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.
Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).
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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, third to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, second month in a row, 9.0 – 10.7, +1.7
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+1.7)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLZT (-1.7)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 10.4, +1.2, first to second
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .2, -.1, #23 to #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.9, +1.2, #13 to #8 and co-owned WCMC-HD2 flat at .3, #23 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.2 – 9.2, +1.0, second to fourth
Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 6.9 – 11.6, +4.7
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+4.7)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRDU (-.4)
Note: Seven (7) Curtis Media Group-owned stations that appeared in the December 2022 top twenty are no longer subscribers and are unlisted in “Holiday” 2022. In addition to news/talk WPTF (#18 in December 2022), the others are: classic hits-oldies WKIX-FM (#5); adult hits WBBB (#7); country WQDR-FM (#8); classic hits-oldies WKIX-AM (#15); CHR WPLW (#15); and regional Mexican WYMY (#15).
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .4, -.3, #18 to #19
Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, anchored at #9
Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 11.5 – 17.1, +5.6
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+5.6)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.8)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, first to third
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.6 – 6.2, -.4, locked in fifth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 2.4 – 1.6, -.8, #14 to #15
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.3 – 11.2, +2.9
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WRIT (+2.9)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “SuperTalk 99.7” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 7.3 – 6.6, -.7, third to fourth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.0 – 2.6, -1.4, #10 to #13
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 11.9 – 14.4, +2.5
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+2.5)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.4)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.3 – 4.5, -.8, fifth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .5, continues at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, anchored in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, remains at #11
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in ninth-place
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, stays at #10
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in succession, 10.5 – 16.9, +6.4
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+6.4)*
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WPRO-FM and country WCTK (-1.4)
*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.4 – 2.8, -1.6, #7 to #11
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” 1.5 – .8, -.7, #17 to #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” flat at 1.6, #16 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, second month in a row, 10.2 – 14.4, +4.2
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.2)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WNIS (-1.6)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 6.1 -.8, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .3 – .6, +.3, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, locked at #11
Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 14.0 – 18.1, +4.1
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+4.1)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.9)**
**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, repeats in tenth-place and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #13
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – 1.0, +.1, anchored at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .8 – 1.1, +.3, #16 to #13
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, remains at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s flat at 3.2, carries on at #7
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.0 – 7.8, +.8
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.3)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WAYF (-1.3)
Note: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF had been #1 the past 12 months
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 3.2, -1.5, 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 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #11 to #9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, flat at #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, second month in a row, 12.8 – 17.4, +4.6
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+4.6)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-1.5)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, remains at #13
Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, continues at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats in ninth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #18 to #17
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 13th successive month, 11.7 – 13.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.6)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KXHT (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, fifth to sixth
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, stays at #17
iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20
WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .2, #21 to #20
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #14 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, third to fifth
New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .4, #20 to #18 and WFCR’s internet stream .2, #20 (did not appear in the December 2022 sweep)
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 35th month in a row, 15.0 – 15.8, +.8
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+.8)
Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-1.3)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
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rated program in February 2015. The ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ show, along with Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole, have consistently maintained their #1 midday ranking in the market.” Bertrand comments, “I’m thrilled to be continuing at ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ I take great pride in having been a part of the station since its inception. I’m fortunate to have great teammates on ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ and as a group, we are incredibly thankful for our loyal listeners. It is their support and engagement that makes this job fun every single day.” Program director Rick Radzik states, “We are very pleased to have Marc continue on with ‘the Sports Hub’ for the coming years. Marc, Zo & Hardy have been entertaining Boston sports fans since 2015. To have that relationship continue for the coming years is a win for everyone.”
been serving in a similar role with the company’s Tampa stations. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “One of Beasley’s goals for 2023 is growing our digital audience and Rachel has been one of the company’s top digital content leaders. She has helped to build a massive digital audience in Tampa, and we’re excited to watch her develop a similar strategy for our amazing Philadelphia digital brands.” Pitts comments, “I am excited to continue to help expand the digital footprint of Beasley Media Group. To have the opportunity to work with the legendary talent and brands of the company’s Philadelphia stations has been a big career goal!”
brands. Thomas most recently served as the national format leader and day to day program director at Summit Media’s CHR WWST-FM, Knoxville. Beasley Media Group Tampa VP and market manager Ron deCastro says, “I am excited to once again get the chance to work with Rick Thomas. Rick is one of the best programming minds and Culture builder and I look forward to teaming up again with him in Tampa.”
team. Of her new position, Carroll says, “I am so excited to be joining the incredible Beasley Media Charlotte sales team. The individual account execs are knowledgeable and have the drive to WIN! Along with Rob [Whitehead], Tom [Neeley], and Mac [ Edwards], I am confident together, we will all accomplish some very exciting sales goals in 2023 and beyond!” Whitehead comments, “We are so excited to have Suzanne join our team in Charlotte. Suzanne brings an amazing amount of experience and knowledge from the media industry. She has had an extensive career including roles as account executive, national sales manager, general sales manager, and director of new business and digital development. Suzanne’s career path has taken her to major markets including Baltimore and Chicago. We look forward to her continued success!”
for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”