – 2.3, #11 – #11
WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.0 – 2.1, #11 – #12
WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, eighth straight month at #14
WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 3.0 – 2.5, #13 – #11
WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #23 – #23
News
WNOH .3 – .3, #20 – #20
Sports Talk
WVSP 2.4 – 1.7, #14 – #15
WTAR .3 – .3, #20 – #20
WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 8.3 – 6.8, #3 – #5
News
None
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .3 – .4, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #13
Notes: News/talk WOKV-FM’s -1.5 (8.3 – 6.8) represents Jacksonville’s largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA – DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA – DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WFTL 2.7 – 2.5, #9 – #9
WZZR 2.0 – 1.2 #11 – #13
WJNO 1.2 – .7, #15 – #15
News
None
Sports Talk
WMEN .5 – .5, #16 – #16
WBZT .3 – .4, #18 – #18
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.9 – 2.0, #8 – #11
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 4.4 – 3.5 #8 – #9
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 3.6 – 4.0, #9 – #7
WUNC 1.5 – 1.7, #14 – #14
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 2.4 – 1.8, #9 – #10
KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WMFS 2.8 – 2.6, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)
WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO 2.0 – 1.8, #11 – #10
WKNO-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #15
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 4.8 – 5.3, #6 – #5
WDRC-AM 1.9 – 1.6, #15 – #15
WTIC-AM Stream .6 – .4, after five consecutive months at #17, slips to #20
WPOP .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 2.3 – 2.5, #13 – #12
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #9
WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) 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 Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 6.9 – 5.9, #2 – #3
KEX 1.6 – 1.2, #21 – #22
KUFO .8 – .6, #23 – #26
KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #33
News
None
Sports Talk
KFXX 1.8 – 2.0, #20 – #20
KXTG 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #22
KPOJ .7 – .7, #24 – #24 (Trailblazers)
KFXX Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #33
KMTT .2 – .1, #28 – #33
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 6.4 – 6.1, #3 – #2
KOPB Stream 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #21
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT-AM 5.6 – 4.2, #5 – #11
News
WRFX-HD2 .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13 (Hornets)
WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 5.4 – 5.0, #6 – #8
WNSC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: News/talk WBT’s -1.4 (5.6 – 4.2) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 3.1– 2.7, #14 – #14 (Spurs)
KTSA 2.2 – 2.0, #17 – #19
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.5 – 1.3, #22 – #22
KTKR .7 – .8, #27 – #27
KZDC .3 – .3, #33 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #17
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK-AM 7.3 – 6.6 #2 – #3
KSTE-AM 3.2 – 3.1, #11 – #12
News
None
Sports Talk
KHTK 1.4 – 1.7, #18 – #18 (Kings)
KIFM 1.1 – .9, #21 – #22
KIFM Stream .1 – .1, #29 – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 2.4 – 2.3, #14 – #15
KQEI .2 – .3, #28 – #28
KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.0 – 3.8, #8 – #9
KDKA-AM Stream .4 – .3, #22 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM 8.0 – 7.2, #3 – #5
KDKA-FM Stream .1 – .2, #25 – #25
WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #27
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #7
Notes: Sports/talk KDKA-FM’s -.8 (8.0 – 7.2) represents Pittsburgh’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
The flagships of the Steelers and Penguins are rock WDVE and alternative WXDX, respectively.
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL-AM 6.1 – 5.4, #4 – #3
KNRS-FM 3.9 – 2.8, #9 – #14
KKAT .1 – .1, #31 – #30
News
None
Sports Talk
KALL 2.2 – 1.9, #20 – #20
KZNS-AM .7 – .7, #25 – #24 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-FM 1.0 – .5, #24 – #26 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #30 (Utah Jazz)
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 2.7 – 2.4, #15 – #18
KBYU-HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #28
KUMT .4 – .1, #28 – #30
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.6 – .3, #23 – #29
KXNT .2 – .2, #34 – #31
KMZQ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .9 – .8, #27 – #26
KKGK .5 – .4, #30 – #28 (Golden Knights)
KRLV .5 – .2, #30 – #31 (Raiders)
KENO .2 – .2, #34 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WTKS 3.9 – 3.6, #10 – #10
WDBO 3.6 – 3.2, #13 – #13
WFLF .8 – .7, #21 – #20
WFYY-HD3 DNA – .1, DNA – #27
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .7 – .9, #23 – #18 (Magic)
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFE 2.7 – 2.8, #14 – #14
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 12.0 – 11.2, 23rd consecutive month at #1 (Bengals)
WKRC 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY 2.0 – 1.3, #15 – #19 (Bengals)
WSAI 1.2 – .5, #19 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #9
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 5.1 – 4.8, #9 – #10 (Cavaliers)
News
WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WKRK 6.0 – 5.8, #7 – #7 (Browns)
WKRK Stream .9 – .7, #19 – #21 (Browns)
WARF .3 – .2, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 5.0 – 5.2, #10 – #9
WKSU-HD4 .1 – .1, #24 – #24
Note: Classic hits-oldies WMJI’s -3.0 (5.6 – 4.2) is the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in the first three rounds of PPM results.
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.3, #4 – #5
KCMO-AM 2.0 – 1.9, #16 – #17
KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.6, #18 – #18
KMBZ-FM Stream .7 – .7, #21 – #21
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.1 – 2.6, #14 – #15
KCSP Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25
KWOD DNA – .1, DNA – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 3.6 – 2.8, #12 – #13
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 7.4 – 6.0, #3 – #4
News
WYTS .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 10.3 – 9.8, #1 – #2 (Blue Jackets)
WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)
WBNS-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA
WMNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 4.3 – 4.0, #8 – #9
Up next: December 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) 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.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 4.6 – 3.5, #6 – #9
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 7.4 – 6.9, #3 – #3
WDCH .6 – .5, #23 – #23
WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.4, #14 – #17 (Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .5, #21 – #23 (Capitals)
WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26 (Wizards)
WTEM .2 – .1, #27 – #28 (Wizards)
WSBN DNA – .1, DNA – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 12.7 – 11.3, 25th month in succession at #1
Notes: Even though WAMU’s -1.4 (12.7 – 11.3) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease, the public radio news/talk station remains #1 for the 25th straight month.
The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.5 – 2.9, #14 – #14
WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.0 – 5.1, #6 – #5
Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #27
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 10.7 – 9.2, following three straight months at #1, slips to #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #12
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 6.4 – 5.6, #2 – #3
WGBH 3.9 – 4.2, #9 – #8
Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -1.5 (10.7 – 9.2) represents Boston’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.4 – 1.4, #24 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM 2.1 – 1.2, #20 – #24 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #28 (Dolphins)
WMEN .4 – .1, #31 – #36
WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 3.9 – 3.6, #7 – #8
Note: Sports talk WQAM’s -.9 (2.1 – 1.2) represents Miami’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.1, #6 – #9 (Seahawks)
KTTH 1.6 – 1.6, #21 – #22
KVI 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #22
KPTR .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.6, #18 – #19
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KJR-FM 3.1 – 3.6, #12 – #11 (Kraken)
KIRO-AM 3.1 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Seahawks)
KJR-AM .6 – .7, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.8 – 6.2, #2 – #2
KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16
WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23
WJR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
WWJ 4.6 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #31 – #30
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 9.6 – 9.6, after three straight months at #1, falls to #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #18 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #26 – #25
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #20
WUOM 1.6 – 1.0, #18 – #21
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.3 – 3.2, #11 – #8
KTAR-FM 2.7 – 1.8, #14 – #23 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 3.5 – 2.1, #7 – #19 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 3.1 – 2.8, #12 – #11
Notes: Sports talk KMVP-FM’s -1.4 (3.5 – 2.1) represents Phoenix’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Adult contemporary KESZ boasts the highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase (+7.0) by any station in the first two rounds of PPM results, as well as posting the largest (6+) share (8.2 – 15.2).
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.0 – 4.0, #12 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16
KTLK-AM 2.0 – 1.7, #17 – #17
WCCO Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 8.9 – 7.6, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)
KQQL-HD3 .3 – .3, #26 – #27
KSTP-AM .2 – .1, #28 – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 5.7 – 5.5, #5 – #5
KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 4.2 – 3.8, #6 – #9
KLSD .3 – .2, #26 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 3.6 – 3.4, #11 – #11
KGB-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #21
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 6.2 – 5.9, #2 – #4
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 4.5 – 4.8, #6 – #8 (Lightning)
WFLA 4.4 – 3.9, #7 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.8– 1.9, #17 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #18
WMNF-HD3 Stream .1 – .4, #33 – #29
WUSF Stream .3 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 3.3 – 3.1, #13 – #13 (Broncos)
KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #20
KDFD 2.0 – 1.4, #20 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 4.2 – 3.8, #10 – #10
KKSE-FM 2.1 – 2.4, #19 – #16 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #35
KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #35
KAMP .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 4.0 – 2.7, #11 – #14
KUNC .4 – .4, #31 – #30
Note: Public radio news/talk KCFR’s -1.3 (4.0 – 2.7) represents Denver’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.7 – 3.4, #11 – #10 (Ravens)
WCBM 1.8 – 1.6, #17 – #17
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.3 – 1.1, #18 – #18
WDCH .9 – .8, #20 – #21
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 5.1 – 4.2, #5 – #8
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 4.5 – 3.3, #9 – #11
WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #26
Note: Public radio news/talk WYPR’s -1.2 (4.5 – 3.3) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.0 – 3.0, #11 – #13
KFTK 1.9 – 1.6, #17 – #17
KTLK-FM 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #18
KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #25 – #23
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #23
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.7 – 4.1, #12 – #11 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 4.0, #9 – #12
Note: News/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0) represents St. Louis’ largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Up next: December 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) 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.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.0 – 2.8, #11 – #11
WOR 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #24
WKXW Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38
News
WINS-FM 4.8 – 4.1, #6 – #10
WCBS-AM 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #19
Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #31 – #32
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #36
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.8 – 2.5, #12 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.5 – 1.3 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #8
WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #23
Note: News WINS-FM’s -.7 (4.8 – 4.1) represents New York City’s highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 5.1 – 5.1, #4 – #2
KRLA .5 – .6, #36 – #34
KEIB .7 – .5, #33 – #35 (Clippers)
News
KNX-FM 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #11
KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #41
Sports Talk
KLAC .9 – 1.0 #30 – #29 (Chargers, Clippers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 2.5 – 2.6, #15 – #12
Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.
Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 3.4 – 2.8, #10 – #10 (Blackhawks)
WLS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #23 – #18
WLIP .2 – .4, #41 – #36
WVON DNA – .1, DNA – #43
WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #3 – #4
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #44 – #41
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.3 – 2.4, #14 – #13 (Bulls)
WMVP 1.7 – 1.4, #19 – #20 (Bears)
WSCR Stream .5 – .9, #33 – #27 (Bulls)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 3.1 – 2.6, #11 – #12
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.6 – 1.4, #19 – #22
KSFO Stream .4 – .2, #28 – #31
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3
KNEW .3 – .2, #31 – #31
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #37
KKSF .1 – .DNA, #37 – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.4 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (49ers)
KGMZ 2.1 – 2.3, #15 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)
KTCT .6 – .5, #26 – #27
KGO .2 – .2, #34 – #31
KGO Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 6.7 – 6.6, #2 – #2
KALW .3 – .2, #31 – #31
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.5 – 3.4, #11 – #11
KEGL 1.6 – 1.5, #25 – #26 (Mavericks)
KSKY .6 – .5, #32 – #33
KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #36
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #21 – #20 (Cowboys)
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – .1, #39 – #40 (Cowboys)
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.6 – 5.2, #1 – #2 (Stars)
KRLD-FM 4.1 – 3.4, #5 – #11 (Cowboys)
KRLD-FM Stream .5 – .2, #33 – #37 (Cowboys)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 3.8 – 4.2, #6 – #4
Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) is tied for Dallas’ highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 4.1 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (Rockets)
KPRC .6 – .5, #28 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (Texans)
KBME 1.3 – .5, #22 – #26 (Rockets)
KILT-AM Stream .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Texans)
KFNC .2 – .1, #30 – #33
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 2.2 – 2.3, #20 – #20
Note: Adult contemporary KODA’s +5.2 (6.8 – 12.0) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 8.8 – 8.3, #1 – #1
WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #29
WGKA .2 – .2, #33 – #31
WAOK .1 – .2, #36 – #31
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #33 – DNA
News
WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WZGC 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #15 (Falcons, Hawks)
WCNN 1.2 – 1.5, #21 – #20
WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.2 – 3.9, #13 – #8
WRAS .9 – .6, #24 – #25
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #19
WKXW 1.0 – .9, #24 – #24
WURD Stream .6 – .7, #26 – #26
WPHT Stream .6 – .6, #26 – #27
WURD .4 – .5, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA
WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.3 – 5.2, #6 – #7
KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31
WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
WIP 8.5 – 6.6, #2 – #4 (Eagles)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 1.3, #19 – #22 (Eagles)
WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 2.9 – 2.8, #11 – #11
Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.9 (8.5 – 6.6) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 2.1 – 1.3, #17 – #20
WOR 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #22
WLIR .2 – .2, #31 – #33
News
WINS-FM 4.1 – 4.4, #7 – #8
WCBS-AM 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #16
WINS-FM Stream .6 – .7, #25 – #25
Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #30 – #30
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #36
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 3.7, #8 – #10 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 3.3 – 2.5, #11 – #12 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream .9 – 1.1, #22 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #31 – #33
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #23
Sports Talk
KPWK .1 – .2, #22 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .3 #20 – #20
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22
KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #31 – DNA
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.9 – 5.7, #2 – #3
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #28
KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.0 – 4.1, #7 – #6 (49ers)
KGMZ 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #20 (Golden State Warriors)
KGO Stream .8 – .6, #26 – #26
KTCT .8 – .6, #26 – #26
KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 5.2, #3 – #4
WOR .6 – 1.1, #22 – #20
WKXW Stream .6 – .7, #22 – #22
News
WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.0, #12 – #11
WCBS-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #17
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #26
WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 3.6 – 2.7, #9 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.4 – 1.3, #17 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .9, #18 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: News/talk WKXW’s -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Up next: December 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
According to data from a recent New York Times/Siena College poll of registered voters nationwide, FOX News Channel is named the single news network voters turn to most often, above CNN and
MSNBC, along with topping The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, PBS and NPR. The poll results show 13% of respondents cited FOX News as the single news source they turn to most often, tying broadcast networks like CBS, NBC and ABC, while besting CNN (10%) and MSNBC (3%). For comparison, public news organizations (like PBS and NPR) delivered 4%, national news organizations such as The New York Times and Wall Street Journal garnered 8%, while international news sources like the BBC, Al Jazeera and The Guardian earned 3%.
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s John Maffei reports that KWFN-FM, San Diego “97.3 The Fan” midday host John Kentera is exiting the station after his Friday (12/22) program. Kentera tells the paper he was
told by Audacy management he’s being let go as the company is looking for a change in middays and wants a “less caller-driven show.” Kentera adds, “I prepare like crazy, I think my show is good, well-received, so I was stunned when I was told I was being fired.” The 65-year-old Kentera has been in radio for 40 years, the last four with KWFN-FM and says he does not plan to retire. “I’m going to look for an opportunity in sports… in or out of the radio business. I’m not done yet.” Read the Union-Tribune story here.
Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk radio host Mike Gallagher and his listeners have helped raise funds for the Prison Fellowship this holiday season. Gallagher tells TALKERS magazine, “Years ago, I came home from work one day very grumpy and my wife Denise said, ‘Why don’t you start doing good for people on your show? You could take the passion that your audience has all bottled up
and help people instead of just jawboning and complaining about everything.’ And she was right. So ‘Gallagher’s Heroes – The Fallen Officers Fund’ was created (which assists the families of law enforcement killed in the line of duty and publishes The First Responders Bible) as well as several other charities we help on an annual basis. Each holiday season we partner with Prison Fellowship and get Christmas presents, Bibles and a personalized message from an incarcerated parent delivered to thousands of children. So far this year, my audience has donated over $160,000 which will benefit 6,400 children of prisoners. Over the last few years, my listeners have contributed over $2.5 million to Prison Fellowship. I’m so humbled and blessed to have such a loving, generous audience. It makes it a joy to come to work. And I get to carry my late wife’s wish in my heart. I’m a lucky guy.” Gallagher is not the only SRN host helping the Prison Fellowship cause. Sebastian Gorka is also working hard to promote the organization’s efforts.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling keeping former President Donald Trump off that state’s primary ballot was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was 2024 presidential race, followed by President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings at #3. 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.
American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/2024/register?hub=66636 WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.
According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who is serving as this year’s executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now, while it is relatively early. American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13. These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration, and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”
In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. The theme of 2024’s installment of WRD is Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating. Harrison says, “Radio, as a technology, science, means of communications and system of programming audio elements, has roots all the way back to the 1800s… so it can be safely said that the medium is already well into its second hundred years of existence with its footprint spanning three centuries. WRD 2024 shines a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.”
Harrison continues, “The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market. UNESCO is inviting the worldwide radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.”
WRD 2024 60-second vignettes
In addition, broadcasters are invited to tap into preproduced “World Radio Day Minutes” – a series of 20 one-minute vignettes about radio’s past, present and future being made available license-free. Platforms can run these commercial free as a promotion for radio or attach them for sponsorships by local advertisers. The produced versions in English feature the voices of Michael Harrison and noted commentator Victoria Jones (of DC Radio Company). Unvoiced scripts are available for broadcasters who choose to produce their own versions of these vignettes. To hear and download these 20 one-minute produced programs and scripts please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/audios2024
13 ideas to celebrate WRD 2024
Radio broadcasters are also being provided with 13 useful ideas to help them promote WRD 2024 that include ways to create sponsorship and promotional partnerships with their local communities. These can be accessed by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas
For more information regarding World Radio Day 2024 please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
Talk show host Joe Madison is on leave from his daily, morning drive show heard on SiriusXM’s Urban View to focus on his health. Madison says in a statement, “As many listeners are aware, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. I’ve spoken candidly about my diagnosis to encourage more men to prioritize their health and talk with their healthcare providers about testing and treatments. As
Dick Gregory once told me, ‘Don’t let fear get in the way.’ Thanks to early detection and proton treatment, my cancer went into remission for a long time. Unfortunately, earlier this year the cancer resurfaced. With the unwavering support of my wife Sherry, my family, and the incredible team at SiriusXM, I was able to continue our daily broadcasts. However, upon preparing to return from the Thanksgiving hiatus my health took an adverse turn, making it challenging to host a four-hour live show every day. Currently, I am taking time to focus on my well-being. During this time, SiriusXM will continue to air ‘Madison Classics’ at our regularly scheduled time. I am sincerely grateful for your outpouring of well wishes and support. Sherry and I are spending the holidays with our children and grandchildren. We ask for privacy during this period and extend our warmest wishes to you all for a blessed holiday season.”
The Oklahoman reports that today (12/21) was the last day on the air for Oklahoma City sports talk personality Craig Humphreys on WWLS-FM “The Sports Animal,” where he’s been broadcasting for
more than 30 years. The 71-year-old Humphreys has planned to retire for some time, and he tells the paper that he and his wife Bev, who’s battling cancer, want to spend more time together. Humphreys’ career in OKC sports talk is one that parallels the growth of sports radio in the U.S. Interestingly, he and FOX Sports’ Skip Bayless are boyhood friends who remain close to this day. Read the Oklahoman story here.
Beasley Media Group launches “FOX Sports Radio Jersey Shore” on 100.5 FM in addition to WJRZ-
HD3 at 100.1 FM and WRAT-HD3 at 95.9 FM in the Monmouth-Ocean New Jersey market. Beasley Media Group News Jersey SVP and regional market manager Daniel A. Finn comments, “We currently broadcast FOX Sports Radio in Middlesex-Somerset-Union on 93.5 FM/1450 AM (WCTC) and expanding the brand down the Jersey Shore is very exciting.”
The most significant movement at the top of Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker for November 2023 (10/30-12/3) is the temporary absence of NPR programs due to a planned data collection migration. As a
result, NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” is ranked #1, audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” remains at #2, Wondery’s “Morbid” is #3, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” is steady at #4. Other talk radio-related programs of note include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” steady at #12 and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” down three spots from the October ranker at #16. Triton Digital’s ranker is based on average weekly downloads and ranks participating networks.
Pictured above is media personality Grace Curley (right), who hosts a syndicated talk show on the Howie Carr Radio Network, during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” this morning (12/21) with Lawrence Jones (left). Curley first met Jones at the TALKERS 2021 conference at Hofstra University where Jones was a featured speaker.
FOX News Channel names Madeleine Rivera a Washington-based correspondent. Rivera has been a
reporter for the network’s affiliate news service FOX News Edge since 2021. Throughout her tenure with FOX News Edge, she reported from Jerusalem on the Israeli-Hamas war as well as the Uvalde mass shooting, Hurricane Ian, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Pictured above is Salem Radio Network personality Eric Metaxas (right) with Jacob Chansley, a.k.a., Qanon Shaman at last weekend’s 2023 AmericaFest in Phoenix. Chansley was convicted of trespassing in Congressional offices during the January 6 Capitol attacks and served 27 months of his 41-month sentence. SRN says during last weekend’s event Chansley “sat down at the conservative action conference to spar with Salem Radio Network host Eric Metaxas.” Chansley is now running for Congress in Arizona as a Libertarian.
The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Donald Trump is ineligible to serve as president; the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden’s low polling numbers; Trump’s and Rudy Giuliani’s legal battles; Trump’s rhetoric on illegal immigration and the negotiations in Congress for immigration reform and aid to Ukraine and Israel; Americans’ concerns about the economy & the Dow’s big selloff; international pressure on Israel to slow its Gaza operations; abortion legal battles; and the ongoing shortage of medications in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Audacy names Lisa Polizzi brand manager for news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo. In this role, Polizzi will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. She was a longtime news
director at WIVB-TV, Buffalo and served as a weekend anchor at WBEN-AM in 2002 and at sister WGR-AM in 1999. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger states, “Lisa’s extraordinary background in leading award-winning content generation in local television news will be invaluable for WBEN as it continues to evolve as the radio station that’s always there when the community needs it the most. I look forward to Lisa taking an already stellar brand to new heights.”
an hour of the radio program “The Todd Starnes Show.” Additionally, Todd Starnes is hosting an exclusive, one-hour television program on Newsmax 2. Starnes says, “I’m honored to be a part of the great lineup at Newsmax. And it’s exciting to see the synergy between radio and television.” Next month, Starnes’ radio program launches in Houston on KYST-AM “920 Patriot Talk.”Former MLB player and Bay Area sports personality F.P. Santangelo joins Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco as a part-time host, according to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle. Santangelo was host of the evening show on Cumulus Media’s crosstown sports talk KNBR until November when he and
several other KNBR staffers were released from the station in a budget move. Santangelo’s first shift on “The Game” will be as a fill-in host for Dan Dibley on the afternoon drive show “Willard and Dibs” tomorrow (12/21). Also let go from KNBR last month was digital team member Jake Hutchinson, who recently joined “The Game” in a similar capacity. He says, “I am truly grateful to Audacy and 95.7 for this opportunity and recognition of what I bring to the table. The people I’ve worked next to from 95.7 have always been motivated, innovative and encouraging. They were enormously fun to share press boxes and interview rooms with, and I am ecstatic to now be able to work with them.” Read the San Francisco Chronicle piece here.
Audacy unveils the new weekday lineup for the CBS Sports Radio network that takes effect January 2, 2024. CBS Sports personality Zach Gelb moves to the afternoon drive daypart (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm), and JR Sportbrief transitions from late nights to the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm show. At the same time, CBS elevates
Bart Winkler to late-night host (10:00 pm to 2:00 am). “Maggie & Perloff” with Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff continue in morning drive and Amy Lawrence remains in overnights. Audacy sports format VP and CBS Sports Radio brand manager Spike Eskin comments, “This new lineup reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering around-the-clock sports coverage, connecting fans nationwide with expert analysis, compelling interviews, and premier sports commentary. We look forward to kicking off the new year with this improved weekday programming slate.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James announces her office is filing a suit against SiriusXM for “trapping consumers in subscriptions and maintaining deliberately long and burdensome cancellation processes.” A press release states, “The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that SiriusXM forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, then deliberately draws out those interactions as part of its strategy to prevent subscribers from canceling. The OAG also found
that the company trains its agents to not take ‘no’ for an answer when customers try to cancel, making it extremely difficult and frustrating for consumers to end their subscriptions. Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks restitution, penalties, and disgorgement from SiriusXM for violating New York’s business laws.” James adds, “Having to endure a lengthy and frustrating process to cancel a subscription is a stressful burden no one looks forward to, and when companies make it hard to cancel subscriptions, it’s illegal. Consumers should be able to cancel a subscription they no longer use or need without any issues, and companies have a legal duty to make their cancellation process easy. New Yorkers can trust that when companies like SiriusXM try to take advantage of them and violate the law, my office will step in to stop them.”
Twenty-five agricultural organizations have written to legislators to declare their support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act that would require AM radio be offered in every new vehicle at no extra charge. They say, “Our members rely on AM radio and the vital services it provides daily. AM radio is a source of weather, commodity, and national farm policy updates for our members. Access to radio becomes even more important for America’s producers in times of emergency. For those who work mostly out in the open, often miles from home, response time is critical. Whether a thunderstorm is developing, a tornado is moving closer, or wildfires are spreading, our members need a reliable form of communication to access critical information. AM radio stations are unparalleled in their range. A single AM station can reach up to 700 miles away and travel through barriers like mountains and buildings. When the power goes out, and cell towers go offline, radio is still available. While millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, rural and agricultural programming through AM radio helps keep rural residents apprised of news that may impact their businesses, health care, education, and family.”
As TALKERS magazine reported yesterday, rock radio personality Jim Ladd died over the weekend at age 75 after suffering a heart attack. In remembering Ladd and his contributions to the radio industry, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a profile piece on Ladd that he wrote years ago while serving as special features editor for Inside Radio. Read the entire piece here.
The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Donald Trump is ineligible to serve as president; the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden’s low polling numbers; Trump’s rhetoric on illegal immigration and the negotiations in the Senate to address immigration and national security along with aid for Ukraine and Israel; the pressure on Israel to temper its Gaza operations; the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea; abortion legal battles; the report card on the 118th Congress as the “most unproductive” in recent history; and the proposed sale of US Steel to a Japanese firm were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The New York Festivals Radio Awards, currently accepting entries for 2024, honors radio content in all lengths and formats and across all platforms from radio stations, networks, and independent producers around the world. Embracing all aspects of the radio and audio industries, its categories mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of storytellers by recognizing innovators in many category groups. (The organization also has divisions for advertising and TV.) NY Festivals longtime VP/executive director, Rose Anderson is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Anderson brings tremendous practical experience to the table in her role at NY Festivals. Prior to joining, she was director of production of the Sports Emmy Awards for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. She has been an associate director of the CBS Sports Olympic Unit as well as having served as associate director of ABC Sports. She was a history major at the University of Massachusetts and earned a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism at Boston University. As the international broadcasting community looks forward to celebrating World Radio Day on February 13, Harrison and Anderson discuss the global state of radio and storytelling. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
