May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
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+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*
*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KPBS (-.6)
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place
Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KMOX (-1.0)
Up next: May 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
including 5,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that were tendered through notice of guaranteed delivery. Cumulus says the aggregate cost will be approximately $5.7 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. These shares represent approximately 9.8% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock as of June 9, 2023.
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).
have embraced YouTube as the number one podcast platform, especially with podcast discovery. Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and president, 
community’s access to Michigan’s most influential political, civic, and business newsmakers.” Moving to mornings is current early afternoon host Guy Gordon, who becomes host of “JR Morning” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. “All Talk” with Tom Jordan and Kevin Dietz airs from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Following “Focus” will be the 
newly created “JR Afternoon” show with host Chris Renwick from 2:00pm-4:00pm, followed by “The Mitch Albom Show” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Additionally, WJR is bringing back “SportsWrap” with host Sean Baligian airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cumulus Detroit VP and market manager Steve Finateri says, “Launching the ‘Focus’ show will give Paul W. Smith the opportunity to expand, on and off the air, his unmatched relationships with Michigan’s most influential newsmakers, for the benefit of our audience and our advertising partners. WJR is ‘The Great Voice of the Great Lakes’ and going 100% local is a big win for all Michiganders who count on WJR to inform and educate us about everything happening here in our state!” WJR program director Mike Wheeler adds, “What a lineup! Each of our talent is a brand unto themselves and have a unique vision and take on the events that shape the news. We are absolutely living up to our claim that WJR is where Michigan comes to talk.”
for listening for 60% of consumers. According to a study by MARU/Matchbox, there are a number of reasons listeners gravitate to AM/FM. First is comedic relief: 90% strongly or somewhat agree that their favorite DJs make them laugh. Second is local feel: 73% say personalities understand what makes my city/town unique. And third is thought-provoking: 64% agree that they make them think. Additionally, Magna and Vox Media surveyed 2,028 weekly podcast listeners and asked, “Whose influence matters most?” A stunning 75% cited podcast hosts while only 15% named social media influencers or TV/movie celebrities (10%). 
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. 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 Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN is unchanged at a 9.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises from #2 to #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ jumps 1.8 shares to finish the survey with a 9.2 share lifting it to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips two-tenths to a 6.7 share and remains ranked #4, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM rises three-tenths to a 1.3 share that lifts it to the #17 rank. In Memphis, iHeartMedia’s WREC-AM adds a half share to wrap the month with a 2.8 share and stays locked in the #11 spot, while Starnes Media Group’s crosstown news/talk KWAM is steady at .2 share but rises to the #19 rank. 
the late Rush Limbaugh (“no one wants to replace Mickey Mantle”) but agreed to do it anyway. “This thing happened along the way where I really fell in love with the job… I didn’t really want to leave, and I don’t want to go. I didn’t really expect this and it puts me in a really weird spot… somewhere along the way this little marriage between you [the listener] and me… started out rough and rocky and it’s just become nothing but bliss for me and I just really hate to leave it.” Bongino’s addressing the matter came as CHRO and SVP human resources Todd McCarty notified managers about the ending of the mandate via an internal memo. He wrote, “After continued consideration, we’ve made the decision to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Additionally, we are eliminating all prior COVID-19 protocols for employees and visitors/guests to our facilities, with the exception of protocols for those who test positive. These changes are effective immediately and we ask that you communicate these changes to your teams. HR will be adjusting current job descriptions and will eliminate the requirement moving forward.” 
– News & Talk category, for its coverage of Old Glory Honor Flight #59. “WOSH Morning News” host Phil Cianciola traveled with nearly 100 U.S. military veterans (including one WWII vet) to the D.C. memorials and submitted 19 featurettes aired throughout the one-day broadcast event on WOSH. WOSH also claimed second place honors in the Best On-Scene Reporting category for Phil Cianciola’s first-hand coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian from Sanibel Island, Florida. The honors were bestowed at the 2023 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala on May 6.
classic hits WVBO-FM. Philpott comments, “I knew very quickly after speaking to and meeting with [regional VP] John Rowe that rejoining Cumulus in Appleton/Oshkosh was the right move for me. I am thrilled to work with the incredible programming team there, and to continue working with [SVP programming operations] John Dimick and [chief content officer] Brian Philips. Coming over from Minnesota for my third tour of Wisconsin radio, I’ll still be wearing purple… but only the stuff related to Prince! Here’s to continue making great radio that our listeners love!” 
and “will be an exciting panel show led by Plante and will include Newsmax veteran Jenn Pellegrino along with three other regular panelists.” Newsmax says, “A seasoned television journalist and syndicated radio host, each weekday night Plante will join with ‘The Right Squad’ as his team features strong analysis with dynamic conversation and debates. ‘The Right Squad’ will talk about the major events that are impacting America — and no topic will be off-limits.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “Chris Plante is an award-winning journalist who delivers fact-based news and opinion while keeping the conversation fun and interesting.” Plante hosts a Westwood One-syndicated radio talk show based at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC.
pop culture into the network. The Cumulus Podcast Network will distribute, market, and monetize the more than 300 Bleav shows. Cumulus EVP of marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “Bleav has created a broad and deep well of programming for sports fans, with content from virtually every professional and major college team in America. Listeners and advertisers alike turn to Westwood One for the very best sports programming, so it’s a natural fit for us to partner with Bleav and offer our advertisers access to this extensive podcast portfolio.”
challenging times, in the first quarter, we grew our digital marketing services revenue by more than 23%, completed the sale of WFAS-FM, continued to repurchase shares and retire debt at a discount, and have now executed $10 million of additional annualized cost reductions. That said, the impact of the considerable macro-driven weakness in the national advertising market, as well as the unfavorable prior year political and WynnBET comparisons, ultimately resulted in total revenue and Adjusted EBITDA declines. Though the difficult national market trends persist, we have confidence in our ability to successfully navigate adverse environments such as this one. Specifically, since 2019 through the COVID-impacted years, we have had best-in-class performance in terms of fixed cost reduction, Adjusted EBITDA margin recovery, Adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow conversion and net debt reduction. With our current liquidity profile and solid balance sheet, we believe that we are not only well-positioned to weather the 
executive to his most recent post, EVP sales and sports partnerships.” Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “Brandon is a natural leader with a smart, strategic approach to the business that will enable us to manage through these economic headwinds and beyond with confidence, commitment, resilience, and results. With his unparalleled command of our powerhouse sports business, proven success with integrated, and multi-platform client-focused selling, Brandon is uniquely well-suited to lead the team.”
One out of three American AM/FM radio listeners are reached monthly by AM radio. From the Edison study: 1) AM/FM radio dominates listening in the car with an 88% share of ad-supported audio; 2) AM/FM radio’s near-90 share of in-car ad-supported audio has been steady as a rock for the last six years; 3) AM/FM radio’s ad-supported shares in the car are dominant across all demographics, even among 18-34s; and 4) ‘Perception’ vs. ‘reality’: Agencies and advertisers underestimate AM/FM radio shares and overestimate Pandora and Spotify audiences (‘Perception’ from Advertiser Perceptions data). MRI Simmons shows Ford owners represent 20% of all U.S. AM radio listeners and are more likely to listen to AM radio. Cumulus chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard comments, “AM stations serve very unique, targeted constituencies and represent many languages and voices. As automobile manufacturers consider eliminating AM radio, it’s important to underscore that the AM dial is one of the most diverse media platforms in the world. Why would we eliminate this variety from the car?” 
Football, Masters, plus sports talk networks CBS Sports Radio and BetQL. Maguire reports to Stuart Greenblatt, SVP of affiliate sales for Westwood One. Maguire, who has served in management roles at stations including WMVP, Chicago; WQAM, Miami; KDKA, Pittsburgh; and KIRO-AM, Seattle, says, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Westwood One Sports. They have long established themselves as best-in-class content curators and syndicators. I’m excited to team with our affiliate stations and partners to help them achieve success utilizing our many assets.”
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s March sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington rises one-tenth to finish the survey with a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM sheds three-tenths for a 4.0 share finish good for the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO is steady with a 4.1 share and stays in the #9 position as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips two-tenths to a 4.4 share and slides back to the #7 rank. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle lost six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that leaves it in the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths for a 4.1 share that drops it to the #10 rank. 
ownership has stalled with no post-Christmas “pop” in 2021 or 2022; 2) Smart speaker ownership rates are in the mid-40s for 13-54s but only 26% for those over the age of 55; 3) As smart speaker ownership flattens, the share of AM/FM radio streaming on smart speakers also stabilizes.The proportion of total U.S. AM/FM radio streaming occurring via the smart speaker has stabilized as device ownership growth has stalled. According to Triton Digital, since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming via smart speaker has stabilized, growing slightly from 23% to 26%; 4) Smart speakers are vital to U.S. AM/FM radio as they are now more likely to be the only “radio device” in the home. Edison’s 2022 Infinite Dial study revealed that 40% of smart speaker owners do not have a radio in their home, up from 28% in 2018; and 5) Aggressive promotion pays off as AM/FM radio is number one for smart speaker ad-supported audio shares. AM/FM radio stations are consistently number one in ad-supported audio shares on smart speaker devices. No wonder, as streaming now represents 20% of all time spent to AM/FM radio. 
immersive Weathercon experiences at Frontiers of Flight Museum, Texas’ premier air and space museum.” Included in the May 6 event is the opportunity for families to experience what it is like to be a meteorologist with a green screen, see storm chaser vehicles, and visit the interactive kids’ zone. WBAP meteorologist Brad Barton and WFAA-TV’s Pete Delkus will deliver presentations to visitors. 
and play-by-play announcer for the University of Arizona. Kelly’s won five Associated Press first place honors for his work in radio. Cumulus Tucson operations manager Herb Crowe says, “I couldn’t be happier to welcome David to the Cumulus family. His experience covering all of the University of Arizona athletic programs for television, combined with his years of radio experience, make him the perfect person to lead ‘Wildcats Radio 1290.’” Kelly comments, “When I came here to Tucson 15 years ago, my hope was that I’d have the chance at some point to lead coverage of the high-profile collegiate sports program at UA. The opportunity to head programming for ‘Wildcats Radio 1290’ gives me the chance to do that, as well as set the pace for delivering the best sports, news and information to our listeners in Southern Arizona.”