May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.
TALKERS magazine 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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*
*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KPBS (-.6)
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place
Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KMOX (-1.0)
Up next: May 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 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 (New Jersey).
How about a collective “thank you” to the 45th president of the United States for keeping your talk radio programming relevant, timely, unpredictable and most of all engaging?
gathered outside the Federal courthouse and calls from Mike’s nationwide audience giving their perspective on this unprecedented moment in our nation’s history. In addition to broadcasting his nationally-syndicated talk show from Salem/Miami….Gallagher and “Mike Gallagher Show” staffer Tracee Stockwell will then head to the Federal Courthouse where political supporters of the 45th president are organizing what’s being billed as ‘a peaceful rally in support of President Trump.’” Video of the Gallagher special will also be cleared live on the Salem News Channel.
within the realm of the company going forward?” “How can radio remain true to its roots and mission as an audio medium and theater-of-the-mind without missing the opportunities provided in a multiplatform environment?” plus more. Pittman says that this is a “golden moment” for both radio and the larger field of audio in which it is and will remain a major player. He pointed out that “25% of iHeart’s stations do not play music” and that more and more shows on the company’s music stations are “actually talk shows that play little or no music at all.” He reaffirmed the company’s awareness that personality plays an important role in the presentation of music and it is its intention to pivot back in that direction. He candidly addressed the divide between the coastal elites who influence the direction of national media but are largely out of touch with the heartland and the rest of real America. 
Orlando among numerous music outlets. iHeartMedia area president for Central Florida Barbara Latham says, “I’m thrilled to have Andrew join us in Central Florida and bring his tenure with iHeartMedia, along with his extensive digital experience, to our team. Hryciw was most recently division VP of digital sales in the company’s Portland, Oregon market.
Jewish Committee. The AJC is a global advocacy organization that monitors Antisemitism around the world and offers education and support to the Jewish community as well as engaging with leaders at the highest levels of government. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “I, along with others, recently watched in horror as anti-Semitic protesters were seen making Nazi salutes to passersby on the 405 freeway. As broadcasters, it is our duty to educate and inform our listeners and this podcast brings attention to the unseemly underbelly of Antisemitism which is sadly alive and well online and in our communities.” Other guests include Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate dean and director of Global Social Action Agenda for the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles; Dr. Matthew Schumacher, a clinical and operational psychologist who is on assignment with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Bureau; Dr. Michael Berenbaum, curator of the installation of the only authorized traveling exhibition of Auschwitz; Rabbi Michael Barclay, founding rabbi of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, California. 
47, James Norman Swank, 35, and Elizabeth Ann Caruso, 35, have been charged with burglary. The report goes on to note that Caruso and Swank admitted being at the station but denied stealing anything. While MacDowell admitted breaking into the station and stealing two demolition bags, sanitary wipes, and a fire extinguisher. They’ve each been released on $25,000 unsecured bail. 
and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s 
vision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” 
director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.
community’s access to Michigan’s most influential political, civic, and business newsmakers.” Moving to mornings is current early afternoon host Guy Gordon, who becomes host of “JR Morning” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. “All Talk” with Tom Jordan and Kevin Dietz airs from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Following “Focus” will be the 
newly created “JR Afternoon” show with host Chris Renwick from 2:00pm-4:00pm, followed by “The Mitch Albom Show” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Additionally, WJR is bringing back “SportsWrap” with host Sean Baligian airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cumulus Detroit VP and market manager Steve Finateri says, “Launching the ‘Focus’ show will give Paul W. Smith the opportunity to expand, on and off the air, his unmatched relationships with Michigan’s most influential newsmakers, for the benefit of our audience and our advertising partners. WJR is ‘The Great Voice of the Great Lakes’ and going 100% local is a big win for all Michiganders who count on WJR to inform and educate us about everything happening here in our state!” WJR program director Mike Wheeler adds, “What a lineup! Each of our talent is a brand unto themselves and have a unique vision and take on the events that shape the news. We are absolutely living up to our claim that WJR is where Michigan comes to talk.”
states, “
marrow transplant. On May 25, WCCO hosted a live auction with items and experiences provided by the station and sourced by on-air talent, sponsors, and partners. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane comments, “We are so humbled and grateful for our fans’ incredible generosity, the amazing financial support from our corporate partners, and the remarkable donation of ideas and time by our personalities. What a fun day auctioning off priceless, unique experiences for a cause so close and personal to us…in honor of our friend, teammate, and bone-marrow transplant recipient Jordana Green!”
James. The focus on illegal immigration will feature local and national law enforcement officials, along with local community leaders and migrants in answering questions about recent developments, technology advancements, cross-border traffic control systems, border and citizen security, quality of life in the border region, and economic opportunities. James comments, “On this trip, we’re ripping up the talking points and bringing you actual observations and conversations with those directly affected by the crisis at our southern border. I look forward to delivering these real-time moments to the WORD audience.”
was stepping back from his duties, that allowed the station to use internal research to consider the best options to tweak its programming. That resulted in the station naming longtime station reporter and anchor Chris Chandler the new morning host, swapping late morning and afternoon hosts Mark Arum and Eric Von Haessler, and making Shelley Wynter solo host in evenings and giving his former co-host MalaniKai Massey her own Saturday night program. Charles says, “I feel very comfortable that we’ve got the right people in the right slots. We are set to grow our success.” 
Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost, citing safety for citizens, access to foreign language programming and more. While Ford’s change of heart takes some of the immediate heat off the industry, there’s no indication legislators won’t continue pushing the legislation. Reacting to the bill, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation called the bill unnecessary and said the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System sends public safety messages across numerous platforms including FM radio, streaming sites, satellite radios, and cellular networks. 
2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”
Warning: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts certified me to teach high school English, in the early 1970s, the last year certifications were for life. Though I was lured-away by VU-meter hypnosis, I still carry a red pen. And radio news has it running-dry.
and founder of “Our American Stories,” a storytelling radio show and podcast featuring narratives that represent the best of America: history, sports, music, free enterprise, charity, faith, family and more. It can be heard five days a week, two hours a night, on well over 250 affiliates, including many heritage outlets, across the country. And archives of the show are available as an evergreen series of podcasts. In 2021, “Our American Stories” was signed to a syndication deal with Premiere Networks, giving it an added layer of distribution muscle as the property continues to show non-stop growth and display tremendous compatibility with more traditional forms of news/talk radio programming. According to Harrison, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most positive, as well as successful, players in the news/talk radio community with a compelling message of goodness and unity. He is a shining light of hope and growth for our industry and America.” 
April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
moves 
Sports gambling analyst Jason McIntyre in which crosstown news/talk WIND-AM, Chicago personality Dan Proft soon became involved. In the course of this being discussed by hosts on both WIND and WSCR, Riordan said, directing his words to Proft, “Dan, I’ll have sex with your mother,” and then adding, “Dan Proft, you bring your mother over here, and I’ll bone her.” When Audacy was asked for a comment by the Chicago Sun-Times, it declined to comment. 
delist the company’s common stock pending completion of applicable procedures. Trading of Audacy’s common stock on the NYSE is suspended but the common stock will continue to be able to be traded over the counter. Audacy says it intends to appeal this determination by the NYSE by filing a written request within 10 business days after receiving the notice. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field says, “Over the past few years, we have taken a number of transformational actions to give Audacy a leading, differentiated, and scaled position in the dynamic audio space, including podcasting, streaming audio, and our leadership presence across the country’s largest markets and our unrivaled strength in sports and news radio. While we are disappointed by the NYSE’s decision, we are hopeful we will find our way back to the exchange later this year as we execute our action plans which include a reverse stock split to satisfy NYSE rules, the continued execution of our liability management plans and working with our financial advisors to refinance our debt. Further, as macroeconomic conditions stabilize, we believe we will benefit from a general market recovery and will be able to capitalize on our investments in strategic transformation that position Audacy well for the future.”
There are media and there are media. There are platforms and there are platforms. Not all cultural artifacts are equal in terms of their utilitarian versus cultural value. Damn the tone-deaf corporate bean counters who are ripping the heart out of the spirit that gives humanity its life force! Marketplace obsolescence should not solely be determined by profit and loss. With all due respect to the idea of public service, what about the concept of loyalty? Shame on the automobile industry! Not only is it turning its back on the needs of millions of people, it is in the process of betraying one of its historic partners in not only commerce – but romance and glory. In other words, the automobile industry owes the radio industry a huge debt. The relationship between cars and radios goes a century deep and has been nothing less than a two-way street. Yes, auto industry, don’t be so hasty to save a few bucks by rushing AM (and then FM) radio out the door. You might just find in the long run that “radio” outlasts the private “car” as a fixture of human activity.