Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings – Part One

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) 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).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.0 – 2.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #24

WKXW Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 4.1, #6 – #10

WCBS-AM 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #19

Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #31 – #32

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #36

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.8 – 2.5, #12 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.5 – 1.3 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #8

WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #23 

Note: News WINS-FM’s -.7 (4.8 – 4.1) represents New York City’s highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.1 – 5.1, #4 – #2

KRLA .5 – .6, #36 – #34

KEIB .7 – .5, #33 – #35  (Clippers 

News

KNX-FM 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #11

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #41  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – 1.0 #30 – #29 (Chargers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.5 – 2.6, #15 – #12

Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.4 – 2.8, #10 – #10  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #23 – #18

WLIP .2 – .4, #41 – #36

WVON DNA – .1, DNA – #43

WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #3 – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #44 – #41

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.3 – 2.4, #14 – #13 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.7 – 1.4, #19 – #20 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .5 – .9, #33 – #27 (Bulls) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 3.1 – 2.6, #11 – #12  

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.6 – 1.4, #19 – #22

KSFO Stream .4 – .2, #28 – #31 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .2, #31 – #31  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #37

KKSF .1 – .DNA, #37 – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.4 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.1 – 2.3, #15 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .6 – .5, #26 – #27  

KGO .2 – .2, #34 – #31  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #31    

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 6.7 – 6.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .2, #31 – #31

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.5 – 3.4, #11 – #11

KEGL 1.6 – 1.5, #25 – #26  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .5, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #36

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #21 – #20 (Cowboys)

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – .1, #39 – #40 (Cowboys)

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 5.2, #1 – #2  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 4.1 – 3.4, #5 – #11 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .5 – .2, #33 – #37 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.8 – 4.2, #6 – #4

Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) is tied for Dallas’ highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 4.1 – 3.5, #9 – #10  (Rockets)

KPRC .6 – .5, #28 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (Texans)

KBME 1.3 – .5, #22 – #26  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Texans)

KFNC .2 – .1, #30 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.2 – 2.3, #20 – #20

Note: Adult contemporary KODA’s +5.2 (6.8 – 12.0) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.8 – 8.3, #1#1

WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #29

WGKA .2 – .2, #33 – #31

WAOK .1 – .2, #36 – #31

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #33 – DNA

News

WBIN  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #15 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.2 – 1.5, #21 – #20

WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.2 – 3.9, #13 – #8

WRAS  .9 – .6, #24 – #25  

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #19

WKXW 1.0 – .9, #24 – #24

WURD Stream .6 – .7, #26 – #26

WPHT Stream .6 – .6, #26 – #27

WURD .4 – .5, #28 – #28

WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.3 – 5.2, #6 – #7

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 8.5 – 6.6, #2 – #4 (Eagles)

WIP Stream 1.7 – 1.3, #19 – #22 (Eagles)

WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 2.9 – 2.8, #11 – #11      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.9 (8.5 – 6.6) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 2.1 – 1.3, #17 – #20

WOR 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #22

WLIR .2 – .2, #31 – #33

News

WINS-FM 4.1 – 4.4, #7 – #8

WCBS-AM 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #16

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .7, #25 – #25

Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #36

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 3.7, #8 – #10 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 3.3 – 2.5, #11 – #12 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream .9 – 1.1, #22 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #31 – #33

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #23

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .2, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .3 #20 – #20

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22

KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #31 – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.9 – 5.7, #2 – #3

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #28

KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.0 – 4.1, #7 – #6 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #20 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .6, #26 – #26  

KTCT .8 – .6, #26 – #26   

KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 6.3 – 5.2, #3 – #4

WOR .6 – 1.1, #22 – #20

WKXW Stream .6 – .7, #22 – #22    

News

WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.0, #12 – #11

WCBS-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.6 – 2.7, #9 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.4 – 1.3, #17 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .9, #18 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: News/talk WKXW’s -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)November 2023 – December 2023 decrease. 

Up next: December 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of November PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The November 2023 survey covered October 12 – November 8. 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 dips one-tenth for a 3.0 share finish and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR adds one-tenth to finish with a 1.3 share and rises to the #22 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI rises six-tenths to a 5.1 share that lifts it to the #4 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN falls two-tenths to a 3.4 share good for the #10 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM is steady at a 1.5 share but rises one notch to the #23 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imNovember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) 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).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are October 2023 – November 2023 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.1 – 3.0, #11 – #11

WOR 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #22

WKXW .8 – .8, #25 – #25

WKXW Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #38

News

WINS-FM 4.3 – 4.8, #7 – #6

WCBS-AM 2.3 – 1.9, #15 – #19

Business News WBBR .4 – .5, #34 – #31

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #34 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #40 – #38 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.9 – 2.8, #13 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.4 – 1.5 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.4 – 4.0, #6 – #9

WNYC-AM 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #23 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.5 – 5.1, #5 – #4

KEIB .8 – .7, #32 – #33  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .5, #33 – #36  

News

KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #39 – #40  

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.3 – .9, #27 – #30 (Chargers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.5 – 2.5, #13 – #15

Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.6 – 3.4, #8 – #10  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #24 – #23

WLIP .3 – .2, #37 – #41

WVON DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.6 – 5.4, #3 – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #45 – #44

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.5 – 2.3, #14 – #14 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.6 – 1.7, #22 – #19 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .3 – .5, #37 – #33 (Bulls) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 3.2 – 3.1, #12 – #11  

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #19

KSFO Stream .4 – .4, #28 – #28 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.5, #2 – #3

KNEW .2 – .3, #32 – #31  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .2, #36 – #34

KKSF DNA – .1, DNA – #37 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.4, #11 – #9 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.8 – 2.1, #18 – #15 (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .3 – .6, #29 – #26  

KGO .3 – .2, #29 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #32 – #34    

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 5.3 – 6.7, #3 – #2

KALW .3 – .3, #29 – #31

Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s +1.4 (5.3 – 6.7) is tied for the highest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 4.5 – 3.5, #4 – #11

KEGL 1.4 – 1.6, #27 – #25  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .6, #33 – #32

KLIF-AM .4 – .5, #37 – #33

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 2.1 – 2.0, #21 – #21 (Cowboys)

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #39 (Cowboys)

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.7 – 5.6, #3 – #1  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 3.6 – 4.1, #10 – #5 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .2 – .5, #38 – #33 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.4 – 3.8, #18 – #6

Note: Public radio news/talk KERA’s +1.4 (2.4 – 3.8) is tied for the highest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets; conversely, news/talk WBAP’s -1.0 (4.5 – 3.5) is Dallas’ largest (6+)October 2023 – November 2023 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 4.0 – 4.1, #9 – #9  (Rockets)

KPRC .9 – .6, #26 – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

KBME 1.5 – 1.3, #22 – #22  (Rockets)

KILT-AM 1.5 – 1.3, #22 – #22 (Texans)

KFNC .3 – .2, #29 – #30

KILT-AM Stream .2 – .2, #31 – #30 (Texans)

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 1.8 – 2.2, #21 – #20

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.1 – 8.8, #2 – #1

WFOM .4 – .4, #30 – #29

WGKA .3 – .2, #32 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream 2 – .2, #33 – #33

WAOK .1 – .1, #37 – #36

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #36

News

WBIN  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.0 – 3.4, #14 – #11 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.8 – 1.2, #18 – #21

WZGC Stream .6 – .4, #27 – #29 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #13

WRAS  .6 – .9, #27 – #24

Note: Sports/talk WCNN’s -.6 (1.8 – 1.2) is tied for Atlanta’s highest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 decrease. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.1 – 2.2, #15 – #15

WKXW DNA – 1.0, DNA – #24

WPHT Stream .5 – .6, #23 – #26

WURD Stream .6 – .3, #25 – #26

WURD .5 – .4, #23 – #28

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.4 – 5.3, #6 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #27 – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 8.2 – 8.5, #2 – #2 (Eagles)

WIP Stream 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Eagles)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.3, #21 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 2.9, #11 – #11      

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 2.2 – 2.1, #18 – #17

WOR 1.1 – 1.3, #22 – #20

WLIR .2 – .2, #30 – #31

News

WINS-FM 3.7 – 4.1, #7 – #7

WCBS-AM 2.7 – 2.4, #12 – #13

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .6, #25 – #25

Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #29 – #30

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #31

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 3.9 #6 – #8 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 3.0 – 3.3, #11 – #11 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream 1.2 – .9, #21 – #22 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #30 – #31

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #24 – #22

Sports Talk

KPWK DNA – .1, DNA – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .5 – .4 #19 – #20

KPCC .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.1 – 1.4, #23 – #21

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #31  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.0 – 5.9, drops to #2 after four consecutive months at #1

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #28

KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #28  

Sports Talk

KNBR 5.2 – 4.0, #5 – #7 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.1 – 1.7, #16 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream 1.0 – .8, #25 – #26  

KTCT .8 – .8, #27 – #26   

KGO .6 – .3, #28 – #28    

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

Note: Sports/talk KNBR’s -1.2 (5.2 – 4.0) represents the highest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets (6+).

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey)

News/Talk

WKXW 6.0 – 6.3, #2 – #3

WKXW Stream 1.0 – .6, #19 – #22

WOR .6 – .6, #23 – #22  

News

WINS-FM 2.3 – 2.1, #11 – #12

WCBS-AM .9 – 1.1, #21 – #18

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #27 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.4 – 3.6, #9 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #17 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.2 – 1.1, #17 – #18 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: November 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

“The Patriot” is coming to Houston. TALKERS magazine sources indicate that a new conservative news/talk station with a strong, market-wide signal will debut in Houston on or shortly after January 1, 2024. It will feature new, local morning and afternoon drive shows and an array of syndicated personalities including Rob CarsonTodd Starnes, Rich ValdesChris Plante, and Wendy Bell. Confirmation to come. In the meantime, for more information contact: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Jordan Schlansky rises from Conan O’Brien’s associate producer (with “various duties”) to his co-host – with the launch of “The Conan and Jordan Show” on SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Radio channel. SXM says, “Conan and Jordan will explore their strange relationship and get to know each other even better during their radio series. In the debut episode, the pair delved into Jordan’s favorite band, Rush, and his pronunciation of Socrates, among other topics. Plus, they spoke with several callers live on air.”

In conjunction with today’s national Giving Tuesday, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is asking radio and television professionals to consider a tax-deductible donation that will help their colleagues in need. The BFoA, a 501c3 charity, provides financial assistance to people in radio or television who are in need due to a debilitating disease, accident, or disaster. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “Giving Tuesday is a perfect day to think of our colleagues who have fallen on challenging times. Every week we receive more requests for aid, and we cannot turn our backs on our hard-working colleagues who life has dealt a difficult hand, leaving them in need of our help.” Find out more about how to give here.

Audacy Dallas raised over $88,000 for the My Possibilities charity that serves adults with disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Asperger’s, Prader-Willi, head injuries and more, as part of 105.3 The Fan’s 13th annual Piece-A-Thon. On November 22, midday show “K&C Masterpiece” co-hosts Kevin Hageland, Cory Mageors, and Mike Bacsik took over the station’s airwaves from 5:30 am to 7:00 pm and welcomed special guests that included Dallas Cowboys EVP and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones, Dallas Stars Foundation president Marty Turco, former Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland, and more.

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Dallas Seeks News Pros

Cumulus Media’s Dallas news/talk stations WBAP and KLIF-AM have three career opportunities for qualified radio news pros. First, KLIF-AM has an opening for a news anchor on “DFW’s Morning News.” In this position, you’ll work each day with veteran, award-winning anchor, Dave Williams. Candidates must be well read, and able to relate to a 35-64 year old adult and know how to “play the hits of the day”im that resonate with them! The position requires extreme reliability and flexibility. Females are encouraged to apply.  Second, Cumulus is seeking a news director to work with both stations. It says, “This is not a 9 to 5 weekday desk job. If news runs in your blood, if you get an adrenaline rush from breaking stories, if you are hands-on, and you realize the commitment that it takes to win from you and your team, then this job could be for you. Our ideal candidate should possess an extremely good work ethic and have a history of news department success as a news director.” And third, the company is looking for a managing editor for both stations. This is an early morning position from 2:30 am until 10:30 am. The main job is to make sure the shows on both stations have the content they need to have a successful broadcast. Get more information on all of these positions and apply here.

Industry News

Audacy Unveils Town Hall Program Across All-News Stations

Audacy announces a new, quarterly town hall program called “Audacy Conversations” involving 12 of its all-news formatted stations. The company says, “The quarterly program will feature a robust week of coordinated local coverage in Audacy’s news markets, a live town hall broadcast rotationally hosted by one of its brands and a syndicated news special heard across participating news and news/talk brands and nationwide via the Audacy app.” Audacy VP of news Bill Smee comments, “‘Audacy Conversations’ aims to foster meaningful conversations on vital topics, exemplifying the core of Audacy’s news platform and radio’s unwavering commitment to informing and connecting the local communities we serve. We look forward to leveraging the power and influence of our combined news brands to cultivateim conversations and connections on topics relevant to our local communities throughout the year.” The next “Audacy Conversations” explores the state of downtown. It says, “Over three years later, America’s cities are still grappling with challenges and unexpected fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago will host a live town hall on November 9 to explore those impacts in-depth and what’s at stake for businesses and community members as cities look to revitalize their downtowns.” The program will air on WBBM Newsradio, KRLD NewsRadio 1080 (KRLD-AM) in Dallas, WWJ News Radio 950 (WWJ-AM) in Detroit, KNX News 97.1 FM (KNX-FM) in Los Angeles, WCBS 880 (WCBS-AM) in New York, KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM/1060 AM) in Philadelphia and KCBS All News (106.9 FM/740 AM) in San Francisco on November 16 at 7:00 pm local time. It will also air on WBEN-AM, Buffalo; WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and KMOX-AM, St. Louis. Throughout the week of November 13 to 17, the all-news stations will air special content catered to the town hall topics, including interviews, news stories and feature reporting.

Industry News

Dave Williams Retires from KLIF, Dallas

In a post on Facebook, KLIF, Dallas morning personality Dave Williams announces his retirement from the “DFW Morning News” program. He writes, “Three months ago I suffered a blackout seizure. I’ve been recuperating and undergoing tests since then. The medical news is as good as can be hoped: Iim didn’t have a stroke or a heart attack and I don’t have a brain tumor or anything like it. Turns out it’s just one of those unexplained things that happen and very likely will never happen again. I’ve been cleared to return to work but have decided to call it a career. I’m 72, I’ve been in radio for 54 years, and for the past 42 years, I’ve been getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go to work. I just discovered I like sleeping in a bit. I will miss the daily enjoyment of the job and especially the people with whom I worked. And, thanks most of all to those of you who listened each morning and found some informational and entertainment value mornings on KLIF. Nothing lasts forever but I’m going to try. Stay well, y’all. Love your life. This is the month for giving thanks.”

Industry News

Round One of October 2023 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s October 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), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario. The October 2023 survey covers the period of September 14 – October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC sheds three-tenths for a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.2 share good for the #23 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI slips three-tenths to a 4.5 share and the #5 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #10 rank. In Chicago, Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM climbs seven-tenths to a 5.6 share but remains ranked #3, while Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN inches up two-tenths to a 3.6 share and steady at the #8 rank, and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.5 share but drops back to the #25 rank. It should be noted that, for reasons unexplained, there is no October data for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets. There is also a noteworthy reduction in data in the Nassau-Suffolk and Riverside markets. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings – Part One

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 ratings period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.4 – 3.1, #11 – #11

WOR 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23

WKXW .7 – .8, #24 – #25

WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #41 – #37

WLIR-FM .0 – .0, DNA – DNA

News

WINS-FM 4.6 – 4.3, #7 – #7

WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.3, #13 – #15

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #32 – #34

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #35 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .2, #35 – #40

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 3.1 – 2.9, #12 -#13 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.1 – 1.4 #23 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .7 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.6 – 4.4, #10 – #6

WNYC-AM 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22

Note: Public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s +.8 (3.6 – 4.4) ties contemporary Christian WPLJ for the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.8 – 4.5, #4 – #5

KEIB .7 – .8, #32 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #33

News

KNX-FM 3.7 – 3.3, #8 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #43 – #39

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.6 – 1.3, #26 – #27 (Chargers, Clippers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.1 – 2.5, #20 – #13

Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.4 – 3.6, #8 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.4 – 1.5, #23 – #24

WLIP .3 – .3, #37 – #37

WVON .1 – .0, #44 – DNA

WLS-AM Stream .0 – .0, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 4.9 – 5.6, #3 – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #42 – #45

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.2 – 2.5, #11 – #14 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.4 – 1.6, #23 – #22 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .7 – .3, #28 – #37  (Bulls)

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 3.0 – 3.2, #13 – #12  

Note: Sports talk WSCR’s -.7 (3.2 – 2.5) is the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease (6+).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 2.0 – 1.6, #16 – #20

KSFO Stream .3 – .4, #29 – #28

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 7.1 – 6.6, #2 – #2

KNEW .1 – .2, #33 – #32  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #36

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.7 – 3.2, #7 – #11 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.5 – 1.8, #22 – #18   (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .2 – .3, #30 – #29  

KGO .1 – .3, #33 – #29  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #32  

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #3

KALW .2 – .3, #30 – #29

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 4.6 – 4.5, #5 – #4

KEGL 1.5 – 1.4, #26 – #27  (Mavericks)

KSKY .5 – .6, #35 – #33

KLIF-AM .6 – .4, #34 – #37

KSKY Stream .1 – .0, #42 – #DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.8 – 2.1, #22 – #21 (Cowboys)

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .0 – .0, DNA – DNA (Cowboys)

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.7 – 4.7, #3 – #3  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.9 – 3.6, #15 – #10 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .1 – .2, #42 – #38 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.7 – 2.4, #16 – #18

Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s +.7 (2.9 – 3.6) is the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

HOUSTON

News/Talk

KTRH 3.7 – 4.0, #12 – #9  (Rockets)

KPRC .9 – .9, #27 – #26  

News

None

Sports Talk

KBME 1.9 – 1.5, #22 – #22  (Rockets)

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #25 – #22 (Texans)

KFNC .2 – .3, #30 – #29

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .2, #34 – #31 (Texans)

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.2 – 1.8, #18 – #21

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3 – 8.1, #3 – #2

WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #30

WGKA .3 – .3, #31 – #32

WSRV-HD3 Stream .0 – .2, DNA – #33

WAOK .1 – .1, #36 – #37

WAOK Stream .0 – .1, DNA – #37

News

WBIN  .1 – .0, #36 – #DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 2.8 – 3.0, #14 – #14 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.5 – 1.8, #20 – #18

WZGC Stream .3 – .6, #31 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.5 – 3.6, #12 – #10

WRAS  .7 – .6, #26 – #27

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 1.5 – 2.1, #19 – #15

WPHT Stream .3 – .5, #29 – #23

WURD .5 – .5, #23 – #23

WURD Stream .5 – .3, #26 – #25

WKXW 1.1 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 5.8 – 5.4, #5 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #27

Sports Talk

WIP 5.8 – 8.2, #5 – #2 (Eagles)

WIP Stream .7 – 1.5, #25 – #20 (Eagles)

WPEN-FM 1.1 – 1.2, #22 – #21 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.6 – 3.1, #11 – #11

Note: Sports talk WIP’s +2.4 (5.8 – 8.2) is the greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets (6+).

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 3.9 – 2.2, #8 – #18

WOR 1.1 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WLIR .2 – .2, #33 – #30

News

WINS-FM 4.0 – 3.7, #7 – #7

WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.7, #14 – #12

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .6, #25 – #25

WCBS-AM Stream .4 – .2, #29 – #30

Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #32 – #29

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM 3.8 – 3.9 #10 – #6 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.7 – 3.0, #18 – #11 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN-FM Stream 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #33 – #30 

Note: Sports Talk WEPN-FM’s +1.3 (1.7 – 3.0) represents Nassau-Suffolk’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #24

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #19 – #19

KPCC .2 – .1, #20 – #24

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #23

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.0, fourth consecutive month at #1

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .3, #27 – #29

KNEW .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.8 – 5.2, #4 – #5 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – 1.0, #24 – #25  

KTCT .5 – .8, #26 – #27   

KGO .2 – .6, #28 – #28  

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 5.2 – 6.0, #4 – #2

WKXW Stream .6 – 1.0, #22 – #19

WOR .6 – .6, #22 – #23  

News

WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.3, #13 – #11

WCBS-AM 1.2 – .9, #17 – #21

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #27 – #27

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.1 – 3.4, #8 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – 1.2, #20 – #17 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM .9 – 1.2, #19 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease. 

Up next: October 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher began yesterday’s program launching an emergency campaign raising funds for Israeli victims through the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Gallagher’s campaign is also being highlighted on other Salem Media Group platforms including SRN News, TOWNHALL.com, and several local morning shows including Mark Davis’ program on KSKY, Dallas and Joey Hudson’s show on WGTK-FM in Greenville, South Carolina as well as TOWNHALL News.

According to an article in the New York Post (10/7) by reporter Brooke Kato, scientists have unsheathed an electrifying new treatment for erectile dysfunction that’s possibly better than popping a little blue pill — AM radio waves!  New research published in the International Journal of Impotence Research suggested that self-administered, low-intensity radio frequency zaps to the penis could be effective for ED treatment due to anatomical and physiological changes in the penile tissue. When used at lower frequencies, the radio waves create heat, due to the interaction between molecules and ions, triggering “structural changes” and the creation of collagen and elastic fibers, according to study author Dr. Ilan Gruenwald. Read the complete article here.

International imaging firm Benztown and research company P1 Media Group are hosting a free webinar for radio professionals titled, “Checking in on the World’s First AI Presenter – Is This Radio’s Future?” The 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO, Benztown, and Ken Benson, partner, P1 Media Group, and will feature AI pioneer Dylan Salisbury, content director, “Live 95.5,” in Portland, OR, and creator of the first AI radio personality in the world, “AI Ashley.”

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces that radio legend Delilah will be honored with the inaugural Gracies Icon Award at the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards. The Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality “will be celebrated for her outstanding contributions to the world of radio and her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering listeners.” AWM will honor her at the Gracies Leadership Awards on November 13 at Tribeca 360° in New York City, alongside previously announced honorees.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America elects Adrienne Roark, president of content development and integration for CBS News, Stations, and CBS Media Ventures to its Board of Directors.

Industry News

Round One of September PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings date from Nielsen Audio’s September 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 September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM rises three-tenths to a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls back one spot to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.2 share finish but rises to the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is flat with a 4.8 share but regresses one spot to the #4 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM jumps eight-tenths for a 3.7 share finish good for the #8 rank in the market. And in Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN-AM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share finish good for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 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 September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 (flagships are bolded).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #21 to #19

Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM 3.1 — 3.4, +.3, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, seventh to fifth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) steady at 2.5, #13 to #10

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #12 to #9

Good Karma Brands‘  WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) flat at 1.1 #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, tenth to eighth

WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #22 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eleventh month in a row, 8.1 – 7.3, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (+.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.8, third to fourth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.7, +.8, #12 to #8

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, seventh month in succession, 6.4 – 6.1, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KNX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #11 to #8

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, stays at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, remains at #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, twelfth straight month, 7.7 – 6.8, -.9 and Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV, first month, 6.2 – 6.8, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WTMX (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-.9)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 2.0, #18 to #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 7.1, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED flat at 5.3, repeats in third-place  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, sixth month in succession, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.7)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 4.7, +3, repeats in third-place

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers, Cowboys) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, fourth month in a row, flat at 4.9, and Cumulus Media country KPLX, first month, 4.1 – 4.9, +.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLTY (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (-.7)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 3.7, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA second month in a row, 7.5 – 7.9, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: alternative KTBZ (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) steady at 2.8, #15 to #14

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.5 – 1.5, -1.0, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-1.3)*

*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Audacy’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 5.5 – 5.8, +.3, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fifth straight month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KYW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBEN-FM (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.9, +2.1, #18 to #8

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, third to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, eighth to tenth

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, seventh month in a row, 7.1 – 8.0, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WABC (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news WINS and Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.7)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 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, .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at .2, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, sixth straight month, unchanged at 9.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KDAY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-.4)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 5.5 – 4.8, -.7, repeats in fourth-place

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, third month in a row, 6.5 – 6.6, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: 1980s-based KOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.0) 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, third to fourth   

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #13

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, remains at #19

WFAN’s internet stream 1.2 – .8, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, third straight month, 6.7 – 6.3, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

Up next: September 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.

Industry News

Dallas Sports Radio Host and Producer Mark Friedman Dies

Longtime Dallas sports radio host and producer Mark “Friedo” Friedman has died after a years-long health battle. The Morning News piece notes that Friedman “spent over two decades working in Dallasim sports radio, starting at 570 KLIF in 1994 and eventually joining host Norm Hitzges in moving to 1310 The Ticket [KTCK-AM] in 2000.” Friedman’s brother Joel posted the news of his passing on Facebook, says, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my brother’s passing. Many of you knew about his health battle over the past several years, and he had been doing remarkably well considering everything he had gone through.” Read the Dallas Morning News story here.

Industry News

Cumulus Media and Former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas Hosts Settle

The legal battle between Cumulus Media and former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas midday sports talk hosts Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp is over as United States District Judge Karen Gren Scholer issues an order stating that the parties have resolved the matter and the parties are to file dismissal documents byim Friday (9/29). Cumulus objected to the two hosts publishing their “The Dumb Zone” podcast arguing that it violates the terms of their contracts, specifically the non-compete clause. McDowell and Kemp left “The Ticket” in July after being unable to come to terms on a renewal due to the two sides’ disagreement over digital initiatives. McDowell and Kemp had argued that Cumulus’ business is “the operation of terrestrial radio stations – old media – and it was only in that business that Plaintiff employed the Defendants.” Ultimately the two sides were ordered into mediation on the matter. The terms of the settlement have not been made public.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Drew Anderssen to VP of News/Talk Formats

“Newsradio 1080” KRLD-AM, Dallas and Texas State Networks brand manager Drew Anderssen is promoted to vice president to lead brand and format strategy and execution for Audacy’s news/talkim stations. He will continue to serve as brand manager for KRLD. Anderssen joined Audacy in May of 2022 after serving with Cox Media Group for 24 years in markets including Atlanta, Orlando and Tulsa. Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano states, “Drew is an experienced leader with bold ideas for the future of the news/talk format. With his proven expertise, we are confident that Drew will lead the way in shaping our brand and format strategy, delivering exceptional content and driving continued success for our local brands and our digital platforms.”

Industry News

Round One of August PPMs Released

imThe 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.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imAugust 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.

Industry News

Cumulus vs The Dumb Zone Set for September 15

The legal battle between Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth and former midday hosts im Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp has its next court date on September 15 for Cumulus’ Renewed Emergency Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Request for Preliminary Injunction. Cumulus is suing the duo for alleging they have violated their non-compete and other clauses in their contracts with the company. The two sides have been ordered to mediation over the matter.

Industry News

Eric Baker Named Director of Sales for Audacy Atlanta

Radio sales pro Eric Baker joins Audacy as director of sales for the company’s Atlanta station group that includes sports talk WZGZ-FM “92.9 The Game,” urban talk WAOK-AM and two music brands. Baker most recently served as general sales manager for Urban One in Dallas. Audacy Atlanta SVP and market managerim Rick Caffey says, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric Baker to the Audacy Atlanta team as our new director of sales. With his extensive background in sales management, we are confident that Eric’s expertise will drive our market growth to new heights. His strategic vision and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in delivering top-tier content and engagement to our valued listeners and partners.” Baker says, “It’s with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey as the director of sales at Audacy Atlanta. I’m thrilled to collaborate with industry veterans like Rick Caffey, Doug Abernethy, and Reggie Rouse, whose expertise I greatly respect. My 16 years at Radio One have been invaluable, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the dynamic team at Audacy Atlanta, working together to deliver results and achieve remarkable success for our clients while continuing to positively impact the Atlanta community!”

Industry News

Cumulus and Former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas Hosts Ordered to Mediation

The legal skirmish between Cumulus Media and former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth sports talk hosts Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp is being ordered to mediation by U.S. District Court Judge Karen Gren Scholer. Cumulus had petitioned the court for an emergency temporary restraining order to stop the duo from publishingim their podcast “The Dumb Zone,” arguing that it violates the terms of their contracts, specifically the non-compete clause. McDowell and Kemp left “The Ticket” in July after being unable to come to terms on a renewal due to the two sides’ disagreement over digital initiatives. Since then, the two have been producing the aforementioned podcast. In response to the suit filed by Cumulus, McDowell and Kemp argue, “Plaintiff’s business is the operation of terrestrial radio stations – old media – and it was only in that business that Plaintiff employed Defendants. Plaintiff has realized only too late that it should have been moving into new media platforms for years now. Defendants’ new venture does not compete with Plaintiff, and their words and actions have complied with the restrictive covenants of their employment contracts despite, as will be shown below, almost all of those covenants are illegal restrictions on Defendants’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act.” Mediation has been set for August 22.

Industry News

Cumulus Seeking TRO Against McDowell and Kemp Podcast

According to a report by WFAA-TV, Dallas, a federal judge in Dallas is denying Cumulus’ request to prevent former KTCK-AM/FM hosts Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp from recording more “The Dumb Zone” podcasts. As a result, Cumulus is refiling its complaint against the duo and is seeking a renewed application for a temporary restraining order. There has been no ruling on that subsequent filing. As TALKERS reported onim Tuesday (8/8), Cumulus filed suit against the duo on August 4 claiming they are in violation of several clauses in their contracts with the company. McDowell and Kemp left Cumulus last month after they were unable to 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 and additionally alleges they 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. McDowell told listeners to the podcast released on Sunday (8/6), “We’re working with certain advisors. We’ve been advised that we are doing nothing wrong, so don’t stop, for now. So right now, we are putting this out there, and what’s in store for tomorrow? I don’t know.” Read the WFAA-TV story here.

Industry News

Cumulus Sues Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp for Violating Non-Compete

Cumulus Media is filing suit in U.S. District Court in Northern Texas against former KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth personalities Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp claiming the duo are in violation of several clauses in their contracts with the company. If you recall, McDowell and Kemp left Cumulus last month after they were unable toim 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.

Industry News

Round One of July PPMs Released

imThe 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.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imJuly 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.

Industry News

On-Air Schedule Tweaks at “97.1 The Freak” in Dallas

According to a report in the Dallas Morning News, new program director Dominic “Zakk” Zaccagnini has put into effect some changes to the program lineup at iHeartMedia‘s sports/hot talk KEGL-FM, Dallas “91.7 The Freak,” effective today (7/24). Personalities Danny Balis and Mike Sirois move from the afternoon drive show to the morningim drive program alongside Kevin “KT” Turner and takes on “The Downbeat” as its name. Jeff Cavanaugh and Julie Dobbs move from the morning daypart to afternoons alongside Mike Rhyner for “The Speakeasy” program. The show times are altered by an hour with the morning program airing from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, the midday “Ben and Skin” show airing from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed by the afternoon show airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Zaccagnini tells the Dallas Morning News, “The catalyst for this change was to make a better fit for our same staff to further excel in a weekday lineup that best suits their professional and personal lifestyles.” Read the full story here.