November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
November 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 survey period (October 12 – November 8) 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.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are October 2023 – November 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 4.7 – 4.3, #5 – #6
KJCE .4 – .3, #28 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KVET-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #22 – #22
KTAE .7 – 1.0, #25 – #22
KBPA-HD2 .5 – .5, #27 – #27
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 5.6 – 5.8, #4 – #4
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 8.2 – 6.9, #3 – #3
WPTF .7 – .8, #20 – #19
News
WRAL-HD3 .1 – .3, #23 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 3.5 – 3.0, #11 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 9.4 – 9.8, #2 – #1
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 6.9 – 7.3, #3 – #2
News
WOLT-HD2 .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 4.3 – 4.0, #12 – #12 (Colts)
WNDE .9 – 1.0, #21 – #20
WXNT .1 –.1, #24 – #24
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.6 – 4.3, #10 – #11
Note: Sports talk WFNI (DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 9.7 – 10.7, #1 – #1
WTMJ 9.6 – 7.7, #2 – #2
WLIP .1 – .2, #28 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 2.6 – 2.8, #14 – #14 (Green Bay Packers)
WKTI 1.0 – 1.2, #18 – #19
WOKY .4 – .3, #22 – #22
WSSP .2 – .2, #25 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 3.0 – 3.1, #13 – #12
WHAD 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #17
WGKB .1 – .1, #28 – #27
WHAD Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Whereas news/talk WISN’s +1.0 (9.7 – 10.7) represents Milwaukee’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase, similarly-formatted WTMJ’s -1.9 (9.6 – 7.7) is the market’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease; the two rivals remain first and second (6+).
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.7 – 5.7, #5 – #5
WLAC 1.4 – 1.5, #19 – #19
News
WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WGFX 7.3 – 7.4, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)
WPRT 1.9 – 2.0, #17 – #18 (Predators)
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 4.1 – 4.4, #10 – #10
WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.5 – 6.8, #5 – #5
WHJJ .3 – .5, #18 – #16
News
None
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 3.6 – 3.4, after thirteen consecutive months at #8, slips to #9
WVEI 2.4 – 2.0, #9 – #11
WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.4 – 2.0, #9 – #11
WNPN 1.4 – 1.6, seventh straight month at #14
WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 3.3 – 3.0, #12 – #13
WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #22 – #23
News
WNOH .3 – .3, #20 – #20
Sports Talk
WVSP 2.9 – 2.4, #13 – #14
WTAR .2 – .3, #22 – #20
WGH-AM .3 – .2, #20 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 7.5 – 8.3, #3 – #3
News
None
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .2 – .3, #22 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 2.8 – 2.4, #12 – #13
Note: Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WFTL 2.3 – 2.7, #9 – #9
WZZR 1.8 – 2.0 #13 – #11
WJNO 1.2 – 1.2, #14 – #15
News
None
Sports Talk
WMEN .4 – .5, #18 – #16
WBZT .4 – .3, #18 – #18
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.5 – 2.9, #8 – #8
WLRN-HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #21 – DNA
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 4.9 – 4.4 #7 – #8
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 3.5 – 3.6, #9 – #9
WUNC 1.7 – 1.5, #14 – #14
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 2.4 – 2.4, #9 – #9
KWAM .2 – .4, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WMFS 3.0 – 2.8, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)
WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #13 – #15 (Grizzlies)
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO 1.9 – 2.0, #10 – #11
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 5.1 – 4.8, #6 – #6
WDRC-AM 1.9 – 1.9, #15 – #15
WTIC-AM Stream .8 – .6, fifth consecutive month at #17
WPOP .2 – .2, #22 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 2.5 – 2.3, #11 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 3.8 – 4.0, #9 – #9
WFCR .8 – .6, #17 – #17
November 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) 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).
AM/FM radio listeners are 39% more likely to pay $301+ to have their taxes prepared and show greater familiarity, interest, consideration, and usage of tax category brands; 2) AM/FM radio ads drive site traffic for tax preparation brands: In the LeadsRx attribution study of a tax preparation service’s multi-wave campaign, AM/FM radio generated between a 43% to 47% increase in website traffic; 3) Branding early and often in tax preparation service ads drives more site traffic: LeadsRx found the top three creative executions that drove site traffic for a tax preparation service had the marketer’s brand name within the first five seconds of the ad; and 4) compared to other radio formats, a 2023 tax prep campaign on news/talk and sports stations realized a higher percentage share of interactions than the percentage share of their Nielsen ad impressions. 
Have you tried the $7 cup of coffee at Starbucks?
(11/25) after a brief illness at the age of 80. Gauthier had been the host of the “Bristol County Breakfast Club” on Bristol County Broadcasting’s WSAR-AM for more than four decades. Gauthier began working at WSAR in the 1960s. During his career with the station he served as program director, general manager, news reporter, production director, account executive, and copy writer. In 2000, Gauthier was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year by the Massachusetts Broadcaster’s Association. 
Hill, and producer Michael Campana. The station says, “Thirty-year market veteran, Elliott, who started at WTVN in 1999 as the producer for Columbus radio legend Bob Conners, will continue to serve as program director for 610 WTVN. ‘Columbus’ Morning News’ will also feature timely guests and newsmakers to wake up information-hungry listeners with the local and national news they need to start each day in Ohio’s Capital City. Elliott adds, “I’ve done everything on WTVN except host my own show, and now I get that chance. I’m grateful to be working with the most talented team in the business every morning to bring the news to the best audience out there!”
Newsradio staff and join other distinct Hall of Famers, including NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell and longtime suburban bureau chief Jay Lloyd. Lynne Adkins spent 34 years as an anchor, reporter and mentor at KYW Newsradio. Brandon Brooks was the voice of news in Philadelphia for more than 30 years. He first came to KYW Newsradio as a part-time anchor and reporter in 1989. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “This honor is long overdue for these two inductees who have devoted over three decades of their lives to being reliable news sources for the Philadelphia region. Not only has their professionalism set a high standard for our content, but their extensive backgrounds have taught the next generation of KYW Newsradio broadcasters to aspire to a new level.”
retire from the station on December 6. After his departure, John Kobylt (left) will continue in the daypart as a solo host. He quipped, “I am saying goodbye. After very little thought, this is what I’m gonna do.” The duo rose to prominence during their time at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” beginning in 1988. They moved to KFI in 1992 and briefly went into national syndication in the late 1990s. That move drove a wedge between them and then-KFI owner Cox Communications and they left to do mornings at crosstown Disney-owned KABC, Los Angeles. That didn’t last long, and they returned to KFI where they’ve flourished since 2001. 
her Eugene, Oregon management role and becomes regional vice president. Cumulus operates news/talk outlet KKOH-AM, Reno; news/talk KUGN-AM & sports talk KUJZ-FM in Eugene, plus six music brands. Cumulus president, operations Bob Walker says, “We are thrilled to expand Tricia’s responsibilities and welcome her back to Reno. Her experience and relationships in the market are unmatched.” 
Survey says nearly half of all Americans over 13, nearly 135 million, listen to spoken word formats. The growth curve boasts an eye opening 52% jump in time spent listening at home.
Here’s actual news copy, from Joe Connolly’s business report one morning on WCBS, NY: “One third of all domestic flights are now late, by an average of one hour.”
Curley and Howie Carr encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Year after year, the WRKO listeners overwhelm us with their generosity. This year, they have helped to raise $172,852 for the DAV of Massachusetts. It’s an honor to dedicate a day of programming to those who have given so much of themselves for this country.” Since 2016, the “DAV Radiothon” has raised over $1,058,000 to benefit veterans in the community.
Beasley were unable to come to terms on a new contract a few weeks after the company announced Toucher had inked a new, multiyear deal that will see him continue as lead host of the morning show. WBTS-TV, Boston “NBC10” reports that Toucher announced the change on this morning’s show and indicated he was surprised when management told him Shertenlieb was leaving the program. He also said management wanted him to tell the audience that the company made him “a multi-year offer that he chose not to accept” and that “negotiations weren’t going anywhere.” Shertenlieb has not commented publicly other than to inform the show’s X followers that he has a new X handle. 
We have a saying around “The Mark Kaye Show” studio:
$145.7 million, down 7.1% year-over-year. Audacy president and CEO David J. Field states, “Audacy’s third quarter net revenues declined 5.6%, in-line with our quarterly guidance as ad market conditions have remained challenging, particularly on national business. Cash operating expenses were down 2%. We gained revenue share in the quarter, most significantly in radio in which we have achieved accelerating share growth since the start of the year. We also delivered solid gains in radio ratings share and digital audience metrics while making important progress on our tech roadmap and meaningful expense savings to improve our current and future business model. Fourth quarter is currently pacing down 9% on an as reported basis and down 4% on a same-station, ex-political basis. We expect Q4 total revenues to decline by high single digits and costs to decline by high single digits. As noted in our recent public filings, we remain in constructive conversations with our lenders to recapitalize the company’s balance sheet to establish a strong financial footing and position the company to capitalize effectively on our growth opportunities. Notwithstanding current challenges, Audacy has established a strong position as a scaled, leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment company distinguished by our exclusive premium content and top positions across the country’s largest markets. We salute our team for their strong work delivering solid growth against our key performance metrics and serving our listeners and customers with excellence.”
video saying it violates its community guidelines that “prohibit linking to content containing manifestos from individuals who have committed violent attacks.” Crowder issued a notice on X regarding the removal of the content, saying, “YOU determine what matters. YOU determine the content. Not YouTube, not the rest of BigTech, not their lackies, and not a gaggle of sponsors who don’t have the b***s to stand behind the kind of content you actually want to see.” According to a report by Newsweek, “The Metro Nashville Police Department has not confirmed that the screenshots shared by Crowder are Hale’s manifesto. A department spokesperson told Newsweek Monday that police were ‘unable to confirm the authenticity of what has been released, although we are looking into that at this very moment.’” 
Midwest Communications’ news/talk KFGO, Fargo The Mighty 790 on November 2. He tells The Forum that he left the station due to a difference in programming philosophy with management. “We differed on the operation of the ‘Morning Crew,’ and so I decided to step away.” Michaels serves as the public address announcer for North Dakota State football and basketball games, a position he will continue to hold. 
her new role later this month, replacing Grady Trimble who now serves as a Washington based correspondent for the network. Since 2021, Saberi has served as a reporter for “Good Day Austin” at FOX affiliate KTBC-TV, Austin. She got her start as a FOX News Media college associate in the summer of 2017 where she worked on “The Story with Martha MacCallum.”
Downs for a $562 million casino project that faces opposition from a group called No Means No Casino, led by Paul Goldman. While hosting a shot on The Box 99.9, Brown referred to Goldman as “a Jew who’s got the same trait as Judas,” and a “white Jew with the background of Judas.” WRIC-TV reports that Urban One regional VP Marsha Landess called Brown’s comments “horrible and offensive” and that Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins apologized directly to Goldman. 
Fredericks says, “As our stations in Philadelphia have thrived and shown stunning growth, we thought it was critical to bookend the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Pittsburgh, giving us robust reach in both dense population centers. We offer listeners in Pittsburgh’s Westmoreland County and now Nashville, Tennessee an exciting news/talk alternative that breaths oxygen into a stale and boring ring of warmed-over RINO syndicated hosts on the conservative news/talk syndication circuit. Our Nashville acquisition gives us a base of operations in the Mid-South as we expand along the spine of the Atlantic Coast. Nashville is a high-growth city and an important cultural center of our movement. We will be competing there with the biggest talk station conglomerates in the nation, including Cumulus and iHeart. We will offer Nashville listeners a dynamic alternative choice.
I am always impressed when I see-and-hear radio and TV stations swapping product.
Detroit’s News/Talk Radio Station.” The station features local host Justin Barclay in morning drive with Premiere Networks syndicated shows including “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” Key Networks’ “The Bill O’Reilly Show” and Red Apple Media’s “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano.” The station is promoting itself with a heavy media schedule on iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WNIC-FM, Detroit voiced by Sean Hannity. Adell Media CEO Kevin Adell says, “910 AM Superstation is living up to its name. The audience growth we’ve seen since launching our conservative news/talk lineup in September has been exponential, and we’re looking forward to reaching even more listeners on 104.3 HD2.” 
College radio is a special place on the FM dial. Listeners know it as the channel at the low end of the band where student and volunteer DJs have free reign to play music not usually heard from commercial operators. College students recognize it as a place where they can hone their broadcasting skills and put their passion and talents to work to prepare for a career in the industry. Hiring managers recognize it as a proving ground that provides quality pre-professional development and a destination to seek out qualified candidates to fill entry level media industry roles.
October 2023 PPM Data – Information for 
team of award-winning journalists brings a fresh perspective to mornings while delivering a perfect mix of news, sports, and entertainment.” Also, station traffic and weather anchor Renee Vitale becomes co-host of “First Thing with Mike Parsons” from 5:00 am to 6:00 am. The station is pairing Detroit Lions great Lomas Brown with WJR’s Sean Baligian for the 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm “Sportswrap with Lomas Brown and Sean Baligian” program. Cumulus Media regional VP and market manager Steve Finateri comments, “‘JR Morning with Guy, Lloyd and Jamie’ plus ‘SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Sean Baligian’ as bookends to our current big-name local daily shows on WJR has given ‘The Great Voice of The Great Lakes’ more prime time firepower than at any time in the past 20 years!”
programming includes Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” and “The Jesse Kelly Show,” as well as programming from Westwood One. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Jason Carr says, “We’re excited to bring ‘The Patriot’ to Vero Beach with local talk and news from ‘The Brian Mudd Show’ and some of the biggest names in national talk radio. ‘The Patriot’ will super-serve the growing Vero Beach community, with the most up-to-date news, weather and sports updates, including sources like FOX News and the Florida News Network.”