Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

UK radio and outdoor firm Global inks an exclusive platform distribution and ad sales deal with iHeartMedia in which Global and iHeartMedia will license, distribute and represent each other’s podcast portfolios.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Audacy announce a multi-year extension to their 30-year partnership through the 2028 NFL season. As part of the new agreement, “SportsRadio 94WIP” will continue to serve as the team’s official flagship radio partner. The broadcast team is led by Eagles Hall of Famers Merrill Reese and Mike Quick in the radio booth and longtime 94WIP personality Howard Eskin on the sideline.

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman & president COO/CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Wells Fargo TMT Summit on November 29 at 3:45 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.

PodcastOne acquires the exclusive sales and distribution rights, as well as certain ownership and IP/derivative rights, to true crime podcast, “Lost In Panama.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “We continue our stated strategy of rolling up the fragmented podcast industry to deliver the best podcast library with the lowest cost per acquisition. We are excited and look forward to more announcements in the near future.”

Industry News

WIP, Philadelphia Partners with Travis Manion Foundation for Live Event

As part of its “Birds at the Bye,” Audacy Philadelphia’s sports talk WIP-FM “SportsRadio 94WIP” air personalities are serving as guest bartenders following a daylong remote broadcast from Chickie’s and Pete’s South Philadelphia location during which it will raise money for Travis Manion Foundation.im Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It’s a great night in support of our local veterans. Audacy Philadelphia has a strong partnership with TMF, and we’re excited for our 94WIP hosts to assist in this fundraising effort.” 94WIP guest bartenders include Joe DeCamara, Rhea Hughes, James Seltzer, Hugh Douglas, Joe Giglio, Ike Reese, Jon Marks, Jack Fritz, Howard Eskin, Devan Kaney and Eliot Shorr Parks. Also, in attendance will be Ryan Manion and Col. Manion of Travis Manion Foundation.

Industry News

Gracies Leadership Awards Honorees Celebrated in NYC

im

The Alliance for Women in Media hosted the Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon yesterday (11/13) at Tribeca 360° in New York City, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eight female leaders. This year’s program included the inaugural Gracies Icon Award presented to Premiere Networks personality Delilah. She took part in a fireside chat with RAB president and CEO Erica Farber. The other recipients are pictured above (l-r): Becky Brooks, president, AWM/F, Delilah, Rebekah Dopp, Suzanne Grimes, Susan Larkin, Lori Locke, Rosalyn Durant, Kay Olin, Heather Cohen, Katina Arnold, and Christine Travaglini. Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media

Industry News

Audacy’s 2023 Q3 Net Revenue Down 5.6%

Reporting its operating results for Q3 of 2023, Audacy says net revenue for the period was $299.2 million, down 5.6% from the same period in 2022. The company reports a net loss of $234 million, up from the net loss of $141 million it reported in Q3 of 2022. The company reveals that local spot revenue was down 3%, national spot revenue declined 15% and network advertising revenue was down 5%. Digital revenue was $64.8 million, up 3% compared to the third quarter of 2022. Audacy also reports broadcast radio revenue by format and notes that news/talk format revenue was $43.35 million, a decline of 10.8% year-over-year. Sports talk revenue was basically flat at $72 million. Music format revenue wasim $145.7 million, down 7.1% year-over-year. Audacy president and CEO David J. Field states, “Audacy’s third quarter net revenues declined 5.6%, in-line with our quarterly guidance as ad market conditions have remained challenging, particularly on national business. Cash operating expenses were down 2%. We gained revenue share in the quarter, most significantly in radio in which we have achieved accelerating share growth since the start of the year. We also delivered solid gains in radio ratings share and digital audience metrics while making important progress on our tech roadmap and meaningful expense savings to improve our current and future business model. Fourth quarter is currently pacing down 9% on an as reported basis and down 4% on a same-station, ex-political basis. We expect Q4 total revenues to decline by high single digits and costs to decline by high single digits. As noted in our recent public filings, we remain in constructive conversations with our lenders to recapitalize the company’s balance sheet to establish a strong financial footing and position the company to capitalize effectively on our growth opportunities. Notwithstanding current challenges, Audacy has established a strong position as a scaled, leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment company distinguished by our exclusive premium content and top positions across the country’s largest markets. We salute our team for their strong work delivering solid growth against our key performance metrics and serving our listeners and customers with excellence.”

Industry News

Study: Brands Are Safer Than They Think with Podcast Advertising

A new study conducted by Alter Agents – an independent market research consultancy – in partnership with Audacy reveals that consumers are highly accepting and open to podcast advertising despite persistent brand concerns about suitability and safety. The research finds that podcasts provide a safe advertising environment for brands, with eight in 10 consumers finding branded podcast messages suitable as long as they are contextually relevant, even when it comes to controversial content. The study identified key themes regarding brand safety and suitability in podcast advertising for marketers and consumers. The B2B community listed controllability, genre-specific myths, trade-offs of produced vs. host-read advertisements, and the complex categorizations of podcasts. Consumers indicated ads must be a good fit within the content, hosts must be authentic, and controversial topics in the content can be acceptable and even enjoyed as long it is not defamatory towards one group. Brand fit is not an issue for listeners. Few say they have heard ads unsuitable for the podcasts they listen to but are more likely to call out ads sounding too much like a sales pitch or not being more native to the podcast style as reasons for unsuitability or poor fit. Foul language is not a top reason for not listening to a podcast, but where content or hosts cross the line is through racist statements. In fact, foul language is accepted in many genres, especially comedy, entertainment/pop culture, music, and true crime.

Industry News

Audacy Unveils Town Hall Program Across All-News Stations

Audacy announces a new, quarterly town hall program called “Audacy Conversations” involving 12 of its all-news formatted stations. The company says, “The quarterly program will feature a robust week of coordinated local coverage in Audacy’s news markets, a live town hall broadcast rotationally hosted by one of its brands and a syndicated news special heard across participating news and news/talk brands and nationwide via the Audacy app.” Audacy VP of news Bill Smee comments, “‘Audacy Conversations’ aims to foster meaningful conversations on vital topics, exemplifying the core of Audacy’s news platform and radio’s unwavering commitment to informing and connecting the local communities we serve. We look forward to leveraging the power and influence of our combined news brands to cultivateim conversations and connections on topics relevant to our local communities throughout the year.” The next “Audacy Conversations” explores the state of downtown. It says, “Over three years later, America’s cities are still grappling with challenges and unexpected fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago will host a live town hall on November 9 to explore those impacts in-depth and what’s at stake for businesses and community members as cities look to revitalize their downtowns.” The program will air on WBBM Newsradio, KRLD NewsRadio 1080 (KRLD-AM) in Dallas, WWJ News Radio 950 (WWJ-AM) in Detroit, KNX News 97.1 FM (KNX-FM) in Los Angeles, WCBS 880 (WCBS-AM) in New York, KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM/1060 AM) in Philadelphia and KCBS All News (106.9 FM/740 AM) in San Francisco on November 16 at 7:00 pm local time. It will also air on WBEN-AM, Buffalo; WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and KMOX-AM, St. Louis. Throughout the week of November 13 to 17, the all-news stations will air special content catered to the town hall topics, including interviews, news stories and feature reporting.

Industry News

WFDF, Detroit Begins Simulcast on HD Signal

Detroit news/talk outlet WFDF-AM adds an FM HD signal to its broadcast via Audacy’s WOMC-HD2 at 104.3 FM. The Adell Media-owned station recently flipped from urban talk (with a very brief stint as sports talk in between) to conservative news/talk and now positions itself as “910 AM Superstation –im Detroit’s News/Talk Radio Station.” The station features local host Justin Barclay in morning drive with Premiere Networks syndicated shows including “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” Key Networks’ “The Bill O’Reilly Show” and Red Apple Media’s “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano.” The station is promoting itself with a heavy media schedule on iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WNIC-FM, Detroit voiced by Sean Hannity. Adell Media CEO Kevin Adell says, “910 AM Superstation is living up to its name. The audience growth we’ve seen since launching our conservative news/talk lineup in September has been exponential, and we’re looking forward to reaching even more listeners on 104.3 HD2.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces a new partnership with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF) that will provide AWM members with the unique opportunity to access professional coaching at an exclusive discounted rate. Participants in the AWM Coaching program can anticipate a series of six to 10 coaching sessions with their individual ICF Coach, ensuring a productive and tailored coaching experience. The schedule and goals for these coaching sessions will be established between the coach and participant. Learn more about the program here.

Gemini XIII’s United Stations Radio Networks announces a new partnership with Yea Networks to represent the advertising sales for “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.” Gemini XIII CEO Spencer Brown states, “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show is one of the most popular and successful morning shows in the country, and we are confident that sponsorships, cross-platform opportunities and activations for brands will once again be a part of the media mix for clients looking to activate with female demos in a meaningful way.”

FOX News Audio expands its partnership with Audacy to include FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free, ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service. This deal expands FOX News Audio’s existing relationship with Audacy, which also distributes FOX News Podcasts and the FOX News Talk audio streams.

Industry News

Round Two of October PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises one-tenth to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP dropped six-tenths to an 8.1 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Detroit, Audacy’s all-news WWJ adds six-tenths for a 4.6 share finish and rises to the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises half a share for a 2.3 share that lifts it to the #16 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here. Note that missing data from yesterday’s first round of markets for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets has been published and is included in yesterday’s Takeaways.

Industry News

Audacy Common Stock to Delist from NYSE

Audacy’s appeal of the New York Stock Exchange’s move to delist its Class A Common Stock was not successful. The NYSE goes ahead with its delisting procedure that will become effective on or around November 10. Audacy’s Common Stock will continue to trade over the counter under the symbolim “AUDA.” Audacy says, “The NYSE’s determination has no impact on Audacy’s business strategy or operations. Audacy continues to focus on growing and enhancing its capabilities as a leading, multi-platform audio content and entertainment company, and continues to engage in discussions with its lenders to deleverage its balance sheet and improve its capital structure to position Audacy for long-term growth.”

Industry News

Round One of October 2023 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s October 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario. The October 2023 survey covers the period of September 14 – October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC sheds three-tenths for a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.2 share good for the #23 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI slips three-tenths to a 4.5 share and the #5 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #10 rank. In Chicago, Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM climbs seven-tenths to a 5.6 share but remains ranked #3, while Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN inches up two-tenths to a 3.6 share and steady at the #8 rank, and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.5 share but drops back to the #25 rank. It should be noted that, for reasons unexplained, there is no October data for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets. There is also a noteworthy reduction in data in the Nassau-Suffolk and Riverside markets. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Audacy St. Louis Names Charles Mems VP of Sales

Audacy appoints Charles Mems vice president of sales in St. Louis. In this role, he’ll be responsible forim the achievement of the market’s total sales goal. Mems comes to Audacy from his most recent post as president of the Central Illinois Media group. Audacy St. Louis SVP of sales Becky Domyan states, “We are happy to add Charles and his vast experience of media sales and client support to our team. I have no doubt that he will drive exceptional results for our collection of brands.”

Industry News

Audacy Gets Breathing Room on Interest Payments

Audacy, Inc files a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission to noting that it is in continuing discussions with its creditors with respect to a number of potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of its outstanding indebtedness. To that end, Audacy has entered into a First Supplemental Indenture with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas on its 6.750% senior secured second-lienim notes due March 31, 2029 that extends the grace period before which a default in payment of interest on the 2029 Notes matures into an Event of Default by 30 days. The grace period for the interest payment under the 2029 Notes Indenture in the amount of approximately $18 million that was due on September 30, 2023, which, as previously disclosed, the Issuer elected to utilize, now ends on November 29, 2023. Additionally, Audacy is using the 30-day grace period under the existing indenture governing its 6.500% senior secured second-lien notes due May 1, 2027 for the interest payment in the amount of approximately $15 million that is due on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Audacy intends to utilize the 3-business day grace period under the credit agreement, dated as of October 17, 2016, among the Issuer, the guarantors named therein, the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and collateral agent for the secured parties thereunder, for interest payments in the aggregate amount of approximately $17 million that are due on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Industry News

KMBZ-FM, Kansas City Host Scott Parks Returns After Rehab Stint

Morning drive talk host Scott Parks (right) thanks his co-host Dana Wright (left) and his family members who staged an intervention that got him into rehab for saving his life. Parks returned to the morning show on im Audacy’s KMBZ, Kansas City yesterday (10/26) after spending the last month in a rehab program, according to a story in the Kansas City Star. Parks says he’s been addicted to alcohol for much of his adult life but had been sober for three years before an undisclosed family trauma in July led him back to drinking. Wright noticed Parks’ relapse and, fearing for his health, contacted Parks’ brother. Parks credits the resulting intervention with getting him the help he needed. Read the Kansas City Star story here.

Industry News

Momo Vemireddy Named Regional Promotions Director for Audacy Austin

Audacy Austin names Manimala “Momo” Vemireddy as regional promotions director. In this role, she’ll work closely with market and brand leadership and regional promotions leads on the ideation,im implementation and management of all market events, promotions and contesting initiatives and support similar initiatives within the region that includes Dallas, Houston and New Orleans. Audacy Austin SVP and market manager Bob Mackay says, “Momo has all the mojo going as far as being connected promotionally in Austin. She loves live music and being out with the brands, which made her the perfect choice to work alongside our vice president of programming Nikki Nite, to help elevate the Audacy Austin marketing efforts.” Audacy operates news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands in the Austin market.

Industry News

Audacy Releases Modern Blueprint for Audio Advertising

Audacy is releasing the fifth installment of its bi-annual audio thought leadership series, State of Audio: Level Up, that it calls “a modern blueprint for audio advertising, designed to provide a go-to playbook – including planning tips, creative how-to’s and innovative trends – to help advertisers level up the performance of their audio investments.” Audacy chief marketing officer Paul Suchman says, “Audio is proving itself as a must-have media for marketers. Our advertisers are embracing the power of multiim-platform audio with media plans that utilize radio, digital audio and podcasts, working together to reach audiences with unprecedented precision and drive quantifiable outcomes for their brands.” Some of the findings within the guide include: 1) Audio advertising works harder – driving more than two times the attention of TV and social media at more desirable CPMs; 2) Radio and digital audio are stronger together. A multi-platform audio strategy is so powerful that advertisers see 1.5 times the return on ad spend compared to digital-only campaigns; 3) Advertisers are leaving upwards of $6 billion in revenue on the table by not including total audio – a balanced mix of traditional broadcast radio and digital audio – in their media mix, according to a study conducted by Audacy and Neustar. The report also offers actionable tips for producing effective ads under the section titled, “5 Ways the Best Audio Ads Crush the Status Quo.” Here, Audacy says, “Advertising on the #1 reach media — Audio — will get you the most ears. But to keep them, your creative can’t just be good — it needs to be really freaking great.” See the report here.

Industry News

Lange Rises to VP, Client Success and Strategy for Audacy

Audacy announces that Ryan Lange is promoted to vice president of client success and strategy in its Midwest region. In this role, Lange will oversee sales strategy and digital fulfillment teams for Audacy’sim Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Madison, Milwaukee and Minneapolis markets. He has been serving the company as director of digital sales and strategy. Audacy regional president Rachel Williamson states, “Over the past four years, Ryan has played a pivotal role in developing our critical sales support team, and his invaluable contributions have been instrumental in building strong relationships with clients. We look forward to continued growth and innovation under his leadership across the region.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases Podcast Ranker for September

The September podcast ranker (Sept. 4 – Oct. 1) from Triton Digital is a bit wonky as NPR’s shows are not included due to “a planned data collection migration,” and for the third month in a row there is a problem with Cumulus experiencing a data collection issue for DailyWire programs such as “The Benim Shapiro Show,” which ranked #3 in the June 2023 ranker. This means that NBCUniversal News Group’s “Dateline NBC” rises to #1 with audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” remaining in the #2 spot. Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” moves up three spots to the #4 rank. Other noteworthy moves from radio-related companies includes Audacy Podcast Network’s “We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle” climbing 11 spots to the #14 rank and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” up six places to the #16 rank. There is more dramatic movement among shows in the 20 – 100 portion of the ranker, including NBCUniversal News Group’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” falling 26 spots to the #76 rank. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM announces that Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski will host the premiere episode of the 19th season of his exclusive weekly SiriusXM show, “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K,” today (10/19) at 6:00 pm ET with Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, whose team faces the Phillies in game three of the NLCS this evening. Also on the program will be NBC broadcaster Maria Taylor.

Audacy announces the launch of the third season of “Gone South,” the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning original investigative franchise. In “Gone South, Season 3: The Sign Cutter,” Audacy and Emmy- and Peabody Award-nominated producer and journalist Jed Lipinski team up to unravel the story behind the 2018 killings of four sex workers in the border town of Laredo, Texas. Those murders triggered a manhunt for a serial killer that would lead to a shocking standoff with a man once tasked with protecting the town.

AdLarge announces that Headspace Studios joins its podcast portfolio, expanding content focused on mental health, wellness and mindfulness. Headspace’s podcast collection includes “Dear Headspace,” “Radio Headspace,” and “Sunday Scaries.”

Industry News

Beasley Receives Non-Compliance Notice from Nasdaq

On Friday (10/13), Beasley Broadcast Group received a delisting warning from Nasdaq because its Class A common stock had traded at less than $1 for the past 30 business days.  There’s no immediate effect on the BBGI stock as it has a “cure period” that gives it until April 10, 2024 to trade for at least a dollar per share for 10 consecutive business days. Even if that doesn’t happen, Beasley could getim another 180-calendar day compliance period if it moves its stock to the Nasdaq Capital Market and satisfies other certain requirements. Beasley is the fourth audio company to face delisting this year. Audacy received notice from the New York Stock Exchange and in June engineered a 1-for-30 reverse stock split. Its stock closed at 35 cents per share on Monday (10/16). Salem Media Group received a delisting notice from Nasdaq in June giving it 180 days to rise above the $1 threshold. It closed at 68 cents per share on Monday (10/16). Urban One also received a delisting notice from Nasdaq but not for its share price. That company is late with quarterly reports due to independent accounting issues.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media Inc is hosting a conference call on Friday, October 27 at 8:30 am ET to discuss its third quarter 2023 operating results. A press release containing a summary of these results will be issued before the call at approximately 8:00 am ET.

Audacy amends the employment agreement with executive vice president, general counsel and chief legal officer Andrew P. Sutor that extends the expiration of the term of the agreement from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2026.

PodcastOne obtains the exclusive distribution and sales rights to the podcast “Nighty Night” hosted by New York Times best-selling author and attorney Rabia Chaudry. PodcastOne president Kit Gray states, “We have been longtime fans of Rabia, for her work as an esteemed podcast host and for her work as a revered advocate. Rabia and her work with Adnan Sayed told through the podcast ‘Serial,’ put podcasting on the map for mainstream audiences. We are thrilled that she is joining us at PodcastOne and look forward to welcoming her to our family of podcasters.”

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia to Broadcast Mayoral Debate

Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia is hosting a mayoral debate ahead of the Philadelphia general election. Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker will face Republican nominee David Oh live on the “Philadelphia’s Morning News” program on October 26 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The debate will feature KYW journalists, including morning drive anchor Ian Bush, city hall bureau chief Pat Loeb,im education reporter Mike DeNardo and community impact reporter Racquel Williams. KYW news director Kevin McCorry says, “Since the primary election was decided in May, we have been working diligently to ensure that we could provide this service to our audience. The next mayor of Philadelphia will shape our city for years to come. We need urgent solutions to the city’s most pressing issues, including the gun violence crisis, the opioid crisis, the economy and public schooling. Presenting a format where candidates get to exchange ideas in real time is a fundamental building block of the democratic process, and we’re proud to break our normal format to offer this program.”

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s 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 – applicable flagships are bolded. 

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, ninth month in succession, 9.7 – 9.6, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KUTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUT (-.8) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 9.4, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.3 – 3.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.5 – 9.1, -.4, first to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 8.5 – 10.1, +1.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WQOK (-2.2)**

*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.0 – 6.1, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI 6.3 – 6.4, +.1, third straight month in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 6.9 – 8.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC WNTR (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1, third to first 

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.7 – 9.6, -1.1, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.4 – 2.4, +1.0, #17 to #13

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, fifth straight month at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 6.1, +.3, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 4.8 – 7.2, +2.4, eighth to third    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, eighth month in succession, 10.3 – 9.3, -1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WSM-FM (-2.0)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, third straight month at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, anchored in eighth-place for the twelfth consecutive month

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #11 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, fifth straight month at #14

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCAI .1, #19 (did not appear in August 2023)

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.9, +1.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WCTK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPRO-AM (-.7)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, fifth consecutive month at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 10.2, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.1 – 10.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WOKV-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WWJK (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.8, +.2, repeats at #12

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, third straight month at #14

News: None in the top twenty

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

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .2, -.2, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, third month in a row, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-1.3)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, locked in eighth-place for the eleventh straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, repeats in ninth-place

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, sixth straight month at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, first month, 11.2 – 13.6, +2.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WPAW (-1.2)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .2 – .4, +.2, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, seventh straight month, 12.9 – 11.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK and CHR WEGR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-1.7)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.8 – 5.2, +.4, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #14 to #12

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, third straight month at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, repeats in ninth-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .6, fourth straight month at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 44th month in a row, 10.1 – 10.5, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WDRC-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.1)

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

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 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.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.1 – 6.3, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 20, +.3, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KINK and hot AC KRSK (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-2.0)*

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

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.4 – 5.2, -1.2, third to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 5.2, +.6, sixth to fifth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – 1.0, +.5, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group country WSOC, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFNZ and public radio news/talk WFAE (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBT-AM & WBT-FM (-1.2) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk:  iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #17 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #15 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+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth consecutive month, 8.6 – 7.1, -1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock KTKX (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.5)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #24 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, #10 (third straight month)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.9, +1.1, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, tenth month in a row, 11.4 – 11.2, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA and classical WQED (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eleventh straight month, 10.8 – 10.3, -.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KJMY (-1.0) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #26 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, third month in succession, 9.3 – 9.5, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID and classic rock KXPT (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.2)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, seventh to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” steady at 3.4, #13 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 9.1 – 10.1, +1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: alternative WQMP (-1.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds, Bengals) 14.0 – 13.9, -.1, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 20th consecutive month, 14.0 – 13.9, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.0 – 5.1, +1.1, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #18 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” .2 – .3, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eleventh month in a row, 10.5 – 11.8, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI +1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WMMS (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” flat at 5.1, third to fourth

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

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” unchanged at 1.0, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 (third successive month)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KJNW (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country KBEQ (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, second to fourth    

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.6 – 7.9, +2.3, fifth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eleventh straight month, 10.4 – 9.8, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-.9)

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

Up next: September 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

AWM Announces Gracies Leadership Awards Honorees

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions of women in leadership. The awards luncheon will take place at Tribeca 360° in New York on Monday,im November 13. This year’s honorees include: Rebekah Dopp, EVP of distribution, acquisitions and affiliate relations, The CW; Rosalyn Durant, EVP, programming and acquisitions, ESPN; Suzanne Grimes, president Westwood One and EVP corporate marketing, Cumulus Media; Rashida Jones, president, MSNBC; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; and Lori Locke, EVP and chief accounting officer,Warner Bros. Discovery. Additionally, AWM will recognize Kay Olin, owner and president of Olin and Associates, and former president of Local Focus, with the Legacy Leadership Award.