September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
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, where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
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 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth
News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third
iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17
Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13
KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18
News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)
*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**
**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets
Up next: September 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
September 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).
grad began her career in the Phoenix market. Phoenix region SVP of sales Nancie Sullivan comments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cressy join our team here in Phoenix. With her knowledge of the market and her extensive experience, she will be an integral part of the leadership team who will continue to strengthen our position in the market and in the Phoenix ad community.”
for the Phoenix Region that includes news/talk KFYI-AM and sports talk KGME, plus six music brands. iHeartMedia Phoenix region president Linda Little says, “I am thrilled to have Nancie step into this role and lead our Phoenix sales team to the next level. I know Nancie will bring her passion, creativity and leadership talents to help us further grow our business and partnerships.”
the iHeartRadio app. This is the first team with an exclusive streaming channel on the iHeartRadio platform. In addition, sports talk KFXN-FM “KFAN 100.3” becomes the basketball organization’s new flagship radio station for select Timberwolves games and the majority of Lynx games. iHeartSports president Kevin LeGrett states, “We are excited about this partnership and honored to be the broadcast and streaming home of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. We are thrilled to deliver innovative Timberwolves and Lynx coverage, programming and integrations to millions of their fans across the state and beyond!”
Wagoner writes, “Why is KFI so successful – isn’t conservative talk dead? Yes, it is… and it’s been decades since KFI was considered ‘conservative talk’ (even when it wasn’t). There have always been a balance of viewpoints on the station; as it moved away from politically centered topics to more general topics, it matched the mood of listeners who wanted to be entertained more than they wanted to be angry.” 
Cincinnati as an AE at 700 WLW in 1987 when it was part of Jacor Communications. He worked his way up through numerous sales positions within the company, assuming his current role in 2019. As SVP of the Inside Sales Division, Deskins managed iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and created advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s vast array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. Deskins says, “I’m really going to miss my Inside Sales family and all my iHeart friends across the country. What an awesome group. Thanks to everyone for making this an awesome ride.”
iHeartMedia Chicago where he previously served as director of national sales after having served most recently with TelevisaUnivision Chicago. He began his radio sales career with WTOP-AM and WASH-FM in Washington, DC. iHeartMedia Chicago SVP of sales Adam Kurtz says, “Bill’s media experience, specifically in the Chicago market, will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of our team. I am looking forward to working with him to achieve maximum revenue success.”
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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 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 Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. 
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. 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 Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. 
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. 
Donnarumma most recently served with Univision as president and GM for the company’s radio and TV assets in Arizona. iHeartMedia region president AJ Punjabi comments, “Joe epitomizes the excellence we champion across broadcasting, streaming, podcasts, live events, and our digital frontier. His vast experience magnifies our dedication to leading the audio-digital realm. With Joe, we’re not just adding a title – we’re harnessing a powerhouse of industry insight.”
place to be in the radio world than iHeartRadio. Thanks to the finest broadcasting executives around, Tom Cuddy, Thea Mitchem and Bernie Weiss for making it all happen. Walking to work every day is like walking through the Radio Hall of Fame. Just to get to my studio, I pass Elvis Duran, Jim Kerr, Charlamagne tha God, Angela Yee and other all-stars.” WOR program director Tom Cuddy adds, “When I joined WOR almost 11 years ago, Mark was my first hire. Since then, it’s been a blast watching Mark grow into becoming the highest-rated radio talk host in his time slot, along with digital numbers that are among the highest in the country.”
Fitz,” that debuts on Saturday (9/9). In a joint statement, iHeartMedia Sports EVP of programming Don Martin and FSR SVP of programming Scott Shapiro say, “Jason’s addition is such a wonderful fit with the FOX Sports Radio team. Anthony and Jason will host such an electric show together, getting fans jazzed up for each weekend. This lineup has never been stronger or deeper – it’s everything stations need to deliver the most entertaining and engaging football coverage every weekend.”
August 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).
remains ranked #1 with 281,120 Average Active Sessions. Following at #2 is NPR Member Stations (69,006 AAS) and Audacy at #3 (62,853 AAS). Cumulus Streaming Network is #4 (36,554 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate comes in at #7 (15,728 AAS), followed by Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (13,478 AAS), and Urban One at #9 (9,131 AAS). 
Times Square, New York City. Attendees will hear from experts on everything mental health, panels, live podcasting, and breakout rooms including the podcast “MEternal,” that addresses the complexities of the Black maternal health crisis. Charlamagne Tha God says, “The Mental Wealth Expo was created for anyone who knows they need to start on their healing journey, but don’t know the first place to begin. It’s a day for folks to get exposed to mental health experts and resources that can get them on the right path and they get to receive this information for free! It is truly a blessing to be able to do this for a third consecutive year.”
conducted by Gregory, who was on the island of Maui covering the wildfires, including the devastating fire in the historic town of Lahaina. The show explores the government’s response, the views of Maui islanders, and what happens next. iHeartMedia says, “Gregory became 
the center of controversy when, during a press conference, he pushed Hawaii Governor Josh Green for answers and access to the fire scenes. Local and national media covered the exchange and became the foundation for other reporters to push back, seeking transparency and accountability.” The radio special and podcast are produced by Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez for iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network.
over the position after news director Joe Bartlett retired from the station on May 31 after 37 years with the WOR. Mendte had most recently been news director and host at WJLP-TV, Middletown, New Jersey “Me-TV.” Mendte says, “WOR is iconic in radio history, and I’m honored to accept this position. Len Berman and Michael Riedel are smart, entertaining, and informative. It’s the morning show I listen to, and I’m elated to now be part of it.” WOR program director Tom Cuddy states, “I’ve been a fan of Larry’s for many years. So, when the opportunity popped up for him to work with Len and Michael, I was truly pumped up that we were able to bring in a talent of his caliber.”
earlier this year. RTDNA says the awards honor “outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism… the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.” Some of this year’s winners in the radio category include: Audacy’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago (Breaking News); KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh (Feature Reporting); KMOX, St. Louis (Newscast); and iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (Excellence in Innovation). 
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 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 Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN dips one-tenth to finish with a 9.7 share but remains locked in the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls 1.6 shares to finish the survey with a 7.9 share that takes the station from #2 to #4. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises three-tenths for a 6.2 share finish and rises to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia crosstown news/talk WHJJ loses three-tenths to finish with an 0.2 share good for the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk outlet WZZR-FM adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL dips three-tenths for a 1.3 share finish that leaves it ranked #13.