FOX News Media has an opportunity for a full-time news anchor for “FOX News Headlines 24/7” on
SiriusXM. The company says, “As a radio news anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice.” Requirements include at least five years’ experience as a news anchor and strong writing skills & audio editing experience. Find out more and apply here.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the NBA’s Timberwolves will not renew their deal with Audacy’s WCCO-AM for the team’s game broadcasts beginning with this 23-24 season. Team spokeswoman Sara Perez states, “We appreciated our partnership with WCCO and the radio broadcast opportunities we were able to accomplish with them. However, we are looking forward to announcing a new radio broadcast partnership in the weeks to come.”
FOX News Channel chief political anchor Bret Baier will present an exclusive interview with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his “Special Report” program on September 20 at 6:00 pm ET. This is bin Salman’s first interview with a major American news network since 2019. FNC says, “The pre-taped, no-holds-barred interview will cover a range of topics about the future of the kingdom and relations with the United States. Baier will anchor “Special Report” from Saudi Arabia on September 19 and 20 and present a behind-the-scenes look at the kingdom, conducting adjacent interviews with other Saudi officials as well.
iHeartMedia and Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries release the results of a study conducted by Morning Consult and Advertiser Perceptions that explores the growing disparity between consumer values and behaviors and marketing priorities in the U.S. They say that the report “underscores the increasing urgency for marketers to reset and realign their marketing and media plans with American consumers to ensure the success of campaigns in an increasingly polarized post-COVID economy.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “This research is a reminder of how different we marketers are from today’s consumers, especially post-pandemic. Based on these results, we need to challenge ourselves as we build marketing and media plans to be sure we use real consumer data and not just trust our instincts and personal experiences. These personal biases are too detached from the consumers most marketers are trying to engage, and which are often behind major marketing misfires. This study aims to level-set the conversation to benefit both our audiences and advertisers.” Some of the key findings from the report include: 1) While 40% of consumers report that they’ve never heard of NFTs, that number drops to 0% for marketers; 2) 62% of consumers have never heard of the TV show “Succession,” while less than 5% of marketers have never heard of “Succession”; and 3) Almost one-third of consumers have never heard of pickleball, while all marketers [surveyed] have heard of pickleball. The findings were presented by iHeartMedia’s Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group, and author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell at iHeartMedia’s AudioCon 2023 on Wednesday (9/13).
Salem Media Group announces that its book unit Regnery Publishing signs a deal with former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss that includes the publishing of her new book, Ten Years to Save the West, scheduled to be released on April 16, 2024. The press release states, “Around the world, many supposedly
conservative political parties have been captured by the same left-wing influences that set the agenda and frame the debate in so many institutions, including the media, academia and the corporate world. Drawing on her 10 years of service in Tory governments – when she often found herself to be the only conservative in the room – the scrappy champion of limited government and individual freedom exposes the threat of the massive, unaccountable administrative state and the complacent political and corporate establishment.”
iHeartMedia appoints Bill Davis vice president of sales for the Chicago Region, effective immediately. The Chicago market includes WMFN-AM, Black Information Network and seven music brands. Davis returns to
iHeartMedia Chicago where he previously served as director of national sales after having served most recently with TelevisaUnivision Chicago. He began his radio sales career with WTOP-AM and WASH-FM in Washington, DC. iHeartMedia Chicago SVP of sales Adam Kurtz says, “Bill’s media experience, specifically in the Chicago market, will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of our team. I am looking forward to working with him to achieve maximum revenue success.”
Compass Media Networks kicked off year 15 of college football coverage this month that’s part of its 16-game CFB schedule. Compass SVP and general manager for sports Michelle Salvatore states, “There is nothing quite like the fan frenzy and pageantry of the college game day experience. Each week Compass Media Networks brings our national audience the absolute best matchups from the Power 5. We cannot wait to broadcast #5 LSU at Mississippi State this weekend!”
Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video shot video of the flip of WFDF, Detroit to news/talk on September 5. The video includes a history of the 910 AM frequency in the market and its most recent programming under owner Kevin Adell’s Adell Media. See the video here.
According to a story by Kevin Kinkead at Crossing Broad, it appears WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “The Fanatic” morning drive host Anthony Gargano is dealing with a contractual situation with employer Beasley Media Group after ALLCITY announced the lineup for its soon-to-debut digital sports platform
PHLY and Gargano is promoted as part of it. See the X video ALLCITY released on Tuesday (9/12) here. It’s likely Gargano has some sort of non-compete in his contract that would prevent him from being part of the new venture, at least immediately. ALLCITY CEO Brandon Spano is quoted in the Philly Inquirer saying, “At the moment, we are trying to determine exactly what that involvement looks like as we navigate his contractual situation with the Beasley Media Group. What we can promise is that Anthony will be involved in many aspects of the network and at some point, fans will be able to watch him and listen to him on PHLY.” See the Crossing Broad piece here.
FOX News Media and Bret Baier agree to a multi-year contract extension that allows him to continue his roles as chief political anchor and anchor & executive editor of “Special Report.” Baier will continue to co
-anchor 2024 election coverage and host “The Bret Baier Podcast” on FOX News Audio. President and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “We are thrilled to have Bret continue leading our political coverage as we head into the 2024 election season and beyond.” Baier has been the anchor of “Special Report” on FOX News Channel since January 2009, when he took over for the legendary Brit Hume who created and launched “Special Report” in 1998.
Compass Media Networks began its 15th season of NFL coverage last weekend. In addition to a slate of Sunday afternoon games, the company continues to present the full season of games for the Dallas
Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders. Compass SVP and general manager for sports Michelle Salvatore says, “Wow! What an incredible way to open our 15th season of NFL coverage with a quadruple header! Our schedule gets even better this coming weekend with the Chiefs at the Jaguars followed by Jets at the Cowboys. Thank you to all our affiliates and sponsors for supporting us all these years.”
Hillsdale College announces that its students claimed six spots as finalists for the College Broadcasters, Inc Awards, the winners of which will be announced in October at the CBI convention in Orlando. Scott Bertram is general manager of the school’s WRFH. He says, “I’m very proud of our students for their well-deserved recognition. This is the largest number of CBI finalists in Hillsdale history, and is a testament to the quality work produced by our students.”
C-SPAN announces that Altice USA chairman and CEO Dennis Mathew joins the C-SPAN board of directors, succeeding Altice USA’s former CEO Dexter Goei. A veteran of the telecommunications industry, Mathew joined Altice USA in late 2022 from Comcast, where he spent 17 years in senior corporate and leadership positions.
Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, in association with Telepictures, and Audacy announce the new program, “Extra: The Podcast,” a weekly podcast from the Emmy Award-winning TV show “Extra” as it enters its 30th season. “Extra: The Podcast” will cover the week’s major headlines as well as extended versions of “Extra’s” biggest interviews with no time limit, allowing listeners to hear the raw conversations that go even more in-depth and feature moments that didn’t make the TV show.
Premiere Networks and Amy Brown announce the addition of “What’s God Got To Do With It?” hosted by Leanne Ellington to The Amy Brown Podcast Network. The weekly podcast features “self-image scientist, best-selling author and internationally sought-after speaker Leanne Ellington using her own experience to guide listeners who want to discover their spiritual path and connect with a higher power in a forum that builds confidence and offers support.”
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network
Dependency upon a PPM panel to deliver high time spent listening is a bad business model. Would you rather count on one person listening for one hour or four people listening for 15 minutes? Right.
A good music format program director knows exactly how to program talk radio in a PPM environment. Oddly, when a music programmer has the privilege of programming a talk station they seem to forget all of their programming knowledge. Both formats are measured by exactly the same technology and therefore if it “works” in music, it works in talk.
The reason “New Jersey 101.5” quickly became the highest cuming FM talk station in the world – for 20+ years – is because when Bob McAllan, Jay Sorensen, Perry Simon, John Dziuba and I designed it, we had a simple process: Build a music station that takes a lot of phone calls. It was always programmed like a top 40 station and 33 years later it obviously worked.
The reason “Real Radio 104.1 in Orlando” was the only Howard Stern station that did not suffer the expense of having to change format when he was recruited to SiriusXM Satellite Radio was because the station was built as a heavily formatted music station that took a lot of phone calls. Note that Real Radio 104.1 and New Jersey 101.5 both air music non-stop on the weekends for the single purpose of targeting a specific cume demographic. It obviously worked.
What are the key elements of a music format that should be applied to talk in order to build cume?
Mickey Luckoff, the brilliant president of KGO, San Francisco for decades explained why he hired most of his hosts from top 40 radio because, “I can teach them TALK but I can’t teach them radio.” BTW yes, even 34-year morning host Jim Dunbar worked at WLS and KQV as a top 40 jock immediately before joining KGO to host a talk show.
Walter Sabo was a pioneer in the concept of targeted talk which allows a station to precisely reach a chosen demographic. He has had a robust list of consulting clients including, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Conde Naste, CBS, Press Broadcasting, RKO General, Hearst, Fred Silverman Productions, and many more. His company HITVIEWS was the first major player to recognize and monetize online video stars known as “influencers.” He is on the nominating board of the Radio Hall of Fame. Reach him at 646.678.1110 or walter@sabomedia.com. Discover Sabo’s network radio show here: waltersterlingshow.com.
The national syndication effort of the “Tavis Smiley” talk radio program accelerates with WVON, Chicago and WURD, Philadelphia adding the program to their lineups. Based at SmileyAudioMedia, Inc’s “unapologetically progressive” urban talk KBLA, Los Angeles, the program was recently put into syndication on Equity Media LLC’s talk WBOK, New Orleans. SmileyAudioMedia says WURD began
airing the program yesterday (9/11) and WVON starts on October 2. Additional networks and stations picking up the “Tavis Smiley” show this month include the “We Believe Radio” network in Mississippi and its affiliates. Smiley says, “In little more than a month, our radio show is now heard in three of the nation’s top five markets. We’re excited that more of America now has access to our innovative and empowering programming with groundbreaking and exclusive conversations. Our rapid expansion is filling a void for African American and progressive listeners in a growing number of markets throughout the United States during this critical presidential election season.” WURD Radio CEO Sara M. Lomax comments, 
“WURD Radio is excited to bring the ‘Tavis Smiley’ show to our listeners in Philadelphia and beyond. Tavis brings a powerful mix of dynamic interviews, pointed social and political commentary and a roster of A-list guests. He is a welcome addition to WURD’s lineup of progressive Black talk programming. Our listeners will be informed, entertained and enlightened by the insightful conversations with notable and influential figures Tavis hosts on his program every day.” WVON chief Melody Spann Cooper says, “We’re excited about Tavis’ return to Chicago radio. He has had a long association with WVON. His show is a perfect fit to offer a national perspective on Black America.” Tavis Smiley recently received the coveted “Freedom of Speech Award” at the Talkers 2023 conference held on June 2, 2023.
A piece by Justin Kaufmann at Axios Chicago quotes former WLS-AM afternoon talk show host Big John Howell saying the reason he’s no longer with the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is because, “They told
me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America. I just didn’t fit the bill anymore.” Although Howell doesn’t profess to be conservative or liberal, he’s been a talk host for years (in addition to his work at country outlet WUSN-FM), not only with WLS-AM but with Salem Media Group’s crosstown conservative news/talk WIND-AM. However, he’s made no bones about his contempt for former President Donald Trump. He laments to Axios, “Nobody broadcasts anymore. Everybody narrowcasts.” WLS-AM has not revealed its permanent plans for the afternoon drive daypart other than to slide the syndicated Mark Levin program into the 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm slot. Read the Axios piece here.
Beloved chronicler of Los Angles Radio People, Don Barrett, has died at 81 after a battle with liver cancer.
The message, “In an ordinary instant – cancer has taken LARadio.com,” is posted on the publication’s site – a reference to the writings of author Joan Didion. Barrett was profiled by the LA Daily News last month after he was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. You can read that piece here. Barrett built the LARadio.com site to promote his Los Angeles Radio People books that sought to “highlight every radio personality who was ever on the local [Los Angeles] airwaves between the years of 1957-1994 (first edition).” Barrett is survived by his wife Cherie (pictured here).
Longtime radio personality and executive Dick Bertel died on Monday (9/11) at the age of 92. During his career Bertel served as an executive at Voice of America, an NBC Radio News anchor, and announcer at WTIC-AM/WTIC-FM/WTIC-TV in Hartford, among others posts. His family says, “One of Bertel’s lasting legacies to the broadcasting industry is a collection of interviews about the pre-war heyday of radio network entertainment programming. From 1970 to 1977 he hosted ‘The Golden Age of Radio’ on WTIC which attracted some of radio’s greatest stars. Their accounts of their participation in early radio broadcasting constitutes an oral history which memorializes how radio dominated the American media culture before the advent of television.”
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
If you are a seller in the terrestrial radio business, please listen carefully. That faint voice you hear could be the Fat Lady warming up – old Brunhilde ready to wrap it up and put an end to that long, sad Wagnerian opera, known as traditional, transactional radio sales.
I’m not kidding here, folks.
When one of the big boys on the ownership side starts getting serious about real-time bidding for radio inventory, we are talking Google– YouTube– AdSense-style modeling and that can move your radio station’s ad inventory faster than the super computers used to create this year’s NFL schedule.
Did you hear about what it takes to appease CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, Paramount, ESPN, Amazon, and YouTube when they spend $112 billion in rights fees? Let us just say, you can’t please all the buyers all the time, but if you want to please some of the buyers some of the time you forget the sticky notes and call in the super-computer guys. I digress.
Not familiar with the bidding process developed by Google for ads primarily on YouTube videos? It is as easy and as much fun as eBay, Vegas, and your favorite silent charity auction all rolled into one.
Recent estimates put Google’s YouTube ad income at about $30 billion, arguably double the size of the entire commercial radio business. This of course does not include the estimated $165 billion from Google search ads, etc. They know the real-time bidding process better than any of us.
Imagine yourself a radio station owner, like I was, only this time having the daily revenue responsibility of 16 commercials per hour on 25 news/talk radio stations. Even if you focus on Monday-Friday and the traditional 6A-7P model, do your math, then think like a pro. NFL 2023-style supercomputer or old school peddle power? The caveat? Has anyone reading this column spoken to a human seller from the Google bidding platform? OOPS! There goes that Fat Lady again, getting a little louder this time.
Not so fast, Fat Lady, there is a silver lining for the skilled, high-achieving seller in this high stakes, real-time bidding future. Remember, Bugsy Siegel started some of this “bidding” on the Vegas strip in 1946. “Monday Night Football” launched in 1970 moving TV coverage into a multi-billion-dollar ad machine and Google started the online version of all this somewhere in 2005. My point is that fine-tuning for profit takes time and resources. The big boys just gave you a peek behind the curtain and showed you the future. The sellers who worked for me heard this opera in 2007, when one million iPhones were sold. That number now is over 2.3 billion. The future is here and moves fast. Refine your skills daily, learn, grow, and become so valuable to your organization, your name is always at the top of the “Don’t even think about it” list.
Someone please tell the Fat Lady to stop warming up and find a different stage… for now.
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
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.
Newsmax announces that Bob Brooks joins the organization as anchor and correspondent for the Newsmax channel. Brooks most recently served as a general reporter and anchor for WPVI-TV,
Philadelphia. Newsmax EVP of programming Elliot Jacobson states, “Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town next to a family-owned farm to covering big stories in some of the nation’s largest cities, Bob has developed a reporter’s instinct about the news that’s important to Americans.” Brooks comments, “I am glad to go national on a network like Newsmax, with a growing news brand and a team of talented professionals who care about news and the public’s right to know.”
According to a story in New Rochelle’s Daily Voice, Westchester, New York station WVOX-AM has gone
out of business 16 months after the passing of owner William O’Shaughnessy, who served as president of Whitney Radio. The station ceased broadcasting on September 7. In July, O’Shaughnessy’s family sold WVIP-FM, New Rochelle to religious broadcaster Hope Media Group for $8.15 million. Read the Daily Voice story here.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.0 – 3.3, -.7, #10 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, eighth month in succession, 10.4 – 9.7, -.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KASE (-1.3)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.9 – 9.2, +1.3, third to second
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” flat at .1, repeats at #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #12 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.9 – 9.5, -.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, second consecutive month, 9.9 – 9.5, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-.7)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 6.0, +.3, sixth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, remains in third-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, third successive month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WNTR (+2.7)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.5)
*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 7.9 – 8.7, +.8, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 2.5, #13 to #14
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, repeats at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fifth straight month, 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WISN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rock WHQC (-.7)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, ninth to eighth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #20 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.4 – 4.2, +.8, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.1)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.2 – 6.8, +.6, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .2 – .4, +.2, repeats at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, continues in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, tenth to eighth
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” steady at .1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, unchanged at #11
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, anchored at #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 9.7, +.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WKKB (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: CHR WPRO-FM (-1.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, ensconced at #11
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Max Broadcast Group’s business talk WGH-FM-HD2 “Money Radio” steady at .2, #22 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #14
WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” unchanged at .2, #22 to #20
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+2.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-1.0)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 9.5 – 9.3, -.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+1.4)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJGL (-.8)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #12 to #10
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.3 -1.6, +.3, #13 to #12
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .2 – .4, +.2, anchored at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 9.2, -1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, anchored in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #11 to #9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, repeats at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, eighth month in a row, 12.3 – 12.5, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WPAW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.0)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, eighth to ninth
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #16 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, eighth to seventh
WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, sixth straight month, 13.7 – 12.9, -.8
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, flat at #14
WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .8, unchanged at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, eighth to ninth
New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .6, continues at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 43rd month in a row, 9.6 – 10.1, +.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH; rhythmic CHR WZMX; and CHR WKCI (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.4)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
The U.S. Senate confirms Anna Gomez to a five-year term as a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. Gomez’s confirmation puts an end to two years of gridlock that’s left the Commission with four instead of the full complement of five commissioners. FCC chair Jessica
Rosenworcel says, “Congratulations to Anna Gomez on her confirmation by the United States Senate. I look forward to welcoming her to the Commission. Anna brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the United States stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected. Her international expertise will be a real asset to the agency. I look forward to working with her to advance the agency’s mission to ensure the benefits of modern communications reach everyone, everywhere and that the United States can continue to lead in the digital age.”
Afternoon drive personality Big John Howell has exited Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago
after more than 10 years with the station. WLS posted the following to Facebook: “Yesterday was John Howell’s last show on The Big 89. He has been a staple of 890 WLS for over a decade. His wit, political prowess, and focus on Chicago conversations has given our audience a destination for smart, local radio in the afternoons. Thank you, John, for being a part of the fabric of The Big 89.” Howell has not commented publicly on his departure from the station.
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 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. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Audacy welcomes reigning Virginia Sportswriter of the Year Michael Phillips to its air staff as host of the late morning (10:00 am to 12:00 noon) sports talk program “MP on the Mic” on WRNL-Richmond
“SportsRadio 910 The Fan,” beginning Monday (9/11). In addition to his work as a sportswriter, Phillips has been a frequent guest on “The Fan.” Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “Michael Phillips, for many years, has been highly regarded as the most respected voice of Richmond and Virginia Sports. We are delighted to have MP wear our ‘910 The Fan’ jersey for Audacy Richmond.” Phillips previously served at the Richmond Times-Dispatch as sports editor and interim executive editor.
FOX News Channel is adding another weekend program starring talk media personality Mark Levin. Levin has been hosting his “Life, Liberty & Levin” program on Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm ET and will now
add a Saturday edition of the program that will also air at 8:00 pm ET. FNC EVP of primetime programming Meade Cooper says, “Since joining the network in 2017, Mark has provided our audience with thought-provoking analysis on America’s core values and their impact on current events. We are looking forward to expanding his popular show to two nights a week.” Levin comments, “It’s an honor to join the other outstanding hosts on Saturday in bringing the most intelligent, informative and entertaining programming to the nation. Thank you to our loyal audience and FOX News.”
Maverick talk show host, Rick Smith is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Ranked by TALKERS at number 100 on the journal’s Heavy Hundred list, Smith – who has positioned himself as a tell-it-like-it is champion of the working class – is described by Michael Harrison as “somewhat of a square peg in a scene dominated by round holes on both the left and the right.” The Chicago-based genre-bender is a 30-year Teamster trucker-turned-working-class talker heard 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET on dozens of radio stations across the U.S. – a mix of commercial and public. He tells Harrison, “I’m not a red hat, I’m not a blue hat… I’m a hard hat.” His left-of-center talk media footprint is enhanced by exposure on a variety of cable TV channels including Free Speech TV, DirecTV, Dish and more. He has a successful podcast with millions of downloads, and he streams on Facebook, X, Twitch and YouTube. All this is accomplished with a modest, independent operation run by two people and a homemade studio. His show’s slogan is “Where working people come to talk.” Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to third
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, third to fourth
KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, anchored at #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.8 – 10.3, +1.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A KINK (-1.6)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, locked at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.6 – 4.6, +1.0, #11 to #6
Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, fourth straight month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFAE (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WLKO (-1.5)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15
iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, eighth consecutive month, 9.1 – 8.6, -.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-1.3)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9, #1
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” flat at 3.7, seventh to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #15 to #14
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 10.7 – 9.7, -1.0 and iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in a row, 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+2.0)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-2.9)**
*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, repeats in tenth-place
KDKA’s internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.7 – 6.8, +.1, continues at #4
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA flat at 4.6, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, ninth month in a row, 12.8 – 11.4, -1.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: alternative WXDX (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW (-1.4)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, #4 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, #20 to #17
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, tenth straight month, 11.6 – 10.8, -.8
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS and adult contemporary KBEE (-1.2)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in succession, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KXQQ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-2.1)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, tenth to seventh
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, #11 to #13
WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, repeats at #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.1, +.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOCL (+1.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WPYO (-1.2)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0, #1
WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, seventh to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .8 – 1.2, +.4, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 19th consecutive month, 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-2.0)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.1 – 4.0, +.9, #12 to #11
WKRK’s internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” flat at .2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, steady at #9
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, tenth month in a row, 10.3 – 10.5, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WKRK +.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-1.6)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, fifth to third
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, repeats at #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #12 to #10
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KBEQ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.1)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, third to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, sixth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, tenth straight month, 10.9 – 10.4, -.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WLVQ and rock WRKZ (+.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WOSA (-.7)
Up next: August 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
Steven Goldstein’s Amplifi Media and Coleman Insights’ Jay Nachlis are presenting a free 30-minute webinar today (9/7) at 2:00 pm ET that addresses what Goldstein calls “truly an important shift taking place in podcasting right now that affects how your podcast will be found. YouTube is now the top destination for podcast listening and discovery. The impact is significant in a variety of ways.” Goldstein says today’s webinar “will show you how people are using YouTube and offer seven key insights on how to maximize your podcast’s exposure in a sea of content.” The link for the webinar is here.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
iHeartMedia names Joe Donnarumma SVP of sales for the San Francisco market that includes business news KNEW-AM “Bloomberg 960” and KKSF-AM “Black Information Network,” plus five music brands.
Donnarumma most recently served with Univision as president and GM for the company’s radio and TV assets in Arizona. iHeartMedia region president AJ Punjabi comments, “Joe epitomizes the excellence we champion across broadcasting, streaming, podcasts, live events, and our digital frontier. His vast experience magnifies our dedication to leading the audio-digital realm. With Joe, we’re not just adding a title – we’re harnessing a powerhouse of industry insight.”
ABC Audio enters into a multiyear podcast advertising deal with Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse says, “ABC Audio’s podcast business is flourishing, and we’re poised to make several exciting content announcements this fall. We’re thrilled to have AdvertiseCast in our corner as we expand our podcasting footprint even further and take this business to new heights.”
Westwood One is again providing exclusive play-by-play coverage of the National Football League’s entire primetime regular season as well as every postseason game, marking the 37th consecutive season that Westwood One is the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL. This will be the 51st time that the network will broadcast the Super Bowl to a national audience.
OutKick debuted “OutKick the Morning with Charly Arnolt” this morning (9/7) at 8:00 am ET. The daily, half-hour show will be live each morning and comes ahead of OutKick’s plan to roll out a two-hour morning show with Arnolt and a co-host later this year.
Audacy’s BetQL Network ushers in the football season with a fall lineup that includes 99 hours of original content each week. BetQL Network brand manager Andrew Williams says, “As anticipation for the upcoming football action reaches its zenith, we’re proud to present an array of engaging shows, expert analysis, and thrilling insights that are set to redefine sports betting entertainment. With this fall football lineup, BetQL Network continues to set the gold standard in sports entertainment, offering a comprehensive experience that spans the spectrum from analysis to excitement, predictions and pulse-pounding action.”
Research Director, Inc brings Chuck Sullivan aboard to lead business development. Sullivan most recently served with Milwaukee Radio Alliance and Audacy in Denver. Research Director CEO Marc Greenspan comments, “When I was first introduced to Chuck, I saw right away that he would be a great fit for our company and especially, our clients. I am so excited to welcome Chuck to the RDI family and look forward to working with him.”
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” steady at 3.5, ninth to seventh
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.1 – 9.3, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU unchanged at 11.6, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 21st month in succession, flat at 11.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WBIG (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.3)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #13 to #12
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, seventh to eighth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, fifth to third
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.7, +.2 #12 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, second to third
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, third month in succession, 6.2 – 6.5, +.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WBWL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBGB (-1.0)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 7.9, -.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF and country WKIS (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.1)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, fifth to seventh
News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #17 to #19
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, ninth to seventh
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #22 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 4.5 – 6.8, +2.3, seventh to second
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, third straight month, 7.7 – 7.9, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+2.3)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (-1.1)
*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #17 to #16
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #10 to #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.7 – 7.2, +.5, third to second
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, third successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WYCD (+1.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WDRQ (-1.4)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #13 to #10
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.7 – 3.0, +.3, repeats at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.5 – 4.1, -2.4, second to seventh
Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, third consecutive month, 7.8 – 7.6, -.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFYI and rock KUPD (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KJZZ (-2.4)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) flat at 3.5, #13 to #14
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #16
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” unchanged at 1.3, repeats at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 3.8 – 4.8, +1.0, #12 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.2, -.5, stays in fourth-place
KNOW’s internet stream 1.2, #20 (unlisted in July 2023)
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fifth consecutive month, 11.6 – 10.7, -.9
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (-.9)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, eighth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, fifth to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.2 – 5.8, +.6, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego rhythmic hot AC XHRM, first month, 6.9 – 6.6, -.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.1)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 5.2, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, tenth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 1.8, +.5 #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #15 to #19
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 25th month in a row, 8.1 – 7.8, -.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.1)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #16
KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 to #11
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 6.1 – 6.6, +.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KKFN (+1.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KQMT (-1.3)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, locked at #12
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #19 to #18
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, unchanged at 6.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM and urban AC WWIN-FM (+.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WBJC (-.8)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.5 – 5.9, +.4, eighth to sixth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .9, +.2, #21 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, eighth month in a row, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WXOS (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WIL (-1.4)
Up next: August 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com