May 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
May 2022 PPM Data – Information for the May 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25.
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 2022 – May 2022 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, eighth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.5 – 6.2, -.3, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, fifth month in a row, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock KLBJ-FM and rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.6)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country KASE (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.4 – 7.2, -.2, third to fourth
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.0 – 1.5, -.5, #14 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #12 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.6, -.4, second to third
Number One 6+ (Tie): Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, third successive month 9.0 – 7.8, -1.2 and Radio One urban AC WFXC, first month 7.4 – 7.8, +.4
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): adult hits WBBB and country WNCB (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRDU (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.0 – 8.5, -.5, locked at #2
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, steady at #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .6 – .4, -.2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 4.8, -.5, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, fifth successive month, 12.8 – 11.8 -1.0
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): CHR WZPL and triple A WTTS (+.7)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.3)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.9 – 10.3, +.4, #1
iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 7.5 – 9.6, +2.1, fourth to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, repeats at #15
iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #17
Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” .8 – 1.0, +.2, unchanged at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 5.3 – 5.1, -.2, flat at #7
Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, second month in succession, 9.9 – 10.3, +.4
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: news/talk WISN (+2.1)**
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKLH (-1.1)
**Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, sixth to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, #12 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.2 – 3.2, +1.0, #15 to #12
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 6.4 – 5.6, -.8, fifth to seventh
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, fifth month in a row, 9.4 – 8.9, -.5
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: country WKDF (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFFH (-1.2)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in fifth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .6, steady at #17
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 4.4, seventh to eighth
Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, anchored in tenth-place
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, fourth straight month, 11.5 – 11.7, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-.7)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #11 to #10
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .4, repeats at #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #18 to #15
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” unchanged at .4, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.9, -1.6
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: urban AC WVKL (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 10.6 – 9.6 -1.0, first to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .7 – .9, +.2, remains at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.7 – 9.8 +.1
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: country WGNE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WOKV-FM and CHR WAPE (-1.0)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.1 – 2.1 +1.0, #13 to #9 and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 2.2 – 19, -.3, #10 to #11
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” flat at 1.3, unchanged at #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .5 – .8, +.3, #17 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.7 – 3.3, +.6, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, fifth month in succession, 9.8 – 10.0, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WMBX (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country WIRK (-1.3)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, carries on in fifth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD steady at 2.8, #12 to #11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, repeats at #14
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, fifth month in a row, 12.6 – 13.0, +.4
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult hits WSMW and CHR WKZL (-.7)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #12 to #14
Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .5 – .7, +.2, repeats at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to ninth and WMFS’ internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, steady at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, unchanged at #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, fifth successive month, 12.1 – 12.6, +.5
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.1)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.0)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, continues in ninth-place and WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, #16 to #15
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .8 -.6, -.2, #15 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.0 – .8, -.2, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.8 – 7.9, +.1, third to second
New England Public Media’s WFCR .8 -.4, -.4, #16 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 27th month in a row, 12.5 – 11.6, -.9
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WBOM (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.6)**
**Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.




its original “Good Day” moniker, Doug Stephan will segue his program to the USA Radio Network. Officially re-launching next Monday (6/13), “Good Day” with Stephan and co-host Jai Kershner will merge with USA’s “Daybreak.” The show Stephan launched in 1988 will continue to air in the morning and remains designed to time-shift to other dayparts. Affiliation will be handled by USA Radio Network, with that web’s president Chip Miller stating, “I’m excited to welcome Doug and ‘Good Day’ to the USA Radio Network family. Doug is an iconic fixture in morning radio throughout the country and we look forward to working with [him] and the ‘Good Day’ team. The lifestyle, non-political content ‘Good Day’ offers is something we feel more stations will welcome during a time when there’s so much going on in the world and in our society. Doug and ‘Good Day’ will serve as the cornerstone for an exciting growth plan for the network. This is our first programming change and show addition since acquiring the network in December 2021.” Stephan comments, “We’ve been hearing from some of our more than 300 affiliates of their frustration with how negative many news/talk programs have become. This move enables us to continue to present the news you need to know, along with our opinions, in addition to the positives that we see every day.” There will be no change in the format clock; technical; traffic; or sales partners. Stephan is the longest running syndicated host of a daily talk show and appears at #29 on TALKERS’ 2022 “Heavy Hundred.”
Guthrie Named iHM Florida Division President. Former six-year Cox Media Group president/chief executive officer Kim Guthrie is set to become iHeartMedia’s Florida division president. In that position, she will succeed Linda Byrd, who retires next month (7/15). Guthrie will report directly to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins, who states, “At iHeart, we pride ourselves on being a ‘talent first’ company; this decision reflects that commitment. It’s rewarding to find someone who both understands what our listeners need and how to operate in a multi-platform environment. Kim checks every box and more. We’re thrilled she chose to bring her talents to iHeart. Her CEO experience at Cox Media Group makes her uniquely-qualified for this position.” Guthrie adds, “I am very excited to announce my ‘un-retirement.’ iHeart has become a true employment destination and I’m thrilled to be part of America’s #1 audio company. iHeart’s leadership has built a culture of respect, transparency and innovation. The entire team has made me feel like I can make a difference here.” Guthrie joined Cox Media Group in 1998 as vice president/general manager for its Long Island radio station group and later became executive vice president of CMG’s national ad platforms. As Cox Media Group’s CEO, she had complete oversight of the company, including nearly 100 broadcast radio and television stations; dozens of digital assets; and newspapers. She started her career as a television news reporter and anchor for several ABC affiliates. Guthrie was named “Woman of Distinction” by the March of Dimes and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition, she won the “Trailblazer Award” from Mentoring And Inspiring Women In Radio and the “Women Who Lead” honor from the Alliance For Women In Media.
Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced. The 31st annual such event was held last night (Thursday, 6/9) in-person at New York’s Sony Hall, as well as virtually. This year’s “Best of Show” award was presented to FCB Chicago for its “Go RVing” radio commercial. Other winners included: Mockingbird, iHeartRadio App, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Promotional Spot or Campaign by a Radio Station or Group”); Great American Settlers, Spreaker.com, The Studio at iHeartMedia tied with Kiddie Pool, The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Commercial by a Radio Station or Group”); Tick Suck, Steve’s Pest Control, Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group; Dog Years, Motel 6, Barkley (Creative Radio Commercial by an Agency, Production Company, Or Advertiser); and Moolah, Georgia Lottery, BBDO Atlanta. Radio Mercury Awards chief judge/Campbell Ewald executive creative director Ale Ortiz comments, “It’s been an honor to be at this year’s Radio Mercury Awards and to award the incredible lineup of winners. The final round jury and I were very impressed by the winners’ ability to not only entertain listeners, but tell stories through radio and audio.” According to Radio Advertising Bureau president and chief executive officer/Radio Creative Fund chair Erica Farber, “This year’s awards once again proved the power of sound and demonstrated the strength of radio and audio in conveying a brand’s message. This was an incredible night for radio. It was so great to celebrate with everyone both in person and online.” Presenters from this year’s final round jury and advisory council included: freelance creative consultant Larissa Kirschner-Chaney; Josh Grossberg (McCann Health); Nicky Lorenzo (Taylor Global); Ciro Sarmiento (Weber Shandwick); and Joyce King Thomas (King Thomas). Event sponsors of this year’s event were Audacy and iHeartMedia. Dedicated sponsors included CBS News Radio, Hubbard Broadcasting and World Wide Wadio. General sponsors were Beasley Media Group; Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Katz Media Group; Salem Media Group; Skyview Networks; Sound and Fury; and WideOrbit, along with Friends of the Mercuries sponsors Forcht Broadcasting; Neuhoff Media; Nielsen; Triton Digital; and vCreative. For the complete list of winners and to listen to their work, go to
Multicultural Broadcasting-owned KBLA “Talk 1580,” Los Angeles’ “A More Perfect Union.” The HUD secretary and KBLA’s chief national political analyst, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, discussed the city’s homelessness problem; the need for affordable housing; and creative ways for first-time buyers to purchase a home and down payment assistance. Fudge commented that HUD is committed to equity by eliminating redlining of “certain kinds of neighborhoods.” … Effective next
Monday (6/13), Randy Cable commences as director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Fort Myers/Naples cluster, which includes sports talk WBCN “ESPN Southwest Florida.” Vice president/market manager AJ Lurie comments, “The more people I asked about Randy, the more excited I got about having him on our team. I think he will be a perfect complement to our brands, products, and family here in Southwest Florida.” Spring Valley, New York native Cable notes, “I am thrilled to join the Beasley family and look forward to working with the incredible team in Fort Myers. I am passionate about helping our team help local businesses thrive and prosper with great ideas and our ability to develop/execute powerful fully-integrated radio and digital campaigns.” Cable formerly was integrated sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Miami and Jacksonville stations, and spent eleven years as director of sales for Audacy Greenville (South Carolina) … The Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters
Association (CAPBA) recognizes Your Public Radio-owned public radio news/talk WYPR, Baltimore with five (5) first-place awards and seven (7) second-place awards for work done in 2021. Its first-place citations are in “Outstanding News Series”; “Outstanding Public Affairs”; “Outstanding Specialty Reporting”; “Outstanding Documentary/In-Depth Reporting”; and “Outstanding Serious Feature.” The CAPBA awards ceremony was held last Saturday (6/4) in Ocean City, Maryland. … In addition to hosting afternoon drive on iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040,” Simon Conway has been doing morning drive on similarly-formatted Orlando sibling WFLA “News Radio” and today adds a national assignment, filling in for Joe Pagliarulo. Conway’s PM drive program is simulcast on iHM’s WMT-AM “News Radio AM 600,” Cedar Rapids and WOC “News Talk 1420,” Davenport (Iowa). … Among the Delta Radio Greenville, Mississippi properties McConnell “Man@Large Adams will oversee as the newly-appointed operations director is WNIX “News Talk.” Adams most recently was director of content for Townsquare Media Lansing (Michigan).























































































































