Industry News

Audacy Releases “The Power of Sports” Fandom Study

The study, conducted in partnership with Vision Insights, tells the story of sports fans’ loyalty to content and broadcast brands and that resulting impact that radio delivers for brands and advertisers, especially thoseim that partner with Audacy’s own sports talk stations. Some of the key takeaways from this study include: 1) Sports fans are 4x more likely to trust brands that support their teams; 2) Listeners are 4x more likely to catch a brand’s message on sports radio than on TV; 3) 73% of fans spend more time following their favorite teams on sports audio than sports-related digital media; and 4) Brands that advertise on Audacy sports stations enjoy a 40% lift in usage.  See more about the study here.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Myth About Wall Street

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network

imWall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.

That myth has been a burden within our culture for about 10 years and it just is not true. From a 1980s fast-buck perspective, traditional media does not offer the no-effort returns it once did. But major investors continue to seek opportunities from radio and TV acquisitions. Notably, today the money is much “smarter” than that found in the 1980s.

(Side note, the 1980s rush to radio put the business in the hellish financing we live with today. The new money won’t do that.)

Marc Rowan is the CEO of Apollo Advisors which bought Cox TV and radio. Apollo was first money in Sirius radio. Their escrow check closed the deal for Howard Stern and changed the radio industry. Marc explained to me that Apollo is not an investor, they are “owners.” Apollo has a long game plan as savvy operators with decent, moral standards. Marc actually likes, consumes and celebrates media. Apollo is not a chop shop. They build businesses.

George Soros is about to close on Audacy. Mr. Soros is a brilliant business builder. Like Apollo, he is an owner/operator. Soros represents smart money going into the proven medium of radio.

John Malone, builder of the cable industry, saved Sirius within days of bankruptcy. The company was about to miss payroll, Malone pulled it out the fire and through Liberty holdings he continues to control 83% of SiriusXM. Over the years he has grown, not diminished Liberty’s stake in the satellite company.

Rowan, Soros, and Malone have one thing in common: They are not jokers. They each have robust histories of sober, sane investments which has made them billionaires. While you and I shop the price of milk, the new owners of proven media are model guides for future Wall Streeters.

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.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Uncategorized

iHeartMedia Q2 Consolidated Revenue Up 1%

iHeartMedia reports operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals consolidated revenue of $929 million, an increase of 1% over the same period on 2023. iHeartMedia reports its business in three segments. The Multiplatform Group – which includes its AM/FM radio stations – achieved revenue of $575.9 million – a decline of 3.4% over the same period in 2023. The Digital Audio Group’s revenue was $285.6 million – an increase of 9.5% over Q2 of 2023. The Audio & Media Services Group revenue was $70 million – an increase of 6.5% over the second quarter of 2023. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittmanim comments, “Our second quarter results mark the first quarter that our consolidated revenues increased year-over-year since Q4 2022. We continue to see strong momentum in our podcast business, our Digital ex. Podcast business, and have seen sequential improvement of our Multiplatform Group’s year-over-year revenue performance. This performance is built on iHeartMedia’s strong and unparalleled audience and demonstrates the progress we are making in maximizing the monetization of it.” Company COO and CFO Rich Bressler adds, “We continue to see signs of improvement throughout our business and the broader advertising marketplace, and our second quarter 2024 results were in line with, and in the cases of revenue, slightly above guidance. Our high-growth Digital Audio Group revenues were up 10% year over year, and represented 31% of our company’s revenues, and our Multiplatform Group revenues exceeded our previously provided guidance. Our full year 2024 political revenues are currently pacing approximately 20% higher than the last presidential election cycle, which gives us confidence that this will be a record political year for us, and we expect to see a significant year-over-year improvement in our full year Adjusted EBITDA performance.”

Industry News

Urban One Q2 Revenue Declines 9.2%

Second quarter 2024 net revenue for Urban One Inc. was $117.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from Q2 of 2023. Breaking down Urban One’s report by segment, the Radio Advertising segment brought in revenue of $45.4 million, basically flat from one year ago. Digital Advertising revenue for Q2 of 2024 was $15.5 million, a decrease of 17.6%. The biggest change for Urban One was Cable Television Advertising, which brought inim $22.2 million, a decline of 26.7% from the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins III states, “On a same station basis our radio division finished Q2 -5.6% excluding political, and -3.0% with political. We saw a sequential improvement in national revenues vs. Q1, which was offset by weaker local revenues. Q3 core radio revenue is currently pacing down 6.9% on a same station basis, down 5.1% including political, and up 7.0% overall. We are starting to see a significant uptick in political advertising revenues, and remain optimistic for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. Our Cable TV business continues to suffer from subscriber churn and audience delivery shortfall, impacting both advertising and affiliate revenues, although we are seeing a bounce-back in ratings and delivery in Q3. Our digital business experienced weaker advertising demand than prior year but remains well positioned for the second half of the year, particularly with political and CTV advertising. During Q2 we repurchased an additional $35.5 million of our 2028 notes at 78.0%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $132.4 million of cash.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces New Associates

Compass Media Networks brings three new staffers aboard, including news pro Chad Robison, who is named a news anchor for “Your Money Now.” In this role, Robison will anchor the “Your Money Now” twiceim-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey is 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 period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds half a share to finish with a 5.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX jumps four-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises 1.1 shares for a 4.2 share finish and the #11 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips two-tenths to a 1.2 share but rises one spot to the #21 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 6.2 share but slides back on spot to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share for a 4.1 share finish and climbs one spot to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” – hosted by Greg Gutfeld – will broadcast live at 11:00 pm ET each night following the network’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. From August 19 through 22, the program (which is usually taped earlier in the day) will be joined live by a studio audience in New York City for the first time ever.

Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-AM/FM, Boston and the New England Patriots announce a multi-year extension to their broadcast partnership that includes the continuation of exclusive “Patriots Monday” and “Patriots Friday” programming, featuring head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots players. This year marks the 30th season of the partnership between WEEI and the Patriots, which began in 1995.

The latest episode of Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes’ podcast “Chachi Loves Everybody” features a conversation with National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 5.0 – 5.5, #5 – #4

KEX 1.8 – 2.2, #18 – #17

KUFO .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22

KPAM .3 – .3, #31 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.1 – 1.1, #21 – #21

KXTG 1.1 – .8, #21 – #23

KPOJ .4 – .4, #26 – #27

KMTT .2 – .1, #33 – #34

KFXX Stream  DNA – .1, DNA – #34

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #5

KOPB Stream .7 – .5, #23 – #24

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT 5.0– 4.5, #5 – #9

News

WRFX-HD2 Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 2.9 – 3.1, #15 – #13

WNSC .7 – .9, #21 – #20

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.1– 4.2, #13 – #11

KTSA 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.2 – 1.1, #23 – #22

KTKR .4 – .3, #28 – #30

KZDC .4 – .3, #28 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.4 – 3.3, #16 – #13 

Note: News/talk WOAI’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2) represents San Antonio’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK 7.2 – 7.3 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

KSAC-AM .6 – .8, #26 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.0 – .9, #21 – #21

KIFM .8 – .5, #23 – #26

KIFM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #28 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #12

KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #28

KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #28

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.5 – 4.4, #8 – #8

KDKA-AM Stream .5 – .4, #18 – #18

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM (Pirates) 7.0 – 6.9, #5 – #5

KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates) .3 – .4, #19 – #18

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 3.2 – 3.5, #10 – #10

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL 6.1 – 6.2, #2 – #3

KNRS 3.1 – 4.1, #12 – #11

KKAT .1 – .1, #27 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KZNS-FM .5 – .9, #24 – #22

KALL .5 – .4, #24 – #25

KZNS-AM .1 – .4, #27 – #25

KZNS-AM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.5 – 2.0, #17 – #18

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .1, #27 – #28

KUMT .1 – .1, #27 – #28    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.8– 1.1, #20 – #25

KMZQ .3 – .4, #34 – #29

KXNT .4 – .3, #31 – #33

KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .4 – .8, #31 – #28

KKGK .3 – .3, #34 – #33

KRLV .3 – .3, #34 – #33

KENO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.3 – 1.8, #23 – #19

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WDBO 3.6 – 4.7, #10 – #9

WTKS 5.6 – 4.3, #5 – #10

WFLF .8 – 1.1, #18 – #17

WFYY .5 – .3, #21 – #22

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .8 – .6, #18 – #21

WDYZ .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14

WMFV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Whereas news/talk WDBO’s +1.1 (3.6 – 4.7) represents Orlando’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WTKS’ -1.3 (5.6 – 4.3) is tied for the market’s greatest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.3 – 9.9, #2 – #2 (Reds)

WKRC 5.4 – 6.0, #6 – #4

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY .6 – .5, #20 – #20

WSAI .4 – .3, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.4 – 4.1, #9 – #9

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 7.0 – 7.0, #5 – #5 (Guardians)

News

WMMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 4.4 – 4.4, #10 – #10

WKRK Stream .6 – .3, #19 – #20

WARF .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.6 – 7.0, #6 – #5

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.2, #4 – #5

KCMO-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #17 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.4, #23 – #18

KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.2 – 2.4, #10 – #16 (Royals)

KCSP Stream  1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 (Royals)

KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.2 – 3.0, #16 – #10

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.7, #6 – #6    

News

Black Information Network WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.8 – 6.7, #2 – #4

WMNI .1 – .4, #22 – #21

WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #22 #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.6 – 5.1, #7 – #7

Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) is Columbus’ largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Salem Media Group Q2 Net Revenue Down 7.8%

Salem Media Group reports net revenue of $60.6 million during the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of im7.8%. The company says net broadcast revenue was $47.1 million (-5.1%), while net digital media revenue was $11.9 million (+9.9%), and net publishing revenue was $1.56 million (-70.3%). It should be noted that Salem sold Regnery Publishing in December of 2023. The company reports net income of $2.3 million during the quarter, compared to that net loss of $7.1 million it reported in Q2 of 2023.

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Announces New Regional Vice President Roles

Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will beim responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”

Industry News

Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation Hosts 9th Annual Event & Dinner

The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation and the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania are presenting theim Foundation’s 9th Annual Event & Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre on September 20 in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. The theme of the event is “The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” and will feature keynote speaker Jack Warren, author of Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution (Lyons Press, 2023). Each year the Foundation presents its Atlas Award for Citizenship and this year’s honoree is Northeastern Pennsylvania businessman Christopher Hackett. Find out more about the event and how to attend at: info@BoldGold.org.

Ratings Takeaways

Round Two of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while Hubbard Radio’s all- news WTOP-FM rises 1.2 shares for 10.7 share finish that lifts it to the #1 rank in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.3 share and climbs to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM is flat with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to the #6 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI tacks on three-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds eight-tenths for a 3.1 share finish good for the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”

FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.6 – 3.6, #11 – #11

WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Nationals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 9.5 – 10.7, #2 – #1

Business News WDCH .6 – .8, #23 – #20

Business News WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WMZQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WUST DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 1.4 – 1.7, #17 – #17 (Nationals)

WJFK-FM Stream .6 – .7, #23 – #22 (Nationals)

WTEM .2 – .4, #27 – #26

WTEM Stream .2 – .1, #28 – #30

WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #30

WTSD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.3 – 10.4, after 32 months in succession at #1, slips to #2 

Notes: Not only is WTOP & WTLP’s +1.2 (9.5 – 10.7) Washington, DC’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, the all-news outlet advances to #1, thus ending public radio news/talk WAMU’s consecutive string of consecutive months on top at 32. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10

WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.7 – 4.7, #7 – #6

Business news WRCA .1 – .2, #28 – #25

Black Information Network WJMN-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.9 – 7.7, seventh straight month at #1

WEEI-FM 3.5 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Red Sox)

WVEI-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #25

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

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.4 – 5.1, #5 – #5

WGBH 3.1 – 3.1, #11 – #13 

Notes: Whereas sports talk/Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1) is Boston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase, similarly-formatted WBZ-FM’s -2.2 (9.9 – 7.7) represents the most significant (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. Nonetheless, WBZ-FM is #1 for the seventh month in a row.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.9 – 1.9, #21 – #21

WFTL DNA – .1, DNA – #37

News

WXBN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WQAM Stream .4 – 1.3, #32 – #23

WQAM 1.1 – 1.0 #23 – #24

WINZ .5 – .5, #31 – #30 (Marlins)

WMEN .1 – .1, #38 – #37

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 4.3 – 4.5, #7 – #7

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #37

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KTTH 2.0– 2.7, #22 – #16

KVI 2.1 – 2.5, #21  – #20

KPTR .1 – .1, #29 – #29

KIRO-FM 4.9 – DNA, #5 – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 3.6, #18 – #10

KHHO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #9 (Mariners)

KJR-FM 1.6 – 1.7, #23 – #22

KJR-AM .6 – .3, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.6 – 7.7, #2 – #1

KSWS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Notes: The +1.1 by public radio news/talk KUOW (6.6 – 7.7) and all-news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (2.5 – 3.6) is Seattle’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

News/talk KIRO-FM was ranked fifth in June 2024 (4.9, 6+), but is unlisted in July 2024. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 1.9 – 2.6, #16 – #16

WFDF .5 – .5, #22 – #22

WJR Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WWJ 4.7 – 5.0, #9 – #9

WWJ Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24

WDFN Black Information Network .1 – .1, #26 – #27

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 7.5 – 7.8, #2 – #2 (Tigers)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #20 – #20 (Tigers)

WXYT-AM .1 – .1, #26 – #27 (Tigers)

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Tigers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.8 – 2.1, #17 – #17

WUOM 1.4 – 1.5, #18 – #19 

Note: News/talk WJR’s +.7 (1.9 – 2.6) is Detroit’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.5 – 3.8, #9 – #6

KTAR-FM 2.3 – 3.1, #18 – #11

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.6 – 3.1, #14 – #11 (Arizona Diamondbacks)

KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Diamondbacks)

KDUS .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA

KGME DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

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

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #15

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.5 – 4.8, #9 – #9 (Minnesota Twins)

KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #14 – #14

KTMY 2.2 – 1.7, #14 – #17

WCCO Stream .5 – .5, #24 – #24 (Minnesota Twins)

News

KQQL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KFXN 6.7 – 6.7, #3 – #4

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #30 – #29

KQQL-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.0 – 6.7, #8 – #4

KNOW Stream .6 – .6, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #10

KLSD .5 – .4, #23 – #23

News

KSSX-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KWFN 4.6 – 4.2, #7 – #7 (Padres)

KGB-AM .4 – .3, #24 – #24

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

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2

TAMPA

News/Talk

WFLA 3.5 – 3.7, #11 – #11

WHPT 3.6 – 3.0, #9 – #14

News

Business news WHNZ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WBTP-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.6 – 1.5, #18 – #20 (Rays)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #17

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Colorado Rockies)

KDFD 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #20

KHOW 1.3 – 1.1, #21 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 1.8 – 1.9, #18 – #17

KKSE-FM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #26

KAMP .1 – .1, #32 – #33

KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSE-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 3.0 – 2.9, #13 – #13

KUNC 1.0 – .7, #26 – #29

KRCC .1 – .1, #32 – #33

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #12 (Orioles)

WCBM 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.0 – 1.2,  #17 – #17

Business News WDCH  .5 – .5,  #22 – #22

WQLL Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, #11 – #10

WJZ-AM .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.6 – 4.6, #10 – #8

WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 4.2 – 4.6, #11 – #10 (Cardinals)

KTLK-FM 1.7 – 1.8, #16 – #15

KFTK 1.6 – 1.6, #17 – #16

KMOX Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #19 (Cardinals)

KFTK Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #25

News

KATZ-FM HD2 Black Information Network .1 – .1, #29 – #27

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.9 – 5.1, #9 – #9 

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Hubbard Radio Names John Goforth VP/GM of Podcasts

Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBSim Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”

Industry News

Round One of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

KRLD, Dallas Adds FOX News Radio’s Will Cain

Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas adds FOX News Radio’s “The Will Cain Show” to its program lineup, airing fromim 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen says, “Will’s unique perspective on today’s top headlines will be a welcomed addition to our revamped lineup on KRLD. We’re excited to expand his reach and introduce his wildly popular program to KRLD listeners in Dallas and nationwide via the Audacy app.”

Industry News

GKB’s “101.7 The Truth” Presents Family Fest

Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allowim fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartPodcasts joins forces with Thoroughbred Studios to develop a new podcast slate that will delve into some of the biggest stories on what really happened in this American century. As part of the deal, the companies will co-produce a minimum of four podcasts over the next two years. The first show will debut early 2025 and will recount the often-overlooked gritty realities of the renowned astronauts that made it to the moon.

National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that “The Ricky Cobb Show” will debut on August 12, airing live for 90-minutes beginning at 11:00 am ET. OutKick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “We’re excited to introduce Ricky Cobb to the OutKick audience as he steps out from behind @Super70sSports and unleashes his engaging personality as a true original.”

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc will report its 2024 second quarter financial results before the market opens on August 12. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10

WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19

WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40

WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44

News

WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6

WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)

WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11

WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7

KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31

KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34    

News

KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36

KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24

Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13

WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25

WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37

WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4  – #5

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39

WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24

KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4

KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20

KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA     

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1

KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14

KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32

KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39

KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7  (Astros)

KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27  

News

KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23  (Astros)

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9  

Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1

WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26

WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32

WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)

WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15

WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8

WRAS  .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13

WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24

WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26

WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27

WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33

Sports Talk

WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12     

Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15

WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25

KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18

KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)

KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2

WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20         

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+). 

Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com