The Democratic National Convention, the presidential race, the economy with a focus on inflation and jobs, the U.S. migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-Ukraine war, and mpox were some of the most talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (8/21) according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Audacy’s legendary station 830 WCCO, Minneapolis is planning a series of special endeavors to celebrate its 100th anniversary, including a double album with commemorative content, a gubernatorial proclamation and a grand centennial event. As part of its century-long “good neighbor” heritage, WCCO will also donate the proceeds from the double album release and centennial event to four of its non-profit partners: Disabled American Veterans Minnesota (DAVMN), Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC), and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). “As we honor 100 years of being a local and regional broadcasting leader, we’re not just reflecting on our past legacy, but also spotlighting the community’s continuous support,” says Brad Lane, station brand manager and program director. “Our centennial events and philanthropic efforts are testaments to 830 WCCO’s enduring commitment to positively impacting Minnesota!” Tomorrow (8/22) WCCO will launch its 100th anniversary double album, offering 88 minutes of audio spanning WCCO’s colorful history. Each vinyl will include a unique digital download code with the audio and bonus content, including an additional eight hours and 30 minutes of outtakes, tributes, memories and over 200 images. Gov. Tim Walz (and Democratic VP nominee), has officially designated August 30 “8-3-0 Day,” and the station is gearing up to fill the day with festivities, including live broadcasts and in-person appearances at the Minnesota State Fair from WCCO’s talent alumni, who will share their favorite station stories. Longtime personality Chad Hartman will throw the first pitch at Target Field prior to the Twins game against the Toronto Blue Jays. On October 21, WCCO will host a centennial celebration at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, featuring a live show with current and former talent. The station will continue to air “100 Days, 100 Moments Presented by General Mills,” a series of vignettes highlighting the most significant events and personalities heard on-air over the years. For more information about WCCO’s 100th anniversary celebrations, please visit here.
Beginning on September 3 at 12:00 noon ET, Bloomberg Radio, will begin broadcasting its 24-hour all business news format on Beasley Media Group’s 92.9/WBOS-FM HD1. The station’s current classic rock format will move to 92.9 WBOS-FM HD2, 106.1 FM, WRCA 1330 AM and the ROCK 92.9 App and stream. “This expansion of our partnership with Beasley Media Group will allow us to exponentially expand Bloomberg Radio’s reach in Boston,” says Anthony Mancini, head of Bloomberg Audio. “Moving to a full market FM frequency will give us the bandwidth we need to have an increased presence in the region, and the capacity to bring even more listeners Bloomberg’s in-depth coverage of the financial markets and beyond.” Beasley Media Regional VP/Northeast, Mary Menna tells TALKERS, “We’re excited to expand our great partnership with a global news and business leader of Bloomberg’s magnitude. This unique programming underscores the company’s commitment to providing our listeners with the very best content and compliments our other Boston brands: 98.5 The Sports Hub, HOT 96.9, WROR 105.7 and Country 102.5.
Cumulus Media has appointed Zach Lyons as co-host for afternoon sports radio show, “Blaine and Zach,” on its Nashville outlet WGFX-FM (104.5 The Zone). Lyons joins co-host, Blaine Bishop, former Tennessee Titans safety and a four-time Pro Bowler. Bishop retired following the 2002 season capping an outstanding 10-year NFL playing career, featuring nine seasons with the Titans franchise. In addition to the weekday show, Lyons will join Brent Dougherty, Lucas Panzica, and Kevin Dyson as co-host of the station’s Titans postgame show, “Titan Talk Back.” Lyons is best known for co-founding broadwaysportsmedia.com and for hosting the popular sports podcast, “Football and Other F Words,” which will join the podcast lineup on the 104.5 The Zone Podcast Network.
Edison Research publishes its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. (based on reach for Q2 2024 from interviews of
5,206 weekly podcast consumers age 13 and older in the U.S.) and the top three remain unchanged from the Q1 2024 data: 1) “The Joe Rogan Experience”; 2) audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie”; and The New York Times’ “The Daily.” Other moves of note include Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” up one spot to #15; The DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” sliding three places to #16; and “The Tucker Carlson Podcast” dropping from #24 to #33. See the complete chart here.
The presidential race; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the $20 billion U.S.-Israel weapons deal; the Russia-Ukraine war; Hunter Biden’s Burisma allegations; Columbia University president Minouche Shafik steps down; western wildfires & Tropical Storm Ernesto; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
According to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times, WSCR, Chicago sports talk host Danny Parkins will leave
the Audacy station to become part of a new show on FS1. Parkins has worked alongside Matt Spiegel on the afternoon drive program for the past seven years. This summer, Parkins filled in for Colin Cowherd on the cable TV show The Herd and reportedly acquitted himself well. The FS1 show is scheduled to launch this fall. Parkins and Audacy have not commented publicly about the story.
The presidential race; financial markets activity and the U.S. economy; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails & break-in at Trump Virginia campaign office; Ukraine’s ongoing incursion into Russia; Israel and the U.S. prepare for Iran strike; summer wildfires in California, Colorado and Greece; and a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Los Angeles were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Audacy reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $301.6 million, an increase of 1% over the same period in 2023. After reporting a net loss of $125.8 million in Q2 of 2023, the company reports net income of $2.9 million in the second quarter of this year. Looking at Audacy’s business segments, Local and National Spot revenue was $179.6 million, a decline of almost 4% from a year ago; Digital (including podcasting) revenue was $74.4 million, an increase of 11.6%; and Network revenue
was $22.3 million, up 7% over Q2 of 2023. Audacy also breaks out revenue by radio format categories and while Sports radio revenue was $71.1 million (up 8.3% over last year), News/Talk revenue was $43 million (a decline of 2.3% from the same period a year ago). Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy continued to deliver strong 2024 financial performance with Q2 Adjusted EBITDA more than doubling, up 116% vs. prior year. For the first six months of 2024, Adjusted EBITDA is up 128%. Our accelerating financial performance reflects our significant revenue share gains, low-teen growth in digital advertising, high single-digit growth in network radio, and prudent expense reductions, offsetting continued weakness in traditional ad markets. Notably, our transformational, strategic investments are emerging as a critical driver in our accelerating performance. Recent improvements in our streaming and podcasting platforms, along with further enhancements to our digital monetization and programmatic capabilities are increasing their impact on our top-line and bottom-line results. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization in February and are awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. We continue to expect final approval and emergence to occur during the current quarter. The third quarter is currently pacing up low-single digits, and we expect another quarter of significant Adjusted EBITDA growth.”
Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $60.4 million, a decline of 4.8% from the same period in 2023. Beasley Broadcast Group’s net loss shrank from $10.4 million in Q2 of 2023 to $276,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley’s second quarter results highlight the ongoing progress we are making to position the company for sustainable, profitable growth. The continued
success of our digital transformation strategy led to a 10.4% year-over-year increase in same-station second quarter digital revenue, partially offsetting ongoing challenges related to softness in the audio advertising spot market. Digital revenue accounted for nearly 22% of total second quarter revenue, in-line with our full-year 2024 goal of 20% to 25% of total revenue. On the new business front, our dedicated sales teams are leveraging the audience reach and engagement of our platform to attract new advertisers. We have and will continue to see the benefit of political revenue through the end of year, and at the same time, we are taking aggressive action to address near-term challenges through expense management initiatives, which drove approximately $2 million in expense savings compared to the prior year. We expect to achieve $10 million in annualized expense savings.”
Saga Communications reports net revenue of $28.7 million in the second quarter of 2024, down 1.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports net income of $2.5 million for the quarter compared to net income of $3.4 million for the second quarter last year. Saga notes in its report that it closed on its
acquisition of five radio stations and one translator in Lafayette, Indiana on May 31, 2024, and that the stations were operated by Saga for one month during the second quarter of 2024. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on June 28, 2024. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. To date, Saga has paid over $132 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012. Saga’s balance sheet reflects $24.1 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024, and $26.2 million as of August 5, 2024.
Audacy names Reginald “Reggie” Adetula midday co-host of the “In The Loop” midday show alongside co
-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard on KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610,” beginning August 19. KILT brand manager Parker Hillis comments, “We’re thrilled to have Reggie join ‘In The Loop’ as the newest host. He’s a natural talent whose on-air enthusiasm and innate ability to connect with an audience will make him the perfect fit here in Houston.” Adetula is a native Houstonian who returns home after nine years as the evening host and producer on Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan.”
Beasley Media Group is celebrating the 15th anniversary of sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” next week. The station launched on August 13, 2009 with replays of the New England Patriots 2001,
2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM adds three-tenths to finish with an 8.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF is up one-tenth for a 0.6 share finish good for the #23 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds a half share to finish with a 13.0 share that keeps it ranked #1 for the eleventh straight month. (Good Karma Brands’ crosstown competitor news/talk WTMJ ceased subscribing to Nielsen several months ago.) In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.7 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC adds three-tenths to finish with a 1.3 share and remains ranked #18. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
July 2024 PPM Data – Ratings information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 survey period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 4.5 – 3.7, #8 – #9
KJCE DNA – .1, DNA – #31
News
None
Sports Talk
KBPA-HD2 1.0 – .8, #19 – #22
KVET-AM .7 – .7, #22 – #23
KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 4.9 – 6.2, #5 – #2
KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Note: Public radio news/talk KUT posts a +1.3 (4.9 – 6.2), which is Austin’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 8.6 – 8.9, #3 – #3
WPTF .5 – .6, #24 – #23
News
WRAL-HD3 .6 – .5, #21 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 2.3 – 1.8, #14 – #15
WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 8.0 – 7.8, #4 – #4
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 7.5 – 8.1, #4 – #2
News
WOLT-HD2 .3 – .2, #22 – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 2.9 – 1.4, #14 – #17
WNDE .3 – .2, #22 – #25
WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.8 – 4.7, #8 – #9
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 12.5 – 13.0, eleventh consecutive month at #1
WLIP .1 – .2, #27 – #23
WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)
WAUK .2 – DNA, #22 – DNA
WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 1.9 – 1.5, #15 – #15
WOKY .2 – .2, #22 – #23
WSSP .1 – .1, #27 – #27
WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 2.4 – 2.7, #14 – #12
WHAD-HD2 .1 – .1, #27 – #27
Note: In addition to being #1 for the eleventh successive month, news/talk WISN posts July 2024’s highest 6+ share (13.0) of any station in all 48 PPM markets. Furthermore, owing to five straight months without a loss, “News Talk 1130” gains four full-shares (9.0 – 9.0 – 10.3 – 12.1 – 12.5 – 13.0, 6+).
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.5 – 6.7, #8 – #3
WLAC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18
News
WNRQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .3, DNA – #21
Sports Talk
WGFX 6.6 – 5.9, #3 – #6
WPRT 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 2.9 – 3.3, #14 – #13
WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WWTN’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) is Nashville’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.5 – 7.1, #5 – #4
WHJJ 1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
WVEI 1.6 – 2.3, #10 – #8
WPRV .1 – .2, #18 – #18
WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.0 – 2.3, #8 – #8
WNPN 1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11
WCAI .1 – DNA, #18 – DNA
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 2.2 – 2.4, #13 – #13
WGH-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WNOH Black Information Network .3 – .3, #22 – #23
Sports Talk
WVSP .9 – .9, #19 – #19
WGH-AM .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 9.4 – 9.0, #2 – #3
News
WJBT-HD2 Black Information Network .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 1.9 – 1.9, #14 – #15
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WJNO 1.6 – 1.9, #13 – #11
WFTL 2.1 – 1.5, #9 – #12
WZZR 1.3 – 1.3 #14 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WBZT .4 – .4, #16 – #17
WMEN .4 – .4, #16 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.9 – 3.4, #8 – #8
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +.5 (2.9 – 3.4) represents a tie for West Palm Beach’s largest (6+)June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 3.5 – 3.6 #11 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 4.3 – 4.2, #8 – #8
WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, #14 – #14
WFDD-HD3 DNA – .2, DNA – #15
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 2.7 – 1.7, #7 – #9
KWAM .4 – .4, #12 – #13
News
WJMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WMFS 2.7 – 3.0, #7 – #7
WMFS Stream .4 – .6, #12 – #11
WMC-AM .4 – .4, #12 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO .5 – .6, #11 – #11
WKNO-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 4.4 – 3.6, #8 – #9
WDRC-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #15 – #15
WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20
WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 1.1 – 1.3, #16 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 5.7 – 4.6, #6 – #8
WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17
Note: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s -1.1 (5.7 – 4.6) is Hartford’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
iHeartMedia reports operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals consolidated revenue of $929 million, an increase of 1% over the same period on 2023. iHeartMedia reports its business in three segments. The Multiplatform Group – which includes its AM/FM radio stations – achieved revenue of $575.9 million – a decline of 3.4% over the same period in 2023. The Digital Audio Group’s revenue was $285.6 million – an increase of 9.5% over Q2 of 2023. The Audio & Media Services Group revenue was $70 million – an increase of 6.5% over the second quarter of 2023. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman
comments, “Our second quarter results mark the first quarter that our consolidated revenues increased year-over-year since Q4 2022. We continue to see strong momentum in our podcast business, our Digital ex. Podcast business, and have seen sequential improvement of our Multiplatform Group’s year-over-year revenue performance. This performance is built on iHeartMedia’s strong and unparalleled audience and demonstrates the progress we are making in maximizing the monetization of it.” Company COO and CFO Rich Bressler adds, “We continue to see signs of improvement throughout our business and the broader advertising marketplace, and our second quarter 2024 results were in line with, and in the cases of revenue, slightly above guidance. Our high-growth Digital Audio Group revenues were up 10% year over year, and represented 31% of our company’s revenues, and our Multiplatform Group revenues exceeded our previously provided guidance. Our full year 2024 political revenues are currently pacing approximately 20% higher than the last presidential election cycle, which gives us confidence that this will be a record political year for us, and we expect to see a significant year-over-year improvement in our full year Adjusted EBITDA performance.”
Second quarter 2024 net revenue for Urban One Inc. was $117.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from Q2 of 2023. Breaking down Urban One’s report by segment, the Radio Advertising segment brought in revenue of $45.4 million, basically flat from one year ago. Digital Advertising revenue for Q2 of 2024 was $15.5 million, a decrease of 17.6%. The biggest change for Urban One was Cable Television Advertising, which brought in
$22.2 million, a decline of 26.7% from the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins III states, “On a same station basis our radio division finished Q2 -5.6% excluding political, and -3.0% with political. We saw a sequential improvement in national revenues vs. Q1, which was offset by weaker local revenues. Q3 core radio revenue is currently pacing down 6.9% on a same station basis, down 5.1% including political, and up 7.0% overall. We are starting to see a significant uptick in political advertising revenues, and remain optimistic for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. Our Cable TV business continues to suffer from subscriber churn and audience delivery shortfall, impacting both advertising and affiliate revenues, although we are seeing a bounce-back in ratings and delivery in Q3. Our digital business experienced weaker advertising demand than prior year but remains well positioned for the second half of the year, particularly with political and CTV advertising. During Q2 we repurchased an additional $35.5 million of our 2028 notes at 78.0%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $132.4 million of cash.”
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 5.0 – 5.5, #5 – #4
KEX 1.8 – 2.2, #18 – #17
KUFO .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22
KPAM .3 – .3, #31 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KFXX 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21
KXTG 1.1 – .8, #21 – #23
KPOJ .4 – .4, #26 – #27
KMTT .2 – .1, #33 – #34
KFXX Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #5
KOPB Stream .7 – .5, #23 – #24
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT 5.0– 4.5, #5 – #9
News
WRFX-HD2 Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 2.9 – 3.1, #15 – #13
WNSC .7 – .9, #21 – #20
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 3.1– 4.2, #13 – #11
KTSA 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #21
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.2 – 1.1, #23 – #22
KTKR .4 – .3, #28 – #30
KZDC .4 – .3, #28 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.4 – 3.3, #16 – #13
Note: News/talk WOAI’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2) represents San Antonio’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK 7.2 – 7.3 #3 – #3
KSTE-AM 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15
KSAC-AM .6 – .8, #26 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KHTK 1.0 – .9, #21 – #21
KIFM .8 – .5, #23 – #26
KIFM Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #12
KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #28
KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #28
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.5 – 4.4, #8 – #8
KDKA-AM Stream .5 – .4, #18 – #18
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM (Pirates) 7.0 – 6.9, #5 – #5
KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates) .3 – .4, #19 – #18
WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 3.2 – 3.5, #10 – #10
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL 6.1 – 6.2, #2 – #3
KNRS 3.1 – 4.1, #12 – #11
KKAT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KZNS-FM .5 – .9, #24 – #22
KALL .5 – .4, #24 – #25
KZNS-AM .1 – .4, #27 – #25
KZNS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #18
KBYU-HD2 Stream .1 – .1, #27 – #28
KUMT .1 – .1, #27 – #28
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.8– 1.1, #20 – #25
KMZQ .3 – .4, #34 – #29
KXNT .4 – .3, #31 – #33
KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .4 – .8, #31 – #28
KKGK .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KRLV .3 – .3, #34 – #33
KENO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 1.3 – 1.8, #23 – #19
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WDBO 3.6 – 4.7, #10 – #9
WTKS 5.6 – 4.3, #5 – #10
WFLF .8 – 1.1, #18 – #17
WFYY .5 – .3, #21 – #22
WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .8 – .6, #18 – #21
WDYZ .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFE 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
WMFV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Whereas news/talk WDBO’s +1.1 (3.6 – 4.7) represents Orlando’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WTKS’ -1.3 (5.6 – 4.3) is tied for the market’s greatest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 10.3 – 9.9, #2 – #2 (Reds)
WKRC 5.4 – 6.0, #6 – #4
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY .6 – .5, #20 – #20
WSAI .4 – .3, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.4 – 4.1, #9 – #9
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 7.0 – 7.0, #5 – #5 (Guardians)
News
WMMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WKRK 4.4 – 4.4, #10 – #10
WKRK Stream .6 – .3, #19 – #20
WARF .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 6.6 – 7.0, #6 – #5
WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.2, #4 – #5
KCMO-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #17 – #17
KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.4, #23 – #18
KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.2 – 2.4, #10 – #16 (Royals)
KCSP Stream 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 (Royals)
KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 2.2 – 3.0, #16 – #10
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 5.2 – 5.7, #6 – #6
News
Black Information Network WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 7.8 – 6.7, #2 – #4
WMNI .1 – .4, #22 – #21
WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #22 #22
WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 4.6 – 5.1, #7 – #7
Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) is Columbus’ largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
Up next: July 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Townsquare Media reports its financial operations for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $118.2 million, a decline of 2.5% from the same period in 2023. The company also reports a net loss of $48.9 million in Q2, compared to the net loss of $2.7 million that it reported in the second quarter of 2023. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focus
and our unique and differentiated digital platform… In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year. Additionally, we continue to generate strong cash flow, granting us the ability to invest in our digital growth engine while preserving financial flexibility, as evidenced by our ongoing debt and share buybacks in the open market… Most importantly, due to our current cash position and our strong cash generation, we retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”
Salem Media Group reports net revenue of $60.6 million during the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 
7.8%. The company says net broadcast revenue was $47.1 million (-5.1%), while net digital media revenue was $11.9 million (+9.9%), and net publishing revenue was $1.56 million (-70.3%). It should be noted that Salem sold Regnery Publishing in December of 2023. The company reports net income of $2.3 million during the quarter, compared to that net loss of $7.1 million it reported in Q2 of 2023.
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while Hubbard Radio’s all- news WTOP-FM rises 1.2 shares for 10.7 share finish that lifts it to the #1 rank in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.3 share and climbs to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM is flat with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to the #6 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI tacks on three-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds eight-tenths for a 3.1 share finish good for the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
There’s no movement among the top five podcasts from June to July on Podtrac’s Top U.S. Podcasts ranker.
The New York Times’ “The Daily” remains #1, followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and “Up First” at #3, with NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4. Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” leaps four spots to the #5 rank and the DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” jumps two spots to the #6 rank, while FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” falls two places to #8. See the full ranker here.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 3.6 – 3.6, #11 – #11
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Nationals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 9.5 – 10.7, #2 – #1
Business News WDCH .6 – .8, #23 – #20
Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMZQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WUST DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 1.4 – 1.7, #17 – #17 (Nationals)
WJFK-FM Stream .6 – .7, #23 – #22 (Nationals)
WTEM .2 – .4, #27 – #26
WTEM Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #30
WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #30
WTSD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals)
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.3 – 10.4, after 32 months in succession at #1, slips to #2
Notes: Not only is WTOP & WTLP’s +1.2 (9.5 – 10.7) Washington, DC’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, the all-news outlet advances to #1, thus ending public radio news/talk WAMU’s consecutive string of consecutive months on top at 32.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10
WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.7, #7 – #6
Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #25
Black Information Network WJMN-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.9 – 7.7, seventh straight month at #1
WEEI-FM 3.5 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)
WVEI-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #25
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.4 – 5.1, #5 – #5
WGBH 3.1 – 3.1, #11 – #13
Notes: Whereas sports talk/Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1) is Boston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WBZ-FM’s -2.2 (9.9 – 7.7) represents the most significant (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. Nonetheless, WBZ-FM is #1 for the seventh month in a row.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.9 – 1.9, #21 – #21
WFTL DNA – .1, DNA – #37
News
WXBN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WQAM Stream .4 – 1.3, #32 – #23
WQAM 1.1 – 1.0 #23 – #24
WINZ .5 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)
WMEN .1 – .1, #38 – #37
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 4.3 – 4.5, #7 – #7
WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #37
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KTTH 2.0– 2.7, #22 – #16
KVI 2.1 – 2.5, #21 – #20
KPTR .1 – .1, #29 – #29
KIRO-FM 4.9 – DNA, #5 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 3.6, #18 – #10
KHHO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #9 (Mariners)
KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.7, #23 – #22
KJR-AM .6 – .3, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.6 – 7.7, #2 – #1
KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: The +1.1 by public radio news/talk KUOW (6.6 – 7.7) and all-news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (2.5 – 3.6) is Seattle’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
News/talk KIRO-FM was ranked fifth in June 2024 (4.9, 6+), but is unlisted in July 2024.
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 1.9 – 2.6, #16 – #16
WFDF .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WWJ 4.7 – 5.0, #9 – #9
WWJ Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24
WDFN Black Information Network .1 – .1, #26 – #27
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.5 – 7.8, #2 – #2 (Tigers)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #20 – #20 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM .1 – .1, #26 – #27 (Tigers)
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.8 – 2.1, #17 – #17
WUOM 1.4 – 1.5, #18 – #19
Note: News/talk WJR’s +.7 (1.9 – 2.6) is Detroit’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.5 – 3.8, #9 – #6
KTAR-FM 2.3 – 3.1, #18 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.6 – 3.1, #14 – #11 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KDUS .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #15
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.5 – 4.8, #9 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)
KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #14 – #14
KTMY 2.2 – 1.7, #14 – #17
WCCO Stream .5 – .5, #24 – #24 (Minnesota Twins)
News
KQQL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 6.7 – 6.7, #3 – #4
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #29
KQQL-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 6.0 – 6.7, #8 – #4
KNOW Stream .6 – .6, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #10
KLSD .5 – .4, #23 – #23
News
KSSX-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KWFN 4.6 – 4.2, #7 – #7 (Padres)
KGB-AM .4 – .3, #24 – #24
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WFLA 3.5 – 3.7, #11 – #11
WHPT 3.6 – 3.0, #9 – #14
News
Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WBTP-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.6 – 1.5, #18 – #20 (Rays)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #17
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Colorado Rockies)
KDFD 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #20
KHOW 1.3 – 1.1, #21 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 1.8 – 1.9, #18 – #17
KKSE-FM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #26
KAMP .1 – .1, #32 – #33
KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.0 – 2.9, #13 – #13
KUNC 1.0 – .7, #26 – #29
KRCC .1 – .1, #32 – #33
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #12 (Orioles)
WCBM 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.0 – 1.2, #17 – #17
Business News WDCH .5 – .5, #22 – #22
WQLL Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, #11 – #10
WJZ-AM .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.6 – 4.6, #10 – #8
WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.2 – 4.6, #11 – #10 (Cardinals)
KTLK-FM 1.7 – 1.8, #16 – #15
KFTK 1.6 – 1.6, #17 – #16
KMOX Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #19 (Cardinals)
KFTK Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 Black Information Network .1 – .1, #29 – #27
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 5.1, #9 – #9
Up next: July 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
The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including 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 survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allow
fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) 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.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10
WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19
WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40
WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44
News
WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6
WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)
WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11
WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7
KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31
KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34
News
KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36
KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24
Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13
WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25
WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37
WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4 – #5
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39
WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)
WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24
KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4
KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20
KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1
KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14
KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32
KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39
KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7
KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7 (Astros)
KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27
News
KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23 (Astros)
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24
KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31
KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9
Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1
WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26
WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32
WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)
WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15
WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8
WRAS .4 – .4, #26 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13
WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26
WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5
KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27
WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33
Sports Talk
WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12
Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15
WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19
WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25
News
WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21
WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21
KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18
KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)
KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2
WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20
News
WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11
WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+).
Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Cumulus Media reports its operating results for the second quarter of this year and reveals net revenue of $204.8 million, a decrease of 2.5% that is in line with the company’s pacing guidance. Cumulus’ total broadcast radio revenue was $136.1 million, a decline of 7.3%, with spot revenue down 4.9% and network revenue down 13.6%. On the positive side digital revenue was $39.5 million, up 5.0%. Cumulus Media
president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “In the context of a challenging advertising environment, second quarter total revenue finished in line with our pacing guidance, down 2.5% year-over-year. However, our unrelenting focus on areas of the business that are in our control helped us to mitigate the impact of soft demand while also driving tangible progress in key priority areas. During the quarter, we grew our digital marketing services business by 24%, reduced fixed costs by $4 million, and continued to strengthen our balance sheet through the successful completion of our exchange offer, ABL upsizing, and the buyback of a portion of our remaining 2026 maturity debt. Looking ahead, while the advertising outlook remains uncertain, our advertisers continue to be focused on when – not if – they’re going to return to more typical spending levels. Fortunately, thanks to our success at extending our debt maturities, we have time on our side and the flexibility to pursue multiple paths to create shareholder value.”
The NAB announces the finalists for the 2024 Marconi Awards, the winners of which will be named at the
NAB Show New York on October 9. News/talk stations WLS-AM, Chicago and WLW-AM, Cincinnati are finalists for Legendary Station of the Year. WWTN-FM, Nashville talk host Dan Mandis is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year. KIDO-AM, Boise host Kevin Miller is a finalist for Medium Market Personality of the Year. The finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: WSB-AM, Atlanta; KRMG-FM, Tulsa; WLW-AM, Cincinnati; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. See the complete list of finalists here.
On the heels of the resignation of Paul Dans, who served as the director of the Heritage Foundation’s controversial Project 2025, talk radio host and broadcasting entrepreneur John Fredericks is calling Project 2025 “an unauthorized grifter sh*t show that was generated by The Heritage Foundation for the sole purpose of raising money.” Fredericks is a dyed-in-the-wool Donald Trump supporter and operator of 10 conservative
news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”
Former MLB relief pitcher/26-year Philadelphia Phillies radio analyst Larry Anderson; Beasley Media Group account representative Tina Costello; iHeartMedia, Philadelphia news/community affairs director Loraine Ballard Morrill; and long-time (now retired) all-news KYW, Philadelphia anchor/“Reporters Roundup” host Steve Nikazy are among those who will be entering the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia (BPOP) Hall of Fame. Along with six others, these four will be inducted into the Hall at the nonprofit’s gala in approximately four months (11/22). Hosting the BPOP Hall of Fame event will be 15-time Emmy winner/2015 inductee CBS News Philadelphia morning and noon anchor Jim Donovan and former WPVI-TV, Philadelphia sports anchor/2005 HOF honoree Scott Palmer. Founded in 1962, The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honors the broadcast history of Philadelphia, supporting the next generation of broadcasters through scholarships and educational opportunities and recognizing those who have made lasting contributions to the industry.
Following up on a story reported yesterday (7/22) in TALKERS, an Audacy Insights Team blogpost (“Local News Radio Listenership Soars”) cites Nielsen Audio listenership increases following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Leading up to quoting specific stats, the research piece states, “Local news audiences are incredibly engaged” and are “twice as likely to stick around through radio ads compared to the average listener. These listeners trust local news radio for its reliable voices and factual reporting.” On July 13, Audacy news stations “saw a 32% jump in streams compared to the same day the week before. Mobile streams led the way with a 45% increase, while smart speaker usage rose by 30%.” The assassination attempt took place in Butler, PA, roughly 40 miles from Pittsburgh where Audacy news/talk KDKA-AM “experienced a 55% increase in streams.” Meanwhile, its Los Angeles all-news operation, KNX, “saw a 41% rise.” Per the Audacy blog, “Spikes in listenership across digital audio platforms confirm that local news radio stations are truly with you during critical times, offering reliable and detailed coverage when needed most.” Engagement continued leading up to last Monday (7/15), the first day of the Republican National Convention, as Audacy news stations “experienced a 5% rise in listenership compared to the previous Monday.” The Audacy blog contends approximately two of three (65%) all-news listeners “trust radio hosts for news updates, compared to 30% who look to social media influencers for such information.” The July 13 assassination attempt “highlights the essential role of local news radio. With a significant boost in listenership and a clear preference for trustworthy, community-focused reporting, local news radio remains a key player in delivering reliable news.”