April 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two
April 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) 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.
MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.
Meanwhile, the NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 4.8 – 4.6, #5 – #6
WFED DNA – .1, DNA – #30 (Nationals, Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 7.9 – 7.8, #2 – #2
Business News WDCH .6 – .5, #22 – #23
WUST DNA – .1, DNA – #30
Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.5, #17 – #17 (Nationals, Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .9 – .8, #21 – #20 (Nationals, Capitals)
WTEM .4 – .2, #25 – #25 (Wizards)
WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25 (Wizards)
WSBN .1 – .1, #28 – #30
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals, Capitals)
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.0 – 11.3, 30th month in succession at #1
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 3.4 – 3.3, #12 – #12
WXKS-AM .4 – .4, #23 – #24
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.6 – 4.9, #6 – #7
Business news WRCA .3 – .2, #24 – #26
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.7 – 10.1, fourth straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.0 – 3.9, #13 – #10 (Red Sox)
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 6.4 – 5.8, #3 – #3
WGBH 3.8 – 4.3, #9 – #8
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.0 – 1.3, #26 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM .9 – 1.0 #27 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .4 – .3, #31 – #31 (Marlins)
WMEN .3 – .3, #32 – #31
WQAM Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #34 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 5.6 – 5.3, #5 – #5
WLRN-HD2 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 3.9 – 3.8, #7 – #10
KTTH 1.5 – 1.4, #23 – #22
KVI 1.0 – 1.3, #24 – #24
KPTR DNA – .1, DNA – #30
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 2.4, #18 – #18
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 2.7 – 3.8, #17 – #10 (Mariners)
KJR-FM 2.1 – 1.6, #19 – #21 (Kraken)
KJR-AM .7 – .5, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 7.2 – 7.3, #3 – #3
KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Sports talk KIRO-AM’s +1.1 (2.7 – 3.8) represents Seattle’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.3 – 1.7, #14 – #17
WFDF .6 – .4, #23 – #25
WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WWJ 5.3 – 4.6, #9 – #10 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .4 – .6, #25 – #23 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #27
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.5 – 9.2, #2 – #1 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.5, #18 – #18 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #27 – #26 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.6 – 1.9, #17 – #16
WUOM 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #19
Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s +1.7 (7.5 – 9.2) is the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.0 – 2.9, #10 – #10
KTAR-FM 2.2 – 2.7, #18 – #12 (Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.6 – 2.9, #14 – #10 (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #33
KGME .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.7 – 2.6, #12 – #15
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.1 – 4.4, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 2.5 – 2.3, #14 – #15
KTLK-AM 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #16
WCCO Stream .2 – .6, #28 – #26 (Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #32 – #30
Sports Talk
KFXN 7.4 – 8.0, #3 – #2 (Minnesota Wild)
KQQL-HD3 .1 – .1, #32 – #30
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #32 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 7.5 – 6.4, #2 – #6
KNOW Stream .8 – .8, #22 – #22
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 4.8 – 4.3, #5 – #8
KLSD .5 – .5, #24 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 3.4 – 4.0, #14 – #10 (Padres)
KGB-AM .9 – .5, #20 – #24
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.1 – 6.6, #2 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 5.1 – 5.1, #5 – #5 (Lightning)
WFLA 3.0 – 3.8, #14 – #12
News
Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.9 – 2.3, #17 – #16 (Rays)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.8 – 2.0, #18 – #18
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.4 – 3.0, #17 – #15 (Colorado Rockies)
KDFD 1.1 – 1.3, #22 – #21
KHOW 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 3.6 – 3.4, #10 – #13
KKSE-FM 2.4 – 3.0, #17 – #15 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KAMP .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #33
KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 2.9 – 2.9, #14 – #17
KUNC .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.7 – 3.3, #10 – #10 (Orioles)
WCBM 1.9 – 1.4, #14 – #15
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.6 – 1.4, #16 – #15
Business News WDCH .5 – .5, #20 – #21
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.3 – 2.9, #11 – #12
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.2 – 3.3, #12 – #10
WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 3.0 – 4.5, #14 – #10 (Cardinals)
KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17
KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #18
KMOX Stream .3 – .9, #22 – #19 (Cardinals)
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #27
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #27
Sports Talk
WXOS 5.1 – 3.8, #9 – #12 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 5.0 – 5.8, #11 – #6
Note: News/talk KMOX’s +1.5 (3.0 – 4.5) is St. Louis’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.
Up next: April 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
will cover the latest on significant events from around the nation and the world.” Levanthal adds, “‘The Leventhal Report’ will bring the top stories to the growing Newsmax2 audience with an in-depth analysis of the ‘why’ and what it means to them and our nation. I am looking forward to bringing my global experience in covering the news that matters most to Newsmax2’s lineup of hard-hitting journalism.” Newsmax2 is the network’s free streaming channel available on the Newsmax App and FAST channel platforms found on most major OTT systems including Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Pluto, Vizio, LG, Tivo, Plex and Xumo. Newsmax2 also airs on 20 television broadcast stations through digital channels.
April 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) 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).
defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them. 
talking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorney
general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.” 
Does anyone care anymore?
Actor Hugh Grant’s Tweet called it “The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley.” He was reacting to Apple’s 
reasons described below. The company says it is continuing to work diligently to file its Form 10-K as soon as possible and expects to be in a position to file the Form 10-K by May 31, 2024. “Additional time is needed for the company 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 accounting firm to complete its audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting included in the Form 10-K. The company expects its auditor will issue an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The company has identified material weaknesses in the company’s 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 will describe these material weaknesses, and the company is implementing plans to remediate them.” 
revenue for its stations by general format and the company’s sports revenue was $56.6 million – an increase of 6.5% – while its news/talk revenue fell 5.5% to $40 million. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy delivered a solid start to 2024 with Q1 EBITDA increasing 173% vs the prior year. Second-quarter revenues are currently pacing up low-single 
digits, and we expect another quarter of substantial EBITDA growth, enhanced by our continuing work on expense reductions. Our improving results are predominantly attributable to a significant acceleration in digital revenue growth, continuing meaningful revenue share gains, and declining expenses as our transformational investments bear fruit. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization, which will reduce our debt by 80%, and are now awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. I want to salute our team for their excellent work in driving financial and operating progress while simultaneously executing our reorganization plan, all without disruption to customers, listeners, partners, vendors or our staff.
Salem states, “Revenue growth from the sale of broadcast airtime is negatively impacted by audiences spending less time commuting, certain automobile manufacturers removing AM radio signals, increases in other forms of content distribution, and decreases in the length of time spent listening to broadcast radio as compared to audio streaming services, podcasts, and satellite radio. These factors may lead advertisers to conclude that the effectiveness of radio has diminished. We continue to enhance our digital assets to complement our broadcast content. The increased use of smart speakers and other voice activated platforms that provide audiences with the ability to access AM and FM radio stations offers potential sources for radio broadcasters to reach audiences. Our broadcast advertising revenue is particularly dependent on advertising from our Los Angeles and Dallas markets, which generated 15.3% and 18.4%, respectively, of our total net broadcast advertising revenue during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, compared to 15.1% and 18.7%, respectively, of our total net broadcast advertising revenue during the three- month period ended March 31, 2024.” 
revenue was $102 million, down 5.5% from the same period a year ago. The company’s Digital Audio Group revenue was $239 million, up 7% over Q1 2023. Breaking that segment down, Digital (excluding Podcast) revenue was $148.3 million (up 1.2%), and Podcast revenue was $90.6 million (up 18%). iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We’re pleased to report our first quarter of year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA growth in five quarters, driven by the substantial sequential year-over-year improvement in the performance of all our segments: the Multiplatform Group, the Digital Audio Group, and the Audio and Media Services Group – with the Digital Audio Group hitting its best Q1 EBITDA margin ever. Additionally, our Q1 results were in line with our previously provided Adjusted EBITDA and Revenue guidance ranges. Although the marketplace continues to be dynamic, we continue to see meaningful opportunities for growth in our businesses and we remain confident in 2024 as a recovery year.”
was $34.1 million, up 1.3% over Q1 of 2023. Broadcast Advertising net revenue was $45.5 million, down just 1% from a year ago. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s first quarter results met our previously issued guidance, and that we are building momentum and gaining market share, primarily due to our local focus and our unique and differentiated digital platform… Our first 
quarter performance improved over the fourth quarter across each of our segments. Importantly, our Digital Advertising segment returned to revenue growth in the first quarter (+1.3% year-over-year), and our Townsquare Interactive segment achieved net subscriber growth and month-over-month revenue growth in March, a meaningful turning point for the business. In total, Digital represented 53% of Townsquare’s first quarter 2024 net revenue and Adjusted Operating Income. The strong cash generation characteristics of our assets provided us the ability to execute two attractive equity transactions in April using cash on hand: the accretive share repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at an 11% discount to the pre-announcement share price, and an option buyout at an attractive price point, thereby avoiding shareholder dilution. In addition, during the quarter we repurchased $4 million of our common stock and paid a high-yielding dividend while also investing in our business. We ended the quarter with a strong cash balance of $57 million, and following the April equity transactions, maintained a cash balance of $28 million at the end of April, retaining financial flexibility moving forward.”
first quarter compared to the net income of $920,000 it reported in Q1 of 2023. Saga adds that its balance sheet reflects $28.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2024 and $23.7 million as of May 6, 2024. The company expects to spend approximately $5.0 – $5.5 million for capital expenditures during 2024.
When a new restaurant opens, smart owners put the phone on busy so would-be diners believe the joint is hot, packed and hard to get in to. At street fairs we are drawn to merchant booths with long lines. Crowds give us confidence.
-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic.” Egan posted confirmation of his exit on X, saying, “So last night I got laid off from the Fanatic. I figured it was coming when I heard there were cuts, & the writing was on the wall when I got moved to nights.” As Crossing Broad notes, “Egan was one of the longest-tenured employees remaining at the station. He began as an intern in 2011 and then became a street teamer and producer.” 
of $3.5 million for the same period in 2023, “primarily due to the $6 million gain on the sale of an investment in BMI holdings and lower interest expense.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley continues to advance our core initiatives, which are focused on driving revenue and cash flow, including our digital transformation, revenue diversification and expense management initiatives. We expect digital to account for between 20% and 25% of total revenue in 2024, driven by the ongoing growth and success of our premium content creation and digital services. On the new business front, our dedicated sales teams are leveraging the tremendous audience reach and engagement of our platform to attract new advertisers. In summary, Beasley’s underlying fundamentals – mainly, our local audio and digital platforms and audience engagement – remain strong. We are proud of our teams’ steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional content and services to our listeners, advertisers, online users and sports fans, and remain confident that the actions we are taking to transform our company and strengthen our balance sheet, are laying the foundation for future growth and success.”
“Walter has demonstrated the importance of the late-night talk radio with his Sunday night nationally syndicated program and has welcomed his listeners, who he refers to as ‘friends on the radio,’ to unpack their day-to-day lives. He’s made strides at ‘Talk Radio 1210 WPHT’ for a decade, and we’re ecstatic to finally bring his entertaining brand to the Delaware Valley five nights a week.” Sterling, who as Walter Sabo operates the Sabo Media Partners consultancy, comments, “Late-night radio is golden media time for a live program. It’s a one-on-one stage for lighter conversations, serving as morning drive for late-shift doctors, nurses, bus drivers, hotel managers, security staff and more. Thank you, David Yadgaroff, Greg Stocker, Jeff Sottolano and the incredible programming and engineering teams at Audacy. Over the years, I’ve made strong connections with Talk Radio 1210 WPHT listeners and look forward to building them as I join weeknights!”
determined that granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Further, Audacy says, “According to the MRC, Audacy is attempting to employ an ‘entirely new’ and ‘vague and undefined’ special warrant process’ to delay the Commission review of Audacy’s proposed foreign ownership until ‘sometime down the road’ when the company ‘may choose’ to file a petition for declaratory ruling seeking such review. This specious claim not only mischaracterizes the company’s waiver request detailed in the Application, but completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.” Separately, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to Congressman Nicolas Langworthy (R-NY) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), who both wrote to her implying that the Commission is not going through “its normal, statutorily required process” and voiced concern over Soros Fund Management’s acquisition of Audacy debt. Langworthy wrote that Audacy being “owned by a deeply partisan individual [George Soros], could have a fundamental impact on the nature of local radio and potentially silence political viewpoints.” Rosenworcel’s response indicates she believes the Commission is handling the matter appropriately, saying, “The Bureau staff will review the record and decide if the transfer is in the public interest pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.”
rock WBCN-FM and then on sports talk WBZ-FM, “98.5 The Sports Hub,” will be back on the Boston airwaves “soon.” Shertenlieb exited WBZ-FM last November after his professional relationship with partner Fred Toucher fell apart and Toucher re-upped with Beasley to continue hosting the “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning show. Now, iHeartMedia cuts ties with the classic rock WZLX-FM, Boston morning team of Pete McKenzie and Heather Ford and installs “The Rich Shertenlieb Show.”
There is something about 40.
Ratings – and advertisers’ results – reward what listeners remember, what sticks-out, not clichés that blend-in. So, avoid blah-blah-blah such as…
They seek someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, Adobe audition, WordPress, and general computer experience is preferred. SRG offers paid vacation and great benefits including – health, vision, dental and 401K. Send your resume and demo! No phone calls. No voicetrack inquiries. Saga Communications of Iowa, LLC is an EOE. Kevin Tlam, Operations Manager, Spencer Radio Group, P.O. Box 260, Spencer, Iowa 51301