November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
November 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are October 2023 – November 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 4.0 – 4.6, #7 – #6
WFED DNA – .1, DNA – #30 (Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 8.1 – 7.4, falls to #3, after ten straight months at #2
WDCH .7 – .6, #22 – #23
WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.8, #14 – #14 (Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .9 – .8, #21 – #21 (Capitals)
WTEM Stream .2 – .3, #29 – #25 (Wizards)
WTEM .3 – .2, #25 – #27 (Wizards)
WSBN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.9 – 12.7, 24th month in succession at #1
The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.
Note: Public radio news/talk WAMU’s +.8 (11.9 – 12.7) represents a tie for Washington, DC’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+). Meanwhile, news WTOP & WTLP’s -.7 (8.1 – 7.4) is the market’s highest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.3 – 2.5, #16 – #14
WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.5 – 5.0, #8 – #6
Business news WRCA DNA – .1, DNA – #27
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 10.9 – 10.5, #1 for the third straight month (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.8 – 3.6, #10 – #10
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.4 – 6.4, #3 – #2
WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, #10 – #9
Note: Public radio news/talk WBUR’s +1.0 (5.4 – 6.4) represents Boston’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+).
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 2.0 – 1.4, #21 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM 2.3 – 2.1, #19 – #20 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #29 (Dolphins)
WMEN .2 – .4, #35 – #31
WQAM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 3.9 – 3.9, #5 – #7
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 4.2 – 4.7, #8 – #6 (Seahawks)
KTTH 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #21
KVI 1.8 – 1.5, #22 – #23
KPTR .1 – .1, #32 – #32
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.2 – 2.6, #20 – #18
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 4.3 – 3.1, #6 – #12 (Seahawks)
KJR-FM 3.0 – 3.1, #14 – #12 (Kraken)
KJR-AM .4 – .6, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 7.6 – 6.8, #1 – #2
KSWS DNA – .1, DNA – #32
Note: Sports talk KIRO-AM’s -1.2 (4.3 – 3.1) represents Seattle’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #16
WFDF .4 – .4, #24 – #23
WJR Stream .1 – .2, #28 – #26
News
WWJ 4.6 – 4.6, #9 – #9 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .7 – .4, #22 – #23 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #28 – #31
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 10.1 – 9.6, #1 for the third consecutive month (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 2.4 – 1.5, #14 – #20 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUOM 1.5 – 1.6, #20 – #18
WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #21
Note: The -.9 (2.4 – 1.5) posted by the stream of sports talk WXYT-FM represents a tie for Detroit’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 4.0 – 3.3, #7 – #11
KTAR-FM 2.4 – 2.7, #16 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.7 – 3.5, #14 – #7 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-AM .2 – .2, #31 – #31 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #34
KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #34
KTAR-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 3.7 – 3.1, #9 – #12
Note: News/talk KFYI’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3) represents the largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+) for Phoenix.
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.6 – 4.0, #10 – #12 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 2.4 – 2.4, #16 – #16
KTLK-AM 1.8 – 2.0, #19 – #17
WCCO Stream .6 – .1, #24 – #30 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #32 – #30
Sports Talk
KFXN 7.8 – 8.9, #2 – #2 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)
KQQL-HD3 .2 – .3, #28 – #26
KSTP-AM .2 – .2, #28 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 6.0 – 5.7, #5 – #5
KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23
Oddity: Five stations – including news/talk WCCO (4.6 – 4.0, -.6) are tied for Minneapolis’ largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 5.4 – 4.2, #5 – #6
KLSD .3 – .3, #26 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 4.2 – 3.6, #6 – #11
KGB-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 6.3 – 6.2, #3 – #2
Note: News/talk KOGO’s -1.2 (5.4 – 4.2) represents San Diego’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #6 (Lightning)
WFLA 4.6 – 4.4, #8 – #7
News
None
Sports Talk
WDAE 2.4– 1.8, #16 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20
WUSF Stream .5 – .3, #25 – #30
WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33
Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 4.5 – 3.3, #6 – #13 (Broncos)
KDFD 2.1 – 2.0, #19 – #20
KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #21
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 4.5 – 4.2, #6 – #10
KKSE-FM 2.0 – 2.1, #20 – #19 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KAMP DNA – .1, DNA – #36
KEPN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.9 – 4.0, #13 – #11
KUNC .8 – .4, #27 – #31
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 4.8 – 3.7, #8 – #11 (Ravens)
WCBM 1.7 – 1.8, #17 – #17
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #18
WDCH .8 – .9, #20 – #20
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 5.1 – 5.1, #7 – #5
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 4.0 – 4.5, #10 – #9
WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #36
Note: News/talk WBAL’s -1.1 (4.8 – 3.7) represents Baltimore’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 5.0 – 4.0, #9 – #11
KFTK 1.8 – 1.9, #16 – #17
KTLK-FM .9 – 1.0, #20 – #19
KMOX Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #24 – #25
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.2 – 3.7, #14 – #12 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.0 – 4.9, #11 – #9
Note: While public radio news/talk KWMU’s +.9 (4.0 – 4.9) represents St. Louis’ largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+), news/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (5.0 – 4.0) is the market’s highest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).
Up next: November 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
WEEI-FM, Boston. He’ll continue to lead his program that includes cast members Jermaine Wiggins, Courtney Cox and Chris Curtis. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas states, “We are thrilled to extend Greg’s contract and keep the momentum going for his award-winning morning show. We look forward to having Greg, alongside Jermaine and Courtney, continue to set the tone for our weekday programming and deliver entertaining content for our listeners for the foreseeable future.”
Curley and Howie Carr encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Year after year, the WRKO listeners overwhelm us with their generosity. This year, they have helped to raise $172,852 for the DAV of Massachusetts. It’s an honor to dedicate a day of programming to those who have given so much of themselves for this country.” Since 2016, the “DAV Radiothon” has raised over $1,058,000 to benefit veterans in the community.
Beasley were unable to come to terms on a new contract a few weeks after the company announced Toucher had inked a new, multiyear deal that will see him continue as lead host of the morning show. WBTS-TV, Boston “NBC10” reports that Toucher announced the change on this morning’s show and indicated he was surprised when management told him Shertenlieb was leaving the program. He also said management wanted him to tell the audience that the company made him “a multi-year offer that he chose not to accept” and that “negotiations weren’t going anywhere.” Shertenlieb has not commented publicly other than to inform the show’s X followers that he has a new X handle. 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises one-tenth to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP dropped six-tenths to an 8.1 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Detroit, Audacy’s all-news WWJ adds six-tenths for a 4.6 share finish and rises to the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises half a share for a 2.3 share that lifts it to the #16 rank. 
the top sports morning shows in America and has won numerous national industry awards including a Marconi Award. Toucher was a foundational member of the launch of the station in August 2009. Prior to joining the ‘98.5 Sports Hub’ team, he worked at the former legendary rock station, WBCN.” Toucher comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with my Beasley family over the coming years. I will continue my record of immense competence and brilliance.” Station PD Rick Radzik adds, “Fred has been entertaining ‘Sports Hub’ listeners each morning since 2009 with his compelling viewpoints and opinions on a wide range of topics. We are very pleased that he will continue on with us for years to come.” There’s no mention of morning drive co-host and Toucher’s longtime partner Rich Shertenlieb in the press release and the Boston Globe’s Chad Finn writes about the possibility Shertenlieb will exit the station soon. 
York. The spoken-word winners included: Legendary Radio Station of the Year – all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco; Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year – Rich Eisen, Westwood One; Best Podcast of the Year – “The Letter,” KSL-FM, Salt Lake City; News/Talk Station of the Year – WTOP-FM, Washington, DC; and Sports Station of the Year – WBZ-FM, Boston.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths for an 8.7 share finish but stays ranked #2 for the ninth straight month. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is steady with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to #6, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.2 share finish but falls to the #20 rank. And in Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI-AM is up two-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.1 share that lifts it from #10 to #5, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM sheds one-tenth to finish with a 2.9 share that keeps it ranked #15. 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. 
The second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s 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 Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP leaps nine-tenths for a 9.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.5 share good for the #9 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO sheds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.4 share and falls to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and remains ranked #7. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown news/talk is up three-tenths for a 1.9 share and the #19 rank. 
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.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds three-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that drops it to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share good for the #7 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk dips four-tenths to a 2.4 share and falls to the #17 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM loses two-tenths to also finish with a 2.4 share that leaves the two stations tied for the #17 rank. 
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.
Nashville Public Radio, which includes WPLN “News 90.3” (and triple A WNXP), appoints Robert Sanchez as its chief operating officer. Nashville Public Radio president/chief executive officer Steve Swenson comments, “Rob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us as we continue our rapid growth to expand our public service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. His extensive background in both news and music programming is unique in our industry.” Sanchez notes, “I’m grateful to Steve Swenson and the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the many digital and audio services Nashville Public Radio offers. I’m invigorated to join an organization that functions at such a high level of public service and community engagement.” For the past five years, Sanchez was vice president of news for iHeartMedia Boston news -news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM and iHM’s northeast regional news director. He previously was director/news and programming for Washington, DC’s WNEW-FM “All News 99.1”; assistant news director of New York all-news WCBS-AM; and programming/operations manager for Los Angeles’ KBLA “1580 Talk Radio.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 survey period, WPLN ranks #14 and is trending 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 (March – April – May, 6+).
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish the survey with a 4.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths to an 8.0 share but remains ranked #2. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises eight-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share and jumps two spots to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and stays in the #8 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 4.3 share stays ranked #8, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses six-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that moves it to the #14 rank. 
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.
and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s 
vision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” 
director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.
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.” 
hands are tied as anything he could say has to be approved by management. The Boston Globe reports that Shertenlieb said, “The last time he was out for an extended period, I gave an update and was gently asked for a lot of different reasons that any statement regarding him has to be approved by management. There have been statements that have been submitted, some have been approved, some haven’t been. It just turns into asking, ‘What can I say? What can I say?’ Listen, no one wants to be in this position. Fred doesn’t want to be in this position, the station doesn’t want to be in this position, I certainly don’t want to be in this position, but as of now, all I’ve been approved to tell you, because you’re such great listeners and we love you, is that he’s not here today, I’m not sure exactly when he’ll be back, but I’ve been a friend of Fred’s for years and I hope the best for him.” 
2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”