January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
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, 12th 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.
Miracle Mile. Mike Simpson, host of “LA’s Morning News” on KNX, and Charles Feldman, host of “KNX In Depth” and “LA’s Afternoon News” served as moderators. Audacy Southern California regional president Jeff Federman says, “There is no issue of more universal importance to our communities. It was important that we use our platform at KNX News to ensure parents and teens know they’re not alone in adjusting to a new reality.” Panelists included students Montserrat Hidalgo, Sarah Mian, and Alex Bielanski who discussed their first-hand experiences of how the pandemic shutdowns affected their education, social development, and mental health. Other panelists were Long Beach Unified School District superintendent Jill Baker, UCLA director of undergraduate admissions Gary Clark, Los Angeles Trade Tech College dean Chito Cajayon, and Stanford University professor Sean Reardon. 
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 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.
as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience – is based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics, and Edison says the Q3-Q4 ranker includes increased sample size implemented last year and is based on surveys of 10,579 weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The rest of the top 10 are: 4) Wondery/Audible/Amazon Music, 5) Audioboom, 6) The New York Times, 7) NPR, 8)Audacy, 9) Acast Creator Network, and 10) Cumulus Podcast Network.
appeared on the “Parkins & Spiegel” show. Olivia Finestead is the mother of Clevinger’s 10-month-old who went on the radio show to discuss the allegations against Clevinger, a move he called “really trashy of them. That was some lowlife material right there.” He was also quoted saying, “My lawyers are paying attention. My lawyers are getting in contact with them, and they probably already sent a cease-and-desist for defamation. So [they] just got themselves involved in this, too, so good for them.” 
Ohio but returned to Western New York and has spent the last 18 years with Jeremy White as his co-host in mornings on Audacy’s WGR. Simon says, “I’ve been very lucky to have worked alongside some wonderful people at WJJL, WBEN, Empire Sports Network and finally at WGR. I wish I could list everyone by name, but that isn’t possible. Let me just say, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my many co-workers over the years. I’ve made some great, lifelong friendships, while getting a chance to do something I truly loved. I would like to mention my co-host for the last 18 years at WGR, Jeremy White. That is the longest I worked with anyone by far! Jeremy is super talented, extremely creative, and has a great feel for what topics will be of most interest to our listening audience.”
“reminisces on formative moments in pop culture’s past that have shaped our present, rewinding on the things forgotten or things we can’t seem to ever forget with personal reflections, incredible guests, and plenty of deep belly laughs.” He adds, “I’m so excited that this season, we’re going to be able to get into all sorts of formative pop culture moments because we’re bringing on guests to expand the range of things we cover.”
and action. Aimed to raise awareness and share stories of inspiration, the partnership will also extend to grassroots action as Audacy will connect with Special Olympics programs across the country to support, volunteer, and get involved with programmed events. Jackson says, “I’ve taken my CBS Sports Radio show on the road the past two years with Special Olympics to promote diversity and inclusion. With the Media for the Movement Tour, we’ve popped up at more than 50 college campuses and professional sports teams to support this message. I’m thrilled to bring together Audacy and Special Olympics for programming that will encourage and inspire on a broadened level.”
the Birds’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, Audacy tells the Philadelphia Inquirer that this Friday (2/17) will be Cataldi’s final show. On Monday, the midday team of Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie take over as the morning drive show. The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that WIP brand manager Rod Lakin says Cataldi’s final show will feature a career retrospective and appearances from “old friends.”
deployed consistently over time can reinforce a visual and verbal brand identity and enhance brand recall” in a radio ad by 17% and in a podcast by 14%. Regarding voice, the study concludes that the most significant and consistent driver for success is the use of multiple voices. Ads with multiple voices increase recall by 10%. Audacy SVP of research and insights Idil Cakim says, “The study, based on an incredibly rigorous design that combines content analysis and survey methodologies, spans creative elements in OTA and podcast ads, across auto, financial service, CPG, and entertainment categories. It shows the impact of creative element choices on how brands are perceived and stay top of mind. And how sonic messaging ushers consumers through the purchase funnel to purchase.” 
of November during which more than 2,800 radio spots were broadcast on 21 of the most popular stations in NYC. The campaign included digital and social media marketing, trade press, and signage at venues during Advertising Week in New York City. According to independent brand lift analysis by DYNATA, ad professionals who saw or heard the campaign were 29% more likely to consider radio for their media 
campaigns compared to those that had not seen the campaign. Of those that saw the campaign, 82% said they were somewhat/extremely likely to consider using radio for their next campaign compared to 53% of respondents who did not see the campaign. Audacy New York market president and NYC Radio Committee chair Chris Oliviero says, “The outstanding results of the campaign prove when we tell our story, with data and creativity, that radio can substantially enhance its position with advertising professionals. While radio continues to earn its place as an essential part of any media plan, we still must communicate our benefits and invite more marketing partners to collaborate together. This innovative multi-platform outreach accomplished just that. My appreciation to all my colleagues in New York City, across several ownership groups, who came together with a commitment to make ‘Fall in Love with Radio’ a success.”
media in particular – have an incredible opportunity to impact our lives and communities. Audacy leans into its strength – Audio – to build connection with our listeners. We support their well-being by sharing stories of mental health experiences. This authentic storytelling is the heart of our business and helps improve health outcomes too! That’s why the content we create for ‘I’m Listening’ features artists, athletes, and celebrities sharing their mental health experiences – we are living our belief, ‘Talk Saves Lives… We’ve raised more than $1.5 million for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; hosted a national mental health conversation with experts and listeners – all living our belief, Talk Saves Lives.” 
announcer Tom McCarthy, will serve as pregame and postgame host for broadcasts along with providing play-by-play for select games. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “As we round the bases towards Spring Training, we’re proud to officially welcome Keith Raad and Pat McCarthy to our popular coverage of Mets baseball alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose. Once again, the Mets offseason has created anticipation and optimism for the 2023 Amazins’ and we’re looking forward to being the audio home for every moment on-air and digitally.”
the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot currently held by Westwood One talk host Mark Levin. Sanchez says, “It is a thrill to be dominating my daypart in the format and I feel my audience growing exponentially right now. It’s a pleasure serving the Las Vegas market with the legendary station KDWN as my flagship.”
Steve DeLusant says, “Victor and Travia are the perfect combination to lead our sales efforts for ‘Power 105.1’ and the WWRL 1600 AM ‘Black Information Network.’ Both 
Victor and Travia have strong experience and knowledge working in the multicultural space. I am excited to have them join our team and watch them take our brands to the next level. Their additions will position our team for long-term success at iHeartMedia New York.” Giacomelli joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Denver where he was the director of sales. Charmont joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Atlanta where she was a senior AE.
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. 
The 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. 
Stations at 70,695 AAS, with Audacy in the #3 position with 56,158 AAS, and Cumulus Streaming Network at #4 with 36,692 AAS. Other companies that stream spoken word content in the top 25 include #6 Beasley Broadcasting Corporate (16,506 AAS), #8 Hubbard Broadcasting (13,313 AAS), #10 New York Public Radio (10,356 AAS), and #11 Salem Communications(7,648). 
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). 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 New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM dips two-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for the #10 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-AM/FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that lifts it to the #5 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago dips one-tenth to a 4.8 share that keeps it locked in the #4 rank, while Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN falls two-tenths to finish with a 2.8 share good for the #12 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth tacks on four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.7 share that puts it in the #7 rank. And Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta falls one share for a 4.4 share finish good for the #7 rank. 
for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”
and host weekend programs. The 69-year-old Morganti is a long-time co-host of Angelo Cataldi’s morning drive show and with Cataldi retiring from the station after the Philadelphia Eagles’ season ends, it was unclear what role Morganti would play with the station. In his piece, Blumenthal notes that when Audacy revealed that Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie would be the new morning drive show, it stated Morganti would continue to work for the station in some capacity. Morganti will host the hockey podcast twice per week during the season and once per week during the off-season. As for hosting weekend shows, there’s no indication he’ll have a regularly scheduled show, but will fill in when needed. Morganti also works for NBC Sports Philadelphia as a pre-and post-game analyst.
“exemplifies the best attributes of the radio industry.” Recipients may be large or small, commercial or non-commercial, located in any market, and broadcasting in any language. The jury looks for stations that demonstrate “ideals of localism, audience reach, community service, effective use of new digital platforms, diversity in program content and staffing, as well as financial and ratings success.” Previous U.S. winners were Audacy’s WINS-AM, New York; Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY; and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM, Washington. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “This distinguished honor underscores not only KDKA’s unwavering commitment to delivering premier news coverage to the Pittsburgh communities, but the individuals who work tirelessly each and every day to make it happen. We’re proud to join the list of iconic heritage brands that represent the very best the radio industry has to offer.” Jurors included representatives of Fletcher Heald & Hildreth, Radio Ink, The Weiss Agency, TALKERS magazine, McVay Media Consulting, Audacy and Radio World.