February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
February 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 survey period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 5.1, #5 – #5
KJCE .1 – .3, #28 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KVET-AM .8 – .9, #22 – #21
KBPA-HD2 1.1 – .5, #19 – #24
KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 6.9 – 7.4, #3 – #2
KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 7.5 – 8.0, #4 – #3
WPTF 1.0 – .8, #18 – #19
News
WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 3.4 – 2.2, #11 – #15 (Carolina Hurricanes)
WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 9.0 – 8.5, #2 – #2
Note: Sports talk WCMC-FM’s -1.2 (3.4 – 2.2) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 5.1 – 4.9, #7 – #10
News
WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 3.7 – 3.0, #13 – #16
WNDE .5 – .5, #22 – #21
WXNT DNA – .2, DNA – #25
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.6 – 4.6, #8 – #11
Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 11.5 – 9.0, sixth consecutive month at #1
WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27
WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 3.7 – 2.1, #11 – #15
WOKY .2 – .2, #23 – #20
WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #20
WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #13
WHAD 1.2 – 1.2, #16 – #17
WHAD Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Notes: News/talk WISN’s -2.5 (11.5 – 9.0) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.
Sports talk outlets WOKY and WSSP are part of a seven-way tie at #20
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.4 – 5.7, #6 – #5
WLAC 2.1 – 2.1, #18 – #17
News
WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WGFX 8.0 – 4.9, #2 – #9
WPRT 2.3 – 1.5, #17 – #19 (Predators)
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 4.9 – 4.9, #8 – #9
WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #24
Note: Sports talk WGFX’s -3.1 (8.0 – 4.9) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets.
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.9 – 6.8, #4 – #4
WHJJ 1.0 – 1.1, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WVEI 2.1 – 1.7, #9 – #11
WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #8
WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, #12 – #12
WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14
WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #23 – #23
News
WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #22
Sports Talk
WVSP 1.9 – 1.4, #15 – #16
WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 8.0 – 8.9, #3 – #3
News
WJBT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #24 – DNA
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 1.6 – 2.2, #16 – #13
Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.9 (8.0 – 8.9) represents Jacksonville’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WFTL 3.0 – 2.3, #7 – #9
WZZR 1.3 – 1.4 #14 – #13
WJNO .9 – 1.1, #15 – #14
News
None
Sports Talk
WMEN .7 – .5, #16 – #16
WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #18
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.8 – 2.1, #9 – #10
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 3.5 – 3.2 #9 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 5.3 – 4.7, #6 – #6
WUNC 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #12
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 1.4 – 1.5, #11 – #10
KWAM .5 – .4, #13 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WMFS 3.2 – 2.5, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)
WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #14 (Grizzlies)
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO 1.9 – 1.7, #9 – #9
WKNO-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #6
WDRC-AM 1.8 – 1.6, #14 – #14
WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #18 – #18
WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 2.0 – 1.4, #13 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 4.1 – 5.1, #8 – #7
WFCR .6 – .4, #17 – #18
Note: Public radio news/talk WNPN’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.
Contact Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
‘entertainment,’ ‘sports,’ ‘travel’ etc., in accordance with Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) standards. With this capability, Audacy will dynamically insert ads into podcasts more precisely than ever.” Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik adds, “The promise of Audacy’s cross-platform audio campaigns to deliver unprecedented reach coupled with powerful precision targeting becomes even more pronounced with the integration of contextual podcast advertising into our Ad Tech stack. Our clients are realizing better returns on their advertising investments and better outcomes for their business when they leverage our holistic audio strategies, which is why Audacy boasts one of the highest renewal rates in audio and digital media.”
Ryan,” to the company’s sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” In Detroit, Ryan will serve as network pregame, postgame and weekday fill-in host, beginning April 1. Ryan comments, “I’ve carried around a post-it note for 14 years with three sports stations written on it, including ‘97.1 The Ticket.’ My longterm goal was to get a full-time job at one of them. I am so excited to join one of the best media teams in the country as I unlock this long-awaited achievement.”
outlets. Hartman currently serves in the same role for the company’s Chattanooga stations, a position she will continue to hold. In Memphis, Hartman succeeds Dan Barron, who was recently named SVP and market manager in New Orleans. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus comments, “Memphis and Chattanooga are lucky to have Nichole’s leadership as a vital building block to local market success. She continues on a path of consistent career growth and will elevate our Memphis market by delivering exceptional performance for our team, partners, and audiences.”
Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina “The Fan Upstate.” The program takes over for “Offsides with Marc Ryan,” as Ryan moves to the company’s WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket.” Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi states, “‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ allows us to elevate Diesel, who has worked alongside Marc for years, and Cole, who has done a great job with every sports assignment we’ve given him. ‘WIRE 2 WIRE’ will be a live, local sports show with knowledgeable, well-known local talent, and I know sports fans will love it.”
February 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) 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).
“97.5 The Fanatic” as Andrew Salciunas moves from middays to partner with incumbent morning host John Kincade for the “Kincade and Salciunas”
program, effective today (3/18). Kincade has been serving as the morning host since January 2021. Salciunas, has spent the past 10 years working his way up the ladder at the station, most recently hosting the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show since Anthony Gargano left that role after a now-settled contract dispute with the company. In a statement, station PD Scott Masteller says, “I am truly excited to pair John and Andrew for a new sports show that will reflect the energy and passion of the Philadelphia sports fan.”
writer Bob Cooney to middays. The question Tornoe asks is what about Mike Missanelli? “Rumors have been swirling in sports radio circles the past few days about the return of Missanelli, once the station’s biggest star, whose sudden exit from his afternoon show in 2022 after 15 years shocked listeners.” Tornoe says that Missanelli has been in contact with management but there’s nothing to report and Missanelli isn’t talking. PD Scott Masteller tells the paper, “Mike’s name has come up. He’s a great talent, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. A lot of people are interested in the radio station right now. So, I’ll leave it at that.” The current PM drive show is “The Best Show Ever?” hosted by Tyrone Johnson, Ricky Bottalico and Jenn Scordo.
March is half over, and the Madness is just beginning.
news/talk/sports WXLM-AM, New London. The first match aired last Saturday (3/16) versus New Mexico United. An additional nine matches will air on the two stations. Cumulus regional vice president Holly Paras says, “I am delighted that our stations will enter into this new broadcasting partnership with Rhode Island FC and help to bring the Southern New England community the passion and drama of this new team and exciting sport.”
and WEPN-AM), but Karmazin said the move had nothing to do with his company not renewing its lease on WEPN-FM (which ends later this summer) but that it’s a company decision. TALKERS noticed that news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee did not appear in Nielsen’s January PPM survey and reached out to GKB for an explanation, but the company did not reply to our request. Karmazin told Best, “It’s outdated to use one form of media to measure a show, especially one that doesn’t reflect the entire listening audience and viewing audience across all the different ways we distribute our media now.”
started 29 years ago. Whether it’s helping the first-time gun buyer sort out what she needs to buy, or exposing politicians who claim to be supporters of the Second Amendment while putting restrictions on this right, there’s plenty to talk about. Responsible gun ownership is strong, and I’m glad to be part of movement.” The program – currently heard on more than 260 stations – airs live on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET.
Sports,” on Monday (3/18). The program will cover the athletes, coaches, teams, and sports that have contributed to the explosive worldwide growth of women’s athletics in recent years. The rotating cast of female sports broadcasters includes Laura Okmin, Maggie Gray, Olivia Harlan Dekker, Amber Theoharis, and Amy Lawrence.
at age 69 after suffering a heart attack. St. Pierre served with WABC, New York during his career but worked much of his career in Rhode Island radio and TV. He programmed talk outlets including WPRO-AM, WHJJ-AM, and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence and anchored sports on WPRI-TV, Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He is survived by his wife Patti.
director of sales with Cox Media Group. Audacy Houston VP of sales Alana Lujan comments, “Judy’s extensive experience in talent development, coupled with her recent involvement in business development, multi-media buying and digital innovation, makes her a powerhouse addition to Audacy’s sales leadership team. With her expertise, Judy is poised to make an immediate and substantial impact. Here’s to an exciting journey with someone who will bring so much to the table!” Lakin states, “I am thrilled to join the exceptional leadership team at Audacy. The Houston market’s wide variety of broadcast and digital products makes me eager for what will come. The local sales team’s incredible skills and high energy is a tremendous plus to this opportunity.”
Think about the concept for just a minute. Manhattan Island for $24? Peter Minuit knew value.
program currently in development with executive producer Chris Mathis. Lane will take on a new role as host of the signature Rays pre-game show “The Inside Pitch.” He will also continue his seasonal hosting duties with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio network. WDAE program director John Mamola says, “We couldn’t be more excited for Ronnie and Tom as they embark on their new opportunities at WDAE. These programs promise fresh content and compelling, engaging experiences for our listeners. We will continue the legacy of high performance the hosts built as a duo and the voice of Tampa Bay sports fanatics everywhere.”
been serving as assistant program director and executive producer. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “Mary has been a part of our cluster for many years and is more than ready to take the lead role of our talk stations. She’s smart, experienced, and incredibly detailed with her work.” Ayala comments, “This is an exciting time to be taking over the program director position for these brands. Each station has its own distinct flavor, and all of them are filled with great talent I’m looking forward to working with.”
other content he creates with the station’s partnership with A to Z Sports. Cumulus Nashville VP and market manager Allison Warren says, “In the heart of Middle Tennessee, where sports pulse through our veins, we proudly announce the contract extension for our dynamic midday host, Buck Reising. Our airwaves resonate with the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the unwavering passion of fans. As the must-listen sports station, we’re more than a frequency; we’re the heartbeat of every game, every play, and every championship.” Reising comments, “I’m so grateful to ‘The Zone’ and Cumulus for believing in and investing in Lucas, Jackson, and me. We could not be happier to continue to do the show for such an incredibly supportive audience and the city that we love. We’re just getting started.”
Is that host read you are pitching “baked-in?”
It’s not your imagination. The world has gone daffy. The USA is all-but boots-on-the-ground in rough neighborhoods around the world. Weather is getting even wackier. The next gun nut could open fire, at any moment, anywhere. 2024 campaign? It’s a long way to November. And even in this rebounding economy, supermarket prices still hit-home… if you can get there.
as “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” and “The Dan Patrick Show,” the station will air “Inside New Orleans with Eric Asher” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by “All Access with Ken Trahan” from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cumulus Media New Orleans RVP and market manager Pat Galloway says, “The love and passion of New Orleans’ sports fans is amazing. It starts in the playgrounds and ends up in the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, and now we can talk about it all the time on the all-new ‘106.1 The Ticket.’”
news/talk KOGO-AM, talk KLSD-AM, sports talk KGB-AM, and five music brands. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Noreen Ippolito says, “We are so excited to welcome Taylor into our San Diego cluster. Her knowledge of the audio business and track record speak for themselves. We are eager for Taylor to bring her skill set and big ideas from Miami to an already incredible cluster of stations.”
serving as a full-time KDKA Radio reporter since February 2021 and hosted her own Sunday morning talk show on “93.7 The Fan.” She posted to social media, “While news has offered so many opportunities for growth, my heart has always been in sports journalism and it’s time to fully focus on that path.” Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We are so grateful for all of Shelby’s work in the KDKA newsroom. Her time as a host at ‘The Fan’ will forever be a part of the history of that great radio station. We know the future will bring her great things. We are fortunate to be a part of her journey.”
Rothman) program and as host of “The Fan” pregame show every gameday Saturday in the fall. Hayes says, “‘The Fan’ has been my home for 10 years and I’m very excited to continue working at a station that has been a part of my life for so long.” WBNS station manager Cody Welling comments, “Matt has been working extremely hard developing his broadcast talents. We value his point-of-view on topics, and is the perfect duo for our highly rated midday show, ‘Rothman and Ice.’ I’m happy that Columbus sports fans will be able to access Matt Hayes for years to come each weekday, and on college football gamedays.”