Industry News

Sirott and Landecker Host 1970s Nostalgia Show on WGN, Chicago

Tonight (7/10), WGN Radio air personalities Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker getting together on air for a special hour of 1970s nostalgia during Landecker’s show from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The hour is beingimg called, “For Radio Geeks Only,” and will feature Sirott and Landecker reminiscing about their time working together as music DJs from 1973 to 1980 on WLS-AM. Sirott says, “We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all.”

Industry News

Amy Jacobson Exits WIND, Chicago

Chicago media personality Amy Jacobson announces via X that she has exited Salem Media Group’simg news/talk WIND-AM. On Tuesday she posted, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air. I am still processing this but I am happy to announce I have launched http://AmyJacobsonLive.com where I will be hosting a weekly podcast, posting behind-the-scenes blogs, livestreaming.” Jacobson has been co-hosting the morning show with Dan Proft who appears to be continuing the program solo.

Industry News

WLS-AM, Chicago and FOX News Audio Announce Content Deal

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago announces a deal with FOX News Audio to air FOX contentimg on the station including “The Guy Benson Show,” which airs live from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, plus hourly news updates, breaking news coverage, and long-form specials. Cumulus regional VP and Chicago market manager Marv Nyren says, “We are thrilled to deliver the FOX News Audio product to our listeners, as it perfectly aligns with 890 WLS-AM and will give the audience a news service that meets their expectations.”

Industry News

WVON, Chicago Adds DL Hughley for Mornings

Midway Broadcasting Corporation is adding Reach Media’s DL Hughley show to the daily lineup at urbanimg talk WVON, Chicago. Effective July 7, the show will air from 5:00 am to 7:00 am, leading into the “Rufus Williams Morning Show.” Hughley is a Peabody Award-winning radio and television host and an iconic stand-up comedian as one of the legendary Kings of Comedy. WVON program manager Atiba Buchanan says, “This show will be different because it will be a hybrid of his original show and will be all talk to appeal to WVON’s culturally connected audience.”

Industry News

WLS-AM and Ray Stevens Ink Renewed Deal

Cumulus Media re-signs morning drive talk host Ray Stevens to a new contract to continue his role with 890 WLS-AM. The station says Stevens’ show debuted last June “and has quickly become a morning ritual for Chicago’s passionate talk radio listeners.” “Ramblin’ Ray Stevens,” served for years as an air personality atimg crosstown country WUSN-FM “US 99” and was honored by the Country Music Association as Major Market Personality of the Year in 2010 and for four consecutive years, was honored as the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Major Market Talent of the Year. Station program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been instrumental in bringing Conservative content to morning drive on the Big 89. His energy, his experience, and his ability to deliver the local lens of the right conversation has been invaluable for our listeners. We look forward to the continued growth and success of 890 WLS with Ray Stevens in morning drive.” Stevens comments, “Excited to continue doing wake ups in my hometown of Chicago. I love that WLS management always supports my wild ideas. Ideas that make our city better for every neighborhood and everybody! Pets included! We have a lot of work to do, and we are doing it!”

Industry News

Bertrand Celebrates 40 Years with WGN, Chicago

Nexstar Media’s WGN Radio announces that afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand celebrates his 40th anniversary with the station today (6/3). Bertrand has hosted several shows and anchored news on nearly every part of the clock during his tenure with WGN. Station VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyleimg states, “Steve has shared his entire broadcasting career with the WGN Radio audience and built respect, trust, and friendships along the way. It’s a special relationship and four decades deserves recognition.” Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and was hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992. Bertrand reflects, “Growing up in a small town, I always had my eye on moving to the big city. Never during those years of daydreaming would I have imagined the career I’ve had at WGN Radio. I have worked with, and still do work with, some of the best in radio. I’m so grateful. And lucky. Back in the day, many people might have considered my fantasy a pipe dream. But, it turns out, dreams can come true.”

Industry News

Former Chicago Radio Towers Fall

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ABC7 Chicago has video of the former towers for WCFL, WLUP-AM and ESPN 1000 in the 100 block of 39th Street in the suburb of Downers Grove being demolished. The station’s coverage notes “they were not the original towers. The towers went up in 2003 to replace the original towers that were erected in 1932.” See the video here.

Industry News

WGN’s John Williams Honored by Chicago Headline Club

WGN, Chicago talk host John Williams was honored with the “Best Featured Reporter or Host” Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club. The station says Williams last received a Peter Lisagor award in this category in 2023. In 2024, John Williams and his producer Pete Zimmermanimg earned a Peter Lisagor Award for their 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. Williams also accepted the William Booth Award from The Salvation Army at their annual Chicago Civic Luncheon held May 8 at Navy Pier. The William Booth Award is one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army and honors people who show strong character and commitment to their community. Williams hosts a radiothon on WGN Radio every December for the organization. In addition to his on-air work, Williams also hosts “The Mincing Rascals” award-winning podcast featuring a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories released every Wednesday.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia Expands Coverage of Seattle Soccer Teams. iHeartMedia announces the expansion of its multi-year partnership with the Seattle Sounders FC and the Seattle Reign FC. iHeartMedia says “This new agreement marks a significant leap forward in Seattle soccer storytelling, delivering unmatched radio and digital streaming audio experiences for both clubs through iHeartMedia Seattle’s market-leading platforms.”

“The Score” to Air Select Chicago Sky Games. Audacy’s sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” is airing select Chicago Sky games this WNBA season. All games will also stream on the Audacy app within the Chicago area. Kylen Mills will serve as play-by-play announcer and midday show host Leila Rahimi will serve as color commentator. The station will also air pregame, halftime, and postgame shows, all hosted by station contributor Alyssa Bergamini.

Industry News

WGN Radio Adds Richard Roeper as Morning Show Contributor

Nexstar Media’s WGN, Chicago announces that legendary film and TV critic Richard Roeper is bringing his commentary to the Bob Sirott morning show for a weekly segment on Thursdays in which he’ll “offer edge and insight into the daily headlines affecting Chicagoans from pop culture toimg current events.” Roeper says, “I’m thrilled to be joining my friend Bob Sirott every week so we can exchange views about whatever Chicagoans are talking about, whether it’s the new pope, the prospects for his Cubs and my White Sox, to what’s happening with pop culture or news. Bob was instrumental in launching my TV career back in the day, and I look forward to this new collaboration.” Roeper and Sirott last collaborated on air when Sirott co-anchored “Fox Thing in the Morning” on Fox32 in the 1990s. Roeper won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy for commentary and the duo teamed up for a second Emmy on a half-hour special that aired in 1998.

Industry News

WVON, Chicago Unveils New Afternoon Show

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WVON, Chicago announces that station PD Atiba Buchanan is teaming up with LaDonna Raeh for the afternoon drive show. This comes after the duo have been filling in for Jesse Jackson Jr. since early March, allowing Jackson Jr. to focus on his national show. The station says, “The duo will focus on keeping listeners up to date on breaking news and topics such as social justice and advancing Black economics. In addition, Buchanan and Raeh will highlight the importance of familial networks by teaming up with experts to discuss strengthening family structures and hosting a weekly segment called ‘Relationship Thursdays.’”

Industry News

Bowen to Lead Sales for Audacy Chicago

Audacy names Robby Bowen vice president and director of sales for its Chicago station group that includes WBBM Newsradio, sports talk “670 The Score” WSCR-AM, and several music brands.img Bowen was most recently VP and director of sales for the company’s New Orleans operations. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “We look forward to welcoming Robby to Chicago. He is a consummate sales professional and will be an inspirational leader for a sales team that proudly represents six amazing brands plus the Bulls and the Cubs!”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Won’t Work on FM

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

img“It won’t work on FM.” Country. Country was predicted to be a failing format for the FM band. At the dawn of FM proliferation in the 1970s, the future of the band was viewed with fear and skepticism. Why wouldn’t country music work on the FM band? The conventional chatter said that “country needs to be on AM because truckers drive long distances and AM signals cover long distances. FM does not.”

According to AM management, every music and talk format that thrived on AM was going to fail on FM. Obviously, all AM genres succeeded on FM, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. The ones that succeeded quickly had common characteristics:

In the public’s mind, FM radio had specific, positive traits: Lower commercial load, cooler hosts and jocks, a subversive tone, fewer interruptions of every type. Talk on FM was absolutely going to fail. The first mother of talk hits on FM were “New Jersey 101.5” (which for decades had the largest FM talk cume in the world); WTKS-FM, Orlando; and WLUP, Chicago. GM Larry Wert, brilliant. In 1990 when those stations launched, the industry pundits ordered more drinks and pronounced their doom.

John Kobylt, of KFI, Los Angeles fame, was the first PM drive host on “New Jersey 101.5.” He explained to me the key difference in his work versus that of an AM talk show host: “My competition is 10 music stations playing hit songs. If Ken Chiampou and I don’t entertain this second, the audience is gone.”

Little noticed was that stations like WTKS-FM shared less than 8% of its cume with WDBO-AM (a very serious station!) WTKS sharing was with WMMO-FM and other alt rock and FM AC stations. While radio people think “talk is talk,” the audience perceives FM talk and AM talk to be very different formats. Completely different.

Today, to drive audience to an FM talk station the strategy proven to fail is to air AM shows on FM without making significant accommodations for the differences in the band. Profound differences.

QUICK NOTES:

— New 23-year-old, very good, control board operator for “Sterling Every Damn Night” asked me, “Who is Rush Limbaugh?”

— All-digital 18-year-olds today have no idea what you mean when you say, “The top of the hour.”

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WGN, Chicago Adds Ted Cruz Show. WGN Radio is adding the Premiere Networks program “Verdict with Ted Cruz” lineup airing Sunday nights at 8:00 pm The program is hosted by Texas Republican Senator and Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and national radio personality and political commentator Ben Ferguson.

BIA Blogs Offer Tariffs Guidance. BIA Advisory Services is examining the potential effects of new tariffs on local advertising and drafted a report titled, “Understanding Tariff Impact on Local Advertising: Business Vertical Analysis Part 1 and 2.” In two new blogs drawing from that report, BIA offers “When Trade Wars Hit Home: Tariffs and Local Ad Markets,” Part 1 and Part 2 in which it explores how the Trump administration’s trade policies may force businesses to rethink their local advertising strategies, tracking possible changes in advertising spending.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago to Air Final “Walter Jacobson’s Perspective”

Thursday (3/27) will be the final airing of WGN Radio’s “Walter Jacobson’s Perspective” hosted by legendary news broadcaster and personality Walter Jacobson (pictured here). WGN notes that Jacobson’s commentaries covering local politics and news have been heard on the station since 2014. Jacobson hasimg had a storied career in Chicago media. First at newspapers, he moved to television in 1963 working at WBBM as a news writer, reporter and political editor. From 1973 to 1982, Jacobson co-anchored WBBM-TV’s “The 10 O’Clock News” with Bill Kurtis and the two dominated the ratings for nine years. His “Perspective” pieces date to those newscasts when Jacobson would deliver them live from his office. WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle comments, “I ‘knew’ Walter Jacobson mostly for his TV news work virtually all my life. He and Bill Kurtis revolutionized the look and feel of television news broadcasts in Chicago at CBS 2 and it’s still talked about by those who watched them in the 70s. Working with him at WGN Radio and getting to know him in-person has been an honor. After seeing firsthand his uncompromising devotion to his craft, it’s easy to see why he is the media legend that he is. Walter’s personality, contributions and ever unique ‘Perspective’ will be greatly missed.”

Industry News

WSCR’s Dan Bernstein Fired After Bizarre Social Media Spat

Chicago sports talk host Dan Bernstein is out at Audacy’s sports talk WSCR “670 The Score.” This happens less than a week after Bernstein into a back-and-forth on social media with a follower. In a storyimg by Brandon Contes for Awful Announcing, he writes that Bernstein was taken off of his regular afternoon show with co-host Marshall Harris after threatening to reveal the identities of a follower’s children as retaliation for that person accusing Bernstein of lying about releasing a fish that he had caught and posted a picture of. Bernstein write on social media, “I never respond to trolls, but questioning my sportsmanship and conservation awareness sets me off. Wanna fight? I’m a bad enemy. Want your kids involved?” Read the Awful Announcing report here.

Industry News

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

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A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator:  Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker:  Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker:  Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up:  Group Chat

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Announces Winner of Super Bowl Ad Contest

Audacy sports talk outlet WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” announces that Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar is the winner of its annual “Score Big For Your Business” contest. The restaurant will get a 30-second commercial during the station’s broadcast of the Super Bowl on February 9. The competition ran fromimg December 30 to January 19 and aims to leverage its on-air reach to help a local business brand, rebuild, or grow. Audacy Chicago VP of sports programming Mitch Rosen says, “This contest and promotion embodies everything ‘The Score’ truly stands for: live, local sports and, most importantly, the community. From the hundreds of entries we received, we know how important it is for the community to support local businesses. We’re excited to spotlight Heritage and share their story to help them grow and expand their business. Given the massive audience the game attracts on ‘The Score,’ our goal is to leverage every platform to maximize exposure for the restaurant.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Sets DNC Schedule

Sirius XM
SiriusXM’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention will begin next Monday (8/19) at 7:00 am (ET) with Zerlina Maxwell’s “Mornings with Zerlina” on Progress (channel 127). Throughout the week she’ll interview politicians and experts, as well as provide her analysis of the previous night’s key moments. Another Progress host, Michelangelo Signorile, will walk throughout Chicago’s United Center, interviewing politicians; spokespeople; and experts. “Tell Me Everything” host John Fugelsang (9:00 am – 12:00 noon, ET) will anchor primetime coverage onsite. Meanwhile, SiriusXM POTUS (channel 124) hosts Steve Scully and Julie Mason will do their shows live from Chicago all week. Among others, Mason’s early confirmed guests include Colorado Senator Michael Bennet; Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell; Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley; and Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Weeknight political program “RealClearPolitics” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, ET) will broadcast live from the POTUS set on “Media Row” throughout the DNC. In addition to hosting their own shows, Scully and Mason will anchor special primetime coverage from inside the arena starting at 8:00 pm (ET), where they’ll provide analysis and also air the night’s big speeches.

Industry News

NPR Readies Democratic National Convention Plans

NPRNPR and participating member stations will begin coverage of the Democratic National Convention from Chicago next Monday and Tuesday (8/19, 8/20, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, ET). Scott Detrow’s recap of the day’s major events will feature insights from NPR correspondents, as well as interviews with newsmakers attending the convention. NPR’s coverage will continue Wednesday and Thursday (8/21, 8/22) beginning at 9:00 pm ET. NPR’s team of reporters in Chicago will include: Liz Baker, Martin Kaste, Sandhya Dirks, Don Gonyea, Tamara Keith, Asma Khalid, Deepa Shivaram, Mara Liasson, Deirdre Walsh, Danielle Kurtzleben, Franco Ordoñez, and Domenico Montanaro. Additional political reporting will be provided by: Sarah McCammon, Ashley Lopez, Elena Moore, Stephen Fowler, Ben Giles, and Ximena Bustillo. Coverage will include live reports from within the convention hall, expert analysis, and interviews with key figures. The “NPR Politics” team will release a podcast episode each night of the convention. NPR will have a reporter stationed outside the arena to capture public reactions and potential protests.

 

Industry News

Report: Parkins to Leave “The Score” for FS1

According to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times, WSCR, Chicago sports talk host Danny Parkins will leaveim the Audacy station to become part of a new show on FS1. Parkins has worked alongside Matt Spiegel on the afternoon drive program for the past seven years. This summer, Parkins filled in for Colin Cowherd on the cable TV show The Herd and reportedly acquitted himself well. The FS1 show is scheduled to launch this fall. Parkins and Audacy have not commented publicly about the story.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago adds “Rich Valdés America at Night” to its program schedule, airing live from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.

FOX News Media is presenting special programming during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, beginning Sunday, August 18 through Friday, August 23. FNC will commence its special coverage from Chicago on Sunday with “FOX News Sunday” anchored by Shannon Bream. Co-anchored by chief political anchor and “Special Report” anchor Bret Baier and “The Story” anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum, FNC will present a nightly hour-long special titled, “FOX News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention” Monday through Thursday at 10:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Round One of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including 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). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) 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.

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10

WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19

WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40

WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44

News

WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6

WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)

WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11

WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7

KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31

KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34    

News

KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36

KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24

Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13

WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25

WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37

WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4  – #5

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39

WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24

KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4

KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20

KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA     

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1

KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14

KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32

KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39

KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7  (Astros)

KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27  

News

KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23  (Astros)

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9  

Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1

WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26

WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32

WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)

WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15

WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8

WRAS  .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13

WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24

WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26

WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27

WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33

Sports Talk

WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12     

Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15

WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25

KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18

KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)

KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2

WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20         

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+). 

Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

2024 Marconi Award Finalists Announced

The NAB announces the finalists for the 2024 Marconi Awards, the winners of which will be named at theim NAB Show New York on October 9. News/talk stations WLS-AM, Chicago and WLW-AM, Cincinnati are finalists for Legendary Station of the Year. WWTN-FM, Nashville talk host Dan Mandis is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year. KIDO-AM, Boise host Kevin Miller is a finalist for Medium Market Personality of the Year. The finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: WSB-AM, Atlanta; KRMG-FM, Tulsa; WLW-AM, Cincinnati; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. See the complete list of finalists here.

Industry News

Tavis Smiley To Broadcast From Next Month’s DNC – Offering Show Free to Urban Stations During Event

imAiring in more than 40 markets from Los Angeles flagship KBLA “Talk 1580,” SmileyAudioMedia’s “Tavis Smiley” show will be offered free to urban-targeted stations for one week during next month’s Democratic National Convention (8/19-22). The SmileyAudioMedia owner/TALKERS  2023 “Freedom Of Speech” award winner will broadcast from the event’s radio row inside the site of the convention – Chicago’s United Center – and other relevant locations. Smiley tells TALKERS, “Black voters will be at the epicenter of whatever happens in Chicago, a fact made more relevant with the increasing likelihood that Kamala Harris will be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. If the Democratic Party hopes to achieve victory in November, it will be because Black voters saved the party and, ultimately, American democracy. To date, the 2024 election has been unpredictable and unprecedented. As the battle between the candidates enters its final stretch, the policies discussed and the decisions made will have a profound and lasting impact on Black America. It’s appropriate that ‘Tavis Smiley’ listeners will be at the center of the action as the conversation occurs.” SmileyAudioMedia syndication manager Rob Wilkins (who can be reached at rob@smileyaudiomedia.com) notes, “The 2024 election is a rapidly changing, fluid story. Tavis will serve as the audience’s eyes and ears in Chicago, keeping them on top of stories as they develop during the most important political party convention of the 21st century.” Two decades ago, Smiley’s book The Covenant with Black America addressed critical issues facing African Americans. Scheduled to be released five days after the DNC concludes (8/27) is Smiley’s updated #1 New York Times bestselling The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later. It will provide observations and commentary on cultural, societal, and political implications of this year’s DNC with some of Black America’s most relevant thought leaders. Among stations already agreeing to SmileyAudioMedia’s free one-week offer include: Atlanta urban AC WIGO “AM 1570”; Austin noncommercial urban contemporary KAZI “88.7 FM”; Buffalo urban AC WUFO-AM “Mix 1080” & WUFO-FM “Power 96.5”; Albany, Georgia’s Albany State University-owned WASU-LP “Real Music, Real Talk, Real Radio”; Wilberforce, Ohio’s Central State University-owned smooth jazz/urban gospel WCSU FM “Jazzy 88.9”; and Marshall, Texas’ Wiley College-owned urban contemporary KBWC “FM 91.1.” Tavis Smiley appears at #33 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred.”