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Front Page News Industry News

Friday, March 11, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Dumb Russian,” looks back at this past week of 3/7 to 3/11. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Graham Mack, Podcast Radio UK, London; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Michael Olson, talk show host, “China Watch Radio,” KSCO, Santa Cruz; John DePetro, talk show host, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI; and Ronn Owens, talk show host (retired), KGO, San Francisco.  The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas;  WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; theVirginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

 

Schartel: NAB’s First Amendment Defense a Farce. The owner of KCXL-AM, Liberty, Kansas says in an opinion piece published in TALKERS today (3/11) that the National Association of Broadcasters‘ claim of being a “fierce defender” of the First Amendment, is a “farce.” Pete Schartel’s station carries three hours of the brokered “Radio Sputnik” programming and after the NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a press statement calling on “broadcasters to cease carrying any state-sponsored programming with ties to the Russian government or its agents,” Schartel and his wife began receiving harassing threats. Read his piece here.

 

WWO Audio Active Group Blog: Advertisers Speak Out at ANA Conference. At the annual Association of National Advertisers Media Conference held last week, some 300 media executives from America’s largest and most respected advertisers talked about what their research shows makes for effective marketing. Some of the noteworthy points include the following statement from Association of National Advertisers CEO Bob Liodice, who said, “Humanity needs to be at the center of everything we do [in media and marketing].” WWO adds, “Studies show ads that make you feel something generate stronger sales and profit than rational ads. People-centered media such as AM/FM radio generate double the attentiveness of music platforms without humans (Pandora/Spotify).” Also, Lou Paskalis, longtime client-side marketer and former SVP of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, explains that the news audience is exceptionally valuable, attentive, and deserving of greater investments from brands. Read more here.

 

A Rich Man’s True Jewels: Profile of WRVA, Richmond Talk Host Jeff Katz. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents today’s feature profile of WRVA, Richmond talk radio personality Jeff Katz. A former police officer who grew up in Philadelphia, Katz’s first break in radio was on the sales side and about that Katz says, “I’m pretty sure I was the worst radio salesperson in history. I had absolutely no idea what I was selling, or why I was selling it.” But Katz eventually got a weekend talk show on WFPG-AM, Atlantic City before moving on to such signals as WPOP, Hartford; KPIX-FM and KSFO in San Francisco; and WRKO, Boston. Read the whole story here.

 

TALKERS News Notes. The National Association of Broadcasters announces that the presentation of the 2022 NAB Marconi Radio Awards will take place during a special dinner program at NAB Show New York on October 19, 2022 at the Javits Center. NAB EVP of industry affairs April Carty-Sipp says, “NAB Show New York is the perfect venue for the Marconi Radio Awards with its prime location and ideal timing in the fall when the Marconis have traditionally been presented. We look forward to celebrating the best in radio in October.”…..FOX Sports Radio’s LaVar Arrington – co-host of the network’s weekday morning program “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox,” and co-host of the nationally syndicated weekend program/podcast “Up On Game with TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress” – announces the addition of life coach, chef, NFL wife and entrepreneur Tommi Vincent to the Up On Game Presents podcast lineup. Arrington says, “I’m excited to welcome a dynamic personality like Tommi Vincent to Up on Game Presents. She has been a tremendous contributor to not only the sports community, but also the women’s community. I’m truly looking forward to hearing her show on our feed. Powerful, impactful, female voices are needed and essential to our industry, and I’m proud and honored to welcome Tommi Vincent to the Up On Game Presents family.”…..AdLarge announces today the addition of the “Collapse: Disaster in Surfside” podcast to the company’s ad sales network portfolio. Co-produced by Treefort Media and the Miami Herald, the 12-part investigative and narrative reporting series podcast delves into the devastating nightmare that took place just outside of Surfside, Florida a little after midnight on June 24, 2021, where a condominium complex suddenly collapsed to the ground killing 98 people in a matter of minutes.

 

Russia-Ukraine War Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 7-11. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rest of the world’s reactions was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the diplomatic relations between the U.S., Russia, and China, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the soaring price of gasoline at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during 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.

Opinions

NAB’s First Amendment Defense a Farce

By Editor | by Editor

By Pete Schartel
KCXL-AM
Owner

 

LIBERTY, Kan. — It is my patriotic duty alert fellow broadcasters that last week the new driver of the National Association of Broadcasters threw both our cherished First Amendment right of free speech and the preservation of independent broadcast voices under the bus by calling for the silencing of broadcasters that carry Russian-sponsored programming.

New NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt states that “the NAB is a fierce defender of the First Amendment.” Perhaps he should have used the word “farce” instead. Advocating to shut down independent radio stations, such as my own which has zealously practiced the American ideal of creating a fully informed electorate, doesn’t strike me as being a “fierce defender.” Since his statement came out during meetings with 300 lawmakers it seems more plausible that this was a knee-jerk attempt to make them like him by playing on public sympathy and emotion.

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Features

A Rich Man’s True Jewels

By Editor | by Editor

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

RICHMOND, VA. — Whether fair or not, market size/overall reach has been elevated as being an individual broadcaster’s dominant barometer of success.

Countless news/talk shows are heard on terrestrial, satellite, and internet radio, as well as through podcasts and other new media streams, yet it would hardly be a stretch to venture that a wildly significant number of news/talk hosts are fervently vying to become the next Rush Limbaugh.

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Sales

Pending Business: King Content

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — If “content is king,” then what is sales?

The sports world seems to be redefining how we view value and utilize king content. The trailblazer is arguably the biggest brand in sports: the National Football League.

The NFL wrote the book on how constant improvement and innovation, especially in media coverage, could drive a brand to unmatched heights in event marketing, viewership, influence, and income. It is no accident the NFL is now in the spotlight again moving the media innovation needle to 5.0.

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Advice

Monday Memo: The Lightning Round

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Grab the arm rest! Validating the consultant stereotype, here are 9-ideas-in-8-minutes…

  1. Effective commercial copy point: “It’s time to get together again.”

Seen those Applebee’s TV spots featuring the old “Cheers” theme? Instant feel-good.

Pandemic fatigue = cabin fever. So restaurants – and other retailers offering an experience – want to sound inviting.

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Front Page News Industry News

Friday, March 4, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled,“Predators,” looks back at this past week of 2/28 to 3/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Ronn Owens, talk show host (retired), KGO, San Francisco; Chris Hansen, investigative reporter/commentator, “Predators I Have Caught with Chris Hansen”; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City/FOX News Radio; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York.  The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas;  WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

 

RT Shuts Down American Operations. The management of RT, the international Russian government-funded television network, informed its staff of American and Russian broadcasters that it is shutting down operations of its Washington, DC-based U.S. operations, RT America, effective immediately due to the condemnation it is receiving in the United States as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The news was broken at an all-hands-on-deck staff meeting held at the network’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Washington, DC on Thursday (3/3) at 12:00 pm. Noted media consultant and TALKERS contributing columnist Holland Cooke has been hosting a weekly show on RT America titled, “The Big Picture,” since 2017. He tells his story in a TALKERS exclusive feature. Please click here.

 

Salem Media Group Reports 2021 Q4 Revenue Up 7.2%. Reporting its financial data for the fourth quarter of 2021, Salem Media Group reveals total revenue for the period was $69.1 million, an increase of 7.2% over the same period in 2020. Breaking the quarterly results down by segment, the company reports net broadcast revenue of $51 million, an increase of 6.1%, year-over-year. Salem’s digital media revenue was $11.6 million, up 2.9%, and publishing revenue was $6.5 million, an increase of 27.1% over Q4 of 2020. For the full year of 2021, consolidated revenue was $258.2 million, up 9.3% over the full year of 2020. Full-year net broadcast revenue was $191.4 million, a year-over-year increase of 7.5%; digital media revenue was $42.2 million, an increase of 6.5% over 2020; and publishing revenue was $24.6 million, a year-over-year increase of 33.1%. For the full year of 2021, Salem reports net income of $41.5 million compared to the net loss of $54.1 million reported for the full year of 2020.

 

The John Fredericks Media Network Launches ‘Liberty Radio’ Simulcast Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Region. Talk media personality and media operator John Fredericks announces the John Fredericks Media Network’s acquisition of the former WVCH-AM, Chester – now WJFP-AM – and translator W277DL, Malvern (103.3) in Pennsylvania and his operation of translator W237EH, Pennsauken, New Jersey (95.3) to simulcast as “Liberty Radio.” The company says the new radio signal additions to the John Fredericks Media Network will give the it enormous reach into Philadelphia, all surrounding suburbs, half of Delaware – south to Dover, all of Wilmington and most of South Jersey. Fredericks owns or operates four radio stations in Central Virginia – WJFN-AM, Chester; WJFN-FM, Goochland; and translators at 92.7 FM and 107.7 FM – as the simulcast “Newstalk WJFN.” He also owns WMLB-AM, Atlanta. “The John Fredericks Radio Show” is carried on both networks. He also hosts the television show “Outside the Beltway with John Fredericks” on Real America’s Voice News.  Fredericks comments, “The acquisition of iconic radio station WVCH in greater Philadelphia and its accompanying FM translator is an essential component of our growth strategy. We want to provide our growing audience with hard-hitting news and incisive analysis to cut through the cancel culture and the woke fake news networks that dominate the airwaves today. Our proprietary network of show hosts is leading the radio industry, and our vision of all live weekday coverage and weekend live sports has resonated with both our listeners and advertisers.”

 

MIW’s ‘Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’ Accepting Applications. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, announces the opening of the application window for its 2022 Mildred Carter Mentoring Program today (3/4) through March 21, 2022. Established in 2002, MIW’s the annual mentoring initiative connects mentees with accomplished women recognized as leaders, mentors, and game-changers within all aspects of radio broadcasting. Four candidates from the radio broadcasting industry within the sales, marketing, programming, and digital disciplines will be selected for the 2022 program. MIW Board president Ruth Presslaff commented on the announcement, “We’re extremely appreciative of our sponsors, Entravision and Beasley Media Group. We look forward to welcoming our newest group of mentees, especially as we consider the data presented in our recent MIW Gender Analysis Study. There’s work to be done and we’re eager to continue our mission of mentoring!” See more about this program and apply here.

 

TALKERS News Notes. A deal between United Stations Radio Networks, Audacy, and AccuWeather, is extended and expanded. The new pact provides for the continuation of AccuWeather’s services on existing Audacy affiliates, and adds 14 new Audacy stations to the list of AccuWeather outlets, including FM stations in New York City, Detroit, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Memphis, and Buffalo…..Chicago radio personality and South Side native William J. Kelly is co-hosting a charity benefit called “Chicago Stands with Ukraine” on Friday, March 11 to benefit Nevada-based Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Kelly says, “‘The William J. Kelly Irish Hour’ on WPNA is proud to support Revived Soldiers of Ukraine and the courageous work they do. We are joining together here in the Land of Lincoln and beyond to support the brave men and women in Ukraine who are fighting and sacrificing their lives for freedom.”….. The board of trustees for Boston public media producer GBH elects Stacy L. Cowan, Susan G. Fentin, Susan X. Luo, and Lynn Perry Wooten as trustees. President and CEO Jonathan Abbott states, “GBH is fortunate to have a strong, committed group of community and business leaders dedicated to helping the organization achieve its mission. As the landscape for media evolves, we continue to rely on their expertise and leadership.”

 

The Russia-Ukraine Crisis Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 28-March 4. Russia’s continuing invasion of the Ukraine and the rest of the world’s response to the crisis was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the soaring price of consumer goods and gasoline at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

 

 

 

Bell Seeks Senior Manager, Affiliate Relations & Content. Canadian media giant Bell is looking for a senior manager, affiliate relations & content for its Orbyt Media. The company says, “We’re looking for innovative team players ready to take some of the most well-known entertainment brands in the country to the next level. Are you looking for a unique opportunity to play a critical role in content creation and syndication of programs and services across the broadcast industry? The Orbyt Media team is looking for someone who will foster and grow internal and external relationships and be bold in their idea generation and planning. Integrity and strong leadership are core attributes that are required in this role.” Find out more and apply here.

Features

Holland Cooke Exits RT America

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI – How’s THAT for timing? On February 19, my bride and I jetted-off to sunny Nassau, to exhale. Airports were mobbed, with school vacation week and the Presidents’ Day holiday upon us. And unlike those sudden vacations that Fox News faux pas sometimes trigger, this getaway really was booked months in advance.

The night before, on what became my last TV show, I asked viewers “WHY DO American corporate mainstream media seem impatient for war in Ukraine?” Eager to own the story, ABC, CBS, NBC and cable news channels had been beating the drum for weeks, as President Biden told us with certainty invasion was imminent while President Putin amassed the biggest deployment since World War II. Merely “tense” when our trip began, the world was at war when we got home.

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Features

100 Points! Impossible!

By Editor | by Editor

By Mark Wainwright
Talk Host/Voice Talent

 

SYRACUSE — It’s hard to believe in 2022 that NBA teams of the past struggled – sometimes desperately – to sell tickets. Decades ago, NBA clubs would often schedule “home” games in smaller nearby towns to drum up interest. That’s why the Philadelphia Warriors and the New York Knicks were playing a Philadelphia “home” game in Hershey, Pennsylvania on Friday night, March 2, 1962.

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Sales

Pending Business: Sell Carefully

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — As I write this week’s column, events in Russia, the Ukraine, and around the world are driving the content on news/talk radio stations everywhere. Whether it’s all-news, a local talk show, or a nationally or regionally syndicated program, the world is talking, watching, listening, posting, tweeting, documenting and sharing.

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Ratings Takeaways

January 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | by Editor

January 2022 PPM Data – Information for the January 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2

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 “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.9 – 4.4, +.5, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 7.3 – 6.8, -.5, third to second

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, first month, 7.4 – 8.7, +1.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KKMJ (-5.8)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 6.3 – 7.4, +1.1, fourth to third

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 3.3, +.9, #15 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 6.9 – 9.6, +2.7, third to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 6.9 – 9.6, +2.7

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WUNC (+2.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-3.3)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.8 – 10.6, +1.8, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Pacers) 4.0 – 4.6, +.6, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .9, locked at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.2 – 5.7, -.5, stays in fifth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, first month, 9.7 – 11.2 +1.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WIBC (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-8.5)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 8.8 – 9.7, +.9, fourth to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.7 – 7.2, +.5, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #17 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #15

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.1 – 1.2, +.1, stays at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 8.8 – 9.7, +.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country WMIL (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLDB (-4.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.1 – 6.9, +.8, third to second

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.7 – 2.6, +.9, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” flat at 4.7, eighth to ninth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, repeats at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.9 – 6.6, +1.7, seventh to fourth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, first month, 6.7 – 7.2, +.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-10.1)*

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.7 – 7.0, +.3, fifth to third

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” 1.1 – 0.7, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, eighth to sixth

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.2 – 4.2, +1.0, ninth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, remains at #10

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, continues tied with WGBH in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Hall Communications’ country WCTK, first month, 7.8 – 10.6, +2.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country WCTK (+2.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-8.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #17 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.0 – 1.5, +.5, #20 to #17

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .4 – .6, +.2, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, first month, 10.6 – 11.1, +.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country WGH-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-6.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 9.6, +2.6, third to first

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .4 – .9, +.5, locked at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT  2.8 – 3.4, +.6, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WOKV-FM, first month, 7.0 – 9.6, +2.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WOKV-FM (+2.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-7.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 2.3 – 2.9, +.6, #11 to #8

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #14 to #11

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.1 – 1.7, +.6, #16 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .8 – .6, -.2, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, first month, 7.7 – 9.1, +1.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-4.6)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.0 – 6.5, +2.5, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” .4 – .6, +.2, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 3.3 – 4.0, +.7, ninth to eighth

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, first month, 11.5 – 14.2, +2.7

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+2.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-8.1)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #13 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, seventh to eighth and WMFS’ internet stream .3 – .7, +.4, remains at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, first month, 11.3 – 14.1, +2.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (+2.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-8.4)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, remains in seventh-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” unchanged at .9, #14 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .5, #16; it was unlisted in “Holiday” 2021

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .9 – 1.2, +.3, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 6.9 – 8.6, +1.7, fourth to second

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .5, +.1, steady at #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 23rd successive month, 18.6 – 11.6, -7.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WHCN (+3.0)**

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-7.0)

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

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

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, February 25, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

 

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Putin Shootin,’” looks back at this past week of 2/21 to 2/25. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Frank Morano, talk show host, WABC, New York; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Ross Kaminsky, talk show host, KOA, Denver; and Matthew B. Harrison, attorney/associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas;  WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

 

Round Three of January PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 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 January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds 1.7 shares for a 7.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rises to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM tacks on a half share for a 2.8 share finish and the #15 rank. Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte rises a full share to finish the month with a 3.9 share and leaps to the #13 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises by 1.9 shares for a 7.6 share finish and climbs to the #2 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds 1.2 shares for a 6.5 share finish and wraps the survey ranked #4. Audacy’s Kansas City news/talk KMBZ-FM leaps 2.2 shares to wrap the survey with a 7.2 share good for the #3 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.

 

Triton Digital Releases January Podcast Report. The January 2022 edition of Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Report has been released, revealing its ranking of the top 20 podcast networks and the top 100 podcasts based on average weekly downloads and on average weekly users for participating networks and publishers. Based on average weekly downloads, Stitcher Media (SXM Media) was the top podcast network (55.4 million AWD). It was followed by NPR at #2, Audacy Podcast Network at #3 and Cumulus Podcast Network at #4. For the ranking of top podcasts (based on average weekly download), “NPR News Now” (NPR) was #1. Following at #2 was “Crime Junkie” (SXM), with “The Ben Shapiro Show” (Cumulus Podcast Nework) at #3. There was a debut on the top 100 rank this month as “The Brian Kilmeade Show” (FOX News Podcasts) entered the chart at #87. You can see the complete report here.

 

Newsmax TV Has Boots on the Ground in Ukraine. The news and talk network Newsmax TV is delivering the latest from Ukraine thanks to its two correspondents Sarah Williamson and Chuck Holton. Since early February of this year, Newsmax has had two television correspondents stationed in Ukraine tracking the escalating tensions and full-scale invasion.  Australian Sarah Williamson joined Newsmax only in December and was quickly assigned to the European war zone. Her experience includes covering the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for Israel’s i24 News for four years. Veteran war correspondent Chuck Holton is described by Newsmax’s chief content officer Elliot Jacobson as the company’s conflict zone correspondent. Most recently, he was reporting from Panama about migrants moving north toward the U.S. border. Jacobson says of their work in Ukraine, “We’re getting some unique perspectives. We’re talking to people on the ground. We have interviewed Ukrainian officials. We’re not just reporting without any interaction with the locals.” Newsmax has taken a stance in the conflict saying it “strongly opposes Putin.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “Newsmax believes Russia has made a major transgression and this should be condemned strongly by all people. I think we are seeing for conservatives a clarity moment where FOX News’ main host is stating categorically, he is siding with Putin and Russia in support of the invasion. Newsmax supports President Biden’s efforts to stop this invasion. If anything we think he is not being strong enough. We believe there is a bipartisan consensus in opposition to this dangerous aggression.”

 

Trevor Morini Named VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Raleigh. Programming pro Trevor Morini is appointed vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Raleigh station group that includes news/talk WTKK-FM and four music brands, including CHR WDCG-FM, for which Morini will also serve as program director. He previously served with iHeartMedia as format center executive producer for iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group. Morini says,, “I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the talented programming team in Raleigh. Together we will build upon their success and continue to grow our market-leading brands, and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you to the iHeartMedia senior leadership team for their continued support.”

 

 

Salem Radio Network on Radio Row at CPAC. Pictured above at the CPAC 2022 radio row in Orlando are Salem Radio Network hosts Sebastian Gorka (left) and Charlie Kirk (right).  In addition to hosting his program from the convention, Gorka is also taking part in a panel discussion called, “Fire Fauci” that features talk radio host Todd Starnes, Dr. Peter McCullough, and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.

 

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 21-25. The shelling and movement of Russian troops into the Ukraine was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Takers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, the financial markets activity and the soaring inflation, followed by the COVID-related issues of masks, vaccines, mandates and the Truckers’ Convoy at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

Ratings Takeaways

January 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | by Editor

January 2022 PPM Data – Information for the January 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2

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 “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.9 – 7.6, +1.7, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 8.3 – 10.1, +1.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream 2.7 – 2.1, -.6, #13 to #19

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, 8.3 – 10.1, +1.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KOPB (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-7.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #20

Urban One-owned WLNK-HD3 .3, #20 (did not appear in “Holiday” 2021)

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.1 – 4.2, +1.1, #14 to #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC steady at .4, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Davidson College classical WDAV, first month, 4.4 – 6.4, +2.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classical WDAV (+2.0)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-5.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, remains at #8

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 1.8 – 2.6, +.8, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock KTKX, first month, 5.4 – 7.3, +1.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  CHR KXXM (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-8.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, stays at #3 and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.1 – 3.7, +1.6, #14 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.0 – 5.0, +1.0, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  country KNCI (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-8.3)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 4.4 – 5.0, +.6, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.6 – 9.1, +1.5, fourth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.2 – 3.1, +.9, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in succession, 15.5 – 10.1, -5.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  adult hits WRRK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease:  classic hits-oldies WWSW (-5.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 7.6, +1.9, sixth to second

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.3 – 6.5, +1.2, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ, first month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSFI (-10.3)*

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #18 to #14

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.9 – 7.0, +.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KSOS (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-7.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.8 – 6.2, +1.4, eighth to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, repeats at #17

iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, first month, 7.1 – 8.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WTKS (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-6.1)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.0 – 11.5, +1.5, anchored in second-place and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.7 – 7.0, +2.3, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 4.1 – 4.8, +.7, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR, first month, 9.5 – 13.4, +3.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+3.9)**

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease:  adult contemporary WRRM (-6.4)

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, flat at #6 and WKRK’s internet stream, steady at 1.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 3.0 – 4.1, +1.1, #12 to #11

Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, first month, 8.2 – 11.3, +3.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  urban AC WZAK (+3.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WDOK (-4.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 5.0 – 7.2, +2.2, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.2 – 2.9, +.7, #17 to #12 and KCSP’s internet stream, 1.2, #19 (unlisted in “Holiday” 2021)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 4.8 – 6.0, +1.2, seventh to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 7.6, -.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+2.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-3.7)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.0 – 8.5, +2.5, fifth to third

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” .1 – .3, +.2, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, second to first and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .7 – .6, -.1, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.6 – 7.7, +1.1, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, first month, 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase:  news/talk WTVN (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult hits WODC (-6.3)

Up next: January 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

January 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

January 2022 PPM Data – Information for the January 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2

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 “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” flat at 3.6, repeats at #12

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.4 – 8.0, +1.6, fourth to second

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 1.9 – 3.0, +1.1, #16 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 7.3 – 9.6, +2.3, third to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, first month, 7.3 – 9.6, +2.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WAMU (+2.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WASH (-5.7)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 4.5, +1.1, ninth to seventh

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.5 – 6.4, -.1, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) flat at 8.3, second to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 2.6 – 3.1, +.5, #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #12 to #9

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, flat at 8.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WRKO (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMJX (-6.4)

MIAMI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, locked at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 8.0 – 8.3, +.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country WKIS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLYF (-1.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, second to first

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (formerly Sinclair Broadcast Group‘s KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM) “Northwest News Radio” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, third to fifth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.4 – 5.7, +1.3, eighth to third

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.9, +.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-3.7)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, steady at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 6.2, +1.2, unchanged at #4

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons and Red Wings) 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Wayne State University’s WDET 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #18 to #15

University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, flat at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+2.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-12.1)*

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets whose information we’ve seen thus far

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.4 – 5.7, +2.3, eighth to third

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 5.7 – 6.5, +.8, repeats in second-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, sixteenth consecutive month, 17.7 – 8.4, -9.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk KFYI (+2.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-9.3)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, sixth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, steady at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 1.5 – 2.6, +1.1, #18 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.4 – 6.5, +.1, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.5 – 7.4, -.1, anchored in second-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 6.5 – 10.6, +4.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+4.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-8.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” .8 – 1.6, +.8, #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.8 – 6.6, -.2, second to third

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 5.1 – 8.2, +3.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KXSN (+3.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-6.0)

TAMPA

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 2.7 – 3.3, +.6, #14 to #11

Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida‘s WUSF 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fifth month in a row, 10.6 – 8.1, -2.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock WPBB and CHR WPOI (+.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV (-2.5)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #8 to #11; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, unchanged at #17; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 2.4 – 3.9, +1.5, #15 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy hot AC KALC, first month, 4.5 – 5.9, +1.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: sports talk KKFN (+1.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOSI (-8.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #12 to #9

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation’s WYPR 3.3 – 5.7, +2.4, tenth to fifth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, 3.6 – 7.9, +4.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: adult hits WQSR (+4.3)**

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIF (-10.9)

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 increase (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets whose information we’ve seen thus far

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.7 – 4.0, +1.3, #14 to #11; KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, continues at #12; and KFTK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #20 to #19

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” flat at .7, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.4 – 5.5, +1.1, stays at #9

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, repeats at #16

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, first month, 7.8 – 8.5, +.7

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country KSD (+2.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-10.1)

Up next: January 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

January 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

January 2022 PPM Data – Information for the January 2022 ratings period 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.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2022 sweep covered January 6 – February 2

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 “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #16 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.1 – 2.8, +.7, #18 to #13

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, fifth to seventh and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, steady at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 2.7 – 3.5, +.8, #12 to #10

Number One 6+: Emmis urban AC WBLS, first month, 6.2 – 6.6, +.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk WFAN and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (+.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-5.2)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW had been #1 the past six months

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 3.0 – 3.7, +.7, eighth to seventh

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.1, #10

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, seventh successive month, 13.4 – 6.3, -7.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRTH (+1.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-7.1)

Note: KNX-FM was unlisted in “Holiday” 2021, while KNX-AM was #11 (2.8); the latter is unlisted in January 2022.

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.5 – 5.2, +1.7, seventh to fourth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.6 – 5.7, +.1, third to first

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) 1.5 – 2.0, +.5, #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, fourth to third

Number One 6+ (Tie): news/talk WBBM-AM & WCFS, first month, 5.6 – 5.7, +.1, and iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, first month, 5.9 – 5.7, -.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: news/talk WGN (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-9.3)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #22 to #17

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, third to second

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.3 – 4.6, +1.3, seventh to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 7.9 – 8.5, +.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, first month, 7.9 – 8.5, +.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: hot AC KLLC (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-5.2)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, locked at #14

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, #22 to #19

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 2.6 – 3.7, +1.1, #16 to #7

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS, first month, 4.9 – 5.3, +.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-6.3)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, tenth consecutive month, 12.8 – 7.4, -5.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: CHR KRBE (+2.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-5.4)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 5.8 – 6.9, +1.1, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #13 to #15

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #14 to #12

Number One 6+ (Tie); Cox Media Group urban AC WALR, first month, 7.4 – 7.1, -.3 and co-owned classic hits-oldies WSRV, first month, 7.3 – 7.1, -.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: CHR WWWQ (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (-4.3)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #19 to #20

In the Audacy cluster, WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #23 to #20 and WPHT’s internet stream, which posts an identical .9 – 1.3, +.4, #23 to #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.7 – 5.2, +.5, anchored in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, eighth to ninth

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 3.1, +1.5, #17 to #11

WIP’s internet stream, .7 – 1.9, +1.2, #25 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.9 – 7.4, +1.5, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, first month, 7.1 – 7.6, +.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: country WXTU (+2.4)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WBEB (-9.6)**

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8, #15

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.7 – 3.5, +.8, #13 to #5 and cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, repeats at #8

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, eighth to fifth

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #22 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM, first month, 7.5 – 7.4, -.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: rock WWSK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: hot AC WALK-FM (-4.7)

Note: WABC-AM & WLIR-FM was unlisted in Long Island’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .2 – .3, +.1, #22 to #15

San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .3, #21 to #15

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, first month, 6.6 – 8.4, +1.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: country KFRG (-.9)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #16 to #11 and cluster-mate KSFO “Talk Radio 560” .7 – 1.4, +.7, #23 to #15

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 5.4, continues at #4

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 2.4 – 3.5,+1.1, #11 to #8

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” flat at .9, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville classic rock KUFX first month 5.4 – 6.0, +.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase (Tie): country KRTY and regional Mexican KSOL (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-6.2)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 4.9 – 5.9, +1.0, seventh to second

News: In the Audacy cluster, WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #19 to #12; WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” flat at 1.1, #22 to #16; and WINS’ internet stream .4, #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.0 – 2.9, +.9, #16 to #10

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.5 – 1.0, -.5, #20 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ, first month, 6.6 – 6.0, -.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WQHT (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2021 – January 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.8)

Note: WINS’ internet stream was unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 

Up next: January 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Sales

Pending Business: Five Basics for Better Sales

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — “Less talk, more listening guarantees increased sales.”

That may sound great, but it rarely works in today’s real world of sales.

It should read: “Better talk, closer listening can improve sales.”

Let’s unpack this.

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Front Page News Industry News

Friday, February 18, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled,“Good Gawd Y’All,” looks back at this past week of 2/14 to 2/18. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Mike Bendixen, Canadian broadcasting executive/personality, Toronto; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Michael Riedel, theater critic/talk show host, WOR, New York; Matthew B. Harrison, attorney/associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Brett Winterble Celebrates Second Anniversary of Joining WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte. Talk radio host Brett Winterble begins his third year as host of the afternoon drive show on Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte. Winterble, who spent almost 10 years as a producer of “The Rush Limbaugh Show” before launching his own talk show in 2008, joined WBT in February of 2020 after hosting a talk show at KFMB-AM, San Diego, among other outlets. WBT program director Mike Schaefer says, “Brett made an immediate impact on WBT two years ago, and our listeners have welcomed him into their lives every day from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.  We couldn’t be happier that he is starting his third year as we move towards WBT’s 100th Anniversary on April 10.”

iHeartMedia to Use Veritone Technology to Translate Podcasts into Foreign Languages. A deal between iHeartMedia and Veritone, Inc. will see the former use Veritone’s synthetic voice solution that allows celebrities, athletes, influencers, broadcasters, podcasters and other talent across numerous industries to securely create and monetize verified synthetic voices that can be transformed into different languages, dialects, accents and more. iHeartMedia will leverage Veritone’s AI platform to make more shows across the iHeartPodcast Network available in multiple languages. The first use case is to translate iHeartMedia’s marquee podcasts for Spanish-speaking audiences. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “With the hyper-growth of our podcast network over the past decade, we are always looking for what is new and next in the medium, too – and Veritone’s synthetic voice solution is a great example of that. Being able to easily offer our podcasts in other languages, in the talents’ unique style, will be an awesome and innovative way to grow market share in the global marketplace.”

Michael Harrison Guests on Maria Milito Podcast. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is this week’s guest on the iHeartMedia podcast, “Maria’s Mutts & Stuff,” hosted by longtime Q104.3, New York classic rock midday personality, Maria Milito. The podcast series focuses on Milito’s ongoing interest in animals and their welfare – a passion shared by Harrison. The two old radio friends discuss Harrison’s YouTube hit “I Know You’re Real” which he co-wrote and performed with the legendary album rock band Gunhill Road that was released last spring on the group’s fourth album, What Year Is This! They talk about animals, cosmic consciousness and, of course, their experiences in radio. You can check out the podcast by clicking here. To view the video of “I Know You’re Real” please click here.

Promotions and Staff Additions at Today’s Homeowner Media. There are a number of personnel moves to report at Today’s Homeowner Media, the company that produces the “Today’s Homeowner” radio and television shows starring Danny Lipford. First, Stephanie Greenwood rises from VP of PR, marketing and digital to general manager of the company. Scott Basilotta, formerly director of television and radio syndication, is now vice president of distribution, and Thomas Boni is now digital content director. Danny Lipford says, “I couldn’t be more pleased with the performances of these three individuals and how each has shown growth in their areas of expertise year over year. I look forward to their continued leadership of the company and the impact their efforts will have our Today’s Homeowner Media’s success.” Additionally, the company brings aboard Carey Bradley as content coordinator, Glenn Johnson as audio operations manager, and Karmen Baker as PR & marketing manager.

TALKERS News Notes. The Talk Shows USA-syndicated program “Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk” adds new affiliates WORK, Canandaigua, New York; KDGO, Durango, Colorado; KLIN, Lincoln, Nebraska; and WLNL, Horseheads, New York. Gresham says, “The continued growth of the show mirrors the spectacular increase in the number of gun owners across the country. More than 10 million people have purchased a first gun over the last two years, and the research shows this group to be fully representative of America’s demographics. These new owners need and want information on safe gun handling and storage, and we provide that weekly on Gun Talk.”…..PodcastOne launches the “Third Wheel with Jenny Mollen” podcast on February 22.  “Third Wheel with Jenny Mollen” features the actress and best-selling author in conversation with some of the most-talked-about couples in pop culture, from Chelsea Handler and Jo Koi to Karamo Brown and Carlos Medel to Heather and Terry Dubrow, discovering what makes a healthy, committed relationship. PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “Jenny Mollen’s witty, raw and honest commentary on relationships, parenting, and life in general delivers an honest take on topics at the forefront of everyone’s minds. PodcastOne is thrilled to give Jenny a platform to explore other people’s insights and thoughts on relationships and couple goals. We cannot wait for everyone to be able to listen and hear what celebrity relationships are all about.”…..SiriusXM announces today that TikTok star Tinx, a.k.a. Christina Najjar, joins the company to create a range of new audio content for SiriusXM and its platforms. Those include a new podcast titled, “It’s Me, Tinx,” and a weekly radio show, “It’s Me, Tinx Live,” on SiriusXM’s Stars channel…..Your Public Radio, operator of Baltimore public radio outlets WYPR-FM and WTMD-FM and publisher of award-winning podcasts, announces a new, limited podcast series, “Wavelength: Baltimore’s Public Radio Journey” that examines the history and impact of public radio in Baltimore. Hosted by noted storyteller and actress Maria Broom, and featuring interviews and archival tape, the podcast will take listeners on a journey from public radio’s early days to now. Listeners will learn about the evolution of WYPR, WTMD, WEAA and WBJC, how the stations responded to major news stories, featured local and national musicians, and how they found their place in Baltimore’s current radio scene.

COVID-19 Vaccines, Masks, Mandates & Canadian Truckers Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 14-18. COVID-19 vaccines, mandates, masks and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Russia’s continuing buildup of military forces at the Ukraine border and the threat of a global conflict, followed by the combination of the economy, record-setting inflation, the supply chain woes, the labor force, and remote working at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Sales

Pending Business: A Customer-centric Pitch

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
Presisdent

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Recently, I found myself in New York City for an extended period of time with no access to a gym. My only option was to walk, so I created a daily walking route: a two-mile hike through the streets of Manhattan. Walking always has been and with or without facemasks, walking still is very much a part of the lifestyle in Manhattan.

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Advice

Monday Memo: Talk Topic Two-fer

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Barring the unforeseeable, today’s callers are talking about Super Bowl commercials. Next Monday, Presidents Day, is a holiday for some, disrupting habit listening. So here are two timely topics, which lit-up-the-phones when I myself used them guest-hosting “The Jim Bohannon Show” and elsewhere.

“Your Most Monumental Presidents?” 

On Mount Rushmore, there is room for four: “If we were carving it today, who do YOU think deserves to be there? [phone number]”

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, February 11, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Keep On Truckin’,” looks back at this past week of 2/7 to 2/11. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond; Michael Olson, talk show host, KSCO, Santa Cruz; Lynn Woolley, talk show host, KJCE, Austin; Claire Carter, commentator, Good For You Radio; and Matthew B. Harrison, attorney/associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Report: Curtis Sliwa and Anthony Weiner to Co-Host Weekend Show on WABC. The radio station has not issued a press release but numerous New York news outlets, including the New York Post, are reporting that longtime New York radio personality Curtis Sliwa and former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner are debuting a new weekend show on Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM tomorrow (2/12) at 2:00 pm. Sliwa was a full-time host on the station prior to stepping away last year to run for mayor of New York, and Weiner was an A-list political figure who eventually served 18 months for sending sexually explicit texts to a minor. He is divorced from Huma Abedin, a longtime aid to Hillary Clinton. The new program is titled “The Left vs The Right” and he says he’s fine with being open about his past. He tells the Post, “There’s a lot of water under the bridge. There have been a lot of opportunities for me to process a lot of stuff. A lot of time has passed. I don’t think I would be going on the radio if I didn’t think Curtis or listeners would ask tough questions.” Speaking about the radio program, Sliwa tells the Post, “When it comes to knowledge of New York and how things operate and how bad things are now, between the both of us you will get information and we will balance one another. You get the yin-and-yang. There are very few places where you get two points of view anymore. The listeners can make their own decisions based on all the information we are sharing with them.”

Fox Corporation Reports Fiscal 2022 Q2 Revenue Up 9%. Financial results from Fox Corporation’s fiscal 2022 second quarter include revenue for the quarter at $4.44 billion, up 9% over the same period in fiscal 2021 Q2. Fox Corporation operates FOX News Media, the parent of FOX News Channel, the FOX Nation digital platform, and FOX News Radio. The company says that advertising revenues increased $13 million or 3%, primarily due to continued pricing strength at FOX News Media, despite the absence of the prior year election cycle, and stronger pricing and additional MLB playoff games at the national sports networks. Other revenues increased $26 million or 22%, driven by higher sports sublicensing revenues, which were impacted by COVID-19 in the prior year quarter, and higher FOX Nation subscription revenues. Cable Network Programming reported quarterly segment EBITDA of $668 million, an increase of $97 million or 17% from the amount reported in the prior year quarter, as the revenue increases noted above were partially offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects higher programming rights amortization at the national sports networks and increased digital investment at FOX News Media. Executive chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch comments, “Against the high bar we set in our fiscal second quarter last year, we have once again delivered revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth in the second quarter of our 2022 fiscal year, while continuing to invest in our digital growth initiatives. These strong results and broad-based operating momentum are underpinned by the most valuable news franchise in the country, the leading live sports franchise, our top broadcast network reinforced by a strategic stations portfolio, as well as the emerging leader in AVOD. This focused portfolio is delivering consistent growth for our shareholders in a thoughtful and disciplined manner.”

Recognizing Reginald Fessenden. The National Inventors Hall of Fame is recognizing AM radio inventor Reginald Fessenden (pictured here) as we celebrate World Radio Day on Sunday (2/13). A piece by the NIHF’s Aaron Bennett lays out the history of Fessenden’s work that included his time spent with the United States Weather Bureau “where he was challenged to adapt radiotelegraphy (radio communication using a coded signal like Morse Code) for use in weather forecasting. Frustrated with the cumbersome and slow process of decoding messages in this way, he began exploring ways to transmit voice. Through his experiments, he realized that combining radio waves with a locally generated wave of a slightly different frequency created an audible frequency that could transmit the human voice.” Fessenden called this the heterodyne principle, “and on Christmas Eve, 1906, he used his technology to successfully transmit human voices from Brant Rock Station, Massachusetts to ships off the Atlantic coast. The ships at sea enjoyed a broadcast that included Fessenden playing “O Holy Night” on his violin and reading a passage from the Bible.” Read the full story here.

TALKERS News Notes. The second season of the podcast “Under the Influence,” hosted by bestselling author, podcast creator, and award-winning journalist Jo Piazza, is announced by iHeartMedia. In season one, Piazza explored the effect that mom influencers have on society, taking listeners on a deep dive behind the scenes of the “Mom Internet” – examining the rise and power of MomInfluencers and how the commodification of motherhood has driven many mothers to the edge of their sanity. Piazza says, “The response to the first season of ‘Under the Influence’ was unlike anything I have ever seen. I still get hundreds of messages a day from women who are eager to know more about how social media has infiltrated every aspect of our lives and how to live a better life in relation to it.”…..Newsweek announces the launch of two new podcasts, adding to its growing roster of audio content. “The Parting Shot,” hosted by writer and comedian H. Alan Scott, brings to life the iconic last page of the print magazine with a weekly show focusing on pop culture. The first two episodes feature interviews with Hilary Duff and Cecily Strong. Additionally, Newsweek is announcing “The Leisure Class,” hosted by musician Jack Sonni, former guitarist for Dire Straits. The show will look at music, spirits, food, and lifestyle through Jack’s distinctive lens, with a nod to his Southern roots. He says, “Through my years spent as a musician, writer, marketing executive, father and grandfather, I’ve learned that you can’t take life for granted. This show is an extension of that philosophy, an ode to the beautiful moments, music, and meals we should savor. I can’t wait to trade stories with my guests and keep learning every week alongside Newsweek’s listeners.”

COVID-19 and the Truckers Protest Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 7-11. The rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the relaxing of mask mandates in some U.S. states, and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the January 6 investigation and the RNC’s censure of U.S. Reps Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for serving on the committee, followed by the GOP’s rift over Donald Trump’s influence on the party and the midterm 2022 & 2024 presidential elections at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

Features

Reginald Fessenden: Father of Modern Radio

By Editor | by Editor

By Aaron Bennett
National Inventors Hall of Fame

 

NORTH CANTON, Oh. — Established in September 2011 by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), World Radio Day celebrates the profound influence of radio technology in spreading diverse, democratic discourse. Because of the medium’s relatively low cost and massive reach, it remains one of the most accessible forms of communication.

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Sales

Pending Business: “F” is for Frequency

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Radio is about to lose a legend and if you sell local direct, maybe it’s your fault! I’m not kidding, this is as real as it gets. Your future is at stake. I’ve already done my part, and the rest is up to you, direct sellers.

Do I have your attention?

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Advice

Monday Memo: But Wait, There’s More!

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — I worked with the late great Larry King four times, and I can sum-up how he got those he was interviewing to say something they didn’t say in other interviews along the PR tour by quoting his RT America show promo: “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

So thanks for compliments and to those who shared my column here last week: “Talk Radio 101: LISTEN.”

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Front Page News Industry News

Friday, February 4, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Off to the Races,” looks back at this past week of 1/31 to 2/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Ricard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York; Grace Curley, talk show host, WRKO Boston; Tom Shattuck, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Steven Ebert, commentator, AM 970 The Answer, New York/attorney, Cassin & Cassin LLP; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Andrew Wilkow’s Program Moves to Salem News Channel. Conservative media personality Andrew Wilkow is joining Salem Media Group’s OTT platform Salem News Channel (SalemNewsChannel.com) effective February 15. The “Wilkow!” program – billed as “a combination of breaking news from the day, and what to make of it from the host’s perspective” – will air weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET.  Wilkow has hosted a regular program on The Blaze TV for the past seven years. This move to Salem News Channel ends that relationship. Wilkow also hosts “Wilkow Majority” on SiriusXM and that show will continue. Wilkow says, “I cannot wait to move ‘Wilkow!’ onto the Salem News Channel. The 5:00 pm hour is the starting point of the evening news cycle. Our plan is to give the viewer an hour of live TV that combines perfectly executed political analysis and whatever breaking stories are happening. This is not going to be a clone program. Starting February 15, we are going to bring passion and fire to the 5:00 pm hour every day.” Salem says the program will originate out of Salem’s New York City studio in Lower Manhattan and will be the first of many TV-only hours being produced by SNC. The Salem News Channel is also home to video simulcasts of Salem Radio Network’s shows including: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder. Salem SVP of spoken word formats Phil Boyce adds, “Andrew is a perfect fit for SNC and all of the hosts already there. Andrew has carved out a name for himself on the Sirius Patriot Channel. His many followers will have a great time watching him on our new TV network.”

KYW Newsradio Names Kevin McCorry News Director. Radio news pro Kevin McCorry joins Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/WPHI-FM, Philadelphia as news director, effective February 28. In this role, McCorry will oversee editorial coverage across the station’s broadcast, digital, and podcasting departments and will be responsible for planning and executing in-depth original multiplatform reporting projects. McCorry was most recently managing editor at crosstown public media outlet WHYY. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “KYW Newsradio’s influence and legacy is unmatched in Philadelphia, and its community-focused journalism has only grown stronger over the years. We’re happy to welcome Kevin and so excited to see and hear his impact on the continuing evolution of our modern multimedia newsroom.” McCorry comments, “I’m thrilled to lead KYW’s news team as it starts a new chapter and grows its capacity for ambitious, original, multimedia journalism. As a Philly native, I know that KYW Newsradio holds a special place in the hearts and habits of many people in our region, and the talent in this newsroom is immense. The bottom line for any news operation is trust, and I’m beyond excited to continue to build KYW’s trust among more of our region’s listeners and readers by bringing my passion for smart, fair, in-depth news and storytelling to this esteemed organization.”

iHeartMedia Presents Fourth Annual ‘iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.’ Last night, the fourth annual iHeartRadio Podcast Awards took place virtually. The program was exclusively video streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and broadcast across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Pop star Dua Lipa presented the Podcast of the Year award to Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes for their “You’re Wrong About” podcast. (Podcast of the Year was determined by popular vote via Twitter. The rest of the categories were determined by a panel of judges.) Other winners of note include: “The Daily” from The New York Times in the Best News Podcast category; “The Bill Simmons Podcast” from The Ringer/Bill Simmons in the Best Sports Podcast category; and “Pod Save America” from Crooked Media in the Best Political Podcast category. You can see all the winners here.

Edison Research and Ad Results Media to Present 3rd Annual Podcast Super Listeners Study Results. On February 16, Edison Research and Ad Results Media will present the results of the third annual “Super Listeners” study. “Super Listeners” are defined as consumers who listen to five or more hours of podcasts weekly and are the people most likely to hear podcasting ads, and to have an opinion about them. During the webinar, Ad Results Media partner and CEO Marshall Williams and Edison Research WVP Tom Webster will walk attendees through an exclusive look at those who spend the most time listening to podcasts including: how Super Listeners feel about the number of ads in podcasts and the length of ad breaks; their attitudes about host-read ads versus pre-recorded ads versus sponsorships; how podcast advertising affects intent to purchase and other brand fit measures; plus more. You can register for the webinar here.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WMVP-AM “ESPN 1000” is putting Chicago sportscasters Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller together to host a new, weekly program that will air on the station on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. WMVP director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are really excited to have Peggy and Dionne on our team and know the fans will enjoy this duo. I think it’s going to be great.”…..Tomorrow (2/5), FOX Sports Radio personality Joy Taylor, co-host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and host of “The Joy Taylor Show” weekend program, is teaming up with Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL and the Semi-Pro Football San Diego Rebellion, to give female youth in Los Angeles the opportunity to learn the game of flag football. The program is being presented by The Joy Taylor Foundation and Dr. Welter’s Grrridiron Girls organization, the free flag football camp will be held at St. Frances X. Cabrini Catholic School in Los Angeles for girls ages 8-18. Dr. Welter, who has hosted over 30 Grrridiron Girls football camps to date, will lead on-the-field training, teaching the fundamentals of flag football while inspiring self-confidence, sisterhood and empowerment. In addition, Taylor will host “The Joy Taylor Show” live from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PT at the camp. All participants will have the opportunity to hear from Taylor and ask her questions about her career in sports…..iHeartMedia unveils a new podcast hosted by pop star Dua Lipa titled, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service,” which was conceived and produced by Studio 2054 Productions. The weekly interview-style podcast will feature a special guest alongside Dua Lipa for “refreshing and thought-provoking conversations brimming with tools, tips, recommendations and inspiring stories.” The first episode will be available February 11 in English on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. The podcast will also be available to listeners in Spanish, Portuguese and French. Upcoming guests will include Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Russell Brand, Bowen Yang as well as South Korean rapper CL, author Lisa Taddeo, British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, novelist Hanya Yanagihara, Iraqi human rights activist Nadia Murad, and more.

Museum of Innovation and Science Hosts WGY-AM Exhibit. The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady, New York is presenting an exhibit of the history of WGY-AM from its birth in 1922 to 1980 to coincide with the station’s 100th anniversary. A story by Northeast Public Radio’s WAMC, Albany details the exhibit. The station was put on the air by Schenectady-based General Electric. The museum’s Chris Hunter, VP of collections and exhibitions, says, “So, it was about 10th commercial station licensed in 1922. And because it was formed by GE’s publicity department, and not so much the engineers that formed a lot of the other early radio stations, they really placed a premium on entertainment and, kind of, the development of broadcasting.” The exhibit, called WGY: Radio’s Laboratory Celebrates Its Centennial, will be at the museum through May 8. It contains about 50 photos from its first 58 years, including the one above showing FDR doing one of his fireside chats. Hunter says, “So this one of Roosevelt’s early fireside chats. They became really famous once he became president and he gave these personal talks every weekend, kind of comforting people through the Great Depression and World War II, but he kind of perfected the format while New York State Governor here on WGY.” Photo: miSci

COVID-19 Mandates, Masks, Vaccines & Politics Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 31 to February 4. The combination of COVID-19 mandates, mask & vaccine policies and the politics surrounding the pandemic came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, including the financial markets activity, soaring retail and oil prices, and the national debt, followed by rising violent crime in U.S. cities and the spate of police officers being killed at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

Advice

Start Your Own Business

By Editor | by Editor

By Walter Sabo
SABOMedia Corp
Founder

 

NEW YORK — “Get fired from your corporate job and start your own business.” That is the advice shared with air talent and radio executives when they are kicked out of corporations; start your own business. Working for yourself is a seductive thought. The challenge is that very few corporate employees know how to embrace the frame of mind and tools of self-employed entrepreneurs.

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Sales

Pending Business: It’s a Matter of Trust

By Editor | by Editor

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Disclaimer: For the purposes of this column, please understand there is no hidden political agenda.

The headline for the January 16 article in The Wall Street Journal said it all. Paraphrasing here, “Trusted Local Voices Are Deployed….on Radio.”

The article describes the efforts of doctors and health officials located in rural areas to get the word out on getting the public to participate in the local covid vaccines initiative.

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Advice

Monday Memo: Talk Radio 101 – LISTEN

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Talk radio isn’t just different than music radio. It’s better. Talk radio is never on in the background. And streaming has music radio on its heels, because The Sentence Never Spoken is “Alexa, please play six commercials.”

Yet talkers should avoid taking false comfort that we’re less vulnerable to digital competitors, because people are using social media to talk to each other without us. So joining the conversation there is now table stakes. But defending the towers remains Job One.

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Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

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 December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.3 – 3.9, -1.4, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.4 – 1.4, -1.0, #13 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.8 – 7.3, +.5, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, first month, 7.4 – 12.6, +5.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+5.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.7)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.0 – 6.3, -.7, third to fourth

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) steady at 2.5, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.5 – 6.9, -1.6, fourteen consecutive months at #1 to #3

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 8.1 – 10.4, +2.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUNC (-1.6)

Note: adult contemporary WMAG (1.6, #17, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.1 – 8.8, +.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts and Pacers) 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, flat at #7

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” steady at .9, unchanged at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.8 – 6.2, -.6, flat at #5

Number One 6+: Emmis adult contemporary WYXB, second successive month, 10.7 – 15.5 +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFMS and jazz-classical WICR (-.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.3 – 8.8, -1.5, back-to-back months at #1 to #4

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Green Bay Packers and Bucks) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #16 to #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .7 – 1.3, +.6, #19 to #17

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #17 to #18

iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” .6 – .7, +.1, anchored at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, tenth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.0 – 9.8, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:; adult contemporary WLDB (+4.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WMYX (-1.9)*

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.3 – 6.1, +.8, eighth to third

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, ninth to eighth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in a row, 8.6 – 15.1, +6.5

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.5)**

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.6)

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, continues in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” steady at 1.1, #15 to #14

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” flat at .1, #24 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, seventh to eighth

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, repeats at #9

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #11 to #10

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 10.1 – 14.2, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WSNE (-.8)

Note: news – talk WBZ (1.3, #14, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WXKS-FM (1.0, #16); classic rock WZLX (.8, #18); and rhythmic CHR WJMN (.7, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.1 – 1.5, -.6, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, first month, 8.5 – 12.6, +4.1, succeeds urban AC cluster-mate WVKL, which had been #1 the past 38 months

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WPTE (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.7 – 7.0, -1.7, unchanged at #3

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” steady at .4, stays at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT  3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+5.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WOKV-FM and urban AC WSOL (-1.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #15 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #15 to #14

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.1, #22 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .8, +.4, #24 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN steady at 3.0, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 9.4 – 12.0, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-1.2)

Note: Spanish contemporary WZTU (2.1, #12, 6+, December 2021, 6+); CHR WHYI (1.4, #17); classic rock WBGG (1.2, #20); and adult contemporary WMIA (1.2, #20) are all unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” flat at .4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, seventh to ninth

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #13 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, first month, 12.0 – 14.1, +2.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+2.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WQMG and country WTQR (-1.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #10 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy cluster-mates WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) steady at 4.4, continues in seventh-place; WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .3, -.2, repeats at #18; and WMC-AM “ESPN 790 AM” flat at .2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRVR, first month, 9.7 – 14.0, +4.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+4.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” steady at 5.2, unchanged at #7

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at .9, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” unchanged at .9, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.1 – 6.9, -.2, third to fourth

New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 22nd successive month, 14.9 – 18.6, +3.7

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+3.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-1.5)

Note: Spanish tropical WRYM (1.5, #13, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 

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

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, January 28, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Back in the USSR,” looks back at this past week of 1/24 to 1/28. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, TALKERS executive editor, John Batchelor, talk show host, CBS Radio; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Victoria Jones, executive director/commentator, DC Radio Company; Josh Hammer, opinion editor/podcaster, Newsweek; and Nanette Holt, reporter, The Epoch Times. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here.  To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Bonneville Names Sean Thompson PD for ‘Arizona Sports.’ Sports radio pro Sean Thompson is named program director for Bonneville’s Phoenix sports talk properties, KMVP-FM “98.7 FM Arizona Sports” and KTAR-AM “ESPN 620 Phoenix.” Thompson comes to Bonneville from his most recent position as assistant brand manager for Audacy’s WZGC-FM, Atlanta “92.9 FM The Game.” Thompson comments, “It was going to need to be the ultimate opportunity for me to leave ‘The Game’ and I’ve found it. With the talented talk shows, flagship relationships with all the local teams and full commitment to digital content, the potential for the ‘Arizona Sports’ super brand is limitless.” Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch adds, “Sean is the perfect person to lead ‘Arizona’s Sports Station’ to new heights. He is strategic, creative, collaborative and we can’t wait to see what he will do to continue to grow the ‘Arizona Sports’ brand on all channels.” Thompson takes over for Rod Lakin, who assumed the brand manager post with Audacy’s sports talk WIP, Philadelphia in October.

KFI-AM Launches Weekly Show with LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Los Angeles news/talk KFI-AM announces the return of the weekly radio program, “Live and Unscripted with LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.” The iHeartMedia station will air the program on Sundays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm from its studios in Burbank. The station says, “The new weekly program is back by popular demand and is hosted by Alex Villanueva, who runs the country’s largest sheriff’s department. Every Sunday, listeners can join the show to hear the hottest topics on the mind of LA County residents: homelessness, crime, corruption and politics. Villanueva will also feature guests who will explain the inner workings of the various bureaus in his department.” Station program director Robin Bertolucci says, “Sheriff Alex Villanueva is a straight talker and KFI has always welcomed bold talk.”

Round Three of Holiday PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2021 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 Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Radio listening patterns change during this period due to the seasonal implementation of Christmas music but some spoken-word stations were able to buck that trend. Audacy’s news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh tacked on seven-tenths for a 4.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rose to the #8 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland was up four-tenths for a 4.4 share and climbed to the #7 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s KMBZ-FM rose four-tenths for a 5.0 share finish good for the #5 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well and the first two rounds) here.

Audacy Partners with Podchaser for Podcasting Insight. A new partnership between Audacy and Podchaser will allow Audacy to use Podchaser’s metadata and podcast technology capabilities to gain insight into the performance and influence of podcasts across the entire industry, enhancing Audacy’s value proposition for agencies and clients. Audacy EVP of digital sales Ken Lagana says, “As Audacy continues to build out our industry leading, measurement and attribution suite, we are excited to partner with Podchaser to help our client and agency partners continue to make smart decisions routed in data when placing their podcast buys with Audacy.”

WABC, New York Honors Memory of Fallen NYPD Officer Jason Rivera. New York City news/talk “77 WABC Radio” is honoring fallen New York City Police Officer Jason Rivera today (1/28), the day of his funeral. The station is asking its listeners to recognize Rivera’s service. “On behalf of John Catsimatidis, chairman and chief executive officer of The Red Apple Group and subsidiary Red Apple Media and the entire staff of 77 WABC, we encourage you to join us and support a hometown hero at the NYPD by ‘standing with us’ on Friday, January 28 at 9:00 am EST to honor the life of Jason Rivera. 77 WABC will pause the airwaves and take a moment of silence to show support and ask ALL of New York City and America to STAND, outside your home, inside your home, place of work or school. All of our communities are deeply saddened and affected, and we are asking to show your support.” 77 WABC and One Times Square have collaborated to display the image of Jason Rivera on the side of their building at 8:58 am, 9:15 am, 9:30 am, 9:45 am. The station is also distributing free “Back The Blue” pins to wear to show support for police officers via its website.

TALKERS News Notes. Seattle’s all-news KOMO-AM/FM “KOMO News” is losing its heritage call letters and the “KOMO News” slogan as part of the deal that transferred the station from Sinclair Broadcast Group to Lotus Broadcasting. The Seattle Times reports that since the deal allows Sinclair to keep the KOMO calls off the stations, it will take up the new calls KNWN for “Northwest News.” Station PD and afternoon personality Rick Van Cise tells the paper, “There won’t be any difference in the sound of the radio station. The personalities, the reporters are all staying the same.”…..Austin public radio outlet KUT-FM names Jerry Quijano permanent host of the “All Things Considered” host seat at the NPR member station. Quijano began his career with KUT in 2017 as a weekend local host. After graduating from Texas A&M University-San Antonio and participating in NPR’s Next-Generation Radio project, he started full-time the following year…..“Radiolab” founder Jad Abumrad announces he’s leaving the podcast he founded almost 20 years ago and to honor and celebrate him, WNYC is releasing the very first episode of the show that was broadcast only once on WNYC’s AM station in 2002 and then locked away in the vault. WNYC says it had to literally digitize the show from several CDs to get it on air. Speaking about his departure, Abumrad says, “For the last few years – since 2016 really – I’ve told myself that there’d come a point when the team would be ‘ready’ for me to leave. When they might even need me to. I wasn’t sure when that would be or how I’d know, but I made a pact with myself to stay watchful, to create space rather than filling it, and to listen rather than talk. We’re at that point.”

COVID-19 Vaccines, Masks & Mandates Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 24-28. Controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates and the rate of infection from the Omicron variant in the U.S. and around the world came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global tensions over the Russian military build-up at the Ukraine border, tied with relations between the U.S. and China. Coming in at #3 this week was the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and speculation about President Joe Biden’s potential nominee. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the December 2021 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

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 December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.1 – 5.9, -1.2, fourth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 8.3, +1.1, third to second and KOPB’s internet stream 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #17 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in succession, 12.4 – 17.0, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 3.8 – 2.9, -.9, #11 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” (Hornets) 1.1 – .8, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation-owned WFAE 4.3 – 3.1, -1.2, #9 to #14

South Carolina Educational Television Commission’s WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.2, +1.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WLKO (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WKKT (-2.8)*

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 10.8 – 15.9, +5.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+5.1)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KJXK (-1.3)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.9 – 15.8, +5.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+5.9)**

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-2.1)

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.8 – 7.6, -.2, remains at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, second month in succession, 11.1 – 15.5, +4.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:  classic hits-oldies WWSW (+4.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-1.1)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, second to sixth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.0 – 5.3, -.7, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second consecutive month, 10.9 – 16.3, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+5.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: CHR KZHT (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #23 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in a row, 13.1 – 14.7, +1.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (-1.4)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.3 – 4.8, -.5, remains in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #16 to #17

iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, flat at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE unchanged at 1.7, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second month in succession, 12.0 – 12.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOCL (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 10.2 – 10.0, -.2, locked at #2 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM, first month, 6.2 – 10.4, +4.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+4.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.5)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.6 – 5.6, +1.0, eighth to sixth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #14 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, unchanged at #12

Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WDOK second successive month, 10.4 – 12.4, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase:  classic hits-oldies WMJI (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WGAR (-1.4)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 6.1 – 4.8, -1.3, third to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, fourth consecutive month, 9.7 – 8.5, -1.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+1.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KCUR (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, fourth to fifth

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” flat at .1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 10.3 – 8.2, -2.1, four straight months at #1 to #2 and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .5 – .7, +.2, #18 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WODC, first month, 6.5 – 10.1, +3.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult hits WODC (+3.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.1)

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

 

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

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

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 December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” (Washington Football Team) 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #11 to #12

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.8 – 6.4, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, flat at #3

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .6 – 1.0, +.4, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, second month in succession, 11.3 – 13.2, +1.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.9)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: alternative WWDC (-1.0)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, eighth to ninth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.9 – 6.5, -.4, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins) 8.5 – 8.3, -.2, #1 to #2

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #15 to #12

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, first month, 7.9 – 13.2, +5.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+5.3)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-1.8)

MIAMI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, continues at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 2.6, -1.0, #9 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third month in a row, 9.3 – 9.0, -.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF (+.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) flat at 6.6, repeats in second-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM “Seattle News, Weather, Sports” 5.3 – 5.5, +.2, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, third to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in a row, 7.9 – 9.6, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KRWM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.0)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, #14 to #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 5.0, -.1, fifth to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings) 5.5 – 4.5, -1.0, fourth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #17 to #15

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in succession, 16.8 – 18.8, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country WYCD (-1.1)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, fourth to eighth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals and Sun) 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 4.8 – 5.7, +.9, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fifteenth consecutive month, 12.9 – 17.7, +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): news/talk KFYI and classic rock KSLX (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, ninth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, flat at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild) 7.2 – 6.4, -.8, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.8 – 7.5, -.3, repeats in second-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second month in a row, 10.5 – 15.1, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.4 – 2.6, -1.8, #7 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University-owned KPBS 5.3 – 6.8, +1.5, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, first month, 5.7 – 10.7, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: country KSON (-2.1)

Note: news/talk KFI “AM 640” (1.8, #18, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida-owned WUSF 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, flat at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourth month in a row, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): country WFUS and CHR WPOI (-1.2)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #11 to #8; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, unchanged at #17; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.1 – 1.4, -.7, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, #10 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second month in succession, 7.7 – 14.0, +6.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+6.3)*

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-1.9)

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #10 to #12

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Ravens) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.5 – 3.8, -.7, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation’s WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, seventh to tenth

American University-owned WAMU 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in a row, 12.3 – 17.7, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+5.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: jazz WEAA (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Note: alternative WWDC (1.3, #20, 6+, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 202

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #14 to #12; KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #13 to #14; and KFTK’s internet stream .6 – .5, -.1, repeats at #20

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.1 – .7, -.4, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.3 – 4.4, -.9, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, second consecutive month, 12.5 – 17.1, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLOU (-1.7)

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

 

Ratings Takeaways

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

“Holiday” 2021 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2021 ratings period 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.

Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2021 sweep covered December 9 (2021) – January 5 (2022)

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 December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #16 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, eighth to fifth and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #17 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) steady at 3.0, #13 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation‘s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, flat at #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, sixth straight month, 9.7 – 11.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WWPR (-.9)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, seventh to eighth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-AM “1070 News Radio” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, unchanged at #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at 1.9, remains at #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, sixth successive month, 11.6 – 13.4, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+1.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KRTH (-.5)

Note: All-news KNX-FM “News 97.1” (formerly CHR KNOU) finished the December 2021 survey period at #21 (1.4 – 1.8, +.4), but is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, eighth to seventh

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, second to third

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, third month in succession, 11.8 – 14.4, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC WTMX (-1.5)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 8.6 – 7.9, -.7, #1 (12 straight weeks) to #2

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 7.9 – 11.1, +3.2

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+3.2)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: hot AC KLLC (-1.1)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, remains at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.5 – 2.6, -.9, #11 to #16

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE, second month in a row, 8.8 – 10.6, +1.8

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+1.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-.9)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, ninth consecutive month, 10.8 – 12.8, +2.0

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.9)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 5.8, -.8, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons and Hawks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #17 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH, first month, 7.2 – 8.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: contemporary Christian WFSH (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: news/talk WSB-AM & WSBB (-.8)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #22 to #19

News: Audacy’s KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, repeats in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to eighth

Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY’s WHYY 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, fifth to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WBEB, second month in succession, 10.1 – 14.4, +4.3

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WBEB (+4.3)*

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic rock WMGK (-1.8)**

*Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, #12 to #10

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, tenth to eighth and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, unchanged at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 4.0 – 3.1, -.9, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM, first month, 7.2 – 9.8, +2.6

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+2.6)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: sports talk WFAN (-.9)

Note: Urban contemporary WWPR (1.9, #18, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, first month, 6.8 – 9.2, +2.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+2.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.4)

Note: News/talk KFI “AM 640” (2.5, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, carries on at #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 2.0 – 2.4,+.4, #15 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 9.3 – 9.1, -.2, flat at #2

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM second month in succession, 9.7 – 12.1, +2.4

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KBAY (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary KISQ; regional Mexican KSOL; and regional Mexican KRZZ (-.9)

Note: Hot AC KIOI (2.4, #11, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, eighth to seventh

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Giants and Nets) 2.8 – 2.0, -.8, #13 to #16

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” steady at 1.5, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WNYC-FM flat at 4.1, remains in tenth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WAXQ and sports talk WFAN (-.8)

Note: Rhythmic CHR WKTU (2.2, #14, December 2021, 6+) is unlisted in “Holiday” 2021.

 

Up next: “Holiday” 2021 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Advice

Monday Memo: Improving Results from Endorsement Spots

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The news/talk stations I work with make big money doing what talk radio does best: cutting through mental clutter, with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities.

OOPS.  Do your endorsement spots say “I haven’t sold you yet?”

Often, these are long-standing advertiser relationships. Two cautions:

(more…)