July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.
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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, sixth to fifth
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.4, -1.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLZT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-1.0)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in third-place
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, #15 to #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #9 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK (+1.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.4)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.8 – 5.7, -1.1, fourth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #14 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 6.6, +1.3, seventh to third
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.2)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.5 – 7.9, -1.6, second to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, flat at #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .6 – .8, +.2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, steady at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.7, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB and classic hits-oldies WRXS (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.6)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, locked in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to ninth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” flat at 1.3, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, sixth month in succession, 11.8 – 11.4, -.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WCJK (-1.5)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .2, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, repeats in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #12 to #10
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #9 to #11
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 8.9 – 9.6, +.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” flat at 2.5, #12 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh straight month, 10.3 – 10.0, -.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: hot AC WPTE (+.5)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.5)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 6.1, -.2, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, third month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.0)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #13 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.3, -.3, #12 to #13
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #16 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.4 – .2, -.2, locked at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 8.2 – 10.2, +2.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.0)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-.8)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, 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 1.6 – 2.3, +.7, #12 to #11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, seventh month in a row, 14.0 – 12.3, -1.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.7)*
*Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in these 12 PPM-markets
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to eighth
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” unchanged at .2, #17 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, ninth to eighth
WFMS’ internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #17 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fifth straight month, 12.2 – 13.7, +1.5
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WLFP (+4.0)**
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock KWNW (-1.1)
**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, sixth to seventh
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #15 to #14
WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” flat at 1.6, repeats at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to eighth
New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .6, +.1, stays at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 42nd month in a row, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (-1.2)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
ongoing challenges related to the economy and softness in the national spot market, Beasley’s successful digital transformation, continued local audio leadership and revenue diversification initiatives, combined with our proactive initiatives to reduce expenses, resulted in net loss declining by more than $4 million in both the quarter and year-to-date periods, compared to the same periods in 2022, as well as quarterly adjusted 
EBITDA growth of 16.8% and 2023 year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA growth of 28.1%. During the quarter, we made additional progress with reducing leverage and strengthening our balance sheet as we repurchased another $3 million of our debt at a discount and lowered quarterly interest expense which support our goal to drive cash flow growth. We are generating cash from operations, and we expect to continue to generate positive cash flow for the full year. Our digital strategy delivered second quarter digital revenue growth of 14.8% year-over-year and accounted for 19.4% of total second quarter revenue. Our digital revenue is primarily derived from our owned and operated assets, with our proprietary content creation driving the largest increase with the best margins and third-party products that come with a higher cost. Our talented sales teams have been able to combine our over-the-air and digital platform offerings to create marketing campaigns and brand solutions that provide great results for our clients. Our continued strong digital revenue growth has moved us to within a few basis points of reaching the bottom end of our goal of digital revenue accounting for 20% to 30% of total revenue and we remain laser focused on this initiative as a means to diversify and complement revenue in a cash flow positive manner.” Beasley reports its total debt as of June 30, 2023 was $287 million. 
1999. Beasley says that in his new role, he will report directly to chief content officer Justin Chase and will work directly with the company’s production directors to help foster high quality creative production by leveraging the talented producers within the company and developing systems to reduce friction and redundant work. Chase comments, “Over the past 10 years, I’ve relied on Tom for many important corporate initiatives and special projects. No matter what he tackles, I’ve always been impressed with his professionalism, performance, and leadership. We look forward to leveraging Tom’s skills for the benefit of our overall company.”
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
he’s also co-hosted “The Over/Under Show,” the station’s dedicated gambling show and podcast that launched four years ago. He also currently co-hosts the New England Patriots post-game show following the game broadcasts on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network. Leroy Irvin expands his role on the station as he’ll continue to serve as 
a regular weekend co-host and will add on-air duties for New England Patriots broadcasts on the station, co-hosting the postgame show after each game. Irvin also serves as part of the “Get Up Crew” on Beasley’s sister urban contemporary WBQT-FM “HOT 96.9.” Finally, Cerrone Battle, formerly of the “Play Action Sports Podcast” and “That 617 Life” on NBCSB, joins the staff in which he’ll contribute to the station’s nighttime and weekend programming. Station program director Rick Radzik comments, “Joe, Leroy and Cerrone all grew up in Boston and, like our listeners, have an engrained passion for sports. It’s nice to see Joe’s many years of dedication pay off, have Leroy’s role at the station elevated, and hear Cerrone once again in his hometown. I’m happy for all three of them!”
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
locking myself up so I wouldn’t drink anymore, so I knew I wouldn’t drink. That’s how I felt like, I was like, all right, I’ve lost control, I’ve lost control of alcohol, I’ve lost control, I’m not thinking like me, I need to make sure that I’m in a position where I do not have the opportunity to drink. Was it fun? It was the worst five days of my entire life.” Toucher says he intends to continue the outpatient therapy treatments. “The setup I have right now is by far the most gnarly setup I’ve had. I’m talking about like four hours a day of intense therapy for alcohol and intense therapy for anxiety… Got out yesterday morning and immediately went to an outpatient facility, then went to a therapist. Right after the show today, I’m going back to that outpatient facility. So, I’m taking this recovery very, very seriously.” 
Beasley Media Group the advantage of offering their local advertising partners instant and affordable video creative that overcomes traditional barriers to video advertising… The pact with Beasley Media Group is Waymark’s first major step into radio, following recent national video deals with both Spectrum Reach and Gray Television stations. With 
the rise of connected TV and free ad-supported streaming TV channels, this opens a host of new marketing opportunities for local advertisers. Beasley’s local sales teams are already using Waymark to win small business clients by providing customized sample creative for CTV and digital opportunities.” Beasley Media Group VP of operations Kevin Rich comments, “Local advertisers are looking for more effective and cost-efficient ways to stand out and attract customers across multiple media platforms. Our partnership with Waymark allows us to help local advertisers accomplish this goal and maximize the audience that will see and hear their message.”
April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
part of such an outstanding class of inductees. The only thing better would have been to have my late father, George, by my side, to accept this incredible honor together in person.” Other inductees included Deborah Roberts, ABC News national senior affairs correspondent, and contributing anchor of 20/20, and her husband Al Roker, weather and feature anchor and co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today Show,” Matt Bond, chairman, content distribution, NBCUniversal; Ray Cole, president and chief operating officer, Citadel Communications; Frank Comerford, CRO and president, local sales, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships; Ray Hopkins, president, U.S. Networks Distribution, Paramount Global; Wonya Lucas, CEO, Hallmark Media; Soledad O’Brien, CEO of SO’B Productions and host/producer of “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien”; and Rachael Ray, TV food personality and host of “The Rachael Ray Show.” In addition, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports received the Lifetime Achievement Award and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was named the Iconic Series for 2023. Late past president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, was posthumously honored with the Chairman’s Award for his career achievements and tireless dedication to helping broadcasters in need.
that impact so many people on a daily basis. In addition to featuring on-air and online content across the company’s 61 radio properties, the monthlong initiative will include outreach with local community experts and in-car dashboard messaging featuring QUU RDS technology. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Beasley is proud to put a spotlight on the importance of mental health as part of our longstanding Community of Caring program. We want our listeners to know they are not alone; mental health issues are common and there’s no reason to be ashamed. The campaign will promote the skills and tools to help cope and professional support available for treatment.”
compared to the net loss of $3.7 million in Q1 of 2022. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley’s strong first quarter financial operating results highlight our continued local audio leadership and the ongoing success of our digital transformation and revenue diversification initiatives which are driving top-line and SOI (station operating income) growth. Despite ongoing challenges related to the economy and softness in the national spot market, Beasley generated healthy growth across its digital, local audio, and network revenue sources, as reflected by the 3.7% increase in first quarter net revenues to $57.8 million. Top-
line growth was the primary factor contributing to an impressive 21% year-over-year increase in SOI to $7.1 million. Our digital strategy delivered first quarter digital revenue growth of 27.8% year-over-year and accounted for 17.3% of total first quarter revenue. Similar to recent quarters, strong digital revenue performance was driven by Beasley’s organic content creation initiatives and the roll-out of our tailored web services. Beasley continues to see accelerating demand from consumers for our innovative digital content, with our unique digital users more than doubling over the prior year quarter, resulting in a more than 90% year-over-year increase in sellable digital impressions. We believe we remain on path for this revenue source to reach 20% of total revenue by 2023 year-end.” Total outstanding debt as of March 31, 2023 was $290 million, and first quarter interest expense slightly declined to $6.6 million. Beasley had $35.9 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand at quarter end. We intend to keep our cash on the balance sheet in order to maintain our strong liquidity position, while we monitor the economic environment.”
March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for 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.
Yesterday (4/10), his on-air partner Rich Shertenlieb read a statement from Toucher on the program that read: “My voice has been messed up for a long time. I had been going to doctors and they didn’t seem overly concerned. However, a listener heard me and put me in touch with a doctor he works with. I went and things didn’t go great. He found some things in my throat that concerned him. He told me not to worry because he could fix all of it. Not to sound dramatic but it is possible a listener saved my life by setting up that appointment.” Toucher also said via social media that he plans to be back but is under a “no talking” order from the doctor and adds, “To that, I am grateful, even though the doctor doesn’t take insurance. Between this and my divorce, I’m f—ed financially! Sorry kids – Christmas is going to look a lot different this year.”
working with clients in the Atlanta, Athens and Jacksonville markets. CMG VP of national sales Jodi Rainey comments, “We are thrilled to have Andrea join our team. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental in driving growth and innovation across our national sales efforts.” Clay says. “I am honored to join the team at CMG and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success. I am excited to work with CMG’s talented national sales team and partner to deliver results for our clients.” 
recently regional digital sales manager for Summit Media in Knoxville. She says, “I am beyond excited to join the Beasley Tampa team. I look forward to partnering with the sales team and their clients to create custom campaigns that drive results!” Beasley Tampa VP and market manager Ron deCastro comments, “I look forward to having such a talented digital sales manager as Stacie join our outstanding Tampa cluster. Beasley has invested in best-in-class digital products and Stacie will help our team better solve our clients’ needs.”
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.
February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.