Alpha Media | TALKERS magazine

Alpha Launches Conservative Spanish Talker in Bakersfield

By TALKERS | June 30, 2023 by TALKERS

Alpha Media Bakersfield debuts the new Spanish-language conservative talk station as it flips KNZR-AM and rebrands it “KNZR Verdad 1560.” The move comes as Alpha partners with the Americano Media network. Alpha Media Bakersfield market manager Jeremy Price comments, “We’re proud to introduce Spanish radio to our Bakersfield portfolio for the first time ever and empower the voice of so many of our neighbors in this community. With the launch of this station, we aim to not only serve our listeners but give them a reliable home for the news they seek and the information they rely on every day.” Americano Media’s talent includes award-winning journalists Lucia Navarro and Carines Moncada, as well as popular radio hosts Dania Alexandrino and Lourdes Ubieta. Americano Media produces 18 hours of original programming each weekday from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight ET. American Media chief executive Ivan Garcia-Hidalgo says, “This collaboration with Alpha Media is a natural fit for Americano. We take pride in delivering the finest Hispanic news/talk programming in Spanish, and we are happy to bring that programming to the large Hispanic audience in Bakersfield.”

Industry News

Round Three of May PPMs Released

By TALKERS | June 15, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA falls three-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #12, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also dips three-tenths to wrap with a 3.1 share good for the #14 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM, Orlando declines six-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and the #10 rank, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO adds two-tenths to finish with a 3.7 share that leaves it locked in the #11 position. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 by TALKERS

May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.5 – 5.8, -1.7, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third straight month, 10.4 – 9.0, -1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-1.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” flat at 2.0, anchored at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.7 – 4.6, +.9, tenth to eighth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .7 – .5, -.2, remains at #20

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, first month, 6.0 – 6.9, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WPEG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban AC WBAV (-2.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #14

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+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country (-.8)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, repeats in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, unchanged at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fifth month in succession, 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.5)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, locked in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in a row, 10.1 – 11.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative WXDX (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, second to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, seventh straight month, 11.9 – 11.3, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock KAAZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.6)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #20 to #18

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, eighth successive month, 11.2 – 7.5, -3.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KWNR and classic rock KXPT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-3.7)**

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, eighth to tenth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” flat at .7, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second month in a row, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WOMX (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-.7)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.5 – 4.2, +.7, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU flat at 4.9, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 16^th consecutive month, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WKRC and classic country WNKR (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WEBN and classical WGUC (-1.2)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.6 – 5.9, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, #10 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – .6, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, ninth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, seventh month in a row, steady at 10.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WNCX’s internet stream (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTAM (-.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, ninth to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.6)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.4 – 7.1, +.7, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, seventh straight month, 9.2 – 10.2, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNND (-.8)

Up next: May 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.

Industry News

KTFM-FM, San Antonio’s James Pledger Launches New Sports Show

By TALKERS | June 9, 2023 by TALKERS

Alpha Media’s sports talk KTFM-FM, San Antonio shifts the afternoon drive program “The Blitz with Jason Minnix and Joe Reinagel” from the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot to an earlier 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm airing and gives show producer James Pledger his own one-hour show titled, “Extra Innings with Pledger,” airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pledger says, “I’m excited for the opportunity. This has legitimately been a dream to have a weekday show.” Pledger will continue to produce the “The Blitz” as well as host “The Saturday Morning Hangover” program. He adds, “I’ve worked for this for so long. I have long wanted to be in both worlds because of the creativity that I use when producing, how it differs from creating a show. I love flexing both of those creative muscles.” Read the KENS-TV report here.

Industry News

Portland’s “The Game” Renews with Host John Canzano

By TALKERS | May 24, 2023 by TALKERS

Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG-AM, Portland “750 AM The Game” extends its partnership with “The Bald Faced Truth” hosted by John Canzano. Canzano, who has been with the station since its launch in 2007, says, “I’m thrilled with the momentum we have and love our team. We get the best guests and the in-depth reporting and commentary sets the show apart. But, more than anything, it’s three hours of fun. I love that the show serves as an escape for listeners.” Station content director Keith Abrams states, “‘750 The Game’ is very fortunate to have John Canzano and ‘The Bald Faced Truth’ as part of the team! He IS the voice of truth regarding the Ducks, Beavers, Trail Blazers, the Pac-12 and all things ‘sports!’”

Industry News

Round Three of April PPMs Released

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk owned KTSA is unchanged at a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), but rises to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also remains steady at a 3.4 share and moves up to the #12 rank. iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento is steady with a 9.4 share that keeps it ranked #1, while sister news/talk KSTE-AM falls half a share for a 3.7 share finish good for the #9 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-FM adds 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.5 share and shoots up to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM tack on two-tenths for a 5.0 share and remains ranked #6. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

Remote News Service adds 13 new affiliate stations to its roster, including Alpha Media’s KTSA, San Antonio; Forcht Broadcasting’s stations in Paintsville, Kentucky, and Basin Mediactive’s stations in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Remote News Service president and lead anchor Lesley Lotto says, “We’ve always provided fill-in news anchors for vacations, illness, sudden departures, etc. Across the industry there’s been an increase in fill-in requests, especially from stations that need someone on the air in 6 to 12 hours, which we are able to provide.”

The Motley Fool announces that Chris Hill, longtime host of the “Motley Fool Money” podcast and radio show, is leaving at the end of the month. Taking over host duties is head of programming Dylan Lewis. Hill comments, “Getting the chance to create and host Motley Fool Money has been the highlight of my time at The Motley Fool. One of the things I’ve always loved is the team approach we’ve taken to helping listeners understand what’s happening on Wall Street, bringing a long-term perspective to daily market news, and offering stock ideas and analysis. We have a deep bench, and that same team approach will continue after I’m gone. With the show in such a position of strength, the time is right for me to explore the next chapter in my professional life.”

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 23 at 5:15 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website and a replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.

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 March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, anchored in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 1.7, -.7, #16 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, remains at #3

KOPB’s internet stream steady at 2.0, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KEX and jazz KMHD’s internet stream (-.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM/FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” flat at 5.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #10

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .7, +.2 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 8.7, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WLNK (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” unchanged at 3.6, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) steady at 3.4, #14 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fourth consecutive month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-1.0)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” steady at 9.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, sixth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fourth month in succession, steady at 9.4

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classical KXPR (-.6)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.1 +.3, anchored in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #12 to #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fifth month in a row, 10.8 – 10.1, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR WKST and hot AC WLTJ (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country WDSY (-.8)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.1 – 6.5, +1.4, fourth to second

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, sixth straight month, 12.0 – 11.9, -.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KSL (+1.4)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #19 to #20

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, seventh successive month, 10.0 – 11.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR KLUC (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KRGT (-.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, locked in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) .4 – .7, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 6.3 – 9.4, +3.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WMMO (+3.1)*

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 (-1.5)

*Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.1 – 11.6, +.5, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 15^th consecutive month, 11.1 – 11.6, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers, Guardians) 5.2 – 6.6, +1.4, tenth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.8 – 4.4, -4, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.1, remains at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 6.0, +.3 eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, sixth month in a row, unchanged at 10.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WMMS (+1.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-3.1)**

**Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, stays at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.1 – 3.2, +1.1, #16 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fifth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.5, +.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KCSP (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM’s internet stream (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.0 – 6.4, +.4, sixth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 6.2 – 5.3, -.9, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.2 – 4.9, -1.3, fourth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, sixth straight month, 9.5 – 9.2, -.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLVQ and public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

Up next: April 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.

Industry News

Rounds Three and Four of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | April 24, 2023 by TALKERS

Rounds three and four of Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey have been released for 24 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from these markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM falls 1.3 shares to a 5.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but stays in the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips a full share for a 2.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #16. Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds one-tenth for a 5.1 finish that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share good for the #6 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN falls one-tenth to a 9.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ rises four-tenths for a 7.4 share repeating in the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4

By TALKERS | April 24, 2023 by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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 February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3

KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13

KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19

KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT (-.9)

Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14^th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, first to second

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)

*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10

The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked 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 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)

Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38^th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Geoff Moyer Named Co-Director of Sales at Alpha Media Portland

By TALKERS | April 12, 2023 by TALKERS

Alpha Media names Geoff Moyer co-director of sales for the Portland cluster that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, and sports talk KXTG-AM “The Game” plus four music brands. He now works alongside co-director Cressy Walton and she comments, “Geoff has been a significant asset to the management team at Alpha Media since he came on board in November of 2016. I look forward to our strong, continued partnership and am pleased to see his hard work recognized.” Alpha Portland SVP and market manager Lisa Decker adds, “It’s always special to promote from within and to honor hard work and growth. Geoff will join Cressy Walton as the co-director of sales. Cressy has been with Alpha Media since the beginning and has been the director of sales since 2019. The co-director of sales role will help to align our organization with our clients and our staff’s needs. I am proud of both of them and their accomplishments. They are the Dream Team.”

Industry News

Round Three of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | March 27, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. 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 rises four-tenths to finish with a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) good for the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM also goes up four-tenths and finishes with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte shoots up 1.2 shares to finish the survey with a 5.5 share that moves it from the #8 rank to #4. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM is up half a share, wrapping the survey with a 3.7 share good for the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI-AM falls two-tenths for a 3.3 share that sees it decline from the #9 rank to #14. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | March 27, 2023 by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.9 – 7.2, -.7, steady at #3

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KQAC; alternative KNRK; and rhythmic CHR KXJM (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult hits KYCH (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.3 – 5.5, +1.2, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 3.1 – 2.0, -1.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFNZ (-1.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #9 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second consecutive month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR KXXM (-1.6)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in succession, 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KSTE (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-1.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #12 to #10

KDKA-AM’s internet stream 1.1 – .9, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.2 – 6.0 -.2, repeats in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in a row, 9.9 – 11.3, +1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.9 – 5.1, -.8, third to fifth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fourth straight month, 9.9 – 10.8, +.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-.8)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #13 to #18

co-owned KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fifth successive month, 7.8 – 9.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE and classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-1.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.2, -.9, fifth to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WWKA (+2.5)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish news/talk WRSO (-1.0)

*Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 3.1 – 1.4, -1.7, #11 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 13^th consecutive month, 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCKY (-1.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, #8 to #12

WKRK’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3 #11 to #7

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fourth month in a row, steady at 11.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.6 – 4.8, +1.2, #11 to #6

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #21 to #19

Audacy-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.2, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: alternative KCJK (-.5)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.7 – 5.8, -2.9, second to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU steady at 7.2, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fourth straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZCB-HD2 (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.9)**

**Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: February 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.

Industry News

Round Three of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 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 January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises six-tenths to finish the survey with a 6.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX is up eight-tenths for a 3.0 share finish good for the #10 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte adds six-tenths to finish the sweep with a 4.3 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises nine-tenths for a 3.5 share finish that puts it in the #9 position, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds seven-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share good for the #13 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City grows 1.5 shares to finish with a 5.9 share that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises nine-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.5 share as it remains ranked #5. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Features

January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by TALKERS

January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 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 January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.

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 “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.2 – 3.0, +.8, #16 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.7 – 7.9, +1.2, repeats in third-place and KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third month in a row, 16.7 – 9.2, -7.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-7.5)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, tenth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, flat at #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .3 – .6, +.3 steady at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 7.4 – 8.3, +.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban AC WBAV and urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-4.4)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #13 to #9

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 3.2, +.7, #14 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 7.2, -.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR KXXM (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-8.5)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.8 – 10.9, +2.1, second to first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #12 to #7

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 8.8 – 10.9, +2.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-7.7)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #13 to #12 and KDKA-AM’s internet stream .7 – 1.1, +.4, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 5.4 – 6.2, +.8, fifth to fourth and KDKA-FM’s internet stream .5 – .6, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.1 – 4.5, +1.4, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, second month in a row, 13.3 – 9.9, -3.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits WRRK (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSHH (-4.5)

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.4 – 5.9, +1.5, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, repeats in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 3.1, +1.0, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, third straight month, 20.0 – 9.9, -10.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: alternative KXRK (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSFI (-10.1)**

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fourth successive month, 14.1 – 7.8, -6.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KYLI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-6.3)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 6.1, +1.0, seventh to fifth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 13.1 – 8.2, -4.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: alternative WQMP (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-4.9)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.7 – 12.3, +1.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 2.8 – 3.8, +1.0, #13 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 2.6 – 3.1, +.5, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, sixth to fifth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 12^th consecutive month, 10.7 – 12.3, +1.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-4.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 6.0 – 5.5, -.5, sixth to eighth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU flat at 4.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, third month in a row, 14.1 – 11.1, -3.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDOK (-3.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, remains at #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.4, locked at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.5 – 3.2, +.7, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, flat at 7.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KPRS (+1.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-4.4)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 5.3 – 7.0, +1.7, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.0 – 8.7, +.7, anchored in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3, seventh to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, third straight month, 9.2 – 9.5, +.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk WTVN (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult hits WODC (-3.0)

Up next: January 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.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 by TALKERS

Cumulus Media Inc. will report its fourth quarter 2022 and full-year operating results at 8:00 am ET on February 23. It will host a conference call at 8:30 am ET that day.

The nationally syndicated “America Tonight with Kate Delaney” adds Alpha Media’s WJNT-AM/W245AH, Jackson, Mississippi to its program schedule in the 1:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot; and Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting’s KNUJ-AM/K247CU, New Ulm, Minnesota delayed to the 5:00 – 5:30 am slot.

SiriusXM adds “The Business Briefing” program hosted by Janet Alvarez to the program schedule on the Business Radio channel airing weekdays live at 9:00 am ET. Alvarez is the executive editor at WiseBread, and is a CNBC and Telemundo contributor.

Industry News

Round Three of Holiday 2022 PPMs Released

By TALKERS | January 27, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 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 Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. 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 loses 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX declines nine-tenths for a 2.2 share finish that puts it in the #16 spot. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is steady with a 3.7 share but rises to the #10 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM sheds seven-tenths, finishing the survey with a 4.6 share but rises to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 2.3 shares for a 4.4 share finish that drops it to the #6 rank. Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM, Las Vegas adds 1.3 shares for a 2.3 share finish that pushes from the #26 rank to #16. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM is down a full share for a 5.1 share finish and the #7 rank, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | January 27, 2023 by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 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 Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.4 – 6.0, -1.4, third to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 2.2, -.9, #12 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 6.7, -.5, fourth to third and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in a row, 10.0 – 16.7, +6.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+6.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KXL (-1.4)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) steady at 3.7, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, continues at #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC flat at .3, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in succession, 8.3 – 11.0, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and adult hits WLKO (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, locked at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #17 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 14.0 – 15.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country KCYY (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.1 – 8.8, -1.3, first to second and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) unchanged at 1.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.1 – 13.9, +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-1.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, carries on at #13 and KDKA-AM’s internet stream .4 – .7, +.3, #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 5.9 – 5.4, -.5, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 8.3 – 13.3, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 6.7 – 4.4, -2.3, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second month in a row, 12.1 – 20.0, +7.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+7.9)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-2.3)**

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.0 – 2.3, +1.3, #26 to #16

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, third straight month, 10.6 – 14.1, +3.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+3.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.6)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.1, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 11.4 – 13.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.0 – 10.7, +.7, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.6 – 2.8, -.8, #9 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.7 – 2.6, +.9, #19 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 11^th consecutive month, 10.0 – 10.7, +.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 6.3 – 6.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 14.1, +4.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI (+4.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock WMMS; country WGAR; and public radio news/talk WKSU (-.8)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #13 to #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, steady at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC, first month, 5.7 – 8.6, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KZPT (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.8 – 5.3, -1.5, fourth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.2 – 8.0, -1.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, second straight month, 10.1 – 9.2, -.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WSNY (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTVN (-1.5)

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 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.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, November 3, 2022

By Editor | November 3, 2022 by Editor

Urban One Net Revenue Up 8.9% in Q3 of 2022. The company issues its third quarter 2022 financial data and reports net revenue of approximately $121.4 million, an increase of 8.9% from the same period in 2021. Urban One reports net income of approximately $4.2 million compared to the net income of $13.9 million it reported in the third quarter of 2021. The company says broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $50.8 million, an increase of 3.5% over the same period in 2021. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III says, “Q3 was another very solid quarter, during which we grew both revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Following a soft July for radio advertising, August and September rebounded and we finished the quarter +1.4% on a same station basis, and -1.3% excluding political. Same station radio pacings for Q4 excluding digital are currently +16.0% including political and +0.1% excluding political. Layering in the recent Indianapolis acquisition should push radio revenues to a double-digit percentage increase for Q4. Political spending has steadily gathered momentum, and we anticipate net political advertising revenues to be between $12-$13 million, of which radio is $9-$10 million, which is significantly ahead of both our budget and the 2018 cycle. Our cable TV business had another successful broadcast upfront season, and we were able to increase both our CPM’s and total dollars committed. Our Digital segment posted growth of approximately 40% in both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA as demand for our audience and digital products remained strong. Our liquidity and leverage profile remained robust, and we continued to opportunistically repurchase our 7.375% bonds in the open market.”

Saga Communications’ Third Quarter 2022 Net Revenue Rises 3.9%. Third quarter 2022 financial results for Saga Communications, Inc. reveal net revenue of $30 million – and increase of 3.9% over the same period in 2021. Station operating expense increased 2.8% for the quarter to $22.3 million compared to the same period last year. For Q3 of this year, station operating income increased 4.1% to $8.9 million, and operating income was $1.1 million compared to $4.6 million for the same quarter last year. Free cash flow was $1.6 million for the quarter compared to $4.0 million for the same period last year. Saga reports a net loss of $104,000 for the quarter compared to net income of $3.5 million for the third quarter last year. The company says, “Despite strong underlying performance the results were impacted by one-time payments related to the passing of our founder Ed Christian. As a result, the company is required to make several payments to his estate as outlined in his employment agreement. These expenses were accrued as of September 30, 2022 increasing the reported corporate general and administrative expense line item by $3.8 million for both the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2022. Without these expenses operating income would have increased 5.8% to $4.9 million, free cash flow would have increased 36.5% to $5.4 million and net income would have increased 7.9% to $3.7 million.” Saga’s balance sheet reflects $58.3 million in cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2022 and $45.3 million as of October 31, 2022.

Round Three of October PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12. 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 drops 1.1 shares to finish with a 7.3 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #4 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.9 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI, San Antonio stays ranked #10 after dipping three-tenths for a 3.6 share, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA sheds one-tenth for a 3.3 share finish and falls to the #12 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM puts up seven-tenths for a 12.3 share that cements its #1 rank as Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds six-tenths for a 7.3 share finish that puts it in the #2 slot. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.

Andrew Colton to Host Mornings on WIOD, Miami. Taking over for longtime South Florida broadcasting legend Jimmy Cefalo on January 9, 2023 as host of the morning program on iHeartMedia’s WIOD “NewsRadio 610 AM” is Andrew Colton. He comes to iHeartMedia from his most recent work as CEO of Colton Legal Media Worldwide. He’s also been an award-winning national correspondent for ABC News, CBS Newspath, and hosted the nationally syndicated “Wall Street Journal This Morning” program. Cefalo will continue to provide commentary on WIOD as well as his role as play-by-play announcer for the Miami Dolphins. “South Florida First News with Andrew Colton” will include veteran news anchor Nathalie Rodriguez, William Althoff with more news and sports, Doug Lindsay with traffic and the Weather Channel’s Ray Stagich. Vice president of news and AM programming Florida Region and iHeartMedia NTS brand coordinator Grace Blazer says, “Jimmy and Andrew both share a passion for news, information, commonsense, and our South Florida lifestyle. We are excited and fortunate to have Andrew Colton continue WIOD’s spoken-word tradition and digital expansion.”

Philadelphia Sports Radio Broadcasters Honored with Hall of Fame Inductions. Two Audacy Philadelphia sports radio personalities are being recognized for their contributions to the Philadelphia sports media landscape. Longtime WIP radio host Howard Eskin is being inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on November 3. Eskin says, “It’s an honor to be selected and to be in such great company – really overwhelming. They say do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. As hard as I work, I have to admit, it is a labor of love.” Al Morganti, co-host of WIP’s morning show, is being honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame and will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism. Morganti comments, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and a huge part of any success I have had is because of the fans of Philadelphia. Having been on WIP for so many years and working at the Philadelphia Inquirer, I can attest that the emotional investment Philadelphia fans make to their teams makes everyone raise their game. Thank you!”

TALKERS News Notes. Legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and SiriusXM ink a multi-year agreement for Krzyzewski to continue hosting his exclusive weekly SiriusXM show, “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K.” Krzyzewski has been hosting the show since 2005 and today (11/3) the first episode of the show’s 18^th season drops. Krzyzewski says, “This will be the first fall in nearly 50 years that I’m not on the sidelines, and I’m so pleased to extend my long relationship with SiriusXM and continue hosting ‘Basketball and Beyond.’ Having the creative freedom to do a really unique show has been incredibly important and rewarding to me. I can be a part of the national conversation on basketball, while also exploring interesting topics with a variety of guests who make an impact far beyond the basketball court.”…..Red Apple Audio Networks announces it is signing 17 stations to its affiliate roster, including 11 Saga Communications stations. The newly added stations are carrying shows hosted by Larry Kudlow, Rudy Giuliani, and Judge Jeanine Pirro, as well as Frank Morano, host of “The Other Side of Midnight.”…..Compass Media Networks partners with Wisebuddah and its sister company imager – European providers of sonic branding, radio imaging and jingles. The London-based companies currently curate the sound of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, Bauer Media and Virgin Radio alongside dozens of radio stations (iHeartMedia, Alpha Media Group) in the United States.

Midterms/Trump in 2024, The Economy/Fed Rate Hike, Elon Musk’s Twitter, Russia-Ukraine War, and Pelosi Attack Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/2). The campaigning ahead of the November 8 midterm elections and expectations that former President Donald Trump will announce his 2024 presidential campaign shortly thereafter; the state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s decision to hike interest rates again; the spate of celebs claiming they are leaving Twitter as a result of Elon Musk’s taking ownership of the social media platform; Russia’s war on Ukraine and its relationship with Iran, North Korea and China; and the conspiracy theories surrounding the attack on Paul Pelosi were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | November 3, 2022 by Editor

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.

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 September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).

Note: The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.4 – 7.3, -1.1, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB steady at 8.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 remains at #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, unchanged at 8.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KRYP (+1.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-2.1)*

*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.4 – 2.8, +1.4, #17 to #15

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.8 – 4.2, -.6, ninth to tenth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .4 – .6, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.0, -.4

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFNZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats in tenth-place

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, steady at #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth straight month, 9.7 – 9.5, -.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country KAJA (+.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSMG (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9, first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #7 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second successive month, 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” flat at 2.8, anchored at #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA steady at 3.7, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, third straight month, unchanged at 10.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WDSY (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 11.6 – 12.3, +.7, first

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.7 – 7.3, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 2.9, -.8, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 12.3, +.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock KBER (-.9)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.4, #16 to #19

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+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, second month in a row, 7.1 – 5.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KVEG (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.4)

Note: KDWN is being acquired by Audacy.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 5.0 – 6.0, +1.0, eighth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 5.6, -.3, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.0, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WPYO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-.9)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.0 – 1.7, +.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, steady at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, eighth month in a row, 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” 7.8 – 8.7, +.9, third to first

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, repeats in ninth-place and WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.2, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WTAM, first month, 7.8 – 8.7, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk WTAM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WGAR (-.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 7.5, +.8, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.4 – 10.2, +.8, first

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 6.6, -1.3, third to fifth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, second consecutive month, 9.4 – 10.2, +.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WCOL (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

Up next: October 2022 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.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, October 28, 2022

By Editor | October 28, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “The Bird is Caged,” looks back at this past week of 10/24-10/28. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Mark Davis, talk show host, KSKY, “660 AM The Answer,” Dallas/Fort Worth; Holland Cooke, media consultant/author; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/physician; and Brad Shepard, talk show host, Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.

Cumulus Net Revenue Declines 1.8% in Third Quarter. Reporting its financial data for the third quarter of 2022 – as well as the first nine months of 2022 – Cumulus Media reveals that net revenue was $233.5 million in Q1, a decrease of 1.8% over the same period in 2021. For the first nine months of this year, the company reports net income of $16.3 million compared to the loss of $360,000 it reported for the first nine months of 2021. Cumulus breaks out its revenue into segments and the total broadcast radio revenue for Q3 of 2022 was $177 million, down 4.7% from the same period in 2021. While spot revenue was $124.8 million – up 2.3%, network revenue was $52.3 million, down 18.2%. Digital revenue was $34.9 million, an increase of 4.7% over the third quarter of 2021. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “Notwithstanding a difficult macro environment, consistent execution of our strategic plan has put us in an enviable financial position to effectively navigate through the continuing headwinds. Our solid Q3 results reflect that execution – although total revenue declined, driven by weakness in national advertising channels, digital revenue continued to grow, and we increased profitability as well. We also generated $24 million of cash from operations, repurchased $3.9 million of shares, opportunistically retired $2.8 million of senior notes at a discount and finished the quarter with net leverage of 3.7x, the lowest it’s been in more than a decade. Looking ahead, we will continue to rigorously implement our plan, which includes: furthering our multi-platform evolution; supporting growth of multiple, profitable digital businesses; reducing our fixed cost base; investing in high-ROI internal initiatives; maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A, including enhancing cash generation from non-core asset monetization; bolstering liquidity; reducing net leverage; and optimizing a multi-pronged capital allocation strategy. Given our track record, we continue to have strong confidence in our ability, under this plan, to grow shareholder value even in the incrementally challenging macro environment.”

Beasley Names Ron deCastro Market Manager for Tampa. Radio sales and management pro Ron deCastro joins Beasley Media Group as market manager for the company’s Tampa station group that includes business news WHFS-AM “Money Talk 1010 AM” and five music brands. DeCastro was most recently market president and chief revenue officer at WQHT-FM and WBLS-FM in New York. He says, “I’ve spent a significant amount of my career leading some of the most iconic brands in America and I am excited to join the team at Beasley and help continue grow these fantastic brands.” Beasley EVP and COO Brian Beasley says, “We are happy to welcome Ron into the Beasley Media Group family. His vast experience, valuable insight and proven leadership made him the perfect choice to lead and grow our Tampa/St. Pete-based radio properties.”

NPR and Edison Research Unveil Results of Spoken Word Audio Report. The latest Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research concludes that “almost half (46%) of the U.S. population listens to spoken word audio content daily.” This is the fourth version of this study that “explores the ways spoken word media consumption in the U.S. has increased over time, including the number of listeners, and how long they listen.” This year’s study includes a special focus on how younger demographics are increasingly more interested in the medium, and reveals a 214% increase in listening to spoken word audio among those age 13-24. Key findings include: 1) There are an estimated 26 million more people listening to spoken word audio in the U.S. than eight years ago. An estimated 131 million people in the U.S. age 13+ are daily spoken word audio listeners, up from 105 million daily listeners in 2014; 2) Spoken word’s share of all audio is increasing among all listeners. Listeners age 13+ spend 29% of their total audio time with spoken word content, up from 20% in 2014, a 45% increase; 3) Listeners age 13-24 show the most explosive growth with share of spoken word audio. That Gen Z segment spends 22% of their time with spoken word audio, compared with those age 13-24 in 2014 who spent only 7% of their time with spoken word audio, a 214% increase for this age group; and 4) For the first time ever, daily spoken word audio listeners spend a majority of their audio time with spoken word. Those who listen to spoken word audio daily spend 51% of their total daily audio time with spoken word. You can see the report here.

TALKERS News Notes. Just in time for the 2022 Major League Baseball World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros, Audacy drops the new national daily podcast, “Baseball Isn’t Boring,” hosted by longtime baseball columnist, author and WEEI-FM, Boston broadcaster Rob Bradford. The podcast is a project born from the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” campaign instituted by Bradford and major league pitcher Joe Kelly. Kelly and Bradford have also co-authored the soon-to-be-released book, A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming America’s Pastime. Bradford says, “As we wrap up what has been a very ‘un-boring’ postseason, we’re thrilled to launch this fun new daily podcast to rally behind the great sport of baseball – America’s national pastime. I look forward to speaking with some of the biggest names in sports to prove that baseball is alive and thriving.”…..CNN Audio premieres the new eight-episode, limited-series podcast, “The James Brown Mystery,” that investigates the suspicious death of the legendary musician and questions if he was murdered. The investigation began after CNN reporter Thomas Lake received a phone call from a woman who said she was in James Brown’s inner circle almost 40 years ago and the relationship nearly destroyed her career. Decades later, she’s trying to solve the mystery of Brown’s death. When she makes the call to Lake, “the two stumble into a world of secrets, intimidation, and suspected foul play.” “The James Brown Mystery” is the first podcast hosted and reported by Thomas Lake, who in 2019 published his exclusive CNN investigative series, “Lost in the Woods with James Brown’s Ghost,” exploring unanswered questions around the singer’s death and the many people still calling for an autopsy and criminal investigation. “The James Brown Mystery” expands upon Lake’s reporting and covers Brown’s complicated past, the mysterious death of his third wife, and the biggest questions surrounding his demise…..WDAS-AM/W273DO, Philadelphia “FOX Sports Radio, The Gambler” sports show “The Divide Live” – hosted by Mike, a diehard Mets fan and Corey, a diehard Yankees fan – are broadcasting a one-hour special recorded live from the Toms River Field of Dreams Comedy Night Benefit last weekend (10/22). The special broadcast will include interviews with former MLB third baseman Todd Frazier for his take on the Mets, Yankees, “retirement” and life after the MLB; mixed martial artist Frankie Edgar who breaks down what it’s like to prepare for his final UFC fight at Madison Square Garden; and WFAN, New York afternoon drive star Craig Carton talking career, giving back, life’s successes and unfortunate failures. It airs tonight at 9:00 pm ET…..Edison Research, provider of Edison Podcast Metrics, announces it has developed a complementary service to count downloads for participating publishers. After months of research, Edison is utilizing a new method for determining U.S. downloads that does not employ a redirect nor involve delivery of log files. Edison president Larry Rosen says, “We have developed an elegant new solution that will enhance our unique Edison Podcast Metrics survey. While our survey of 20,000 podcast listeners each year provides the most complete look at the totality of actual listening to podcasts, download data will provide deeper information to subscribers, especially for smaller and short-run shows.”

KTSA, San Antonio Helps Raise Almost $170,000 for Thanksgiving Dinner for Those in Need. San Antonio news/talk KTSA helped raise a record $163,893, during the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner radiothon Friday, October 21. Funds raised will go to feed more than 25,000 seniors and needy people on Thanksgiving Day. The Alpha Media news/talk says the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is the largest dinner of its kind in the country. Pictured above (l-r) are KTSA talk hosts Sean Rima, Jack Riccardi, and Trey Ware with a staffer from the Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Dinner charity.

WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina Owner Honored for Station’s Service. Pictured above is broadcaster and WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner Anne Eller (left) receiving a proclamation by Charles Moates (right), chair of the Greenwood County Council, in honor of the station’s 81 years of service and Eller’s service to the community. Speaking to The Index-Journal about her work as an independent broadcaster, Eller says, “Each day gives me the chance to connect with my listeners through delivery via traditional radio, livestreaming on the Internet, podcasts on our website and promotions via social media. Radio is as relevant in the business of communications as ever before – maybe more so. I am proud of the honors my station and I have received recently, and I look forward to many more great years as a broadcaster,” Photo by Damian Dominguez, The Index-Journal

Politics and Midterm Elections Tie as Top News/Talk Stories for Week of October 24-28. The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and the politics surrounding them came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the state of the economy, including inflation and threats of a recession, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal issues at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, October 27, 2022

By Editor | October 27, 2022 by Editor

Mark Davis is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Today is the 40^th anniversary of Dallas radio legend Mark Davis’ career as a professional broadcaster. What better way to celebrate it than being a guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview?” Davis is one of the most successful and respected local news/talk radio hosts in America. For the past decade, this self-described libertarian-conservative has hosted the 7:00 am – 10:00 am CT morning show on Salem’s AM 660, The Answer – KSKY-AM – in the vibrant Dallas/Fort Worth market. Prior to that, he did a long stint at WBAP – also in the Dallas Metroplex. Along the way, he’s served as a regular fill-in for the late Rush Limbaugh and other national hosts in addition to having written two well-received books about politics published by Regnery. Harrison and Davis engage in a lively chat about the radio veteran’s career including changes over the past four decades in journalism, broadcasting technology, radio localism, the military (Davis grew up in a U.S. Air Force family) and partisanship in the national conversation. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

WIP-FM, Philadelphia Names Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie New Morning Hosts. The Audacy sports talk station reveals that it will move the current midday team of Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie to morning drive early next year when Angelo Cataldi retires from his historic run as SportsRadio 94WIP’s morning drive host. The new show will continue to feature longtime WIP morning anchor Rhea Hughes and producer James Seltzer. Audacy says it will name a new midday show in the coming months. WIP-FM brand manager Rod Lakin says, “We are very excited to announce Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie will be leading the WIP morning show. For the last three decades Angelo Cataldi set the standard for morning drive in Philadelphia and helped define the sports narrative of this great city. Joe and Jon, along with Rhea Hughes and the other talented members of the WIP morning show, will adhere to the standard that Angelo created and develop a connection with the Philadelphia sports audience for years to come.” DeCamara comments, “I am ecstatic for the opportunity to host mornings on WIP. There is a remarkable tradition of success long established by the legend, Angelo, and the entire current morning team, and my aim is to continue to uphold that level of excellence. I feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to WIP and Audacy management, to Angelo, and to WIP listeners and callers whose intense passion drives the heartbeat of Philly sports. We look forward to assembling the full team that will comprise our show as we move to mornings. And I look forward to multiple parades down Broad Street over the next four months!” Ritchie adds, “I’m grateful and honored that Joe and I have the opportunity to follow in Angelo Cataldi’s footsteps on WIP’s morning show. We’ll work hard to uphold the station’s tradition of emotional connection with the greatest sports fans in the world.”

Radio Observers Reminisce and Analyze as Rock Gives Way to All-News on 92.3 FM in New York. Today’s move by Audacy that begins the simulcast of all-news WINS-AM on WNYL-FM (soon to become WINS-FM) was preceded by coverage of the change in the New York media that included reminiscing about the old “K-Rock” – for 20 years the flagship station of Howard Stern’s program – as well as the rock music and talk shows that also occupied the frequency over the years. In Verne Gay’s story on the change in Newsday, Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero is quoted saying, “Why now? That question has been bandied about for many years, but one of the major issues is that we’re still governed by FCC cap rules. Any time we wanted to add something to FM, we had to take something away. We had to make a choice [and] news and sports is what we do really well.” This change also comes at the same time as Audacy finalizes the newsroom merger of WINS and WCBS-AM. Audacy New York VP of news Ben Mevorach is quoted in the Newsday piece saying that “both stations will retain their separate identities, but that the merger ‘removes the redundancy of coverage’ and frees reporters up at each station to cover different stories. Mevorach added that there will be no layoffs but ‘actually the opposite: This is an all-out assault on becoming the dominant [radio] news leader here.’” Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison was asked about the changes and replied, “As natives of the 20th century, you and I still think there’s a difference between AM and FM but to natives of the 21st century, these are irrelevant facts. The flip doesn’t mean anything other than Audacy is doing the best it can to keep up with the times.” Regarding the end of rock music on 92.3 FM, Harrison adds, “It’s sad to see it go on a certain level, but radio gave up ownership of music years ago. It’s been a slow fade and this is another one of the lights going out. It doesn’t indicate anything beyond that.”

Alpha Media Names Tim Spence Director of Sports Operations in San Antonio. Radio programming pro Tim Spence joins Alpha Media San Antonio as the new director of sports operations for KTFM-FM/KZDC-AM, San Antonio “Sports Star, 94.1 FM, 1250 AM.” Spence comes to Alpha from iHeartMedia Denver where he most recently served as program director for KHOW and KCOL and as APD for KOA. He was also affiliate relations manager for the 140-station radio network for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. Spence says, “I’d like to thank Lance Hawkins, Dax Davis and Greg Martin along with the entire Alpha Media family for this opportunity in San Antonio. This is a tremendous group of stations with a great staff, and I’m ready to get to work.”

WABC, New York Names Studios in Honor or Bernard McGuirk. Yesterday (10/26), Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC, New York dedicated its main studio to the late Bernard McGuirk, who died earlier this month after a battle with prostate cancer. Yesterday would have been McGuirk’s 65^th birthday. Pictured above are (from l-r): Sid Rosenberg, on-air morning show co-host of “Bernie & Sid in The Morning”; Margo and John Catsimatidis, owners of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC; Carol McGuirk, Bernie’s wife; and their two children, Brendan and Melanie.

KFBK, Sacramento Celebrates 100 Years on the Air. News/talk KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento recently celebrated 100 years since its first on-air broadcast on September 17, 1922 with a Centennial Celebration. Hosted by sister iHeartMedia station Talk 650 KSTE morning show and former KFBK staff “Armstrong and Getty,” KFBK’s Centennial Celebration featured appearances by many former staff along with current personalities Cristina Mendonsa and Sam Shane of the “KFBK Morning News,” nationally syndicated and 12:00 noon-3:00 pm host Tom Sullivan, John McGinness and Kitty O’Neal of the “KFBK Afternoon News” and night host Pat Walsh. KFBK program director Bill White says, “The founding principle of KFBK News Radio remains the same today as it did in 1922, to provide relevant local news and information. Through the generations, KFBK’s team of talented news anchors, reporters, and talk hosts continues to proudly uphold that mission, to serve the listeners of Sacramento and Northern California.” Pictured above at the celebration are: Back row (l-r): Gregg Fishman (former anchor, now at City of Sacramento and SMUD Board), Rick Eytcheson (former GM), Dave Williams (former PD and anchor, now anchor at KLIF, Dallas), Beth Duncan (former anchor, now singer), Andy Friedman (former reporter, now CMO at Specifi), John Butler (former ND, now digital PD at Salem Media Group), David G. Hall (former reporter, now media specialist/consultant). Front row (l-r): Roger Hamlyn (former editor, now retired), Steve Telliano (former reporter/anchor, now with UC Davis Health), Don Andrews (former reporter/anchor, now with CA State Assembly), Vicky Moore (now with KNX-FM, Los Angeles), Mike Sicilia (former reporter, now deputy press secretary, CA Dept of Corrections and Rehabilitation).

FOX News Audio to Launch Bret Baier’s ‘Common Ground’ Podcast. This new podcast from FOX News Audio titled, “Common Ground,” – hosted by Bret Baier, FOX News Channel chief political anchor and executive editor and anchor of “Special Report” – will feature Baier speaking with lawmakers, business leaders and public figures from different perspectives coming together to discuss issues of the day and how Americans can find common ground in a polarized world. FOX News Audio says the new podcast will drop two episodes weekly.

SRN’s Tom Tradup Honored by Christian Relief Agency. The Christian non-profit international relief agency Food for the Poor this week honored Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup for “10 years of dedicated passion and partnership through radio fundraising” which the agency says has resulted in 67-million meals for families in 17 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as SRN’s October campaign raising funds for survivors of Hurricane Ian in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Pictured above are (from l-r): KSKY, Dallas morning host Mark Davis, Tradup, Diana Corrales and Paul Jacobs of Food for the Poor.

Debates/Midterm Elections, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Immigration-Border Security, January 6/Trump Legal Issues, Iran Protests, British Politics, Musk-Twitter Deal, and Ye Controversies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/26). The numerous debates ahead of the November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control the House and Senate beginning in January; Vladimir Putin’s attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure as winter looms; the battle against inflation and the up-and-down financial markets; the migrant and illegal drug issues plaguing the U.S.-Mexico border; the subpoenas issued to former President Donald Trump’s attorneys relative to the January 6 investigation and Trump’s other legal battles; the ongoing protests in Iran; Britain’s newest Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assumes his role; the fate of Twitter and Elon Musk’s bid for the social media giant; and the crumbling business empire of Ye in the aftermath of his anti-Semitic rants were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, September 9, 2022

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Like a Pendulum Do,” looks back at this past week of 9/5 to 9/9. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Tim Van Horn, talk show host, KWAM, Memphis; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Sandy Rios, talk show host, American Family Radio; Matthew B. Harrison, VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Podcast Movement Apologizes to Ben Shapiro; Way Forward Still Unclear. The controversy surrounding the surprise appearance of Ben Shapiro at the recent Podcast Movement convention in Dallas that apparently upset at least one other attendee continues as the organization has issued an apology to Shapiro. As you may recall, Podcast Movement immediately apologized to the offended party via Twitter in a since-deleted tweet, causing Cumulus Media to cry foul and announce it would not support the 2023 convention. Podcast Movement tweeted on Thursday (9/8): “As we stated, we’re continuing to evaluate our policies guiding social media & events with inclusivity, diversity & respect for all. We have to start by sincerely apologizing to Mr. Shapiro for our reaction when he visited a booth we sold his company. That wasn’t right. Podcast Movement began in 2014, with four podcasters who had an idea to create a vibrant community that was for podcasters, by podcasters. We’re still those people with the same idea, and recognize there’s work to do as we grow. We are now looking to move forward, as we focus on that original mission from 2014 – being a hub for podcasting events, resources, news, and thought leadership.” Naturally, those with no tolerance for conservative thought are not happy with this apology and this puts Podcast Movement in a difficult situation. On one hand, it can refuse to include conservatives in future gatherings and appease the “no tolerance” segment of its constituency. But big-time podcast publishers such as Cumulus, iHeartMedia, and Audacy produce a large number of podcasts. While most of those are not political at all, some are and are hosted by polarizing personalities. Does Podcast Movement want to alienate them to appease a small but very vocal minority? On the other hand, if it says, “everyone’s welcome,” you can bet those intolerant of others’ opinions will protest loudly, and the annual event then becomes a referendum on political partisanship. Podcast Movement has less than a year to figure this out.

Round Three of August PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. 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 grows by a full share to post a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts the station to #1, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM rises by seven-tenths for a 3.1 share that boosts it to the #13 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM, San Antonio adds seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share pushes it to the #8 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA rises by two-tenths for a 3.2 share but falls one position to the #12 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City remains ranked #1 even after dropping a half share for a 9.1 share finish. Meanwhile, Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds a half share and closes the survey with a 6.1 share good for the #4 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s news/talk KMBZ-FM tacks on eight-tenths for a 4.7 finish that lifts it from #11 to #5, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KCMO-AM also adds eight-tenths for a 1.5 share finish putting at the #20 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the first two groups) here.

Triton Digital Releases Streaming Rankers for July 2022. The latest data from Triton Digital’s monthly ranking of top streaming properties is released for the July 2022 period. Triton ranks streamers based on Average Active Sessions (AAS). In the U.S. for 6AM-12AM Mon-Sun, iHeartRadio is the #1 streamer with 278,576 AAS. At #2 is NPR Member Stations (67,269 AAS), followed by Audacy at #3 (61.293 AAS). Other radio-related companies on Triton’s chart includes: Cumulus Streaming Network ranked #4 (37,569 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate at #7 (16,157), Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (13,676), Salem Communications at #10 (7,763 AAS), and Urban One at #11 (7,533). You can see the complete ranker here.

Big Radio Announces News and Sports Talent Additions. At Scott and Ben Thompson’s Big Radio in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, two new staffers join the company. At the Janesville, Wisconsin operations, Sean Maloney is now part of the news team working on news coverage across the group and being part of local high school sports broadcasts. He joined the company from Magnum Media in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. John Barry, award-winning sportswriter previously with the Janesville Gazette, also joins the company to work on its local sports coverage. Big Radio says its sports department consists of nearly 40 individuals working together to provide over 400 local high school sports broadcasts annually throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Company CEO Ben Thompson says, “Local news, information and entertainment is what people look for from their local stations and Big Radio injects local news, sports, entertainment and conversation wherever we can across our 10-station group. We are grateful that both Sean and John bring those values with them to help reinforce our commitment to local programming.”

TALKERS News Notes. The 2022-23 NFL season is underway and Audacy announces a series of podcasts to cater to fans. New podcasts produced by the company’s 2400Sports studio include: “Kickoff with Boomer and Valenti” starring WFAN, New York morning host Boomer Esiason and WXYT-FM, Detroit afternoon host Mike Valenti; “The Crew” with senior NFL insider Josina Anderson, Hollywood actor Morris Chestnut, and former NFL cornerback Fred Smoot; “In The Huddle” starring former NFL player and current Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger and Audacy NFL insider and NFL reporter Jason La Canfora; “1st & Pod with Parkins and Poni” starring WSCR, Chicago’s Danny Parkins and KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh’s Andrew Fillipponi…..Skyview Networks partners with iHeartMedia Milwaukee to be the play-by-play radio broadcast distributor for Green Bay Packers games. As part of the deal, Skyview’s AdView inventory management software will be used. Skyview SVP business development and communication Andrew Kalb says, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with iHeartMedia Milwaukee and its Green Bay Packers radio rightsholder, ‘The Game 97.3.’ We look forward to collaborating on taking the Packers network to the next level and I am confident that with our technology, they will see new efficiencies and greater insight into revenue.”…..iHeartMedia and Warner Music Group announce a multi-year deal in which the two companies will co-produce a slate of shows that range from ongoing weekly podcasts to limited-run series, beginning this fall. As part of the collaboration, WMG’s Interval Presents will distribute its podcasts through the iHeartPodcast Network widely to all podcast consumption platforms. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne states, “Joining forces with an iconic music company like Warner Music Group, known for their dedication to advancing the voices and careers of artists, is a seamless fit for iHeartMedia. Our team is thrilled to be co-producing a slate of shows to elevate inspiring, diverse voices and important conversations in this vein – and can’t wait to get started.”

Mar-a-Lago Aftermath and Trump Legal Issues Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 5 – 9. The Department of Justice’s appeal of Judge Aileen Cannon’s order for a Special Master to oversee the documents former President Donald Trump had stored at Mar-a-Lago and Trump’s other legal issues combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was politics and the midterm elections, followed by crime, violence, and homelessness at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Michael Harrison “Idiots” Tour Off and Running. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has appeared as a guest on a number of major local and national radio talk shows covering several hundred stations across the nation during the past two weeks discussing the musical track “Idiots” on which he appears as lead vocalist with the iconic classic rock band, GUNHILL ROAD. “Idiots” is a catchy song with an ear-worm hook and provocative lyrics taking aim at what Harrison describes as the “growing wave of idiocy that’s spreading across America and threatening the nation’s democracy.” Harrison wrote the song in collaboration with his bandmates – Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Since its release in late August, the song’s music video (www.idiotsvideo.com) has racked up thousands of views on YouTube and gotten airplay on dozens of talk shows and radio station websites from WABC, New York to KXL, Portland – including KTSA, San Antonio; WBT, Charlotte; KSCO, Santa Cruz; KFNX, Phoenix; WPG, Atlantic City; WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami; WRVA, Richmond; WTIC, Hartford; WVLY, Wheeling; WTNN, Nashville; KWAM, Memphis; KDFD, Denver; WLIR-FM, Long Island; WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY and many more including exposure on Talk Media Network; Doug Stephan’s “Good Day”; Virginia Talk Radio Network, Nevada Talk Network, John Fredericks Radio Network, Podcast Radio Network in the U.K. and more. “Ironically, the song is becoming somewhat of a talk radio hit,” says Harrison. “The music stations haven’t a clue what to do with it because it doesn’t fit conveniently into their cookie cutter categories. Today’s music radio doesn’t have the flexibility to include those ‘odd’ and ‘offbeat’ songs that would occasionally come down the pike and become hits in pop’s golden era. However, talk radio programmers get it.” One of the song’s qualities that adds to its talk show appeal and support from both liberals and conservatives is its non-partisanship. Harrison calls it an “equal opportunity offender.” Lyrics include such lines as: A fool will always be a fool… left, right, blue or red… it pays to have an open mind, but not an empty head. Another: They (idiots) cherry pick and reaffirm half-baked dumb ideas… agree with almost anything that feeds their hate and fears… always blaming others for their own damn lack of vision… they buy the crap that’s sold them from the merchants of division. That last line is punctuated on the video by the famous “turd” emoji emanating from the rear ends of an elephant and donkey. Harrison plans to continue the Talk Radio Idiots Tour through the fall. Shows and hosts interested in booking him as a guest can do so by emailing info@talkers.com or calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Click here to see the video.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 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 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0, fourth to first

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #17 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.4 – 8.5, -.9, first to second

Number One 6+: news/talk KXL, first month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KXL and adult hits KYCH (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio KOPB and country KWJJ (-.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, locked at #17

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” flat at .3, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, tenth to seventh

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC steady at .3, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WKKT, first month, 7.5 – 7.6, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and gospel WPZS (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 4.6, +.7, ninth to eighth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX steady at 2.5, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.2 – 9.4, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country KAJA (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, remains in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 4.1, +.6, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KNCI, first month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classical KXPR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSTE (-1.1)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, anchored in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.5 – 3.5, +1.0, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, first month, flat at 9.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC WLTJ (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR WKST (-1.2)

*Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 9.6 – 9.1, -.5, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, seventh month in succession, 9.6 – 9.1, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC KBZN and rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KUDD (-1.1)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #18

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+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.0, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC KVGS (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.5)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fourth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 2.0 – 3.7, +1.7, #15 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #20 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 7.0 – 7.5, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WDBO (+1.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WRUM (-1.4)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.3 – 11.7, -.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, remains at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, sixth month in a row, 12.3 – 11.7, -.6

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUBE (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 7.4 – 7.8, +.4, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, #11 to #10 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.3 – 4.3, +1.0, #12 to #11

Ideastream-owned WCPN’s internet stream .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, eighth month in a row, 9.4 – 9.0, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WNCX (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, #11 to #5

Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .7 – 1.5, +.8, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) steady at 3.4, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fifth straight month, 8.3 – 8.6, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KMBZ-FM and similarly-formatted KCMO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian KJNW (-1.7)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 8.2 – 7.5, -.7, first to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.9 – 6.8, +.9, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 8.2, +.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WNCI, first month, 7.7 – 8.5, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-1.1)

Call letter oddity: This is the first month at #1 for Bonneville Sacramento country KNCI, as well as iHeartMedia Columbus CHR WNCI.

Up next: August 2022 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.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, September 2, 2022

By Editor | September 2, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Dirty Water & Laundry,” looks back at this past week of 8/29 to 9/2. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Harry Hurley, host, WPG, Atlantic City; Michael Riedel, host, WOR, New York; Daliah Wachs, M.D., host, Genesis Communications Network; Steve Weisman, law professor, Bentley University, Boston/founder, Scamicide.com; and Beth Troutman, host, WBT, Charlotte. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Salem Announces Talk Hosts Fall Tour of Battleground States. The second half of October will see the Salem Media Group talk radio hosts tour the battleground states to “assist listeners and voters to understand how important it is that they get out to vote as well as vote with an understanding of the issues, and the candidates that will be leading our government.” Dubbed the Battleground Talkers Tour 2022, Salem hosts Dennis Prager, Charlie Kirk, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Mike Gallagher, Eric Metaxas, Brandon Tatum, and Hugh Hewitt will hit tour stops in Tampa on October 16, Orlando on October 17, Atlanta on October 18, Philadelphia on October 19, Pittsburgh on October 20, Columbus on October 21, Cleveland on October 22, and Phoenix on October 23 where Salem news/talk stations will host the events. Hosts will broadcast their radio and TV shows from many of these cities. Salem Media Group SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce comments, “I do not think we have ever seen the kind of energy and excitement that we have witnessed now building up to the November 2022 election. Getting our hosts in front of our listeners and viewers and encouraging them to vote wisely is something each of our hosts is passionate about doing. There has never been a more important mid-term election than this one, and Salem is thrilled to be front and center, leading the charge.”

Ronnie Bloodworth Named Area President for iHeartMedia’s Mid-South Region. Radio management pro Ronnie Bloodworth is promoted to area president for iHeartMedia’s Mid-South region that encompasses Alabama, Mississippi, and Memphis, effective immediately. Bloodworth has been serving as market president for Mobile, Biloxi and Pensacola. In this new role, he’ll be responsible for oversight of stations in Birmingham, Gadsden, Huntsville, Montgomery, and the Tuscaloosa markets, as well as stations in Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Laurel, Memphis, Mobile, Pensacola, and Tupelo. iHeartMedia division president Shosh Abromovich says, “This is a very exciting announcement to bring these markets together; the alignment of these outstanding leaders, talent, teammates and communities are set up to truly flourish. Ronnie’s culture-first attitude, drive for success and high bar he sets for himself and his team will take this newly combined area to all new levels of achievement and opportunity.” Bloodworth comments, “Helping people identify their strengths, find their motivation and then achieve their goals is something I have enjoyed from day one. Helping our teams in Mobile, Pensacola, Memphis and Mississippi find their stride and excel is something I take pride in. We strive to be the best in the business and enjoy what we do and where we do it. I look forward to having the high-quality and high-performing teams across the state of Alabama join us as I move into this new role.”

Alpha Media Names Clay Church OM for Dayton and Canton. Radio programming pro Clay Church joins Alpha Media as operations manager for the company’s Dayton and Canton, Ohio clusters that include news/talk WHBC-AM Canton and sports talk WING-AM, Dayton, plus five music brands. Church was most recently director of content and operations at Townsquare Media’s Flint, Michigan operations. Alpha Media SVP/market manager Brett Beshore says, “After a lengthy, nationwide search, we found the best possible candidate to lead our successful teams in Dayton and Canton, and Clay brings all of Alpha’s core values to the market. He knows how to lead a team, build strong brands, and execute digital strategies to grow our ratings and revenue. We’re excited to welcome him aboard.” Church comments, “I’m very excited to take the next step in my career with Alpha Media and the incredible people in Dayton and Canton. The great stations in both markets are a direct reflection of the talent inside the buildings. I hope to add my skillset to the outstanding teams already in place.”

Good Karma’s ESPN Madison Inks Badger Keeanu Benton to NIL Partnership. Madison sports talk outlet WTLX-FM ESPN Madison announces it has agreed to a NIL (name-image-likeness) partnership with Wisconsin Badgers’ nose tackle Keeanu Benton for him to make weekly appearances on the “Rutledge and Hamilton” show each Wednesday at 2:30 pm. Good Karma Brands Madison market manager Tom Olson says, “Our ‘ESPN Madison’ team is thrilled to have Keeanu Benton join us this football season. This is our very first NIL agreement, and we’re excited for the opportunity to work with someone as accomplished and as charismatic as Keeanu. This will be an exclusive opportunity for our fans to hear weekly insights from Keenau and get to know him better as a person.”

Holland Cooke’s Inflation Hacks Now an Online Course at CECNA. The e-book Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins by media consultant Holland Cooke has become an online course from the Washington-area-based nonprofit Consumer Education Council of North America. CECNA founder and chairman Jim Hood says, “Inflation is like climate change: It’s a big problem that everybody talks about although no one seems to have the solution. But broadcast personality Holland Cooke has researched it and come up with a list of everyday steps that consumers can use to trim hundreds of dollars from their monthly budgets. He’s assembled his thoughts in a CECNA Learning Center course called ‘Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins.’ The title refers, of course, to Benjamin Franklin, whose image adorns the $100 bill and who once cautioned, ‘Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.’” The CECNA offers the course here.

TALKERS News Notes. Sales and advertising pro Scott McRoberts is named Midwest sales director for home improvement media brand Today’s Homeowner Media. In this role, McRoberts will be responsible for growing the brand’s presence in the Midwest while creating innovative solutions for the company’s partners. Company president Danny Lipford says, “I am thrilled to have Scott join the team. We provide our partners with custom advertising solutions to meet their goals and connect them with our highly qualified audience of homeowners. Our partners will benefit from Scott’s experience providing innovative solutions and his collaborative style.”…..Progressive talk host Stephanie Miller announces that her “Sexy Liberal Save Democracy Tour” has three events scheduled for this fall. The comedy tour that includes John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks and Frangela will stop in Washington, DC on September 10 at Sidney Harman Hall with special guest Glenn Kirschner; in Chicago on September 24 at Harris Theater with special guests Jill Wine Banks and Rep. Jan Schakowsky; and in Los Angeles on October 22 at Saban Theater with special guests Rep. Adam Schiff and Rob Reiner…..iHeartMedia announces the debut of a new iHeartRadio original podcast titled, “Unbreakable with Jay Glazer: A Mental Health Podcast.” This project is an extension of his widely acclaimed, best-selling book Unbreakable in which the FOX NFL Insider shares his personal mental health journey with the audience, including the tools and techniques he’s developed to “live in the gray” – his term for living and thriving with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder…..iHeartMedia Chicago’s radio stations, including WMFN-AM “BIN: Black Information Netwotrk” announces the 10 winners of the “Brilliantly Black Business Awards” in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. The “Brilliantly Black Business Awards” ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 2:30 pm at the iHeartMedia Chicago Studios. The project was launched in 2020 to support local Black-owned businesses, restaurants and non-profits. Since its inception, iHeartMedia Chicago has showcased nearly 1,300 Black-owned businesses through digital, on-air features and the “Brilliantly Black” podcast. The 10 winners have been selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League. iHeartMedia Chicago president Matt Scarano states, “iHeartMedia Chicago created the first-of-its-kind ‘Brilliantly Black’ community resource initiative. We are proud to expand the initiative and award 10 local Black-owned businesses a combined total of $1 million in marketing and advertising to further promote their products and services, while elevating economic growth for their businesses. The Chicago Urban League shares our mission and stepped up to provide small business master-level education training for the award winners as well.”

The FBI Raid of Mar-a-Lago, DOJ Documents Probe and Trump Legal Troubles Combine as Top News/Talk Story This Week. The aftermath of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago, the Department of Justice’s investigation into top secret documents, and Trump’s legal troubles combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio for the week of August 29 – September 2 and landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was a tie between partisan politics, the midterm elections, and Sarah Palin’s special election loss, followed by the state of the U.S. economy at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | August 11, 2022 by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 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 July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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 June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.2 – 8.0, -.2, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.8)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE flat at 4.6, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 6.1 – 7.9, +1.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: urban AC WBAV (+1.8)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.0)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, eighth to ninth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #15 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth straight month, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KISS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” flat at 7.5, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, continues at #9

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, seventh month in a row, unchanged at 9.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KNCI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock KRXQ and regional Mexican KVMX-FM (-.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, remains at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classical WQED (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WKPL (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 10.2 – 9.6, -.6, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.8 – 5.6, -1.2, second to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, sixth month in succession, 10.2 – 9.6, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.1, #15 to #18

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+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.3 – 7.5, +1.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC KVGS (-.7)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 6.1, +.2, seventh to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #18 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, second straight month, 7.9 – 8.5, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-2.2)**

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.4 – 12.3, +.9, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.0 – 4.3, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, fifth month in a row, 11.4 – 12.3, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WLW (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WEBN (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.7 – 7.4, +.7, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #12 to #11 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, remains at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, seventh month in a row, 10.4 – 9.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WMMS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats at #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.1 – .9, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fourth straight month, 7.7 – 8.3, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WDAF (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative KRBZ (-1.6)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.1 – 8.2, -.9, #1

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, seventh to sixth and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3, fourth to second

Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, sixth straight month, 9.1 – 8.2, -.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WOSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC WVMX (-1.2)

Up next: July 2022 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.

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