Industry News

Joe Rogan Experience Tops Edison’s Q2 Podcast Chart

Edison Research publishes its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. (based on reach for Q2 2024 from interviews ofim 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.

Industry News

NPR Shows Remain Atop Triton Digital’s July Podcast Ranker

There’s no movement among the top four podcasts in Triton Digital’s July 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker (based on weekly average downloads for participating shows). They are: 1) NPR’s “NPR News Now”; 2) NPR’s “Upim First”; 3) NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC”; and 4) audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie.” Moving up to the #5 rank in July was Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show.” Other moves of note include SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show” rising three places to the #10 rank; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” up four spots to #14; and iHeartAudience Network’s “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” also up four places to the #19 rank. See the full ranker here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Columnist Patt Morrison writes an interesting piece in the Los Angeles Times about radio call letters. Morrison writes, “This call letter business got codified in 1912, at a ‘radiotelegraph’ conference in London not long after RMS Titanic sank, so the power of wireless communication was very much on delegates’ minds.” This piece also includes images of vintage postcards showing historic radio broadcast studios. See the piece here.

WABC, New York is sending a news team and video crew to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. WABC owner John Catsimatidis says, “The public deserves to be informed on what both sides are saying and doing. We are committed to reporting the truth, so that listeners can make knowledgeable decisions. We were at the Republican National Convention last month, and we will be at the Democratic National Convention, as well.”

Industry News

Radio HoF Induction Event to Be Held in Nashville

The Museum of Broadcast Communications will host the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony atim the Omni Nashville on Thursday, September 19. The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2024 class of inductees at the gala event to be held in Music City for the first time ever. A portion of ticket purchases for the event is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Find out more here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

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.

Industry News

WWO: AM/FM Ads Outperform Social Media Ads

In this week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog post, a number of studies measuring attentiveness (defined as the degree to which those exposed to the advertising are focused on it)im reveal that AM/FM ads far outperform most social media ads. For example, the firm Adelaide found that for revery $1,000 spent on AM/FM ads it would require spending $2,635 on Facebook ads for the same amount of attentiveness. However, it also found that just $698 of YouTube ads would yield the same degree of attentiveness as $1,000 of AM/FM advertising. The blog post also addresses the myth that video ads are necessarily more effective than audio ads. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Audacy Requests Extension for Debtor-in-Possession Loans

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division approved Audacy’s prepackaged plan for reorganization under Chapter 11 on February 20 of this year. But the company isim awaiting the FCC’s blessing on the plan to complete reorganization and its Debtor-in-Possession credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $32 million matures on August 19, 2024. (This DIP Facility allows Audacy to function during the reorganization period.) Audacy is asking the Court to extend the maturation date to September 30, 2024. Audacy stated in its second quarter 2024 financial report that it expects to receive FCC approval in the third quarter of this year.

Industry News

BFoA Teams with VHI for Voice Care Info

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is teaming up with Dr. Steven M. Zeitels from the patient nonprofit Voice Health Institute (VHI) to offer broadcast industry professionals information about laryngeal and voice care. VHI is a 501(C)3 charity, focused on helping individuals with laryngeal voice and airway care across the country. Dr. Zeitels is the professor of Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School and theim Director of Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation (MGH Voice Center). Dr. Zeitels says, “The Broadcasters Foundation has done amazing work over many years. I am impressed with their transparency and their commitment to providing aid to broadcast industry individuals in dire need. I am pleased that VHI will partner with the Foundation to help educate broadcasters throughout the US about voice problems they may be experiencing.” Through the efforts of Dr. Zeitels, Julie Andrews (the iconic actress who lost her singing voice) joined VHI at its incorporation as its Honorary Chairwoman. Dr. Zeitels is her current physician and surgeon. Since then, legendary vocalists Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey of The Who, Lionel Richie, and Keith Urban as well as broadcasters such as Joe Buck and Dick Vitale have provided invaluable support to the VHI to forward its mission.

Industry News

“Money Pit” Host Publishes New Dummies Series Book

im

 Pictured above are “Money Pit Home Improvement Show” host Tom Kraeutler (right) and consultant Holland Cooke (left) as Kraeutler hand-delivers the first autographed copy of Home Maintenance For Dummies to the Block Island, Rhode Island homeowner and “Money Pit” consultant.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails; the economy; the primary race involving U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar; the U.S. migrant crisis; Israel and U.S. prepare for Iran attack; Ukraine’s incursion into Russia; and Tropical Storm Ernesto gains strength were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Union Comments on Audacy’s WCBS-AM, New York Decision

The radio industry was in shock yesterday after Audacy announced it will shut down the all-news format on New York’s legendary WCBS-AM and lease the signal to Good Karma Brands for its “ESPN New York” sports talk format. The Writers Guild of America East represents news staffers at the station, and it had theim following response to the company’s decision: “The Writers Guild of America East is devastated that Audacy, the second largest radio company in America, today announced that they are shutting down WCBS Newsradio 880, a trusted news source for New Yorkers since 1924. There were 23 WGA East members laid off by Audacy, and we expect the company to comply with the applicable provisions in our collective bargaining agreement, including guaranteed severance. Audacy is the owner of more than 200 radio stations in nearly 50 markets. The closure of WCBS Newsradio 880 is another example of consolidation by a major media conglomerate, which ultimately deprives the public of critical local news stories with different perspectives. Audacy’s decision is even more egregious given that this is a critical election year. This is a giant loss for New York City and the news industry at large.”

Industry News

Kate Stone Exits Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle

In a post on X, reporter and anchor Kate Stone announces that she is no longer with Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle. She states, “As many of you have probably ascertained, I am no longer at KIRO radio. Iim loved my time there, but circumstances change and it was time to move on. I’m deciding next steps, and took some time away to collect myself and reassess my priorities. I still love telling stories, and want to continue to do so. What form that takes is still to be decided. It may end up that I start giving a more pointed (read: opinionated) take on some news and issues than I was able to before. But I also cherish impartial reporting and fairness. It’s the backbone of what I’ve always done and strive to do. That’s why I have remained silent thus far. But I continue to read and listen to both sides of the issues critical to Washington. I remain committed and engaged, even if I don’t have the same platform to speak through.”

Industry News

Angela Reed Appointed to SVP Inside Sales Division at iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia names Angela Reed SVP, Inside Sales Division. The company notes that the Inside Sales Division is a team of nearly 100 full-time employees and over 75 account executives that offer iHeart’s suiteim of broadcast, events, digital and podcast products to advertisers across all markets. In this role, Reed will manage iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and create advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. iHeartMedia president of multimarket partnerships Julie Donohue says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Angela and her extensive experience to iHeartMedia. We know she’ll make an immediate positive impact as SVP of our Inside Sales Division, a key role in keeping our company thriving and broadening our reach even further.” Reed most recently served as chief sales officer at Miradore, a purveyor of mobile device management software.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Debuts Iowa Sports Radio Network

iHeartMedia Iowa announces the debut of the Iowa Sports Radio Network that will broadcast statewide across five radio stations originating from flagship KXNO-FM, Des Moines. It will also air on KMNS-AM, Siouxim City; KOSY-FM, Cedar Rapids; KXIC-AM, Iowa City; and WFXN-AM, Quad Cities. The company says programming will highlight sports from University of Iowa, Iowa State University, various high schools and other local sports topics. The program lineup is: “The Morning Rush with Travis Justice and Ross Peterson” from 6:00 am to 8:00 am; FOX Sports Radio’s Dan Patrick from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; FSR’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon; “Miller and Condon” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; and “The Drive with Heather and Sean” from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Industry News

Beasley Names Lamar Smith Director of Corporate Engineering

Beasley Media Group announces that Lamar Smith is promoted to director of corporate engineering for the company. Smith has been with the company since 2011 and most recently served as vice president ofim engineering. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing all engineering activities across Beasley’s 57 radio properties throughout the United States. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Lamar’s commitment, dedication and experience are exactly what we need as the organization continues to evolve and innovate into the future.” Smith, who will remain based in Charlotte, says, “Many thanks to Caroline and the Beasley family for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to being able to lead the engineering division as the company continues to evolve for years to come.”

Industry News

Former Albany Talk Host Melody Burns Dies at 65

The Albany Times-Union reports that former WGDJ, Albany talk host Melody Burns died last week at ageim 65 after a battle with cancer. Burns hosted a show on WGDJ from 2012 through 2014. After leaving her radio show, she became director of operations at Veterans Miracle Center, where veterans and military personnel could get new items they need at no cost. Read the Times-Union obituary here.

Industry News

Jimmy Malone Exits WTAM, Cleveland

Cleveland media personality Jimmy Malone has exited his radio show at iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTAM.im Malone – an unapologetic liberal on a station comprised of conservative talk hosts – anchored the 9:00 am to 10:00 am hour. He posted to X, “I’ll have more to say later, but after decades of loyalty to my company, they fired me after my show today and didn’t give me a chance to say goodbye to my listeners. I’m grateful for all of the support I’ve received for so long.” Malone was a longtime cast member on the “Lanigan & Webster Morning Show” on WMJI-FM, Cleveland. His program on WTAM debuted in April of 2022.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago adds “Rich Valdés America at Night” to its program schedule, airing live from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.

FOX News Media is presenting special programming during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, beginning Sunday, August 18 through Friday, August 23. FNC will commence its special coverage from Chicago on Sunday with “FOX News Sunday” anchored by Shannon Bream. Co-anchored by chief political anchor and “Special Report” anchor Bret Baier and “The Story” anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum, FNC will present a nightly hour-long special titled, “FOX News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention” Monday through Thursday at 10:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

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.

Industry News

Audacy to Shutter All-News WCBS-AM, New York; GKB to Lease Signal for ESPN New York

Audacy announces that it is ending the all-news format on WCBS-AM, New York and will lease the signal to Good Karma Brands, which will begin airing its sports talk “ESPN New York” format on the signal, beginning August 26. Audacy plans to change the call letters to WHSQ-AM. Audacy, which will continue to operate all-news WINS-AM/FM, has not commented on how the change will affect WCBS-AM staffers. Audacy Newim York market president Chris Oliviero states, “New York has always been proudly unique in supporting two all-news radio brands, but the news business has gone through significant changes. The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact. WCBS 880 has been one of the most respected radio stations in history, with a legacy cemented by the hundreds of world-class journalists, on and off the air, who willed it into existence over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880. Today, 1010 WINS@92.3FM, equally iconic, moves forward as New York’s only 24/7 all-news station with the best distribution platform, the largest audience and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, fortifies that leadership position for generations to come.” Audacy says that to honor WCBS 880’s meaningful impact, the station will broadcast a live commemorative special, “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” on August 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. This special edition of “NEWSLINE” with Brigitte Quinn will include interviews and historical clips. Audacy New York will continue to serve as the exclusive rights holder and flagship audio home of the New York Mets. Audacy-produced broadcasts will continue to air on 880 AM and stream on the Audacy app.

Industry News

Audacy Q2 Net Revenue Rises 1%

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 revenueim 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.”

Industry News

Beasley Second Quarter Net Revenue Falls 4.8%

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 continuedim 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.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Worst Promo I Hear Most Often?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

im“If you missed Biff & Bev in-the-Morning, you missed…”  It’s a donut: produced open and close, with an aircheck clip in the middle.

— I don’t think I have ever heard such a promo that caused me remorse for missing the show being touted. Often the clip makes the personalities sound self-amused.

— The listener can’t act on this message. This morning’s Biff & Bev show is gone, and don’t count on anyone clicking-as-many-times-as-necessary to find it on the station website.

— You send diary keepers a dangerous subliminal message: that they DIDN’T listen. Heck, we want to fool them into thinking they did listen!

im

Instead:

— Talk about the NEXT show.

— Use “you” and/or “your” as-early-as-possible in copy; and “and your calls!” near the end.

— Offer a benefit statement, something listeners will realize from listening, i.e., what they’ll take-away from hearing tomorrow’s guest, what they can call-in-and-win, anticipated topics.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Sports Gives Way to Religion on XEPRS, Tijuana

According to a report in the Times of San Diego, “The Mightier 1090 ESPN” format has been replaced by Spanish-language Catholic programming on the venerable XEPRS, Tijuana, Mexico. After previous sports format operator Broadcasting Corporation of the Americas lost its lease on the station owned byim Interamercana de Radio SA de CV, Flagstaff, Arizona-based ad agency owner Bill Hagen leased the signal and launched a new sports format as “The Mightier 1090 ESPN” built around San Diego sports talk personalities including Scott Kaplan. Hagen tells the Times he’s not disappointed and says considering the launch of the station during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 was definitely a challenge. He says, “We accomplished something that had never been done before and during a very challenging time in the economy and broadcasting.” Read the Times story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Las Vegas-based talk host Heidi Harris has released her second book, Don’t Pat me on the Head!, as an audio book. She tells TALKERS, “I’ve gotten many requests to do an audio version of the book and now it’s available! My book covers how I ‘lucked into a radio show’ (as a detractor once said), the crazy things I did before I landed in radio, behind the scenes stories, how to be a great guest or caller, interviewing tips, how I survived treacherous bosses, colleagues, and the cancel mob who tried to destroy me, and more!”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers announces that membership re-elected Ted D. Hand to a second, one-year term as president of the organization. Hand is a member of SBE Chapter 45 Charlotte, and an SBE Fellow Member.

Industry News

Saga Communications Reports Net Revenue Decline of 1.5%

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 itsim 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.

Industry News

Newsmax Wins One in Smartmatic Case

The Special Master appointed by the Delaware Superior Court has ruled against voting systems purveyor Smartmatic which was seeking sanctions against Newsmax alleging that CEO Christopher Ruddy and other staffers destroyed evidence. The Special Master ruled that Smartmatic failed to prove that Ruddy and others intentionally or recklessly destroyed evidence in the case. Newsmax says that it informed the Special Master that some of Ruddy’s text messages were accidentally not preserved on his mobile phone, but heim located another device that had many if not all of the text messages. Those messages were produced to Smartmatic in the litigation. Newsmax also notes that it informed the Special Master that neither Ruddy nor any senior staff sought to hide text messages or emails, which in many cases were also collected from dozens of other Newsmax witnesses in the case and produced to Smartmatic. Newsmax separately filed a Motion for Sanctions against Smartmatic on May 13, 2024, and a Motion for Contempt against Smartmatic on July 16, 2024. Both of those motions remain pending. In its motions Newsmax argues that Smartmatic and its executives have misled Newsmax, the Special Master, and the Court about the Department of Justice’s ongoing criminal investigation into Smartmatic in which the agency alleges that Smartmatic and several of its senior executives participated in an international scheme involving a multi-million-dollar bribe allegedly made to an election official in the Philippines in exchange for the company getting nearly $200 million in contracts. See the full (somewhat redacted) complaint here.

Industry News

Audacy to Launch New Sports Talk Outlet in Kansas City

Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagshipim radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”

Industry News

Reggie Adetula Joins KILT-AM, Houston in Middays

Audacy names Reginald “Reggie” Adetula midday co-host of the “In The Loop” midday show alongside coim-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.”

Industry News

Round Four of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe 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.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 5 – 9

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the global financial markets activity, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the U.K. anti-immigrant riots at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJuly 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.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com