Industry News

BFoA Giving Day Set for June 13

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces its annual Giving Day will take place Thursday, June 13. The campaign’s purpose is to raise money to support the Foundation’s sole mission of providing financial assistance to radio and television professionals who find themselves in acute needim due to critical illness or disaster. The campaign also strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA presiddnt Tim McCarthy says, “One hundred percent of Giving Day donations go directly to grants that help our colleagues, who are struggling with life-altering disease or disaster. Any amount – large or small – helps provide much-needed aid to support our colleagues.” The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed more than $15 million dollars in aid over the past 20 years. Monthly grants support broadcasters on a continual basis while they recover from an illness or accident. Emergency grants provide one-time financial aid following a devastating natural disaster or home emergency. Find out more at www.broadcastersfoundation.org.

Industry Views

Pending Business: In Car

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhat happened to us? Unless we move quickly, the radio business stands to lose the final frontier: in-car listening.

The numbers tell a riveting story.

The good news is 92% of Americans listen to the radio every week.

The bad news, according to Edison Research, is only 68% of homes have a radio. All of us who were trained on the 90%-plus penetration of in-home radios are officially out of touch. The in-home radio listening experience is fading fast and there is no trend in sight to reverse it. Smart speakers aside, that bedside clock radio that helped millions wake up every morning is a silent reminder of days past. That 90%-plus penetration number will soon be the domain of Smart TV as 91% of homes have internet. That’s more homes than have radios.

The good news is 73% of drivers listen to the radio in the car.

Nearly three out of every four drivers tune in. The bad news is emerging retail media will soon be the final purchase influencer, online and on location. By 2025 more ad dollars (nearly $47 billion) are projected to be invested in retail media than TV. If you are still pitching, “in-car radio is the last purchase influence before the shopper steps into the store,” you are joining the growing group of outdated radio sellers. Let’s stop the head-in-the-sand approach and review what will have better sales power in the current landscape.

1. In-car listening is typically a shared attention experience. Adjust your commercials to work in the in-car environment. Simplify the messaging, repeat critical sales points, make the call to action easy to understand and implement.

2. Frequency sells. Forever the foundation of solid radio sales, repetition works, and compelling messaging can be commuter friendly.

3. Do your homework. If your community relies on several major industries, learn how the new remote workforce impacts in car listening. Different commute patterns may be in play. Know your marketplace before you suggest a schedule.

4. Seasonal trends. Summer is here. What changes are impacting your market?

Is there a go-to resource for advertiser info on your station website?

Some things will never change:

1. Auto is typically the #1 ad category. One of the best places to start the sales cycle of buying or leasing a new car is in the car of that money draining repair clunker and radio is right there!

2. Three out of four commuters drive alone and when you have someone one-on-one messaging will be heard.

3. In-car radio listening still is and always will be that uniquely personal experience.

Finally, owners and top-level management must learn to help sellers adjust to ever changing world of how to work with radio advertisers to meet the consumer where they are today.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Industry News

CRN Digital Announces Satellite Syndication Expansion

CRN Digital Talk Radio announces a new partnership with Salem Radio Network and Westwood One to expand its satellite radio syndication services and distribution. CRN president and CEO Michael Horn states, “The latest branch in the business will allow CRN to provide satellite time to those independentim shows looking for syndication opportunities. With all the changes in our industry it was the natural progression to provide a full range of services to our clients and work with our partner Salem Radio Network. CRN’s new syndication effort will use the Westwood One Wegener system. CRN says this project came to fruition with the help of radio industry affiliate relations pro Jon Patch, who comments, “I’m proud to be working with Mike and the CRN team to offer the newest technology from Westwood One and Wegener. Most radio stations already have this technology in their racks, which brings the most success to our partners.” CRN currently syndicates “The Michael Medved Show,” “The Ron Cey Show,” “The Fred Dryer Show,” “The Conversation,” “Speaking Out America,” “What’s Cookin’ Today,” “What’s Cookin’ on Wine,” “The Lounge,” and more.

Industry News

Urban One Gets Another Delinquency Notice from Nasdaq

Urban One received a second non-compliance notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on May 23, for not having timely filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the period ended March 31, 2024. Urban One previouslyim received a notice from Nasdaq for not filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, in a timely manner. Urban One has until June 7, 2024, to file or submit a plan to regain compliance. If Nasdaq accepts the compliance plan, Nasdaq may grant the company an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the due date for the initial delinquent filing, or until September 30, 2024, to regain compliance. Urban One states that it is working diligently and expects to file its Delayed Filings on or before June 7, 2024, which would eliminate the need for the company to submit a formal plan to regain compliance.

Industry News

Starnes Delivers Address at NC Republican Convention

im

Pictured above is nationally syndicated radio host Todd Starnes delivering the keynote address at the North Carolina Republican Party State Convention Prayer Breakfast on Sunday (5/26) in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Industry Views

WABC, New York Morning Host Sid Rosenberg is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

77WABC, New York morning show host Sid Rosenberg is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Rosenberg, who is a Jewish native New Yorker and outspoken supporter of Israel, risked his life this past Friday evening (5/17) on a Brooklyn-bound subway train standing up and defending an orthodox Jewish man being threatened with physical assault by an obscenity-spewing, anti-Semitic African American man who appeared dangerously amped up on drugs. The story is compelling and offers insight into the hate and dangers that are on full display in the Big Apple. Harrison and Rosenberg discuss the dangerous spread of anti-Semitism in America, the disturbing behavior of Gen Z on college campuses, and the rise in crime on the streets of America’s leading urban centers. This powerful conversation is not to be missed. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

Audacy’s “We Can Do Hard Things” Hosts Honored with Gracie Awards

im

Pictured above are “We Can Do Hard Things” hosts Glennon Doyle (right) and Abby Wambach (left) accepting the award for Best Lifestyle Podcast Co-host/Ensemble. Fellow co-host Amanda Doyle, who is battling cancer, was not present. Wambach said, “Rooms like tonight, nights like this one matter… I want to acknowledge and affirm the little girl inside all of us that was told, ‘You can’t do it because you’re a girl.’ Tonight, I tell that little girl, ‘Yes, you can. Yes, you can.’”

Industry News

Talk Media Network Partners with LinkUp Communications for Broadcast Distribution

Talk Media Network announces its partnership with LinkUp Communications for satellite and internet distribution of programming to its more than 1,200 radio station affiliates. Talk Media Network CEO Joshim Leng says, “LinkUp Communications is the new gold standard for service and reliability in the broadcast industry. Their reputation for professionalism and the highest level of service made this the imperfect complement to Talk Media Network’s quality programming. We carefully reviewed our options and listened to our affiliates in choosing to remain on the XDS platform, while choosing the best distribution partner in LinkUp Communications. LinkUp’s client roster, track record, and commitment to the highest quality and customer service standards, made it the leading choice to work with Talk Media Network’s shows and affiliates.” LinkUp CEO Karen Johnson states, “LinkUp Communications is thrilled to assist Josh and his networks by allowing them to remain with the industry leading XDS suite of technologies. We’re happy to utilize our decades of experience to elevate Talk Media Network’s programs. LinkUp has provided technology solutions to enable broadcasters for over 20 years.”

Industry News

Alpha Media Cuts More Staff in Midwest Markets

Alpha Media has laid off more staffers, this time in the Mason City, Iowa and Austin, Minnesota markets, according to KAAL-TV, Rochester, Minnesota. It’s unclear exactly how many positions have been eliminated but they are affecting news/talk KAUS-AM and country KAUS-FM in Austin as well asim operations in Mankato, Albert Lea, and Luverne, Minnesota; Watertown and Brookings, South Dakota; and Fort Dodge, Grinnell, Newton and Mason City in Iowa. Northern Iowa Today reports that in Mason City, KGLO sports director Tim Fleming has been let go as has KGLO and KRIB news director Bob Fisher, who comments, “Alpha Media is going a different direction with their radio stations in their smaller markets. A majority of the programming staff, including myself, were terminated this morning as part of that plan. This is not only happening here but throughout the country with their smaller markets.” After making similar drastic cuts in a number of its Missouri markets, Alpha Media struck a deal with UK-based Podcast Radio and will debut “Podcast Radio Missouri” on two stations there in the coming weeks. Read TALKERS’ coverage of that news here.

Industry News

Outkick Reports Multiplatform Data for April

National multimedia sports platform OutKick finished April 2024 with 24 million total multiplatform views, 22 million total multiplatform minutes and over 5.3 million total multiplatform unique visitors, according to data from Comscore. Outkick was founded by Clay Travis, co-host of the Premiere Networks syndicatedim “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.” Outkick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “OutKick continues to be authentic, unfiltered, and driven by common sense. We continue to feature topics that most sports sites refuse to cover. Our ability to stand out amongst the rest of the industry is reflected positively by the strength of our numbers every month.” The platform also recently expanded the “Tomi Lahren is Fearless” program from evenings three days per week to a daily show running live at 1:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Fisher House Offers Free Memorial Day Program

Fisher House Foundation is offering a Memorial Day Week edition of “The Fisher House Story” available free for download now. “The Fisher House Story” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for all radio formats in the U.S. andim around the world. The 3-hour, 1-hour, 25-minute, and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime Washington, DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. The inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ms. Lynch reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to a production delay, some stations may have inadvertently downloaded last year’s holiday edition. Download the Memorial Day programs here.

Industry News

Voice Over Pros Gather in Burbank

im

Pictured above are the attendees at the May 18 “Creatives Mixer” hosted by KellyKellyKelly and sponsored by Benztown and Steve Stone Voiceovers held at Story Tavern in Burbank, California. Organizers say, “The event was attended by nearly 100 voiceover and imaging talent from across the U.S., Canada, and even some VO pros from across the pond! People were excited to see each other and chatted a lot about what’s new in the industry. A great time was had by all!”

Industry News

SiriusXM Presents Coverage of 108th Indy 500

SiriusXM is covering the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. Subscribers will have access to the liveim call of the race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26. Pre-race coverage begins at 11:00 am ET on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation and NBC Sports Audio. SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation will also air live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 Miller Lite Carb Day Practice session on Friday (5/24) at 11:00 am ET.

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Confronts Man Threatening Jewish Commuter

WABC, New York morning drive talk host Sid Rosenberg tells TALKERS he witnessed an anti-Semitic assault on a Jewish commuter on a New York subway train on Friday (5/17). Rosenberg says, “On the downtown 5 train from 42nd street. I get on the train, and I walk by a guy with a yarmulke standing by theim door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: WHY Are You Podcasting?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imBecause you can? Because you aren’t doing AM/FM radio? Because you are on radio, but can’t-do-there what you can-do podcasting? Because you are making money podcasting?

Podcasters I help must first survive a conversation about WHY. “It’s a success…if…” WHAT?

Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly reckons that “a creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer, craftsperson, performer, animator, designer, video maker, or author – in other words, anyone producing works of art – needs to acquire only 1,000 true fans to make a living.”

Devour these four pages he wrote – a genuine whack-on-the-side-of-the-head – and the structure for my coaching: http://getonthenet.com/1000TrueFans.pdf

im

What you read there may change how you approach the podcast you’re doing… or nudge you into podcasting if you don’t. As does the Edison Research 2024 Infinite Dial survey. Here’s that download, and a cautionary video from TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison: http://getonthenet.com/podcasting.html

Next Monday is Memorial Day here in the USA, so I’ll be back here on “…the third of June.” If you work mornings, this is my last column you will see before your show that day, so make a note in your bumper file: Bobbie Gentry, “Ode to Billy Joe.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at 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

April 2024 MLB Flagship Scoreboard

imHistorically, the beginning of the Major League Baseball season has been good to radio stations that serve as flagships for play-by-play, often bringing new cume to their ratings. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at how flagship stations performed during Nielsen Audio’s April PPM survey. He notes, “Generally speaking, Major League Baseball radio flagships enjoyed a solid first at bat in Nielsen Audio’s 2024 rating season (March 28 – April 24). There was a (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 uptick in approximately four of every five applicable flagship cases (81%); 15%dipped; and 4% were flat.” iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLW, Cincinnati (Reds) saw the biggest leap in AQH share rising from an 11.3 share in March to a 13.3 share in April (retaining its #1 rank as well). See how the rest of the flagship stations performed in Mike Kinosian’s complete report here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 MLB Flagship Scoreboard

imGenerally speaking, Major League Baseball radio flagships enjoyed a solid first at bat in Nielsen Audio’s 2024 rating season (March 28 – April 24).

To put things in perspective, the baseball year officially started March 20 when the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

Listed below are each MLB team’s main flagship.

Only one station per team appears – there are no simulcast partners and/or internet streams.

In addition, flagships of the Yankees and Mets are listed only in New York (not Long Island and Middlesex), while key stations of the Giants and A’s appear in San Francisco (not San Jose).

There was a (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 uptick in approximately four of every five applicable flagship cases (81%); 15% dipped; and 4% were flat.

Representative March 2024 – April 2024 (6+) gains were +0.92, while typical declines were -0.27.

Heftiest increases (+2.0 each) were logged by news/talk WLW, Cincinnati (Reds) and news/talk WTAM, Cleveland (Guardians).

Flagships of the Angels (KESN); White Sox (WMVP); and Brewers (WTMJ) did not appear (DNA) in the March 2024 or April 2024 survey periods.

News/talk WLW, Cincinnati (Reds) 11.3 – 13.3, +2.0, #1 #1

News/talk WTAM, Cleveland (Guardians) 5.4 – 7.4, +2.0, #9 – #4

Sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit (Tigers) 7.5 – 9.2, +1.7, #2 – #1

Sports talk KCSP, Kansas City (Royals) 1.8 – 3.4, +1.6, #17 – #10

News/talk KMOX, St. Louis (Cardinals) 3.0 – 4.5, +1.5, #14 – #10

Sports talk WCNN, Atlanta (Braves), 2.5 – 3.8, +1.3, #17 – #10

Sports talk WIP, Philadelphia (Phillies), 5.5 – 6.7, +1.2, #6 – #4

Sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle (Mariners) 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 – #10

Sports talk KNBR, San Francisco (Giants), 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #10 – #6

Sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston (Red Sox), 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #13 – #10

Sports talk KLAC, Los Angeles (Dodgers), .8 – 1.6, +.8, #32 – #27

Sports talk KRLD-FM, Dallas (Texas Rangers), 1.7 – 2.3, +.6, #24 – #20

Sports talk KBME, Houston (Astros), .5 – 1.1, +.6, #27 – #23

Sports talk KWFN, San Diego (Padres) 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #14 – #10

News/talk KOA, Denver (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 – #15

Sports talk WFAN FM & AM, New York (Yankees), 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #15 -#13

Sports talk WSCR, Chicago (Cubs), 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #11 – #10

Sports talk WDAE, Tampa (Rays) 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #17 – #16

Sports talk KMVP-FM, Phoenix (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, #14 – #10

News/talk WCCO, Minneapolis (Minnesota Twins) 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #11 – #10

Sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington, DC (Nationals), 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 – #17

Business News KNEW, San Francisco (Oakland A’s), .3 – .3, Flat, #30 – #30

Sports talk WINZ, Miami (Marlins) .4 – .3, -.1, #31 – #31

News WCBS-AM, New York (Mets), 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #14 – #19

News/talk WBAL, Baltimore (Orioles) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 – #10

Sports talk KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh (Pirates) 8.4 – 8.0, -.4, #2 – #2

Sports talk KESN, Los Angeles (Angels), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports talk WMVP, Chicago (White Sox), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News talk WTMJ, Milwaukee (Brewers), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports talk CJCL, Toronto (Blue Jays), Canadian, Not Applicable

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Four of April PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 covered March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM is steady with a 7.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it ranked #4, while Curtis Media Group’s news/talk WPTF is also steady at a .6 share and stays in the #23 rank. A number of news/talk stations with no direct competition stayed steady or improved during the period, including Urban One’s WIBC-FM, Indianapolis which added six-tenths for a 5.7 share that lifts it to the #7 rank and Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM, Jacksonville which leaped 1.2 shares for a 9.1 share finish good for the #3 rank. Elsewhere, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rose 1.3 shares for a 10.3 share and cementing its eighth straight month at #1. (Its direct competitor WTMJ stopped subscribing to Nielsen several months ago.) See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Uncategorized

KMJ Documentary Nominated for Regional Emmy

The documentary film that chronicles the history of Cumulus Media’s news/talk KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno is up for a regional Emmy Award. The company says KMJ: 100 Years in the Valley earned the prestigious nomination in the Cultural/Historical News or Long Form Content category. The Valley PBS Originalim Documentary was produced, directed, and narrated by Jeff Aiello. KMJ program director Blake Taylor also served as a producer for the film. Winners will be announced at the 53rd Northern California Emmy Awards Gala on June 15, 2024, at the San Francisco Hilton. Cumulus Fresno regional VP and market manager Patty Hixson says, “It is a remarkably humbling experience to be a part of this documentary celebrating KMJ’s 100 years of serving the community. I am grateful to have been with this heritage brand since the late 80s. The entire KMJ team is excited to share our story through this documentary – and we’re thrilled that the film has been nominated for an Emmy!” Blake Taylor adds, “When KMJ went on the air, people didn’t have radios. That is one of the great lines from the film that really speaks to me. The longevity, the success, and the impact of KMJ for over a century is really remarkable. To be a small part of that is truly meaningful.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases “The Podcast Consumer 2024”

Edison Research reports that the results of it’s “The Podcast Consumer 2024” study indicates that podcasts have established themselves as a mainstream media platform, attracting an ever-growing and highly engaged audience. Highlighting the targeted appeal and increasing influence of podcasts, Edisonim says that key points for advertisers to know about podcast listeners include: 1) More people than ever are listening to podcasts: 67% of the 12+ population has ever listened to a podcast; 47% of the 12+ population are monthly podcast listeners and 34% are weekly listeners; 2) Listeners are spending more time than ever with podcasts: In 2014, out of the daily time spent listening to all audio by those age 13+, 2% was spent with podcasts. In 2024, that number more than quadrupled and podcasts now account for 11% of daily time with audio. Twenty-three percent of weekly podcast listeners spend 10 hours or more listening to the medium each week; and 3) Podcasts reach all generations: 29% of kids age 6-12, 59% of those age 12-34, 55% of those age 35-54, and 27% of those age 55+ are monthly podcast listeners. See more about the study here.

Industry Views

WIP Sports Talk Pioneer Howard Eskin is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Philadelphia sports talk media founding father Howard Eskin is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Eskin’s stellar career in radio and TV goes all the way back to 1972 and his impact on local media in the City of Brotherly Love is indelible. He still maintains an active presence as sports radio personality for WIP-FM 94.1 and anchor at FOX 29 News in addition to being a sideline reporter for the Eagles Radio Network. Eskin has hosted/anchored more than 8,000 sports radio programs in his career, which is likely the most by any sports radio personality in American broadcasting history. Harrison and Eskin discuss the state of sports, media, big money, the impact of gambling and the generational divide per the multi-award-winning host’s recent commencement speech at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware where he received an honorary doctorate in acknowledgement of his contributions to media, culture and philanthropy. Don’t miss this! Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 survey period (March 28 – April 24) 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.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea. The other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 3.8 – 4.5, #9 – #7

KJCE .1 – .1, #30 – #30

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .9 – .9, #21 – #21

KVET-AM .7 – .5, #23 – #24

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 8.4 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.3 – 7.3, #4  – #4

WPTF .6 – .6, #23 – #23

News

WRAL-HD3 .5 – .7, #24 – #21

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.0 – 3.1, #13 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 8.7 – 7.9, #2 – #3

Note: Public radio news/talk WUNC’s -.8 (8.7 – 7.9) is tied for Raleigh’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.1 – 5.7, #8 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  2.6 – 2.3, #16 – #16

WNDE .5 – .3, #22 – #22

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Pacers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 5.6 – 5.9, #6 – #6

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.0 – 10.3, eighth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #26

WAUK .2 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.4 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WOKY .1 – .2, #26 – #21

WSSP .2 – .2, #22 – #21

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10

WHAD 1.3 – 1.8, #17 – #16

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: News/talk WISN’s +1.3 (9.0 – 10.3) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 6.5 – 5.7, #5 – #5

WLAC 1.8 – 1.7, #18 – #18

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 6.6 – 5.5, #4 – #7

WPRT 2.3 – 2.5, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.8 – 3.2, #9 – #15

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk WPLN’s -1.6 (4.8 – 3.2) represents Nashville’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.2 – 7.0, #5 – #4

WHJJ  1.3 – 1.1, #13 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.5 – 1.7, #11 – #9

WPRV .1 – .1, #18 – #18

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.1, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.4 – 1.0, #12 – #13

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.0 – 2.1, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .1 – .1, #23 – #24

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #23

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.3 – 1.1, #17 – #17

WGH-AM .1 – .1, #23 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.3 – 9.1, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .DNA – .2, DNA – #21

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.1 – 2.4, #13 – #13   

Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.8 (8.3 – 9.1) is Jacksonville’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #8

WZZR 1.1 – 1.2 #13 – #13

WJNO 1.1 – .9, #13 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .4 – .5, #17 – #16

WBZT .4 – .3, #17 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.9 #11 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.6 – 4.4, #6 – #7

WUNC 2.5 – 2.5, #12 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.8 – 1.4, #8 – #10

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.3 – 2.3, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)

WMC-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #15

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.6 – 1.1, #10 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 6.2 – 5.4, #5 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.6, #16 – #16

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.1 – 1.8, #13 – #14

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.0 – 5.0, #7 – #7

WFCR .4 – .4, #18 – #18

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Three of April PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey covered March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM sheds one-tenth for a 6.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #2 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM dips two-tenths to a 1.6 share good for the #20 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM shoots up 1.4 shares for an 8.1 share finish and remaining ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM is steady with a 2.6 share but climbs two spots to the #15 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s news/talk KMBZ-FM adds three-tenths to finish with a 5.6 share keeping it ranked #4, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk KCMO-AM falls half a share to wrap the survey with a 1.5 share, pulling it down to the #18 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

New WZLX, Boston morning host Rich Shertenlieb announces the cast members for his program on the iHeartMedia classic rock outlet and they are going heavy on sports content from the looks of it. Joining Shertenlieb will be Boston TV personality and sports writer Michael Hurley, plus a rotating cast including former New England Patriot Ted Johnson; FOX Sports, ESPN and Sports Illustrated personality Charlotte Wilder; and NFL Network alumnus Mike Giardi.

Cumulus Media’s sports talk WMAL-AM, Washington, DC announces its partnership with National Women’s Soccer League’s The Washington Spirit that will feature the broadcast of 13 regular season matches. Bram Weinstein will serve as play-by-play voice while former Spirit player Gaby Vincent will serve as color commentator. Michael Minnich will provide additional commentary during broadcasts and serve as an alternate for both Weinstein and Vincent.

PodcastOne announces the new podcast, “We (Almost) Made It” with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk. PodcastOne will oversee the exclusive distribution, sales rights and production of the weekly TV & film podcast. Greenberg and Rasuk co-starred in the cult favorite HBO series “How to Make It in America.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray says, “Bryan and Victor are the embodiment of making it happen. When they pitched us this podcast, their passion, their collaborative spirit and their excitement rivaled that of our own internal team at PodcastOne, and we knew instantly that this was a good fit.”

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

For context, MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.5 – 6.4, #2 – #2

KEX 1.8 – 1.6, #20 – #20

KUFO .8 – .7, #23 – #23

KPAM .2 – .3, #32 – #30

News

None

Sports Talk

KXTG 1.5 – 1.5, #21 – #21

KFXX 1.5 – 1.4, #21 – #22

KPOJ .5 – .6, #26 – #27 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .2 – .2, #32 – #34

KFXX Stream  .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.8 – 5.1, #3 – #4

KOPB Stream  .7 – .7, #25 – #23

Note: Public radio news/talk KOPB’s -.7 (5.8 – 5.1) is Portland’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.0– 4.2, #8 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.9 – 3.3, #9 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.4 – 4.4, #6 – #6

WNSC .8 – .8, #20 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Sports talk WFNZ’s -.6 (3.9 – 3.3) is tied for Charlotte’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.6– 2.8, #14 – #12 (Spurs)

KTSA 1.9 – 2.1, #17 – #17

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM .8 – 1.2, #24 – #24

KTKR .5 – .6, #29 – #29

KZDC .4 – .5, #32 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #15 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.5 – 6.2 #4 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.5 – 1.9, #16 – #19

KSAC-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #20 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – 1.0, #21 – #22

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KQEI .3 – .3, #22 – #28

KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.8 – 4.3, #10 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .2 – .2, #25 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM (Pirates) 8.4 – 8.0, #2 – #2

KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates).4 – .4, #21 – #20

WBGG .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.2 – 5.4, #8 – #7

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 6.7 – 8.1, #2 – #2

KNRS-AM/FM 2.6 – 2.6, #17 – #15

KKAT DNA – .1, DNA – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .9 – 1.0, #23 – #23

KZNS-AM .3 – .6, #26 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM .5 – .4, #24 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.4 – 3.2, #13 – #14

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .3, #27 – #27

KUMT .1 – .3, #27 – #27    

Note: News/talk KSL’s +1.4 (6.7 – 8.1) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.1– 1.6, #26 – #23

KXNT .5 – .2, #30 – #34

KMZQ .1 – .1, #37 – #35

KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KKGK .6 – .6, #28 – #28 (Golden Knights)

KWWN . 4 – .6, #32 – #28

KENO .1 – .1, #37 – #35

KRLV .2 – .1, #33 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #20

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 5.9 – 6.5, #5 – #4

WDBO 3.5 – 3.9, #12 – #10

WFLF .7 – .6, #19 – #19

WFYY .7 – .5, #19 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .9, #18 – #17 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFV DNA – 1.9, DNA – #15

WMFE 1.7 – DNA, #15 – DNA

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 11.3 – 13.3, #1 #1 (Reds)

WKRC 6.0 – 6.0, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.0 – .7, #19 – #19

WSAI .6 – .7, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.2 – 3.3, #10 – #10   

Note: News/talk WLW’s +2.0 (11.3 – 13.3) represents a tie for the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.4 – 7.4, #9 – #4 (Guardians, Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #23 – #23

Sports Talk

WKRK 4.3 – 4.2, #10 – #10

WKRK Stream .4 – .6, #21 – #20

WARF .2 – .1, #22 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 7.2 – 6.5, #5 – #7

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk WTAM’s +2.0 (5.4 – 7.4) represents a tie for the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.3 – 5.6, #4 – #4

KCMO-AM 2.0 – 1.5, #16 – #18

KMBZ-AM 1.4 – 1.3, #18 – #19

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – .9, #22 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 1.8 – 3.4, #17 – #10 (Royals)

KCSP Stream  .1 – .6, #29 – #26 (Royals)

KWOD .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.9 – 2.2, #12 – #15

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Notes: While sports/talk KCSP’s +1.6 (1.8 – 3.4) represents Kansas City’s greatest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, public radio news talk KCUR is -.7 (2.9 – 2.2) and in a three-way tie for the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.2, #8 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 8.6 – 7.6, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .4 – .6, #20 #20 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .3 – .1, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 5.9 – 6.1, #6 – #5

Up next: April 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: Try It, You’ll Like It

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host, Talk Media Network

imThis week, I started a five-night show on Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia. Thank you, market president David Yadgaroff. Because of my tenure in the industry, I received a flattering, humbling number of emails from colleagues in radio. THANK YOU. The support and encouragement are appreciated and certainly needed!

There was a pattern to the notes beyond the kind thoughts for my future. Almost every note hoped that the example of my show’s non-political content would compel other broadcasters to stop their political speeches and start a broader, real-life focused conversation. These emails were from CEOs, program directors, news directors, owners, and hosts. My response is, why me? If the note writer believes broader content would be good for their business, why don’t they put it on the air, today?

It would be fun to speculate on the answer to that question. It would also be pointless because the real answer is…  just do it!

Radio executives love to copy success. I am mystified by why they are copying failure. Almost all politically focused talk stations are declining in audience and gaining in demographic age. Daytime TV talk shows cover much broader topics that capture younger demos, are growing in audience and, as a category, generate $5 billion in annual revenue.

Broader topic menus work well. Thanks to enlightened owners, my company has launched many stations and hosts that are not political. Of course it works, life is what your target listener is discussing with their friends right now. Follow my example. Your audience will grow, and you’ll generate more revenue.

(EDITOR’S NOTE:  Walter Sabo will be appearing on a panel discussion titled, “Beyond Politics” at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. For information, click here.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at sabowalter@gmail.com. His nightly show “Walter Sterling at Night” is debuted this week on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, now in its 10th year of success.

Industry News

Round Two of April PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and slides back to the #6 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 7.8 share good for the #2 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO declines one-tenth for a 3.3 share finish and holds steady at the #12 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to a 4.9 share, yet it falls one spot to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM dips one-tenth to a 3.8 share and slides down to the #10 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 2.4 share and remains ranked #18. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

Meanwhile, the NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.8 – 4.6, #5 – #6

WFED DNA – .1, DNA – #30 (Nationals, Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 7.9 – 7.8, #2 – #2

Business News WDCH .6 – .5, #22 – #23

WUST DNA – .1, DNA – #30

Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.5, #17 – #17 (Nationals, Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .9 – .8, #21 – #20 (Nationals, Capitals)

WTEM .4 – .2, #25 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – .1, #28 – #30

WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Nationals, Capitals)

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.0 – 11.3, 30th month in succession at #1 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 3.4 – 3.3, #12 – #12

WXKS-AM .4 – .4, #23 – #24

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.6 – 4.9, #6 – #7

Business news WRCA .3 – .2, #24 – #26

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.7 – 10.1, fourth straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.0 – 3.9, #13 – #10 (Red Sox)

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Red Sox)

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.4 – 5.8, #3 – #3

WGBH 3.8 – 4.3, #9 – #8

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.0 – 1.3, #26 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM .9 – 1.0 #27 – #25 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .4 – .3, #31 – #31 (Marlins)

WMEN .3 – .3, #32 – #31

WQAM Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #34 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 5.6 – 5.3, #5 – #5

WLRN-HD2 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 3.9 – 3.8, #7 – #10

KTTH 1.5 – 1.4, #23 – #22

KVI 1.0 – 1.3, #24  – #24

KPTR DNA – .1, DNA – #30

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 2.4, #18 – #18

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 2.7 – 3.8, #17 – #10 (Mariners)

KJR-FM 2.1 – 1.6, #19 – #21 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .7 – .5, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 7.2 – 7.3, #3 – #3

KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: Sports talk KIRO-AM’s +1.1 (2.7 – 3.8) represents Seattle’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.3 – 1.7, #14 – #17

WFDF .6 – .4, #23 – #25

WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WWJ 5.3 – 4.6, #9 – #10 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .6, #25 – #23 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #27

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 7.5 – 9.2, #2 – #1 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.5, #18 – #18 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #27 – #26 (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings)

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.6 – 1.9, #17 – #16

WUOM 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #19 

Note: Sports talk WXYT-FM’s +1.7 (7.5 – 9.2) is the largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.0 – 2.9, #10 – #10

KTAR-FM 2.2 – 2.7, #18 – #12 (Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.6 – 2.9, #14 – #10 (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #33

KGME .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Diamondbacks, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.7 – 2.6, #12 – #15

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.1 – 4.4, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.5 – 2.3, #14 – #15

KTLK-AM 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #16

WCCO Stream .2 – .6, #28 – #26 (Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #32 – #30

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.4 – 8.0, #3 – #2 (Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .1 – .1, #32 – #30

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #32 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 7.5 – 6.4, #2 – #6

KNOW Stream .8 – .8, #22 – #22

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 4.8 – 4.3, #5 – #8

KLSD .5 – .5, #24 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.4 – 4.0, #14 – #10 (Padres)

KGB-AM .9 – .5, #20 – #24

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Padres)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 7.1 – 6.6, #2 – #2

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.1 – 5.1, #5 – #5 (Lightning)

WFLA 3.0 – 3.8, #14 – #12

News

Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.9 – 2.3, #17 – #16 (Rays)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.8 – 2.0, #18 – #18

WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 2.4 – 3.0, #17 – #15 (Colorado Rockies)

KDFD 1.1 – 1.3, #22 – #21

KHOW 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.6 – 3.4, #10 – #13

KKSE-FM 2.4 – 3.0, #17 – #15 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #33

KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 2.9 – 2.9, #14 – #17

KUNC .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.7 – 3.3, #10 – #10 (Orioles)

WCBM 1.9 – 1.4, #14 – #15

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.6 – 1.4,  #16 – #15

Business News WDCH  .5 – .5,  #20 – #21

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 3.3 – 2.9, #11 – #12

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.2 – 3.3, #12 – #10

WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26 

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.0 – 4.5, #14 – #10 (Cardinals)

KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .3 – .9, #22 – #19 (Cardinals)

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #27

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #27

Sports Talk

WXOS 5.1 – 3.8, #9 – #12 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 5.0 – 5.8, #11 – #6 

Note: News/talk KMOX’s +1.5 (3.0 – 4.5) is St. Louis’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

Up next: April 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Dave Ramsey Releases 20th Anniversary Edition of Bestseller

Money expert, author and talk host Dave Ramsey is celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular personal finance books with a newly expanded and updated edition of The Total Moneyim Makeover. The book is named one of BookAuthority’s 20 Best Personal Finance Books of All Time and has spent more than 1,000 weeks on bestseller lists. To date, over 9 million copies have been sold worldwide, and every year, more than 400,000 readers buy the book. Dave Ramsey says, “The plan is still simple, and millions of people have done it. You can solve your biggest problem with the least-complicated finance book out there. It’s the stories of everyday people in TMMO that makes it so powerful and inspiring. They’re the real heroes. Their stories of real life-change are all the proof you need that this stuff really works.” The new edition offers Ramsey’s principles, along with updated statistics and examples. It now includes advice on topics like: Mortgages and car loans; buy now, pay later loans; saving and investing for retirement; and paying for college while avoiding mountains of debt.

Industry News

Round One of April PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 covered March 28 through April 24. 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 drops eight-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.4 share and remains ranked #20. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI surrenders nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share but remains ranked #3, as Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share and remains ranked #10. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN rises six-tenths for a 3.8 share and remains ranked #9, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share to stay ranked #4. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Powerful Agenda Set for TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national event is only one month away. Set for June 7 at Hofstra University, just outside of New York City on Long Island, TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond is fast on its way to being another advance sellout. Don’t be shut out. The power-packed, one-day agenda is spectacular! Check it out – along with registration, sponsorship and hotel information – by clicking here. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state-of-the-art television soundstage ‘A’ at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on the adjacent TV soundstage ‘B,’ the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.” Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage will be of tremendous historical significance. We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’ It will be a ‘symposium’ for the ages reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era in American media and culture. People all over the world and for years to come will bear witness to this ‘happening.’” This power-packed, one-day event will again be presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. 

Industry News

Newsmax Launches “The Leventhal Report”

Newsmax premiered journalist Rick Leventhal’s new hour-long news and interview program Newsmax2 last night (5/13) at 7:00 pm ET. “The Leventhal Report” streams nightly on Newsmax2. The company says, “Leventhal, known for his dynamic reporting style and in-depth coverage of breaking news stories,im will cover the latest on significant events from around the nation and the world.” Levanthal adds, “‘The Leventhal Report’ will bring the top stories to the growing Newsmax2 audience with an in-depth analysis of the ‘why’ and what it means to them and our nation. I am looking forward to bringing my global experience in covering the news that matters most to Newsmax2’s lineup of hard-hitting journalism.” Newsmax2 is the network’s free streaming channel available on the Newsmax App and FAST channel platforms found on most major OTT systems including Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Pluto, Vizio, LG, Tivo, Plex and Xumo. Newsmax2 also airs on 20 television broadcast stations through digital channels.