September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.
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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).
Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth
News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17
Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13
KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18
News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
Up next: September 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
6.75% senior secured second-lien Notes due March 31, 2029. The decision to use the grace period will not trigger an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes, and the Company retains the right to make the interest payment to the holders of the Notes through the end of the grace period. Audacy says it intends to utilize the 30-day grace period to continue its dialogue with lenders “regarding a potential plan to strengthen its capital structure to support Audacy’s strong operating business and position Audacy for long-term growth.” Audacy chairman, president and CEO David Field comments, “We continue to engage in discussions with our lenders as we execute on our overall growth strategy and remain focused on investing in our people, platform, content and technology capabilities to serve our listeners and customers. We continue to drive progress across our key performance metrics, meaningfully advance our ad tech and product roadmap and enter new partnerships to enhance content, distribution and monetization opportunities.”
slot. Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “‘The Rob Brown Show’ has been a winner in middays for ‘The Fan Upstate’ and will be even better in morning drive. Rob and Lonzo deliver an engaging, fast-paced sports talk show and are fresh off winning the best sports show in South Carolina for the second time. We’re equally as excited to debut Bill Reiter and his highly popular program to middays to carry listeners through their day. Upstate sports fans will love this new lineup and the quality sports radio content it will deliver.” This year, “The Rob Brown Show” won “Best Sports Show” at the annual State Television and Radio (STAR) Awards presented by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.
been with the station since February of 2021 and has served as evening host, prime-time fill-in host, and co-hosts the “Cash The Ticket” sports betting podcast with WXYT afternoon host Mike Valenti. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager 
Debbie Kenyon says, “I’m thrilled that Jim Costa will be the next co-host of the ‘97.1 The Ticket’ morning show. Jim has spent the last few years building a great relationship with his listeners. We look forward to the talents of Jim Costa and Jon Jansen entertaining and informing the Detroit sports audience and can’t wait to see how the show evolves in 2024.” Costa adds, “This is a dream come true for me. My whole career, I’ve chased the chance to build a show on ‘97.1 The Ticket.’ I grew up listening to this station and rooting for these teams. To start the conversation in Detroit every morning is special. Jon Jansen and I are a good contrast; we play off each other well, and I’m excited for the show we will create along with Heather [Park] and the entire morning show crew.”
credentials counseling a new couple every week. Couples will be played by a cast of esteemed actors and comedians including Fred Armisen, Ike Barinholtz, Kate Berlant, Janine Brito, Rachel Dratch, John Early, Tina Fey, and more. Executive producer Liz Cackowski says, “We are huge fans and listeners of podcasts in every genre. Love self-help podcasts, love true crime, love the celebrity interview show, all of it. And as comedians, we show our love through parody, which perhaps is something the next self-help podcast can help me work through. We’re excited to partner with Audacy to bring this series to life.”
stations. He will continue to serve as brand manager for KRLD. Anderssen joined Audacy in May of 2022 after serving with Cox Media Group for 24 years in markets including Atlanta, Orlando and Tulsa. Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano states, “Drew is an experienced leader with bold ideas for the future of the news/talk format. With his proven expertise, we are confident that Drew will lead the way in shaping our brand and format strategy, delivering exceptional content and driving continued success for our local brands and our digital platforms.”
AM/WCFS-FM. Levy began his radio sales career with Katz Media and later became the director of sales for Univision. Doug went on to lead both the television and radio divisions as president and general manager of Spanish-language multimedia company TelevisaUnivision. He also served as a weekend personality on rock WXRT-FM, Chicago for 10 years.
manager Tim Wenger and WBEN-AM morning drive personality Susan Rose are a married couple – for 30 years now – who met at WBEN in 1986 when Tim was 
hired as a programming assistant and Susan trained him for the position. Tim has risen through the programming ranks to become SVP and market manager and Susan co-hosts the news/talk station’s “A New Morning” show with Brian Mazurowski. Interestingly, Tim has been Susan’s boss since 1993, including during the period when they co-hosted the “Buffalo’s Evening News” program together in the mid- to late-1990s. They are featured in a profile story in the Buffalo News. 
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
“SportsRadio 910 The Fan,” beginning Monday (9/11). In addition to his work as a sportswriter, Phillips has been a frequent guest on “The Fan.” Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “Michael Phillips, for many years, has been highly regarded as the most respected voice of Richmond and Virginia Sports. We are delighted to have MP wear our ‘910 The Fan’ jersey for Audacy Richmond.” Phillips previously served at the Richmond Times-Dispatch as sports editor and interim executive editor. 
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
together artists, athletes, medical experts and others to highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss how they manage their own mental health. Carson Daly, radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Voice,” returns to host the special and is being joined by Katie Neal, Audacy’s nationally syndicated country host and Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, psychologist, author and scientist who founded the mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
remains ranked #1 with 281,120 Average Active Sessions. Following at #2 is NPR Member Stations (69,006 AAS) and Audacy at #3 (62,853 AAS). Cumulus Streaming Network is #4 (36,554 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate comes in at #7 (15,728 AAS), followed by Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (13,478 AAS), and Urban One at #9 (9,131 AAS). 
in this market will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to delivering top-notch news coverage and engaging content to our listeners every morning.” Stanford, who is currently co-hosting “The Suki & Scott Show” on Gannett’s USA Today Network, begins his new role on September 5. He comments, “Like most life-long New Yorkers, my Dad was always listening to 1010 WINS in the car when I was a kid. As an adult, WINS has been my go-to station for news, traffic and weather. As a New York broadcaster, it’s an honor to now be one of the morning voices on this legendary station.” Stanford served as PIX11 morning show co-host from 2013 to 2019. He’s also served as sports anchor at NBC4-NY, UPN9-NY, WCBS 880, CBS Sports HQ and Boxing30 on YES.
the Obama Administration – is also the host of the programs “As I See It” and “Take My Word for It” on sister news/talk WRVA-AM. Collin Gutman hosts “The Gutcheck” on WRNL. Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “We’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Postgame Gutcheck’ and give Commanders fans a dedicated space to dissect and digest each game this season. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ambassador Howard Gutman and his son Collin, this show will be a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth analysis, insider insights and a passionate breakdown of all things Commanders.”
Super Bowl will include the Lions, “There is nothing like an NFL run and nothing like knowing your team has a legitimate chance to get to the Super Bowl. I don’t know if they do, but I think it could be the start of a yearly thing. Them getting to the Super Bowl in my last year of doing the morning show, it would be unbelievable. I’d consider myself the lucky charm.” The 64-year-old Stone has been on Detroit sports radio since helping launch the format on WDFN-AM, Detroit in the early 1990s. Stone says he’ll stay with the station as a fill-in host for two more years.
Rick Caffey says, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric Baker to the Audacy Atlanta team as our new director of sales. With his extensive background in sales management, we are confident that Eric’s expertise will drive our market growth to new heights. His strategic vision and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in delivering top-tier content and engagement to our valued listeners and partners.” Baker says, “It’s with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey as the director of sales at Audacy Atlanta. I’m thrilled to collaborate with industry veterans like Rick Caffey, Doug Abernethy, and Reggie Rouse, whose expertise I greatly respect. My 16 years at Radio One have been invaluable, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the dynamic team at Audacy Atlanta, working together to deliver results and achieve remarkable success for our clients while continuing to positively impact the Atlanta community!”
earlier this year. RTDNA says the awards honor “outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism… the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.” Some of this year’s winners in the radio category include: Audacy’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago (Breaking News); KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh (Feature Reporting); KMOX, St. Louis (Newscast); and iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (Excellence in Innovation). 
inked in 2021 and included Cadence13 and APM developing and producing new shows and made Audacy the exclusive podcast sales rep for APM. The piece further notes that Audacy CEO David Field referenced the deal during his Q2 2023 earnings commentary saying, “In June, we successfully negotiated an early exit to an onerous Podcast ad representation contract, which resulted in a restructuring charge of $5.9 million in the quarter and the accelerated recognition of $4.5 million of prepaid content expense. We believe exiting this agreement will have a positive impact on our podcast margins, without materially impacting our future podcast revenue growth opportunity.” 
launch of a new weekly preview show called “Big Blue Kickoff Live” to be hosted by Giants.com’s John Schmeelk and WFAN’s Shaun Morash airing on Saturday mornings during the regular season. In addition, all three WFAN daily shows will broadcast live from Giants training camp on Monday (8/14), beginning at 6:00 am with “Boomer & Gio,” followed by “Brandon Tierney & Sal Licata” and “Evan & Tiki.” Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “WFAN is proud to grow our long-standing partnership with the New York Football Giants. More opportunities for fans to connect with Big Blue is our commitment, one that goes beyond Sunday and extends year round.” 
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
10:00 pm to 1:00 am slot. Additionally, the station adds new weekend shows including Compass Media Networks’ “The Erick Erickson Show” (Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), FOX News Radio’s “FOX Across America” with Jimmy Failla (Saturdays, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), and Todd Herman (Sundays, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm). Audacy Gainesville-Ocala SVP and market manager Peter Rothfuss states, “These strategic changes mark the most significant additions to the station’s talk show roster in years, reinforcing its position as North Central Florida’s premier news and opinion-leading station. The fresh lineup showcases the most influential voices in the region and is designed to propel ‘The Sky’ towards unprecedented growth, especially as the station approaches the highly anticipated election season.”
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.