September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.
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 2023 – September 2023 (6+).
Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and 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 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth
News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17
Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13
KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18
News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
Up next: September 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
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 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).
laundering scheme. The Court recognized that an important part of this sentence was for the defendant to provide restitution to the victims. In financial crimes cases such as this, providing restitution to victims is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice and this Office.” Free Talk Live co-founder Mark Edge (right) tells TALKERS magazine, “It was a sad day for ‘Free Talk Live’ yesterday. Ian, our co-founder, received eight years in prison, followed by two on probation and a $40,000 fine. Restitution and forfeiture are as yet to be determined but will likely be six figures. Ian maintains his innocence but was taken into custody following sentencing. We were prepared for this possibility, as much as we could be. ‘Free Talk Live’ will go on seven nights a week from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.” 
Radio talkers: What is this hour about? How will listeners benefit from listening? And how long do you expect them to wait to hear that?
6.75% senior secured second-lien Notes due March 31, 2029. The decision to use the grace period will not trigger an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes, and the Company retains the right to make the interest payment to the holders of the Notes through the end of the grace period. Audacy says it intends to utilize the 30-day grace period to continue its dialogue with lenders “regarding a potential plan to strengthen its capital structure to support Audacy’s strong operating business and position Audacy for long-term growth.” Audacy chairman, president and CEO David Field comments, “We continue to engage in discussions with our lenders as we execute on our overall growth strategy and remain focused on investing in our people, platform, content and technology capabilities to serve our listeners and customers. We continue to drive progress across our key performance metrics, meaningfully advance our ad tech and product roadmap and enter new partnerships to enhance content, distribution and monetization opportunities.”
writers and will write weekly columns about Israel, the Arab/Muslim world, U.S. policy in the Middle East, as well as about the life of Christ followers in the region and the challenges facing the Church in the Middle East. He will continue his full-time position with Salem. Near East Media co-founder Joel C. Rosenberg says, “I could not be more thrilled that Tom Tradup has agreed to help All Israel News publish more great content and dramatically expand our traffic, reach, and influence.”
radio and media company personnel focusing on where broadcasters are vulnerable and steps that should be taken to become more secure as well as comply with federal regulations. The 90-minute webinar will take place on Friday, October 20 at 2:00 pm ET.
The persistent liability of most talk stations is that they attract a high percentage of listeners over the age of 65. Consider that many of those older listeners are attracted to radio shows that are talking for companionship and comfort.
CBS Sports Radio in 2021. She’s also an analyst for SNY, appearing on “Baseball Night in New York.” Perloff joined CBS Sports Radio in 2022 after 13 years with “The Dan Patrick Show” where he earned the nickname “McLovin.” CBS Sports Radio brand manager Spike Eskin says, “Maggie and Perloff are going to be awesome in the morning. The way the show has grown and evolved over the last couple of years is so exciting, and we’re really looking forward to bringing their special mix of opinions, interviews and fun to the morning.”
Attention news/talk radio sellers! Get ready to meet your new best friend… and it is not who you think it is.
monthly, and 77% have ever listened to podcasts. “All of this podcast and AM/FM radio audience duplication means there are great cross-promotion opportunities.” Among the podcast audience, over half the ad-supported time spent goes to podcasts themselves at a 53% share. AM/FM radio follows with a 37% share. Distantly following are ad-supported SiriusXM (4%), ad-supported Spotify (3%), and ad-supported Pandora (3%). Additionally, MARU/Matchbox was commissioned to study Cumulus Media radio listeners who listened for at least an hour to stations in Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco and Atlanta and were exposed to promos for eight Cumulus Podcast Network podcast titles. Overall, 54% of the Cumulus radio audience were aware of the eight Cumulus Podcast Network podcasts. A much larger promotion of heavy AM/FM radio listeners (67%) were aware of the podcast titles, and a whopping 75% of the heavy AM/FM radio streaming audience were aware of the podcast titles. 
I asked my pal, longtime radio seller, now retired: “How often were you asked, ‘How much would you charge for ONE commercial?’”
Southwest Florida.” The stations can also be streamed and consumed as podcasts via PodcastRadioUS.com. Podcast Radio states, “Podcast Radio features live ‘Podjocks’, including former KROQ-FM, Los Angeles personality and legendary Radio Hall of Famer Gene ‘Bean’ Baxter. The format will showcase the very best produced and popular podcasts from the United States and all over the world, including audio content from TedAudio (TedTalk), Wondery, Evergreen, Corus, and more! The initiative with Beasley is the first of its kind for the company in the United States. The format will be offered to radio stations and groups on a network/barter basis via KMG Networks. AdLarge Media has been selected to facilitate the network advertising sales.” Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Podcast Radio is an idea that Caroline Beasley and our team have been thinking about and researching for years and we’re excited to be the first to launch this format in the United States. This concept has been highly successful for Gerry [Edwards] and his team in the United Kingdom, and we believe our audience will fall in love with the Podcast Radio U.S. version we present on our stations.”
“Dateline NBC” at #3. Radio related podcasts in the top 25 of this ranker include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #7, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Mark Levin Podcast” rising four spots to #19, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #22. Just as it did last month, Triton notes that Cumulus experienced data collection issues with the Daily Wire shows (such as “The Ben Shapiro Show” which ranked #3 in the June report) during this period. 
also saw 5.2 million total multiplatform unique viewers, up 9% year over year. Outkick founder (and co-host of the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show”) Clay Travis says, “OutKick’s growth continues to spotlight our cutting-edge content and fearless talent. I’m excited for what’s to come especially with college football and NFL in full swing.”
network, and this new project takes the audience “on a wild ride through the hottest headlines, trends, and debates that didn’t quite make it onto their daily radio show.” New episodes are posted Wednesdays on FOX Sports Radio’s YouTube page, and the podcast is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. 
anchor, “The Situation Room,” CNN; Juju Chang, co-anchor, “Nightline,” ABC News; David E. Kennedy, co-founder & managing director, Aspire Ventures LLC; Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports; Valari Dobson Staab, chairman, NBCUniversal Local; and Nina Totenberg, correspondent, legal affairs, NPR. To date, LABF has honored more than 200 leaders in broadcasting since the event’s inception in 2003. Net proceeds from the luncheon will support the preservation and expansion of the Library of American Broadcasting collection, which is curated at the University of Maryland.
for violation of his contract for working with the upstart platform that promoted Gargano as “coming soon” at its launch last week. PHLY is operated by the ALLCITY Network. The Inquirer reports, “Beasley said Gargano told ‘The Fanatic’ on Sept. 11, less than 24 hours before PHLY launched, that he intended to continue hosting his show while also accepting employment with the new sports outlet, where among other things he would write articles and appear on podcasts.” Beasley says that is in violation of his contract that runs through October of 2024, which states he is “prohibited from providing services to a competing business while he is employed by Beasley.”