Round Two of March PPMs Released
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s March sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington rises one-tenth to finish the survey with a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM sheds three-tenths for a 4.0 share finish good for the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO is steady with a 4.1 share and stays in the #9 position as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips two-tenths to a 4.4 share and slides back to the #7 rank. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle lost six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that leaves it in the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths for a 4.1 share that drops it to the #10 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
million and 376% year-over-year growth, as well as 55 million total multiplatform minutes, up 289% versus March 2022. OutKick also delivered 46 million in total multiplatform page views, up 152% from the prior year. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “I couldn’t be happier with OutKick’s digital performance in March. It comes with no surprise given we continue to announce new talent, new shows, and deliver content that attract massive audiences. More to come, buckle up.” The custom competitive set includes: CBS Sports, ESPN.com, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, Deadspin, Barstool Sports, and New York Post.
communication during emergencies.” At this week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, Catsimatidis met with members of the FCC and FEMA and, at Catsimatidis’ request, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced a “Save AM Radio” spot for 77 WABC. Catsimatidis is offering the PSA to every radio station in America. Catsimatidis says, “The automotive industry is doing a huge disservice to Americans by even considering the removal of AM radio from cars. They are putting the safety of Americans at peril by putting profits before people. Americans deserve better. I am urging all AM and FM radio stations, the NAB, the RAB, and state broadcast associations to band together and bring common sense to Ford and other auto manufacturers.” 
created by world renowned storytellers.” New York Festivals Storyteller’s Gala honored “The Kalb Report” with the 13th annual New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award. For nearly 30 years “The Kalb Report,” moderated by eminent journalist Marvin Kalb, has provided a forum for prominent newsmakers and journalists to discuss the news media’s impact on American democracy. “Start Here” by ABC News in the News Podcast category earned the inaugural National Press Club Award. The new award launched in 2023, in partnership with the National Press Club, goes to the highest scoring entry in the following news program categories: Best Coverage of Breaking News Story, Best Coverage of Ongoing News Story, Best Nonfiction Series, and News Podcast. Other U.S.-based audio companies winning gold awards in this year’s competition include: ESPN in three podcast categories, iHeartMedia/Katie Couric Media in the Narrative/Documentary Podcast category, and SiriusXM for Best Editing. 
ownership has stalled with no post-Christmas “pop” in 2021 or 2022; 2) Smart speaker ownership rates are in the mid-40s for 13-54s but only 26% for those over the age of 55; 3) As smart speaker ownership flattens, the share of AM/FM radio streaming on smart speakers also stabilizes.The proportion of total U.S. AM/FM radio streaming occurring via the smart speaker has stabilized as device ownership growth has stalled. According to Triton Digital, since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming via smart speaker has stabilized, growing slightly from 23% to 26%; 4) Smart speakers are vital to U.S. AM/FM radio as they are now more likely to be the only “radio device” in the home. Edison’s 2022 Infinite Dial study revealed that 40% of smart speaker owners do not have a radio in their home, up from 28% in 2018; and 5) Aggressive promotion pays off as AM/FM radio is number one for smart speaker ad-supported audio shares. AM/FM radio stations are consistently number one in ad-supported audio shares on smart speaker devices. No wonder, as streaming now represents 20% of all time spent to AM/FM radio. 
In addition to her work with ESPN, Arnolt has been a host for WWE and is currently a reporter for UFC events. Outkick founder Clay Travis says, “Charly is an outstanding talent and will be a great asset for OutKick. It doesn’t surprise me she wanted to leave ESPN given their woke approach to sports and this is a great opportunity for her to join a platform that’s growing fast where she can speak her mind.” Arnolt says, “I’m extremely excited to join OutKick and work alongside Clay and a great stable of talent. The outspoken nature of the platform and its ability to create engaging content is what really piqued my interest. I have a lot of opinions that I haven’t been able to express, and I can’t wait get started.”
The first thing we heard was an earful from NAB president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt regarding automakers dropping AM receivers from new cars: “This is an issue we consider to be absolutely existential.”
forward by a Phoenix trial court judge. Harris and iHeartMedia appealed, arguing the case should be dismissed as Harris’ statements “were rhetorical hyperbole incapable of being proved false and protected by the First Amendment, and were therefore not actionable.” The State Supreme Court agreed unanimously. Justice William Montgomery wrote, “Under the First Amendment, apparently factual statements must be considered in light of the nature in which the speaker uttered them and the relationship of the statements to the overall context. Here, the nature of the words is colored by the context of an overtly political talk show.” But he also stated, “We do not suggest that the First Amendment provides categorical protection to anything that may be said on a political talk show,” adding a ruling from another case saying, “Candidates cannot make defamatory assertions they hope voters will believe, then, when sued for defamation, seek refuge in the defense that no one believes what politicians say.” 
with brands that synchronize with their audio rituals, by +12%, compared to +3% for non-aligned ads. A ranking of typical listening rituals featured in a previous Audacy study, “Audio Rituals,” was topped by running general errands (85%) and doing home maintenance (84%). Consumer engagement levels, though, were most heightened during “me-time” moments (73%), putting my child to bed (70%) and exercising outdoors (68%). Audacy’s “Audio Rituals” study also determined that 74% of listeners incorporated audio into their daily rituals and 40% planned their day/activities around audio content. Audacy head of research and insights Idil Cakim says, “Audio advertisers can amplify the effectiveness of their buys through ritual moments. Study participants agreed that the stronger the match between advertisement and content, the better the outcome for key performance indicators like brand favorability and purchase intent.” Seventy-eight percent of participants agreed that strong content/ad matches mattered in brand favorability and 80% for purchase intent. 
vignettes that are offered to radio stations on a no-cost basis at this time. Emerson says, “‘The Making of America’ is original content programming from people who love America FOR people who love America. Paramount to us is the unwavering, steadfast support for America’s fundamentals such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These are just some of the many principles that we as a people cherish as Americans.” In addition to work directing, writing and producing for film and television, Emerson was host of the “Face to Face” radio news program distributed by CBS. 
says, “During his tenure, Mike spearheaded our company’s foray into the rapidly growing sports betting space, including his work establishing record-breaking, multi-year partnerships with FanDuel and BetMGM, acquiring BetQL and the launch of the BetQL Network. Mike approached me in February about redefining his role within 
Audacy, where he could continue contributing but free up some bandwidth to pursue other professional interests.” Regarding Murphy, Field says, “Tim has been with Audacy for 15 years, playing a critical leadership role. Early in his tenure, he was the visionary behind WEEI.com, a landmark radio digital platform that blazed a new trail of innovation for its time… Tim has led corporate business development and provided outstanding leadership with key strategic, entrepreneurial, and industry partners and customers. Tim helped lead a number of important company business initiatives and technological, digital, and enterprise enhancements, including spearheading Audacy’s expansion into the podcasting space – developing strategy, and driving the acquisitions of Cadence13, Pineapple Street, and Podcorn. He has also played an important leadership role in working in collaboration with NAB and others on industry issues.”
“They have the time and tools to listen, they like spoken word contest,” and Edison Research president Larry Rosin reminds us, they’re big-money consumers.
promotional opportunities by way of advertising campaigns and on-air interviews with the podcast host or contributors.” Company founder and CEO Gerry Edwards adds, “This is a natural extension of what we do. We’ve made our own Podcast Radio Originals for some time, but we now want to extend our extensive production skills to brand partners as well.” Podcast Radio intends to take podcast content to radio listeners. It plans to begin distributing a 24/7 American version of its programming to radio stations and groups across the US beginning soon. To that end, it has partnered with New York-based KMG Networks to syndicate the programming.
special show. Salem Tampa general manager Barb Yoder says, “When I read that Jack Harris regretted not having the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans at the end of his most recent morning show, it really touched my heart. I’ve been in broadcasting for many years as well and though he’s been on a competing radio station, I’ve always admired and respected him and the way he connects with the Tampa Bay community. So, to honor Jack we were going to devote one of our morning shows on ‘The Answer’ Tampa and Sarasota for a Jack Harris Tribute.” Salem is hosting another recently let go Tampa host as former “Q105” personality Mason Dixon will appear on its “Faith Talk” stations on “The Bill Bunkley Show” today (4/14) from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
NPR has responded to the new label saying it is “inaccurate and misleading, given that NPR is a private, nonprofit company with editorial independence. It receives less than 1 percent of its $300 million annual budget from the federally funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” NPR CEO John Lansing is quoted saying the company is “protecting its credibility and its ability to produce journalism without a shadow of negativity. The downside, whatever the downside, doesn’t change that fact. I would never have our content go anywhere that would risk our credibility.” 
billion and overall revenues increased $20.4 billion YoY. Q1 saw the highest growth of 21.1% followed by Q2 at 11.8%, resulting in ad revenues for the first half of the year surpassing $100 billion for the first time. Revenues slowed in Q3 (8.4%) and Q4 (4.4%).” IAB CEO David Cohen comments, “After unprecedented growth in 2021, we expected more moderation in 2022. Economic uncertainty, geo-political unrest, a shifting regulatory environment and addressability changes have all contributed to revenue growing at a slower pace. Looking ahead, there is definitely still growth to be had, but it will be harder to achieve and likely less than we have become accustomed to.” 
episode features Chachi’s recent chat from Benztown’s Los Angeles studios with Michael Harrison, founder and publisher, TALKERS. In the second new episode, Chachi talks to Wayne Johnson, founder and owner of Rockaway Records in Los Angeles.
Today’s Benztown press release states: Before founding TALKERS, radio innovator and thought-leader Michael Harrison worked at legendary radio stations from coast-to-coast, including WNEW-FM in New York, KMET in Los Angeles, KRPI in San Diego, WTIC in Hartford, CT, and WCBS-FM in New York. He also founded the AOR format, hosted several syndicated shows, and was the first managing editor for Radio & Records. Harrison has been a columnist for Billboard, a radio station owner, and member of the band Gunhill Road.
at NJ.com notes that Wolff was a Harvard graduate “with a master’s degree who dispensed common-sense advice to parents and coaches during his WFAN weekend show.” The family’s obit states, “To know Rick or Dad or Pops was to love him. He was wise, thoughtful, sharp, funny, incredibly smart, and truly just a wonderful person. In his honor, please remember to never give up on your dreams. He never did, even after so many of them had come true.” 
decades. He started in Atlanta and worked with a young Bill Drake. His Susquehanna Broadcasting tenure started at WICE-AM in Providence, Rhode Island. That led to a promotion to the company headquarters in York, PA. He led the early FM expansion for the company with stations in Toledo, Cincinnati, Canton, and Indianapolis. He and I worked together in York for three years before starting our own Fairfield Broadcasting Company.” In the 1980s, Trivers and Wertz also partnered in beautiful music format syndicator Kalamusic.
Theory vs. practice is always a fun exercise. What happens when someone is bold enough to step out and break the mold to achieve their goals? Do you stop and learn, or do you simply stay in your comfort zone and take a pass?
assets, digital audio and tentpole events. In addition, Kurland will oversee the company’s entertainment legal functions across podcasts, live events, and new media initiatives as well as its music licensing strategy, including maintaining and renewing all music industry licenses for iHeartRadio’s digital services and performance licenses through PRO agencies. iHeartMedia EVP and general counsel Jordan Fasbender says, “Jon’s vast experience and dealmaking skills in the audio industry will be incredibly valuable as we continue to innovate and expand our partnerships and opportunities that leverage and enhance iHeartMedia’s position as the leading audio company in the U.S.” Kurland joins iHeartMedia from Amazon, where he served as senior corporate counsel in the Global Media & Entertainment group.
understanding of the media industry, coupled with a passion for innovation and excellence. As VP of content and digital strategy, Michele will continue to work with our content and digital teams while collaborating with each local market’s leaders to drive our company’s vision forward. Her extensive experience in digital strategy, content creation, and audience engagement will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our business and adapt to an ever-changing media landscape.” Mitchell says, “I am honored to take on this new role and continue working alongside the talented teams at Neuhoff Media. I am excited to bring my experience and passion for content creation and digital strategy to this new position, and I look forward to helping Neuhoff Media continue to thrive.”
price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The notice indicated that it is a result of the closing bid price of the company’s common stock having been at least $1.00 per share for a minimum required number of consecutive business days. Separately, today (4/7) is the date that LiveOne has set for spinning out PodcastOne as its own publicly traded company.