June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
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+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 5.6, -.2, third to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, anchored in third-place
KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, #18 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.6 – 9.1, +.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KWJJ and similarly-formatted KUPL (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW and news/talk KEX (-.6)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, locked at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, #8 to #11
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, #20 to #19
Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.6, +.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WKKT (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFAE (-.8)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #14
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.3 – 2.4, -.9, #12 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #21 to #19
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth consecutive month, 7.6 – 8.9, +1.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KCYY and news/talk KTSA (-.9)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.9 – 9.6, -.3, first to second
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, ninth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.6 – 1.0, -.6, #17 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, anchored at #12
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.5 – 10.2, +1.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, fourth to third
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, seventh month in a row, 11.5 – 11.2, -.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock WDVE (+1.4)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-2.3)*
*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, repeats in third-place
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, seventh to eighth
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+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 11.0, -.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.4)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-.9)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #19
Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 5.2 – 8.4, +3.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+3.2)**
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.4)
**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, continues at #11
WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .4 – 1.3, +.9, #22 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game”.7 – 1.3, +.6, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #15 to #16
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WMMO (-2.0)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0, #1
cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.5, +.3, seventh to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.9 – 4.2, -.7, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 17th consecutive month, 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WVXU (-.7)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, eighth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.1 – 2.9, -1.2, #11 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eighth month in a row, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: CHR WAKS (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, flat at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR steady at 3.8, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 9.0 – 10.5, +1.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.5)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.8)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, second to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in ninth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 11.0, +.8
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WCOL (+.8)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTVN and sports talk WBNS-FM (-.9)
Up next: June 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
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.
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.