Round Three of June PPMs Released
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #14, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA loses nine-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM sheds one-tenth for wrap the survey with a 5.6 share and remains ranked #3, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses eight-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls one spot to the #8 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM adds one-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share and remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO tacks on two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish that keeps it ranked #11. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
By 2009, I had been making my living consulting and coaching talk hosts for 14 years, but I myself had not yet hosted a talk show. Like Rush Limbaugh before he went-talk, I had lots of on-air time under my belt as a music DJ. And that same skill set contributes to talk radio success: “Play the hits” (topics) and convert Cume to AQH (technique).
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
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.”
Simulcasting on 98.7 HD-2, iHeartMedia Washington, DC launches “Freedom 104.7 – DC’s Real News. Real Talk.” Senior vice president of programming Jeff Kapugi states, “We are excited to welcome a number of best-in-class personalities to ‘Freedom 104.7.’ We are confident [the station] will quickly become a favorite destination for DMV talk radio listeners.” Premiere Networks executive vice president of affiliate sales Peter Tripi adds, “We’re thrilled to have our industry-leading talk lineup join ‘Freedom 104.7 & 98.7 HD-2.’ These stellar talents will provide entertaining, unique and insightful views on the latest news, politics and events that Washington, DC listeners are looking for.” The station’s weekday lineup includes: “America’s First News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Clay Travis & Buck Sexton (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Jesse Kelly (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); “Our American Stories” (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight); “Coast to Coast Early Edition” (12:00 midnight – 1:00 am); and “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (1:00 am – 6:00 am). Approximately six months ago (1/5), WWDC-HD2 and 104.7 translator station W284CQ became “iHeart Sports DC”; it was not listed in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep. Among persons 6+ in that ratings period, American University public radio news/talk WAMU ranks first (11.4); Hubbard all-news WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” is second (8.0); Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” finishes seventh (4.7); and Audacy business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” ranks #22 (.5).
Afternoon News” program as co-host alongside John Mercure. WTMJ interim market manager Emily Dillinger states, “I am looking forward to fun and lively conversation about the news of the day, what it means and why it matters on ‘WTMJ NOW.’ Both Sandy and Steve are genuinely curious people who also have an infectious energy and the ability to relate to a variety of people, and I’m sure that will resonate with fans across Wisconsin.” Another tweak to the lineup it that “Wisconsin’s Morning News with Vince Vitrano and Erik Bilstad” will now air from 6:00 am to 9:00 am with a local news report at 5:00 am.
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). 
Westchester Radio, Inc to religious broadcaster Hope Media Group for $8.15 million. WVIP-FM has been airing programming brokered to Caribbean broadcasters. The O’Shaughnessy family still owns the company’s other station – news/talk WVOX-AM. O’Shaughnessy died in May of 2022 at the age of 84.
Congratulations! You’ve made to the halfway point this year.
into the future. Her expertise will be instrumental in leading our continued success and delivering high-quality content across our platforms.” Most recently, Todd has been serving as chief reputation officer and SVP of global public affairs at a beauty and wellness company. During her career, she’s spent 25 years as a television news anchor and reporter working in Washington, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, including 10 years at KSL-TV where she was a top-rated late news anchor. Todd comments, “Bonneville is a company known for being a trusted source through its commitment to excellence and delivering content that matters. I look forward to returning home and working alongside the talented team to create meaningful experiences and engage audiences across multiple platforms. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation and innovate in the ever-evolving media landscape.”
community. With the launch of this station, we aim to not only serve our listeners but give them a reliable home for the news they seek and the information they rely on every day.” Americano Media’s talent includes award-winning journalists Lucia Navarro and Carines Moncada, as well as popular radio hosts Dania Alexandrino and Lourdes Ubieta. Americano Media produces 18 hours of original programming each weekday from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight ET. American Media chief executive Ivan Garcia-Hidalgo says, “This collaboration with Alpha Media is a natural fit for Americano. We take pride in delivering the finest Hispanic news/talk programming in Spanish, and we are happy to bring that programming to the large Hispanic audience in Bakersfield.”
“During the past decade, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the people of Central Virginia. This community has been so welcoming to my family and I cherish having the chance to help out a bit by serving as an advocate for special needs kids, saluting our law enforcement officers, and sharing vital news and information.” Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier comments, “Jeff is a great citizen of Virginia and continues to be an important part of the WRVA family.”
and operations. She is a native Nebraskan who is passionate about local media and the Omaha community. Byars understands our commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to have her join our talented team in Omaha.” Byars has served in leadership positions with Lee Enterprises, Berkshire Hathaway Media, and the Omaha World-Herald. She comments, “Radio has such a positive impact on so many of our listener’s lives, the local businesses we serve, and the community partnerships we form. Joining the team at the radio stations that I grew up listening to is such an honor to me and I am excited to build upon the stations’ legacies.”
University will be posted, continuing today (6/23) with the comedy presentation, “Morning Wakeup.” The standup routine, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered for the third consecutive year by FOX News Radio midday star Jimmy Failla. Sporting his trademark flashy jacket and ultra-cool boots, Failla – one of the rapidly rising stars on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – satirically poked fun at political correctness as well as himself. 
years, I have been working two daily jobs. The time has come for me to focus my full energies on ‘The MJ Morning Show’… This is bittersweet as it has been a joy and privilege to host ‘The Schnitt Show’ and I am forever grateful to our affiliates, sponsors, partners, and most importantly our listeners for supporting the show for so many years.” Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann says, “How many people in the history of radio have hosted two-daily, drive time shows, targeting two completely different audiences, and doing it successfully for over two decades? The answer is virtually no one else. Kudos to Todd for his work ethic, creativity, ingenuity, and talent. It has been an honor to serve as Todd’s syndication partner all these years and we look forward to working with him on this next chapter.”
being produced by the award-winning team of Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Nick Pagliochini. KFI says, “Parents and protesters continue to gather at school board meetings around the country to express their frustration over districts’ that try to introduce books and language which address the transgender community and other LGBTQ+ issues. Faith-based leaders have also joined the protests along with advocacy groups that represent parents of public-school students. Critics say these issues should be addressed exclusively in the home while supporters say it is critical to be inclusive of all lifestyles to better prepare children for the real world. ‘He Said, She Said, They Said…’ features multiple sides of the issue. There is also a companion podcast with extended content that will be available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeartRadio App.”
Lucid, Bose, Samsung and Xbox, as well as on the TuneIn mobile app and TuneIn.com. The agreement also gives Audacy access to TuneIn’s advertising supply and brings select TuneIn original content to the Audacy digital platform. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley 
comments, “Streaming of AM/FM Radio is one of the fastest growing segments of all digital audio today. As consumer demand for Audacy’s best-in-class local audio content continues to increase, we’re committed to meeting the listener wherever they wish to consume, and we’re delighted to expand the availability of our unique live sports, news, and personality-driven audio content to over 200 new TuneIn-supported platforms. We’re equally thrilled to welcome TuneIn’s premium exclusive content to the Audacy digital platform.”
brought Carton back to WFAN after he served a year in prison for fraud. He said, “I had a saint in my corner. A gentleman by the name of Chris Oliviero. He has maintained his support of me as a friend and a brother through all the ups and downs of my radio career. When I got myself in trouble, he came and visited me. He told me if I ever got my life back in order and figured out why I made the bad decisions I made, he would be there for me. No guarantees of a job, but that he would never stop being my friend. Having a guy like that as your friend, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Not only is he my friend, but he paved the way for me to come back to WFAN.” The WFAN website says Carton will continue to do his weekend gambling addiction program, “Hello, My Name is Craig” show that airs on WFAN on Saturday mornings. He added, “WFAN has meant the world to me. If WFAN didn’t give me the opportunity to come back and restart a career, no joke, I’m unemployable… so, walking away from WFAN is not easy. WFAN is my home.”
Podcasting.” The session, sponsored by Our American Stories, was introduced by syndicated talk show host Guy Benson of FOX News Radio (pictured at right) and moderated by talk show host Lisa Wexler of WICC, Bridgeport, CT (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Gary Krantz, CEO, Krantz Media Group; Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, WYD Media; and Larry Young, host/producer, “In Conversation with LY” podcast. 