August 2022 | TALKERS magazine

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | September 11, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s August 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+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.2 – 4.2, +1.0, #11 to #7

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Sinclair Telecable adult hits KBPA, eighth month in a row, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk KLBJ-AM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.4)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, anchored in third-place

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.1 – 7.4, -.7, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, sixth successive month 10.2 – 8.7, -1.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WRDU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Radio One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.9 – 9.3, +1.4, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: iHeartMedia’s WOLT-HD2 “Business News 97.5” flat at .1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Radio One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.4, #14 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” unchanged at .3, #20 to #18

Cumulus Media’s WNDE “CBS Sports 1430” .1, #19 (did not appear in the previous four sweeps)

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI flat at 4.2, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, eighth successive month, 11.4 – 11.3, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WFMS (+1.7)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

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

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 10.3, +.4, first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.6 – 8.9, -.7, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #15 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at .9, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, stays in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.9 – 10.3, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC WJMR (-.8)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 5.8, -.4, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.1 – 3.5, +1.4, #15 to #13

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” .8 – .9, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, eighth month in a row, 10.4 – 9.6, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+1.4)

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

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, continues in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .7 – 1.2, +.5, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, tenth to eighth

WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, seventh straight month, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, #10 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #17

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .4 – .6, +.2, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth month in succession, steady at 9.7

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUSH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: jazz WHOV (-1.1)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.1 – 7.9 -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” flat at .5, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, second consecutive month, steady at 10.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WJBT (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WGNE (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #11 to #9 and cluster-mate WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.8 -.3, tenth to ninth

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 3.4 – 1.1, -2.3, #7 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” steady at .4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.4 – 3.3, +.9, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, eighth month in succession, 9.7 – 8.8, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WLRN (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WFTL (-2.3)**

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

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, repeats 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 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, continues at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, eighth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

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

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-.7)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .7 – .9, +.2, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #11 to #12 and WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, locked at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, stays at #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, eighth successive month, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: gospel WHAL (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, anchored in eighth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #15

Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .2, -.4, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .7 – .6, -.1, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.9 – 8.8, +.9, fourth to second

New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 30^th month in a row, 11.0 – 11.1, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WNPR (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: hot AC WTIC-FM (-.7)

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

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

Thursday, September 8, 2022

By Editor | September 8, 2022 by Editor

WBT, Charlotte, Morning Show Co-Host Beth Troutman is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of news/talk radio’s rapidly rising stars, former television anchor Beth Troutman, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Since joining veteran morning personality Bo Thompson as co-host of “Good Morning BT” in April, the heritage station’s program has solidified its position as the top morning show in Charlotte. The new duo’s chemistry appears to be clicking on all cylinders. Troutman’s a Charlotte-area native and a UNC Chapel Hill graduate. Her professional credentials are impressive. One of her first media jobs out of college was working on the production team for the smash TV series, “The West Wing.” She mounted an impressive campaign for U.S. Congress at age 27. She’s been a syndicated TV host, lead news anchor, and an Olympics reporter. As a documentarian, she has won two Emmy Awards and she has reported worldwide, from Brazil to Haiti to Pakistan. She has generated a buzz around the industry for her infectious on-air positivity and journalistic even-handedness. Harrison says, “Beth Troutman is clearly a talent worthy of the industry’s attention.” To listen to the entire podcast, please click here.

WABC: The Cats Era. Several hundred invited guests from media, business, and politics gathered last night at posh Big Apple venue Cipriani 42^nd Street to attend the double-celebration of WABC’s 100^th anniversary and the 74^th birthday of its owner John Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Media. It was a star-studded gala event featuring speeches, music, dining and dancing with presentations by a wide variety of station luminaries including Red Apple president Chad Lopez; station personalities Cousin Bruce Morrow, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, Frank Morano, James Golden, and Deborah Valentine, as well as station co-owner/operator Margo Catsimatidis. The night’s activities included spirited musical performances by Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, Deana Martin, and Vinnie Medugno backed up by a full swing band. Catsimatidis, who took ownership of the legendary station from Cumulus Media in 2019 issued the statement: “Margo and I are honored to join 77 WABC in celebration of 100 years of broadcasting excellence. A pioneer in news, talk, and music radio, 77 WABC reflects much of the history of radio itself. 77 WABC is the crown jewel of American radio, starting from its origins a century ago to its position today as the nation’s most iconic station.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who attended the event, says, “It was certainly a night to remember.” Photo: John Catsimatidis addresses the guests at WABC’s 100^th anniversary bash.

Round Two of August PPMs Released. The second of two rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips two-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), but remains ranked #8, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM adds a half share for an 8.0 share finish that propels it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston climbs to the #7 rank after adding eight-tenths for a 4.3 share finish as sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on three-tenths for a 4.6 share finish good for the #6 rank. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM is up one-tenth for a 3.2 share finish that keeps it ranked #13, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WWJ-AM rises six-tenths for a 5.1 share finish that boosts it to the #8 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Rating Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.

Chris Cuomo Resurfaces at Nexstar Media’s News Nation. Former CNN personality Chris Cuomo will be back on television on Monday, October 3 when his show “Cuomo” launches on Nexstar Media’s NewsNation channel. Cuomo was let go by CNN in late 2021 after being implicated in his brother Andrew Cuomo’s campaign to defend himself against sexual harassment allegations while still serving as governor of New York. The new program will be produced at Nexstar’s midtown Manhattan production studios with Alexandra “Dusty” Cohen as executive producer. Cohen says, “I have known Chris Cuomo for nearly 30 years, and he is hands down the best interviewer of our generation. I am grateful to NewsNation for this incredible opportunity and am blown away by the number of news and talk industry heavyweights who have joined our team. We have hit the ground running.”

Former WGY, Albany Air Personality Chuck Custer Named to NY State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The New York State Broadcasters Association unveils its 2022 class of four inductees into its Hall of Fame and among them is WGY-AM/FM personality Chuck Custer. The now retired Custer served in Albany for more than 36 years. The NYSBA says, “He was the co-host of the top-rated morning show with Kelly Lynch beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he served as morning news anchor and the on-air partner for 25 years with NYSBA Hall of Famer Don Weeks. Custer also previously served as news director and program director for WGY. He also is a former president of the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Custer’s leadership in the newsroom is unsurpassed. As news director, the WGY news department was honored with more than 35 awards for excellence in journalism including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA. At Custer’s retirement, John Cooper, SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Albany stated, ‘For over 36 years, Chuck Custer has been synonymous with WGY. From his time as the leader of the award-winning WGY news department, his outstanding work with ‘Don Weeks in the Mornings,’ his current co-host position with Kelly Lynch, and most importantly all the time he’s contributed to the people of the Capital District. Chuck has been the consummate professional. He’s a great broadcaster who will long be remembered.’”

Key Networks to Syndicate SpeedFreaks Motorsports Program. The 22-year-old motorsports radio program “SpeedFreaks” is joining Key Networks for national affiliate sales and network ad sales, effective September 11. Key Networks says it has already added 80 new stations to the programs roster of affiliates via a new partnership with SportsMap Radio. “SpeedFreaks” is hosted by Kenny Sargent, with co-hosts Crash Gladys and Statt Mann Caruthers, a.k.a. “The Freaks.” The program airs live Sunday nights from 10:00 pm-12:00 midnight ET. Key Networks COO Dennis Green says, “I’m delighted to welcome the “SpeedFreaks” crew of Kenny, Crash and Statt Mann to Key Networks. This long-running show is one-of-a-kind in motorsports that has enjoyed years of success and we’re thrilled to build on that with 80 new stations. Sign-up while you can, drop the hammer and enjoy the ride!”

Katz Promotes Rick Ramos to EVP of Multicultural Partnerships. Rising to the new position EVP of Katz Multicultural Partnerships is Rick Ramos. Katz says that in this new role, Ramos will continue to oversee the creation of dynamic multicultural marketing campaigns across all of Katz’s audio partners. “Katz Multicultural delivers advertisers access to 96% of the Multicultural audio marketplace in one stop. Ramos will also continue to lead advocacy efforts for multicultural advertising and further strengthen relationships with marketers and agencies.” Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini says, “Connecting brands authentically with the Multicultural population is key for a successful campaign. Rick is exceptional at helping advertisers build and execute strategic multicultural campaigns. He has a deep knowledge of multicultural audiences and strong relationships with multicultural ad agencies and brands, making him perfectly positioned to spearhead this important effort.”

TALKERS News Notes. Live overage of last Saturday evening’s Donald Trump rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania was most viewed on Newsmax TV, according to data from Nielsen. Newsmax says it was the third-most-watched cable network (behind ESPN and Hallmark Channel) during the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET period and surpassed the combined ratings of CNN and MSNBC, pulling in more than 21% of both networks. Nielsen reports that Newsmax had a total audience of 1.7 million viewers for Trump’s speech, with its overall coverage drawing over 1.9 million viewers, topping FOX News Channel which had 942,000 viewers in the same time period…..Sports Injury Central announces the addition of hall-of-fame radio broadcaster Jim Rome to its advisory board. Sports Injury Central says this affiliation gives Rome listeners across over 200 stations access to injury insights that will give them an edge in their wagering and fantasy sports activities while giving Sports Injury Central significant national distribution of its brand. Rome states, “I’m very impressed with Sports Injury Central. Their injury reporting and assessments are second to none. But more importantly, as the sports wagering industry continues to explode, I believe their handicapping tools – especially the SIC Scores – will be an absolute necessity for serious gamblers. If you think about it, there are so many data resources at our disposal, but where can you get reliable injury analysis from former team doctors? It’s a phenomenal advantage.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One begins its 36^th consecutive season as the exclusive primetime network radio partner of the NFL and this year’s championship will be the 50th time that the network will broadcast the Super Bowl to a national audience. For the first time, Westwood One’s NFL game broadcasts will be available to fans on affiliated stations’ primary digital platforms, the NFL App, and westwoodonesports.com. Kevin Harlan and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner will once again be the lead broadcast crew, calling opening night, Monday Night Football and Super Bowl LVII for the network…..Compass Media Networks announces is schedule for NCAA and NFL football this season. NFL play-by-play coverage will consist of a double-header every Sunday for all 18 weeks of the regular season and Compass will begin the season with a week one tripleheader on Sunday, September 11. Compass Media Networks GM of sports Michelle Salvatore says, “Fans and advertisers have trusted Compass Media Networks to deliver the best Sunday afternoon NFL matchups for over a decade, and this year is no different. We are committed to delivering unparalleled broadcasts to listeners. 2022 brings more action, more access, and more of what fans want out of their NFL experience, an inside look at what’s transpiring before them. Our entire team of announcers, producers, and engineers is fired up for what’s shaping up to be an incredible season. We can’t wait to deliver this year’s NFL games to our vast network.” Compass also is offering a schedule of college football games. Salvatore says, “We pride ourselves on consistently delivering the best college football schedule to our fans and advertisers. This season our schedule is jam packed with heritage matchups including the Iron Bowl, Red River Showdown, Bedlam and then caps the season off with the Big 10 Championship Game.”…..A new sports business podcast has launched from iHeartMedia and Sports Illustrated titled, “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick.” The weekly show focuses on the business behind sports, touching on NFTs and cryptos, to fantasy and athlete contracts. Featured guests include NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and sports marketing entrepreneur David Meltzer, as well as other leading industry experts…..CNN Audio announces a new limited-series podcast hosted by Anderson Cooper called, “All There Is with Anderson Cooper,” premiering September 14. In this series, Cooper embarks on a deeply personal and emotional exploration of loss and grief and how to move forward without forgetting the moments, memories, and people we miss. He began recording this podcast alone during his final weeks packing up the apartment of his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Mixed in with his mother’s keepsakes and secret journals that evoke never-before-shared memories, Cooper finds unopened boxes belonging to his father and brother, both of whom died decades ago. Feeling overwhelmed, Cooper began to hold and record intimate conversations with others about their experiences with grief. The resulting podcast is about the people we lose, the things they leave behind, and how we can live on—with loss, with laughter, and with love…..Ahead of this year’s midterm elections, WNYC is launching “The People’s Guide to Power,” a 10-week, pop-up live call-in radio show hosted by WNYC senior political reporter Brigid Bergin. It will “feature thoughtful conversations with the people who hold power, those who seek it, and the journalists who cover them — and help New Yorkers navigate their right to the foundational act of democracy: the right to vote.”…..Audacy’s Cadence13, announces the return of “Campaign HQ,” the weekly podcast hosted by David Plouffe – former Obama campaign manager and White House senior advisor, and the architect of both of Barack Obama’s winning presidential campaigns – for a new season focused on the 2022 midterm elections. Plouffe will explore the races and candidates in the key states of Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and California, focusing on one state per episode, and offering his expert insight and analysis on the battles for Senate, House, gubernatorial, Secretary of State, and Attorney General positions.

Trump Documents Case, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Memphis Shootings, and Extreme Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/7). The legal battle over former President Donald Trump’s keeping of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the war’s effects on the global economy; U.S. inflation and concerns about a recession; the deadly shooting spree in Memphis; and the heatwave affecting California 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

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

By Editor | September 7, 2022 by Editor

Cumulus Unfriends Podcast Movement After Ben Shapiro Incident. After an incident at Podcast Movement’s recent Dallas convention at which Westwood One talk host Ben Shapiro made an impromptu appearance that bothered an attendee, prompting them to complain to the organizers, and Podcast Movement actually issuing an apology, Cumulus Media announces it is severing its relationship with the organization. Shapiro has one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the U.S. based on numerous surveys. It is published by The Daily Wire and repped by Cumulus Podcast Network. Cumulus was a sponsor of the event based on its purchase of a booth and Shapiro says he stopped by while in town on other business. This, according to The Washington Examiner, caused one attendee to tweet: “Hey @PodcastMovement what the f***. As a trans person, as a queer person, as someone with a uterus, this does not make me feel welcome. This does not make me feel safe.” Podcast Movement then tweeted an apology. Both of those tweets have since been deleted. On Tuesday (9/6), Cumulus issued the following statement: “At Cumulus Media, our tenet is that Every Voice Matters and we support conferences and trade events where differing political viewpoints can be expressed and received with respect. As such, we were dismayed and disappointed by Podcast Movement’s handling of the reaction to our partner, top podcaster, and conservative talk leader Ben Shapiro’s mere presence at Podcast Movement. After giving the leaders of Podcast Movement sufficient time to appropriately address their misstep, we are disassociating from Podcast Movement, including canceling our 2023 sponsorship plans.” Meanwhile, The Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy Boreing states, “I’m glad to see our longtime partner Cumulus/Westwood One taking such a strong and public stand against Podcast Movement’s outright and abject bigotry. Though Podcast Movement quietly removed their bigoted tweet thread over the weekend, they still have yet to retract and publicly apologize for their hateful comments about Ben Shapiro and The Daily Wire. In an illiberal moment such as the one we’re currently living in, if we don’t stand up to this kind of bigoted behavior it’s only going to get worse. I certainly hope Cumulus’s strong response to Podcast Movement is the first of many others like it.”

Houston Sports Media Figure John McClain Takes on Senior Columnist Role at ‘Sports Radio 610.’ Longtime Houston sports columnist and KILT-AM contributor John McClain takes on the new title senior Texans columnist for “Sports Radio 610.” The Audacy station says that in this role, McClain will provide weekly postgame observations, team report cards and Texans-driven columns throughout the season. He’ll also continue to appear regularly on its programs “Payne and Pendergast,” “In the Loop with John Lopez and Landry Locker,” and “Clint Stoerner and The Show.” McClain will also co-host the Houtopia Football Podcast alongside “Sports Radio 610” morning show host Sean Pendergast. KILT-AM brand manager Parker Hillis says, “To officially bring a Houston legend in John McClain onto our team is incredible. John has always been one of our biggest proponents in the market and I’m thrilled that Texans fans will now be able to read his observations and opinions at SportsRadio610.com, on top of his weekly radio appearances.” McClain adds, “I’ve been doing sports talk on 610 for 23 years, and I’m fired up about the opportunity to write for the station’s website. I’m especially excited to work with Brandon Scott, one of my favorite reporters in Houston. I think Brandon does a terrific job covering Houston sports, and it’s an honor to cover the Texans with him.”

SummitMedia Appoints Justin Ragland Corporate VP of Events and Promotions. Promoted from his role managing SummitMedia LLC’s Birmingham market promotions department to the corporate position vice president of events and promotions is Justin Ragland. He’ll now oversee events and promotions at 46 stations in nine markets nationwide. SummitMedia chairman and CEO Carl Parmer says, “We are very pleased to have Justin leading our events and promotions efforts. He has done an outstanding job for us in Birmingham, and we are excited for him to bring his unique skillset to the entire company.” Ragland, who will remain based in Birmingham, comments, “My goal is to be an instrumental team member in every SummitMedia market to help grow each brand in both ratings and revenue. Joining the leadership team for this company is a privilege and one that I am excited about.”

Round One of August PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 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. 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 New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC/WLIR-FM tacks on two-tenths for a 4.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish but drops back to the #8 rank. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR adds one-tenth to wrap with a 2.0 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles rises to the #4 rank after climbing three-tenths for a 4.8 share finish, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-AM/FM adds three-tenths for a 3.3 share that lifts it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN-AM is up three-tenths for a 3.3 share that pushes it up to the #8 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM is steady with a 4.6 share that keeps it ranked #5. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Robin Sloan Named EVP of Audio Sales for AdLarge. Audio sales pro Robin Sloan joins AdLarge as executive vice president of audio sales. In this new role, Sloan will work directly with chief revenue officer Don Wachsmith on revenue strategy development and agency relationships. She will also focus on driving revenue with the audio sales team and managing the day to day activity. Most recently, Sloan was the director of national partnerships at Westwood One. AdLarge co-CEO Cathy Csukas comments, “I’m delighted to have Robin join our team. She’s a veteran recognized in the audio industry for bringing her exceptional relationships and in-depth experience in sales, management and sports to the AdLarge audio sales efforts. I could not find a more perfect person to fit this role and continue to help us grow our business.”

TALKERS News Notes. Revisions to its 2022 third quarter revenue estimates are being announced by Salem Media Group, Inc. The company says that taking into account the postponement of the forthcoming book, 2000 Mules by Dinesh D’Souza, until the fourth quarter, lower than expected revenue on SalemNOW, and the impact on advertising revenue due to the weakening economic environment, the company now expects third quarter 2022 total revenue to be between flat and an increase of 2% over third quarter 2021 total revenue of $66 million…..A new podcast by Bloomberg News and iHeartMedia that investigates a massive transfer of wealth a century ago, out of Osage hands and into White ones – facilitated by the United States government — and how the Osage Nation is fighting to reverse decades of land loss today is being produced. The podcast, called “In Trust,” is hosted by Bloomberg reporter Rachel Adams-Heard, who says, “A hundred and fifty years ago, the Osage Nation bought a stretch of prairie the size of Delaware, in what’s now Oklahoma. The Osage owned the land and everything beneath it. Today, much of present-day Osage County has left Osage hands. In some cases, appropriation was swift and brutal: Dozens of Osages were murdered for their share of lucrative mineral rights to this oil-rich land, a period often referred to as the Reign of Terror. But other transfers of wealth played out more subtly—dollar by dollar and acre by acre, over decades—helped along by policies created by the US government. ‘In Trust’ is the story of that system. A system that moved wealth from Native hands to White ones. One that three brothers learned to operate, laying the foundation for a modern American dynasty of land and influence that continues to this day.”…..iHeartMedia announces that chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and president, COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Tuesday September 13 at 1:45 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.

Special Master Ruling, Georgia Election Investigation, Midterms & 2024 Presidential Race, Russia-Ukraine War, Saskatchewan Stabbings Investigation, and Western Heatwave Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/6). Controversy over federal Judge Aileen Cannon’s ruling to appoint a Special Master to review the documents seized from former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence; the investigation into Donald Trump’s and Lindsey Graham’s interactions with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the breach of that state’s voting system allegedly by fake Trump electors; Tuesday’s primary races for the November midterms and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; the investigation into the deadly stabbings in Saskatchewan; and the brutal heatwave affecting the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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Friday, September 9, 2022

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August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

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Thursday, September 8, 2022

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Wednesday, September 7, 2022

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