June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
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.
Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.
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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.7 – 3.6, -1.1, seventh to ninth
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.2, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, continues at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.4 – 11.0, -.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 19th month in succession, 11.4 – 11.0, -.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WHUR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WMAL (-1.1)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, ninth to tenth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, eighth to seventh
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.3 – 5.5, -2.8, first to third
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1 #11 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.5 – 5.7, +.2, third to second
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, repeats at #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, flat at 6.0
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC WWBX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.8)*
*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, seventh to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fourth straight month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WFLC (+1.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” flat at 4.3, eighth to ninth
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #14 to #16
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.0 – 5.6, +1.6, tenth to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 6.5 – 7.4, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB; contemporary Christian KCMS; and sports talk KJR-FM (-.9)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” unchanged at 2.4, #14 to #17
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 3.5, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.6 – 7.0, -.6, second to third
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.2 – 8.1, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX; sports talk WXYT-FM; and rock WRIF (-.6)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #13 to #17
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.6 – 6.3, +.7, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KUPD (+.8)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.1)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.7 – 3.2, -.5, #14 to #13
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, seventh to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 10.3, +.8
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.1)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, sixth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 5.4, +.5, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, third to second
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fifth successive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XLTN (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.2)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 6.0 – 4.9, -1.1, fourth to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #15 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) flat at 2.0, repeats at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #16 to #17
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 23rd month in a row, 7.9 – 8.8, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV and country WQYT (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, anchored at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, #11 to #10
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” flat at 2.4, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 5.8 – 6.5, +.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-.9)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #11 to #12
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, repeats at #17
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, eighth to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, third month in succession, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WPOC (+1.9)**
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY (-1.6)
**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 6.0 – 5.8, -.2, eighth to seventh
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, locked at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” flat at .8, steady at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, sixth month in a row, 10.5 – 10.0, -.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WIL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.4)
Up next: June 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
As TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. 
According to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.
WBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show. The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting. It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922. WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: 
Las Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base. Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”
Nashville Public Radio, which includes WPLN “News 90.3” (and triple A WNXP), appoints Robert Sanchez as its chief operating officer. Nashville Public Radio president/chief executive officer Steve Swenson comments, “Rob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us as we continue our rapid growth to expand our public service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. His extensive background in both news and music programming is unique in our industry.” Sanchez notes, “I’m grateful to Steve Swenson and the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the many digital and audio services Nashville Public Radio offers. I’m invigorated to join an organization that functions at such a high level of public service and community engagement.” For the past five years, Sanchez was vice president of news for iHeartMedia Boston news -news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM and iHM’s northeast regional news director. He previously was director/news and programming for Washington, DC’s WNEW-FM “All News 99.1”; assistant news director of New York all-news WCBS-AM; and programming/operations manager for Los Angeles’ KBLA “1580 Talk Radio.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 survey period, WPLN ranks #14 and is trending 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 (March – April – May, 6+).
Simulcasting on 98.7 HD-2, iHeartMedia Washington, DC launches “Freedom 104.7 – DC’s Real News. Real Talk.” Senior vice president of programming Jeff Kapugi states, “We are excited to welcome a number of best-in-class personalities to ‘Freedom 104.7.’ We are confident [the station] will quickly become a favorite destination for DMV talk radio listeners.” Premiere Networks executive vice president of affiliate sales Peter Tripi adds, “We’re thrilled to have our industry-leading talk lineup join ‘Freedom 104.7 & 98.7 HD-2.’ These stellar talents will provide entertaining, unique and insightful views on the latest news, politics and events that Washington, DC listeners are looking for.” The station’s weekday lineup includes: “America’s First News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Clay Travis & Buck Sexton (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Jesse Kelly (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); “Our American Stories” (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight); “Coast to Coast Early Edition” (12:00 midnight – 1:00 am); and “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (1:00 am – 6:00 am). Approximately six months ago (1/5), WWDC-HD2 and 104.7 translator station W284CQ became “iHeart Sports DC”; it was not listed in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep. Among persons 6+ in that ratings period, American University public radio news/talk WAMU ranks first (11.4); Hubbard all-news WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” is second (8.0); Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” finishes seventh (4.7); and Audacy business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” ranks #22 (.5).
of staff often meant instability and near-daily internal leaks to the press. Now, the new iHeartPodcast ‘The Whistleblowers: Inside The Trump Administration,’ co-produced with Best Case and Ark Media, will dive headfirst into the chaos to bring listeners the inside story of the people behind some of the most explosive government revelations in American history.” Taylor is a bestselling author and the former chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He first wrote anonymously, but later revealed himself as the author after publishing the #1 bestseller A Warning in 2019. Each episode focuses on a different “whistleblower” including Reality Winner, Andrew McCabe, Alexander Vindman, Olivia Troye, Dawn Wooten, Grant Turner, and Stephanie Grisham. 
opportunity to mix and mingle not only with their peers, but with talent, managers, and executives; and to increase their awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission.” BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “We’re very excited about this new initiative. It’s imperative that we reach the next generation of broadcast industry leaders with our message of help and hope, while giving them an opportunity to network with higher level professionals who they may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet.” The two-hour event is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. 
Duran and iHeartPodcasts including a new, original progam called, “Thinking Out Loud with Elvis Duran.” The first episode features a conversation with singer-songwriter Kesha. Additionally, the network will be home to the replay podcast of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show.” Duran says, “We’re excited to launch this network and connect with even more listeners and fans. I’m confident the audience will love the variety of personalities, including Tommy DiDario and Medha Gandhi, and the entertaining programs that we’ll be presenting. I’m also looking forward to sitting down with a wide range of people on my new podcast and taking a deep dive in whichever direction they choose – something I’m not always able to do on my radio show. It’s going to be a fun adventure together!”
opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite Black-owned business in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. A total of 10 winners will be selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League. The categories include restaurants; beauty salons; churches; fashion; medical professionals; day care centers; nightlife; fitness trainers/gyms; financial/insurance; and realtors/brokers. iHeartMedia Chicago president Matt Scarano states, “I have a personal commitment along with iHeartMedia Chicago to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland. We are providing a tremendous marketing and advertising opportunity for Black-owned businesses to access our station brands with the ‘Brilliantly Black’ Business Awards. We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Urban League as we continuously work together to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland.”
Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon” and “The Ben Maller Show.” The station also features FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. iHeartMedia Anchorage SVP of programming Mark Murphy says, “‘FOX Sports 550 – The Zone’ is very excited to be a part of the FOX Sports family, all day, every day. It’s great to have the biggest names in sports talk radio like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd jump start the day, followed by an impressive lineup that will keep listeners engaged 24/7!”
being produced by the award-winning team of Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Nick Pagliochini. KFI says, “Parents and protesters continue to gather at school board meetings around the country to express their frustration over districts’ that try to introduce books and language which address the transgender community and other LGBTQ+ issues. Faith-based leaders have also joined the protests along with advocacy groups that represent parents of public-school students. Critics say these issues should be addressed exclusively in the home while supporters say it is critical to be inclusive of all lifestyles to better prepare children for the real world. ‘He Said, She Said, They Said…’ features multiple sides of the issue. There is also a companion podcast with extended content that will be available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeartRadio App.”
an illustrious career in LA radio, from LOVELINE’s inception on KROQ through the show’s network syndication and MTV. We’re thrilled to have Ann joining our iHeart LA team.” Ingold was most recently serving as producer on ITV’s weekly live Facebook Watch program and consulted Los Angeles radio shows for Audacy and Meruelo Media. She comments, “I want to thank Robin and everyone at KFI for being so welcoming.”
The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPPM survey has been release for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM loses half a share to finish the survey with an 8.3 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and stays ranked #2, while Capitol Broadcasting’s news WRAL-HD3 fell two-tenths to a 0.1 share good for the #15 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee tacks on a half share to wrap the survey with a 10.2 share and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ lost a full share for an 8.2 share finish but remains ranked #3. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM is down 1.7 shares, finishing with a 5.0 share that drops it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM lost two-tenths for a 1.1 share finish good for the #20 rank. 
economic empowerment tools and services in the United States. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of John Hope Bryant Holdings, Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, a for-profit minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. “We are pleased to welcome John Hope Bryant to The Black Effect Podcast Network’s board of directors. John brings a strong track record of business success, broad leadership experience in philanthropy, education, public engagement and innovation, and a deep appreciation for black culture that makes him the perfect choice to help steer and shape the future of the network.”
Florida, nationally, and internationally to make Dolphins games accessible to Latino fans in new markets. The Dolphins’ gameday broadcasts will feature the familiar voices of Roly Martin and Eduardo Martell, who have called Dolphins games a tandem since 2018.
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.