Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two
Holiday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – 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 December 2023 – Holiday 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 3.5 – 3.1, #9 – #9
WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 6.9 – 6.3, #3 – #4
WDCH .5 – .5, #23 – #23
WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.6, #17 – #15 (Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .5 – .6, #23 – #21 (Capitals)
WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #26 (Wizards)
WTEM .1 – .2, #28 – #26 (Wizards)
WSBN .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 11.3 – 11.5, 26th month in succession at #1
The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.9 – 3.1, #14 – #9
WXKS-AM .8 – .9, #23 – #24
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.1 – 4.7, #5 – #5
Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #29
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.2 – 9.2, #2 – #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #25
WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 5.6 – 6.1, #3 – #3
WGBH 4.2 – 3.9, #8 – #6
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #23
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM 1.2 – 1.3, #24 – #22 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .5 – .5, #28 – #27 (Dolphins)
WMEN .1 – .1, #36 – #36
WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 3.6 – 3.3, #8 – #10
WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 4.1 – 4.0, #9 – #6 (Seahawks)
KTTH 1.6 – 1.3, #22 – #23
KVI 1.6 – 1.0, #22 – #24
KPTR DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.3, #19 – #20
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 3.0 – 2.8, #16 – #15 (Seahawks)
KJR-FM 3.6 – 2.6, #11 – #17 (Kraken)
KJR-AM .7 – .9, #26 – #25
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.2 – 6.2, #2 – #3
KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #15
WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23
WJR Stream .2 – .1, #25 – #28
News
WWJ 4.3 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #26 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #30 – #28
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 9.6 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.7 – 1.2, #18 – #19 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19
WUOM 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #21
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.2 – 2.9, #8 – #8
KTAR-FM 1.8 – 2.2, #23 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.1 – 1.5, #19 – #23 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #32
KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #32
KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #32 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #11
Note: Adult contemporary KESZ’s 18.5 represents the largest (6+) share by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.0 – 3.8, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17
KTLK-AM 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #19
WCCO Stream .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
KFXN 7.6 – 6.8, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)
KQQL-HD3 .3 – .2, #27 – #27
KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #29 – #31
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 5.5 – 5.2, #5 – #4
KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 3.8 – 3.9, #9 – #6
KLSD .2 – .3, #26 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #14
KGB-AM 1.0 – 1.0, #21 – #20
KWFN Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 5.9 – 4.7, #4 – #4
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 4.8 – 4.1, #8 – #7 (Lightning)
WFLA 3.9 – 3.2, #10 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.9– 1.6, #17 – #18
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.7 – 1.9, #18 – #17
WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #23
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 3.1 – 2.7, #13 – #14 (Broncos)
KHOW 1.8 – 1.4, #20 – #19
KDFD 1.4 – 1.3, #22 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 3.8 – 3.5, #10 – #10
KKSE-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KEPN .1 – .1, #35 – #35
KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA
KAMP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 2.7 – 3.0, #14 – #13
KUNC .4 – .7, #30 – #26
Note: Adult contemporary KOSI’s +6.4 (10.1- 16.5) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.4 – 2.7, #10 – #11 (Ravens)
WCBM 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.1 – 1.0, #18 – #20
WDCH .8 – .8, #21 – #22
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 4.2 – 4.5, #8 – #6
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, #11 – #9
WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #28
Note: CHR WWMX’s -2.3 (5.3 – 3.0) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 3.0 – 2.8, #13 – #14
KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17
KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18
KMOX Stream .3 – .2, #23 – #24
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #24
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #23 – #24
Sports Talk
WXOS 4.1 – 3.9, #11 – #12 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.0 – 4.5, #12 – #8
Note: Adult contemporary KEZK’s +6.4 (9.3- 15.7) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
Up next: “Holiday” 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
High Sports, the other a piece by Michael Roberts in alt-weekly Westword that analyzes the state of Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan.” McKee (along with several others) was let go by “The 
Fan” in September after the station was beat in the ratings by Stan Kroenke’s crosstown KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio.” “The Fan” PD Raj Sharan was ousted shortly thereafter, and former ESPN Radio programmer Amanda Brown was recently brought aboard as PD to right the ship. Roberts’ piece chronicles the rise of “The Fan” – as well as its recent struggles. Ironically, shortly after being let go, McKee found work at his former competitor and now co-hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show at “Altitude Sports Radio” with former “Fan” host Tyler Polumbus and Scott Hastings. 
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period ran from October 12 through November 8. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is up six-tenths for a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM declines seven-tenths to a 7.4 share as it falls to the #3 rank after 10 months at #2. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM adds half a share to finish with a 4.7 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM rises four-tenths for a 2.6 share good for the #18 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI falls seven-tenths to a 3.3 share that leaves it ranked #11, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM tacks on three-tenths for a 2.7 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank. 
Los Angeles. She takes over for Raj Sharan, who exits the station after four-and-a-half years. Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Katie Reid says, “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda to the Bonneville family. She brings an extensive amount of experience, knowledge, and leadership to our team. Her understanding of the evolving sports landscape, and tremendous passion for digital media embodies everything we strive for at Denver Sports and on 104.3 The Fan.” Brown begins her new gig on December 4.
with Scott Hastings and Tyler Polumbus for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm “P.H.D.” show. The 24-year Denver sports radio pro was let go from Bonneville’s KKFN-FM “104.3 The Fan” in September. KSE Radio SVP/GM Dave Fleck comments, “We are excited to add Darren to our new and improved midday P.H.D. show. He is a respected member of the community whose work ethic and passion for broadcasting will help take our radio stations to new heights. Having DMac as part of ‘Altitude Sports Radio’ allows us to reconfigure our daily lineup while adding a great voice to the station.” 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises one-tenth to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP dropped six-tenths to an 8.1 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Detroit, Audacy’s all-news WWJ adds six-tenths for a 4.6 share finish and rises to the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises half a share for a 2.3 share that lifts it to the #16 rank. 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 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 September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths for an 8.7 share finish but stays ranked #2 for the ninth straight month. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is steady with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to #6, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.2 share finish but falls to the #20 rank. And in Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI-AM is up two-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.1 share that lifts it from #10 to #5, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM sheds one-tenth to finish with a 2.9 share that keeps it ranked #15. 
Phillip Lindsay’ begins a new era for the station’s flagship program airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bye moves to afternoons after serving on the midday show. Replacing Bye as Brandon Stokley’s partner is Josh Dover on the “Stokley and Josh” program airing in the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daypart. Dover previously served with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s KKSE-FM, Denver. At the same time, the station is extending the “Schlereth and Evans” morning show to air from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Katie Reid says, “We are proud to usher in a new generation here on ‘104.3 The Fan.’ This new lineup will provide a stable and consistent listening experience for our audience. We’re extremely excited to welcome both Phil and Josh, as their high character, dynamic personalities and passion for their Denver community will resonate deeply with our audience.”
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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 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 Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. 
work. In a Westword profile, Tubbs talks about his ascent in the news business, his plans for the “final chapter” of his working life, and his current film project about the deadly drug fentanyl. Locally, Tubbs has caused controversy with his 2020 documentary, Denver in Decay. About that film, Tubbs tells Westword, “That documentary kind of put me on the map as being one of the most hated media members by local politicians in Colorado in recent memory, and I embrace that. But with all the hate and praise, the one thing no one has ever said is that Denver in Decay is inaccurate. You can say all you want if you don’t like the messaging, but you can’t attack the accuracy or the credibility.” 
The second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 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 Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP leaps nine-tenths for a 9.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.5 share good for the #9 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO sheds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.4 share and falls to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and remains ranked #7. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown news/talk is up three-tenths for a 1.9 share and the #19 rank. 
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
news with you first. I have made the tough decision to step down as co-host of The Drive on the Fan due to persistent scheduling conflicts. It has been an incredible journey with my radio crew, and this choice was not easy to make. Lately, my passion for outdoor pursuits has taken me on an exciting and unexpected journey, prompting me to continue chasing my dreams. I genuinely appreciate your understanding and support throughout this process!” The station paired Wolfe with McKee in October of last year.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds three-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that drops it to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share good for the #7 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk dips four-tenths to a 2.4 share and falls to the #17 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM loses two-tenths to also finish with a 2.4 share that leaves the two stations tied for the #17 rank. 
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish the survey with a 4.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths to an 8.0 share but remains ranked #2. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises eight-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share and jumps two spots to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and stays in the #8 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 4.3 share stays ranked #8, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses six-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that moves it to the #14 rank. 
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds two-tenths for a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays in the #7 rank, while Hubbard Radio’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM sheds four-tenths for an 8.6 share that keeps it locked in second place. iHeartMedia’s Boston news/talk WRKO loses half a share to finish with a 3.6 share that moves it to the #11 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls from #7 to #8. In the Twin Cities, Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM rises six-tenths to a 4.5 share that lifts it to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KTLK-AM dips eight-tenths to a 2.1 share and falls to the #17 rank, and Hubbard Radio’s talk KTMY-FM declines half a share to a 2.3 share good for the #16 rank in the market. 