May 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
May 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) 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.
MLB team names of spoken-word flagships are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk
KXL 6.4 – 5.8, #2 – #2
KEX 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #20
KUFO .7 – .7, #23 – #24
KPAM .3 – .3, #30 – #31
News
None
Sports Talk
KXTG 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #21
KFXX 1.4 – 1.0, #22 – #22
KPOJ .6 – .4, #27 – #26
KMTT .2 – .2, #34 – #33
KFXX Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
Public Radio News/Talk
KOPB 5.1 – 5.0, #4 – #5
KOPB Stream .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk
WBT-AM/FM 4.2– 4.7, #8 – #7
News
WRFX-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #23
Sports Talk
WFNZ-FM 3.3 – 3.7, #13 – #10
WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFAE 4.4 – 3.4, #6 – #12
WNSC .8 – .7, #20 – #21
WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk
WOAI 2.8– 2.8, #12 – #13
KTSA 2.1 – 1.9, #17 – #19
News
None
Sports Talk
KTFM 1.2 – 1.4, #24 – #21
KTKR .6 – .5, #29 – #29
KZDC .5 – .4, #31 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KSTX 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #17
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk
KFBK 6.2 – 8.0 #3 – #2
KSTE-AM 1.9 – 2.5, #19 – #15
KSAC-AM .8 – 1.0, #23 – #21
News
None
Sports Talk
KIFM 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #21
KHTK 1.8 – .9, #20 – #23
KIFM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KXJZ 2.8 – 3.6, #14 – #10
KQEI .3 – .2, #28 – #28
KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #30
KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk KFBK’s +1.8 (6.2 – 8.0) represents the largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk
KDKA-AM 4.3 – 4.6, #9 – #9
KDKA-AM Stream .2 – .3, #21 – #18
News
None
Sports Talk
KDKA-FM (Pirates) 8.0 – 7.8, #2 – #3
KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates).4 – .3, #20 – #18
WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #20
Public Radio News/Talk
WESA 5.4 – 4.7, #7 – #8
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk
KSL-AM/FM 8.1 – 4.9, #2 – #4
KNRS-AM/FM 2.6 – 3.1, #15 – #14
KKAT .1 – .1, #29 – #27
News
None
Sports Talk
KALL 1.0 – 1.2, #23 – #22
KZNS-FM .4 – .7, #26 – #25
KZNS-AM .6 – .3, #24 – #26
KZNS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KZNS-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUER 3.2 – 3.6, #14 – #12
KBYU-HD2 Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #27
KUMT .3 – .1, #27 – #27
Note: News/talk KSL’s -3.2 (8.1 – 4.9) represents the largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease by any station in the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk
KMXB-HD3 1.6– 1.7, #23 – #22
KXNT .2 – .2, #34 – #33
KMZQ .1 – .1, #35 – #37
KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KWWN .6 – .5, #28 – #28
KKGK .6 – .3, #28 – #29
KENO .1 – .1, #35 – #37
KRLV .1 – .1, #35 – #37
Public Radio News/Talk
KNPR 1.9 – 1.5, #20 – #24
ORLANDO
News/Talk
WTKS 6.5 – 5.1, #4 – #7
WDBO 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #10
WFLF .6 – .8, #19 – #19
WFYY .5 – .5, #21 – #21
WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WYGM .9 – 1.0, #17 – #17
WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WMFV 1.9 – 1.8, #15 – #16
WMFE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WTKS’ -1.4 (6.5 – 5.1) is Orlando’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.
CINCINNATI
News/Talk
WLW 13.3 – 11.8, following back-to-back months at #1, slips to #2 (Reds)
WKRC 6.0 – 6.1, #5 – #5
News
None
Sports Talk
WCKY .7 – .8, #19 – #19
WSAI .7 – .4, #19 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
WVXU 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10
Note: News/talk WLW’s -1.5 (13.3 – 11.8) is Cincinnati’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.
CLEVELAND
News/Talk
WTAM 7.4 – 7.4, #4 – #5 (Guardians)
News
WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #23 – #23
Sports Talk
WKRK 4.2 – 4.8, #10 – #10
WKRK Stream .6 – 1.0, #20 – #19
WARF .1 – .1, #23 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
WKSU 6.5 – 5.5, #7 – #7
WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk
KMBZ-FM 5.6 – 5.4, #4 – #4
KCMO-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #18 – #17
KMBZ-AM 1.3 – 1.3, #19 – #18
KMBZ-FM Stream .9 – 1.3, #22 – #18
KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
KCSP 3.4 – 3.3, #10 – #11 (Royals)
KCSP Stream .6 – 1.1, #26 – #21 (Royals)
KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCUR 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #15
KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
COLUMBUS
News/Talk
WTVN 5.2 – 5.5, #7 – #6
News
WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WBNS-FM 7.6 – 7.8, #2 – #2
WBNS-AM .6 – .4, #20 #21
WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #23
WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WOSU 6.1 – 5.4, #5 – #7
Note: Public radio news/talk WOSU’s -.7 (6.1 – 5.4) is Columbus’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.
Up next: May 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
The best thing about attending media conferences like TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond, which occurred last week on June 7, is the opportunity to hear diverse viewpoints from industry experts. Gatherings like these also provide the opportunity for attendees like me to “chew” on some of the great ideas presented by the expert panelists and think about solutions to some of the challenges raised during the discussions.
discussions and analysis of local issues.” Charlottesville Radio Group operations manager and WINA program director Paul McDaniel says, “We are thrilled to extend ‘The Schilling Show’ by an hour each weekday. Rob’s ability to connect with the audience and provide insightful commentary has made the show a cornerstone of our programming. This expansion is a testament to his unparalleled work and the loyalty of his listeners.” Schilling comments, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend more time daily with my loyal listening audience as we further explore and examine pressing issues of the day. This additional hour will allow for more compelling guests, more in-depth analysis, and most importantly, more time for WINA listeners to engage with their community.”
the rapid growth and distribution of the Salem News Channel, and in HC2 Broadcasting’s expansion.” HC2 operates stations in markets including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix and more. HC2 Broadcasting president and CEO Les Levi comments, “We are excited about our partnership with Salem Media Group and delighted to be launching the Salem News Channel on our TV broadcast platform. The channel will be available for the first time to broadcast television viewers, who should enjoy the network’s rich and informative news content.”
advertising. The five questions are: 1) Does audio work? 2) Can audio be planned and purchased at scale? 3) Are there creative best practices for getting audio right? 4) Can audio be measured? And 5) Is the brand properly set up for success? Fix says, “These five questions are important to advertisers, providers of audio, and the industry in general. Communication with advertisers is best when it is acknowledged as to the stage of the advertiser and the industry. Failure to identify and address each step in the 5-Question Framework will cause unnecessary delay.” 
In case you missed it, honesty was on full display at Friday’s TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference.
also affects air personalities Andrea Darlas and Jane Clauss, but it appears Darlas will continue with the station for weekends and her podcast. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been part of the fabric of ‘The Big 89’ for years. We’re thrilled to have him back in morning drive on 890 WLS-AM.” Stevens comments, “I am beyond ecstatic to be back doing mornings at WLS and 890 in my hometown. Special thanks to Marv Nyren and Stephanie Tichenor for having faith and believing in me. Also special thanks to KCMO’s Donna Baker and Pete Mundo who’ve let me work middays at the radio station for the better part of the year. I can’t wait to get to work and be on the air at the legendary 890 WLS-AM talking NASCAR, politics, football, and everything that makes us the greatest city in the world!”
Got young local radio news talent? CONGRATULATIONS, for five reasons:
is launching a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “While achieving significant success, Newsmax has stayed true to our mission of providing Americans with honest and real news. Now more than ever, especially in this election year of 2024, America needs Newsmax and you can join with us as an investor.” The current private offering currently consists of shares of the Company’s Series B 7% Convertible Preferred Stock for a maximum Offering amount of up to $225 million.
approximately $2.1 million compared to net income of $34.3 million for 2022. For the first quarter of 2024, net revenue was approximately $104.4 million, a decrease of 5% from the same period in 2023. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $32 million, a decrease of 18.5% from the same period in 2023. Net income was approximately $7.5 million compared to a loss of $2.9 million for the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “Our Adjusted EBITDA for FY23 came in just above the high-end of our previous guidance at $128.4 million. As expected, we suffered a drop in radio division broadcast cash flow as a result of reduced political advertising compared to Q4 2022. Other divisions performed broadly in line with expectations, although the continuing churn in cable television subscribers remains an industry-wide concern. For Q1 our national radio revenues were hit by tough comparatives on a handful of large clients plus a general softness in the market. Second quarter radio pacing’s are sequentially better, with same station core revenues down mid-single-digits and low-single digits including political… We are optimistic about political advertising revenues for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. During Q1 we repurchased $75 million of our 2028 notes at 88.3%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $155.7 million of cash.”
When recently starting nightly on WPHT, Philadelphia, I asked program director Greg Stocker if there was anything else management needed from me. Greg said, “Do your show.”
bestselling author Joe Garner. The podcast is being co-executive produced by Paul Bahr of Peachtree Sound and Ron Hartenbaum of WYD Media. Garner says, “In each episode, we explore the hidden aspects of everyday life. From why popcorn pops to the science behind your favorite songs. ‘OK Now You Know’ offers a fresh look at the world around us.” Hartenbaum adds, “We’re not just sharing information; we’re inspiring curiosity. ‘OK Now You Know’ makes every day a chance to learn something new.”
Saturdays at 10:00 am ET on SiriusXM’s bipartisan P.O.T.U.S. channel. This show will contain major interviews and showcase conversations and debates with Mediaite writers and editors, along with top reporters from various outlets. These roundtable discussions will cover the intersection of media and politics, the inner workings of the media world, and the biggest industry stories of the week. The inaugural episode features an in-depth interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Media and president, Westwood One, was elected radio board chair by the NAB radio board. Kevin Perry, president and CEO of Perry Publishing and Broadcasting Company, was elected radio board first vice chair, and Leonard Wheeler, president of Mel Wheeler, Inc., was elected radio board second vice chair. Chris Ornelas, executive vice president and general counsel of Beasley Media Group, was reelected to the radio board’s major group representative seat on the NAB board’s executive committee. Perry Sook continues the second year of his role as joint board chair. The position is elected every two years. The elections took place at the NAB Board of Directors meeting, held June 3-4.
Pelicans had been heard on iHeartMedia’s WRNO-FM. Audacy New Orleans SVP and market manager Dan Barron states, “We are honored to extend our partnership with the New Orleans Saints and excited to bring the New Orleans Pelicans into the WWL family. This agreement reaffirms our dedication to providing fans with the best sports broadcasting in the region. We are proud to be the go-to source for Saints and Pelicans coverage and are excited to bring every thrilling moment to our listeners.”
podcast dedicated to telling the stories of the all-time great players who are enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The new program, titled, “The Road to Cooperstown,” debuts on June 8 and airs every Saturday at 9:00 am ET on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel. Season one will run from June through October and each week’s episode will feature a long form conversation between SiriusXM host Jon Paul Morosi and a different Hall of Famer.
daypart to morning drive, taking over for Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet, who exited the station earlier this year. He posts a message to Facebook saying, in part, “Iowans are all about connecting with each other and WHO Radio has always been at the heart of that. We’ll have conversations about the most important topics of the day, and we’ll share a few laughs along the way.”
introduced to their audience. Brittany Arneson and Kendall Mark will host the “Brittany & Kendall” show beginning July 8. Arneson joined KTMY in 2019, filling in on the “Lori & Julia” show as well as hosting events and assisting with social media and video content. She also previously served with KQRS-FM and as a co-host of the “Tom Barnard Podcast.” Mark has been serving with KMSP-TV “FOX 9” and as part of “The Jason Matheson Show.”
titled, ‘The Chosen One.’ This song was inspired by the media firestorm across the globe in July 2019 when I said on my Newsmax TV show Trump was ‘like the King of the Jews and the Chosen One.’” Root debuted the song on his Real America’s Voice TV show, “The Root Reaction” and on his Talk Media Network nationally syndicated radio show. Root adds, “In light of this unprecedented persecution, indictments and now unjust conviction of President Trump, this is the perfect song and video, at the perfect time, and the perfect place, to lift the spirits of President Trump and the MAGA world, and to show the world President Trump is on a mission from God to make America great again.” 
columnist John Heilemann called, “Impolitic with John Heilemann.” New episodes will drop each Tuesday and Thursday. Audacy Podcasts EVP Jenna Weiss-Berman says, “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our thriving Puck slate with ‘Impolitic’ especially in this election year. John is a singular political journalist whose incisive and insightful analysis and reporting will keep listeners informed leading up to November and beyond.”