Pictured here is USA Radio nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root showing off the style that has named to the 14th Annual International Best Dressed List. He joins other notables on this year’s list including Melania Trump, President Joe Biden, and new Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Root’s style was described as “former President Donald Trump’s New York-style of dressing meets Vegas flair!”
New Congress/McCarthy Speaker Bid, U.S. Rep. Santos, Trump Tax Releases, Border Security, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID XBB Subvariant, Idaho Murders Case, and Winter Storms were among the top news/talk stories discussed over the weekend. Today’s beginning of the 118th Congress and Republican Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become House Speaker; the case of incoming freshman U.S. Rep. George Santos who’s admitted to falsehoods on his curriculum vitae; the release of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns by the outgoing Democrat-controlled House; the state illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border; the latest escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war; concerns about the new COVID Omicron subvariant XBB; the arrest of Bryan Kohberger in connection with the deaths of four Idaho college students; and the winter storms affection much of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
LOS ANGELES — Talk radio’s tightknit community is reeling as it mourns the passing of one of the format’s genuine iconic stalwarts, Jim Bohannon, who has died at the age of 78.
“Class act” epitomized peerless communicator Bohannon, who – while enjoying the luxury of a national Westwood One platform – possessed a palpably authentic on-air style that enamored him to a huge, loyal following.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Its seems the current economic cycle is being driven by a sweeping round of cutbacks and strategic business re-focus now moving into the mainstream.
From Disney and Meta (parent of Facebook) to Walmart, the pressure is on to deliver positive performance in a cloudy economy. In plain English, it’s time to cut costs and push suppliers to share the pain. Yet prices continue to go up. Maybe it’s the fault of COVID’s unpredictable economic impact or some international collusion, or better yet, just a plain old foggy crystal ball in the CEO’s office. My vote is all of the above. But what does any of this have to do with your day-to-day sales? The short answer is: Everything.
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment (Series Finale) of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment and series finale of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that has looked back each week for the past three-and-a-half years at the hottest topics discussed in the American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “A House Divided,” reviews this past week of 11/7-11. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor emeritus of finance, Ramapo College, NJ; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., associate publisher, TALKERS/law professor, Springfield, MA. The show has been airing weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s milestone episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.
LiveOne Reports Revenue for 2023 Fiscal Q2 Up 7.3%. Reporting its financial data for the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, LiveOne says consolidated revenue was $23.5 million – an increase of 7.3% over the same period in 2022 Fiscal Q2. LiveOne is the parent company of PodcastOne and the filing reveals that PodcastOne “posted record 1H Fiscal 2023 revenue of $17.2 million as U.S. unique monthly audience surpassed 6.7
million in September 2022.” LiveOne is planning to spin out PodcastOne as a separate, publicly traded company and expects to file an S-1 with the SEC by December 15. Returning to the company’s consolidated financial data, LiveOne posted a net loss of $3.4 million, a dramatic reduction from the net loss of $15.2 million it reported for second quarter of Fiscal 2022. LiveOne CEO and chairman 
Robert Ellin comments, “The momentum in LiveOne’s audio business, which includes Slacker Radio and PodcastOne, continues to experience growth of paid members through partnerships, including Tesla, as well as an increase in advertising and sponsorships. We expect our audio business to collectively achieve revenue in excess of $80 million in Fiscal 2023 and generate more than $16 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Over the past year, we have successfully reduced costs and overhead by an expected $25 million on an annual basis while focusing on the operating performance of our audio division. A significant part of our strategy is a decision to forgo any live tentpole and pay-per-view events until Fiscal 2024, which has resulted in a lowering of expected Fiscal 2023 revenue to between $100 million and $110 million. These measures will allow us to utilize our capital and resources to strengthen our balance sheet, buyback stock and focus on the growth of our profitable businesses.”
Christian Arcand Returns to WEEI, Boston to Produce PM Drive Show. Sports talk radio pro Christian Arcand – who was a casualty of the recent cuts at Beasley Media Group and served as an air personality at WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” – 
joins Audacy’s WEEI-FM, Boston as producer of the “Merloni, Fauria & Mego” show and as host of the Saturday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm program. Arcand originally served with WEEI first as co-host on the “Planet Mikey” show with Mike Adams and then hosted the “WEEI Late Night” program before joining WBZ-FM five years ago. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “Christian is a talented guy and a great team player. A lot of people in the building, including myself, have had the pleasure of working with him in the past. What he will bring to ‘Merloni, Fauria and Mego’ on and off the air will really help propel the show and the station forward.”
Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Host Election Event. Pictured above at Tuesday night’s midterm election night event in Nashville are Premiere Networks-syndicated personalities Clay Travis (right) and Buck Sexton (left) – hosts of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Travis and Sexton hosted the event for key advertisers, political guests and others. Among the special guests who attended the private event to watch the election results were: Premiere Networks-syndicated personality Jesse Kelly, Sen. Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, FOX News commentator and Outkick The Coverage host Tomi Lahren, country music star John Rich, former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, among others.
Hillsdale College Produces Election Night Coverage. In the photo above, student broadcasters at Hillsdale College’s radio station WRFH-LPFM, Hillsdale, Michigan “Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM” present their live election night coverage on the station with a remote broadcast. The school says that more than 20 staffers were involved in some way during the evening, as they welcomed panels of fellow students, Hillsdale professors, candidates, reporters, and pundits to the airwaves. The event was open to the campus community and more than 200 people turned out to watch and listen.
KDWN, Las Vegas Hosts Election Night Special. In the Las Vegas market, KDWN talk host Steve Sanchez (right) presented election night coverage on the station that included contributions from GCN nationally syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs (center) and “Finding Common Ground” host Patrick Casale (left).
New York Festivals Welcomes Diego Cannizzaro to Radio Awards Advisory Board. The New York Festivals announces that DMC Studio owner Diego Cannizzaro is joining the NYF Radio Awards Advisory Board. New York Festivals Radio Awards vice president Rose Anderson says, “The 14-member Advisory Board panel is an international brain trust of innovative storytellers and industry executives whose
expertise spans all genres of audio entertainment and journalism. Diego’s mastery of every aspect of his craft in works like ‘Madre’ and ‘Weightless’ brings emotions, memories, and sensations to his listening audiences. These insights and the Board’s essential guidance ensure that New York Festivals will continue to honor world-wide excellence across all platforms.” Cannizzaro’s DMC Studio is located in Buenos Aires and specializes in radio arts, sound stories, commercials, field recording, sound design and mixing. He is an industry pro known for award-winning work. He creates audiovisual productions for radio, TV, social networks, and movies. He comments, “I consider New York Festivals as an iconic common place, in a global level speaking. A meeting point for all who are really involved in storytelling in the media. Personally, it is an honor to be part of the Advisory Board with outstanding colleagues from all the media worldwide.”
NOT TOO LATE! Comrex Offers Talk Broadcasters Free Trial of Gagl Remote Contribution Service for Post-Election Programming. High-quality, remote contribution is a vital part of any live broadcast – and that’s especially true during election season. Comrex has provided talk radio hosts, reporters and sportscasters with great remote broadcasting tools for decades. Their Comrex ACCESS units have become a ubiquitous presence at political conventions, breaking news stories and
anywhere broadcast-worthy things are happening. While Tuesday’s elections are in the rear-view mirror, post-election contribution to your station’s coverage of local and national races is still going strong and will for the foreseeable future. Those contributors need to be able to connect from remote locations at the drop of a hat. Often, reporters and contributors will call in from their remote locations on a mobile phone, which is a simple solution, but results in poor audio quality. Other reporters will have access to a remote audio codec, which provides excellent audio quality, but also requires some management from the engineering team. Gagl, the new remote contribution solution from Comrex, is the best of both worlds. According to the folks at Comrex, reporters and contributors can connect to the Gagl interface from a web browser on a smartphone or laptop, meaning it’s as easy as a phone call to get 
connected. Up to five reporters can be in a Gagl session at the same time. The Gagl session is connected to a Comrex IP audio codec in the studio, and so on-air hosts are able to talk with field reporters. Each reporter has their own mix-minus, and their audio is studio quality with very low delay, so quality isn’t sacrificed for simplicity. Gagl is a subscription-based service and it’s a first for Comrex. “It’s kind of a pivot for us,” Comrex director of sales, Chris Crump tells TALKERS. “Broadcasters are looking for easier, faster and less expensive ways to do their job. But quality and reliability are just as important,” says Crump. “Gagl uses a web browser on a smartphone or computer. It’s as easy as clicking a link to connect. But it connects to a Comrex IP Audio Codec back in the studio for reliability and greater stability. It sounds great and is designed to be dependable as Comrex customers would expect.” Anyone with an ACCESS or BRIC-Link codec can try Gagl free for two weeks by contacting Chris Crump at Comrex Corporation: chris@comrex.com. Office phone: 978-784-1776. Mobil phone. 404-610-5954. comrex.com
Politics and Midterm Elections Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 7 – 11, 2022. The politics surrounding the 2022 midterm elections and the races that will determine control of Congress for the next two years combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump’s position as a Republican kingmaker and his expected announcement he’ll run for president in 2024, followed by inflation and fears of a recession at #3. The Takers 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.
KWAM, Memphis Seeks News/Talk Morning Host. Memphis news/talk outlet KWAM-
AM “The Mighty 990” is looking for the next great talk show host in America. We have an immediate opening for a morning show host. Our host must have at least three years experience and must be well-versed on national, Tennessee and Memphis news. Send resumes and audio clips to todd@starnesmediagroup.com.
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, “Trick or Tweet,” looks back at this past week of 10/31-11/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor emeritus of finance, Ramapo College, NJ; Mark Davis, talk show host, 660 AM The Answer, Dallas/Fort Worth; Bobbie Winston a.k.a. La Femme Bobbie, musician/artist/American ex-pat, Rio de Janeiro; Renee Kohanski, M.D., forensic psychiatrist/podcaster, Somerset, NJ; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., associate publisher, TALKERS/law professor, Springfield, MA. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.
iHeartMedia Q3 Revenue Up 7%. Reporting its financial data for the third quarter of 2022, iHeartMedia says revenue was $989 million, an increase of 7% over the same quarter a year ago. The company is also posting an operating loss of $211 million for the third quarter of 2022 compared to the operating income of $80 million it reported for Q3 of 2021. Additionally, iHeartMedia reports a net loss of almost $310 million compared to the net income of $3.6 million it posted in the third quarter of 2021. iHeartMedia breaks its operations into three segments. Third quarter results for those
segments are as follows: the Multiplatform Group that includes its radio stations and program networks was basically flat with a revenue increase of 0.1% “as a result of increased political advertising revenue as 2022 is a midterm election year, partially offset by a decrease in revenue due to a more challenging macroeconomic environment. Broadcast revenue grew $2.1 million, or 0.4% year-over-year, driven by higher political advertising revenue and an increase in trade and barter revenue, partially offset by lower spot revenue, while Networks declined $(0.7) million, or 0.5% year-over-year.” The Digital Audio Group was up 23.4% on revenue of $254 million. This group’s revenue increased by $48.2 million compared to the prior year, “including growth from Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which grew $21.1 million to $162.7 million, driven by increased demand for digital advertising as well as Podcast revenue which increased by $27.1 million to $91.3 million, driven by higher revenues from the development of new podcasts as well as growth from existing 
podcasts. Digital Audio Group revenue increased as a result of general increased demand for digital advertising and the growing popularity of podcasting.” And the Audio & Media Services Group was up 17.7% on revenue of $77.8 million. Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We’re pleased to report another quarter of solid operating results for iHeart, and our performance in the midst of the current climate of economic uncertainty is a strong indication of the successful transformation this company has undergone in which our high-growth digital revenues comprises 26% of total company revenues. Our Digital Audio Group continues to deliver industry-leading growth, and our Multiplatform Group has again demonstrated its resiliency during a difficult economic environment. We believe the strong positions of both of these groups with both consumers and advertisers give us the ability to both navigate through this period of economic uncertainty and position us for continued growth through the recovery and beyond.”
Salem Media Group Total Revenue Rises 1.3%. The company reports that its total revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was $66.9 million, an increase of 1.3% over the same period in 2021. Salem Media Group also reports an operating loss of $8.8 million
compared to operating income of $15.8 million in Q3 of 2021, and a net loss of $11.9 million compared to the net income of $22.1 million is reported during the same period in 2021. Salem presents its financial data in three segments. The Broadcast segment reports revenue of $51.1 million, an increase of 3.1% over Q3 of 2021, Digital Media revenue was $10.2 million, down 4.3% from the third quarter of 2021, and Publishing revenue was $5.5 million, a decrease of 3.7% from the same period a year ago.
Round Four of October PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In the Raleigh market, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM tacks on three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 9.1 share that puts it in the #1 spot, while Curtis Media Group’s news/talk WPTF sheds one-tenth for a 1.8 share finish to remain ranked #15. The top dogs in Milwaukee flip as iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.6 share finish that lifts it from #2 to #1, while Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ loses 1.9 shares for an 8.1 share finish that drops it from #1 to #4. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence adds on nine-tenths for wrap the survey with a 6.4 share that lifts it from #6 to #5. And in Jacksonville, Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM is up one-tenth to a 7.9 share good for the #3 rank in the market. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the previous three groups) here.
Comrex Unveils New BRIC-Link III Audio Codec. The company officially unveils BRIC-Link III – the newest addition to its popular BRIC-Link family of codecs. Comrex says there are more than 10,000 BRIC-Link codecs circulating world-wide, and BRIC-Link III is an updated version that takes advantage of the latest improvements in IP audio transmission technology. BRIC-Link III is a true codec, offering a full-duplex stereo encoder and decoder in each box. A jitter buffer manager is incorporated that
automatically balances delay and stability, dynamically increasing and decreasing delay based on network performance. BRIC-link III offers a wide range of encoding algorithms including stereo and mono linear mode, FLAC modes, AAC/HE-AAC modes, Opus, G.722 and G.711. BRIC-Link III features a new, more powerful processor for improved reliability. It also features enhanced front panel indicators, including four buttons which will trigger contact closures by default and configurable for auto-connections to other Comrex IP audio codecs. BRIC-Link III is compatible with 
all other Comrex IP audio codecs, including the ACCESS codec line as well as older BRIC-Link models. BRIC-Link III also works with Gagl, a new service now available for purchase for audio contribution. Gagl turns any Comrex IP audio codec into a hub for up to five remote participants. Like other BRIC-Link codecs, BRIC-Link III includes CrossLock VPN technology, Comrex’s proprietary suite of reliability tools. In addition to bonding technology, CrossLock also includes a Redundancy Mode for mission-critical applications. BRIC-Link III can take advantage of HotSwap, meaning that users can set a 4G/5G modem as a backup connection to only be engaged when the primary internet fails, providing an extra layer of reliability. Customers can also choose to purchase an optional one-time license per codec to utilize SwitchBoard, a private server that Comrex maintains which allows for easy connections between IP codecs. You can get more information on this and other Comrex products here.
GAB Radio Talent Institute Returns to University of Georgia. The RAB’s National Radio Talent System announces the return of the GAB Radio Talent Institute at the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. The institute takes place in person May 15 – 24, 2023 thanks to sponsorship from The Georgia Association of Broadcasters. The talent incubator spans 10 days and is led by broadcast professionals
that bring their real-world industry knowledge from around the state and country to educate students. RAB says that college students from universities throughout the state and region apply to be accepted into the GAB Radio Talent Institute. This provides an ideal networking pool for the students and a wide variety of potential interests within the classroom for industry professionals to identify and actively recruit from. Upon completion of the Institute, students can further their networking capabilities with the ability to access the National Radio Talent System’s Career Center. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “We are delighted to have the GAB Radio Talent Institute make its return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Collaborating with Bob Houghton and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters enables us to bring this world-class program to life in the southeast and further develop the next generation of broadcasters.”
TALKERS News Notes. Inside Towers’ Leslie Stimson writes an interesting piece about the FCC’s creation of a Space Bureau. Stimson writes that FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the move at the Satellite Industry Association
meeting yesterday (11/3). “She said the growth of satellite broadband internet plays a big part in why the agency is making the move. ‘Ninety-eight percent of all satellite launches in 2021 were deployed into low-earth orbit to provide internet connectivity back here on Earth. They can help advance the FCC’s goals to connect everyone, everywhere,’ Rosenworcel said. ‘More than that, the success of these low-earth orbit communications satellites could be seen as an early litmus test for the broader commercialization of space.’” Read Stimson’s entire piece here…..Three Hillsdale College students have won national 
College Broadcasters, Inc. awards for their work with “Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM.” The awards were announced at the National Student Electronic Media Convention in Baltimore. Sophomore Lauren Smyth placed first in Best Newscast or Sportscast category for “Lauren Smyth News,” senior Josh Barker placed third in Best Hard News Reporting for his feature “The Policy Corner: Michigan Voting Laws,” and Rachel Kookogey (class of ’22) received both first and second place for two segments of her feature, “Sports Story Time.” WRFH general manager Scot Bertram says, “I’m very proud of our students for their well-deserved wins. It is great to see our students being recognized on the national level for their continued hard work and dedication.”…..SiriusXM announces its play-by-play coverage of the 2022-23 college basketball season that begins Monday (11/7). The opening night schedule features 24 teams from the men’s Associated Press Top 25, including defending national champion and #5-ranked Kansas facing Omaha and top-ranked North Carolina, coming off their 12th National Championship appearance, hosting UNC Wilmington…..Host Bethenny Frankel, the most successful business mogul to emerge from “The Real Housewives” franchise, and iHeartPodcasts launch a first-of-its-kind rewatch podcast titled, “ReWives.” Frankel, formerly of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York,” breaks down the franchise that launched her career. In each episode, she’s “joined by unexpected celebrity guests ranging from superfans to Housewives newbies for hilarious conversations and surprising insight on real topics.” “ReWives” premieres on November 14 with Elisabeth Moss as Frankel’s first guest. New episodes will post each Monday with additional guests including Jerry Springer, Suze Orman, Kevin Nealon, Dave Portnoy, Griffin Johnson and more.
Broadcaster Raising Awareness of Need for Organ Donors. Western Massachusetts broadcaster and public relations pro Mark Auerbach (pictured) is revealing his battle
with kidney disease in an effort to raise awareness of the need for organ donors. Auerbach hosts “ArtsBeat,” “On The Mark” and “Athenaeum Spotlight” on WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s also the ArtsBeat reporter for Pioneer Valley Radio. On today’s program that you can see here, Auerbach reveals his battle with Stage 5 kidney disease and the need for donors. Auerbach says people can help by taking any of three steps: 1) becoming an organ donor upon your death; 2) consider donating while you’re alive (get details at kidney.org); and 3) donating to him at Mass General Hospital’s living donors program (https://mghlivingdonors.org/).
Politics and Midterms Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 31 – November 4. The politics leading up to Tuesday’s midterm elections were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy combined with the Fed’s rate hike, followed by the aftermath of the Pelosi home invasion 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.
October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).
The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.2 – 4.9, +.7, eighth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.5 – 2.9, +.4, #16 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, third to second
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, tenth month in a row, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: hot AC KGSR (+1.1)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country KASE (-1.4)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 9.1, +.3, first
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.0 – 2.5, +.5, #13 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.9, +.5, anchored in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: news/talk WTKK, second month in a row, 8.8 – 9.1, +.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban AC WQOK (+.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.1)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, continues in the runner-up slot
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, repeats at #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .3 – .5, +.2, #20 to #19
Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .5, #19 (did not appear in September 2022)
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, stays in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, tenth successive month, 11.2 – 12.0, +.8
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WHHH (+1.4)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WIBC and jazz-classical WICR (-1.1)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 10.6, +1.0 second to first
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” 10.0 – 8.1, -1.9, first to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #15 to #14
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, repeats at #16
iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” .6 – .8, +.2, #22 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 4.1, ninth to tenth
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.0 – .8, -.2, #17 to #18
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 9.6 – 10.6, +1.0
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rock WHQG (+1.3)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.9)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.9 – 5.0, -.9, sixth to ninth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, repeats at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 6.1 – 7.9, +1.8, fifth to second
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) .9 – 1.2, +.3, steady at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, tenth month in a row, 9.0 – 8.3, -.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+1.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.1)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.5 – 6.4, +.9, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, unchanged at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, New England Patriots) 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, eighth to seventh
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, ninth to tenth
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #11 to #9
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, ninth straight month, 9.8 – 8.7, -1.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNBH (+1.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.2)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.1 – 5.0, +.9, ninth to seventh
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .6 – .4, -.2, repeats at #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #15 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, tenth month in succession, 9.2 – 9.7, +.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WOWI (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits WNOB (-1.3)
*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.9 +.1, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, continues at #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, fourth consecutive month, 11.5 – 10.6, -.9
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: gospel WKSL-HD3 (+.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-.9)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.2 – 2.3 +.1, eighth to ninth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” flat at 1.3, #11 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – .6, -.3, #14 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .5 – .6, +.1, #16 to #15
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, repeats at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, anchored in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, tenth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.9, -1.6
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.6)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, repeats in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, flat at #12
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, stays at #14
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, tenth month in a row, 10.9 – 11.0, +.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult hits WSMW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-1.0)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #13
Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #13 to #12 and WMFS’ internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, repeats at #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, tenth successive month, 16.7 – 12.5, -4.2
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: hot AC WMC-FM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (-4.2)**
**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, ninth to eighth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, #14 to #15
iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” steady at .2, repeats at #20
Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream unchanged at .2, stays at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.0- 1.4, +.4, continues at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 8.5 – 6.1, -2.4, third to fifth
New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 32nd month in a row, 12.1 – 11.2, -.9
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): country WWYZ and news/talk WTIC-AM (+1.1)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.4)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).
Note: The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.4 – 7.3, -1.1, repeats in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, tenth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB steady at 8.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 remains at #20
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, unchanged at 8.8
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KRYP (+1.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-2.1)*
*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, tenth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.4 – 2.8, +1.4, #17 to #15
Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.8 – 4.2, -.6, ninth to tenth
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .4 – .6, +.2, repeats at #18
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.0, -.4
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFNZ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats in tenth-place
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, steady at #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth straight month, 9.7 – 9.5, -.2
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country KAJA (+.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSMG (-.8)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9, first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #7 to #12
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second successive month, 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+1.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-.8)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” flat at 2.8, anchored at #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, repeats in fourth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA steady at 3.7, #12 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, third straight month, unchanged at 10.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+1.2)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WDSY (-1.3)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 11.6 – 12.3, +.7, first
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.7 – 7.3, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 2.9, -.8, #10 to #13
Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 12.3, +.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock KBER (-.9)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.4, #16 to #19
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+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, second month in a row, 7.1 – 5.8, -1.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KVEG (+.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.4)
Note: KDWN is being acquired by Audacy.
ORLANDO
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 5.0 – 6.0, +1.0, eighth to fifth
iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 5.6, -.3, fifth to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, remains at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #13 to #12
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.0, -.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WPYO (+1.3)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-.9)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, repeats in tenth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.0 – 1.7, +.7, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, steady at #7
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, eighth month in a row, 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.3)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” 7.8 – 8.7, +.9, third to first
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, repeats in ninth-place and WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.2, stays at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, continues at #12
Number One 6+: news/talk WTAM, first month, 7.8 – 8.7, +.9
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk WTAM (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WGAR (-.6)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.2, #21 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to seventh
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.9)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 7.5, +.8, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.4 – 10.2, +.8, first
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 6.6, -1.3, third to fifth
Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, second consecutive month, 9.4 – 10.2, +.8
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WCOL (+2.4)**
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)
**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets
Up next: October 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.
October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).
The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.1 – 9.0, +.9, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #15 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.1 – 11.8, +.7, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, tenth month in succession, 11.1 – 11.8, +.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news WTOP & WTLP (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WMMJ (-.8)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” flat at 3.8, repeats in ninth-place
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” steady at 5.3, continues in fifth-place
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, New England Patriots) 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1, second to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, seventh to eighth
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #19 to #11
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.1)*
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WBWL (-.7)
*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, repeats in ninth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 8.4, +.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRTO (+1.0)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WXDJ (-1.7)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 7.1, +.5, third to second
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.5 – 4.8, +1.3, #14 to #6
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 7.0 – 7.6, +.6, first
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.3 – 2.3, +1.0, #23 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, second month in succession, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits KJAQ (-1.0)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, anchored at #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, remains in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Lions) 5.6 – 7.1, +1.5, fourth to second and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, carries on at #17
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 7.0 – 7.4, +.4
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOMC (-.7)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” 2.3 – 3.9, +1.6, #20 to #8
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.3 – 7.9, +.6, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 7.3 – 7.9, +.6
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KMVP-FM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.0)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” 5.6 – 4.8, -.8, seventh to tenth
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #15 to #13
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #15 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5, third to first
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.2 – 5.7, -.5, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia sports talk KFXN, first month, 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-1.8)**
**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 2.9, +1.0, #17 to #15 and KWFN’s internet stream .8 – 1.6, +.8, #23 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, seventh consecutive month, 8.1 – 6.8, -1.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (-1.5)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, eighth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #16 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, repeats at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, continues at #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourteenth month in a row, 9.1 – 9.4, +.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WLLD (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.7)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #18 to #17; KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” flat at 1.7, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: Audacy hot AC KALC, first month, 6.2 – 6.9, +.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): classic hits-oldies KXKL and sports talk KKFN (+.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-1.4)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.8– 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #17 to #18
Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .7 – .8, +.1, #22 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.2 – 5.9, +1.7, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, stays at #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second consecutive month, 9.5 – 9.0, -.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-.9)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 6.5 – 6.9, +.4, fifth to fourth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, repeats at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #14 to #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.2)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.0)
Up next: October 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
October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).
The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.1 – 9.0, +.9, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #15 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.1 – 11.8, +.7, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, tenth month in succession, 11.1 – 11.8, +.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news WTOP & WTLP (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WMMJ (-.8)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” flat at 3.8, repeats in ninth-place
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” steady at 5.3, continues in fifth-place
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, New England Patriots) 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1, second to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, seventh to eighth
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #19 to #11
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.1)*
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WBWL (-.7)
*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, repeats in ninth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 8.4, +.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRTO (+1.0)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WXDJ (-1.7)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 7.1, +.5, third to second
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.5 – 4.8, +1.3, #14 to #6
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 7.0 – 7.6, +.6, first
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.3 – 2.3, +1.0, #23 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, second month in succession, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits KJAQ (-1.0)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, anchored at #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, remains in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Lions) 5.6 – 7.1, +1.5, fourth to second and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, carries on at #17
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 7.0 – 7.4, +.4
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOMC (-.7)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” 2.3 – 3.9, +1.6, #20 to #8
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.3 – 7.9, +.6, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 7.3 – 7.9, +.6
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KMVP-FM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.0)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” 5.6 – 4.8, -.8, seventh to tenth
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #15 to #13
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #15 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5, third to first
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.2 – 5.7, -.5, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia sports talk KFXN, first month, 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-1.8)**
**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 2.9, +1.0, #17 to #15 and KWFN’s internet stream .8 – 1.6, +.8, #23 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, seventh consecutive month, 8.1 – 6.8, -1.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (-1.5)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, eighth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #16 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, repeats at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, continues at #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourteenth month in a row, 9.1 – 9.4, +.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WLLD (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.7)
DENVER
News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #18 to #17; KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” flat at 1.7, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: Audacy hot AC KALC, first month, 6.2 – 6.9, +.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): classic hits-oldies KXKL and sports talk KKFN (+.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-1.4)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.8– 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #17 to #18
Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .7 – .8, +.1, #22 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.2 – 5.9, +1.7, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, stays at #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second consecutive month, 9.5 – 9.0, -.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-.9)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 6.5 – 6.9, +.4, fifth to fourth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, repeats at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #14 to #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.2)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.0)
Up next: October 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
October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 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 (New Jersey).
Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.
TALKERS 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 September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).
The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.0, #11 to #12
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #18 to #19
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #13 to #11 and co-owned WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” unchanged at 3.0, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Mediaco Holding-owned/Emmis operated urban AC WBLS, second month in a row, 6.6 – 6.9, +.3
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk WFAN and Spanish contemporary WXNY (+.5)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary WLTW; CHR WHTZ; and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.7, continues in fourth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, eighth to ninth
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, third month in a row, 5.8 – 5.7, -.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits KCBS-FM (-.6)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, ninth to tenth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.9 – 5.3, +.4, third to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Blackhawks) 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, fifth to seventh
Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, sixth month in a row, 6.6 – 6.1, -.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban AC WVAZ (+.7)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WGN (-.6)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.4 – 7.0, +.6, second to first
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, sixth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 7.8 – 6.6, -1.2, first to third
Number One 6+ (Tie): news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.4 – 7.0, +.6 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KQED (-1.2)
Note: KGO transitioned from news/talk to sports betting (10/10/2022)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.9 – 4.8, -.1, repeats in third-place
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, steady at #16
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to fourth
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 1.9 – 2.8, +.9, #21 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA flat at 3.0, #13 to #14
Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, ninth month in a row, 5.4 – 5.2, -.2
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KRLD-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-1.0)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF flat at 2.0, continues at #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, nineteenth consecutive month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.1)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): contemporary Christian KSBJ; alternative KTBZ; and Spanish contemporary KLOL (-.7)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 5.9, -.4, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #11 to #9
Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #15 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 6.8 – 7.2, +.4, third to second
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, tenth successive month, 8.3 – 8.4, +.1
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): urban AC WAMJ; contemporary Christian WFSH; and CHR WWPW (+.8)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WALR and country WKHX (-.8)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” flat at 5.2, repeats in seventh-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 5.3 – 6.5, +1.2, sixth to third and WIP’s internet stream, 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #12 to #14
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (Flyers) 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, continues in eighth-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WIP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock WMMR (-.8)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 2.1, #17 to #16
Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #17
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, continues in seventh-place and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #14
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth
Emmis-owned/Good Karma Brands-operated WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Islanders, Rangers) 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, steady at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in succession, 6.6 – 6.1, -.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WBLI (-.8)
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: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .4, anchored at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, tenth consecutive month, 7.7 – 9.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)*
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KGGI (-.5)
*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 2.0, +.5, #21 to #15 and cluster-mate KGO 2.7 – 1.9, -.8, #13 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.7 – 6.6, +.9, second to first
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers ) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, eighth to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+ (Tie): news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth straight month 7.3 – 6.6, -.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+.9)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-1.0)
Note: KGO transitioned from news/talk to sports betting (10/10/2022)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, second to third
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .5 – 1.2, +.7, #23 to #19
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, #12 to #13 and co-owned WINS 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #17 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #11 to #8
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 8.6 – 6.9, -1.7
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.2)
Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: October 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.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Before you know it, the midterm election spin will fade, and the holiday season will begin.
For many of us, food, family, friends — maybe a little political chatter –and football will dominate Thanksgiving Day. No matter what your preference, please remember a special thank you for all the heroes and their families who protect our health, safety and freedom.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Buzz-of-The-Biz in recent days: WTOP-FM, Washington offers newsroom staffers voluntary separation buyouts. Even radio’s top-billing station – owned by venerable Hubbard – is feeling the pinch. “Welcome to the club,” broadcasters elsewhere shrug.
Disclosure: I programmed that station for seven years in the 1980s, and hired some of the voices still heard there. And in today’s “gig economy,” with remote work now so commonplace, there’s new opportunity for the nimble.
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, “The Bird is Caged,” looks back at this past week of 10/24-10/28. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Mark Davis, talk show host, KSKY, “660 AM The Answer,” Dallas/Fort Worth; Holland Cooke, media consultant/author; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/physician; and Brad Shepard, talk show host, Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.
Cumulus Net Revenue Declines 1.8% in Third Quarter. Reporting its financial data for the third quarter of 2022 – as well as the first nine months of 2022 – Cumulus Media reveals that net revenue was $233.5 million in Q1, a decrease of 1.8% over the same period in 2021. For the first nine months of this year, the company reports net income of $16.3 million compared to the loss of $360,000 it reported for the first nine months of 2021. Cumulus breaks out its revenue into segments and the total broadcast radio
revenue for Q3 of 2022 was $177 million, down 4.7% from the same period in 2021. While spot revenue was $124.8 million – up 2.3%, network revenue was $52.3 million, down 18.2%. Digital revenue was $34.9 million, an increase of 4.7% over the third quarter of 2021. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “Notwithstanding a difficult macro environment, consistent execution of our 
strategic plan has put us in an enviable financial position to effectively navigate through the continuing headwinds. Our solid Q3 results reflect that execution – although total revenue declined, driven by weakness in national advertising channels, digital revenue continued to grow, and we increased profitability as well. We also generated $24 million of cash from operations, repurchased $3.9 million of shares, opportunistically retired $2.8 million of senior notes at a discount and finished the quarter with net leverage of 3.7x, the lowest it’s been in more than a decade. Looking ahead, we will continue to rigorously implement our plan, which includes: furthering our multi-platform evolution; supporting growth of multiple, profitable digital businesses; reducing our fixed cost base; investing in high-ROI internal initiatives; maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A, including enhancing cash generation from non-core asset monetization; bolstering liquidity; reducing net leverage; and optimizing a multi-pronged capital allocation strategy. Given our track record, we continue to have strong confidence in our ability, under this plan, to grow shareholder value even in the incrementally challenging macro environment.”
Beasley Names Ron deCastro Market Manager for Tampa. Radio sales and management pro Ron deCastro joins Beasley Media Group as market manager for the company’s Tampa station group that includes business news WHFS-AM “Money Talk
1010 AM” and five music brands. DeCastro was most recently market president and chief revenue officer at WQHT-FM and WBLS-FM in New York. He says, “I’ve spent a significant amount of my career leading some of the most iconic brands in America and I am excited to join the team at Beasley and help continue grow these fantastic brands.” Beasley EVP and COO Brian Beasley says, “We are happy to welcome Ron into the Beasley Media Group family. His vast experience, valuable insight and proven leadership made him the perfect choice to lead and grow our Tampa/St. Pete-based radio properties.”
NPR and Edison Research Unveil Results of Spoken Word Audio Report. The latest Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research concludes that “almost half (46%) of the U.S. population listens to spoken word audio content daily.” This is the fourth version of this study that “explores the ways spoken word media consumption in the U.S. has increased over time, including the number of listeners, and how long they listen.” This year’s study includes a special focus on how younger demographics are
increasingly more interested in the medium, and reveals a 214% increase in listening to spoken word audio among those age 13-24. Key findings include: 1) There are an estimated 26 million more people listening to spoken word audio in the U.S. than eight years ago. An estimated 131 million people in the U.S. age 13+ are daily spoken word audio listeners, up from 105 million daily listeners in 2014; 2) Spoken word’s share of all audio is increasing among all listeners. Listeners age 13+ spend 29% of their total audio time with spoken word content, up from 20% in 2014, a 45% increase; 3) Listeners age 13-24 show the most explosive growth with share of spoken word audio. That Gen Z segment spends 22% of their time with spoken word audio, compared with those age 13-24 in 2014 who spent only 7% of their time with spoken word audio, a 214% increase for this age group; and 4) For the first time ever, daily spoken word audio listeners spend a majority of their audio time with spoken word. Those who listen to spoken word audio daily spend 51% of their total daily audio time with spoken word. You can see the report here.
TALKERS News Notes. Just in time for the 2022 Major League Baseball World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros, Audacy drops the new national daily podcast, “Baseball Isn’t Boring,” hosted by longtime baseball columnist,
author and WEEI-FM, Boston broadcaster Rob Bradford. The podcast is a project born from the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” campaign instituted by Bradford and major league pitcher Joe Kelly. Kelly and Bradford have also co-authored the soon-to-be-released book, A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming America’s Pastime. Bradford says, “As we wrap up what has been a very ‘un-boring’ postseason, we’re thrilled to launch this fun new daily podcast to rally behind the great sport of baseball – America’s national pastime. I look forward to speaking with some of the biggest names in sports to prove that baseball is alive and thriving.”…..CNN 
Audio premieres the new eight-episode, limited-series podcast, “The James Brown Mystery,” that investigates the suspicious death of the legendary musician and questions if he was murdered. The investigation began after CNN reporter Thomas Lake received a phone call from a woman who said she was in James Brown’s inner circle almost 40 years ago and the relationship nearly destroyed her career. Decades later, she’s trying to solve the mystery of Brown’s death. When she makes the call to Lake, “the two stumble into a world of secrets, intimidation, and suspected foul play.” “The James Brown Mystery” is the first podcast hosted and reported by Thomas Lake, who in 2019 published his exclusive CNN investigative series, “Lost in the Woods with James Brown’s Ghost,” exploring unanswered questions around the singer’s death and the many people still calling for an autopsy and criminal investigation. “The James Brown Mystery” expands upon Lake’s reporting and covers Brown’s complicated past, the mysterious death of his third wife, and the biggest questions surrounding his demise…..WDAS-AM/W273DO, Philadelphia “FOX Sports Radio, The Gambler” sports
show “The Divide Live” – hosted by Mike, a diehard Mets fan and Corey, a diehard Yankees fan – are broadcasting a one-hour special recorded live from the Toms River Field of Dreams Comedy Night Benefit last weekend (10/22). The special broadcast will include interviews with former MLB third baseman Todd Frazier for his take on the Mets, Yankees, “retirement” and life after the MLB; mixed martial artist Frankie Edgar who breaks down what it’s like to prepare for his final UFC fight at Madison Square Garden; and WFAN, New York afternoon drive star Craig Carton talking career, giving back, life’s successes and unfortunate failures. It airs tonight at 9:00 pm ET…..Edison Research, provider of Edison Podcast Metrics, announces it has developed a complementary service to count downloads for participating publishers. After months of research, Edison is utilizing a new method for determining U.S. downloads that does not employ a redirect nor involve delivery of log files. Edison president Larry Rosen says, “We have developed an elegant new solution that will enhance our unique Edison Podcast Metrics survey. While our survey of 20,000 podcast listeners each year provides the most complete look at the totality of actual listening to podcasts, download data will provide deeper information to subscribers, especially for smaller and short-run shows.”
KTSA, San Antonio Helps Raise Almost $170,000 for Thanksgiving Dinner for Those in Need. San Antonio news/talk KTSA helped raise a record $163,893, during the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner radiothon Friday, October 21. Funds raised will go to feed more than 25,000 seniors and needy people on Thanksgiving Day. The Alpha Media news/talk says the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is the largest dinner of its kind in the country. Pictured above (l-r) are KTSA talk hosts Sean Rima, Jack Riccardi, and Trey Ware with a staffer from the Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Dinner charity.
WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina Owner Honored for Station’s Service. Pictured above is broadcaster and WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner Anne Eller (left) receiving a proclamation by Charles Moates (right), chair of the Greenwood County Council, in honor of the station’s 81 years of service and Eller’s service to the community. Speaking to The Index-Journal about her work as an independent broadcaster, Eller says, “Each day gives me the chance to connect with my listeners through delivery via traditional radio, livestreaming on the Internet, podcasts on our website and promotions via social media. Radio is as relevant in the business of communications as ever before – maybe more so. I am proud of the honors my station and I have received recently, and I look forward to many more great years as a broadcaster,” Photo by Damian Dominguez, The Index-Journal
Politics and Midterm Elections Tie as Top News/Talk Stories for Week of October 24-28. The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and the politics surrounding them 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 economy, including inflation and threats of a recession, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal issues 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.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Time to sharpen up, drill down and pass the “Who Cares?” test. This is where we take a hard look at how you present your on-air talent for host reads.
If you are like most sellers or managers, you look for a comfortable rhythm in your proposals that works for your style and now fits the cut and paste culture. There is nothing wrong with time-saving technique — except when the shortcuts take you to an outdated comfort zone. In radio sales we all get hypnotized by what worked for years. After all, we are creatures of habit and why mess with past success? It’s a challenging but important part of radio sales strategy.
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, “Inflation Inflammation,” looks back at this past week of 10/17-10/21. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Jack Heath, talk show host, the Pulse of NH; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Jerry Reynolds, talk show host, CarPro Radio Network/WBAP, Dallas; and Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.
Wisconsin Talk Hosts Avoid Prosecution for Entering Locked State House. According to coverage from Madison.com, charges against Michael Crute (left) and Dominic Salvia (right) – hosts of the progressive talk program, “The Devil’s Advocates Radio Show,” for entering the Wisconsin Capitol illegally on December 22 of 2020 are
being dropped. Crute and Salvia’s program is heard in Milwaukee on Good Karma Brands’ WAUK-AM/W266DR, on WTTN-AM/W224EG in Madison and other Wisconsin signals. The duo, along with producer Bryan Kelly, accessed the locked Capitol during the pandemic lockdown to “put up a Christmas tree that included ornaments lampooning Republican lawmakers after Republican state Reps. Paul Tittl and Shae Sortwell and others put up their own tree in the Capitol rotunda and held other activities without a permit because Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had decided not to put up a tree during the pandemic.” Crute, Salvia and Kelly’s lawyer told the program’s listeners that his defensive strategy “was going to be the defense of selective prosecution” on the part of the district attorney. In the end it didn’t matter because ultimately the prosecution “did not feel at this time in the interest of justice jury trials in these matters was warranted.”
Salem Announces Midterm Election Coverage. The company says that its coverage of the November midterm elections will begin on Tuesday (11/8) at 7:00 pm ET and run through 2:00 am the next morning. Salem Media Group says that the Salem Radio Network will join forces with the new Salem News Channel platform to provide marathon “DECISION 22” Midterm Election coverage focusing on the battle over which political party will gain control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years. “DECISION 22” will also track election results in hotly contested
races for governor from coast-to-coast. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup states, “This promises to be quite very possibly the most historic Midterm election and it will offer our audiences the first ever live broadcast partnership between our ground-breaking Salem News Channel and the Salem Radio Network nationwide.” For the first five hours starting at 7:00 pm ET, SNC’s Andrew Wilkow and SRN’s nationally syndicated talk hosts Hugh Hewitt and Dr. Sebastian Gorka will anchor the live coverage that will include perspective and analysis from invited guests including SRN hosts Mike Gallagher and Brandon Tatum live from midterm “watch parties.” Correspondents updating key races will include Chris Stigall of “AM990 The Answer” in Philadelphia covering the pivotal Pennsylvania U.S. Senate contest. SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston will provide breaking news throughout the evening from the Decision Desk in the Washington bureau. At 12:00 midnight ET coverage switches to the Los Angeles studios of Salem’s “870AM The ANSWER” for continuing coverage anchored by Jennifer Horn (host of The Morning Answer of KRLA and KTIE) and KRLA news anchor Larry Marino.
Mike Miller Named VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Central PA. Radio programming pro Mike Miller is named vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Central PA stations that include news/talk WHP-AM and sports talk
WTKT-AM “FOX Sports 1460” in Harrisburg, as well as five music brands. iHeartMedia national programming group EVP Jeff Hurley comments, “Mike brings an unparalleled understanding of our business and operations. His track record of innovation speaks for itself. He has created and grown unique brands from the ground up for over 20 years in Central PA. We’re excited to welcome Mike back to our programming team, where he got his first start on ‘FM97’ in Lancaster at age 16.”
Broadcasters Foundation of America Lauded for Hurricane Assistance. After hurricanes swept through Puerto Rico and Southwest Florida, those working in the broadcasting business in the those areas have had to deal with personal and family issues in addition to having to keep up their professional duties to keep the public informed and apprised of everything that is happening in clean-up efforts. At best, it
has been difficult for those in the broadcast community to continue working while also dealing with damage to their property or automobiles. At worst, they may be dealing with something such as injury to a family member or pet. While there is certainly no way to replace something as precious as life, the Broadcasters Foundation of America has stepped in to provide some financial security to those colleagues who are suffering from these natural disasters. Dozens of employees from various radio and television companies in those areas have reached out for help and the BFOA has either already delivered or is in the process of providing financial support. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Hurricane Ian was one of the worst natural disasters to hit Southwest Florida in over a century. A near category 5 hurricane, the storm devastated communities that Beasley serves. Our employees worked around the clock, serving as a lifeline to listeners when radio was the only source of communication available to them with the outside world. Throughout the storm, Tim McCarthy and the Broadcasters Foundation of America team were front and center, checking in and offering assistance to our employees who were directly impacted by the hurricane. It’s that type of true commitment and dedication to broadcasters on the front lines every day that makes the BFOA so incredibly important and vital as they take care of those who selflessly take care of others every day. That is what the Broadcasters Foundation of America is all about!”
TALKERS News Notes. A new deal between SiriusXM and New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis gives SXM the exclusive rights to distribute and sell advertising for “The Rachel Hollis Podcast.” Additionally, the agreement calls for Stitcher to distribute the show across all podcast platforms. Hollis says, “Teaming up with SiriusXM allows us to further elevate the show, bringing it into an exciting new chapter. I believe we learn the most by listening to other people’s stories and sharing in conversation. My hope is to keep seeking out wisdom from our guests that spark curiosity and openness with an ever-evolving audience.”…..Salem Media Group is presenting at the Annual LD Micro Main Event XV investor conference at 5:00 pm ET on October 26. The presentation will be available on the investor relations portion of Salem’s website prior to the company’s presentation…..Dr. Daliah Wachs’ GCN-syndicated talk radio program adds a new affiliate as Fairview Broadcasting’s news/talk KWBG-AM, Boone, Iowa adds the show to its program schedule in the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daypart.
Politics and the Midterm Elections Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 17-21. The politics and the debates leading up to the November midterm elections combined as the most-talked-about-stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Takers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy – including inflation, the up-and-down financial markets, and fears of a recession – followed by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine tied with other foreign affairs stories 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.
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
NEW YORK — With apologies to Abraham Lincoln for taking modification liberties with a highly exemplary quote attributable to our esteemed 16th president, but a person never stands so tall as when they stoop to help someone in need.
Over the past several decades, one particular eclectic woman has provided comfort by physically reaching down to offer uplifting comfort, while at other times, providing entertainment while delicately perched… on stilts.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Regular readers of this column know I am Florida based.
I needed a new screen door for our patio area one year prior to Hurricane Ian. Simple, you say. Not so simple in Florida where colors fade, styles change, hinges, pistons, handles, locks, are all exposed to the salt air yet still need to match and last. Most challenging is getting a replacement door to close and lock in place unassisted. When my screen door repair company finished, it worked perfectly. Within five days, the door would not completely close. They returned to fix it. About 10 days later, same issue; they returned to fix, again. And a third time. By now the project was a loss leader and the screen door company was more protecting a reputation than looking at their bottom line. Now the owner, toolkit in hand, returned to fix the issue. Finally, after four trips and adjustments all is good and there was never another charge or uncomfortable conversation. So, what does this have to do with radio sales?
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — You might know of the Pareto Principle, also called “The Rule of 80/20,” which states that 80% of sales come from 20% of customers. Ask any retailer. And radio audience measurement bears this out too. 70%+ of listening comes from 20%+ of a station’s listeners.
Because most podcasts are free, many are downloaded
But how many actually get heard? And how many get heard in their entirety?
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 “Juries & Judgements” looks back at this past week of 10/10-10/14. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Gary Nolan, talk show host, 93.9 The Eagle, Columbia, MO/USA Radio Network/Talk Media Network; Jack Heath, talk show host, the Pulse of NH; Brett Winterble, talk show host, WBT, Charlotte, NC; Ethan Bearman, attorney/commentator; and Jim Bohannon, talk show host, Westwood One. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is 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: Continued Growth In Spoken-Word Audio Consumption. According to the NPR and Edison Research “Spoken-Word Audio Report,” the number of spoken-word audio listeners has increased by 26 million in the last eight years. Scheduled in two weeks
(Thursday, 10/27), a 2:00 pm webinar presentation of the findings from the fourth annual such report explores specific types of spoken-word content, various spoken word platforms, and devices used to consume spoken-word content. National Public Media vice president of sponsorship marketing Lamar Johnson and Edison Research vice president Megan Lazovick will take part in the live webinar. Among topics they will cover are: how spoken-word audio fits into this country’s overall landscape; how “Gen Z” listeners consume spoken-word audio; how daily spoken-word audio listeners consume audio; which devices and platforms are used to listen to spoken-word audio; and how podcasts continue to impact the growth of spoken-word audio. The report includes trending data from Edison Research’s “Share of Ear” study, which measures daily listening habits of Americans using a 24-hour diary.
Cumulus Media Transfers Divello To Montgomery As VP/MM. The four-year vice president and market manager of Cumulus Media Abilene (Texas), Paula Divello (pictured at right), shifts to the company’s Montgomery (Alabama) stations in the same capacity. Cumulus Media
Montgomery’s five-station cluster includes news/talk WLWI “News Radio 1440” and sports talk WMSP “Sports Radio 740.” Cumulus Media senior vice president of operations Mark Sullivan remarks, “I’m excited for Paula’s next leadership role in Montgomery, as she has been such a positive force in [our] company. I look forward to working alongside her as she continues her track record of delivering strong results.” Divello comments, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Cumulus Montgomery [and look forward] to joining the team [there]. I look forward to working in collaboration with our great employees on our next chapter of growth and success, making a positive impact on our staff, listeners, and advertisers alike.” Divello joined Cumulus Media’s Shreveport (Louisiana) stations five years ago as director of sales. She previously had similar responsibilities for Townsquare Media Lufkin, Texas and was digital marketing manager and senior account executive for Raycom Media.
Connecticut Senator Slams Jones. “I mean, Alex Jones is a clown.” That declaration was made by Senator Chris Murphy (pictured at right) during an interview on Yahoo News’ “Skullduggery” podcast. “I can’t understand what goes on inside the brain of somebody
like that. I can’t understand [how] any human being would delight in torturing the parents of dead children. I don’t know how you live with yourself if that’s what you do every day.” The Connecticut Democrat called on top Republican and conservative leaders to publicly denounce Jones in the wake of Wednesday’s (10/12) jury verdict that the “Infowars” talk show host must pay nearly $1 billion to the families of children killed in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. From 2007 – 2013, Murphy represented the Connecticut district where Sandy Hook is located; he has a long relationship with the families of the victims. “I want the focus to be much more broadly than on Alex Jones,” Murphy commented. “I’m not going to change Alex Jones’ business model, but man, why aren’t there more Republicans out there condemning this guy? Why is he still invited to all of these conservative conferences until the political right decides that these conspiracy theorists, these Sandy Hook harassers, are going to be purged from the right? Somebody will replace Alex Jones, because there’s a market there for it. So the culpability here is on Jones, but it is also much more broadly on the Republican Party that continues to celebrate Alex Jones.” In 2015, – three years after the Sandy Hook killings – then-presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared on “Infowars” and praised Jones’ “amazing” reputation.
Donnolo Drops “Positively Sex” Podcast. Intimacy specialist Lila Donnolo’s weekly 46-episode iHeartPodcast Original “Positively
Sex! with Lila” premiered yesterday (10/13). The series explores intimacy of all kinds through a sex-positive talk show on timely, tender and taboo topics. According to Donnolo, “As a society, we’ve become aware – more than ever before – of just how much we need intimacy in order to thrive. Most of us were indoctrinated with sexual shame, and this shame is detrimental to all aspects of our lives. The world desperately needs sex-positivity now. That’s why I’m so incredibly delighted to have iHeartRadio in my corner. iHeartRadio has given me a global megaphone: To paraphrase my psychiatrist friend, I’m so excited for the world to get to hear these perspectives.” Donnolo will host a multitude of episode formats including editorialized segments; “on-the-street” style interviews; intimate one-on-one conversations; and “kiss-and-tell” storytelling. Her five-year “Horizontal with Lila” podcast of conversations about sex, love, and relationships, which concluded earlier this year, was entirely recorded while she was lying down.
TALKERS News Notes. In a memo to his fellow WCBS-AM staff members, reporter Peter Haskell reveals that a rare voice disorder – spasmodic dysphonia – is causing him to exit the Audacy New York all-news outlet. Describing his 30-year career at “News Radio 880” as “the journey of a lifetime,” Haskell notes he has “come to the realization” that what he’s been doing “is unsustainable” and as much as he has tried, he “just can’t overcome the problems” with his voice. … Nine industry figures – including iHeartMedia chair/chief executive officer Bob Pittman and Cromwell Media president Bayard “Bud” Walters – will be honored next month (11/15) for lifetime achievement by The Library of American
Broadcasting Foundation. Hosted by ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang, LABF’s annual “Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts” luncheon ceremony at New York’s Gotham Hall will be produced by the International Radio and Television Society Foundation. In addition to Pittman and Walters, this year’s “Giants of Broadcasting & Electronics Arts” honorees are: TV chef Julia Child (honored posthumously); Standard Media Group chief executive officer Deb McDermott; CBS Sports chair Sean McManus; multi-award winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson; E.W. Scripps president/chief executive officer Adam Symson; ; recently-retired NBC News justice correspondent Pete Williams; and CNN anchor/Washington Post columnist Fareed Zakaria. The LABF event honors creators, innovators, performers and journalists who have left an indelible mark on the field of electronic arts. Proceeds from the luncheon support the work of LABF, which includes the Library of American Broadcasting, housed at the University of Maryland.
Ross Rises to CPB Chair. By unanimous vote, former chief of staff to a New York State attorney general/retired attorney Laura G. Ross has been elected chair of the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. Meanwhile, onetime Wyoming PBS general manager and
Wyoming PBS Foundation president Rubydee Calvert is elected vice chair. Ross comments, “It’s an honor and a privilege to work with my fellow board members; CPB’s leadership and staff; and our public media colleagues in support of our mission to serve the American people in communities across the country. As a result of our combined efforts, Americans of all backgrounds support the content and services of public media.” Ross has been CPB’s vice chair since 2020 and has been on the board since 2018. Four-year board member Calvert adds, “I second Laura’s statement of commitment to the outstanding work of CPB and its support of the mission of public media. I want to thank my fellow board members and the superb CPB staff for their dedicated service to public media.”
KWAM Seeks News Staffers. KWAM, Memphis “The Mighty 990” is expanding its
local news coverage. KWAM has promoted Ben Deeter – executive producer of “Wake Up Memphis” – to full-time news anchor and anchor of the radio station’s political coverage. KWAM owner Todd Starnes says there are plans to add more reporters and anchors. Email resumes to: info@kwamradio.com.
FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Radio Anchor. This onsite position in either Los Angeles, Chicago or New York is a freelance radio anchor for the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 Sirius XM Channel 115. In this position, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. Learn more about this position here.
Reporter Position Open at FOX News Media in Washington, DC. For this onsite reporter position FOX News Media is looking for an experienced, full-time reporter to join the Washington DC team. You will cover a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgment and the ability to break important news stories. Learn more and apply here.
Freelance Producer/Editor Opportunity at FOX News Media. This exciting opportunity is based in New York for a freelance producer/news editor to supervise the staff for our network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). In this role you are our editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. Find out more here.
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
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 shown are August 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are indicated where applicable.
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” flat at 4.2, seventh to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.4 – 2.5, +1.1, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.7 – 5.7, -1.0, second to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, ninth month in a row, 10.0 – 9.8, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk KTXX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: triple A KUTX (-1.4)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.3 – 8.8, +1.5, third to first
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” flat at 1.9, #14 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #18 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC steady at 7.4, locked in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: news/talk WTKK, first month, 7.3 – 8.8, +1.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.5)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.3)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.3 – 9.9, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.4 – 3.2, +.8, #13 to #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .3, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, ninth successive month, 11.3 – 11.2, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk WIBC-HD2 (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country WFMS (-1.9)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1, second to first
iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.3 – 9.6, -.7, first to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #16 to #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in ninth-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKLH (-.8)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.7 – 1.6, -1.1, #14 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 3.5 – 6.1, +2.6, #13 to #5
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” steady at .9, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.2 – 5.4, +.2, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, ninth month in a row, 9.6 – 9.0, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.6)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLAC (-1.1)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.8 – 5.5, +.7, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” 1.2 – .4, -.8, #15 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, repeats in eighth-place
WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, remains in ninth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #11 to #10
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.7, -.7, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WHJJ (-.8)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, #11 to #9
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .5 – .6, +.1, #21 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, #17 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, ninth month in succession, 9.7 – 9.2, -.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WMOV (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.9)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.9 – 7.8 -.1, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” steady at .5, unchanged at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #12 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, third consecutive month, 10.2 – 11.5, +1.3
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WQIK (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJGL (-1.4)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 2.2 +.4, ninth to eighth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #9 to #11
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.1 – .9, -.2, #13 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .5, +.1, #17 to #16
iHeartMedia’s WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” .2, #18 (unlisted since December 2021)
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.3 – 3.8, +.5, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, ninth month in succession, 8.8 – 10.5, +1.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-.6)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, remains in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD flat at 2.6, stays at #12
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC steady at 1.7, unchanged at #14
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, ninth month in a row, 10.3 – 10.9, +.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): country WPAW and adult contemporary WMAG (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.1)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, #9 to #11
Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .9 – 1.0, +.1, stays at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” flat at 3.0, #12 to #13 and WMFS’ internet stream .7 – .3, -.4, anchored at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, ninth successive month, 12.8 – 16.7, +3.9
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (+3.9)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-1.3)
**Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets and WRBO posts the highest (6+) share in all 48 markets (16.7)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.6 – 3.6, -1.0, eighth to ninth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #15 to #14
iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” .2, #20 (unlisted since April 2022)
Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .2, remains at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .6 – 1.0, +.4, #18 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 8.8 – 8.5, -.3, second to third
New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .2, -.2, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 31st month in a row, 11.1 – 12.1, +1.0
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WWYZ and news/talk WTIC-AM (-1.0)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; and Providence.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
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 are August 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are listed where applicable.
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” flat at 4.2, seventh to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.4 – 2.5, +1.1, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.7 – 5.7, -1.0, second to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, ninth month in a row, 10.0 – 9.8, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk KTXX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: triple A KUTX (-1.4)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.3 – 8.8, +1.5, third to first
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” flat at 1.9, #14 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #18 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC steady at 7.4, locked in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: news/talk WTKK, first month, 7.3 – 8.8, +1.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.5)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.3)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.3 – 9.9, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.4 – 3.2, +.8, #13 to #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .3, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, ninth successive month, 11.3 – 11.2, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk WIBC-HD2 (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country WFMS (-1.9)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these six (6) PPM-markets
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1, second to first
iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.3 – 9.6, -.7, first to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #16 to #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in ninth-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKLH (-.8)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.7 – 1.6, -1.1, #14 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 3.5 – 6.1, +2.6, #13 to #5
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” steady at .9, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.2 – 5.4, +.2, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, ninth month in a row, 9.6 – 9.0, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.6)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLAC (-1.1)
*Represents a tie (with Columbus sports talk WBNS-FM) for the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from the 42 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.8 – 5.5, +.7, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” 1.2 – .4, -.8, #15 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, repeats in eighth-place
WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, continues in ninth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #11 to #10
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.7, -.7, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WHJJ (-.8)
Up next: September 2022 overviews for Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Benjamin Franklin got it right over 200 years ago. His “To Do” list was incredibly close to yours today:
1) Eight hours a day of work
2) Lunch that included reviewing business
3) Set daily goals. “What good shall I do today?” was his prompt.
4) Reviewed goals at the end of every day. “What good have I done today?” and “examination” were his evening recap prompts.
5) Seven hours a night of sleep.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — After Putin said he’s not bluffing about tactical nukes, it’s prudent to take time to re-familiarize yourself with your network’s continuing coverage routine. When-the-fit-hits-the-shan they’ll shine, and news/talk stations need to be conspicuous.
This isn’t just Ukraine-watch. Gun nuts like that Buffalo supermarket shooter walk among us. And we’re recently reminded that so-called “100 year” storms come lots more often lately.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of radio and the Internet. And HC is author of the E-book “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download here: and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. And he’s offering FREE 60-second on-air features: “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins.” HC Follow him on Twitter @HollandCooke
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
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 August 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 9.0 – 8.4, -.6, first to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #13 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 8.5 – 8.8, +.3, repeats in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 7.9 – 9.7, +1.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLTH (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 5.4 – 4.5, -.9, fifth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, anchored at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.9 – 4.8, -.1, seventh to ninth
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .3 – .4, +.1, stays at #18
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 7.0 – 7.4, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic rock WRFX (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country WKKT (-1.7)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 4.6 – 3.9, -.7, eighth to tenth
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #12 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.5 – 2.1, -.4, #15 to #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, eighth straight month, 9.4 – 9.7, +.3
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-AM (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSAH (-1.6)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.1 – 8.9, +.8, third to first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.8 – 4.5, +.7, eighth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ flat at 4.1, remains in seventh-place
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.9, +.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult hits KZIS (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country KNCI (-2.2)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, repeats at #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.5 – 6.0, +.5, fifth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, second straight month, 9.9 – 10.5, +.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult hits WRRK and hot AC WLTJ (-.6)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 9.1 – 11.6, +2.5, #1
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.1 – 6.7, +.6, fourth to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, eighth month in succession, 9.1 – 11.6, +2.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS (+2.5)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.0)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #18 to #16
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+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 4.8 – 7.1, +2.3
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+2.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.5)
Note: In a transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, Audacy is acquiring KDWN.
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, fourth to fifth
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 5.0, +1.3, #11 to #8
iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #17 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, #15 to #13
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk WDBO (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOCL (-1.4)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.7 – 11.1, -.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 3.9, -.5, eighth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) .8 – 1.0, +.2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.1 – 4.4, -.7, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, seventh month in a row, 11.7 – 11.1, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC WKRQ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-1.1)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) flat at 7.8, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.4 – 4.8, +.4, tenth to ninth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.3 – 3.6, -.7, #11 to #12
Ideastream-owned WCPN’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, unchanged at #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, first month, 8.0 – 8.1, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WGAR (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-1.1)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.7 – 4.1, -.6, fifth to eighth
Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, repeats at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.4 – 3.0, -.4, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, remains at #9
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, sixth straight month, 8.6 – 8.3, -.3
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WDAF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk KMBZ-FM and adult contemporary KCKC (-.6)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.5 – 6.7, -.8, third to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 6.8 – 9.4, +2.6, fourth to first
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, second to third
Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, first month, 6.8 – 9.4, +2.6
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.6)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (-1.0)
**Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets
Up next: September 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.
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, “Going to Pot,” looks back at this past week of 10/3-10/7. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; Jack Heath, talk show host, “The Pulse of NH”; Dr. Murray Sabrin, emeritus professor of finance, Ramapo College, NJ/author; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., associate publisher, TALKERS; Glenn Beck, talk show host, Premiere Networks/author; Tavis Smiley, author/talk show host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is 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.
KGO, San Francisco to Begin Sports/Wagering Format on Monday. The end of the news/talk format on Cumulus Media’s legendary KGO-AM, San Francisco came in a way that many market observers are calling bizarre – just to give one adjective. During the late morning Mark Thompson show, the station suddenly ended the talk show and
began airing a recorded announcement followed by music stunting. Thompson himself was as surprised as the listeners to learn the that station will flip to a new format on Monday (10/10) – some form of sports betting talk. The message from Cumulus was: “Today we say goodbye to the legendary KGO. Over the last 80 years, KGO has been here for Bay Area listeners covering and discussing all the news that has impacted our world and local communities. We thank you for your loyalty and for trusting KGO to be your source for information. We also want to sincerely thank all the talented men and women that worked so hard over the years to produce award-winning programming on KGO. On Monday, 810AM begins a new era. We hope you will tune in.” Northern California-based journalist Matthew Keys reports that sources say the new format will be branded “The Spread 810AM.”
Beasley and Audacy Swap Las Vegas Stations. The two companies are entering into an asset exchange agreement that will see Beasley Media Group’s news/talk KDWN-AM and FM translator K268CS (101.5) go to Audacy, which will give FM station KXTE (currently alternative rock) to Beasley. As part of the agreement, longtime Las Vegas-
based syndicated morning personalities “Dave and Mahoney” will continue to be heard on KXTE-FM. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Throughout Beasley Broadcast Group’s 61-year history, we have actively managed our station portfolio with the goal of serving the communities where we operate with the best local programming and brands, diversifying our operations, managing risk and improving financial results. The agreement to exchange KDWN-AM/FM translator for KXTE-FM addresses all of these strategic objectives and upon completion, will complement our Las Vegas market presence and content with five strong signals in the market.” The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year subject to Federal Communications Commission approval and other customary closing conditions.
Round Two of September PPMs Released. The second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington remains ranked #1 in the market after adding one-tenth to finish the survey with an 8.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share). Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WMAL-FM tacks on six-tenths for a 4.5 share that lifts it to the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO slips half a share for a 3.8 share that leaves it ranked #9, while the company’s all-news WBZ-AM adds seven-tenths for a 5.3 share good for the #5 rank in the market. Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis rises eight-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.6 share that lifts it to the #7 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KTLK-AM is up one-tenth for a 3.1 share finish and Hubbard Broadcasting’s talk KTMY-FM dips two-tenths for a 3.1 share finish leaving them tied at the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.
iHeartMedia Sells New Orleans Office Building. The New Orleans City Business reports that iHeartMedia has sold the downtown New Orleans building that houses its
operations there. The three-story, 17,765-square-foot building has been on the market for two years and was acquired by a Florida-based investment group. The story notes that the building was constructed in the mid-1990s. It has “a 250-kilowatt generator, 60 parking spots with a secured gate and two adjacent lots.” The sale price is reported to be just over $3.57 million. It was originally listed at $3.7 million in August 2020.
Grant Stinchfield Launches Show on Salem Podcast Network. KRLA-AM, Los Angeles morning drive personality Grant Stinchfield is launching a podcast on Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network on Monday (10/10) titled, “Stinchfield.” He currently hosts “The Morning Answer” show on KRLA alongside Jennifer Horn. Salem
SVP for spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Grant does a great morning show with Jen in Los Angeles, and we’re excited that he’s moving up on the Salem platform. Now, listeners all over the country get to hear his take on the day’s news and events. We’re delighted to give him this opportunity.” Stinchfield comments, “America is in crisis and the corporate media establishment continues to silence strong conservative voices. This podcast is about pushing back and refusing to be silenced. We will expose the stories the mainstream media refuses to cover. I am so proud to be a part of Salem Media, an organization that refuses to sit idly by and watch our nation fall deeper and deeper into debt and despair. Its commitment to free speech is why I am proud to call Salem Media a partner.”
TALKERS News Notes. According to a report by Kevin Kinkead at Crossing Broad, Jamie Lynch is out at Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 the Fanatic.”
There is no information from the company on Lynch’s departure, although a cost-cutting motive is the most likely. Morning drive host John Kincade said on the program, “Obviously you will notice Jamie is not here. I can only say that we miss Jamie because a situation like this is a time when Jamie is of the greatest joy. We miss him not being here with us today. And if you miss Jamie this morning you can only imagine how much we do. I don’t know how much more to say. I’m not at liberty to say. But we miss him and we wish he was here 
with us.”…..Public media company GBH announces that Jim Braude will leave the WGBH-TV program “Greater Boston” at the end of this year. Braude also co-hosts the “Boston Public Radio” program on WGBH-FM, Boston with Margery Eagan and will continue in that role. Braude has hosted the “Greater Boston” television program since 2015 and co-hosted the radio program with Eagan since 2013…..Cipolla Analytics announces the appointment of Dr. Ed Cohen as chief research officer for the company,
overseeing the expansion of its SpotGPS advanced intelligence software for radio. Developed especially for PPM markets, Cipolla Analytics says, “SpotGPS makes it easy to get the listening credit you deserve. SpotGPS reveals content placement and quantity on your stations and the competition in a way that is clear, colorful, and compelling.” Cohen was previously vice president, ratings and research for Cumulus Media, and led Nielsen Audio’s connected car streaming audio research initiative as vice president, measurement innovation.
Russia-Ukraine War and Foreign Affairs Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 3-7. Russia’s annexation of portions of Ukraine, its continuing military invasion of the country, and surrounding foreign affairs combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the economy – including inflation, the financial markets and the threat of a recession – followed by politics and the November midterm 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.
KWAM Seeks News Staffers. KWAM, Memphis “The Mighty 990” is expanding its local news coverage. KWAM has promoted Ben Deeter – executive producer of “Wake Up Memphis” – to full-time news anchor and anchor of the radio station’s political coverage. KWAM owner Todd Starnes says there are plans to add more reporters and anchors. Email resumes to: info@kwamradio.com.
FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Radio Anchor. This onsite position in either Los Angeles, Chicago or New York is a freelance radio anchor for the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 Sirius XM Channel 115. In this position, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. Learn more about this position here.
Reporter Position Open at FOX News Media in Washington, DC. For this onsite reporter position FOX News Media is looking for an experienced, full-time reporter to join the Washington DC team. You will cover a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgment and the ability to break important news stories. Learn more and apply here.
Freelance Producer/Editor Opportunity at FOX News Media. This exciting opportunity is based in New York for a freelance producer/news editor to supervise the staff for our network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). In this role you are our editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. Find out more here.
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are August 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, eighth to seventh
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, repeats in the runner-up slot
Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .6 – .8, +.2, steady at #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, continues at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 11.1, -.5, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 11.1, -.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WHUR and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.8)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, seventh to ninth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, sixth to fifth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, first to second
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, tenth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, #11 to #7
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #19
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WBWL (+.9)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-.7)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #9
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.3, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WMIB (+.6)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.1 – 6.6, +.5, fourth to third
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, anchored at #14
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 6.2 – 7.0, +.8, third to first
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, first month, 6.2 – 7.0, +.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk KIRO-AM and alternative KEXP (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.3)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, locked at #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, repeats in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, sixth to fourth and WXYT-FM’s internet stream, 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, steady at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-2.8)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, ninth to tenth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, remains at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.2 – 7.3, +1.1, repeats in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, sixth month in a row, 6.7 – 7.6, +.9
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KJZZ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.8 – 5.6, +.8, tenth to seventh
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #17 to #15
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, flat at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 5.5 – 6.7, +1.2, seventh to third
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in fifth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, third month in a row, 8.2 – 8.1, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.1)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.4 – 5.0, +1.6, #11 to #4
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.4 – 5.6, +.2, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, sixth consecutive month, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.7)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.1)
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, ninth to eighth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” flat at 2.7, #13 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, remains at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, thirteenth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR WFLZ (-.9)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17 and co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #16 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, flat at #9
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second successive month, 7.1 – 6.3, -.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: triple A KBCO (+.9)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.1)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.7– 3.8, +.1, tenth to ninth
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” flat at 1.7, unchanged at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.1 – 4.2, +.1, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.1 – 9.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.1)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6, tenth to fifth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, continues at #11
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, #12 to #14
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KPNT, second month in a row, 10.0 – 9.2, -.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+1.6)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-.8)
Up next: September 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
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are August 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 4.3 – 3.0, -1.3, #8 to #11
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, anchored at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 3.0 +.2, #12 to #11 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #11 to #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) 2.8 – 3.2, +.4, #12 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s 3.6 – 4.1, +.5, tenth to eighth
Number One 6+: Mediaco Holding-owned/Emmis operated urban AC WBLS, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban AC WBLS (+.9)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WABC (-1.3)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.8 – 4.7, -.1, repeats in fourth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, tenth to eighth
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, #18 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, second month in a row, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.5)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLVE (-.7)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, eighth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fifth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, repeats at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, third to fifth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, fifth month in a row, 5.5 – 6.6, +1.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic rock WDRV (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country WUSN (-.8)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #17 to #18 and co-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #21 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.4, +.2, continues in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (SF Giants, 49ers) 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, fifth to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 8.5 – 7.8, -.7, first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED third month in a row, 8.5 – 7.8, -.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KSOL (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio news/talk KQED and adult contemporary KISQ (-.7)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.5 – 4.9, +.4, fourth to third
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #19 to #16
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, sixth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, eighth month in a row, 5.5 – 5.4, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR KHKS (-1.0)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, #10 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, eighteenth consecutive month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country KKBQ (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk KTRH (-.6)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3, +.8, continues in fifth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, remains at #11
Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) 1.8 – 2.7, +.9, #17 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 5.1 – 6.8, +1.7, sixth to third
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.0 – 8.3, -.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WABE (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC WSTR (-.9)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #20 to #19
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, sixth to seventh
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, seventh to sixth and WIP’s internet stream, 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #13 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY steady at 4.6, remains in eighth-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, second straight month, 8.0 – 8.7, +.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): rock WMMR and adult hits WBEN-FM (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WMGK and alternative WRFF (-.4)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.5 – 2.1, -.4, flat at #17
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #17
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, eighth to seventh and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #14
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, seventh to eighth
Emmis-owned/Good Karma Brands-operated WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #25 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fifth month in succession, 6.2 – 6.6, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WBZO (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: rock WWSK (-.8)
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: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .3 – .4, +.1, locked at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, ninth consecutive month, 5.9 – 7.7, +1.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.8)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLVE (-.8)
**Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #12 to #13
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 4.8 – 5.7, +.9, third to second
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (SF Giants, 49ers ) 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, repeats in eighth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Empire Audacy adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third straight month 6.6 – 7.3, +.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC KEZR (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: 1980s-based KOSF (-.7)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.1 – 6.0, +.9, fourth to second
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, repeats at #12 and co-owned WINS steady at 1.4, #18 to #17
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) unchanged at 2.8, remains at #11
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, third month in a row, 7.4 – 8.6, +1.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban contemporary WWPR and sports talk WEPN-FM (-.5)
Up next: September 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.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — It’s about a three-hour drive, a little less than 200 miles from my home base, to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
As we experienced strong winds and heavy downpours, Hurricane Ian destroyed most of Fort Myers Beach as well as other communities on Florida’s west coast. Ian tore a devastating path that continued through Orlando and into the Carolinas. Damage estimates are already over $60 billion, the death toll in Florida at 48 and still climbing. Ian is the worst storm in Florida history.
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, “Cornered Rat” looks back at this past week of 9/26 to 9/30. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Jason Lewis, former U.S. Congressman (R-MN)/talk show host/author; Glenn Beck, talk show host, Premiere Networks/author; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Tavis Smiley, talk show host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles/author; Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York/author. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is 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.
Audacy to Flip Sports Talk ‘790 The Ticket’ to Spanish Talk as ‘Radio Libre 790.’ Beginning Monday (10/3), sports talk WAXY-AM “790 AM The Ticket” flips to Spanish conservative talk as “Radio Libre 790.” The programming change takes place in partnership
with national conservative Hispanic network Americano Media. Audacy regional president and Miami market manager Claudia Menegus says, “We’re proud to introduce Spanish radio to our South Florida portfolio for the first time ever and empower the voice of so many of our neighbors in this community. With the launch of this station, we aim to not only serve our listeners but give them a reliable home for the news they seek and the information they rely on every day.” Americano Media chief Ivan Garcia-Hidalgo adds, “The joint 
endeavor with Audacy is a natural fit for Americano. We provide the best Hispanic news-talk programming in Spanish, with the best hosts covering important current events, and Audacy’s audience is demanding that information. This is the first of many terrestrial radio syndication agreements for Americano, and we look forward to a strong partnership with Audacy.” The station will feature Americano Media’s talent, which includes former “Radio Mambi” hosts Nelson Rubio, Dania Alexandrino, and Lourdes Ubieta, who will cover the day’s political and critical news events, technology, and breaking news. Americano Media produces 18 hours of original programming each weekday from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight, with diverse Spanish-speaking hosts. Regarding the sports programming on WAXY-AM, the station’s two local shows – Tobin & Leroy and Hoch & Crowder – are both already simulcast on Audacy’s sister sports talk outlet WQAM and will remain there.
Chicago TV Personality Jane Clauss Named Contributor to WLS-AM’s Steve Cochran Show. Windy City television personality Jane Clauss joins Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM as morning show contributor for “The Steve Cochran Show.” Clauss is an EMMY
Award winner and currently host of “Creative Living,” which airs nationally on the Yurview network, as well as “Arizona Living: Your Home Your Inspiration” show and “Craft Room Crash” on CLIXTV. She was the longtime host of “Living Healthy Chicago” on WGN-TV. Clauss has radio experience, having served with 
WGN-AM and WLUP-FM. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “I am delighted to welcome Jane Clauss on board as a contributor on ‘The Steve Cochran Show.’ Jane is the consummate media professional whose brand has delighted generations of Chicagoans. From her ‘Loop’ days to her longtime contributions on ‘Living Healthy Chicago,’ Jane has always been authentically ‘Chicago.’ I am excited to have her join Steve as they wake up Chicago every weekday morning with what our listeners need to know to get through the day.” Clauss comments, “I’m thrilled to call ‘the Big 89’ my new radio home. Being a part of the legendary WLS call letters and working alongside Steve Cochran every weekday morning is a true honor.”
KFNX-AM, Phoenix Owner and Talk Host Bill Brady Named ‘Best Evening Radio Show’ by Phoenix New Times. It’s an honor that news/talk KFNX-AM, Phoenix owner and air personality Bill Brady says he didn’t see coming but is nonetheless thrilled about. The alt-
weekly Phoenix New Times names his talk program Best Evening Radio Show in its Best of 2022 feature. Brady’s entry reads: “Aching to ogle at Arizona’s craziest candidates ahead of November’s general election? Pining for 
a preview of the Arizona Cardinals’ season debut against the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs? Talk radio veteran Bill Brady says, ‘Why not both?’ The Bill Brady Show airs every weekday afternoon from 5 to 7 p.m. on 1100 AM radio, so tune in on your drive home from work and enrich your day with what he calls ‘a return to common sense commentary.’ His instantly recognizable voice has graced the ears of Valley residents during interviews with everyone from CIA directors to sports greats such as NFL quarterback Johnny Unitas and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. Most recently, Brady has taken in-depth dives with the Arizona Wildcats, state candidates including Adrian Fontes, and even New York Governor Mario Cuomo.”
Salem Radio Network Host Branden Tatum Addresses NRB’s Capitol Hill Media Summit. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network host Branden Tatum speaking at the recent National Religious Broadcasters’ Capitol Hill Media Summit. The host of “The Officer Tatum Show” spoke from his perspective as a Christian executive, encouraging fellow Christian leaders to set an example for their teams by upholding five pillars of faith, integrity, loyalty, combat, and victory. “God has called us all to something special. We cannot sit back and let the next man do the job God has for us. There’s a group of people that can only hear from you. Remember that faith is not a stagnant verb but an active verb. You have to put action behind your broadcasting.”
Deborah Parenti Receives Lifetime Achievement Award. The president and publisher of
broadcast industry trade journals, Radio Ink and RBR+TVBR, Deborah Parenti (left) received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Parenti was honored for her achievements as a market manager and longtime broadcaster in Dayton. She is pictured with talent agent Heather Cohen, SVP of the Weiss Agency (right), who spoke about Parenti’s outstanding career during the ceremony.
TALKERS News Notes. For the run up to the November election, SiriusXM is inviting Crooked Media to take over its SiriusXM Progress channel. The special Crooked Radio programming will feature Crooked’s top-ranked podcasts, including “Pod Save America,” “Lovett or Leave It,” “Pod Save the World,” and “Strict Scrutiny.” In addition, SiriusXM’s L.A. Garage studios hosted a special taping of “Pod Save America” before an audience of their superfans on September 28. Crooked Media founders Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor, alongside their fellow “Pod Save America” host Dan Pfeiffer, were joined by guests including Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter John Legend, Senator Elizabeth Warren, “Vibe Check” co-host Sam Sanders, and “Dare We Say” podcast hosts Alycia Pascual-Peña and Yasmine Hamady…..Cumulus Media launches “Hello Ross,” an all-new, original podcast on the Cumulus Podcast Network featuring Ross Mathews who’s famous for his television celebrity interviews and red carpet moments. The inaugural episode features an in-depth interview with Chelsea Handler. Upcoming episodes will feature hilarious and insightful conversations with fascinating people including Guy Fieri, Todrick Hall, Kathy Griffin, Bowen Yang, and Martyn Bullard…..FOX Sports Radio unveils its weekend lineup for the 2022 football season. With the transition of “Covino & Rich” from weekends to FSR’s weekday afternoon timeslot, the network welcomes back veteran sports talk personality Mark Willard to lead the network’s Sunday evening show. He’s joined by longtime FSR weekend host Ephraim Salaam. FSR also launches “FOX Sports Radio’s Countdown to Kickoff” on Saturdays and Sundays with Brian Noe, Rich Ohrnberger, Jared Smith, Geoff Schwartz, and Bill “Krack” Krackomberger.
Russia-Ukraine War/Baltic Gas Leak/Foreign Affairs Combine as Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 26 – 30. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the intentional destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, and U.S. foreign affairs issues combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was inflation and the sell-off on the world’s financial markets, followed by politics and the November midterm 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.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. –Will somebody please tell me who came up with this annoying habit?
Just email a schedule to a current client, build in a price increase attributed to everything from “political” to demand, and push your client to authorize.
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, “Comes the Fall,” looks back at this past week of 9/19 to 9/23. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Gregg Stebben, talk show host Beamz/Live; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond; Jack Heath, talk show host, “The Pulse of NH”; Daliah Wachs, M.D., physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Renee Kohanski, M.D., podcast commentator/forensic psychiatrist. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is 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.
What ‘Serial’ Has Meant to the Audio Industry. The release of Adnan Sayed from prison last week put the investigative podcast “Serial” back in the spotlight. Sayed – convicted of killing his girlfriend Hae Min Lee – was one of the subjects of the first
season of the podcast and, as it turned out, the true crime genre would become one of podcasting’s most popular. Eight years ago, radio consultant Bill McMahon of The Authentic Personality wrote a piece about the first season of “Serial,” explaining why the program was so appealing. Today, he 
says that column also “explained why podcasts containing journalism, news reporting, and storytelling similar to ‘Serial’ are among the most-listened-to podcasts today.” McMahon adds, “This quote from an interview the Nieman Lab conducted with ‘Serial’ creator Sarah Koenig just prior to the launch of ‘Serial’ speaks volumes about how the status quo, conventional wisdom and groupthink that is so pervasive in broadcasting stifles creativity and innovation: ‘For us, that it’s a podcast is so liberating. We can tell it as long as we need to tell it, and we don’t have to worry about it.’” You can read McMahon’s original column published in TALKERS here.
Media Research Council Holds 35th Annual Gala. Pictured above at the Media Research Council’s 35th annual gala in Washington, DC on Wednesday (9/21) are (from l-r): conservative author Andrew Klavan, Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing, Salem Radio Network host Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Newsmax TV host and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, Epoch TV executive producer Matthew Faraci. The event was titled, “Night of the Unwoke,” and featured speakers Larry O’Connor of WMAL-FM, Washington and Cal Thomas, whose daily commentaries are syndicated by the SRN.
Binnie Media Promotes Czarnecki. One of the nation’s most successful regional media groups, Binnie Media, promotes Michael Czarnecki from director, brand
operations to VP of programming for the company’s Maine operations for the company’s New Hampshire news/talk stations branded as “The Pulse of New Hampshire.” Heath Cole continues his role as VP of programming for the company’s New Hampshire operations. Both Czarnecki and Cole will report to company president Massimo Rosati. Binnie Media is New England’s largest locally owned media company with radio, digital and outdoor assets covering Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
iHeartMedia Partners with Neustar for Marketing Attribution. This partnership between iHeartMedia and Neustar, Inc. includes broadcast radio in end-to-end marketing attribution. A press release says the “new solution combines iHeart’s unparalleled audio reach with Neustar’s industry-leading marketing attribution solution
to measure consumer engagement and the sales impact of broadcast radio alongside all other advertising channels.” It expands the Neustar Unified Measurement Solution, which spans Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) and Marketing Attribution solution to include the iHeart broadcast radio universe. The release also says that Neustar is the first attribution service to unify the measurement of radio, which reaches over 90% of Americans a month, with all other channels into one platform. This innovation provides critical insights into the incremental contribution the massive reach of broadcast radio has on consumer purchase behavior. iHeartMedia chief data officer and president of revenue strategies Brian Kaminsky says, “The scale and effectiveness of broadcast radio is undeniable. Now with Neustar, we are able to offer brands a new level of granular user-level consumer analysis, to ensure that all media channels –including broadcast radio, are used to optimize their marketing plans and drive the results they are seeking.”
TALKERS News Notes. On yesterday’s edition of “The Todd Starnes Show,” former President Donald Trump was a guest and addressed a number of topics, including the
civil suit filed against him, his children and two Trump Organization officers in New York, as well as the “Contract with America” he says Republicans will soon announce…..WRVA, Richmond talk host Jeff Katz’s program is named “Best Local Afternoon Radio Show” by the Richmond Times-Dispatch in it’s 
“The Best” feature for the third consecutive year…..The NBA’s Golden State Warriors sign a multi-year contract extension with Audacy sports talk outlet KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” for the station to continue serving as the team’s flagship radio station. Tim Roye, who is entering his 28th season as the radio voice of the Warriors, will once again handle play-by-play duties. Jim Barnett will continue to join Roye in the booth as color analyst for all road games, with Tom Tolbert handling analyst duties for home games. Audacy San Francisco regional vice president Stacey
Kauffman says, “We’ve been so fortunate to give listeners a front row seat to the sounds of three championships over the last decade, and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the NBA’s premier franchise.”…..Audacy’s Cadence13 releases the trailer and announces initial guests for “K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith,” the sports personality’s first podcast. The podcast launches on Monday (9/26) guests will include: Snoop Dogg, Sean Hannity, LL COOL J, Chris Cuomo, and Sue Bird…..Cumulus Media and YAP 
Media agree to a deal for Cumulus to monetize, market, and distribute YAP Media’s existing and forthcoming podcasts. Joining the Cumulus Podcast Network is YAP Media’s flagship podcast, “Young and Profiting,” hosted by YAP Media founder and CEO Hala Taha. Additional YAP Media podcasts joining the Cumulus Podcast Network include “Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan,” “True Underdog with Jayson Waller,” “A Feminine Impression with Dr. Michelle Daf,” “The Murdaugh Family Murders with Matt Harris and Seton Tucker,” “Chapter a Day Audio Bible read by Pastor John Stange,” and “The Greatness Machine with Darius Mirshahzadeh.”…..Audacy’s C13Originals unveils the second season of “It Was Said,” the podcast franchise that looks back on some of the most powerful, impactful, and timeless speeches in history. Season 2 will feature an all-new lineup of generation-defining speeches from towering figures in history, including: Winston Churchill’s “The Finest Hour,” JFK’s “We Choose to go to the Moon,” Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena,” Margaret Thatcher’s “The Lady’s Not for Turning,” Nelson Mandela’s “I am Prepared to Die,” and Ronald Reagan on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day….. National Soccer Hall of Famer Eric Wynalda is joining fellow Hall of Famer and teammate at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups Tony Meola to host the popular SiriusXM FC afternoon show “Counter Attack.” Wynalda previously hosted “Wynalda Talks Football” on SiriusXM.
The Economy, Inflation, and Fed Interest Rate Hike Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 19-23. The state of the U.S. economy, the high food and gas prices and the Fed’s raising intertest rates by three quarters of a point combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was former President Donald Trump being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James for fraud and the Department of Justice’s classified documents investigation, followed by the Russia-Ukraine War and foreign affairs at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.