July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 5.0 – 5.5, #5 – #4
KEX 1.8 – 2.2, #18 – #17
KUFO .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22
KPAM .3 – .3, #31 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KFXX 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21
KXTG 1.1 – .8, #21 – #23
KPOJ .4 – .4, #26 – #27
KMTT .2 – .1, #33 – #34
KFXX Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #5
KOPB Stream .7 – .5, #23 – #24
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT 5.0– 4.5, #5 – #9
News
WRFX-HD2 Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 2.9 – 3.1, #15 – #13
WNSC .7 – .9, #21 – #20
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 3.1– 4.2, #13 – #11
KTSA 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #21
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.2 – 1.1, #23 – #22
KTKR .4 – .3, #28 – #30
KZDC .4 – .3, #28 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.4 – 3.3, #16 – #13
Note: News/talk WOAI’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2) represents San Antonio’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK 7.2 – 7.3 #3 – #3
KSTE-AM 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15
KSAC-AM .6 – .8, #26 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KHTK 1.0 – .9, #21 – #21
KIFM .8 – .5, #23 – #26
KIFM Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #12
KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #28
KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #28
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.5 – 4.4, #8 – #8
KDKA-AM Stream .5 – .4, #18 – #18
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM (Pirates) 7.0 – 6.9, #5 – #5
KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates) .3 – .4, #19 – #18
WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 3.2 – 3.5, #10 – #10
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL 6.1 – 6.2, #2 – #3
KNRS 3.1 – 4.1, #12 – #11
KKAT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KZNS-FM .5 – .9, #24 – #22
KALL .5 – .4, #24 – #25
KZNS-AM .1 – .4, #27 – #25
KZNS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #18
KBYU-HD2 Stream .1 – .1, #27 – #28
KUMT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.8– 1.1, #20 – #25
KMZQ .3 – .4, #34 – #29
KXNT .4 – .3, #31 – #33
KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .4 – .8, #31 – #28
KKGK .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KRLV .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KENO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 1.3 – 1.8, #23 – #19
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WDBO 3.6 – 4.7, #10 – #9
WTKS 5.6 – 4.3, #5 – #10
WFLF .8 – 1.1, #18 – #17
WFYY .5 – .3, #21 – #22
WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .8 – .6, #18 – #21
WDYZ .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFE 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
WMFV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Whereas news/talk WDBO’s +1.1 (3.6 – 4.7) represents Orlando’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WTKS’ -1.3 (5.6 – 4.3) is tied for the market’s greatest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 10.3 – 9.9, #2 – #2 (Reds)
WKRC 5.4 – 6.0, #6 – #4
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY .6 – .5, #20 – #20
WSAI .4 – .3, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.4 – 4.1, #9 – #9
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 7.0 – 7.0, #5 – #5 (Guardians)
News
WMMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WKRK 4.4 – 4.4, #10 – #10
WKRK Stream .6 – .3, #19 – #20
WARF .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 6.6 – 7.0, #6 – #5
WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.2, #4 – #5
KCMO-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #17 – #17
KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.4, #23 – #18
KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.2 – 2.4, #10 – #16 (Royals)
KCSP Stream 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 (Royals)
KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 2.2 – 3.0, #16 – #10
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 5.2 – 5.7, #6 – #6
News
Black Information Network WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 7.8 – 6.7, #2 – #4
WMNI .1 – .4, #22 – #21
WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #22 #22
WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 4.6 – 5.1, #7 – #7
Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) is Columbus’ largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm host. Tatum filled in for Elder during his run for governor of California in 2021 and subsequently assumed the role full time. Elder joined the 2024 Republican presidential primary race but dropped out last fall and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Since then, he’s been hosting his podcast, “Larry Elder – We’ve Got a Country to Save.” He’ll continue the podcast with Salem handling sales and marketing for the it. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Larry is one of a rare breed who actually grew in popularity and influence AFTER he departed the radio. Now we get to hear his sage words of wisdom daily on radio stations across the country, on Salem News Channel, and the Salem Podcast Network.”
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) 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.
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!” 
and Macy’s. In this newly created corporate position, Snyder will be responsible for overseeing digital marketing and building revenue opportunities on behalf of the company with an emphasis on newsletters, SEO, websites and affiliate marketing as well as leading the developers working across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Dave into the Beasley family. His marketing expertise is exactly what we need as we continue to build new revenue streams on behalf of the company.”
Humility means to be teachable. It’s the most important trait of great leaders and managers. For years I looked forward to focus groups to reveal the top-of-mind awareness of media among listeners. These groups always reminded us of a listener’s life priorities which never included radio listening! They taught us the correct secular language to use in promos and slogans, and what they remembered versus what we wanted them to remember.
news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”
Jersey for $133,000. The former sports talk outlet has been dark since late last year due to what at the time was reported as being the result of problems with its nighttime antennae. This deal leaves Townsquare with three signals in the Trenton market: news/talk WKXW-FM “New Jersey 101.5”; CHR WPST-FM, and religion WCHR-AM.
Many Americans have been, in the two years since the Supreme Court punted the issue down to the states. For suburban women voters in swing states, it is – by far – the number one issue, per a Wall Street Journal poll. It tipped 2022 midterms and 2023 elections and swung other elections in battleground states.
Most recently serving as president of iHeartMedia’s “Pacific Area,” Steve Darnell transfers to Sacramento as metro president, succeeding Sara McClure (see separate story
Williamsburg, VA-based Local Daily Media acquires Connoisseur Media’s Frederick, Maryland news/talk WFMD “Free Talk 930” and country WFRE for $4.275 million. Connoisseur Media chief executive officer Jeff Warshaw tells TALKERS, “While it’s difficult for us to part with our Frederick stations, we were convinced that Local Daily Media’s management leadership and its focus in the Maryland/Virginia region could move these stations forward in a way we would be proud of. Senior management of Local Daily Media includes longtime Connoisseur partner Mike Dufort, who we have worked with closely and respect. Mike understands local radio and shares our view on the need for radio to be involved with and serve the local community.” Aforementioned Local Daily Media president Mike Dufort remarks, “With my nearly 11 years of working with Jeff and the entire Connoisseur team, I deeply understand and appreciate the care and nurturing that went into building these stations. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue along their journey to reaching even greater heights.” Meanwhile, Local Daily Media chief financial officer Adam Crotty adds, “We’re incredibly fortunate to welcome these legendary stations, along with their talented and dedicated teams, to our growing organization. Their rich history of supporting and improving the vibrant Frederick community will undoubtedly inspire our entire team to find new ways to positively impact each community we serve.” Connoisseur Media acquired “Free Talk 930” and WFRE five years ago from iHeartMedia’s Aloha Stations Trust in exchange for its Erie, Pennsylvania cluster.
Former MLB relief pitcher/26-year Philadelphia Phillies radio analyst Larry Anderson; Beasley Media Group account representative Tina Costello; iHeartMedia, Philadelphia news/community affairs director Loraine Ballard Morrill; and long-time (now retired) all-news KYW, Philadelphia anchor/“Reporters Roundup” host Steve Nikazy are among those who will be entering the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia (BPOP) Hall of Fame. Along with six others, these four will be inducted into the Hall at the nonprofit’s gala in approximately four months (11/22). Hosting the BPOP Hall of Fame event will be 15-time Emmy winner/2015 inductee CBS News Philadelphia morning and noon anchor Jim Donovan and former WPVI-TV, Philadelphia sports anchor/2005 HOF honoree Scott Palmer. Founded in 1962, The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honors the broadcast history of Philadelphia, supporting the next generation of broadcasters through scholarships and educational opportunities and recognizing those who have made lasting contributions to the industry. 
Former Chicago Council On Global Affairs president/chief content officer Sarah Gilbert is appointed president/chief executive officer of WAMC 
serving with the company in the same capacity in Shreveport, Louisiana. Boden takes over for Cheryl Salomone, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Cumulus SVP of operations Mark Sullivan states, “Tish Boden has been an impactful leader with a strong record of success. I’m happy for her to be closer to her family and happy for our team in Fayetteville, as they are welcoming a strong leader. I’m also grateful for the time that I had to work alongside Cheryl Salomone and thank her for her meaningful contributions to the company and to the Fayetteville community. We wish her the very best in her retirement.”
advertising, where consumers express greater comfort with audio ads crafted by humans compared to those produced by AI. This trust in human voices isn’t just a preference; it’s a critical factor in advertising and content consumption.” Further, the data shows that radio hosts are valued 2.5 times more than social media influencers for delivering news (56% vs. 22%) and twice as much for sports commentary (40% vs. 21%). Similarly, podcast hosts are preferred over social media figures when discussing social issues (43% vs. 34%). Audacy concludes, “These statistics underscore the profound impact of human voices in fostering meaningful connections and reliable information dissemination.”
intended it be a deregulatory exercise. NAB says, “The Local Television and Radio Rules retain and even tighten decades-old restrictions on which – and how many – television and radio stations broadcasters may own in a particular geographic market. The rules are premised on the notion that broadcasters could exert disproportionate influence by shaping news and entertainment options. But that idea is a relic from a bygone era – before the emergence of the Internet, smartphones, social media, and streaming. In reality, broadcasters today struggle to keep pace with rapidly proliferating audio and video platforms that are steadily taking audience share and advertising dollars. Instead of making it harder for broadcasters to compete, the Commission should have modernized its outdated rules because they are no longer justified. Given the significance of the Commission’s rules, the size of the regulatory record, and the number of parties involved, Petitioners respectfully submit that oral argument would be beneficial.”
director at Cumulus Media Dallas-Fort Worth. He tells TALKERS, “We immediately texted and sent push notifications on WBAP and KLIF and then went to FOX News Radio for wall-to-wall coverage. I then called in our WBAP morning hosts Ernie Brown and Carla Marion to talk with medical experts, police officials, and Secret Service experts in between the FOX coverage. After Ernie and Carla, WBAP PM drive host James Parker took over and fielded local listener reactions in between the FOX coverage. Phones and social media were flooded. Local WBAP host Chris Krok then did a special national broadcast on Westwood One’s “Red Eye Radio” 
and took local calls throughout the night.” At Red Apple Media’s WABC Radio in New York, company CEO John Catsimatidis interrupted the live “Cousin Brucie’s Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party” and brought talk host Curtis Sliwa in to go on air and work with the news team throughout the evening. Throughout the evening, WABC Radio air personalities including Dominic Carter, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, and more called in. Catsimatidis says, “I am immensely proud of our team who at a moment’s notice dropped whatever they were doing to bring our listeners up-to-the-minute information. Emotions are high across America. By delivering the facts, we bring a sense of calm to our listening community.” 
“Corey Inganamort was hosting the final hour of our live local Saturday afternoon when he noticed some activity on the studio TV. He immediately began describing what he was seeing. After several minutes, we made the call to go to our network partner, FOX News Radio, for coverage. We stayed with the network through the evening.” 
Schaefer tells TALKERS, “Saturday evening, Brett Winterble and news director Mark Garrison were on the air within an hour of the incident, delivering the information as it unfolded. Shortly thereafter, additional members of the WBT team called in to contribute their thoughts and analysis, including Bo Thompson, Vince Coakley, Pete Kaliner, and Brett Jensen. Our coverage continued through 9:00 pm Saturday night. On Sunday we broke from regular programming and went live and local from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with special continuing coverage 
from “Good Morning BT” hosts with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman in the morning, Vince Coakley and Pete Kaliner in the midday, and Brett Winterble and news reporter Scott Hamilton in the afternoon.” At iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles, where it was just after 3:00 pm, Neil Saavedra was live on the air. Program director Robin Bertolucci says, “We immediately went wall-to-wall covering the story. KFI’s Neil Saavedra was on the air doing his regular Saturday show, ‘The Fork Report,’ when it occurred, and he immediately switched to in-depth news coverage of the assassination attempt. KFI news had the latest and we provided ongoing updates for all of our LA iHeart properties and put up the story on all social platforms. KFI’s Gary Hoffmann came in and took over at 5:00 and we covered it wall-to-wall till 8:00 pm.” Bill Brady owns KFNX-AM, Phoenix and
happened to be on the air hosting his Saturday show when news broke. He tells TALKERS, “I was on the air ‘live’ Saturday afternoon. I began the show by saying, ‘This is a very different show than I normally do. Today’s show deals with a very sensitive story. Our president was grazed by a bullet today in Butler County, Pennsylvania. A half an inch difference in the bullet’s path and this could have been an assassination. Others have been killed and wounded. There is much still to learn. Let’s try to make sense of 
this. It is not a day for politics.'” Salem Radio Network says, “Talk host Mike Gallagher raced to Salem studios in Tampa for a rare, two-hour live special broadcast covering this major breaking news story. Joining Gallagher were SRN’s Dr. Sebastian Gorka and Dennis Prager as well as Salem New York morning host Joe Piscopo and Salem Dallas morning host Mark Davis. Former SRN host (and one-time GOP Presidential contender) Larry Elder also joined the broadcast, which fielded calls from listeners in New York, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois and
many other states.” Obviously, the coverage of a news story of this magnitude spilled over into Sunday. WBEN, Buffalo brand manager Lisa Polizzi says, “We went almost all local on Sunday with David Bellavia in the morning, our ‘Hardline’ political show that included a former FBI agent, a former Buffalo police captain, and the Erie County GOP chair, as well as ‘Reese on the Radio’ taking local calls in the afternoon.”
Dr. Ruth Westheimer holds the audience share record for 18-34s in New York.
reporter James Flippin will capture the excitement from the convention floor with up-to-the-minute reports and on-the-spot interviews. WABC Radio host Jeanine Pirro will be attending the Convention and will stop by the WABC Radio Booth to share her views.” Company CEO John Catsimatidis adds, “This is an important time in America, and Americans want to know who will be the next president. As a trusted news and political source, it is our responsibility to provide WABC Radio listeners and our affiliated stations’ listeners vital information and insightful commentary live from the Republican National Convention.
June 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 survey period (May 23 – June 19) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
radio and television in St. Louis – will join news/talk KTRS, St. Louis to co-host the midday show with incumbent Wendy Wiese. Cusumano was most recently with sports talk KFNS, St. Louis until owner Dave Zobrist pulled the plug on local sports hosts and installed FOX Sports Radio. Zobrist is putting KFNS up for sale. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cusumano is taking over the co-hosting duties from Jennifer Blome after her recent retirement.
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 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. The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM drops eight-tenths for a 5.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that leaves it ranked #5 in the market, while iHeartMedia news/talk KEX adds one-tenth for a 1.8 share that lifts it to the #18 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises three-tenths to a 3.1 share and remains ranked #13, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips a half share to finish with a 1.4 share leaving it ranked #22 in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.1 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM is steady with a 3.1 share but rises to the #12 rank. 
hour appearance, Trump did not bring up the matter of Joe Biden’s health but stated that he didn’t care whether Biden stays in the race as the Democratic nominee or not, believing that he has the voter support to beat any Democrat because they all share the same “radical lunatic” policies. He also told Kilmeade that he plans to announce his vice-presidential candidate pick just before next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. When asked if the pick would be influenced by whether or not Biden drops out of the race, Trump responded, “No” adding, VP Kamala Harris is “a disaster.” Kilmeade pressed the former president on a number of issues including NATO, immigration, and the economy. Trump stated that his good relationship with Putin is “a good thing” because it’ll keep us out of the growing danger of World War III and the only reason NATO members are now willing to pay their fair share of costs is because they feel threatened by the increased danger of war that has been heightened by the policies of Biden. 
43% of spoken word listening, and podcasts 36%. Keep in mind that for Edison’s purposes spoken word content includes news, sports talk and play-by-play, audiobooks, talk shows, and “personalities.” Edison states, “Podcasting’s share of spoken word will almost surely surpass that of AM/FM within a few more years. There is one more thing to note – the advantage for AM/FM is coming entirely from those age 65 and older. Among those ages 13-64, podcasting has already passed AM/FM listening by, 41% to 39%. Meanwhile, among the oldest Americans age 65+, AM/FM radio continues to dominate, with a 66%-13% advantage. Curiously, that 66%-13% difference among the oldest Americans is the exact same difference we recorded for all Americans 13+ in 2017.”