July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
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+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, sixth to fifth
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.4, -1.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLZT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-1.0)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in third-place
News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, #15 to #16
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #9 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6, second to first
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK (+1.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.4)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.8 – 5.7, -1.1, fourth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #14 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 6.6, +1.3, seventh to third
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.2)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, #1
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.5 – 7.9, -1.6, second to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, flat at #17
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .6 – .8, +.2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, steady at #16
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.7, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB and classic hits-oldies WRXS (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.6)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, locked in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to ninth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” flat at 1.3, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, sixth month in succession, 11.8 – 11.4, -.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WCJK (-1.5)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .2, -.3, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, repeats in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #12 to #10
Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #9 to #11
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 8.9 – 9.6, +.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” flat at 2.5, #12 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh straight month, 10.3 – 10.0, -.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: hot AC WPTE (+.5)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.5)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 6.1, -.2, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, third month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.0)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #13 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.3, -.3, #12 to #13
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #16 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.4 – .2, -.2, locked at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 8.2 – 10.2, +2.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.0)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-.8)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, repeats in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 1.6 – 2.3, +.7, #12 to #11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #13
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, seventh month in a row, 14.0 – 12.3, -1.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.7)*
*Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in these 12 PPM-markets
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to eighth
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” unchanged at .2, #17 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, ninth to eighth
WFMS’ internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #17 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fifth straight month, 12.2 – 13.7, +1.5
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WLFP (+4.0)**
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock KWNW (-1.1)
**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, sixth to seventh
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #15 to #14
WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” flat at 1.6, repeats at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to eighth
New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .6, +.1, stays at #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 42nd month in a row, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (-1.2)
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
come to terms on a renewal to remain with “The Ticket.” The sticking point was their desire to explore digital initiatives outside of their work with Cumulus. They have since launched a podcast via Patreon that Cumulus says violates their six-month non-compete. The company also alleges the two have violated the non-solicitation and non-disparagement clauses of their contract. It alleges the duo have “commandeered” company-owned social media accounts, threatened to release “conversations Defendants illicitly recorded” with company executives. Cumulus is seeking “emergency injunctive relief” plus attorneys’ fees and costs.
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.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”
Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner comments, “Despite continued challenges in the overall market, our second quarter revenue performed in-line with expectations while Adjusted EBITDA exceeded them. As in prior quarters, we generated strong revenue growth in our digital marketing services business, implemented meaningful cost reductions, and further improved our balance sheet by generating cash from operations and reducing our total and net debt to the lowest levels in more than a decade. Additionally, we executed a highly accretive and opportunistic tender offer, which resulted in the retirement of approximately 10% of our shares outstanding. Our proven track record of strong operational and financial execution in adverse conditions gives us unwavering confidence in our ability to optimize results in the current weak ad market and rebound strongly when the environment improves. In the meantime, we will continue to invest in our digital businesses, further enhance our operating leverage through additional cost reductions, and execute on our strategy to opportunistically deploy capital to maximize long-term shareholder value.”
underestimate time spent with AM/FM radio. While they believe Americans spend 9% of their media time with AM/FM radio, the reality is 15%.” Why is this? The report cites two reasons. First, longtime ad agency executive Bob Hoffman says, “How can professional people who work in an industry that is largely constructed on media behavior be so astoundingly misinformed? The answer is pretty simple… marketers always overestimate the attraction of new things and underestimate the power of traditional consumer behavior.” Second, marketing professor Mark Ritson adds, “There is increasing global evidence that marketers are basing their media choices on their own behavior or that stoked by the digitally obsessed marketing media, rather than actual audience data.” 
Complete Newscast, Continuing Coverage, Features News, Newscaster of the Year (news anchor Haylee Gonzales), and Sports Play by Play. In addition, sports talk KNML and country KRST-FM were each recognized for excellence. KKOB news director John Summers states, “It’s the hard work and dedication to factual journalism that brings success. Each knows and understands just how important their work is in relaying details correctly and concepts honestly. The bottom line is simple. They love what they do. And it shows.” 
named co-host of the “The Giovanni in the Morning” show on Cumulus Media’s CHR WPRO-FM. After her internship, Berger joined WPRO-AM as call screener for “The Buddy Cianci Show.” In 2008, she was named promotions director for WPRO-AM and hosted a weekend show called, “This Week in Entertainment With Bekah Berger.” She also served as producer for WPRO-AM’s morning drive “Gene Valicenti Show.” 
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. 
on new contracts to continue “The Hang Zone” show. The report indicates that Cumulus and the two hosts had been negotiating for the better part of seven months on new, long term deals but McDowell & Kemp and the company were split over digital media projects that the two wanted to pursue beyond their work with “The Ticket.” They resigned on Tuesday (7/17). Cumulus has not officially named a new host or hosts for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
WBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show. The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting. It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922. WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: 
Las Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base. Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”
Former Spotify director of global podcast sales David Cohn joins Cumulus Media’s Westwood One as senior vice president of sales & digital partnerships. Cohn will oversee digital sales for Westwood One nationwide, focusing on growing brand partnerships across podcasting. In addition, he will have responsibility for the New York and Atlanta sales teams. Based in New York, Cohn will report to Westwood One president of sales Brandon Berman, who comments, “David is an accomplished sales leader with an exceptional command of the digital landscape. With his proven client-focused, multi-platform sales success, he is positioned to make an immediate impact on our business.” Cohn adds, “I’m super excited to join Westwood One. The opportunity to expand our digital footprint with the company’s amazing podcast and streaming assets was a natural draw for me. I’m excited to dig into the integrated advertising opportunities available in the red-hot audio space.” Prior to Spotify, Cohn held positions with Megaphone, Warner Media, Ziff Davis, and the WWE.
Simulcasting on 98.7 HD-2, iHeartMedia Washington, DC launches “Freedom 104.7 – DC’s Real News. Real Talk.” Senior vice president of programming Jeff Kapugi states, “We are excited to welcome a number of best-in-class personalities to ‘Freedom 104.7.’ We are confident [the station] will quickly become a favorite destination for DMV talk radio listeners.” Premiere Networks executive vice president of affiliate sales Peter Tripi adds, “We’re thrilled to have our industry-leading talk lineup join ‘Freedom 104.7 & 98.7 HD-2.’ These stellar talents will provide entertaining, unique and insightful views on the latest news, politics and events that Washington, DC listeners are looking for.” The station’s weekday lineup includes: “America’s First News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Clay Travis & Buck Sexton (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Jesse Kelly (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); “Our American Stories” (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight); “Coast to Coast Early Edition” (12:00 midnight – 1:00 am); and “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (1:00 am – 6:00 am). Approximately six months ago (1/5), WWDC-HD2 and 104.7 translator station W284CQ became “iHeart Sports DC”; it was not listed in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep. Among persons 6+ in that ratings period, American University public radio news/talk WAMU ranks first (11.4); Hubbard all-news WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” is second (8.0); Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” finishes seventh (4.7); and Audacy business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” ranks #22 (.5).
programming and spoken-word radio. Energy, enthusiasm, and experience within the genre is a must. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience(s). 
program two legendary news/talk stations. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in news writing/delivering and talk show hosting is a necessity. You must have the ability to interact with listeners and handle multiple phone calls at one time. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing and motivating on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience of a news/talk format. The position also requires a daily AM drive air-shift, along with live appearances and live broadcasts! 
Dawn Davenport is seen every Saturday on the college football sidelines, and her relationships and knowledge of the SEC are huge assets for ‘104.5 The Zone’ listeners. Ron Slay is an SEC Player of the Year for the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team and is a beloved natural entertainer.” Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren and program director Paul Mason say, in a joint statement, “Today, we celebrate the powerhouse trio Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport and Ron Slay. They have proven time and again to be a driving force behind 104.5 The Zone’s success, dominating the ratings and capturing the hearts of our listeners. They have an undeniable chemistry—a lightning in a bottle connection that brings our audience together. We are grateful to our clients, who have become our biggest fans, for choosing this remarkable station and these influential personalities to support their local businesses.”
years ago on KLIF and then ‘The Ticket’ you could tell he was a special communicator. He truly is one of Dallas radio’s great storytellers and he kept it going with Susquehanna and then Cumulus all these years. Not many have that kind of staying power. We wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.” Hitzges states, “I’m so proud to be a part of what ‘The Ticket’ has built – a ratings dominator in a fantastic sports city. I shall so miss the daily ‘rush’ of being on the air. But after 48 consecutive years on the air in Dallas doing sports talk, it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”
The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPPM survey has been release for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM loses half a share to finish the survey with an 8.3 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and stays ranked #2, while Capitol Broadcasting’s news WRAL-HD3 fell two-tenths to a 0.1 share good for the #15 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee tacks on a half share to wrap the survey with a 10.2 share and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ lost a full share for an 8.2 share finish but remains ranked #3. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM is down 1.7 shares, finishing with a 5.0 share that drops it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM lost two-tenths for a 1.1 share finish good for the #20 rank. 
BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Chad and Heather are exceptional broadcast industry leaders, and they are a terrific addition to our board of directors. I look forward 
to working with them to continue our mission of helping broadcasters in dire need.” Chad Lopez has more than 25 years of experience in broadcast and digital media. Prior to joining Red Apple Media, he served as vice president of Cumulus Media’s New York cluster. In addition to her work at the Weiss Agency, Heather Cohen serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and its foundation board of directors, has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016, and most recently was appointed president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization.