May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.
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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” steady at 3.7, #10 to #11
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, continues at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, repeats in seventh-place
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, stays at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, stagnant at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM unchanged at 3.8, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, seventh month in a row, 7.6 – 8.4, +.8
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.3, fourth to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #16 to #18
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, third month in succession, 5.7 – 5.9, +.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.8)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KRRL (-.7)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, tenth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #12 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, repeats at #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eighth straight month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT and regional Mexican WOJO (-.5)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 6.4, -.9, first to second
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #9
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #9 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.2 – 4.5, -.7, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second month in succession, 7.3 – 9.0, +1.7
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.0)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #13 to #11
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fifth straight month, 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.0)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-.9)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, tenth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 27th consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.2, +.3
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KKHH (+.9)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative KTBZ (-1.1)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, locked in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #18 to #17
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #11 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fifth successive month, 8.9 – 8.7, -.2
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WAMJ (+.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WABE and hot AC WSTR (-.5)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.9, -1.0, sixth to eighth
WIP’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #16
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, continues at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.9 – 4.4, -.5, flat at #9
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, first month, 7.5 – 8.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WXTU (+1.7)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOGL (-1.1)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.2, +1.4, #19 to #10
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #20
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, seventh to ninth
WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, repeats in tenth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, fifth to seventh
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in a row, 7.0 – 6.4, -.6
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult standards WHLI (+1.9)*
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB; hot AC WALK-FM; sports talk WFAN; news/talk WOR; and the internet stream of CHR WBLI (-.6)
*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 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, unchanged at .3, stationary at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, second straight month, 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSGN (-1.2)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, stays at #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, first to third
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to seventh
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2 and classic rock cluster-mate KUFX, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: hot AC KIOI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-1.7)**
**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.4, -.7, first to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #16
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.7 – 1.2, -.5, #16 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, flat at #9
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #18 to #19
WFAN’s internet stream .8 – 1.0, +.2, #23 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.8 – 7.7, +.9
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKXW (-.7)
Up next: May 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.
“During that time, he has guest-hosted statewide news/talk programs as well as a regular weekend show, produced their daily morning show, worked with clients in a creative variety of ways, and spent countless evenings and weekends announcing local soccer and baseball games.” KFAB program director Scott Voorhees adds, “Emery will continue KFAB’s nearly 100-year-old tradition of on-air personalities who are passionate about connecting with the community we serve. It’s not about hammering an agenda; it’s about entertaining and relevant conversations of interest to Omaha/Council Bluffs and the surrounding area.”
within the realm of the company going forward?” “How can radio remain true to its roots and mission as an audio medium and theater-of-the-mind without missing the opportunities provided in a multiplatform environment?” plus more. Pittman says that this is a “golden moment” for both radio and the larger field of audio in which it is and will remain a major player. He pointed out that “25% of iHeart’s stations do not play music” and that more and more shows on the company’s music stations are “actually talk shows that play little or no music at all.” He reaffirmed the company’s awareness that personality plays an important role in the presentation of music and it is its intention to pivot back in that direction. He candidly addressed the divide between the coastal elites who influence the direction of national media but are largely out of touch with the heartland and the rest of real America. 
Orlando among numerous music outlets. iHeartMedia area president for Central Florida Barbara Latham says, “I’m thrilled to have Andrew join us in Central Florida and bring his tenure with iHeartMedia, along with his extensive digital experience, to our team. Hryciw was most recently division VP of digital sales in the company’s Portland, Oregon market.
Jewish Committee. The AJC is a global advocacy organization that monitors Antisemitism around the world and offers education and support to the Jewish community as well as engaging with leaders at the highest levels of government. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “I, along with others, recently watched in horror as anti-Semitic protesters were seen making Nazi salutes to passersby on the 405 freeway. As broadcasters, it is our duty to educate and inform our listeners and this podcast brings attention to the unseemly underbelly of Antisemitism which is sadly alive and well online and in our communities.” Other guests include Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate dean and director of Global Social Action Agenda for the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles; Dr. Matthew Schumacher, a clinical and operational psychologist who is on assignment with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Bureau; Dr. Michael Berenbaum, curator of the installation of the only authorized traveling exhibition of Auschwitz; Rabbi Michael Barclay, founding rabbi of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, California. 
and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s 
vision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” 
director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.
states, “
help serve our clients, listeners and communities to be the best in the industry. I’m excited for the future.” Fulton comments, “The plan and vision the leadership team at iHeartMedia shared with me, along with the wildly talented teams in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, has me beyond excited about the days ahead. I can’t wait to collaborate, both internally and externally, to develop market leading content and drive results for the thriving business communities in these three amazing markets.”
2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. 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 Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN is unchanged at a 9.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises from #2 to #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ jumps 1.8 shares to finish the survey with a 9.2 share lifting it to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips two-tenths to a 6.7 share and remains ranked #4, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM rises three-tenths to a 1.3 share that lifts it to the #17 rank. In Memphis, iHeartMedia’s WREC-AM adds a half share to wrap the month with a 2.8 share and stays locked in the #11 spot, while Starnes Media Group’s crosstown news/talk KWAM is steady at .2 share but rises to the #19 rank. 
represents an expanded commitment to one of iHeartMedia’s most premium products allowing advertisers to engage audiences with creative, longform native content.” iHeartMedia goes on to say, “Ruby’s branded podcasts allow advertisers and their brand partners to spend upwards of 30-45 minutes with their target audience in a unique environment, with opportunities for storytelling that are not possible anywhere else in their media mix including social video. With distribution across the iHeartRadio app and all other major platforms, native podcasts from Ruby connect brands to audiences by translating brand messaging, products and services into original and engaging stories that audiences love.” 
recently served the company as division vice president of digital. McCrary Mitchell says, “I am honored and thrilled to be market president for Memphis & Tupelo. iHeartMedia is engrained in both communities and my stewardship will embrace our alliances and initiate partnerships to strengthen mutual community interests. It’s a privilege to lead this talented team in sharing the iHeartMedia message.”
anchoring and reporting work, Bartlett has also hosted talk shows on the station, including the long-running “WOR Saturday Morning Show.” He comments, “I loved my job and have been fortunate to have been part of this great station for all these years. I could have gone on much longer, but the time had come, where I just needed more free time. Sadly, this is not a job you can do only six months a year. I have been blessed to have had a caring radio ownership, extremely talented co-workers and a very loyal audience.” Bartlett and his wife have relocated to South Carolina where he looks forward to having more time for golf, seeing his grandchildren, and supporting the New York Giants. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “It’s rare in this business to encounter as versatile a radio personality as Joe: anchor, news director, and talk show host…not to mention an all-around nice guy. He will be missed not just by our listeners but by our staff.”
wanted to see where the listenership was coming from and based on the research it looks like Americans are making more time for podcasts mostly by reducing time spent with streaming video, streaming music and social media. Video podcasts have been a big discussion lately in the industry – whether its needed and cost effective, which is interesting because this new data sample showed that podcasts are pulling listener share primarily from YouTube’s audience – a reasonable motivation for their heightened focus on video podcasting to drive retention.” Interestingly, the study also concluded that the majority of radio listening happens out-of-home (68%), while the majority of podcast listening happens in the home (69%).
meals, shopping, and other entertainment needs, local shops, bodegas, restaurants, and more are still struggling. The launch of ‘New York is Back’ will encourage New Yorkers to shop with small businesses in and around the five boroughs to help rejuvenate the economy in the market.” In partnership with P.C. Richard & Son, Century Waste Services, Empire City Casino, Key Foods, New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, NYC Department of Small Business Services, Premier Home Health Care Services, and MJ The Musical, “New York is Back” will include iHeartMedia New York on-air personalities voiced messages on Z100, 106.7 LITE FM, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1, and 710 WOR as well as video content distributed on social media platforms.