Industry News

The D.A. Show’s Kickoff to Summer Party

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Pictured above (at center) is Damon Amendolara, host of the CBS Sports Radio syndicated program, “The D.A. Show,” at the show’s annual Kick Off to Summer Party broadcast live from the West Babylon, New York childhood home of Mraz, the show’s producer. Mraz’s father, Bob, built an outdoor bar in his backyard that rivals those at beach resorts. More than 50 “D.A. Show” listeners flew or drove from near and far for the party. Amendolara says, “I know, ridiculous, but we’re like a big family. We’ve built a real community. Every year, more listeners join us. We may be the only syndicated radio show in America that invites listeners into our own home!”

Industry News

Mark Kaye Bit Scans Heavy Hundred for Cage Match Opponents

Morning drive talk host Mark Kaye – WKOV-FM, Jacksonville and other Cox Media Group news/talk stations – recently did a bit riffing off the Mark Zuckerberg–Elon Musk cage match story. Kaye, wondering which fellowim talk hosts he might be able to beat in a cage match, used the recently published 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred to muse over potential opponents. Kaye – ranked #81 on this year’s Heavy Hundred – says he’s pretty sure Sean Hannity (#1 on the Heavy Hundred) would kill him. Check out who he thought he could beat in this hilarious bit here.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted talent manager, advisor and chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, Kraig T. Kitchin is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Kraig is one of the smartest, most-respected and congenial behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in the radio industry. His illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including advising some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Kitchin was honored several weeks ago by the TALKERS magazine editorial board with the highly prestigious Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in Radio. Since 2008, he’s been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind, LLC. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency with more than 50 clients specializing in audio advertising. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Prior to launching his own firm, after working his way up in the industry through local radio and then national agency sales, he was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks in 1987. Harrison and Kitchin discuss the quirky role of ego and psychology in the talent business as well as today’s rapidly changing fabric of communications and culture. Don’t miss this! Listen to the entire podcast here.

Industry News

Todd Schnitt and Compass End “Schnitt Show”

Radio personality Todd Schnitt announces he’s ending his Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated afternoon drive news/talk program to focus on his “MJ Morning Show” on CHR WRBQ-FM, Tampa. Launched in October of 2001, “The Schnitt Show” was eventually heard in more than 75 markets. Schnitt says, “For over 20im years, I have been working two daily jobs. The time has come for me to focus my full energies on ‘The MJ Morning Show’… This is bittersweet as it has been a joy and privilege to host ‘The Schnitt Show’ and I am forever grateful to our affiliates, sponsors, partners, and most importantly our listeners for supporting the show for so many years.” Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann says, “How many people in the history of radio have hosted two-daily, drive time shows, targeting two completely different audiences, and doing it successfully for over two decades? The answer is virtually no one else. Kudos to Todd for his work ethic, creativity, ingenuity, and talent. It has been an honor to serve as Todd’s syndication partner all these years and we look forward to working with him on this next chapter.”

Industry News

Audacy and TuneIn Renew Distribution Agreement

Audacy announces it is extending its digital distribution deal with TuneIn that provides streaming of its 250-plus stations and entire podcast library to the content aggregator. Audacy says the partnership expands the reach of its content to more than 200 additional platforms and connected vehicles and devices, including Tesla, Rivian,im Lucid, Bose, Samsung and Xbox, as well as on the TuneIn mobile app and TuneIn.com. The agreement also gives Audacy access to TuneIn’s advertising supply and brings select TuneIn original content to the Audacy digital platform. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley imcomments, “Streaming of AM/FM Radio is one of the fastest growing segments of all digital audio today. As consumer demand for Audacy’s best-in-class local audio content continues to increase, we’re committed to meeting the listener wherever they wish to consume, and we’re delighted to expand the availability of our unique live sports, news, and personality-driven audio content to over 200 new TuneIn-supported platforms. We’re equally thrilled to welcome TuneIn’s premium exclusive content to the Audacy digital platform.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: Recruitment 3.0

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIt’s that time of year. College graduates are pushing out resumes. Are you open for entry level sellers? Any turnover on your sales team this year?

In April, we reviewed new data impacting today’s college graduate entry-level sellers. 97% are open to jobs unrelated to their new degrees. 56% of Americans, as in their parents, do not believe a college degree is worth it anymore.

There’s more. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, a survey by college healthcare provider Timelycare, shows 53% of (2023) graduates want a full work-from-the-office environment, while only 21% are good with total remote. Are we saying entry-level sellers WANT to work from the office? These young people want the commute, politics, and distractions of the office workplace environment. Are you kidding me? The good old days?

The survey results do make some sense when you stop to realize most of the new grads spent a good part of their COVID-impacted college lives logging into classes, missing several semesters of lecture hall instruction and dorm life.

Now comes the closer: these isolation years caused these new grads a lack of “soft skills” or what we used to call social skills. Recruiters, colleges and universities are now coaching these new grads in everything from “How to Start a Conversation,” to proper in-office dress, to eating at the same pace as your business lunchmate.

Not kidding here, all you 50- and 60-something sellers and managers. This round of recruiting entry-level sellers is totally about “How To…” and you may want to consider video and an eBook once hired.

Let’s face it, with AI coming fast, the future is here and like everything else in sales, there is no clear “How To…” handbook. But recruit we must as nothing happens without a seller. Loyalty is quickly fading as new, younger sellers want a different experience.

Let’s prepare a starter list for recruiting entry-level sellers in today’s world. Here are 10 suggested questions and concepts to cover the basics:

— Why do you want to join our sales team?

— What do you think is the most important quality a seller must have?

— How would you define a sale?

— When was the last time you experienced rejection? What did you do?

— Give me an example of a recent success in a competitive situation.

— If you could do anything professionally, what would it be?

— I am going to hand you my pen. Sell it to me.

— What is the difference between a Winner and a Champion?

— What do you think the most important thing an advertiser wants to hear from a seller?

— Tell me what specifically brings you to sell for _______?

I’m sure you have your own recruitment strategy/profile. Is it current? For the seller, that younger team member may be different from what you expect. The best seller I coached was an Art History major.

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

Industry Views

Monday Memo: I’m Sorry, You Are…?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imHas this happened to you? Moments after you have met someone, you forget his or her name? OOPS.

How to avoid this faux pas? Even a robot knows! I asked ChatGPT:

— Pay attention: When you are introduced to someone, make a conscious effort to pay attention to their name. Focus on the pronunciation and any unique aspects of their name.

— Repeat the name: After hearing the person’s name, repeat it back to them. This not only helps you reinforce the name in your memory but also confirms that you heard it correctly.

— Use association techniques: Associate the person’s name with something familiar or memorable. It could be a visual image, a rhyme, or a word that sounds similar. For example, if you meet someone named Mark, imagine them leaving a mark on something or wearing a specific item that reminds you of their name.

 

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— Create mental connections: Connect the person’s name with something you already know or someone you know who has the same name. This association can help trigger your memory when you see the person again.

— Use name repetition: In the course of the conversation, try to use the person’s name naturally in your interactions. This repetition can reinforce the memory of their name in your mind.

— Visualize the name: Visualize the person’s name written out in your mind or imagine it spelled out in a particular font or color. This mental image can help solidify the memory.

— Practice active listening: Engage in active listening by asking questions and using the person’s name in conversation. Actively engaging with the person helps create stronger connections in your memory.

— Review and reinforce: After the initial introduction, take a moment to review the person’s name in your mind. If possible, use it when saying goodbye or when addressing them in subsequent interactions. The more you reinforce the name, the better chance you have of remembering it.

Excerpted from the E-book “Even a Robot Knows How to Sell Radio Advertising,” a free download at http://getonthenet.com/EvenARobotKnowsRadioSales.pdf

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

Industry News

Townsquare Media Executes Stock Buyback

Townsquare Media reports to investors that it has repurchased, and subsequently retired, 1.5 million shares of Class C common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.70 per share. The purchase price reflects an 8.5% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on June 15, 2023. Following this transaction, MSG will own 1,708,139 shares of Common Stock in the Company (comprising 583,139 shares ofim Class A Common Stock and 1,125,000 shares of Class C Common Stock). The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson states, “We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase approximately 8.5% of our total shares outstanding (and nearly half of MSG’s ownership in Townsquare), capturing a positive return for our shareholders. Due to our strong cash flow generation, we have demonstrated Townsquare’s ability to support a high-yield dividend and repurchase debt and equity, while also simultaneously investing in the future of our digital growth engine. This repurchase is immediately accretive to shareholders and we thank our board of directors for their vote of confidence in our medium and long-term business plan to grow revenue and profits.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Partnership to Operate Richmond Casino

Urban One reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission that on June 13, 2023, Urban One, Inc.’s 50/50 partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated, RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, entered into aim Resort Casino Host Community Agreement with the City of Richmond, Virginia, to be the city’s preferred casino gaming operator subject to certification by the Virginia Lottery Department and a local referendum. The planned project is a $562 million world-class entertainment and gaming venue.

Industry News

WBA and MIW Sponsor Mentoring Program

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is partnering with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Inc to launch a mentorship program aimed at advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting. WBA president and CEO Michelle Vetterkind states, “Your WBA is thrilled to offer this excellent opportunity to our members.im We’re confident there will be many qualified applicants seeking to take advantage of this fabulous partnership.” Wisconsin is the second state to partner with MIW, which is hoping to expand to all 50 states. Minnesota launched the first partnership last year. MIw board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Welcome Wisconsin! We are so appreciative of the support the Wisconsin broadcasters are showing by launching this mentorship program with MIW. Many thanks to Michelle Vetterkind and everyone at WBA.” Applications are due July 7. Find out more and apply here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, fifth month in succession, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.3) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 8.3, -.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

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

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.9, -.1, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, fifth straight month, 9.3 – 9.4, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTKK and contemporary Christian WRTP (-.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.4 – 6.6, +.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, fourth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.2, +.5, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.2 – 8.2, -1.0, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.7 – 10.2, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.0)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, eighth to ninth   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 -1.4, +.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fourth month in succession, steady at 13.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WKDF (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WWTN (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” unchanged at .4, continues at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.1, -1.3, #9 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, eighth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.5, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: rock WHJY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WGBH (-1.3)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, remains at #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth straight month, 9.4 – 10.7, +1.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WGH-FM (+1.5)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-.9)

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 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” 6.1 – 5.5 -.6, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WKSL-HD3 (-.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .8 -1.9, +1.1, #16 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #11 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” flat at .5, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 11.9, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.1)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, locked 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 2.0, remains at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – .9, -.2, stays at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, fifth month in a row, 13.4 – 13.3, -.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.1)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, locked at #11

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, tenth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .4, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, third straight month, 11.0 – 11.8, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-.8)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .4, -.2, #17 to #18

WTIC-AM cluster-mate WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – .9, -.4, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .7, +.3, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 40th month in a row, 11.0 – 10.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-1.0)

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

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.5 – 5.8, -1.7, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third straight month, 10.4 – 9.0, -1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-1.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” flat at 2.0, anchored at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.7 – 4.6, +.9, tenth to eighth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .7 – .5, -.2, remains at #20

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, first month, 6.0 – 6.9, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WPEG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban AC WBAV (-2.1) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #14

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+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country (-.8)

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

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, repeats in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, unchanged at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fifth month in succession, 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.5)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, locked in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in a row, 10.1 – 11.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative WXDX (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, second to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, seventh straight month, 11.9 – 11.3, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock KAAZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.6)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, eighth successive month, 11.2 – 7.5, -3.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KWNR and classic rock KXPT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-3.7)**

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, eighth to tenth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” flat at .7, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second month in a row, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WOMX (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-.7)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.5 – 4.2, +.7, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU flat at 4.9, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 16th consecutive month, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WKRC and classic country WNKR (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WEBN and classical WGUC (-1.2)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.6 – 5.9, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, #10 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – .6, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, ninth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, seventh month in a row, steady at 10.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WNCX’s internet stream (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTAM (-.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, ninth to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.6)

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

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.4 – 7.1, +.7, third to second   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, seventh straight month, 9.2 – 10.2, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNND (-.8)

Up next: May 2023 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.

Industry News

Karen Knotts is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Author/actress/stand-up comic and aspiring talk radio host Karen Knotts is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” According to Harrison, “You never know who you are going to meet at the TALKERS conference. I had the good fortune of crossing paths with the delightful, articulate and notably talented daughter of one of the 20th century’s most beloved show business icons and immediately booked her for the podcast. We had a great conversation!” Karen Knotts is the daughter of the legendary actor/comedian Don Knotts of the Andy Griffith Show and Three’s Company fame who passed away in 2006 at the age of 81. Karen Knotts is an actress, author, stand-up comic, former librarian and, as Harrison describes, “an all-around positive, fun person with lots to say about lots of things.” During the pandemic, Knotts finally had the opportunity to pen the book everyone’s been telling her to write about her memories of life growing up in California as the daughter of one of America’s funniest and most iconic entertainers – Tied Up in Knotts: My Dad and Me (Chicago Review Press, 2021). She’s been touring the country with an informative and funny one-woman show based on the book and her experiences growing up with a famous father. Harrison and Knotts discuss her life with a show biz dad, along with anecdotes about her encounters with celebrities and her interest in talk radio, covering topics such as the evolution of public libraries in the digital era, changes in TV over the years and dealing with the present-day cultural abuse of the name “Karen.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

CRN’s “What’s Cookin’” Honored at 2023 TASTE AWARDS

CRN Digital Talk Radio’s food, wine, travel and lifestyle daily broadcast “What’s Cookin’” – hosted by CRN founder and president Michael Horn and actor-writer-director Swayde McCoy – was honored with a top awardim from the 2023 TASTE AWARDS. “What’s Cookin’” won its award for Best Food or Drink Radio Broadcast in a ceremony that took place in Beverly Hills. Horn says, “We are thrilled to have been selected as the TASTE AWARD winner in the all-important Best Food or Drink Radio Broadcast. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by those who voted for “What’s Cookin’ Today” and it’s quite an honor to bring the show daily to our incredible national listening audience.”

Industry News

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)

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 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*

*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KPBS (-.6)

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 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” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)

DENVER 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place

Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KMOX (-1.0)

Up next: May 2023 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

2023 Heavy Hundred – 76-100

The 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – gorilla at the microphone as the Heaviest of the Hundred

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #76: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

76. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #77: Bill Brady, KFNX-AM, Phoenix

77. Bill Brady – KFNX-AM, Phoenix


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #78: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

78. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #79: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

79. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #80: Dan Mandis, WTN-FM, Nashville

80. Dan Mandis – WTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #81: Mark Kaye, WOKV-FM, Jacksonville / Syndication

81. Mark Kaye – WOKV-FM, Jacksonville / Syndication

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #82: Rob Carson, Newsmax

82. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #83: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix

83. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #84: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

84. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #85: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

85. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #86: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

86. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #87: The Monsters, WTKS-FM, Orlando

87. The Monsters – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #88: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

88. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #89: Larry Gaydos, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

89. Larry Gaydos – KTAR-FM, Phoenix

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #90: John Williams, WGN, Chicago

90. John Williams – WGN, Chicago

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #91: McGraw Milhaven, KTRS, St. Louis

91. McGraw Milhaven – KTRS, St. Louis

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #92: Jeff Wagner, WTMJ, Milwaukee

92. Jeff Wagner – WTMJ, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #93: Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, GA

93. Martha Zoller – WDUN, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #94: Rod Arquette, KNRS, Salt Lake City

94. Rod Arquette – KNRS, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #95: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

95. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #96: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale

96. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Fort Lauderdale

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #97: Dave Noriega & Debbie Dujanovic, KSL, Salt Lake City

97. Dave Noriega & Debbie Dujanovic – KSL, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #98: Kevin McCullough, XtreMEDIA

98. Kevin McCullough – XtreMEDIA

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #99: Mike Baxendale & Steve Nagle, WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA

99. Mike Baxendale & Steve Nagle – WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #100: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

100. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2023 Heavy Hundred – 51-75

The 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – gorilla at the microphone as the Heaviest of the Hundred

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #51: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

51. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #52: Mark Belling, WISN, Milwaukee

52. Mark Belling – WISN, Milwaukee


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #53: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

53. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #54: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

54. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #55: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

55. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski & Bill Doyle, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski & Bill Doyle – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #57: DJ Envy & Charlamagne Tha God, Premiere Networks

57. DJ Envy & Charlamagne Tha God – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #58: Terry Gross, NPR

58. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #59: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

59. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #60: Vince Coglianese, WMAL-FM, Washington, DC

60. Vince Coglianese – WMAL-FM, Washington, DC


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #61: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

61. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #62: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

62. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #63: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

63. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #64: Markley, van Camp & Robbins, Compass Media Networks

64. Markley, van Camp & Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #65: Frank Morano, WABC, New York

65. Frank Morano – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #66: Bill Spadea, WKXW-FM, Trenton

66. Bill Spadea – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #67: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

67. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #68: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

68. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #69: John Curley & Shari Elliker, KIRO-FM, Seattle

69. John Curley & Shari Elliker – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #70: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Genesis Communications Network

70. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Genesis Communications Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #71: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

71. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #72: Tom Sullivan, Talk Media Network

72. Tom Sullivan – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #73: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

73. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #74: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

74. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #75: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

75. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2023 Heavy Hundred – 26-50

The 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – gorilla at the microphone as the Heaviest of the Hundred

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #26: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

26. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #27: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE, Sacramento / Syndication

27. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE, Sacramento / Syndication


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #28: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

28. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #29: Harry Hurley, WPGG, Atlantic City

29. Harry Hurley – WPGG, Atlantic City


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #30: Todd Starnes, Starnes Media Group

30. Todd Starnes – Starnes Media Group

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #31: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

31. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #32: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

32. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #33: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

33. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #34: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

34. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #35: Chad Benson, Radio America

35. Chad Benson – Radio America


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #36: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

36. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #37: Erick Erickson, WSB, Atlanta / Compass Media Networks

37. Erick Erickson – WSB, Atlanta / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #38: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

38. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #39: Wayne Allyn Root, USA Network

39. Wayne Allyn Root – USA Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #40: Dennis Prager, Salem Radio Network

40. Dennis Prager – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #41: Cats & Cosby, WABC, New York

41. Cats & Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #42: Chris Plante, Westwood One

42. Chris Plante – Westwood One

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #43: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

43. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #44: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

44. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #45: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles

45. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #46: Tim Conway, Jr, KFI, Los Angeles

46. Tim Conway, Jr – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #47: Sebastian Gorka, Salem Radio Network

47. Sebastian Gorka – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #48: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

48. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #49: Len Berman & Michael Riedel, WOR, New York

49. Len Berman & Michael Riedel – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #50: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

50. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2023 Heavy Hundred – 1-25

The 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Solutions

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Solutions


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #4: Mark Levin, Westwood One

4. Mark Levin – Westwood One


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #6: Joe Madison, SiriusXM

6. Joe Madison – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #7: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Syndication

7. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Syndication

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #8: Joe Pagliarulo, WOAI San Antonio / Syndication

8. Joe Pagliarulo – WOAI San Antonio / Syndication


TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #9: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

9. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #10: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

10. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #11: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

11. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #12: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

12. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #13: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

13. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #14: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

14. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #15: Dan Bongino, Westwood One

15. Dan Bongino – Westwood One

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #16: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

16. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #17: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

17. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #18: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

18. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #19: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

19. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #20: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

20. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #21: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

21. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #22: George Noory, Premiere Networks

22. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #23: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

23. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #24: John & Ken, KFI, Los Angeles

24. John & Ken – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred #25: Ian Freeman & Mark Edge, Free Talk Live

25. Ian Freeman & Mark Edge – Free Talk Live

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry News

Future of AM Radio Front and Center in Washington, DC

Today and tomorrow (6/13-14), broadcasters from around the country are in Washington, DC for a conference hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations that will focus on broadcasters’ response to certain automakers removing AM radio from their newer model vehicles and a regulatory proceeding examining carriage of broadcast television programming onim streaming platforms. Attendees will discuss the latest radio and automotive trends and how AM operators can prepare their stations for the future. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) will also offer insight into recently introduced legislation aimed at preserving AM radio in automobiles and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will discuss AM radio’s critical role in the National Public Warning System. Following the conference, attendees will travel to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers about the importance of in-vehicle AM radio, especially during times of emergency and they will encourage congressional passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

Industry News

WABC, New York Adds Roger Stone Show to Sundays

Political strategist Roger Stone joins the staff of WABC, New York for a one-hour, weekly show that airs Sundays at 3:00 pm. Stone was convicted of obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign and possible ties to Russia, but his sentence was commuted by Trump. Stone’s program debuted onim June 11 with an interview with the former president. Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Roger’s impressive career has established him as a prominent figure in American politics. His wealth of experience offers an insider’s view into the political landscape, providing listeners with rare behind-the-scenes insights, razor-sharp analysis, unparalleled insights, and dedication to the truth will captivate audiences worldwide,”

Industry News

Jeff Katz Guest at Virginia Governor’s Father’s Day Reception

Pictured here is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (right) with Virginia First Lady Suzanneim Youngkin (left) at the Virginia Executive Mansion where he attended Governor Glenn Youngkin’s first-ever Governor’s Father’s Day Reception. Katz volunteers with the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia and holds the fundraising record for that organization. In addition to raising funds, Katz serves as a volunteer teacher for first time fathers, fathers to special needs children as well as fathers who are incarcerated.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” steady at 3.7, #10 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, continues at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, stays at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, stagnant at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM unchanged at 3.8, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, seventh month in a row, 7.6 – 8.4, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.5) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.3, fourth to fifth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, repeats at #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #16 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, third month in succession, 5.7 – 5.9, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KRRL (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, tenth to ninth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #12 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, repeats at #12  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eighth straight month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT and regional Mexican WOJO (-.5)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 6.4, -.9, first to second

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #9

Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #9 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.2 – 4.5, -.7, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second month in succession, 7.3 – 9.0, +1.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.0)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #13 to #11

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #20

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, #1

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fifth straight month, 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-.9)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 27th consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.2, +.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KKHH (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative KTBZ (-1.1)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #18 to #17

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #11 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fifth successive month, 8.9 – 8.7, -.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WAMJ (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WABE and hot AC WSTR (-.5)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.9, -1.0, sixth to eighth

WIP’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #16

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.9 – 4.4, -.5, flat at #9

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, first month, 7.5 – 8.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WXTU (+1.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOGL (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.2, +1.4, #19 to #10

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #20

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, seventh to ninth

WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, fifth to seventh

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in a row, 7.0 – 6.4, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult standards WHLI (+1.9)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB; hot AC WALK-FM; sports talk WFAN; news/talk WOR; and the internet stream of CHR WBLI (-.6)

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

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, unchanged at .3, stationary at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, second straight month, 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSGN (-1.2)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, stays at #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, first to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to seventh

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2 and classic rock cluster-mate KUFX, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KIOI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.7)**

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.4, -.7, first to fourth 

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, repeats at #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #16

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.7 – 1.2, -.5, #16 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, flat at #9

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #18 to #19

WFAN’s internet stream .8 – 1.0, +.2, #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.8 – 7.7, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKXW (-.7)

Up next: May 2023 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.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Thank You, Mr. President

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imHow about a collective “thank you” to the 45th president of the United States for keeping your talk radio programming relevant, timely, unpredictable and most of all engaging?

The interpretation, speculation and compilation of facts, opinions and reporting will be non-stop until this chapter of the news cycle meets the next chapter. This is a never-ending saga that keeps the dial locked into your talk radio frequency. This is the content that keeps the electronic water cooler crowded with listeners who can’t get enough.

Whatever comes next in this chapter of history unfolding in front of our collective ears and eyes is the oxygen that keeps the talk radio world alive and well every day. By the way, the 45th president of the United States just may have pulled your typically soft talk radio summer sales out of the basement and pushed you into an express elevator to the penthouse.

Are you still feeling the drumbeat of the naysayers predicting how talk radio will age out? Or better yet, run its course? My prediction is talk radio is about enter a phase previously unmatched in American broadcast history. Seriously. When was the last time a former president of the United States owned the headlines and collective headspace of talk radio hosts and listeners worldwide for so many years? Never.

Let’s get ready to refresh our summer vacation schedules, seasonal sales packages, rates, and most of all strategies. Start here:

— Sell the concept. Leave the opinions and banter about indictments, politics and the law to your on-air talent. Focus instead on the unique value of the engaged audience.

— Experts are important. Chances are your talk radio hosts will be smart enough to break down the issues and lean on experts to help the audience understand the ramifications. Credibility and consistency can make your coverage stand apart. Show your advertiser what makes your coverage different and better.

— Talk radio goes where TV and video can’t – the car, the beach, even the backyard. Sell the need to know on the go.

— Unfolding the unpredictable. Your listeners want the “inside scoop” on what the next chapter of this saga looks like. Your on-air talent look for every opportunity to give their listeners a peek behind the opinion curtain. The seller’s job is to bring the value of that connection to life on every sales call.

Talk radio is alive and well every day. It’s up to you to show your advertisers the value of instant access to a trusted voice.

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

Industry News

Emery Songer Named Afternoon Host at KFAB, Omaha

iHeartMedia announces that Emery Songer is the new afternoon drive talk host at KFAB, Omaha “NewsRadio 1110,” effective June 26. Songer joins KFAB, Omaha after more than five years as a host and producer with Newsradio 1040 WHO in Des Moines. iHeartMedia says,im “During that time, he has guest-hosted statewide news/talk programs as well as a regular weekend show, produced their daily morning show, worked with clients in a creative variety of ways, and spent countless evenings and weekends announcing local soccer and baseball games.” KFAB program director Scott Voorhees adds, “Emery will continue KFAB’s nearly 100-year-old tradition of on-air personalities who are passionate about connecting with the community we serve. It’s not about hammering an agenda; it’s about entertaining and relevant conversations of interest to Omaha/Council Bluffs and the surrounding area.”