August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
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 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.0 – 3.3, -.7, #10 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, eighth month in succession, 10.4 – 9.7, -.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KASE (-1.3)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.9 – 9.2, +1.3, third to second
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” flat at .1, repeats at #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #12 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.9 – 9.5, -.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, second consecutive month, 9.9 – 9.5, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-.7)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 6.0, +.3, sixth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, remains in third-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, third successive month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WNTR (+2.7)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.5)
*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 7.9 – 8.7, +.8, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 2.5, #13 to #14
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, repeats at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fifth straight month, 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WISN (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rock WHQC (-.7)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, ninth to eighth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #20 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.4 – 4.2, +.8, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.1)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.2 – 6.8, +.6, sixth to fifth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .2 – .4, +.2, repeats at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, continues in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, tenth to eighth
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” steady at .1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, unchanged at #11
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, anchored at #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 9.7, +.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WKKB (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: CHR WPRO-FM (-1.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, ensconced at #11
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Max Broadcast Group’s business talk WGH-FM-HD2 “Money Radio” steady at .2, #22 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #14
WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” unchanged at .2, #22 to #20
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .2, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+2.1)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-1.0)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 9.5 – 9.3, -.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+1.4)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJGL (-.8)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #12 to #10
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.3 -1.6, +.3, #13 to #12
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .2 – .4, +.2, anchored at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 9.2, -1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, anchored 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 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #11 to #9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, repeats at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, eighth month in a row, 12.3 – 12.5, +.2
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WPAW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.0)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, eighth to ninth
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #16 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, eighth to seventh
WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #11 to #10
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, sixth straight month, 13.7 – 12.9, -.8
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, flat at #14
WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .8, unchanged at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, eighth to ninth
New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .6, continues at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 43rd month in a row, 9.6 – 10.1, +.5
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH; rhythmic CHR WZMX; and CHR WKCI (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.4)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
iconic voice of the Texas Longhorns, is now part of our team. Every day from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, he’ll be diving deep into UT sports, sharing insights only he can offer. It’s a new era for afternoon radio, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring this experience to our listeners.” Way joins iHeartMedia Austin from Austin Radio Network, where he most recently served as the sports director. He comments, “I was honored to be a part of the launch of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ as Austin’s first all-sports station in October of 1998, and am thrilled to return as host of a daily show on ‘The Zone’ once again at a station that I called home from 1997-2017.”
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN dips one-tenth to finish with a 9.7 share but remains locked in the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls 1.6 shares to finish the survey with a 7.9 share that takes the station from #2 to #4. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises three-tenths for a 6.2 share finish and rises to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia crosstown news/talk WHJJ loses three-tenths to finish with an 0.2 share good for the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk outlet WZZR-FM adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL dips three-tenths for a 1.3 share finish that leaves it ranked #13. 
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. 
As TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. 
According to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.
The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPPM survey has been release for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM loses half a share to finish the survey with an 8.3 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and stays ranked #2, while Capitol Broadcasting’s news WRAL-HD3 fell two-tenths to a 0.1 share good for the #15 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee tacks on a half share to wrap the survey with a 10.2 share and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ lost a full share for an 8.2 share finish but remains ranked #3. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM is down 1.7 shares, finishing with a 5.0 share that drops it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM lost two-tenths for a 1.1 share finish good for the #20 rank. 
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN is unchanged at a 9.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises from #2 to #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ jumps 1.8 shares to finish the survey with a 9.2 share lifting it to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips two-tenths to a 6.7 share and remains ranked #4, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM rises three-tenths to a 1.3 share that lifts it to the #17 rank. In Memphis, iHeartMedia’s WREC-AM adds a half share to wrap the month with a 2.8 share and stays locked in the #11 spot, while Starnes Media Group’s crosstown news/talk KWAM is steady at .2 share but rises to the #19 rank. 
Rounds three and four of Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey have been released for 24 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from these markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM falls 1.3 shares to a 5.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but stays in the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips a full share for a 2.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #16. Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds one-tenth for a 5.1 finish that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share good for the #6 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN falls one-tenth to a 9.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ rises four-tenths for a 7.4 share repeating in the #4 rank. 
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls three-tenths to finish with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains locked in the #2 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.4 share good for the #14 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises two-tenths for a 9.8 share finish that keeps it ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ dips half a share to finish with a 7.0 share but rises one spot to the #4 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR is up four-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank, while sister news/talk WJNO falls two-tenths to a 1.5 share leaving it ranked #13, and Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL is up one-tenth for a 1.0 share finish and the #14 rank. 
February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis comes back from the Holiday survey with a 1.5 share increase to post a 7.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #3. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN-AM adds eight-tenths to finish the survey with a 9.6 share that lifts it to the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ-AM adds 1.3 shares to wrap the survey with a 7.5 share but remains anchored in the #5 spot. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on 1.3 shares to finish with a 6.2 share, good for the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM is off two-tenths, finishing with a 1.0 share and the #19 rank. 
Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” began at 6:00 this morning (Wednesday, 10/12). The 65-year-old McGuirk passed away last Wednesday (10/5) from prostate cancer. For the past four and a half years, he and Sid Rosenberg co-hosted “Bernie & Sid in the Morning.” According to Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis, who purchased WABC two years ago, “We are airing this all-day tribute to honor our friend and colleague, who loved New York, radio, and his listeners. We’ll have the opportunity to bid farewell to a wonderful man who reached WABC radio listeners around the world every morning 
with his unique take on the news.” Red Apple Media/WABC radio president Chad Lopez notes, “Bernie’s observations and analysis of world and local news and politics were not only insightful – they were authentic. His brilliant mind, combined with that New York attitude, [gave] listeners what they wanted – the truth; we will miss him.” News anchor/air personality Charles McCord worked with McGuirk during their years together on “(Don) Imus in the Morning” and will appear this morning in the 9:00 hour. Among others scheduled to be part of the tribute are: New York City mayor Eric Adams; comedian/longtime “Imus” cast member Rob Bartlett; sports talk host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo; former “Imus In The Morning” sports personality Warner Wolf; NBA play-by-play announcer Mike Breen; actor/author Chazz Palminteri; Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean; and WABC host Bill O’Reilly. McGuirk joined WABC in 2007 as “Imus in the Morning” producer/on-air contributor. He’d previously been with Imus at New York’s WNBC and WFAN. In 2016, WABC teamed McGuirk and Rosenberg in mid-days (10:00 am – 12:00 noon), before boosting them to morning drive. Rosenberg reflected on McGuirk with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison. Listen to their conversation by clicking 
Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets. Three news/talk outlets are included in West Palm Beach’s top twenty (6+). A four-tenths improvement from August 2022 by iHeartMedia’s WZZR (1.8 – 2.2, 6+) coupled with co-owned WJNO’s half-share dip (1.8 – 1.3, 6+) results in “92.1 Real Radio” (ninth to eighth) overtaking “News Radio 1290” (#9 to #11). Also in that Florida market’s mix is Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850,” which drops two-tenths (1.1 – .9, #13 to #14, 6+). Although they only yield a combined 5.0 (6+), four Hartford news/talk stations crack the top twenty. Leading that group is Audacy’s WTIC-AM, although “News Talk 1080” logs a full-share deficit from August (4.6 – 3.6, 6+), slipping from eighth to ninth; its internet stream is unchanged in share and market rank (.2 and #20, respectively). Meanwhile, Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” picks up two-tenths (.8 – 1.0, #15 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM,” which had been unlisted since April, resurfaces with a .2, (#20, 6+). See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) 
the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee, a case that was chronicled in the first season of the podcast “Serial.” Laura Nirider, co-director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, tweeted, “After the latest round of DNA testing generated results that, like previous rounds of testing, excluded Adnan Syed, he has now been formally exonerated.” A Baltimore judge last month overturned Syed’s murder conviction and ordered him released from prison, where the 41-year-old had spent more than two decades. Circuit judge Melissa Phinn gave prosecutors 30 days in which to decide whether to retry Syed or drop the charges. Syed captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the debut season of “Serial” focused on the case and raised doubts about some of the evidence, including cellphone tower data. Syed served more than 20 years in prison for strangling the 18-year-old Lee. Her body was found weeks later buried in a Baltimore park. More than a decade later, “Serial” revealed little-known evidence and attracted millions of listeners, shattering podcast-streaming and downloading records. Prosecutors failed to tell Syed’s defense attorneys about evidence that would have allowed him to defend himself, including details that established two other people had threatened Lee’s life. In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the state’s attorney for Baltimore, Marilyn Mosby, said that recently tested DNA completely exculpated Syed from the crime. She declined to say if any other known suspects may be implicated in the recent DNA testing, saying that the investigation is ongoing.
comments, “As we reach more audiences, we need to rethink the way we program across multiple platforms. Jeff brings an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset – these are critical skills that will be a huge asset.” Co-founder of Okanjo and Zap2it, Rowe has worked at AOL; Journal Communications; Tribune Media; NBC; and VH1. … Three-year KDWN “The Talk of Las Vegas” program director Steve Hoffman exits the Beasley Media Group news/talk station. … College Station, Texas news/talk WTAW celebrated its 100th anniversary last Friday (10/7). The Bryan Broadcasting-owned outlet began as 
experimental station 5XB in 1914 and was officially licensed as WTAW by the Commerce Department in 1922. Vice president/general manager Ben Downs comments, “When we followed the [Rush] Limbaugh wave into talk in 1989, it was a great day for the station. We still control the 25+ demos, which isn’t bad for a 100-year-old station – even though we don’t look a day over 70.” … Attorney/Corporation For Public Broadcasting board chair Bruce Ramer will be honored tonight (Wednesday, 10/12) with CPB’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” CPB president/chief executive officer Patricia Harrison notes, “Bruce Ramer’s award is in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and guidance given to CPB over the nearly 14 years of his service. He led CPB’s support for innovation, interconnection, infrastructure, and access to content over many platforms. [Bruce] was committed to strengthening local, national, and international public media journalism and editorial integrity. On a meaningful level, he always advanced diversity and inclusion personally and professionally.” CPB vice chair Laura Gore Ross adds, “Bruce’s leadership has strengthened CPB and public media when we needed it most. On his watch, CPB was able to distribute $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $175 million in CARES Act stabilization funding to public media stations. He has provided wise counsel through thick and thin that’s been felt by all.”
radio and recording studios, a 50-seat performance space, as well as office space. SiriusXM president/chief content officer Scott Greenstein notes, “We are excited to open our Miami broadcast complex and deepen our ties in such a multicultural and entertainment-rich city. Our Miami facility will feature a world-class performance space for our special events. Its artist-first recording studios will be a destination for major stars and emerging personalities to connect with listeners.” SiriusXM’s other facilities include its New York Rockefeller Center headquarters; West Hollywood studios; and studios/offices in Washington, DC and Nashville.
yesterday (TALKERS, Monday, 10/10) WCBS-AM news director/brand manager Tim Scheld indicated in a staff memo that he’d be exiting the all-news outlet before the end of the year. A new agreement with SAG-AFTRA will allow cross-utilization of anchors and reporters for WINS and WCBS-AM. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero comments, “At a time when quality journalism and local reporting is so critical, it was the ideal moment to make a strong investment in our news creation and distribution capabilities. Audacy New York’s news organization, anchored by both WINS and [WCBS-AM], is the premier audio news outlet in the city. Now more than ever, we remain committed to serving our audiences as we have done so for over the last 50 years.” Mevorach states, “We are standing at the edge of an exciting new era for news in New York for our team, advertisers, and – most importantly – our listeners. [WINS and WCBS-AM] will be in more places, covering more stories, creating more original content, expanding our digital footprint, and now offering listeners a crystal-clear FM audio experience. Both brands will retain their distinct identities but will now harness resources with the single mission of better serving our communities and reaching the next generation of news consumers.” Mevorach began his career in Boston as a magazine writer/editor for The Library Scene. Lee previously was operations manager at Talk America, which rebranded to Liberty Broadcasting; became WCBS-AM’s operations coordinator in 2004; WINS’ news editor in 2010; and was promoted to assistant news director in 2012. From November 1985 – December 2005, WXRK (now WNYL) was Howard Stern’s flagship station. The station flipped from CHR “Amp Radio” to alternative in February 2017. Recording its third consecutive down trend (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), WNYL ranks #21 in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep. WINS (3.0, 6+) and WCBS-AM (2.9, 6+) rank #11 and #13, respectively.
Hockey League’s Florida Panthers is effective through the 2024 – 2025 season. As part of the deal, Florida Panthers games will be aired on sports gambling-formatted WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler.” iHeartMedia market president Mark McCauley states, “We’re excited to partner with the Florida Panthers and provide listeners great play-by-play action on ‘1230 The Gambler.’” Meanwhile, Panthers chief revenue officer Shawn Thornton adds, “We’re excited for iHeartMedia West Palm Beach to join the Florida Panthers radio network. With the refresh of their sports radio station ‘1230 The Gambler’ this past summer, we look forward to working with the leading audio media company in America to broadcast Panthers games to our fans in Palm Beach County.” In addition to Panthers play-by-play coverage, WBZT will air a one-hour Florida Panthers weekend show. The eight-station iHeartMedia West Palm Beach cluster includes WBZT, news/talk WJNO “News Radio 1290,” and news/talk WZZR “92.1 Real Radio.”
Year” Joe Maddon and three-time “Sportswriter of the Year” Tom Verducci provide insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason. According to Maddon, “We are here to tell you what we think, not what we’ve heard. No regurgitation and original thoughts are valued.” Maddon managed in the big leagues for 19 years. He famously led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years and the Tampa Bay Rays to their first-ever World Series. Five-time Emmy Award winner Verducci is the lead baseball writer for Sports Illustrated; lead analyst/reporter for MLB Network and Fox Sports; and a member of the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame. He comments, “Like its namesake [forthcoming] book, the podcast will be full of surprises and insight. From game strategy to baseball history to leadership lessons – and maybe to some rock & roll and classic cars – we’ll cover more ground than a gold glove shortstop on the most illuminating and interesting podcast in baseball.” The podcast launched yesterday (Monday, 10/10) and will air through the World Series.
WBAL president/general manager Dan Joerres comments, “The production and broadcast of this debate on both WBAL ‘News Radio’ and WBAL-TV is an important part of our ‘Commitment 2022’ political coverage. Putting all of our broadcast and digital sources to work to bring voters across the state this gubernatorial debate is a major part of our continuing effort to help them make informed decisions on election day. The debate will be moderated by WBAL-TV anchor Jason Newton. … The first episode of ESPN’s “The CJ McCollum Show” was posted last Thursday (10/6). The guard of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans had teammate Brandon Ingram as the inaugural guest on the podcast, which will post episodes each Thursday. McCollum formerly hosted Cadence 13’s “Pull Up With CJ McCollum.” … Elsewhere in NBA-themed podcasts, Jam Street Media introduces 15-year-old Sloane Weinstein hosting the bi-weekly “Sloane Knows.” She’ll interview some of the NBA’s biggest names, including the Boston Celtics’ newly-signed Blake Griffin; free agent Dwight Howard; and former NBA players Richard Jefferson and Baron Davis.
by San Francisco public radio news/talk KQED that paved the way for the release of videotapes from the 2009 – 2010 Prop 8 trial, leading to legalization of same-sex marriage in California. Proposition 8 passed in 2008 and banned same-sex marriage in the state. The subsequent trial, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, questioned whether Prop. 8 violated the U.S. Constitution. Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in favor of the right to same-sex marriage, but said at the time that videotapes of the trial would remain sealed for 10 years. KQED “Political Breakdown” podcast co-host Scott Shafer spearheaded the effort to make the tapes public. Shafer states, “As someone who sat through the entire Prop. 8 trial, I witnessed some very dramatic and moving testimony, as well as riveting cross-examinations. I’m glad others will now get to view this important part of the historical record.” KQED chief content officer Holly Kernan notes, “If our systems work behind closed doors, with no press or public access, we have no idea how decisions are made, nor what arguments are leading to these decisions. KQED wants more sunlight on our legal system, and we will fight on behalf of the public to get that access.”
