June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 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.
Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.
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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, #11 to #10
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, #18 to #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.3, seventh to eighth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, locked at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, eighth to tenth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eighth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.6, -.8
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.6)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.3, repeats in fifth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” flat at 2.8, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #18 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, fourth month in succession, unchanged at 5.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOST (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KBUE (-1.8)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #9 to #11
Cumulus Media-owned WLS-AM “890 AM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #22 to #20
News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, repeats in third-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, ninth straight month, 7.3 – 7.2, -.1
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WDRV and country WUSN (+.6)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WBEZ (-.5)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #23 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #13 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.5 – 5.3, +.8, fifth to fourth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third month in succession, 9.0 – 7.8, -1.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KITS (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.8)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, #11 to #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 6.6 – 5.1, -1.5, first to second
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #20 to #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KLUV, first month, 5.1 – 5.4, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: alternative KVIL (+.8)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-1.5)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #9 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, repeats at #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 28th consecutive month, 9.2 – 8.9, -.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KILT-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSBJ (-.7)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.7 – 6.5, -.2, remains in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #14
Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, repeats at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, #14 to #15
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, sixth successive month, 8.7 – 10.4,+1.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban AC WAMJ (-1.5)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.3, +.2, locked in seventh-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, eighth to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, repeats in ninth-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.6, +2.1
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock WMGK (+2.1)*
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP’s internet stream (-1.2)
*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 2.5, -.7, #10 to #16
iHeartMedia’s WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #20
News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to ninth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, ninth to tenth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to fifth
WFAN’s internet stream 1.1 – 1.4, +.3, #22 to #20
Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, flat at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fourth month in a row, 6.4 – 6.7, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WABC (-.7)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KPWK “Fox Sports AM 1350” flat at .1, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .3, anchored at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, third straight month, unchanged at 7.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+.6)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KFRG and hot AC KBIG (-.6)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.3, -.2, repeats in third-place
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.0 – 4.5, +.5, continues at #7
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.3 – 1.1, -1.2, #16 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville classic rock KUFX, second month in a row, 6.6 – 7.1, +.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KEZR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KGMZ (-1.2)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.4 – 5.5, -.9, fourth to third
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.0, #20 to #19
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, repeats at #16
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #18 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 4.6, +1.4, ninth to sixth
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group contemporary WMGQ, first month, 7.2 – 8.7, +1.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.5)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-2.0)**
**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: June 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.
Judge Andrew Napolitano, his Ampere Parkway Productions, Lapcom Communications, and Crossover Media Group enter into a partnership to expand sales/marketing of Napolitano’s “Judging Freedom” podcast. Crossover Media Group managing partner Sue Freund tells TALKERS, “The addition of the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast to our portfolio is an honor. This partnership signifies our commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront. CMG has seen the positive results the judge delivers for advertisers which has further reinforced our enthusiasm for being involved with – and taking – this podcast to the marketing community.” Lapcom Communications president Steve Lapa – who writes a weekly (Monday) column for TALKERS – comments, “The ‘Judging Freedom’ brand resonates with over five million fans each month. We look forward to the expertise of the Crossover Media Group team as they take ‘Judging Freedom’ to the next level.” Napolitano adds, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting marketing partnership with everyone at CMG. Their expertise and dedication fit perfectly with our vision for the ‘Judging Freedom’ podcast.” Napolitano’s storylines have included legal, government, and national security issues. The partnership begins with Napolitano’s 30-minute interview of Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In order to measure interest in podcast content pre-launch, Coleman Insights is having 1,000 United States and Canadian podcast listeners (in the 18 – 64 demo) rate podcast show titles and elevator pitches on a one to five scale. Regarding this “Pod Predictor” concept, Coleman Insights vice president/consultant Jay Nachlis comments, “So much money and time is invested in the launch of new podcasts without any intel as to how that content will be received. With ‘Pod Predictor,’ podcasters can determine how appealing their concept is at an affordable price point, allowing them to refine their marketing message before launching it to the public.” Possessing the ability to test one or multiple concepts, “Pod Predictor” is available to individual publishers and networks. Results will be delivered with total results, as well as breakdowns by age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and category interest.
hosts. The ideal candidate will be able to execute either two- or four-hour air-shifts on WICC, along with booking guests, creating compelling local content, fielding listener phone calls, and pivoting subject matter as the news cycle dictates. This position will have different hours based on need. 
According to Podtrac’s latest stats, the average U.S. “Unique Monthly Audience” for the Top 20 publishers dipped 3% month-to-month, but improved by that same percentage compared to June 2022. “Total Global Downloads” for the Top 20 publishers remained steady month-to-month; however, it declined 3% versus this time last year. The combined audience for the Top Sales Networks was up 5% month-to-month. The top ten podcasts by US Unique Monthly Audience (June 2023) are: “The Daily” (New York Times); “Dateline NBC” (NBC News); “Morbid” (Wondery); “Up First” (NPR); “NPR News Now” (NPR); “SmartLess” (Wonderly); “The Ben Shapiro Show” (Daily Wire); “Stuff You Should Know” (iHeartPodcasts); “Pardon My Take” (Barstool Sports); and “The Dan Bongino Show” (Dan Borgino). With a US “Unique Monthly Audience” of 31,625,000 (and 833 active shows), iHeartPodcasts is the top podcast publisher. It is followed by Wondery; NPR; NBC News; New York Times; Daily Wire; The Walt Disney Company; Barstool Sports; Vox Media; and PRX.
Effective immediately for inventory beginning next January, Compass Media Networks will be ABC Audio’s exclusive advertising representative. ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse declares, “We are thrilled to usher in a new phase of growth for ABC Audio with 
the announcement of our strategic partnership with Compass Media Networks. “ABC News Radio remains steadfast in its mission to provide our news affiliates incisive, up-to-the-minute headlines; we’re equally committed to creating top-tier entertainment content. By maintaining our high standards in these areas, we do more than just serve our stations – we also create exceptional opportunities for our advertisers.” Compass Media Networks chief executive officer Peter Kosann remarks that, “Christmas has come early for us and our national sponsors. ABC Audio represents some of the most iconic brands and media assets in the world. We will move mountains to be a wonderful ambassador and advocate for our new partner.” As TALKERSnoted last Wednesday (7/5), ABC Audio and Skyview Networks agreed to end their similar arrangement. A Skyview statement read, “ABC Audio and Skyview Networks are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition. Skyview will continue meeting the needs of the industry and its full-scale multi-partner relationships. Skyview Networks will continue representing ABC Audio network sales while also providing distribution service through 2023. We wish ABC Audio continued success in the years ahead.”
Having thus far spent his entire broadcasting career north of the border, native Canadian L. Adam Fox relocates to Detroit to program Wayne State University public radio news/talk WDET. He will report to WDET general manager Mary Zatina who states, “Adam’s experience and skills in programming 
are exceptional. He also brings a leadership style that will enhance both staff and listener experiences. WDET is on a fast-track to excellence in all areas; Adam will be steering our sound in a way that fully maximizes the community service we deliver.” Fox comments, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team to support the critical mission of WDET. This station has always been a beacon for me, reflecting the stories and culture of my favorite city in the world, and bringing the news of the world with a Detroit perspective.” For the past ten years, Fox has been program director for Calgary-based National Music Center. Prior to that, he programmed Toronto’s CHRY; was content director for CKUA Radio Network, Alberta; and was station manager of Windsor’s CJAM-FM. After registering a 1.0 in February and March, WDET has repeated a .9 in April and May (#22, 6+, Nielsen Audio).
Nashville Public Radio, which includes WPLN “News 90.3” (and triple A WNXP), appoints Robert Sanchez as its chief operating officer. Nashville Public Radio president/chief executive officer Steve Swenson comments, “Rob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us as we continue our rapid growth to expand our public service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. His extensive background in both news and music programming is unique in our industry.” Sanchez notes, “I’m grateful to Steve Swenson and the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the many digital and audio services Nashville Public Radio offers. I’m invigorated to join an organization that functions at such a high level of public service and community engagement.” For the past five years, Sanchez was vice president of news for iHeartMedia Boston news -news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM and iHM’s northeast regional news director. He previously was director/news and programming for Washington, DC’s WNEW-FM “All News 99.1”; assistant news director of New York all-news WCBS-AM; and programming/operations manager for Los Angeles’ KBLA “1580 Talk Radio.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 survey period, WPLN ranks #14 and is trending 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 (March – April – May, 6+).
Former Spotify director of global podcast sales David Cohn joins Cumulus Media’s Westwood One as senior vice president of sales & digital partnerships. Cohn will oversee digital sales for Westwood One nationwide, focusing on growing brand partnerships across podcasting. In addition, he will have responsibility for the New York and Atlanta sales teams. Based in New York, Cohn will report to Westwood One president of sales Brandon Berman, who comments, “David is an accomplished sales leader with an exceptional command of the digital landscape. With his proven client-focused, multi-platform sales success, he is positioned to make an immediate impact on our business.” Cohn adds, “I’m super excited to join Westwood One. The opportunity to expand our digital footprint with the company’s amazing podcast and streaming assets was a natural draw for me. I’m excited to dig into the integrated advertising opportunities available in the red-hot audio space.” Prior to Spotify, Cohn held positions with Megaphone, Warner Media, Ziff Davis, and the WWE.
The first episode of the weekly true crime podcast “The Girlfriends” aired yesterday (Monday, 7/10). It’s a collaboration among iHeartPodcasts; Novel; and NO MORE, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. NO MORE chief executive officer Pamela Zaballa states, “We are proud to partner with iHeartPodcasts and Novel to raise awareness of domestic violence and help survivors find the support they need. At NO MORE, we strongly believe that media and entertainment can play an important role in changing the culture that has allowed the epidemic of domestic violence to persist. We’re grateful to iHeartPodcasts and Novel for using this powerful story to help fuel real and lasting change.” Distributed by iHeartPodcasts, “The Girlfriends” tells the true story of a group of women who formed a club to put a murderous ex-boyfriend behind bars. The podcast illuminates ways women unite to protect each other when systems of justice fail them.
officer Jessica Cordova Kramer opines that, “When you think of making life suck less, you think [of] chef José Andrés. He and the JAM team work tirelessly to make the world a better place; we are so grateful to get to be a small part of their work by serving as partners to JAM for these two shows.” José Andrés Group president Sam Bakhshandehpour proclaims that, “Working with Lemonada Media is an exciting new chapter in the evolution of José Andrés Media. Joining their dynamic network will allow ‘Longer Tables’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’ to reach new audiences, sharing powerful stories that explore the many ways that food connects us all.” Introduced last year, Andrés’ “Longer Tables” engages with eminent figures across various fields. Previous guests have included Anderson Cooper; Secretary of State Antony Blinken; actress Eva Longoria; primatologist Jane Goodall; and French chef Eric Ripert. Meanwhile, “Pressure Cooker” is hosted by food journalists Jane Black and Elizabeth Dunn. It explains challenges of feeding families in our age of anxiety. Lemonada Media’s roster includes “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus”; “Choice Words with Samantha Bee”; “Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers”; and Gracie award-winner “Last Day.”
After a 22-year run with CBS News Radio, vice president/general manager Craig Swagler will leave the company this Friday (7/14). In an internal memo sent to employees this past Friday (7/7), Swagler stated that he intends to relocate to the Baltimore area to be closer to family. “As such, I have made the hard decision to step away from my role at CBS News Radio. I am incredibly thankful for my time here and all the amazing people I have had the honor to work with at CBS News. There are far too many individuals to name, but I know you all have made the last 22 years one of the most fulfilling parts of my professional journey.” Prior to being elevated to CBS News Radio’s VP/GM, Swagler was a desk assistant; production coordinator; and special events producer. He previously worked at “Saturday Night Live,” ABC Sports, and The MSG Channel.
Q3 of 2022. For the fourth quarter of 2022, net revenue was approximately $132.6 million, an increase of 1.6% from the same period in 2021. The company reports operating income of approximately $14.3 million for the period, compared to approximately $20.3 million for Q4 of 2021. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $47.6 million, an increase of 7.9% from the same period in 2021. Net income was $856,000 compared to approximately $5.3 million in net income for the same period in 2021. The company has yet to file its operating results for Q1 of this year, but its preliminary results from the quarter show same station radio segment revenue up 2.0% on a same station basis.
of staff often meant instability and near-daily internal leaks to the press. Now, the new iHeartPodcast ‘The Whistleblowers: Inside The Trump Administration,’ co-produced with Best Case and Ark Media, will dive headfirst into the chaos to bring listeners the inside story of the people behind some of the most explosive government revelations in American history.” Taylor is a bestselling author and the former chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He first wrote anonymously, but later revealed himself as the author after publishing the #1 bestseller A Warning in 2019. Each episode focuses on a different “whistleblower” including Reality Winner, Andrew McCabe, Alexander Vindman, Olivia Troye, Dawn Wooten, Grant Turner, and Stephanie Grisham. 
programming and spoken-word radio. Energy, enthusiasm, and experience within the genre is a must. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience(s).