February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
February 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 survey period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 5.1, #5 – #5
KJCE .1 – .3, #28 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KVET-AM .8 – .9, #22 – #21
KBPA-HD2 1.1 – .5, #19 – #24
KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 6.9 – 7.4, #3 – #2
KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 7.5 – 8.0, #4 – #3
WPTF 1.0 – .8, #18 – #19
News
WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 3.4 – 2.2, #11 – #15 (Carolina Hurricanes)
WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 9.0 – 8.5, #2 – #2
Note: Sports talk WCMC-FM’s -1.2 (3.4 – 2.2) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 5.1 – 4.9, #7 – #10
News
WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 3.7 – 3.0, #13 – #16
WNDE .5 – .5, #22 – #21
WXNT DNA – .2, DNA – #25
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.6 – 4.6, #8 – #11
Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 11.5 – 9.0, sixth consecutive month at #1
WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27
WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 3.7 – 2.1, #11 – #15
WOKY .2 – .2, #23 – #20
WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #20
WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #13
WHAD 1.2 – 1.2, #16 – #17
WHAD Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: News/talk WISN’s -2.5 (11.5 – 9.0) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.
Sports talk outlets WOKY and WSSP are part of a seven-way tie at #20
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.4 – 5.7, #6 – #5
WLAC 2.1 – 2.1, #18 – #17
News
WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WGFX 8.0 – 4.9, #2 – #9
WPRT 2.3 – 1.5, #17 – #19 (Predators)
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 4.9 – 4.9, #8 – #9
WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #24
Note: Sports talk WGFX’s -3.1 (8.0 – 4.9) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets.
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.9 – 6.8, #4 – #4
WHJJ 1.0 – 1.1, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WVEI 2.1 – 1.7, #9 – #11
WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #8
WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, #12 – #12
WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14
WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #23 – #23
News
WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #22
Sports Talk
WVSP 1.9 – 1.4, #15 – #16
WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 8.0 – 8.9, #3 – #3
News
WJBT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 1.6 – 2.2, #16 – #13
Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.9 (8.0 – 8.9) represents Jacksonville’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WFTL 3.0 – 2.3, #7 – #9
WZZR 1.3 – 1.4 #14 – #13
WJNO .9 – 1.1, #15 – #14
News
None
Sports Talk
WMEN .7 – .5, #16 – #16
WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #18
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.8 – 2.1, #9 – #10
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 3.5 – 3.2 #9 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 5.3 – 4.7, #6 – #6
WUNC 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #12
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 1.4 – 1.5, #11 – #10
KWAM .5 – .4, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WMFS 3.2 – 2.5, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)
WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #14 (Grizzlies)
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO 1.9 – 1.7, #9 – #9
WKNO-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #6
WDRC-AM 1.8 – 1.6, #14 – #14
WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #18 – #18
WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 2.0 – 1.4, #13 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 4.1 – 5.1, #8 – #7
WFCR .6 – .4, #17 – #18
Note: Public radio news/talk WNPN’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.
Contact Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
1. Financial solvency laws. Consolidation is not the problem; it actually saved the radio industry. The problem is the 1986 rule change that dropped financial solvency requirements for station ownership. Prior to 1986, stations could not be purchased with debt. A potential owner had to prove that they could meet the expenses of a station through the duration of its license. Once the financial efficacy rule was dropped and stations could be purchased with debt, the industry was financially decimated. Prediction: Financial solvency laws will be re-instated.
February 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) 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).
writer Bob Cooney to middays. The question Tornoe asks is what about Mike Missanelli? “Rumors have been swirling in sports radio circles the past few days about the return of Missanelli, once the station’s biggest star, whose sudden exit from his afternoon show in 2022 after 15 years shocked listeners.” Tornoe says that Missanelli has been in contact with management but there’s nothing to report and Missanelli isn’t talking. PD Scott Masteller tells the paper, “Mike’s name has come up. He’s a great talent, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. A lot of people are interested in the radio station right now. So, I’ll leave it at that.” The current PM drive show is “The Best Show Ever?” hosted by Tyrone Johnson, Ricky Bottalico and Jenn Scordo. 
news/talk/sports WXLM-AM, New London. The first match aired last Saturday (3/16) versus New Mexico United. An additional nine matches will air on the two stations. Cumulus regional vice president Holly Paras says, “I am delighted that our stations will enter into this new broadcasting partnership with Rhode Island FC and help to bring the Southern New England community the passion and drama of this new team and exciting sport.”
and WEPN-AM), but Karmazin said the move had nothing to do with his company not renewing its lease on WEPN-FM (which ends later this summer) but that it’s a company decision. TALKERS noticed that news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee did not appear in Nielsen’s January PPM survey and reached out to GKB for an explanation, but the company did not reply to our request. Karmazin told Best, “It’s outdated to use one form of media to measure a show, especially one that doesn’t reflect the entire listening audience and viewing audience across all the different ways we distribute our media now.” 
at age 69 after suffering a heart attack. St. Pierre served with WABC, New York during his career but worked much of his career in Rhode Island radio and TV. He programmed talk outlets including WPRO-AM, WHJJ-AM, and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence and anchored sports on WPRI-TV, Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He is survived by his wife Patti. 
been serving as assistant program director and executive producer. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “Mary has been a part of our cluster for many years and is more than ready to take the lead role of our talk stations. She’s smart, experienced, and incredibly detailed with her work.” Ayala comments, “This is an exciting time to be taking over the program director position for these brands. Each station has its own distinct flavor, and all of them are filled with great talent I’m looking forward to working with.” 
Williams, who has been highlighting the GameChangers honorees throughout February, hosted the ceremony. The 2024 recipients were nominated by audience members, selected by a panel of previous honorees and vetted by KYW Newsradio editorial staff. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We are delighted to honor the exceptional individuals who are driving positive change and making a profound impact within communities of color across Philadelphia. This yearly program highlights their unwavering dedication to making lasting contributions to this community, and we’re proud to leverage our platform to shine a light on their great work.” 
Is that host read you are pitching “baked-in?”
It’s not your imagination. The world has gone daffy. The USA is all-but boots-on-the-ground in rough neighborhoods around the world. Weather is getting even wackier. The next gun nut could open fire, at any moment, anywhere. 2024 campaign? It’s a long way to November. And even in this rebounding economy, supermarket prices still hit-home… if you can get there.
news/talk KOGO-AM, talk KLSD-AM, sports talk KGB-AM, and five music brands. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “We are so excited to welcome Taylor into our San Diego cluster. Her knowledge of the audio business and track record speak for themselves. We are eager for Taylor to bring her skill set and big ideas from Miami to an already incredible cluster of stations.”
serving as a full-time KDKA Radio reporter since February 2021 and hosted her own Sunday morning talk show on “93.7 The Fan.” She posted to social media, “While news has offered so many opportunities for growth, my heart has always been in sports journalism and it’s time to fully focus on that path.” Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We are so grateful for all of Shelby’s work in the KDKA newsroom. Her time as a host at ‘The Fan’ will forever be a part of the history of that great radio station. We know the future will bring her great things. We are fortunate to be a part of her journey.” 
January 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 survey period (January 4 – January 31) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
from West Virginia to Georgia. The programming includes “The John Fredericks Show,” “The War Room with Steve Bannon,” Newsmax’s “Rob Carson Show,” and more. Fredericks states, “This West Virginia opportunity is key to our growth plan, as it dovetails nicely with our Pittsburgh footprint and reaches a very pro-populist, pro-America First and pro-Trump area of America. We are excited about offering listeners in West Virginia a choice from the stale, woke, and warmed over pablum served up every day by the corporatists and conservative Inc. bunch that regurgitate the FOX and RNC talking points of the day. Our lame and boring news/talk competition falls into one of four categories: weather on the fives and traffic on the eights, stock prices trading below fifty cents, stock de-listed off the big board, or George Soros buying up bankruptcy debt with a controlling stake to eventually take over the company and its programming.”
When reviewing our industry’s awards such as the Crystals or Marconis there are two categories missing. They are: “Best New” and “Best Innovation.” Imagine if winners were announced for these prizes:
January 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 ratings period (January 4 – January 31) 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).
If you’re a news/talk station, don’t assume that you own “news radio” in your market. Imaging is important, but it merely talks-the-talk. You walk-the-walk with local news copy that delivers what solid commercial copy does: benefits. Just doing local news makes you special. But do listeners simply hear a station voice… reading something? Are you merely… accurate? Or do you deliver “take-home pay,” unwrapping the story to tell the listener something useful?
“He arrived in the area in 1986, and in 1994, he helped launch WDFN ‘The Fan.’ In the late 1990s, he teamed with Bob Wojnowski for the ‘Stoney and Wojo Show,’ that made Stone a household name for decades to come.” Stone told his listeners, “I am somewhat sad that I will not be on the air every day. But I know that sadness ends when there’s no fricking alarm at 4:30 in the morning.” 
challenges. The mix of diverse and insightful voices on this year’s boards will continue the important work of prioritizing recognition, connection and education of women across all facets of media.” The officer roles include: Katina Arnold, chair, VP, corporate communications, ESPN; Monica Bloom, incoming/vice chair, chief marketing officer, MHz Choice | Topic Streaming; Annie Howell, immediate past chair, chief communications officer, Hallmark Media; Catherine Badalamente, treasurer, president & CEO, Graham Media Group; and Marie Tedesco, treasurer-elect, CFO, Beasley Broadcast Group. New to the board of directors are: Isabel Lara, chief communications officer, NPR; Jaclyn Levin, president, Shriver Media and founder, Liminal Space Media; Christine Moran, head of creator partnerships, Electrify Video Partners; and Debra O’Connell, president, news group and networks, Disney Entertainment. 
Moshos. Moshos died on January 11 and today (2/14) would have been his 67th birthday. General manager Joel Oxley says, “George helped me so much when I first started at WTOP 30 some odd years ago. I knew little about production and he let me know it. His gruff demeanor and direct style took a minute to get used to. But it didn’t take long for me to realize this guy with the glint in his eyes was a person who cared. Really cared. About his job and doing it right and more importantly about people. He touched so, so many people and made things better for them. Seems only right to name where he spent so much of his time ‘The George Moshos Production Studio.’”
the automobile industry has intelligently responded. The issue however is much larger. As UNESCO’s chief of section for media development and society, Mirta Lourenco puts it, ‘The free flow and easily accessible information provided by terrestrial radio supports the spirit of the First Amendment via the concept of media pluralism and more. This expands to a valid concern about privacy rights – which is equally important to freedom and democracy. With GPS and internet platforms simultaneously in our cars, we are turning the enormous power to invade the privacy of individuals over to a mere handful of Big Tech giants. They know what and who we listen to, including where, when and how we travel.’” Harrison adds, “Finally, I am compelled as a lifelong radio broadcaster and publisher of a major trade journal to protect the viability of radio stations as a going concern and the well-being of their owners, employees, and listeners.”