July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
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.
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.
Fanatic” to host the midday show, effective August 12. “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller says, “I am excited to welcome Mike back to the Fanatic. I know that both previous and new listeners will be anxious to hear his insight and perspective on Philadelphia Sports.” The company also announces that Bill Colarulo, a recent addition to the station, will join Mike Missanelli as part of the show’s new on-air lineup.
Mike Missanelli is a possible replacement. He writes, “Jonny Marks reported last week that the Mike/Fanatic reunion looks to be in place ahead of football season. My understanding is that 97.5 is also high on Bill Colarulo and Amy Fadool as new pieces. Colarulo hosts weekends and has filled in on P.M. drive while Fadool had been co-hosting alongside Cooney.” For his part, Cooney posted the following to Facebook: “Wanted to say thanks to all who listened over the years during my time at The Fanatic. Loved the conversations and getting to know a lot of you. They told me today they are moving in a different direction.”
Jersey for $133,000. The former sports talk outlet has been dark since late last year due to what at the time was reported as being the result of problems with its nighttime antennae. This deal leaves Townsquare with three signals in the Trenton market: news/talk WKXW-FM “New Jersey 101.5”; CHR WPST-FM, and religion WCHR-AM.
Citizens Bank Park and from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey after an unwanted advance on an Aramark employee at the ballpark. Eskin was off WIP since that time. He said, in part, “I’d like to briefly address the recent reports about an incident at Citizens Bank Park. Now I’m not going to get into specifics other than to say that I recognize my actions have offended and upset her. I feel awful about that. I really do. I apologized to her at the time of the incident, and I apologize again now. I’m truly sorry that this did occur. I know a lot of you want me to say more about this, but I don’t intend to comment on this any further and hopefully you understand.” 
iHeartMedia is NBCU’s exclusive audio partner for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which kick off this week. In addition to listening to events on iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations, fans can tune-in to events through dedicated 24-7 digital stations – which include – NBC Olympics Radio Plus and NBC Olympics Radio – on the iHeart app. Among big events tomorrow (Saturday, 7/27) are: men’s/women’s swimming (NBC Olympics Radio Plus); men’s/women’s swimming finals (NBC Olympics Radio); women’s beach volleyball – USA versus Canada (NBC Olympics Radio); and men’s soccer – USA versus New Zealand (NBC Olympics Radio Plus). On Sunday (7/28), it’s men’s/women’s swimming finals (NBC Olympics Radio); women’s soccer – USA versus Germany (NBC Olympics Radio Plus); and men’s basketball – USA versus Serbia (NBC Olympics Radio).
Neer – a past PD and air personality at WNEW-FM – still serves as a weekend host on WFAN where he’s been a market staple for decades in addition to being an accomplished author of a series of “Riley King” murder mysteries as well as the historic evergreen FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard Books, 2001). Chernoff still keeps his hand in both formats where he serves as a sports reporter and part-time DJ at Press Communications’ classic rock “107.1 The Boss” WWZY, Monmouth, NJ.
In a research piece posted on the Radio Television Digital News Association’s website, Syracuse University research professor of broadcast & digital journalism Bob Papper and Syracuse University associate professor of broadcast & digital journalism Keren Henderson reveal this year’s radio news salaries fell 2.5%. With 2024 inflation at 3.1%, real wages (actual wages minus inflation) dropped 5.6%. Real wage radio salaries have lost .5% (2021); 6.6% (2022); 1.9% (2023); and 2.5% (2024). Thus, a total wage loss of 11.5% over the last four years. While the median salary for news directors remained steady, the average salary increased 6.7%. An average reporter’s salary dropped .9%, but the median salary is up 12.5%. News producers did even better with average salary (+5%) and median salary (+10.4%). News anchors, sports anchors and sports reporters, however, all lost ground in both average and median salaries. Web producers/editors dropped slightly on average and held even on median. Historically, non-commercial radio salaries have been substantially higher than commercial radio salaries, but Papper and Henderson note that’s not the case this year. They write, “When we look at large and major markets, all the average commercial salaries are higher than non-commercial salaries, and median salaries are fairly close. Overall, commercial radio salaries in large and major markets went up a whopping 23.5% [while] non-commercial salaries went down 8% from a year ago. The drop in radio news salaries lies almost entirely in the non-commercial world.”
Good Karma Brands sports talk WKTI “94.5 ESPN Milwaukee” will continue to carry Marquette University basketball games through the 2027 – 2028 season. As part of the extension agreement, WKTI will provide live play-by-play broadcasts of all Marquette men’s basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game analysis. Good Karma Brands Milwaukee market manager Greg Scalzo comments, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Marquette University and produce high-quality broadcasts/content for their passionate fanbase. 
Marquette basketball has a rich tradition and we are committed to delivering the best coverage to our fans.” Marquette University vice president/director of athletics Bill Scholl comments, “Good Karma Brands has been a tremendous teammate over the years. We are thrilled that ‘94.5 ESPN Milwaukee’ will again be the radio destination for Marquette fans. It takes community-wide support to operate a program at the level of Marquette basketball and [Good Karma Brands founder/chief executive officer] Craig Karmazin and his team are an important piece of this equation.” In addition to game broadcasts, WKTI will feature a weekly (Thursday night) “Marquette Basketball Hour” throughout the season.
As originally reported by TMZ, well-known talent agent Don Buchwald died this past Monday (7/22) of natural causes at his Massachusetts home, where he was “surrounded by loved ones.” Buchwald formed his bi-coastal agency Don Buchwald & Associates in 1977 with five associates. The firm employs 130 employees who work across many platforms of entertainment and media. His most notable client, of course, was/is Howard Stern, as well as Stern’s longtime co-host, Robin Quivers. According to TMZ – Buchwald represented Stern personally, “while also acting as his manager and publicist. Stern was Don’s single personally-handled client and Howard referred to ‘super-agent Don Buchwald’ over the years on the radio. Buchwald was instrumental in helping Stern land a megadeal at SiriusXM worth an estimated $90 million a year.” Creator of SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Channels, Sabean Media president Tim Sabean posted on X, “I lost my closest pal today. You left an iconic legacy. I miss you with all my heart and soul. RIP my dear friend.” In a similar post, former SiriusXM SVP of sports programming Steve Cohen notes, “RIP my dear Don from Bensonhurst. An incredible friend, mentor and philanthropist. When I was down, you lifted me up. You made me smarter, wiser and taught me to be a deep thinker. Deepest condolences to the Buchwald family.” When Buchwald and Stern first met, they sat down in Buchwald’s office and talked for an hour. In a 2018 interview, Stern told The New York Times, “He turned to me and said, ‘You know, your career could be as big as Johnny Carson’s.’ I thought this guy might be a little bit nuts. But he believed in me from the very beginning, more than I believed in myself.” Having had no interest in being in the spotlight, Buchwald was quoted in that aforementioned article, “I’m not a particularly boastful person.” Don Buchwald was 88 years old.
Sports talk KNBR “680 & 104.5 The Sports Leader”; sports betting talk KGO “810 The Spread”; and sports talk KTCT “KNBR 1050 The Sports Leader” assistant program director Mike Hohler is elevated to program director for the three Cumulus Media San Francisco properties. According to Cumulus San Francisco-Los Angeles regional VP/market manager Larry Blumhagen, “I am excited to see Mike Hohler take the reins as program director of these dynamic, listener-driven stations. Mike has been a dedicated member of this terrific team for over two decades and knows every working part of our programming operations. He has meaningful relationships with our broadcast partners, which he will continue to build upon and grow in his new leadership role.” Hohler joined Cumulus San Francisco in 2002 as KNBR’s midday producer. Succeeding him as APD for the three stations is KNBR “Murph & Markus” morning show producer John Kerley. 
Regarding Kerley, Blumhagen notes, “He brings a strategic approach to the assistant program director role for our sports talk stations. We are fortunate to have such a talented and collaborative sports programming team and are in very capable hands with Mike and John at the helm. Our all-star lineup – including all the great talent in our bullpen – makes for a winning team and positions these stations for continued success.” The Hohler and Kerley promotions are effective next Monday (7/29).
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. 
Founded 11 years ago by Dave Ruden, The Ruden Report website (www.therudenreport.com) is dedicated to Fairfield County (Connecticut) sports news and information. Ruden will remain with the online publication as director of operations. Connoisseur Media owner/chief executive officer Jeff Warshaw comments, “We’re happy to have The Ruden Report join our family. We look forward to offering our audience local content with his exceptional reporting.” Connoisseur Media senior vice president/general manager Kristin Okesson states, “This addition to our programming lineup is a perfect fit for each station and their audiences. As someone who values high school sports coverage, I’m excited to bring The Ruden Report to our six radio stations. I know our Southern Connecticut listeners will enjoy the local updates and in-depth coverage of their favorite teams, athletes, and games.” Ruden adds, “My ongoing goal has been to cover more which is why I have decided to partner with Connoisseur Media. It is a company that has both a longstanding tradition of excellence and the infrastructure to help take The Ruden Report to the next level.” Connoisseur’s six Connecticut stations include Bridgeport heritage news/talk WICC.
Radio Hall of Famer Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo has signed a new three-year agreement to remain the face and voice of SiriusXM’s popular national all-sports talk channel, 
“He’s more popular and dynamic today than he has ever been and we couldn’t be more excited and proud to have him continue his legendary career on SiriusXM.” In 2022 Russo was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, recognizing a pioneering on air career that has spanned four decades and made him one of the most prominent and popular hosts in radio history. After 19 years hosting the market-leading “Mike and the Mad Dog” show on WFAN, Russo embarked on the second major chapter of his career with SiriusXM and built his Mad Dog Sports Radio channel into a popular national sports talk platform. (Photo credit Maro Hagopian).
Musburger Media has bought back sports betting network VSiN for an undisclosed price from DraftKings; the latter acquired VSiN in March 2021. VSiN founders Brian Musburger and Bill Adee will again lead it with an eye on moving it forward. They were part of the team launching the multi-platform broadcast and content company in 2017. As Musburger explains, “A lot has changed in the sports betting industry over the past three-and-a-half years, but our original vision for VSiN still holds. We are committed to delivering the most credible, independent information and analysis sports bettors can find anywhere. We truly appreciate the work we’ve done with DraftKings and look forward to continuing to collaborate on future projects. Bill and I couldn’t be more excited about leading VSiN into the future and cementing our position as a trusted authority in sports betting.” DraftKings’ chief marketing officer Stephanie Sherman notes, “DraftKings continues to optimize its investments in content and media to align with the most critical areas and needs of our business strategy, objectives, and goals. We want to thank Brian, Bill, and the entire team at VSiN for a great relationship; we look forward to continuing to advertise on the network.” In addition to iconic sports broadcaster Brent Musburger, VSiN’s current talent roster includes knowledgeable sports betting experts. VSiN’s content is accessible through its 24/7 stream, as well as multiple channels including 300 terrestrial radio stations; a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio and Tune In; YouTube TV; NESN; Rogers’ Sportsnet; AT&T Pittsburgh; and Marquee Sports Network.
iHeartPodcasts and Pushkin Industries have launched a new six-part true crime podcast that will dive into the 2020 disappearance of Lydia “Dia” Abrams of Idyllwild, CA. Throughout the series, journalist Lucy Sherriff will reveal the culmination of her four-year investigation into Dia’s disappearance, uncovering a tangled web of manipulation, power, estranged families and greed. “Where’s Dia?” will be available to listeners beginning today 7/23), with new episodes posting on Tuesdays. Listen now 
During a presentation last week at Beasley Media Group Boston, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association awarded 11 scholarships totaling $30,000. Scholarship checks were presented by MBA’s immediate past chair/Beasley Media Group vice president/market manager Mary Menna and MBA executive director Jordan Walton. According to Menna, “Beasley Media is proud to have participated in the MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship for many years. It’s a worthwhile investment in supporting the next generation of radio and television employees.” Walton commented, “The MBA and its members have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in our future broadcasters. We look forward to watching this group succeed in broadcasting in the years to come.” Menna and Walton delivered brief remarks to the scholarship winners before BMG Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning hosts Fred Toucher and Rob “Hardy” Poole spoke to the winners about their paths into broadcasting. Student Broadcaster Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and enrolled at a two or four-year accredited school.
Audacy Philadelphia sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94” names 
since 2014 and a part of the Pittsburgh sports media landscape for nearly 25 years. He takes over for Bill Hillgrove, who retired after serving for 30 seasons. King is joined in the booth by color analyst Craig Wolfley. King says, “The Steelers hold a special place in this community and across the country. I am thankful to Art Rooney II, the Steelers and iHeartMedia for giving me this incredible opportunity to be a meaningful part of one of the greatest organizations in professional sports. I look forward to getting started, doing the job well and bringing the enthusiasm of the games to people around the world. I could not be more excited.”
advertising, where consumers express greater comfort with audio ads crafted by humans compared to those produced by AI. This trust in human voices isn’t just a preference; it’s a critical factor in advertising and content consumption.” Further, the data shows that radio hosts are valued 2.5 times more than social media influencers for delivering news (56% vs. 22%) and twice as much for sports commentary (40% vs. 21%). Similarly, podcast hosts are preferred over social media figures when discussing social issues (43% vs. 34%). Audacy concludes, “These statistics underscore the profound impact of human voices in fostering meaningful connections and reliable information dissemination.”
announcer last season, will continue as Bills Insider for the station, co-hosting “One Bills LIVE,” weekdays at 1:00 pm and simulcast on MSG Western New York. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger says, “Chris is best suited to carry on the long tradition of informative, passionate and entertaining Bills play-by-play announcing. His decades-long knowledge of the organization will be invaluable as he assumes the play-by-play microphone.”
June 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 survey period (May 23 – June 19) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
radio and television in St. Louis – will join news/talk KTRS, St. Louis to co-host the midday show with incumbent Wendy Wiese. Cusumano was most recently with sports talk KFNS, St. Louis until owner Dave Zobrist pulled the plug on local sports hosts and installed FOX Sports Radio. Zobrist is putting KFNS up for sale. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cusumano is taking over the co-hosting duties from Jennifer Blome after her recent retirement.
June 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 ratings period (May 23 – June 19) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Hannon says, “Jeff has been one of our key sales management leaders for nearly three decades, leading robust sales teams and managing salespeople of all experience levels. He has also been an integral player in making ‘92.3 The Fan’ one of the market’s dominant revenue leaders while managing the relationship with our key partner, the Cleveland Browns. I know that Jeff will advance the legacy of Tom Herschel as Audacy Cleveland’s new leader, and I look forward to working with him to set the path forward.” Miller comments, “I am humbled, motivated and very excited to accept this fantastic opportunity to lead Audacy Cleveland. I look forward to working with our team and the entire organization to build on the success we experienced under Tom Herschel’s guidance.”