April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
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+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.0 – 4.2, +.2 remains in seventh place.
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.0 – 8.6, -.4, anchored in second-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals, Nationals) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.0 – 11.2, -.8, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 17th month in succession, 12.0 – 11.2, -.8
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WIAD (+.7)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU and classical WETA (-.8)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, #9 to #11
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, seventh to eighth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.1 – 8.7, +.6, #1
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #15 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, repeats in fifth-place
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #12 to #7
Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fourth consecutive month, 8.1 – 8.7, +.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WEEI-FM (+.6)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WZLX; country WKLB; news/talk WRKO; and hot AC WWBX (-.6)
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 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, continues in seventh-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, second straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBGG and CHR WFLC (+.5)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT and Spanish tropical WRTO (-.6)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to eighth
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 3.1 – 4.7, +1.6, #14 to #7
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” steady at 2.1, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 7.1 – 6.6, -.5
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB (-1.3)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, repeats at #14
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.8 – 4.1, -.7, #9 to #12
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Tigers) 6.2 – 7.4, +1.2, third to second
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #15
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.2)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.4)*
*Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun, Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 7.3 – 8.1, +.8
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+1.8)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KTAR-FM (-.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins) 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, #12 to #11
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #14 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, sixth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.4, -.3, third to fourth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, first month, 6.2 – 8.5, +2.3
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+2.3)**
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.0)
**Represents a tie for the largest March 2023 – April 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 2.6 – 4.9, +2.3, #15 to #6
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, anchored at #2
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third successive month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+2.3)**
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.2)
**Represents a tie for the largest March 2023 – April 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” (Lightning) 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, eighth to seventh
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.3, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 21th month in a row, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+.9)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX and adult contemporary WDUV’s internet stream (-.7)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 to #14
KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, locked at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #12 to #11
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #21 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, eighth to tenth
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 4.6 – 5.7, +1.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock KQMT (+1.1)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.3)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, repeats at #12
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #17 to #16
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #19
Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” flat at 1.1, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, fifth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, steady in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 7.3 – 8.4, +1.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WIYY (+2.0)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.1)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 7.0, +2.1, tenth to fifth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” steady at .9, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, anchored at #11
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fourth month in succession, 10.6 – 9.7, -.9
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+2.1)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-1.1)
Up next: April 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
– 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.”
with Community Broadcasters in Florence, South Carolina as marketing and promotions director. He’s also served in a similar capacity with Cumulus Media, CBS Radio, and Flinn Broadcasting. Lyons says, “I am excited to join the SummitMedia Omaha team. I have heard great things about the company for years and I look forward to the opportunities these stations present. I’m energized by the great team here and ready to have some fun!”
deeper understanding of market performance immediately after Nielsen’s data release.” Company CEO Marc Greenspan says, “We’re excited to leverage Nikki’s extensive radio industry knowledge and experience, both on-air and behind-the-scenes, to fuel our growth in helping radio stations across the U.S. maximize the value of data to improve both their ratings and their revenue. She joins our team at a pivotal time as we look to showcase our unique ability to help clients improve their programming effectiveness and sales success.”
personalities have had on Fresno and the greater Central Valley of California over the past century. It debuted last night (3/30). KMJ hit the airwaves with just 50 watts of power on March 23, 1922. Eventually, with the threat of World War II looming, the FCC allowed KMJ to boost its power to a whopping 50,000 watts. “KMJ: 100 Years in the Valley” was written and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff Aiello. KMJ program director Blake Taylor served as a producer.
February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.