August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.0 – 3.3, -.7, #10 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, eighth month in succession, 10.4 – 9.7, -.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KASE (-1.3)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.9 – 9.2, +1.3, third to second
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” flat at .1, repeats at #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #12 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.9 – 9.5, -.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, second consecutive month, 9.9 – 9.5, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-.7)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 6.0, +.3, sixth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, remains in third-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, third successive month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WNTR (+2.7)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.5)
*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 7.9 – 8.7, +.8, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 2.5, #13 to #14
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, repeats at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fifth straight month, 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WISN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rock WHQC (-.7)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, ninth to eighth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #20 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.4 – 4.2, +.8, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.1)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.2 – 6.8, +.6, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .2 – .4, +.2, repeats at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, continues in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, tenth to eighth
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” steady at .1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, unchanged at #11
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, anchored at #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 9.7, +.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WKKB (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: CHR WPRO-FM (-1.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, ensconced at #11
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Max Broadcast Group’s business talk WGH-FM-HD2 “Money Radio” steady at .2, #22 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #14
WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” unchanged at .2, #22 to #20
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+2.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-1.0)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 9.5 – 9.3, -.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+1.4)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJGL (-.8)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #12 to #10
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.3 -1.6, +.3, #13 to #12
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .2 – .4, +.2, anchored at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 9.2, -1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, anchored 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 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #11 to #9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, repeats at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, eighth month in a row, 12.3 – 12.5, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WPAW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.0)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, eighth to ninth
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #16 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, eighth to seventh
WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, sixth straight month, 13.7 – 12.9, -.8
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, flat at #14
WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .8, unchanged at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, eighth to ninth
New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .6, continues at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 43rd month in a row, 9.6 – 10.1, +.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH; rhythmic CHR WZMX; and CHR WKCI (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.4)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. 
radio stations for free to air around holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, as well as year-round programs. The Fisher House 
Foundation is a non-profit that provides housing for families of patients receiving care at major military and VA medical centers so they can be near their loved ones. O’Connor, who hosts the morning drive program at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, has hosted the show in the past. Fisher House says, “This informational talk show will inspire listeners through stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. Producer and host Larry O’Connor’s love and respect for our military will only amplify these radio specials.”
“SportsRadio 910 The Fan,” beginning Monday (9/11). In addition to his work as a sportswriter, Phillips has been a frequent guest on “The Fan.” Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “Michael Phillips, for many years, has been highly regarded as the most respected voice of Richmond and Virginia Sports. We are delighted to have MP wear our ‘910 The Fan’ jersey for Audacy Richmond.” Phillips previously served at the Richmond Times-Dispatch as sports editor and interim executive editor. 
add a Saturday edition of the program that will also air at 8:00 pm ET. FNC EVP of primetime programming Meade Cooper says, “Since joining the network in 2017, Mark has provided our audience with thought-provoking analysis on America’s core values and their impact on current events. We are looking forward to expanding his popular show to two nights a week.” Levin comments, “It’s an honor to join the other outstanding hosts on Saturday in bringing the most intelligent, informative and entertaining programming to the nation. Thank you to our loyal audience and FOX News.”
Some of the key findings of the study include: 1) Heavy radio listeners engage in a staggering 4.7 billion weekly brand conversations, outpacing heavy users of other media channels, including TV, social media, magazines and newspapers; 2) The study underscores for advertisers’ radio’s dominance across 15 business categories, including sports, financial services, technology and more; 3) A staggering 51% of brand conversations among heavy radio listeners result in an intent to purchase, surpassing the national average of 49%. This remarkable impact is particularly pronounced in sectors like automotive, sports, telecom, technology, beverages and healthcare. RAB CEO Erica Farber states, “Radio is often referred to as the original social medium because of its ability to engage listeners through conversation, entertainment and information. This study underscores radio’s ability to drive word of mouth brand conversations for advertising partners, more so than any other media.” The webinar is free for RAB members. 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. 
society alike to learn from the mistakes made before, during and after the tragedy so as to prevent such an atrocity from happening again. Carter tells TALKERS, “On the Sunday after 9/11, I listened to a sermon titled, ‘Making Sense of the Senseless.’ Its overriding message was: We cannot allow all these people to have died in vain. We need to do good in their name. And so to honor and remember all those who died, all those who survived, all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, as well as all those whose lives will never be the same, I have written and recorded a moving, memorable and thought-provoking piece, ‘Never Again Should There Be a 9/11,’ with the music, ‘Help is on the Way’ composed and performed by composer, David Friedman. It is all the more compelling when you watch the video on YouTube.” Carter adds, “We came together then. Can we come together again for the sake of the well-being of our nation and world. And what will it take to prevent such a horrific act from happening again? Thank you for caring and getting the vocals, the music and the video to as many people as possible around the world – including government officials who need to ensure our safety and security.” 
Donnarumma most recently served with Univision as president and GM for the company’s radio and TV assets in Arizona. iHeartMedia region president AJ Punjabi comments, “Joe epitomizes the excellence we champion across broadcasting, streaming, podcasts, live events, and our digital frontier. His vast experience magnifies our dedication to leading the audio-digital realm. With Joe, we’re not just adding a title – we’re harnessing a powerhouse of industry insight.”
celebrates the completion of its direct listing on Nasdaq and spin-out as a separate public company. After the spin-out, LiveOne will own approximately 80% of PodcastOne (on a non-fully diluted basis) and continue to consolidate PodcastOne’s financial results. LiveOne says it expects PodcastOne shares at $8 per share minimum.
series titled, “Behind the Mic,” that features radio personalities Angela Yee, Dana Cortez, and Patty Steele. The webinar takes place on Wednesday, September 20 at 2:00 pm ET. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “MIW is proud to announce this free ‘Tools of the Trade: Behind the Mic’ webinar focused on the women who have blazed trails as on-air personalities and are integral members of their communities.” 
“Overreaction Monday” on September 4 that expands on the most popular segment of his flagship podcast, “The Rich Eisen Show,” into its own weekly podcast with Eisen and co-host Chris Brockman reflecting on the biggest fan- and hysterical media-driven overreactions from the previous weekend’s professional and college football games. To support his growing podcast network, Eisen has built an expanded studio and team in El Segundo, California with state-of-the-art recording equipment and set design. Eisen says, “Since joining the Cumulus family, they have shown unwavering support for my vision in growing my brand. As I have expanded my suite of services, they were the only ones I wanted to do business with, and I couldn’t think of a better place for my voice and productions to be heard over the coming years.” In addition to his podcast network, Eisen hosts the pregame and halftime shows for Westwood One’s syndicated “Monday Night Football” coverage and anchors “The Rich Eisen Show,” also syndicated by Westwood One for national radio.
Fitz,” that debuts on Saturday (9/9). In a joint statement, iHeartMedia Sports EVP of programming Don Martin and FSR SVP of programming Scott Shapiro say, “Jason’s addition is such a wonderful fit with the FOX Sports Radio team. Anthony and Jason will host such an electric show together, getting fans jazzed up for each weekend. This lineup has never been stronger or deeper – it’s everything stations need to deliver the most entertaining and engaging football coverage every weekend.”
together artists, athletes, medical experts and others to highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss how they manage their own mental health. Carson Daly, radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Voice,” returns to host the special and is being joined by Katie Neal, Audacy’s nationally syndicated country host and Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, psychologist, author and scientist who founded the mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 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).
Which is the more important “check the box” trait – persistence or passion?
Patrick – co-owner of Patrick Communications and Legend Communications with husband Larry Patrick – admits to hiding $10 million in business revenue and $9.5 million in personal income. The companies own stations in Cody, Worland, Sheridan, Buffalo and Gillette under the Big Horn brand of networks. The report indicates that Patrick could get up to three years in prison and be fined up to $250,000 when she’s sentenced on December 19. 
For decades the power-lunch spot in Manhattan was the beautiful Four Seasons restaurant. Check it out: 
across all demographics, while heavy listening (listening more than 8 hours per week) increased year-over-year. Also from the study: 1) The number of Americans listening to podcasts has increased by 45% in the last five years, and more than doubled in the past decade; 2) the jump in listening while in the car (or on public transportation) is noticeable across all age groups. It is now the most popular location to listen to podcasts among consumers 18-34 and 35-49. 
station features Michigan talk personality Justin Barclay in morning drive, followed by Premiere Networks’ daytime lineup of “The Glenn Beck Show,” “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” Sean Hannity, and Jesse Kelly, supplemented by “Our American Stories” and some FOX News Radio content. Adell bought the former Radio Disney station in January of 2015 and launched “910 The Superstation” featuring Black talk hosts who were not on the payroll but were given the platform to get their message out. Ultimately, Adell says it wasn’t financially successful. He told the Detroit Metro News, “When you look at it, no one supported it. I couldn’t get the community to support it.”