February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One
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.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.
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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.9, ninth to tenth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.7, #19 to #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” locked at 4.6, remains in seventh-place
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #17 to #16
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, repeats at #12
WFAN’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.4, -.6, #17 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 6.5 – 7.0, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.7)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.1, sixth to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #9 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #16 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eighth month in succession, 6.8 – 5.5, -1.3
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.3)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, ninth to tenth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, anchored in fourth-place
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, fifth straight month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSC (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.9 – 6.0, -.9, second to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #11 to #14
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.9 – 2.3, -1.6, #7 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, repeats in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth successive month, 8.1 – 7.9, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KDFC and alternative KITS (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #10 to #16
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #17 to #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 6.2 – 5.6, -.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #9 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, second straight month, 6.2 – 5.6, -.6
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (+.6)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBAP (-.8)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” flat at 3.8, stays at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF steady at 3.1, repeats at #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 24th consecutive month, 9.6 – 8.0, -1.6
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 7.2, +.9, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #14 to #18
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, second successive month, 8.3 – 8.1, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (1.2)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, fifth to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 6.9 – 5.9, -1.0, second to fourth
WIP’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, repeats at #19
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.7, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOGL (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.0)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, continues at #16
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, seventh to sixth
Cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth
Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) flat at 1.6, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 5.9 – 6.1, +.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI (+1.6)**
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.9)
**Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .4, continues at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 15th consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.0)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #19
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.4 – 6.8, -.6, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 4.3 – 2.7, -1.6, #7 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, ninth consecutive month 8.5 – 7.6, -.9
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.3, -.8 remains in the runner-up slot
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #14 to #12
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.1 – 1.5, +.4, #20 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, seventh to ninth
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, second consecutive month, 7.4 – 6.6, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ; news/talk WKXW; and sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.8)
Up next: February 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.



Television Bureau of Advertising; Rush Limbaugh, radio host and political commentator, deceased, award accepted by his widow Kathryn Limbaugh; Debra O’Connell, president, networks, The Walt Disney Company; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR; and Heidi Raphael, chief communications officer, Beasley Media Group. The Broadcasters Foundation will also present the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award during the Breakfast. That honoree will be announced shortly. The Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast is complimentary to all in broadcasting. Registration is required, call 212-373-8250 or email
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 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.
advice!” The duo has worked together since 2006, including a formerly syndicated radio show and a podcast. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “As someone who grew up listening to fun and edgy night shows like ‘Loveline’ and others, I’m very excited to launch the ‘Cooper & Anthony’ show on three of our great rock brands. They will most certainly make radio a lot more interesting at night in Fort Myers, Tampa and Vegas.” Cooper states, “This is the show I got into radio to do. I’ve been waiting for the right team with the same vision. We found it with the amazing folks at Beasley. Anthony and I can’t wait to share this show with our listening family, because it’s all about them!”
broadcasting remotely from a business center in a New Orleans hotel in which two Black people were sitting behind him. Referencing a previous trip to New Orleans in which Felger’s vehicle was stolen, Massarotti asked Felger if the two could hear him and when Felger replied that they couldn’t, he said, “OK, so I would be careful if I were you because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.” During his apology on Monday, Massarotti said he gets why the joke, intended to be poking fun at Felger, was wrong. “It didn’t come off that way. It came off as something far broader and ignorant, and I’m regretful of that… I sincerely apologize, and I will do my best to make sure it never happens again.”
voice Brad Feldman returns to the call alongside former Revolution and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies. Additionally, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will introduce “The Soccer Show” – a weekly one-hour program to air on Saturday mornings from 6:00 am to – 7:00 am. In Philadelphia, Beasley’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” announces a new partnership with the Philadelphia Union to serve as the club’s official radio broadcast partner. Primary hosts of Union match broadcasts will be Dave Leno and Sheanon Williams.
soliciting listeners via the station’s website to reserve spots to be in-studio today through Friday (2/24). Kincade says, “More than any show in Philly sports radio, we have always been interested in getting out and interacting with our listeners. This is a great way for us to welcome our listeners behind the scenes at our brand-new performance studio to get even better connected with the show.” Special guests scheduled to join the show include Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin, Sixers radio announcer Tom McGinnis, Sixers TV announcer Kate Scott, former Phillies players Tommy Greene and Mickey Morandini, Flyers radio broadcasters Tim Saunders and Steve Coates, Zach Berman from The Athletic, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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!”
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.
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.”





















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)
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.”









FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Radio Anchor. This onsite position in either Los Angeles, Chicago or New York is a freelance radio anchor for the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 Sirius XM Channel 115. In this position, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. Learn more about this position 












Remembering Lowry Mays. The founder and chief executive officer of what is now iHeartRadio, Lowry Mays, died yesterday (Monday, 9/12) at the age of 87. Mays co-founded San Antonio Broadcasting Company with Red McCombs 50 years ago (1972). They purchased their first radio station, San Antonio’s KEEZ-FM; three years later
(1975), they bought a second San Antonio outlet (currently iHeartMedia news/talk) WOAI. The company became Clear Channel Communications then iHeartRadio. Born in Harris County Texas on July 24, 1935, Mays graduated with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon his discharge, Mays earned an MBA from Harvard University and became an investment banker. Mays continued his affiliation with Texas A&M by serving two non-consecutive terms (1985 -1991 and 2001- 2007) on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, including as chair from 2003 – 2005. In 2002, the school renamed its business school after Mays. Texas A&M University System chancellor John Sharp comments, “A really big tree fell in the Aggie forest. We will never forget what he did for Aggieland.” Texas A&M’s school of business was endowed by Mays in 1996 with a $15 million gift and was renamed the Lowry Mays College & Graduate School of Business. The university renamed the school once more in 2002 to Mays Business School. In 2017, the Mays Family Foundation gifted an additional $25 million, the largest single commitment in the business school’s history. Both gifts were part of an overall lifetime giving of $47 million. A 1999 Texas Business Hall of Fame inductee, Mays served as chair of the United Way of San Antonio and was a member of the associates board at Harvard Business School. In 2003, Mays testified before the Senate that the deregulation of the telecommunications industry had not hurt the public. In an interview that same year with Fortune Magazine, however, he remarked, “We’re not in the business of providing news and information. We’re not in the business of providing well-researched music. We’re simply in the business of selling our customers products.” Mays was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2004, but suffered a stroke the following year. He stepped down as Clear Channel’s chief executive officer and was succeeded by his son, Mark.

Omnipresent air talent/media executive Nick Cannon will host next month’s (10/19) Marconi Radio Awards dinner during the NAB Show in New York. The ceremony returns in-person after a (COVID-caused) two-year hiatus. NAB executive vice
president/industry affairs April Carty-Sipp comments, “NAB is excited to be joined by the talented Nick Cannon to honor the on-air voices and local stations that have shined brightest over the past year. We look forward to welcoming the broadcast community to this crowd-pleasing and lively celebration of the best in radio.” Ryan Seacrest will be presented with the NAB “Distinguished Service Award”; Paul and Fred Jacobs will receive the “National Radio Award.” Established in 1989 and named after inventor/Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Nominees for “News/Talk Station of the Year” include: KNX, Los Angeles; KRMG, Tulsa; KTMY, Minneapolis; WKXW, Trenton (New Jersey); and WLW, Cincinnati. “Sports (Talk) Station of the Year” nominees include: KNBR, San Francisco; WBZ-FM, Boston; WIP, Philadelphia; WMFS, Memphis; and WXYT-FM, Detroit. Finalists for this year’s awards in all categories can be found
WFAN’s morning co-host, now has a podcast version. Introduced via Audacy’s 2400 Sports podcast studio, the standalone product will feature material not included in the broadcast version. Esiason remarks, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to expand our in-depth conversations with some of the biggest stars in sports through the launch of this new podcast. This show will enable us to dig deeper into what makes these icons tick and will deliver can’t-miss content for listeners across the country.” … Co-host of the podcast “For Colored Nerds,” Brittany Luse, succeeds Sam Sanders as host of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute.” Vice president of programming & new content development Yolanda Sangweni notes, “Brittany is one of the most exciting and essential voices in pop culture podcasting. She brings deep curiosity, empathy, and joy to the mic and to her storytelling. We are beyond thrilled to be re-imagining ‘It’s Been A Minute’ with Brittany at the helm.” Luse states, “I’ve spent the entirety of my eight-year hosting career helping audiences to connect the dots between culture and current events. I look forward to continuing and expanding that work at my new home.” Formerly host of podcasts “The Nod” and “Sampler,” Luse will begin her new duties next month (10/7). … Following four months of being interim local host for New Hampshire Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” Julia Furukawa has the job permanently. New Hampshire Public Radio president/chief executive officer Jim Schachter notes, “In
Julia, we have a serious journalist in the ‘All Things Considered’ anchor chair. [She] connects with listeners across a broad, diverse spectrum; loves exploring New Hampshire; and understands that reporting the news is both a joy and a responsibility. Everyone at our studios knows she’s fun to be around, and now ‘ATC’ users can hear that.” Furukawa adds, “I came to NHPR [two years ago] thinking I’d mostly be behind the scenes, not behind the microphone. The team here has given me the chance to grow into a role I’ve always dreamt of being in; I couldn’t be more grateful and excited for what’s to come.” … Best known for her many reports from the front lines of world events, NPR international correspondent Anne Garrels has died at the age of 71. When Garrels arrived at NPR in 1988, she already had ten years of experience in television news at ABC, where she was bureau chief in both Moscow and Central America. Her NPR backdrops included the Soviet Union, Tiananmen Square, Bosnia, Chechnya, the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan. … VSiN
launches three-hour (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm) weeknight sports betting content on iHeartMedia Providence news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920.” In addition, Brent Musburger’s “Action Updates” will air twice a day. Meanwhile in Kansas City, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is airing short-form VSiN-produced betting features throughout the weekend. VSiN’s betting analysts will breakdown betting lines for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC West and other big games on that week’s slate. Elsewhere, Salem Media Group Honolulu sports talk KGU & K236CR “Hawaii Sports Radio Network AM 760 & 95.1 FM” airs VSiN’s “Final Countdown with Stormy Buonantony & Matt Brown” at 11:00 am. … For the second year in a row – and fifth time overall – Syndicated Solutions’ “RMWorldTravel with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa” earns the SATW Foundation’s Lowell Thomas Award in the “Travel Audio – Radio” category. The hosts comment,
“Week after week, [our team] helps us create the most diverse and engaging network radio program. Collectively, we love the world of travel and all that it encompasses; we’re truly thankful to the wonderful sponsors who are aligned with us. We look forward to continuing to keep engaging, enticing, entertaining and empowering travelers to go explore the world. When that happens, it has such a positive impact on travelers, the travel industry and our society in general. The powerful megaphone we have to successfully impact travel is a blessing that we don’t take for granted.” The program is heard on 495 affiliates.
Boston public radio news/talk WGBH; former Boston Red Sox television play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough, most recently doing a select number of games on the Red Sox Radio Network; and one-time Boston Celtics Broadcasting president Gerald Walsh, who helped create Boston sports talk (and Red Sox radio flagship) WEEI. Massachusetts Broadcasters Association chair/Beasley Media Group Boston vice president and market manager Mary Menna remarks, “The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association is thrilled to be able to gather in person to celebrate these individuals’ lifelong achievements and contributions to our broadcasting community and to welcome them into the Hall of Fame.” Other inductees include Mike Baxendale and John O’Brien (“Bax & O’Brien”), who partnered together for over twenty years in Springfield on WAQY “Rock 102”; Laura Carlo, who did mornings for more than 25 years on Boston classical WCRB; Nancy Quill, a 38-year veteran on Boston adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7”; WCVB-TV, Boston journalist Jorge Quiroga; and broadcast executive Paul Kelley, the recipient of the 2022 “Pioneer Award.” Hall of Fame committee chair Peter Brown explains that award is given “to an individual who has distinguished himself/herself over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in his or her particular craft. The award was established to recognize individuals who do not appear on-air, but their role helped influence and inspire the Massachusetts broadcast community to reach a pinnacle of excellence.” The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held next Thursday (9/22) at the Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel.