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Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – 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+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.5 – 4.5, #7 – #7

WFED .1 – .1, #29 – #30 (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.3 – 7.6, #2 – #2

WDCH .6 – .7, #23 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #15 – #16 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #20 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .4 – .4, #25 – #24 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #27 (Wizards)

WJFK-AM .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Capitals)

WSBN .1 – .1, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.7 – 13.0, 28th month in succession at #1 

Note: News WTOP & WTLP’s -.7 (8.3- 7.6) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.8 – 3.2, #15 – #13

WXKS-AM .7 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.6 – 4.9, #6 – #6

Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #26

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 11.2 – 9.1, second straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.9 – 3.3, #11 – #12

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #30

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.0 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 4.6, #9 – #8

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -2.1 (11.2- 9.1) represents Boston’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.2, #25 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .6, #27 – #28

WMEN .2 – .1, #33 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 4.1 – 5.1, #6 – #5

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36    

Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +1.0 (4.1- 5.1) represents Miami’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.2 – 4.1, #7 – #10

KTTH 1.9 – 1.6, #21 – #22

KVI 1.3 – 1.0, #24  – #24

KPTR DNA – .1, DNA – #28

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.5, #19 – #17

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 4.2 – 2.4, #7 – #18 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 3.3 – 2.3, #14 – #19

KJR-AM .8 – .7, #25 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.9 – 7.2, #2 – #1

KSWS DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Note: Sports talk KJR-FM’s -1.8 (4.2- 2.4) represents Seattle’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.1 – 2.5, #16 – #14

WFDF .5 – .6, #23 – #22

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #29 – #29

News

WWJ 5.6 – 5.3, #8 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .4, #24 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.8 – 7.1, #1 – #3 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.8 – 1.1, #17 – #21 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .3 – .2, #28 – #28

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.6 – 1.8, #19 – #18

WUOM 1.1 – 1.2, #21 – #20 

Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s -2.7 (9.8- 7.1) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decreaseby any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.

PHOENIX

News/Talk

KFYI 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #9

KTAR-FM 2.6 – 2.7, #14 – #12 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.9 – 2.2, #20 – #18 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KGME .1 – .1, #31 – #34

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #34 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.0 – 2.3, #11 – #15

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.7 – 4.7, #10 – #8 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.9 – 3.0, #14 – #14

KTLK-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #19 – #15

WCCO Stream .1 – .3, #31 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.5 – 7.1, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .2 – .1, #27 – #31

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.6 – 7.4, #4 – #2

KNOW Stream .8 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 4.9 – 4.6, #5 – #7

KLSD .4 – .5, #25 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.9 – 3.0, #10 – #16

KGB-AM .8 – .8, #21 – #21

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 7.3, #2 – #1 

Note: Sports talk KWFN’s -.9 (3.9- 3.0) represents San Diego’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.3 – 4.9, #3 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.1 – 4.2, #11 – #10

News

Business news WHNZ .1 – .2, #34 – #28

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.1– 1.7, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #16

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .2, #26 – #28

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.0 – 2.6, #14 – #17

KDFD 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KHOW 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.0 – 3.7, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 3.0 – 2.2, #14 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.5 – 3.7, #7 – #10

KUNC 1.0 – 1.1, #25 – #27

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.3 – 3.3, #9 – #10

WCBM 1.9 – 2.0, #15 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.4 – 1.3,  #17 – #18

WDCH  .9 – .6,  #19 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.8 – 3.1, #6 – #12

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.4 – 3.2, #12 – #11

WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26 

Note: Sports talk WJZ-FM’s -1.7 (4.8- 3.1) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.7 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.3 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #25 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 5.7 – 5.0, #7 – #9 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 5.1 – 4.9, #9 – #10

Up next: February 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com. 

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: Five Predictions

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network

im1. 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.

2. Ratings change. Ratings giant Nielsen will change its system of measurement of audio. The PPM was created over 20 years ago by a company that no longer exists. For a station to earn proper audience levels, Nielsen must measure all audio distribution platforms including radio sets, in car, cell phone streaming, computer streaming, satellite, public address systems and ear pods and whatever comes next. Now you choose one – over the air or the stream. This will change or more companies will follow the recent lead of Good Karma Brands radio which just cancelled Nielsen.

3. New leadership. Who’s in charge? Most radio companies are run by very sharp and very senior CEOs and Boards. The Boca effect — I don’t want trouble, just get me to my retirement and condo on Boca. The primary reason FM grew from 10% household usage in 1968 to 60% in 1981 was the “kids” were put in charge – and caused “trouble.” Allen Shaw at ABC FM, Walter Sabo at NBC FM (forgive me), Jerry Lyman at RKO FM and the sons and daughters of the owners of thriving AMs paired with orphaned FMs (think Beau Woods at WEBN, Cincinnati and Bart McClendon in Dallas) were given free range to create and implement brand new formats. While the AM management played golf, those 20-somethings aired daring, new, shocking, amazing radio that drew listeners to FM. No, not stereo or low commercials, it was the FM package of subversiveness. For radio to level up and serve the joy of an audience born with iPhones in their cribs, it will be led by today’s 20-somethings without suffering interference by bosses sharing really interesting stories about their time at CBGBs.  The essential leadership will come from younger programmers and executives who have only known a world with online video stars, a thousand cable channels, and on-demand video and audio entertainment.

4. New sales paradigm. Digital entertainment companies – audio and video – are fueled by stupid money. Venture capitalists launch new businesses with the goal of claiming a stake and then selling the business for their ROI. VCs have no interest in operating profit. Really. That means start-up media companies pay much more for sales executives than radio companies. Start-ups are shinier goals than radio stations to a media advertising seller. There will be a revolution in the way salespeople are identified, recruited, managed, and paid or the decline in radio revenue will accelerate.

5. Renovated voice tracking. Voice tracking is not horrible, it’s an opportunity that has not been realized. Today voice tracking is a poor imitation of being live – without benefits. No time, temp, urgent news. Here’s the miss: Every station has a stunning, amazing production library. Don’t have one? Swipe from YouTube. Rather than pretending to be live, admit to being recorded. Use that production freedom to produce. Tap the production library to create a running drama, comedy, mood, listening environment. Make the show between the songs to be as compelling as Taylor Swift. That’s the future of music radio.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at walter@sabomedia.com www.waltersterlingshow.com

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imFebruary 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).

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+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #24 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #35

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #7

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.7, #17 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .4, #27 – #33

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #31 – #33

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #46 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.7 – 2.0, #13 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .8, #25 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.5 – 4.7, #7 – #4

WNYC-AM 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #22 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 5.4, #3 – #3

KEIB .8 – .7, #33 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #34  

News

KNX-FM 2.8 – 3.3, #12 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #37  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – .7, #32 – #32 (Clippers)  

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.9 – 2.0, #18 – #18

WLIP .4 – .4, #35 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #40

WVON .1 – .1, #41 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 6.2 – 5.4, #2  – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #35

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.4 – 3.1, #8 – #10 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .6 – .3, #32 – #35 (Bulls)

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.7 – 2.4, #13 – #16   

Note: News WBBM-AM & WCFS’ -.8 (6.2 – 5.4) represents Chicago’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #32

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .4, #30 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 3.2, #6 – #9

KGMZ 2.4 – 2.1, #14 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)      

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.9 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .4, #32 – #28

Note: Sports talk KNBR’s -.7 (3.9 – 3.2) represents San Francisco’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.7 – 3.3, #9 – #12

KEGL 1.2 – 1.3, #29 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .8, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #38

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.7 – 1.5, #24 – #27

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – .1, DNA – #42

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 4.9, second straight month at #1 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #17 – #19

KRLD-FM Stream .4 – 1.0, #35 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.0, #7 – #8  

Notes: The +.6 (.4 – 1.0) registered by sports/talk KRLD-FM’s internet stream represents a tie for Dallas’ highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase, while similarly-formatted KTCK’s -.7 (5.6 – 4.9) is the market’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.6 – 3.4, #9 – #14  (Rockets)

KPRC . 3 – .4, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #34 – #33

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.6 – .7, #21 – #25

KBME .6 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #28 – #33

KFNC .2 – .1, #33 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.8, #19 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.6– 7.3, #1 – #3

WFOM .6 – .5, #27 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .2 – .1, #31 – #34

WAOK Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 4.2 – 3.6, #8 – #11 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.2 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WZGC Stream .8 – .5, #24 – #26 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11

WRAS  .7 – .5, #25 – #26

WABE-HD3 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s -1.3 (8.6 – 7.3) represents Atlanta’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.0, #16 – #15

WKXW 1.3 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26

WURD .4 – .4, #28 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #29

WKXW Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #32

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .3, #32 – #28

WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 7.0 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WIP Stream 2.3 – 2.0, #15 – #15

WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #12      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.3 (7.0 – 5.7) represents Philadelphia’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .1 – .2, #32 – #27

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 5.1, #5 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #18

WINS-FM Stream 1.0 – .7, #20 – #23

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #32 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.6 – 2.7, #7 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .3 – .2, #26 – #27

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.9 (4.6 – 2.7) represents the highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #21 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .5, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #20 – #19

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 2.1, #20 – #15

KSFO Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.2 – 5.4, #4 – #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26

KNEW .2 – .3, #28 – #26  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.7 – 3.6, #5 – #7

KGMZ 2.8 – 2.0, #10 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .3, #26 – #26  

KTCT .3 – .3, #27 – #26   

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports talk KNBR’s -1.1 (4.7 – 3.6) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2

WOR 2.7 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream .8 – 1.1, #20 – #18    

News

WINS-FM 2.7 – 2.4, #9 – #11

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .5, #22 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.9, #9 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: February 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Happy Campers

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imFor spring break this year, Sarah and I revisited Sandals Grand Bahamian all-inclusive resort – NOT inexpensive, and very worth it. We’ve already booked same-week-next-year, and we think we know who we’ll see there then.

Among those we chatted-up at beach bars: Owner of a HVAC service company in Iowa. He arrived ahead of 16 employees and +ones (“the other 16 are back there keepin’ the heat on”). And get this: He said that, for some, it’s their first airplane travel. And they land in Nassau! WHAT a boss, eh?

Another business owner we met topped that! He had 38 inbound next-day for a long weekend. To qualify for this “President’s Club” trip, those 19 reps each moved a million dollars of product in 2023.

“Selling what?” I had to ask. “All the things nobody wants to buy,” he quipped. His company is a rack jobber, meaning it has agreements with retailers to display and sell products in-store. Think cigarette lighters and the thousand other items you see at gas stations and convenience stores.

Going right into Larry King mode, I learned about those sunglasses that retail for $19.99. He buys ‘em by the palette, 19 cents each. And when I asked “What was HOT 2 years ago, and is NOT now?” he replied, without hesitation, “masks.”

im

He caught my ear when he used the term “liberal” to describe regions. In talk radio, that’s a political term. But the way he used it reflects Michael Jordan’s famous quote, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Like politics, commerce is regionalized. And he spoke in practical terms: Phone charger cords sold in the northeast are predominantly iPhone-compatible. “Get much-south-of New York,” and Android cords are also popular.

Contributing to inflation: Pre-pandemic, the usual business model was that the store paid for what his company delivered. Some clients were big-enough to change that, to paying-upon-SALE, which bar codes enable. So, the rack jobber is on-the-hook for “inventory shrinkage” (shoplifting and pilferage). But the arm-wrestling continues… and at least 19 reps are winning.

Heading for our final-night-there dinner, we passed the President’s Club reception in a VIP area; and next morning at breakfast, we spotted President’s Club T-shirts. We expect to see more next year, because, as the boss winked, “those wives want to come back!” and they tend to be supportive of long workdays in the meantime. 😉

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of  “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.

Industry News

“Material Weaknesses” Prevent Urban One from Timely Filing

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Urban One notifies the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is unable to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, before today’s due date (3/15). The company says additional time is needed for it to compile and analyze supporting documentation in order to complete the Form 10-K and in order to permit the company’s independent registered public accountingim firm to complete its audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting included in the Form 10-K. Urban One expects its auditor will issue an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The reason for the delay is that Urban One has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and as a result, expects some of its internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls will be ineffective as of December 31, 2023. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, will describe these material weaknesses, and the Company is implementing plans to remediate them. The company says it does not anticipate any changes to its previously audited financial statements, nor does it expect to report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 that are materially different from the financial guidance range previously provided by the company during its third quarter earnings call.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race and RFK Jr’s considering Aaron Rodgers or Jesse Ventura as VP; the U.S. House to vote on a ban on TikTok; the U.S. migrant crisis; special counsel Robert Hur’s testimony in President Joe Biden’s classified documents case; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck to exit House next week; the Israel-Hamas war; the Russia-Ukraine war and the Pentagon to give Ukraine $300 million in weapons; and the unrest in Haiti as gangs control Port-au-Prince were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race; the U.S. House considers a ban on TikTok; the U.S. migrant crisis; special counsel Robert Hur to testify in President Joe Biden’s classified documents case; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Biden administration submits a $7.3 trillion budget; the Israel-Hamas war and Biden’s warning to Israel about invading Rafah; the numerous staff changes at the Republican National Committee; and the controversial photo editing by Kate Middleton were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

HUGE SUCCESS: UN World Radio Day 2024 Achieves a Record Level of Participation

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

im

The 13th annual edition of World Radio Day (WRD) celebrated this past February 13 saw a record number of UNESCO Member States joining in the celebrations, with over 150 countries taking part. Particularly of note was the spread of commemorations throughout geographical regions. According to the WRD Secretariat, many broadcasters and radio stations worldwide aired special programs or news segments, and authorities in different countries organized or participated in events, highlighting the continued relevance and importance of radio. As part of WRD this year, UNESCO led an initiative partnering with 14 regional and international broadcasting organizations, urging car manufacturers to keep terrestrial radio receivers in vehicles to preserve information as a public good. (https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/broadcasters-call). The call was highly successful and broadly taken onboard by international opinion leaders. Engagements, reach and impressions on social media platforms were also huge, with millions of individual and institutional posts attesting to the importance of radio. Authorities at UNESCO tell TALKERS, “From the sheer number of observances of World Radio Day, it is clear it is a major UN day celebrated globally.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for WRD 2024 states, “This positive news about the effectiveness of this year’s celebration serves as an inspiration to the millions of us around the globe who recognize radio’s first century informing, educating and entertaining with the belief that it will continue to be an iconic and vitally relevant platform for the betterment of society for many years to come.”

Industry News

Mirta Lourenço is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Mirta Lourenço is the chief of media development and media in emergency for UNESCO based at the agency’s headquarters in Paris. She is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The name UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its stated mission is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. Podcast host and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison served as executive advisor to UNESCO for the recent 13th annual celebration of UN World Radio Day 2024 which gave him the opportunity to work directly with Lourenço, who heads the project each year. According to Harrison, “This year’s theme was a celebration of radio’s first century informing, educating and entertaining with the purpose of bringing global attention to the medium’s continuing importance and vitality in the 21st century while acknowledging the challenges it and all heritage media face in the digital era.” Harrison adds, “Mirta Lourenço is a true champion of global media supporting its potential and responsibility to serve the public good. She is a first responder to the first responders. Her work transcends the boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and language. It includes media platforms of every structure – commercial, public, community, corporate and governmental. She diligently operates at a smorgasbord of diversity at the center of the media world.” Harrison and Lourenço discuss the state of international radio from her global perspective. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here. 

Industry News

Benztown Unveils AI Listener Voice Generator

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Benztown launches the AI Listener Voice Generator, what it calls “a new audio production tool for radio stations of all formats and market sizes exclusively designed to simulate ‘listener’ audio for on-air use.”im The AI Listener Voice Generator enables library subscribers to simulate “listener” audio and addresses the challenges that stations increasingly face in collecting listener audio from the public. Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann says, “The Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Speech capabilities of this new feature make an audio producer’s job easier and more efficient than ever – and it sounds incredible!”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

“The Stephen A. Smith Show” moves from Audacy’s Cadence 13 to iHeartMedia’s iHeartPodcast Network for distribution. The show is produced by Smith’s Mr. SAS with Smith serving as executive producer.

Hannah Brummer joins TM Studios’ affiliate relations department serving under senior affiliate relations director Steve Kaufman.

Baltimore Public Media officially launched yesterday (2/26). The move unites radio stations WYPR and WTMD under a single, dynamic umbrella branded “Your Public Media” more than three years after the November 2021 acquisition of WTMD-FM from Towson University. Currently serving as president and GM for the company is former CBS News Radio vice president and general manager Craig Swagler.

Beasley Media Group promotes Luis “Speedy Jr” Gonzalez to director of video and audio production for its Tampa Bay cluster.

Ratings Takeaways

January 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJanuary 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.

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 “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.1 – 5.7, #6 – #5

KJCE .1 – .1, #31 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  1.4 – 1.1, #19 – #19

KVET-AM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #22

KTAE .9 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.3 – 6.9, #3 – #3

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: The +1.6 by public radio news talk KUT (5.3 – 6.9) and news/talk KLBJ-AM (4.1 – 5.7) represent Austin’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 5.0 – 7.5, #5  – #4

WPTF .6 – 1.0, #22 – #18

News

WRAL-HD3 .2 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.4, #12 – #11 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 7.9 – 9.0, #2 – #2

Note: News/talk WTKK’s +2.5 (5.0 – 7.5) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 4.8 – 5.1, #8 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.0 – 3.7, #16 – #13

WNDE .3 – .5, #21 – #22

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 3.4 – 4.6, #11 – #8

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.0 – 11.5, fifth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #28 – #26

WTMJ 6.4 – DNA, #5 – DNA 

WGKB .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.7 – 3.7, #15 – #11

WOKY .2 – .2, #22 – #23

WSSP .2 – .2, #22 – #23

WKTI 1.6 – DNA, #17 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.5 – 2.2, #16 – #14

WHAD .8 – 1.2, #20 – #16

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: News/talk WISN’s +2.5 (9.0 – 11.5) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 3.9 – 5.4, #12 – #6

WLAC 1.2 – 2.1, #19 – #18

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 6.9 – 8.0, #2 – #2

WPRT 2.0 – 2.3, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.1 – 4.9, #11 – #8

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 5.9 – 6.9, #5 – #4

WHJJ  .8 – 1.0, #15 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 2.0 – 2.1, #10 – #9

WBZ-FM 3.0 – DNA, #8 – DNA

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 1.6 – 2.1, #13 – #9

WNPN 1.3 – 1.5, after nine straight months at #14, moves to #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.0 – 2.3, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #24 – #23

News

WNOH .2 – .3, #24 – #21

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.8 – 1.9, #15 – #15

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #24 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 6.5 – 8.0, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #24

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.8 – 1.6, #15 – #16

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.1 – 3.0, #9 – #7

WZZR 1.3 – 1.3 #13 – #14

WJNO .6 – .9, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .6 – .7, #15 – #16

WBZT .2 – .4, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 1.9 – 2.8, #10 – #9

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.3 – 3.5 #8 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.2 – 5.3, #7 – #6

WUNC 2.2 – 2.8, #13 – #11

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.0 – 1.4, #11 – #11

KWAM .4 – .5, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.8 – 3.2, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #14 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.6 – 1.9, #9 – #9

WKNO-HD2  .2 – DNA, #15 – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.2 – 6.6, #6 – #4

WDRC-AM 1.5 – 1.8, #15 – #14

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #19 – #18

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.5 – 2.0, #11 – #13

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.0 – 4.1, #8 – #8

WFCR .6 – .6, #18 – #17

Mike Kinosian is managing editor at TALKERS magazine. Reach him at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Cumulus Adopts “Poison Pill” to Avert Potential Hostile Takeover

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Cumulus Media Inc announces that its board of directors has adopted a limited-duration Shareholder Rights Plan (colloquially known as the “poison pill”) to protect the best interests of all Cumulus Media shareholders. The Rights Plan is effective immediately and expires on February 20, 2025, unless the board terminates it earlier. The Rights Plan was adopted in response to the significant accumulation of Cumulus Media stock by Renew Group Private Ltd., an entity based in Singapore that had disclosed that it had acquired approximately 5.15% of Cumulus’ outstanding Class A shares on July 28, 2023. Onim January 24, 2024, the Group reported beneficial ownership of approximately 10.01% of the company’s outstanding Class A shares and stated its intent to acquire 20% of Cumulus. The Group has investments in other media companies, including a sizeable holding in a direct competitor of Cumulus Media. According to Investopedia, a poison pill “is a defense strategy used by the directors of a public company to prevent activist investors, competitors, or other would-be acquirers from taking control of the company. Poison pills are executed by buying up large amounts of its stock. They effectively block the accumulation of a company’s outstanding shares. Companies promise to distribute additional free or heavily discounted shares to all existing shareholders, which dilutes the shares so outsiders can’t take over the company by purchasing a controlling amount of shares.” Cumulus board chairman Andrew Hobson says, “Given the facts, the Cumulus board firmly believes it is necessary to adopt a limited-duration rights plan to protect the interests of all Cumulus shareholders. The Rights Plan is intended to enable the company’s shareholders to realize the long-term value of their investment, ensure that all shareholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of the company, and guard against tactics to gain control of the company without paying all shareholders an appropriate premium for that control. Cumulus Media’s leadership maintains open dialogue with its investors, including the Group, and intends to continue that practice.”

Industry News

Matthew B. Harrison Holds Court Over Section 230 Explanation for Law Students at 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

As an attorney with extensive front-line expertise in media law, TALKERS associate publisher and senior partner in the Harrison Legal Group Matthew B. Harrison (pictured at right on the bench), was selected to hold court as “acting” judge in a moot trial involving Section 230 for law students engaged in a nationalim competition last evening (2/22) at the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, MA. The American Bar Association, Law Student Division holds a number of annual national moot court competitions. One such event, the National Appellate Advocacy Competition, emphasizes the development of oral advocacy skills through a realistic appellate advocacy experience with moot court competitors participating in a hypothetical appeal to the United States Supreme Court. This year’s legal question focused on the Communications Decency Act – “Section 230” – and the applications of the exception from liability of internet service providers for the acts of third parties to the realistic scenario of a journalist’s photo/turned meme being used in advertising (CBD, ED treatment, gambling) without permission or compensation in violation of applicable state right of publicity statutes. Harrison tells TALKERS, “We are at one of those sensitive times in history where technology is changing at a quicker pace than the legal system and legislators can keep up with – particularly at the consequential juncture of big tech and mass communications. I was impressed and heartened by the articulateness and grasp of the Section 230 issue displayed by the law students arguing before me.”

Ratings Takeaways

January 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJanuary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 ratings period (January 4 – January 31) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

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 “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 4.9 – 7.0, #6 – #2

KEX 1.1 – 1.2, #21 – #22

KUFO .5 – .5, #25 – #26

KPAM .1 – .1, #34 – #32

News

None

Sports Talk

KXTG 1.1 – 1.9, #21 – #18

KFXX 1.7 – 1.6, #20 – #19

KPOJ .7 – .6, #24 – #25 (Trailblazers)

KFXX Stream  .1 – .1, #34 – #32

KMTT .2 – .1, #31 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.5 – 6.0, #3 – #4

KOPB Stream  .9 – 1.2, #21 – #22

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.0– 4.3, #9 – #10

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 2.5 – 3.3, #15 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 3.5 – 5.7, #11 – #5

WNSC 1.4 – 1.2, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Public radio news/talk WFAE’s +2.2 (3.5 – 5.7) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.4– 3.0, #15 – #13 (Spurs)

KTSA 1.8 – 2.3, #19 – #18

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.1 – 1.5, #23 – #21

KTKR .7 – .8, #25 – #26

KZDC .2 – .3, #32 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.9, #17 – #14 

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.1 – 7.6 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.1 – 3.5, #16 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.6 – 1.9, #19 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #21 – #25

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.4 – 2.8, #15 – #14

KQED .3 – .3, #28 – #28

KQEI .1 – .3, #30 – #28

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.6 – 4.3, #8 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .4, #22 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.2 – 8.3, #4 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .1 – .4, #27 – #21

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 3.9 – 5.5, #7 – #6

Notes: Public radio news/talk WESA’s +1.6 (3.9 – 5.5) represents a tie for Pittsburgh’s largest (6+)“Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

Alternative WXDX is the Penguins’ flagship.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 3.6 – 5.5, #9 – #3

KNRS-AM/FM 2.2 – 3.5, #17 – #13

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.1 – .8, #22 – #24

KZNS-FM .6 – .7, #25 – #25 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .2 – .4, #27 – #27 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.2 – 3.6, #18 – #11

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .2 – .1, #27 – #28

KUMT .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA    

Note: News/talk KSL’s +1.9 (3.6 – 5.5) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .6 – .8, #28 – #28

KXNT .3 – .3, #31 – #32

KXNT Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KMZQ DNA – .1, DNA – #35

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .8 – .9, #27 – #26

KKGK .3 – .5, #31 – #29 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .2 – .3, #33 – #32

KENO .1 – .1, #36 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.5 – 1.4, #21 – #24

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 3.1 – 4.3, #12 – #10

WDBO 3.1 – 3.5, #12 – #13

WFLF .6 – .6, #20 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .9 – 1.0, #19 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.7 – 3.4, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.8 – 12.1, #2 – #1

WKRC 4.5 – 6.1, #6 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.2 – 1.5, #18 – #18

WSAI .5 – .7, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.2 – 3.8, #10 – #8

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 4.8 – 5.6, #8 – #10 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 6.5 – 5.9, #6 – #8

WKRK Stream .8 – .9, #20 – #19

WARF .1 – .2, #23 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 4.1 – 6.1, #10 – #7

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 4.1 – 5.0, #7 – #4

KCMO-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #17 – #15

KMBZ-AM 1.4 – 1.7, #19 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream .5 – 1.0, #23 – #21

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 2.1 – 3.1, #15 – #14

KCSP Stream  .2 – .2, #28 – #27

KWOD DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.4 – 3.2, #13 – #12

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Country WDAF (6.2 – 8.3, #2, 6+) is the flagship of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 4.5 – 5.2, #7 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 6.9 – 7.8, #4 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .1, #23 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 3.6 – 4.7, #9 – #8

Up next: January 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

January 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJanuary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 PPM ratings period (January 4 – January 31) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below 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 “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.1 – 4.5, #9 – #7

WFED DNA – .1, DNA – #29 (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 6.3 – 8.3, #4 – #2

WDCH .5 – .6, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.6 – 2.8, #15 – #15 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .6 – 1.0, #21 – #20 (Capitals)

WTEM .2 – .4, #26 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .2 – .3, #26 – #26 (Wizards)

WJFK-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #29 (Capitals)

WSBN DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.5 – 12.7, 27th month in succession at #1

Note: All-news WTOP & WTLP’s +2.0 (6.3- 8.3) represents a tie for the largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 3.1 – 2.8, #9 – #15

WXKS-AM .9 – .7, #24 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.6, #5 – #6

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #29 – #28

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.2 – 11.2, #2 – #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 2.8 – 3.9, #13 – #11

WEEI-FM Stream .4 – DNA, #25 – DNA

WEEI-AM .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.1 – 6.0, #3 – #3

WGBH 3.9 – 4.2, #6 – #9

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s +2.0 (9.2- 11.2) represents a tie for the largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.2 – 1.4, #23 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.3 – 1.2, #22 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #27 – #27

WMEN .1 – .2, #36 – #33

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.3 – 4.1, #10 – #6

WLRN-HD2 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.0 – 4.2, #6 – #7

KTTH 1.3 – 1.9, #23 – #21

KVI 1.0 – 1.3, #24  – #24

KPTR DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.3 – 2.6, #20 – #19

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 2.6 – 4.2, #17 – #7 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 2.8 – 3.3, #15 – #14

KJR-AM .9 – .8, #25 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.2 – 6.9, #3 – #2

KSWS .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Note: Sports talk KJR-FM’s +1.6 (2.6- 4.2) represents a tie for Seattle’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.4 – 2.1, #15 – #16

WFDF .4 – .5, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #28 – #29

News

WWJ 4.3 – 5.6, #9 – #8 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .4, #26 – #24 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #28 – #29

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 8.6 – 9.8, #2 – #1 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.2 – 1.8, #19 – #17 (Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .3, #26 – #28

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.6, #19 – #19

WUOM 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21

PHOENIX

News/Talk

KFYI 2.9 – 3.1, #8 – #10

KTAR-FM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #14 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.5 – 1.9, #23 – #20 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #32 – #31

KGME .1 – .1, #32 – #31

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #32 – #31 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.6 – 3.0, #11 – #11

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 3.8 – 4.7, #10 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 1.9 – 2.9, #17 – #14

KTLK-AM 1.6 – 1.8, #19 – #19

WCCO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 6.8 – 7.5, #3 – #2 (Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .2 – .2, #27 – #27

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.2 – 6.6, #4 – #4

KNOW Stream .7 – .8, #23 – #23

Note: Public radio news/talk KNOW’s +1.4 (5.2- 6.6) represents Minneapolis’ largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 3.9 – 4.9, #6 – #5

KLSD .3 – .4, #28 – #25

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 2.8 – 3.9, #14 – #10

KGB-AM 1.0 – .8, #20 – #21

KWFN Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 4.7 – 6.2, #4 – #2 

Note: Public radio news/talk KPBS’ +1.5 (4.7- 6.2) represents a tie for San Diego’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.1 – 5.3, #7 – #3 (Lightning)

WFLA 3.2 – 4.1, #13 – #11

News

Business news WHNZ DNA – .1, DNA – #34

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.6– 2.1, #18 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.9 – 2.3, #17 – #16

WMNF-HD3 Stream .5 – .4, #23 – #26

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk WHPT’s +1.2 (4.1- 5.3) represents Tampa’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 2.7 – 3.0, #14 – #14

KDFD 1.3 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KHOW 1.4 – 1.4, #19 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.5 – 4.0, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.0 – 3.0, #18 – #14 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KEPN .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 3.0 – 4.5, #13 – #7

KUNC .7 – 1.0, #26 – #25

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 2.7 – 4.3, #11 – #9

WCBM 1.5 – 1.9, #17 – #15

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.0 – 1.4,  #20 – #17

WDCH  .8 – .9,  #22 – #19

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.5 – 4.8, #6 – #6

WJZ-FM Stream .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.4 – 3.4, #9 – #12

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA 

Note: News/talk WBAL’s +1.6 (2.7- 4.3) represents a tie for Baltimore’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 2.8 – 3.7, #14 – #13

KFTK 1.5 – 2.2, #17 – #15

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .2 – .4, #24 – #23

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #24 – #28

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .3, #24 – #25

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.9 – 5.7, #12 – #7 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.5 – 5.1, #8 – #9 

Note: Sports talk WXOS’ +1.8 (3.9- 5.7) represents St. Louis’ largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

Up next: January 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

iHeartMedia chairman & CEO Bob Pittman and COO & CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Tuesday March 5 at 5:50 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website (https://investors.iheartmedia.com/). A replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

New England Public Media’s popular local radio show “The Fabulous 413” celebrates its first anniversary on WFCR-FM, Amherst, Massachusetts “88.5 NEPM.” Program co-host Monte Belmonte says, “I’m not one to generally look back or laud anniversaries, but I’m very proud to be a part of this program that Kaliis [Smith] and I have built with the team over the past year here at NEPM. We originally likened this show to ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ for adults, and I hope we’ve done our best to live up to that lofty goal. And whether you’re working in public media or not, what better role model is there to aspire to than Fred Rogers?”

Public media firm GBH announces a $5 million grant from The Fiducia Fund to support “The Culture Show,” a daily news program shining a spotlight on arts and culture. GBH says the grant, pledged over a five-year period, will allow for the show’s sustainability and expansion to multiple platforms, including streaming on YouTube, a daily podcast, a weekly newsletter, events that include live broadcasts at the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library, and featured segments on GBH News’ Greater Boston, a daily news program airing on GBH 2, and streaming live on YouTube. GBH president and CEO Susan Goldberg comments, “The arts are vital to a thriving community and ‘The Culture Show’ brings the local arts scene to the forefront for our listeners. This extraordinary commitment from The Fiducia Fund is the largest gift ever dedicated to GBH News. It is invaluable to ensuring we can continue to expand our coverage of the arts.”

Ratings Takeaways

January 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJanuary 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).

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 “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.0 – 3.5, #11 – #11

WOR 1.2 – 1.7, #21 – #17

WKXW .8 – 1.0, #27 – #24

WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #37 – #35

News

WINS-FM 3.9 – 4.7, #9 – #6

WCBS-AM 1.6 – 1.7, #19 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #32 – #27

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #34 – #31

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #46 – #39 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.7, #12 -#13 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .7 – .8, #28 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.2 – DNA #21 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.1 – 4.5, #7 – #7

WNYC-AM 1.0 – 1.2, #23 – #22 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.6 – 5.5, #4 – #3

KEIB .4 – .8, #30 – #33  (Clippers)

KRLA .4 – .6, #30 – #34  

News

KNX-FM 2.5 – 2.8, #12 – #12

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .2, #40 – #39  

Sports Talk

KLAC .8 – .9, #28 – #32 (Clippers)  

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.0 – 2.3, #14 – #15

Notes: News/talk KFI’s +.9 (4.6 – 5.5) represents a tie for Los Angeles’ highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.

Flagship of the Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 2.6 – 3.1, #11 – #10  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #19 – #18

WLIP .3 – .4, #38 – #35

WVON .1 – .1, #43 – #41

WLS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #41

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 4.9 – 6.2, #4  – #2

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #43 – #38

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.5 – 3.4, #12 – #8 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.5 – 1.5, #20 – #20

WSCR Stream .4 – .6, #36 – #32 (Bulls) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.1 – 2.7, #15 – #13  

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .2 – .3, #32 – #30 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.7 – 6.6, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .3, #29 – #30  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.6 – 3.9, #7 – #6

KGMZ 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO .2 – .2, #32 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #32 – #34  

KTCT .4 – .2, #27 – #34  

KGMZ Stream .2 – DNA, #32 – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 6.9 – 7.9, #2 – #2

KALW .2 – .3, #32 – #30

Note: Sports talk KNBR is the flagship of the 49ers, which lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 2.8 – 3.7, #14 – #9

KEGL 1.4 – 1.2, #27 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .6, #33 – #32

KLIF-AM .4 – .5, #34 – #33

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.4 – 1.7, #27 – #24

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.2 – 5.6, #3 – #1  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.9 – 2.8, #13 – #17

KRLD-FM Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.5 – 4.0, #6 – #7  

Note: Sports/talk KTCK’s +1.4 (4.2 – 5.6) represents Dallas’ highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 2.6 – 3.6, #17 – #9  (Rockets)

KPRC . 5 – .3, #28 – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #21

KBME .6 – .6, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #28

KFNC .2 – .2, #31 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.4 – 2.8, #18 – #19

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.4– 8.6, #2 – #1

WFOM .4 – .6, #27 – #27

WGKA .1 – .3, #31 – #30

WAOK .1 – .2, #31 – #31

WAOK Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN  DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.5 – 4.2, #9 – #8 (Hawks)

WCNN 1.4 – 2.2, #20 – #16

WZGC Stream .3 – .8, #29 – #24 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.3 – 4.0, #11 – #9

WRAS  .8 – .7, #24 – #25

WABE-HD3 DNA – .1, DNA – #36 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 1.7 – 2.2, #19 – #16

WKXW 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #23

WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #26 – #26

WURD .3 – .4, #27 – #28

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #30

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 4.7 – 6.2, #6 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #32

WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 5.7 – 7.0, #4 – #4

WIP Stream 1.5 – 2.3, #20 – #15

WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 2.8 – 3.1, #9 – #10      

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.1 – 1.5, #20 – #18

WOR 1.0 – 1.1, #22 – #19

WLIR .1 – .1, #35 – #32

News

WINS-FM 3.3 – 4.8, #9 – #5

WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.2, #12 – #15

WINS-FM Stream .9 – 1.0, #23 – #20

Business News WBBR .2 – .3, #30 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #32

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.5 – 4.6, #7 – #7 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 2.7 – DNA, #11 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .3, #30 – #26

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #21

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .1, #18 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .3 – .4 #16 – #20

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.5 – 1.8, #19 – #20

KSFO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.5 – 5.2, #4 – #4

KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 4.7, #6 – #5

KGMZ 1.5 – 2.8, #19 – #10 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26  

KTCT .8 – .3, #25 – #27   

KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28  

KGMZ Stream .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports/talk KGMZ’s +1.3 (1.5 – 2.8) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.

Sports talk KNBR is the flagship of the 49ers, which lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 5.7 – 7.4, #4 – #1

WOR 1.6 – 2.7, #15 – #9

WKXW Stream .7 – .8, #20 – #20    

News

WINS-FM 1.8 – 2.7, #13 – #9

WCBS-AM 1.0 – .9, #18 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .5, #23 – #22

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM DNA – 2.7, DNA – #9 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.0 – DNA, #18 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: News/talk WKXW’s +1.7 (5.7 – 7.4) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

Up next: January 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Nielsen: Radio Can Grow Reach of Political Campaigns

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Audacy SVP and head of research & insights Idil Cakim dives into a new political study by Nielsen (commissioned by iHeartMedia, Audacy and Cumulus) that suggests advertising on radio can provide political campaigns with an edge and help “connect with key voter groups and amplify other political advertising.” The Nielsen study – Optimizing Political Campaigns in November – concludes that “if a campaign reallocated 20% of existing ad dollars to radio, it couldim reach 17% more voters.” The study references Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s 2022 campaign, noting that it deployed radio to reach voters in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In doing so, it allocated 20% of media dollars to radio and generated a 10% lift from radio above the local TV campaign, amounting to 676,000 additional voters at no extra cost. Audacy SVP of strategy, partnerships and analytics Jon Blum says, “When campaigns activate a TV plan, they should activate a corresponding radio plan and incorporate it into the mix with TV. The portion of the population that isn’t reachable via TV could be the swing vote and what throws it over the top for a candidate.” Nielsen’s study noted that if a campaign moved 20% of ad spending to radio, the optimized media plan would connect with 15% more Democratic and Republican voters and 23% more unaffiliated voters. See more about the study here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that award-winning ABC News correspondent and co-anchor of “20/20,” Deborah Roberts, will honor Deborah Norville as this year’s recipient of the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award will be presented to Norville during the Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Roberts says, “I’m looking forward to being a part of this well-deserved recognition of Deborah’s outstanding work as a broadcast journalist.”

FOX News Channel’s John Roberts will present a town hall with 2024 Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley on Sunday, February 18 in Columbia, South Carolina. The pre-taped one-hour event will air at 5:00 pm ET with an encore at 10:00 pm ET.

Job Opportunity

Hubbard Has PD Opening in West Palm Beach

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Hot AC 97.9 WFRM-FM in West Palm Beach has a very rare PD opportunity. The current PD for WRMF, Randi West, was offered the opportunity to continue on but has decided that after four years of commuting between Tampa and West Palm Beach, to step away from her position to devote more time to family. WRMF is an award-winning station with the legendary, family-owned Hubbard Broadcasting group. The top station in one of the fast-growing metros in the country with arguably the best weather anywhere on the planet! Reporting to operations manager, Bruce Logan, you would be equipped with market leading shows like the “KVJ Morning Show.” The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 5 years of programming experience in medium to major markets. The candidate should also possess amazing talent coaching skills and knowledge with digital performance. Learn more and apply here.

Industry News

Post: Soros Fund Management Buys Audacy Debt

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

According to a story in the New York Post, the George Soros controlled Soros Fund Management has bought $400 million worth of Audacy’s debt, estimated to be about 40% of the company’s total senior debt. Theim  Post says it confirmed the report with Audacy and the company added, “The decision by our existing and new debtholders to become equity holders in Audacy represents a significant vote of confidence in our company and the future of the radio and audio business.” The story cites an insider close to the situation who is a Republican saying he believes its “possible Soros was buying the stake to exert influence on public opinion in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election.” Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Podtrac Lauches Global Ranker Including YouTube Views

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Podtrac announces that it is launching its newest ranker – The Podcast Global Industry Ranking of Top Publishers and Networks – of which it says, “For the first time, the global reach of top podcast publishers and networks is being made publicly available for advertisers, agencies, and the industry at large.  Andim while traditional podcast metrics and rankers have focused on the RSS distribution of podcasts, Podtrac’s new Global ranking also includes the viewership of podcasts on YouTube – another industry first.” The company adds, “By encompassing YouTube viewership alongside traditional metrics, the industry gains an improved framework for capturing podcast engagement across platforms and borders. It provides advertisers, agencies, and industry stakeholders with the reach and influence of the key podcast players.”

Industry News

UNESCO Takes Strong Position on the Continuing Need to Protect AM Radio in Cars (and All Terrestrial Radio)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

im

In conjunction with today’s celebration of World Radio Day 2024 (WRD 2024), the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural agency UNESCO has issued a powerful statement supporting the necessity of AM radios remaining in automobiles and the importance of all “terrestrial” radio for the maintenance of freedom and peace throughout the world. The following position titled “Radio, the Trusted Guide in a Changing World” has been posted on UNESCO’s WRD 2024 web page:

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” World Radio Day 2024 marks 100 years of radio, a period in which it has become the medium that is arguably closest to human hearts and minds, providing news, entertainment and education in all corners of the world. It satisfies our need to be informed both for day to-day decision-making and in times of emergency and crisis. Over the past century, radio has proved itself as a crucial medium in maintaining freedom of opinion and expression, often being the only one still up and running in times of crisis. Studies have repeatedly shown that radio has the greatest trust, with most citizens rating it above television, the internet, social networks or the written press. Radio is a triumph of accessibility, immediacy and intimacy, and there’s a strong public-interest case for protecting it and our access to it. We believe that remaining easily accessible to all people, in all places, regardless of how they receive radio means using terrestrial broadcast networks (both analogue and digital) – still relied upon by the majority of listeners globally – and fostering online access to radio that is just as democratic and open. Cars are a particular concern, consistently among the most popular locations for radio listening. Whether it is terrestrial broadcast or internet, radio in cars should not just be easy to find, it must be impossible to miss. Information is a public good and a shared resource for all of humanity. Radio has its place in the digital transformation of the information ecosystem, complementing the internet and digital platforms. The evolution of communication technologies should advance people’s right to receive information and ideas through any media – instead of regressing it. We call upon governments, regulatory bodies, the technology and automotive industries, and all members of the global radio community to put safeguards in place to ensure that radio continues to thrive; to protect the free and unfettered access radio provides to a plurality of opinions and to trusted information; to allow radio to continue to help communities and all minority language speakers to receive information and participate in democratic processes; and to ensure radio remains available to all people regardless of their financial means or personal circumstances. 

TALKERS founder, Michael Harrison, who has served as executive advisor to UNESCO on WRD 2024 and fully supports its stated position on preserving radio, states, “Working with UNESCO in this capacity has sharpened my global perspective on the AM car radio issue in as much as the argument in America focuses primarily on the use of radio for emergencies – a limited and short-sighted proposition to whichim 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.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Milk It

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imIf last week’s column didn’t out me as an utter Smerconish fan-boy, this week’s will. Find his 2/10 CNN show online. It may be the best hour of cable news Talk TV I’ve ever seen; and having hosted several hundred myself, I don’t say so casually.

After Special Counsel Robert K. Hur’s report on President Biden’s mishandling of classified material characterized him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Michael’s poll asked: “Should Jill Biden suggest to her husband that he not seek re-election?”

50,504 votes (not a misprint): 63.85% Yes, 36.15% No.

Guest James Carville quipped that “Today is the youngest you’ll ever be for the rest of your life;” and he noted that LBJ didn’t drop out of the 1968 race until March.

Meanwhile, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejects Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution for the potential crimes tied to trying to stay in office despite losing the election…AND polls consistently demonstrate that most Americans don’t want a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024. Undaunted, Nikki Haley asks “do we really want two 80-year-olds” to be the choice?

With all due respect to Rush Limbaugh for leading the vaunted “Talk Radio Revolution” back then, this format’s golden age is NOW. We are in the suspense business. Milk it.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison asks, “Does the current crop of hosts, trained to preach to their target audience choirs, have the skill and balls to take advantage of the frustrated – even desperate – mood of the greater American public outside their narrow-minded core followers? And will their bosses allow them to even try?”

While I share his concern, I am advising news/talk stations that the “news” component is MUCH more tactically opportune than the “talk” – even for FOX News Radio affiliates which program major syndicated political hosts. ABC and CBS newscasts are also big assets, appointment listening if we promote overtly.

Specific goal: Add occasions-of-tune-in. How: “With SO much changing SO quickly now, stay close to the news. Check-in for a quick [name of network] update, every half hour…here. [dial positions, call letters].”

Local news people: This tactic will better expose your work too. Emulate your network’s writing style, latest-aspect-first, short sentences, use sound, and sound different than last hour.

Hosts: LISTEN. If callers barely let you get a word in edgewise, you’re playing this just right.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins”and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.