Audacy appoints Doug Levy general sales manager for its Chicago cluster that includes all-news WBBM-
AM/WCFS-FM. Levy began his radio sales career with Katz Media and later became the director of sales for Univision. Doug went on to lead both the television and radio divisions as president and general manager of Spanish-language multimedia company TelevisaUnivision. He also served as a weekend personality on rock WXRT-FM, Chicago for 10 years.
A piece by Justin Kaufmann at Axios Chicago quotes former WLS-AM afternoon talk show host Big John Howell saying the reason he’s no longer with the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is because, “They told
me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America. I just didn’t fit the bill anymore.” Although Howell doesn’t profess to be conservative or liberal, he’s been a talk host for years (in addition to his work at country outlet WUSN-FM), not only with WLS-AM but with Salem Media Group’s crosstown conservative news/talk WIND-AM. However, he’s made no bones about his contempt for former President Donald Trump. He laments to Axios, “Nobody broadcasts anymore. Everybody narrowcasts.” WLS-AM has not revealed its permanent plans for the afternoon drive daypart other than to slide the syndicated Mark Levin program into the 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm slot. Read the Axios piece here.
Afternoon drive personality Big John Howell has exited Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago
after more than 10 years with the station. WLS posted the following to Facebook: “Yesterday was John Howell’s last show on The Big 89. He has been a staple of 890 WLS for over a decade. His wit, political prowess, and focus on Chicago conversations has given our audience a destination for smart, local radio in the afternoons. Thank you, John, for being a part of the fabric of The Big 89.” Howell has not commented publicly on his departure from the station.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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). 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 New York City, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM dips one-tenth to finish the survey with a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #10 rank. At Audacy’s crosstown all-news WINS-AM/FM, the station is flat at a 4.9 share but falls to the #7 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI adds six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM rises one-tenth for a 2.9 share good for the #12 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas rises four-tenths to a 4.3 share that lifts it from the #9 to the #4 rank, and Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on one-tenth to finish the survey with a 6.6 share and remains ranked #3. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 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).
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #10
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, locked at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, anchored at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.1, -.6, remains in tenth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, tenth month in a row, 7.7 – 8.1, +.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.9)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.2 – 4.8, +.6, fifth to third
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, sixth month in succession, 6.8 – 6.4, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFI and regional Mexican KBUE (+.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.9)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #10 to #11
News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, repeats in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #14 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eleventh straight month, 7.0 – 7.7, +.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-.7)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fifth month in succession, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED; sports talk KNBR; and CHR KMVQ (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-.9)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #16 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, repeats at #15
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, third month in a row, 5.3 – 4.9, -.4 and country KSCS, first month, 4.5 – 4.9, +.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KDMX and news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.2)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #9 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #21 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA first month, 6.9 – 7.5, +.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: urban AC KMJQ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KKBQ and regional Mexican KQQK (-.6)
Note: KODA was #1 28 straight months before slipping to second in July 2023 and returns to the top spot.
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, ensconced in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #15
Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WWSZ (-.9)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, fourth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, ninth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.5, -.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news KYW (-1.0)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #21 to #20
News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, seventh to third
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.2 – 2.3, -.9, #9 to #17
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady in eighth-place
Good Karma Brands-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in a row, 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news WINS-FM (+1.0)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB (-1.4)
*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 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, .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #18
Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .0 – .2, +.2, #20
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.9, +1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.0)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.3)
*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to fourth
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.2 – 1.7, +.5, #22 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 6.3 – 6.5, +.2 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.4)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, continues in third-place
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #13 to #12
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.2 – 3.3, -.9, eighth to ninth
WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.2, +.5, #23 to #18
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, second straight month, 7.8 – 6.7, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN’s internet stream and contemporary Christian WAWZ (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.5)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: August 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.
The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 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. 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 New York City, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM sheds two-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls back to the #11 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WINS-AM/FM rises six-tenths to a 4.9 share and climbs to the #6 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN adds two-tenths for a 3.2 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM tacks on four-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.0 share but falls back to the #4 rank. And in San Francisco, Audacy all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM rises eight-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KSFO dips one-tenth for a 1.9 share finish good for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 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 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+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #10 to #11
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, eighth to sixth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, anchored at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, locked at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, repeats in tenth-place
WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM .8 – 1.5, +.7, #26 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, ninth month in a row, 7.6 – 7.7, +.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-AM (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WXNY (-.7)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, remains in fifth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” steady at 2.8, #12 to #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, fifth month in succession, 5.9 – 6.8, +.9
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRTH (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KBUE (-.8)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #10
News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, third to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #15 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, tenth straight month, 7.2 – 7.0, -.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: triple A WXRT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WDRV (-.7)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #18 to #17
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #11 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, repeats in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth month in succession, 7.8 – 8.1, +.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR KMVQ (-1.0)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, repeats in ninth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.1 – 4.7, -.4, continues in the runner-up slot
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, steady at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #17 to #15
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, second month in a row, 5.4 – 5.3, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits KJKK (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KPLX (-.6)
Note: Audacy classic hits-oldies KLUV “Nobody Plays More 80s” remains in the format and stays at #1; however, it changes calls to KSPF as “98.7 The Spot.”
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.6 – 4.0, +.4, #11 to #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK first month, 6.8 – 7.0, +.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KSBJ; urban contemporary KQBT; Spanish contemporary Christian KHVU; and gospel KROI (+.5)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-2.0)*
*Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA had been #1 the last 28 months.
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” flat at 6.5, locked in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, repeats at #14
Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 2.7 – 3.5, +.8, #15 to #9
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, seventh successive month, 10.4 – 9.6, -.8
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WABE (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-.8)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, seventh to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, tenth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY flat at 4.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, third straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WXTU (-1.1)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.5 – 1.9, -.6, #16 to #18
News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 3.7, ninth to seventh
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, tenth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.4 – 3.4, -1.0, fifth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fifth month in a row, 6.7 – 8.5, +1.8
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+1.8)**
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN (-1.0)
**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 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, .3 – .4, +.1, locked at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fourth straight month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.6)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #18 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” steady at 6.3, third to first
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, unchanged at 6.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC KBLX (+1.4)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR KMVQ (-1.6)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 6.5, +1.0, repeats in third-place
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” flat at 1.0, stays at #19
WKXW’s internet stream .3 – .9, +.6, #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #16 to #13
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, sixth to eighth
Good Karma Brands‘ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-1.1)
Up next: July 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.
Good Karma Brands announces the return of ESPN Chicago’s “Football Fest” to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Sunday, August 27. The event will feature WMVP “ESPN Chicago” personalities Tom Waddle, Marc Silverman, David Kaplan, Carmen DeFalco, Jonathan Hood, Peggy Kusinski, Dionne Miller, Chris Bleck,
Adam Abdalla, and Jeff Meller. It will also include members of the Chicago Bears Radio Network team, including Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie. Celebrity guests will include Dan “Big Cat” Katz, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN fantasy football expert Field Yates. “ESPN Chicago” director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are so excited for ‘Football Fest,’ particularly this year as we enter our first season as the radio home of the Chicago Bears Radio Network. ‘ESPN Chicago’ is at the center of Chicago’s football universe and this event will be a great way to kick off the season.”
Host/tech expert/serial entrepreneur, Kim Komando announces a stand-alone Friday evening hour of content, which will debut on Cumulus Media Chicago news/talk WLS-AM. The 7:00 pm hour CT will have new material not included in Komando’s weekend version. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor opines, “Kim’s savvy consumer tech knowledge has been transforming lives in the Chicagoland area for years, offering a unique understanding of our technological journey and what lies ahead.” Talent management firm Sound Mind founder/president Kraig T. Kitchin comments that Komando is “not only entertaining and helpful, but also consistently delivers exceptional radio that captivates audiences. Kim continues to set the bar high.” Komando’s content airs on over 475 stations nationwide.
Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi passed away on June 26 at the age of 90. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
inductee worked most of his career in Chicago, spinning the hits at stations including WLS, WCFL, WMAQ, WBBM and WJMK. A private family interment has been held.
The iHeartMedia Chicago station group that includes WMFN-AM “Black Information Network” and six music brands announces launch of the annual “Brilliantly Black Business Awards” presented by Wintrust Financial Corporation in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Local businesses and listeners will have the
opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite Black-owned business in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. A total of 10 winners will be selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League. The categories include restaurants; beauty salons; churches; fashion; medical professionals; day care centers; nightlife; fitness trainers/gyms; financial/insurance; and realtors/brokers. iHeartMedia Chicago president Matt Scarano states, “I have a personal commitment along with iHeartMedia Chicago to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland. We are providing a tremendous marketing and advertising opportunity for Black-owned businesses to access our station brands with the ‘Brilliantly Black’ Business Awards. We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Urban League as we continuously work together to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland.”
The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 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). Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM is steady at a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slides from the #10 rank to #11, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR dips two-tenths to a 1.7 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles is flat with a 4.3 share but falls back to the #5 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN adds one-tenth to finish with a 3.3 share and rises one spot to the #9 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM loses two-tenths to finish with a 4.2 share but rises to the #3 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
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).
Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.
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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” steady at 3.7, #10 to #11
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, continues at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, repeats in seventh-place
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, stays at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, stagnant at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM unchanged at 3.8, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, seventh month in a row, 7.6 – 8.4, +.8
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.3, fourth to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #16 to #18
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, third month in succession, 5.7 – 5.9, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KRRL (-.7)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, tenth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #12 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eighth straight month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT and regional Mexican WOJO (-.5)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 6.4, -.9, first to second
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #9
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #9 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.2 – 4.5, -.7, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second month in succession, 7.3 – 9.0, +1.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.0)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #13 to #11
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fifth straight month, 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-.9)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, tenth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 27th consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.2, +.3
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KKHH (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative KTBZ (-1.1)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, locked in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #18 to #17
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #11 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fifth successive month, 8.9 – 8.7, -.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WAMJ (+.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WABE and hot AC WSTR (-.5)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.9, -1.0, sixth to eighth
WIP’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #16
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.9 – 4.4, -.5, flat at #9
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, first month, 7.5 – 8.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WXTU (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOGL (-1.1)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.2, +1.4, #19 to #10
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #20
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, seventh to ninth
WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, fifth to seventh
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in a row, 7.0 – 6.4, -.6
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult standards WHLI (+1.9)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB; hot AC WALK-FM; sports talk WFAN; news/talk WOR; and the internet stream of CHR WBLI (-.6)
*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 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, unchanged at .3, stationary at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, second straight month, 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSGN (-1.2)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, stays at #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, first to third
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to seventh
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2 and classic rock cluster-mate KUFX, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KIOI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.4, -.7, first to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #16
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.7 – 1.2, -.5, #16 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, flat at #9
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #18 to #19
WFAN’s internet stream .8 – 1.0, +.2, #23 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.8 – 7.7, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKXW (-.7)
Up next: May 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.
iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison engaged in an exclusive nine-minute video conversation that debuted during the opening segment (sponsored by Doctor Asa) of TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important conference held June 2 at Hofstra University. In it, Pittman candidly and directly addresses key existential issues pertaining to the talk radio industry as it faces daunting forks in the road. Harrison, who has known Pittman since he was a 20-year-old music director at WMAQ, Chicago in the mid-1970s, asks the chief of radio’s largest firm such questions as, “Do you still have the same passion for radio as I remember you having when we were kids in the business?” “What are iHeart’s intentions for news/talk and sports talk radio
within the realm of the company going forward?” “How can radio remain true to its roots and mission as an audio medium and theater-of-the-mind without missing the opportunities provided in a multiplatform environment?” plus more. Pittman says that this is a “golden moment” for both radio and the larger field of audio in which it is and will remain a major player. He pointed out that “25% of iHeart’s stations do not play music” and that more and more shows on the company’s music stations are “actually talk shows that play little or no music at all.” He reaffirmed the company’s awareness that personality plays an important role in the presentation of music and it is its intention to pivot back in that direction. He candidly addressed the divide between the coastal elites who influence the direction of national media but are largely out of touch with the heartland and the rest of real America. The video is now posted and can be viewed here.
According to several reports, Shane Riordan, producer for the “Parks & Spiegel” show on Audacy’s sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score,” is expected back in the studios today after serving a suspension for comments he made on the air last Friday. The matter began with a Twitter spat between Riordan and FOX
Sports gambling analyst Jason McIntyre in which crosstown news/talk WIND-AM, Chicago personality Dan Proft soon became involved. In the course of this being discussed by hosts on both WIND and WSCR, Riordan said, directing his words to Proft, “Dan, I’ll have sex with your mother,” and then adding, “Dan Proft, you bring your mother over here, and I’ll bone her.” When Audacy was asked for a comment by the Chicago Sun-Times, it declined to comment. Read the New York Post’s coverage here.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 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). Nielsen’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls one spot to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR stays put with a 1.9 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles adds two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish and rises to the #4 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM falls seven-tenths to a 7.3 share but remains ranked #1 in the market, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KSFO rises half a share to a 1.8 share that lifts it to the #19 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on four-tenths for a 7.0 share finish and remains ranked #3 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 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).
Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.
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 March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.7, ninth to tenth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.9, repeats at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 5.0 – 4.5, -.5, sixth to seventh
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #15 to #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, anchored at #12
Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) unchanged at 1.3, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, sixth month in a row, steady at 7.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban AC WBLS (+.6)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-1.0)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, fifth to fourth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #10 to #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, second month in succession, 5.8 – 5.7, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult hits KCBS-FM (+.5)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KIIS (-.6)
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” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, anchored in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls, Cubs) 2.5 – 3.1, +.6, #14 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #9 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, seventh straight month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WDRV (+.9)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBBM-AM & WCFS and regional Mexican WLEY (-.4)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.1 – 3.3, +1.2, #15 to #9
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #14 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.3 – 5.2, -.1, remains in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 7.3, +.1 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 8.0 – 7.3, -.7
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+1.2)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news KCBS-AM & KFRC and classical KDFC (-.7)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #12 to #13
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #18 to #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) steady at 5.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #18 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #16 to #19
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fourth straight month, flat at 5.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KRLD-FM and alternative KVIL (+.7)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KMVK and public radio news/talk KERA (-.5)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) unchanged at 3.7, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #17 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 26th consecutive month, 9.0 – 8.9, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: hot AC KHMX (+1.0)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KOVE (-1.4)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, anchored in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 1.3 – 2.6, +1.3, #21 to #16
Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fourth successive month, 8.3 – 8.9, +.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WCNN (+1.3)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHTA (-1.7)*
*Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 6.2 – 5.5, -.7, third to seventh
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.7 – 5.9, +1.2, eighth to sixth
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers, Flyers) flat at 1.4, stays at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.4 – 4.9, -.5, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, third month in a row, 7.2 – 7.7, +.5
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news KYW & WPHI (-.7)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #15
Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, ninth to seventh
WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, sixth to fifth
WFAN’s internet stream .4 – .6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, second month in a row, 6.0 – 7.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+1.0)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.5)
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, flat at .3, repeats at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, first month, 6.1 – 5.7, -.4
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KGGI (+1.1)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-1.2)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #18 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 4.4, +1.8, #14 to #6
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month, 6.3 – 6.2, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+1.8)**
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: 1980s hits KOSF (-1.3)
**Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 7.1, +.6, second to first
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #9 to #13
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #14 to #16
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 3.8, #9 (non-subscriber in March 2023)
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, first month, 6.5 – 7.1, +.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: hot AC WNEW-FM (+.8)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-1.1)
Up next: April 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.
Audacy announces leadership promotions at sports talk WSCR-AM, Chicago “670 The Score” as station programmer Mitch Rosen is upped to vice president and brand manager. Rosen will continue in his role as
vice president of BetQL Network. Audacy Chicago VP of programming and operations Greg Solk says, “Mitch Rosen is ‘The Score’ and has led his team for nearly two 
decades of unprecedented success. He has a keen eye for talent and has the deepest relationships in Chicago sports media. We are all excited about the future of ‘The Score’ with Mitch leading the way.” At the same time, the company promotes assistant brand manager Ryan Porth to program manager, reporting to Rosen. In this role, Porth will assume day-to-day responsibilities of the station’s programming. Rosen comments, “Ryan Porth came into “The Score Clubhouse” in January of 2022 and has fit in like a veteran. We are excited about his next step in helping to guide the future of Chicago’s sports powerhouse.”
Midway Broadcasting announces that Chicago journalist and former WFLD-TV “FOX 32 Chicago” anchor Darlene Hill is named permanent co-host on news/talk WVON-AM’s “Afternoons with Buchanan & Hill”
alongside Atiba Buchanan. Hill takes over for Kimberly Egonmwan who left the show to run for political office. WVON says, “Hill is a 30-year veteran journalist and a fixture in Chicago media. Her knowledge of local stakeholders, politics, and social issues makes her an asset to WVON’s news/talk format.” Hill adds, “WVON has such a rich history of being a force and a voice in Chicago this just seems right. I look forward to being part of the next generation of storytellers.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 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). Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” dips two-tenths to a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises one spot to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR rises two-tenths to finish with a 1.9 share good for the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is unchanged with a 4.1 share and remains ranked #5 in market, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM climbs four-tenths to a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM adds two full shares to finish the survey with an 8.0 share and leaps from #3 to #1 in the market. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas shoots up eight-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that lifts it from the #16 rank to #12. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 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).
Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.
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 February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, tenth to ninth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, seventh to sixth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #16 to #15
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, locked at #12
WFAN’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fifth month in a row, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” unchanged at 4.1, repeats in fifth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #14 to #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR KIIS (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.4)
Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past eight months
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, tenth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” steady at 4.8, locked in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls and Cubs) 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #23 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 6.7, -1.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WSCR (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-1.3)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0, third to first
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, repeats at #14
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, continues in fourth-place
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+2.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KMEL (-.8)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #16 to #12
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” steady at 2.3, #20 to #18
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) unchanged at 5.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys and Texas Rangers) 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #13 to #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, third straight month, unchanged at 5.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news/talk WBAP (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC KRNB and sports talk KRLD-FM (-.6)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, #13 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 25th consecutive month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGLK and alternative KTBZ (-.7)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.2 – 6.6, -.6, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE steady at 3.6, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHTA (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WUBL (.7)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.7, -1.2, fourth to eighth
WIP’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, locked at #19
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.8 – 5.4, +.6, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second month in a row, 6.7 – 7.2, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WHYY (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.2)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, anchored at #16
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to eighth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, sixth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in sixth-place
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.5 – 6.0, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI’s internet stream (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ and rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.9)
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, .5 -.3, -.2, locked at #19
Number One 6+: Audacy country KFRG, first month, 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFRG (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.0)
Note: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA had been #1 the past 15 months
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #19 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, second to first
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, tenth consecutive month 7.6 – 6.3, -1.3 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.8 – 6.3, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KBAY (-1.5)**
*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, locked in second-place
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #12 to #9
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #18 to #14
Sports Talk: Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #19 to #17
The internet stream of Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, third consecutive month, 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW; contemporary Christian WAWZ; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.8)
Up next: March 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.
Former President Donald Trump is officially arraigned on 34 felony counts related to the allegation of a hush money scheme prior to the 2016 election; Tuesday’s State Supreme Court race in Wisconsin and the Chicago mayoral race; Finland becomes a member of NATO; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ ongoing battle against Disney; and UConn beats San Diego State to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 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). Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM is flat with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR-AM is steady with a 1.9 share but rises one spot to the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is flat with a 4.1 share but rises one spot to the #5 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM sheds two-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share good for the #10 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share and remains ranked #4. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
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.
According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, GOP operative and WIND-AM, Chicago “560 The Answer”
morning drive co-host Dan Proft says a $3 million typo is to blame for the discrepancy in his political action committee’s report. Earlier this week, the paper reported that the Illinois Democratic Party filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections alleging that he didn’t disclose $1.2 million in contributions to the PAC.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Illinois Democratic Party has filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections alleging that Dan Proft didn’t disclose $1.2 million in contributions to the conservative political action committee that he operates. This is the second such complaint filed by Illinois Democrats against Proft in the past four months. Proft co-hosts the “Chicago’s Morning Answer” program with Amy Jacobson on Salem Media Group’s news/talk WIND-AM, Chicago “560 The Answer.”