Industry News

Round Four of June PPM Released

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT steady at 4.4, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, sixth month in succession, 10.5 – 11.4, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (-1.1) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.2, -.1, second to third

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, repeats at #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, stays in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.9 – 8.3, +.4, third to second

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, sixth straight month, 9.4 – 9.8, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC; public radio news/talk WUNC; and adult contemporary WRAL (+.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCMC (-.7)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.6 – 6.8, +.2, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, first month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI and alternative WOLT (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.2 – 9.8, -.4, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” flat at 1.1, #16 to #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – .6, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, third straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.0 – 5.2, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, ninth to seventh   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.4 -1.3, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, flat at #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fifth month in succession, 13.3 – 11.8, -1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.2 – 5.9, +.7, locked in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 2.2, #11 to #12

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .0 – .1, +.1, #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #12 to #9

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN steady at 1.6, unchanged at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB, first month, 8.4 – 9.0, +.6

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM & WEAN (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WCTK (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.0 – 3.7, +.7, remains at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #15 to #12

WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” .2 – .5, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, sixth straight month, 10.7 – 10.3, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3 +.8, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, second month in a row, 8.7 – 10.0, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.3)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WQIK (-2.1)

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.9 -1.6, -.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.4, continues at #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – .9, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 3.2, +.6, tenth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WOLL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-3.7)**

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets  

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC .9 – 1.0, +.1, flat at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, sixth month in a row, 13.3 – 14.0, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPTI; country WTQR; and CHR WKZL (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #11 to #10

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, eighth to ninth

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO flat at 1.5, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 12.2, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-1.1)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .4, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .9 – 1.6, +.7, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.6 – 3.5, -2.1, sixth to ninth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .7 – .5, -.2, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 41st month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: sports talk WUCS (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.1)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Round Four of May PPMs Released

imThe 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. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, fifth month in succession, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.3) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 8.3, -.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, flat at #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.9, -.1, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, fifth straight month, 9.3 – 9.4, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTKK and contemporary Christian WRTP (-.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.4 – 6.6, +.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, fourth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.2, +.5, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.2 – 8.2, -1.0, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.7 – 10.2, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.0)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, eighth to ninth   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 -1.4, +.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fourth month in succession, steady at 13.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WKDF (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WWTN (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” unchanged at .4, continues at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.1, -1.3, #9 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, eighth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.5, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: rock WHJY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WGBH (-1.3)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, remains at #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth straight month, 9.4 – 10.7, +1.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WGH-FM (+1.5)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-.9)

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 5.5 -.6, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WKSL-HD3 (-.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .8 -1.9, +1.1, #16 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #11 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” flat at .5, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 11.9, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.1)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD flat at 2.0, remains at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – .9, -.2, stays at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, fifth month in a row, 13.4 – 13.3, -.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.1)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, locked at #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” flat at .2, unchanged at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, tenth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .4, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, third straight month, 11.0 – 11.8, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-.8)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .4, -.2, #17 to #18

WTIC-AM cluster-mate WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – .9, -.4, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .7, +.3, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 40th month in a row, 11.0 – 10.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-1.0)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Round Four of April PPMs Released

imThe 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. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imApril 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.

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 March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.6 – 5.5, -.1, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.3 – 4.7, -.6, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, fourth month in succession, 8.7 – 9.7, +1.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA and rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLJA (-1.3)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.8, +.5, locked in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” flat at .3, #23 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.1 – 3.4, +.3, #11 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.5 – 8.0, +.5, anchored in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, fourth straight month, 9.6 – 9.3, -.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK and CHR WDCG (+.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country WNCB (-.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.1 – 6.4, -1.7, second to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #12 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, third month in a row, 9.0 – 8.4, -.6 and country cluster-mate WLHK, first month, 5.9 – 8.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: country WLHK (+2.5)*

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk WIBC (-1.7)**

*Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” unchanged at 9.7, #2 to #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks, Brewers) 7.4 – 9.2, +1.8, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” flat at 1.3, repeats at #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, stays at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.1 – 2.8, +.7, #15 to #13

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, steady at 9.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKKV (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.9 – 6.7, -.2, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #20 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, sixth to eighth   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, third month in succession, 14.7 – 13.3, -1.4

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.4)

PROVIDENCE

 News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.0 – 5.7, -.3, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .3 – .4, +.1, remains at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics) 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, repeats at #10

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, steady at #9

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, seventh month in succession, 9.8 – 9.0, -.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWBB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-.8)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #13 to #12

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .3, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #16 to #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” unchanged at .3, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fourth straight month, 10.9 – 9.4, -1.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WNOR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban AC WVKL (-1.5)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.0 – 6.1 -.9, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, flat at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL, first month, 7.8 – 8.1, +.3 and Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, steady at 8.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WJGL-HD2 and its internet stream (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.4)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #12 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.1 -.8, -.3, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) steady at .5, stays at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, third straight month, 10.4 – 11.8, +1.4

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.5)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican WLLY (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #11 to #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #15 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, fourth month in a row, 12.8 – 13.4, +.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-.7)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, remains at #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, seventh to tenth

WFMS’ internet stream .7 – .5, -.2, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, second straight month, 10.1 – 11.0, +.9

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.4)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: sports talk WMFS (-.6)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.4 – 5.3, -.1, locked in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, #15 to #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .6, +.2, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.4 – 5.2, -.2, sixth to seventh

New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 39th month in a row, 11.7 – 11.0, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WHCN (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WTIC-FM (-1.1)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Rounds Three and Four of March PPMs Released

Rounds three and four of Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey have been released for 24 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from these markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM falls 1.3 shares to a 5.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but stays in the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips a full share for a 2.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #16. Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds one-tenth for a 5.1 finish that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share good for the #6 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN falls one-tenth to a 9.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ rises four-tenths for a 7.4 share repeating in the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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 February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3

KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13

KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19

KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT  (-.9)

Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)

 RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, first to second

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)

*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth  

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)

PROVIDENCE

 News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10

The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)

 WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)

Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Round Four of February PPMs Released

The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls three-tenths to finish with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains locked in the #2 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.4 share good for the #14 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises two-tenths for a 9.8 share finish that keeps it ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ dips half a share to finish with a 7.0 share but rises one spot to the #4 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR is up four-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank, while sister news/talk WJNO falls two-tenths to a 1.5 share leaving it ranked #13, and Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL is up one-tenth for a 1.0 share finish and the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, second month in succession, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KAMX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLQB (-1.0)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.0, -.3, locked in second-place

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 7.4, -.9, second to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.5, +2.0

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: gospel WNNL (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.2 – 8.0, +.8, carries on in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, locked at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .5, -.2, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” flat at .4, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, second month in a row, 10.4  – 9.2, -1.2 and Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 9.3 – 9.2, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WIBC (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 9.8, +.2, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.5 – 7.0, -.5, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.7 – 1.0, -.7, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.5 – 3.9, -.6, #7 to #11

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD unchanged at 1.1, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second successive month, 9.6 – 9.8, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WMIL (-1.2)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 6.6, +.4, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 5.5 – 4.4, -1.1, seventh to eighth  

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, locked at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.8 – 3.0, -.8, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, first month, 7.5 – 14.3, +6.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.8)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.8)

*Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, anchored in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics) 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, continues in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” steady at 2.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, ninth to eighth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.2, -2.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WPRO-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-2.3)**

**Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #12

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .3, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” steady at 1.8, repeats at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, second straight month, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.4 -.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #11 to #10

cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #11 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 -1.0, +.1, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .9 – .7, -.2, #14 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, seventh to eighth

co-owned WLRN-HD2’s internet stream flat at .2, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.3 – 10.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKGR (-.7)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.9, +1.0, remains in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, stays at #10

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, second month in a row, 12.2 – 12.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.9 – 2.9, -1.0, #8 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, eighth to seventh

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, stays at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 15th successive month, 11.8 – 10.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMC-FM (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.1 – 5.7, +.6, eighth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” unchanged at 1.0, continues at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, remains in seventh-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR and its internet stream are both steady at .4 and stay at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 37th month in a row, 10.9 – 13.7, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+2.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-2.0)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Greg Chance Named SVP/Programming for iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia announces that Greg Chance is named SVP of programming for Des Moines, St. Louis, Indianapolis and the North Dakota Area, effective immediately. This group of markets includes more than 20 stations. Chance returns to the radio business and iHeartMedia after having most recently served as vice president for Diamond Oil.  Chance says, “I am profoundly humbled that iHeart would allow me this opportunity. I look forward to reuniting with my past colleagues and meeting new colleagues in the immediate future. This gives me a sense of peace and I’m extremely flattered and grateful. I look forward to diving back into all of these brands and vetting all the new ones. To say that I am excited to return, would be an understatement.”

Industry News

Round Four of January PPMs Released

Barry Farber - usedThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 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 January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis comes back from the Holiday survey with a 1.5 share increase to post a 7.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #3. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN-AM adds eight-tenths to finish the survey with a 9.6 share that lifts it to the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ-AM adds 1.3 shares to wrap the survey with a 7.5 share but remains anchored in the #5 spot. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on 1.3 shares to finish with a 6.2 share, good for the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM is off two-tenths, finishing with a 1.0 share and the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Features

January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

Barry Farber - usedJanuary 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.

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 “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).

 AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, repeats in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” flat at 2.1, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, continues at #4

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, first month, 8.8 – 9.9, +1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKMJ (-4.6)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 10.4 – 8.3, -1.1, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8, #16 (did not appear in the “Holiday” 2022 report)

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, #8 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.2 – 8.3, -.9, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 9.6 – 8.5, -1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WNCB and contemporary Christian WCCE (+.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-6.3)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .4 – .7, +.3, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, first month, 7.9 – 10.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-7.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 8.8 – 9.6, +.8 third to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.2 – 7.5, +1.3, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, repeats at #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 4.5, +1.2, #11 to #7

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD .6 – 1.1, +.5, #21 to #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 8.8 – 9.6, +.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLDB (-3.4)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #17 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.1 – 1.2, +.1, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.6 – 3.8, +1.2, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-6.9)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.5 – 5.0, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.0 – 4.2, +2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, continues in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN flat at 2.6, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fourth month in succession, 16.9 – 10.5, -6.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWBB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-6.4)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.8, #11 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .8 – 1.3, +.5, repeats at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, first month, 9.0 – 10.1, +1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic rock WAFX (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-6.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 7.8 +1.7, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 7.1 – 10.0, +2.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+2.9)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-10.0)**

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.7, +.6, #13 to #11 and cluster-mate WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.7, #10 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -.9, -.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) 1.1 – .9, -.2, #13 to #14

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, repeats in seventh-place and the stream of co-owned WLRN-HD2 .2, #18 (unlisted in “Holiday” 2022)

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, first month, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.2)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.2 – 3.9, +.7, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, ninth to tenth

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.3 – 1.9, +.6, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, first month, 9.8 – 12.2, +2.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits WSMW (+2.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-9.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.6 – 3.9, +1.3, #13 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, ninth to eighth and WFMS’ internet stream flat at .4, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.4, +.3, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 14th successive month, 13.2 – 11.8, -1.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-3.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” flat at 5.1, sixth to eighth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” steady at 1.0, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” unchanged at 2.0, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR flat at 5.7, fifth to seventh

New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #18 to #19 and WFCR’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 36th month in a row, 15.8 – 10.9, -4.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR WKSS (+2.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-4.9)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

WIBC-FM Personality Abdul-Hakim Shabazz to Run for Mayor

According to Indianapolis news/talk WIBC-FM’s website, station personality and political journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz will enter the race for mayor of Indianapolis in the Republican primary. Shabazz made the announcement on the “Kendall and Casey” program that airs in middays on the Urban One station. He said, “I spoke to a lot of Hoosiers, a lot of folks in Indianapolis, in part parts of the city, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians for that matter and their eyes just lit up. A very nice lady, she donated $5. She said ‘Abdul, that’s all I can afford to give, I really want you to be mayor.’ It’s for people like that who are of limited mean, who don’t have a lot to give, and just want to feel better about where they live.” Shabazz is a weekend host on WIBC-FM and is founder and publisher of IndyPolitics.org. He formed an exploratory committee late last year to look into the feasibility of a campaign for mayor. He joins Pastor James Jackson on the GOP ticket in the May primary.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, second month in a row, 9.0 – 10.7, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLZT (-1.7)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 10.4, +1.2, first to second

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .2, -.1, #23 to #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.9, +1.2, #13 to #8 and co-owned WCMC-HD2 flat at .3, #23 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.2 – 9.2, +1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 6.9 – 11.6, +4.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+4.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRDU (-.4)

Note: Seven (7) Curtis Media Group-owned stations that appeared in the December 2022 top twenty are no longer subscribers and are unlisted in “Holiday” 2022. In addition to news/talk WPTF (#18 in December 2022), the others are: classic hits-oldies WKIX-FM (#5); adult hits WBBB (#7); country WQDR-FM (#8); classic hits-oldies WKIX-AM (#15); CHR WPLW (#15); and regional Mexican WYMY (#15).

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .4, -.3, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, anchored at #9

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 11.5 – 17.1, +5.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+5.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, first to third

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.6 – 6.2, -.4, locked in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 2.4 – 1.6, -.8, #14 to #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.3 – 11.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WRIT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “SuperTalk 99.7” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 7.3 – 6.6, -.7, third to fourth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.0 – 2.6, -1.4, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 11.9 – 14.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+2.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.4)

PROVIDENCE

 News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.3 – 4.5, -.8, fifth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .5, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, remains at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, stays at #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in succession, 10.5 – 16.9, +6.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+6.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WPRO-FM and country WCTK (-1.4)

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.4 – 2.8, -1.6, #7 to #11

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” 1.5 – .8, -.7, #17 to #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” flat at 1.6, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, second month in a row, 10.2 – 14.4, +4.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WNIS (-1.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 6.1 -.8, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .3 – .6, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 14.0 – 18.1, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.9)**

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, repeats in tenth-place and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – 1.0, +.1, anchored at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .8 – 1.1, +.3, #16 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, remains at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s flat at 3.2, carries on at #7

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.0 – 7.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WAYF (-1.3)

Note: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF had been #1 the past 12 months

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 3.2, -1.5, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #11 to #9

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, flat at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, second month in a row, 12.8 – 17.4, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-1.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, remains at #13

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, continues at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 13th successive month, 11.7 – 13.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KXHT (-1.6)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, fifth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, stays at #17

iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .2, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, third to fifth

New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .4, #20 to #18 and WFCR’s internet stream .2, #20 (did not appear in the December 2022 sweep)

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 35th month in a row, 15.0 – 15.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-1.3)

 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Industry News

News/Talk Pro Kent Sterling Joins WGCL, Bloomington

News/talk and sports radio pro Kent Sterling joins Sarkes-Tarzian, Inc’s WGCL-AM/W245DP, Bloomington, Indiana as program director and host of the 7:00 am to 9:00 am “Sterling in the Morning” program. In announcing Sterling’s joining the station, the company says, “Kent Sterling spent six years majoring in journalism and minoring in fun at Indiana University where he met his wife, made lifelong friends, and learned about basketball from Bob Knight. He has spent his career in media hiring great talent and becoming a respected host himself. Dan Dakich, Michael Grady, and Matt Taylor are among those Kent hired into radio.  He led ‘The Fan’ in Indianapolis (WFNI-AM) and ‘101 ESPN in St. Louis (WXOS-FM) to dominant positions in sports radio and helped head WIBC-FM [Indianapolis] to four Marconi Award wins for radio excellence and another national Crystal Award for public service. Kent’s proudest professional accomplishment is founding the WIBC Radiothon to Benefit The Salvation Army, which has raised over $3,000,000 to help Hoosiers in need. It continues to generate money and awareness for the organization as it helps Hoosiers in need.”

Ratings Takeaways

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.

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 September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).

The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.2 – 4.9, +.7, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.5 – 2.9, +.4, #16 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, tenth month in a row, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: hot AC KGSR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country KASE (-1.4)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 9.1, +.3, first

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.0 – 2.5, +.5, #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.9, +.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: news/talk WTKK, second month in a row, 8.8 – 9.1, +.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban AC WQOK (+.8)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, continues in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .3 – .5, +.2, #20 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .5, #19 (did not appear in September 2022)

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, stays in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, tenth successive month, 11.2 – 12.0, +.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WHHH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WIBC and jazz-classical WICR (-1.1)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 10.6, +1.0 second to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” 10.0 – 8.1, -1.9, first to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #15 to #14

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” .6 – .8, +.2, #22 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 4.1, ninth to tenth

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.0 – .8, -.2, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 9.6 – 10.6, +1.0

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rock WHQG (+1.3)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.9)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.9 – 5.0, -.9, sixth to ninth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, repeats at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 6.1 – 7.9, +1.8, fifth to second

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) .9 – 1.2, +.3, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, tenth month in a row, 9.0 – 8.3, -.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+1.8)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.1)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.5 – 6.4, +.9, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, unchanged at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, New England Patriots) 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, eighth to seventh

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, ninth to tenth

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #11 to #9

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, ninth straight month, 9.8 – 8.7, -1.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNBH (+1.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.1 – 5.0, +.9, ninth to seventh

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .6 – .4, -.2, repeats at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, tenth month in succession, 9.2 – 9.7, +.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WOWI (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits WNOB (-1.3)

*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.9 +.1, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, continues at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, fourth consecutive month, 11.5 – 10.6, -.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase:  gospel WKSL-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-.9)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.2 – 2.3 +.1, eighth to ninth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” flat at 1.3,  #11 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – .6, -.3, #14 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .5 – .6, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, tenth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.9, -1.6

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.6)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, flat at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, tenth month in a row, 10.9 – 11.0, +.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult hits WSMW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-1.0)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #13

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #13 to #12 and WMFS’ internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, repeats at #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, tenth successive month, 16.7 – 12.5, -4.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: hot AC WMC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (-4.2)**

**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, ninth to eighth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, #14 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” steady at .2, repeats at #20

Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream unchanged at .2, stays at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.0- 1.4, +.4, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 8.5 – 6.1, -2.4, third to fifth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 32nd month in a row, 12.1 – 11.2, -.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): country WWYZ and news/talk WTIC-AM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.4)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

WABC’s McGuirk Tribute Airs Today. The day-long remembrance of Bernie McGuirk on Red Apple Media New York news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” began at 6:00 this morning (Wednesday, 10/12). The 65-year-old McGuirk passed away last Wednesday (10/5) from prostate cancer. For the past four and a half years, he and Sid Rosenberg co-hosted “Bernie & Sid in the Morning.” According to Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis, who purchased WABC two years ago, “We are airing this all-day tribute to honor our friend and colleague, who loved New York, radio, and his listeners. We’ll have the opportunity to bid farewell to a wonderful man who reached WABC radio listeners around the world every morning with his unique take on the news.” Red Apple Media/WABC radio president Chad Lopez notes, “Bernie’s observations and analysis of world and local news and politics were not only insightful – they were authentic. His brilliant mind, combined with that New York attitude, [gave] listeners what they wanted – the truth; we will miss him.” News anchor/air personality Charles McCord worked with McGuirk during their years together on “(Don) Imus in the Morning” and will appear this morning in the 9:00 hour. Among others scheduled to be part of the tribute are: New York City mayor Eric Adams; comedian/longtime “Imus” cast member Rob Bartlett; sports talk host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo; former “Imus In The Morning” sports personality Warner Wolf; NBA play-by-play announcer Mike Breen; actor/author Chazz Palminteri; Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean; and WABC host Bill O’Reilly. McGuirk joined WABC in 2007 as “Imus in the Morning” producer/on-air contributor. He’d previously been with Imus at New York’s WNBC and WFAN. In 2016, WABC teamed McGuirk and Rosenberg in mid-days (10:00 am – 12:00 noon), before boosting them to morning drive. Rosenberg reflected on McGuirk with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison. Listen to their conversation by clicking here.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets. Three news/talk outlets are included in West Palm Beach’s top twenty (6+). A four-tenths improvement from August 2022 by iHeartMedia’s WZZR (1.8 – 2.2, 6+) coupled with co-owned WJNO’s half-share dip (1.8 – 1.3, 6+) results in “92.1 Real Radio” (ninth to eighth) overtaking “News Radio 1290” (#9 to #11). Also in that Florida market’s mix is Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850,” which drops two-tenths (1.1 – .9, #13 to #14, 6+). Although they only yield a combined 5.0 (6+), four Hartford news/talk stations crack the top twenty. Leading that group is Audacy’s WTIC-AM, although “News Talk 1080” logs a full-share deficit from August (4.6 – 3.6, 6+), slipping from eighth to ninth; its internet stream is unchanged in share and market rank (.2 and #20, respectively). Meanwhile, Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” picks up two-tenths (.8 – 1.0,  #15 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM,” which had been unlisted since April, resurfaces with a .2, (#20, 6+). See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.

Charges Dropped Against Subject Of “Serial” Podcast. Baltimore prosecutors yesterday (Tuesday, 10/11) dropped charges against Adnan Syed in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee, a case that was chronicled in the first season of the podcast “Serial.” Laura Nirider, co-director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, tweeted, “After the latest round of DNA testing generated results that, like previous rounds of testing, excluded Adnan Syed, he has now been formally exonerated.” A Baltimore judge last month overturned Syed’s murder conviction and ordered him released from prison, where the 41-year-old had spent more than two decades. Circuit judge Melissa Phinn gave prosecutors 30 days in which to decide whether to retry Syed or drop the charges. Syed captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the debut season of “Serial” focused on the case and raised doubts about some of the evidence, including cellphone tower data. Syed served more than 20 years in prison for strangling the 18-year-old Lee. Her body was found weeks later buried in a Baltimore park. More than a decade later, “Serial” revealed little-known evidence and attracted millions of listeners, shattering podcast-streaming and downloading records. Prosecutors failed to tell Syed’s defense attorneys about evidence that would have allowed him to defend himself, including details that established two other people had threatened Lee’s life. In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the state’s attorney for Baltimore, Marilyn Mosby, said that recently tested DNA completely exculpated Syed from the crime. She declined to say if any other known suspects may be implicated in the recent DNA testing, saying that the investigation is ongoing.

TALKERS News Notes. Effective next Monday (10/17), Jeff Rowe will join Southern California Public Radio Pasadena-Los Angeles news/talk KPCC and LAist as vice president/programming. Southern California Public Radio chief content officer Kristen Muller comments, “As we reach more audiences, we need to rethink the way we program across multiple platforms. Jeff brings an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset – these are critical skills that will be a huge asset.” Co-founder of Okanjo and Zap2it, Rowe has worked at AOL; Journal Communications; Tribune Media; NBC; and VH1. … Three-year KDWN “The Talk of Las Vegas” program director Steve Hoffman exits the Beasley Media Group news/talk station. … College Station, Texas news/talk WTAW celebrated its 100th anniversary last Friday (10/7). The Bryan Broadcasting-owned outlet began as experimental station 5XB in 1914 and was officially licensed as WTAW by the Commerce Department in 1922. Vice president/general manager Ben Downs comments, “When we followed the [Rush] Limbaugh wave into talk in 1989, it was a great day for the station. We still control the 25+ demos, which isn’t bad for a 100-year-old station – even though we don’t look a day over 70.” … Attorney/Corporation For Public Broadcasting board chair Bruce Ramer will be honored tonight (Wednesday, 10/12) with CPB’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” CPB president/chief executive officer Patricia Harrison notes, “Bruce Ramer’s award is in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and guidance given to CPB over the nearly 14 years of his service. He led CPB’s support for innovation, interconnection, infrastructure, and access to content over many platforms. [Bruce] was committed to strengthening local, national, and international public media journalism and editorial integrity. On a meaningful level, he always advanced diversity and inclusion personally and professionally.” CPB vice chair Laura Gore Ross adds, “Bruce’s leadership has strengthened CPB and public media when we needed it most. On his watch, CPB was able to distribute $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $175 million in CARES Act stabilization funding to public media stations. He has provided wise counsel through thick and thin that’s been felt by all.”

SiriusXM To Open Miami Broadcast Center. Scheduled for completion in 2023, the Miami Broadcast Center venue will feature several radio and recording studios, a 50-seat performance space, as well as office space. SiriusXM president/chief content officer Scott Greenstein notes, “We are excited to open our Miami broadcast complex and deepen our ties in such a multicultural and entertainment-rich city. Our Miami facility will feature a world-class performance space for our special events. Its artist-first recording studios will be a destination for major stars and emerging personalities to connect with listeners.” SiriusXM’s other facilities include its New York Rockefeller Center headquarters; West Hollywood studios; and studios/offices in Washington, DC and Nashville.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

New York All-Newser WINS An FM Signal. Beginning two weeks from this Thursday (10/27), Audacy New York’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” will begin simulcasting on 92.3, a frequency currently occupied by alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3.” At the same time, WINS’ longtime brand manager Ben Mevorach is boosted to vice president of New York news, overseeing WINS and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM “News Radio 880”; Ivan Lee is promoted to brand manager of both stations. As noted here yesterday (TALKERS, Monday, 10/10) WCBS-AM news director/brand manager Tim Scheld indicated in a staff memo that he’d be exiting the all-news outlet before the end of the year. A new agreement with SAG-AFTRA will allow cross-utilization of anchors and reporters for WINS and WCBS-AM. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero comments, “At a time when quality journalism and local reporting is so critical, it was the ideal moment to make a strong investment in our news creation and distribution capabilities. Audacy New York’s news organization, anchored by both WINS and [WCBS-AM], is the premier audio news outlet in the city. Now more than ever, we remain committed to serving our audiences as we have done so for over the last 50 years.” Mevorach states, “We are standing at the edge of an exciting new era for news in New York for our team,  advertisers, and – most importantly – our listeners. [WINS and WCBS-AM] will be in more places, covering more stories, creating more original content, expanding our digital footprint, and now offering listeners a crystal-clear FM audio experience. Both brands will retain their distinct identities but will now harness resources with the single mission of better serving our communities and reaching the next generation of news consumers.” Mevorach began his career in Boston as a magazine writer/editor for The Library Scene. Lee previously was operations manager at Talk America, which rebranded to Liberty Broadcasting; became WCBS-AM’s operations coordinator in 2004; WINS’ news editor in 2010; and was promoted to assistant news director in 2012. From November 1985 – December 2005, WXRK (now WNYL) was Howard Stern’s flagship station. The station flipped from CHR “Amp Radio” to alternative in February 2017. Recording its third consecutive down trend (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), WNYL ranks #21 in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep. WINS (3.0, 6+) and WCBS-AM (2.9, 6+) rank #11 and #13, respectively.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; and Providence. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets. News/talk is again #1 and #2 in Milwaukee – but – with a +1.1 from August (8.9 – 10.0, 6+), Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” advances from second to first, while iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” drops seven-tenths (10.3 – 9.6, 6+) and shifts from first to second. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” notches a +1.5 (7.3 – 8.8, 6+), progressing from third to first. Simultaneously with Cumulus Media Providence’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” gaining seven-tenths (4.8 – 5.5, seventh to sixth, 6+), cross-town iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” dips eight-tenths (1.2 – .4, #15 to #16, 6+). Not only does Cumulus Media Nashville sports talk WGFX vault from #13 to #5, “104.5 The Zone” ties Columbus’ similarly-formatted WBNS-FM for the largest (6+) August 2022 – September 2022 increase of any station from the 42 PPM-markets analyzed thus far (3.5 – 6.1, +2.6). In Austin, Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” posts a +1.1 from August (1.4 – 2.5, 6+), inching up from #19 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.  His overviews of Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford will appear tomorrow.

iHM WPB, Florida Panthers Announce Broadcast Agreement. The pact between iHeartMedia West Palm Beach and the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers is effective through the 2024 – 2025 season. As part of the deal, Florida Panthers games will be aired on sports gambling-formatted WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler.” iHeartMedia market president Mark McCauley states, “We’re excited to partner with the Florida Panthers and provide listeners great play-by-play action on ‘1230 The Gambler.’” Meanwhile, Panthers chief revenue officer Shawn Thornton adds, “We’re excited for iHeartMedia West Palm Beach to join the Florida Panthers radio network. With the refresh of their sports radio station ‘1230 The Gambler’ this past summer, we look forward to working with the leading audio media company in America to broadcast Panthers games to our fans in Palm Beach County.” In addition to Panthers play-by-play coverage, WBZT will air a one-hour Florida Panthers weekend show. The eight-station iHeartMedia West Palm Beach cluster includes WBZT, news/talk WJNO “News Radio 1290,” and news/talk WZZR “92.1 Real Radio.”

“The Book of Joe” Podcast Debuts. In their iHeartMedia/Fox Sports Radio “Book of Joe” podcast, three-time MLB “Manager of the Year” Joe Maddon and three-time “Sportswriter of the Year” Tom Verducci provide insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason. According to Maddon, “We are here to tell you what we think, not what we’ve heard. No regurgitation and original thoughts are valued.” Maddon managed in the big leagues for 19 years. He famously led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years and the Tampa Bay Rays to their first-ever World Series. Five-time Emmy Award winner Verducci is the lead baseball writer for Sports Illustrated; lead analyst/reporter for MLB Network and Fox Sports; and a member of the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame. He comments, “Like its namesake [forthcoming] book, the podcast will be full of surprises and insight. From game strategy to baseball history to leadership lessons – and maybe to some rock & roll and classic cars – we’ll cover more ground than a gold glove shortstop on the most illuminating and interesting podcast in baseball.” The podcast launched yesterday (Monday, 10/10) and will air through the World Series.

TALKERS News Notes. Tomorrow at 7:00 pm (Wednesday, 10/12), Hearst Television Baltimore news/talk WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (and sister NBC affiliate WBAL-TV) will air a Maryland gubernatorial debate between Democrat Wes Moore and Republican Dan Cox. WBAL president/general manager Dan Joerres comments, “The production and broadcast of this debate on both WBAL ‘News Radio’ and WBAL-TV is an important part of our ‘Commitment 2022’ political coverage. Putting all of our broadcast and digital sources to work to bring voters across the state this gubernatorial debate is a major part of our continuing effort to help them make informed decisions on election day. The debate will be moderated by WBAL-TV anchor Jason Newton. … The first episode of ESPN’s “The CJ McCollum Show” was posted last Thursday (10/6). The guard of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans had teammate Brandon Ingram as the inaugural guest on the podcast, which will post episodes each Thursday. McCollum formerly hosted Cadence 13’s “Pull Up With CJ McCollum.” … Elsewhere in NBA-themed podcasts, Jam Street Media introduces 15-year-old Sloane Weinstein hosting the bi-weekly “Sloane Knows.” She’ll interview some of the NBA’s biggest names, including the Boston Celtics’ newly-signed Blake Griffin; free agent Dwight Howard; and former NBA players Richard Jefferson and Baron Davis.

 

Supreme Court Sides With KQED On Prop 8 Trial Video Release. The ruling concludes a 12-year effort by a media coalition guided by San Francisco public radio news/talk KQED that paved the way for the release of videotapes from the 2009 – 2010 Prop 8 trial, leading to legalization of same-sex marriage in California. Proposition 8 passed in 2008 and banned same-sex marriage in the state. The subsequent trial, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, questioned whether Prop. 8 violated the U.S. Constitution. Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in favor of the right to same-sex marriage, but said at the time that videotapes of the trial would remain sealed for 10 years. KQED “Political Breakdown” podcast co-host Scott Shafer spearheaded the effort to make the tapes public. Shafer states, “As someone who sat through the entire Prop. 8 trial, I witnessed some very dramatic and moving testimony, as well as riveting cross-examinations. I’m glad others will now get to view this important part of the historical record.” KQED chief content officer Holly Kernan notes, “If our systems work behind closed doors, with no press or public access, we have no idea how decisions are made, nor what arguments are leading to these decisions. KQED wants more sunlight on our legal system, and we will fight on behalf of the public to get that access.”

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

WIBC-FM, Indianapolis Personality Rob Kendall Sues Political Activist for Defamation. WIBC-FM, Indianapolis late morning personality Rob Kendall is suing conservative political activist Gabriel Whitley, Spencer McDaniel, and Young Conservatives of Southern Indiana for defamation after the group posted comments on Facebook in which they refer to Kendall as “Pedo Rob,” implying that he’s a pedophile. The Evansville Courier & Press reports the story, noting that Whitley is a declared candidate for mayor of Evansville. Kendall co-hosts the late morning program on Radio One’s WIBC-FM with Casey Daniels. Kendall is being represented by fellow WIBC personality Abdul Hakim-Shabazz. McDaniel says the Facebook page is a satire page and as such is protected speech. He says, “Gabriel Whitley had no part in this, I run the page but it was a joke and I take full responsibility for the joke. We will win and all charges will be dropped.” The suit states, “The satiric effect emerges only as the reader concludes by the very outrageousness of the words that the whole thing is a put-on.” Hakim-Shabazz says that “the context of the post does not allow a reasonable reader to think the defendant’s words were a ‘put on.’” Kendall is seeking $50,000 in damages, punitive damages as the court deems proper,  attorney fees and court costs, and other relief the court deems proper.

Comrex Unveils New Remote Contribution Solution. The new cloud service for remote, on-air or production contribution from Comrex is called Gagl, and it allows between one and five users to send and receive audio from computers and smartphones. Each user receives their own mix-minus to hear other connected guests, and the Gagl audio is delivered to a Comrex hardware codec (such as ACCESS or BRIC-Link, usually in a studio). All participants can hear other participants and the codec “sends” audio back to them. Comrex says that participants can connect and send audio by simply clicking a link using any common web browser. Gagl is designed to be used with consumer grade equipment, so contributors only need a device and a headset to get on the air. Gagl uses the Opus audio encoder, with a bit rate that delivers both voice and music in excellent quality. Gagl also delivers audio directly to a Comrex codec with all the stability enhancements, pro-grade audio connections, and features that hardware codecs provide. The simple user interface makes it easy for users with any level of technical experience to use. Comrex adds that Gagl could be used as the hub for a news program or for a morning radio show to support multiple simultaneous contributor connections. Because it offers low latency, it’s appropriate for call-in talk radio. Gagl could also be used to allow a single contributor to connect back to the studio from a computer or smartphone. Gagl works with Comrex hardware IP audio codecs including the AES67-compatible ACCESS NX Rack IP audio codec and ACCESS MultiRack multi-channel IP audio codec as well as the BRIC-Link series. Find out more about Gagl here.

Edison Research: Spotify Takes Over as Top U.S. Podcast Network. The latest Q2 2022 data from Edison Research’s ranking of the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. reveals that Spotify, SXM Media, and iHeartRadio take the top three spots, respectively. Spotify surpassed SXM Media’s weekly reach by a tiny margin. Edison’s ranking is based on surveys of 8,000 podcast listeners in the U.S. and measures reach as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience. Rankings are compiled by measuring the total unduplicated reach of all the shows represented by a given network. See the complete list of the top 30 podcast networks here.

Podtrac: iHeartRadio Top Podcast Publisher for August 2022. The ranking of top podcast publishers from Podtrac has been released for August and, based on Unique Monthly Audience, iHeartRadio is ranked #1 with more than 35.5 million UMA for its 689 active shows. Wondery is ranked #2 (24.5 million UMA) for 204 shows, and NPR comes in at #3 (19.7 million UMA) for 49 shows. See Podtrac’s entire chart of the top 20 podcast publishers for August 2022 here.

Brian Kilmeade in Albany. Pictured above is FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio star Brian Kilmeade (center) on stage at The Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany on September 8. With him is FOX News Channel producer Alyson Mansfield (left) and news/talk WGDJ, Albany owner Paul Vandenburgh (right). Kilmeade’s radio program is heard from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on WGDJ.

KFAN’s Dan Barreiro to Be Enshrined in Hall of Fame. Longtime Twin Cities sports talk personality Dan Barreiro – host of “Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro” and “Sunday Sermons with Dan Barreiro” – is being honored this Saturday (9/17) at the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Barreiro was a sports columnist at the Star Tribune for 17 years. He joined iHeartMedia’s KFXN-FM, Minneapolis “KFAN 100.3” in 1992. iHeartMedia Minneapolis market president Greg Alexander says, “Dan epitomizes the make-up of a tremendous talk show in the Twin Cities. He puts together compelling interviews and has the ability to break down any and every topic to entertain our listeners. He is a true talent.” Market SVP of programming Gregg Swedberg adds, “There isn’t a radio personality who has had the kind of ratings success over the last three decades that Dan Barreiro has. He has done it by hosting intelligent, entertaining, and compelling radio. He’s more than the ‘Big Ticket,’ he is the blueprint.”

Audacy’s I’m Listening Mental Health Campaign to Produce Sixth Annual Special Program. The ongoing mental health public service campaign from Audacy includes the two-hour audio program, “I’m Listening,” once again co-hosted by Carson Daly and by Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble. Each year, Audacy activates “I’m Listening” through national campaigns featuring artists, celebrities, and athletes who share their experiences with mental health. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, these events help raise awareness and support of issues that we all face in our daily lives. Guests on this year’s program will include: Carrie Underwood, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Vice President Kamala Harris, Lizzo, Ricky Williams, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth and Stephen A. Smith, who will share personal mental health stories. The special airs nationwide on Wednesday, September 21 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm local time across more than 230 Audacy stations and will be live streamed via its digital app and website. Also, returning to the Hollywood Bowl for its ninth year, the star-studded concert “We Can Survive” takes place on Saturday, October 22 with featured acts including Alanis Morrisette, Garbage, Halsey, OneRepublic, Weezer and more.

Trumps vs DOJ, Inflation/Financial Markets/Railroad Strike, Lindell Search Warrant, Russia-Ukraine War, British Royalty, Musk-Twitter Case, and Ken Starr Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/13). Former President Donald Trump’s battle with the Department of Justice over its investigation into documents he kept at Mar-a-Lago; the still rising rate of inflation, Tuesday’s financial markets beating, and the looming railroad strike; MyPillow founder Mike Lindell has phone taken by FBI in warranted search; Ukraine’s retaking of territory from Russian forces; the royal family’s activities in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth’s death; the court battle between Elon Musk and Twitter over his canceled acquisition bid; and former special prosecutor Ken Starr dies were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, September 12, 2022

Monday Memo: “Like Sands Through the Hourglass…” Beginning today, a TV milestone. “Or is this ‘the canary in the coal mine?’” consultant Holland Cooke asks. Beginning today, after 57 years and 58 Emmy Awards on broadcast television, “The Days of Our Lives” will now be seen exclusively on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock. In this week’s column, HC notes how this trend is playing-out, and what it means to radio. Read it here.

 

Pending Business: Coupons. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the renewed interest in clipping coupons thanks to the current high prices of food and other consumer goods. Coupons were, and still can be a barometer for return on investment by marketers who use them; and they’ve been a thorn in the side of radio sellers from time to time, as well. Lapa has some suggestions for radio sellers running into competition from coupon marketers. Read it here.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 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 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Waterloo Media Group’s news/talk KLBJ-AM, Austin jumps a full share to finish the survey with a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) that lifts it from the #11 rank to #7. Although rising by 1.4 shares for a 9.3 share finish, Radio One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis remains in the #2 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN continues to hold down the #1 rank after adding four-tenths for a 10.3 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls seven-tenths for an 8.9 share that keeps it ranked #2. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence tacks on eight-tenths for a 4.8 share finish but remains ranked #7 as iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up half a share for a 1.2 share that lifts it to the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to New Roles as Metro Presidents. The company announces the promotion of three current market presidents to the newly created roles of metro presidents. First, Columbus market president Kris Foley is now metro president for Columbus and Cleveland. Second, Charlotte market president Dave Carwile is now metro president for the Carolinas giving him oversight of Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina. And third, Cincinnati market president D.J. Hodge is now metro president for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. All three executives report to Tom McConnell, division president for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group.

Audacy Names Terri Gunnell EVP of Advertising Technology, Products and Platforms. Advertising technology professional Terri Gunnell is named EVP of advertising technology, products and platforms for Audacy. She comes to the company from WarnerMedia where she was EVP, head of monetization and data platforms. In her new role with Audacy, she’ll lead the teams responsible for advertising technology, products and platforms for the company’s revenue organization, providing business-focused use cases and requirements for vendors and ad tech engineers to ensure that the platforms meet business needs. She’ll also lead the business transformation activities surrounding people, process and tech, partnering with peer leaders to ensure that organizational structure and business processes are optimized and successfully supported by the tech and data platforms. Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “Terri’s extensive technical expertise, ability to administer and guide large budgets and staff, combined with her commitment to building collaborative teams, makes her a perfect candidate to take on this role. We look forward to her owning this rapidly growing portion of our business to help us best serve our clients, partners and consumers.”

iHeartMedia Promotes Uta Knablein to Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. The company promotes Uta Knablein from her executive vice president of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience role to chief product officer for iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says of Knablein, “She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry. Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.” Knablein steps into this role following former chief product officer Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.

Legendary Talk Show Host Steve Kass Back in the Game. Retired talk radio personality Steve Kass has informed TALKERS that he is interested in getting back on the air as a fill-in host. Kass states, “There is so much going on right now in the nation and world, it is difficult to sit on the sidelines and not participate in what is clearly one of the most exciting and consequential chapters in news/talk broadcasting history. Today, with access to leading-edge remote technology, there is absolutely no reason not to get back in the game.” Kass is credited as having been one of the most successful voices heard on the airwaves in New England where he was a major player at both WPRO and WHJJ in Providence between 1984 and 2005 – many of those years as a dominant morning host. Kass hung up his headphones in 2005 to accept the position of communications director in the administration of Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri. During his last year on the air, Kass was named the Associated Press “Talk Show Host of the Year” and in 2010 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. Kass tells TALKERS, “No job is too big or too small” and that he can be available on very short notice. Steve Kass can be reached by phone at 401-663-9776 or emailed at stevegkass@gmail.com.

TALKERS News Notes. Former Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Larry Elder is considering a run for president, he tells The Daily Wire. In an interview, Elder says what brought him to run against California Governor Gavin Newsom in last year’s recall election. “[A] number of people approached me as you know, to encourage me to run for governor of California. And little by little I felt that I had a moral and spiritual and a patriotic obligation to do it.” He adds, “I didn’t think I would like politics. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I was surprised at how good I was at it. And in about seven and a half weeks which is when I got into the race, with only that much time left. I raised around $22 million —  more than all of the major rivals combined.”…..Los Angeles talk radio station KBLA “Talk 1580” is presenting an election forum tonight (9/12) with incumbent Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and challenger and former Long Beach Chief of Police Robert Luna. This is the first in the station’s Public Safety Forum series of events. It’s being streamed on the station’s website, YouTube and Facebook and will be broadcast on KBLA later. It’s being moderated by station owner Tavis Smiley with radio hosts Dominique DiPrima, Angela Reddock-Wright and Nii Quartelai Quartey…..Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Wisconsin launches the Tundra Trio Radio Network, which is airing Green Bay Packers content across sports talk WKTI-FM, “94.5 ESPN” and news/talk WTMJ in Milwaukee and WTLX-FM, Madison “100.5 ESPN.” The newest Good Karma Brands radio network got its name from its Tundra Trio properties, two houses adjacent to Lambeau Field where private tailgates are hosted prior to each home game. Kicking off every Packers game day at the Tundra Trio houses are former Packer Gary Ellerson and WTMJ personality Greg Matzek. Following each game, host Gabe Neitzel and Steve “The Homer” True, alongside Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher, will team up for the “Pack Attack Postgame.”

Trump vs DOJ, Ukraine Recaptures Territory, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, King Charles III Crowned, Fentanyl Crisis, NFL Season Opens, and Western Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The legal battle between former President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice over documents Trump was keeping at his Mar-a-Lago residence; Ukraine forces recapture territory from Russia and concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; the November midterms elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Charles III is crowned King of Great Britain; the growing rate of fentanyl being shipped across the U.S.-Mexico border; the NFL opens its 103rd season; and the wildfires in the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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 July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.2 – 4.2, +1.0, #11 to #7

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Sinclair Telecable adult hits KBPA, eighth month in a row, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk KLBJ-AM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.4)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, anchored in third-place

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.1 – 7.4, -.7, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, sixth successive month 10.2 – 8.7, -1.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WRDU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Radio One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.9 – 9.3, +1.4, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: iHeartMedia’s WOLT-HD2 “Business News 97.5” flat at .1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Radio One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.4, #14 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” unchanged at .3, #20 to #18

Cumulus Media’s WNDE “CBS Sports 1430” .1, #19 (did not appear in the previous four sweeps)

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI flat at 4.2, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, eighth successive month, 11.4 – 11.3, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WFMS (+1.7)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

*Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 10.3, +.4, first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.6 – 8.9, -.7, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #15 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at .9, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, stays in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.9 – 10.3, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC WJMR (-.8)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 5.8, -.4, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.1 – 3.5, +1.4, #15 to #13

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” .8 – .9, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, eighth month in a row, 10.4 – 9.6, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WSIX (-1.1)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, continues in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .7 – 1.2, +.5, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, tenth to eighth

WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, seventh straight month, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, #10 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #17

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .4 – .6, +.2, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth month in succession, steady at 9.7

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUSH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: jazz WHOV (-1.1)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.1 – 7.9 -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” flat at .5, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, second consecutive month, steady at 10.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase:  urban contemporary WJBT (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WGNE (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #11 to #9 and cluster-mate WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.8 -.3, tenth to ninth

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 3.4 – 1.1, -2.3, #7 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” steady at .4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.4 – 3.3, +.9, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, eighth month in succession, 9.7 – 8.8, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WLRN (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WFTL (-2.3)**

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, continues at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, eighth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WPAW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-.7)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .7 – .9, +.2, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #11 to #12 and WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, locked at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, stays at #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, eighth successive month, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: gospel WHAL (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, anchored in eighth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #15

Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .2, -.4, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .7 – .6, -.1, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.9 – 8.8, +.9, fourth to second

New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 30th month in a row, 11.0 – 11.1, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WNPR (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: hot AC WTIC-FM (-.7)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Peter Boyles to Host Weekend Show on KNUS, Denver. Longtime Denver talk radio personality Peter Boyles is returning to Salem Media Group’s news/talk 710 KNUS to host a Saturday program airing from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, effective September 10. Boyles has been serving as morning drive host and recently announced his retirement from that full-time position. Last week, Salem announced that former Colorado district attorney and current Denver Post columnist George Brauchler has assumed daily morning show duties. Station operations manager Kelly Michaels says, “Pete is a Denver radio legend and we are blessed to have him back sharing his unique take on the issues of the day.” As part of the lineup change, Randy Corporon’s weekly program moves to Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During his career, Boyles has served with numerous Denver radio stations including: KAAT, KLAK, KWBZ, KYBG, KHOW, and KOA.

WXOS-FM, St. Louis Morning Personality Michelle Smallmon to Exit for ESPN Opportunity. The Hubbard Radio sports talk station posts on its website the news that WXOS-FM, St. Louis morning drive co-host Michelle Smallmon will leave the “Karraker & Smallmon” program after this Friday’s show to join ESPN as overnight “SportsCenter” anchor for ESPN Radio. Earlier in her career, Smallmon served with WXOS as producer of “The Fast Lane” program that included her current broadcast partner Randy Karraker before she left to join ESPN the first time around. She rejoined WXOS in May of 2020.

Leon Williamson Named VP of Sales for iHeartMedia Indy. Broadcast marketing pro Leon Williamson is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s Indianapolis cluster that includes WNDE “FOX Sports 1260,” WOLT-HD2/W248AW “Business News 97.5,” and three music brands. Williamson transitions to this position from iHeartMedia’s Miami operations. iHeartMedia Indianapolis market manager Kristy Beebe says, “We are so excited to welcome Leon to iHeartMedia Indianapolis. Leon’s unique skill set and passion to lead our sales team is what we’re most excited about. His familiarity of our brands and products, along with the experience he brings from different sectors will be a tremendous addition to our Indianapolis team.” Williamson has also served with Urban One in St. Louis and Cox Media Group in Miami. He comments, “I am extremely excited to lead the Indianapolis team with both my professional and personal skills. I look forward to creating a legacy and blazing a trail for young professionals in media that share my experience.”

Michael Burger Promoted to Market President for iHeartMedia Raleigh. Radio sales and management pro Michael Burger is promoted to market president for iHeartMedia’s Raleigh station group that includes news/talk WTKK-FM and five music brands. Burger was most recently serving as SVP of sales for the cluster. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell states, “Michael is a strong natural leader with high business acumen. He has introduced new strategic changes and created synergies between our content creators and revenue drivers that have helped fuel the overall performance for the market.” Burger comments, “I am beyond appreciative and grateful to be trusted with this opportunity. As Raleigh continues to grow, expand and flourish, I look to the future with excitement, encouragement and promise. iHeartMedia Raleigh has established itself as a fierce competitor in the market. We have positioned ourselves incredibly to not only be a destination source for entertainment, music, events, social media, and audio, but to help our clients tell their stories in a creative way that helps them achieve new heights.”

WWO AAG Blog: Performance Marketing Versus Creating Future Demand. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog addresses the difference between the “buy now” marketing strategy versus one that seeks to “create future demand.” Some of the research-based findings in this study include: For the automobile category, only 3% are in-market for a new vehicle and consequently, sales event ads only work on the small group who are ready to buy. But looking ahead two years, 24% will purchase a vehicle in that time span and therefore advertisers who focus on creating future demand will have access to a much larger pool of potential customers. The report says, “When a business consistently uses brand building to create future demand and sales events to convert existing demand, great things happen.” It posits that the ideal budget mix is 40% for sales events and 60% to create future demand via brand building. Read the blog here.

KWTO, Springfield, Missouri Unveils ‘Uncommon Sense with Cass’ Program. A new weekend program will debut on Zimmer Midwest Communications’ news/talk KWTO-AM/K227AO, Springfield, Missouri called “Uncommon Sense with Cass,” hosted by Cass Bowen. The show launches on September 3 and airs Saturdays at 10:00 am. Zimmer says the show “will cover politics, culture, and social issues through a Christian conservative lens, and will feature a diverse group of guest interviews from politicians, local special interest groups, cultural commentators, and more.” Bowen serves with the station on the KWTO morning drive program as executive producer and air personality.

TALKERS News Notes. The content staff at Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corp – operator of public news/talk WESA-FM and independent music station WYEP-FM announce their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. The bargaining unit includes hosts and disc jockeys, reporters, editors, producers, and others. The group states, “We will approach this process in the spirit of collaboration and professionalism and urge PCBC leadership to do the same by voluntarily recognizing the union and begin bargaining in good faith with us. As a union town, Pittsburgh’s public radio stations should be union shops.” The bargaining unit says its goals are securing livable, equitable wages for staff, and improving the company’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. The union also seeks to create a more supportive and transparent workplace to help strengthen PCBC as an organization…..Community Communications’ public radio outlets WMFE, Orlando and WMFV, Cedar Creek, Florida announce they are launching a revamped version of the weekly arts, culture and entertainment segment “Spotlight” on Septempber 1. The segment, hosted by WMFE’s “All Things Considered” host, Nicole Darden Creston, will air at 4:45 pm on Thursdays. “Spotlight” will relaunch as both a four-minute radio segment and an extended podcast. The segment explores Central Florida’s arts scene from a unique perspective and amplifies voices not often heard. “Spotlight” will also share performances from creators of all stripes.

Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, FBI Raid/Documents Investigation, Biden Student Loan Plan, Russia-Ukraine War, Immigration, Musk vs Twitter, Droughts & Floods Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/29). The primary elections for the November midterms and speculation about the presidential nominees in 2024; the aftermath of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago and the investigation into classified documents; criticism of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; migrant troubles at the U.S.-Mexico border; Elon Musk’s battle against Twitter to back out of his $44 billion acquisition of the company; the droughts and floods affecting life in America were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, August 12, 2022

Pioneering Broadcaster, Anti-Ageism Activist and TALKERS Principal Carole Marks Dies at 86.  The longtime host of the groundbreaking, upper-demo syndicated radio talk show, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups,” Carole Marks Scott of Mystic, CT passed away this past Sunday (8/7) at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. She was 86. Ms. Marks was the host and founder of the groundbreaking and long-running upper-demo-targeted radio talk show, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups” and a principal in Talk Media, Inc., the parent company of TALKERS – a partner in both ventures with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison and radio executive Shelley McBreairty. Ms. Marks graduated from Oxford School and attended Connecticut College. She had four children. As a newly single mature woman, she went back to school and earned her college degree from the University of New Haven when three of her four children were adults. She found her passion as director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of New London. In that position, Ms. Marks was interviewed in the media about issues concerning senior citizens on WSUB, New London and was invited to start her own radio show, “Senior Focus with Carole Marks” in the mid-nineties. The idea of a radio show aimed at an older demographic was unique at the time, and upon joining forces with Michael Harrison as her partner and co-host, her show was syndicated nationally with a new name, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups.” The show ran for two decades accruing thousands of listeners and establishing Ms. Marks as one of America’s leading experts on upper demographic issues as well as a champion in the battle against ageism.  She waged a relentless campaign on a number of media fronts to make, as she put it, “the lives of the 50-plus generation as meaningful, fulfilling and as productive as possible.” Her mission was to counter negative senior stereotypes and she spoke before civic groups, professional associations, and industry conventions all across the country as a supporter of the group she liked to call “seasoned citizens.” At its peak, “A Touch of Grey” was heard on more than 50 stations across America, including at different times, New York City’s WOR, WABC and WNYM.  Her guests included the biggest names in health care, politics, sports and the arts, including presidents of the United States.  She boldly tackled such problems as the rising cost of prescription drugs, the future of Social Security and Medicare, challenges facing the “sandwich generation” who must take care of young adult children on one side and elderly parents on the other, planning retirement during difficult economic times, the best ways to choose a nursing home, safe and effective ways to diet and exercise, understanding leading edge technology, and countless other subjects. Ms. Marks would often take her show on the road and broadcast live from such diverse places as the United States Senate Office Building, the jungles of Africa, the Taj Mahal, the North American Orient Express, or a glacier in Antarctica. She was proudest of being in the White House press room and on Air Force One with President Obama. She said, “I want people to know that just because you’ve put on a few years doesn’t mean you can’t go out and explore the world and life, and, most importantly, continue to learn and grow.” Travel became a second passion, as she went on worldwide trips to all seven continents and had a map in her kitchen showing all of the places she had visited, including Dharamshala, India where she met the Dalai Lama. In 2004, Ms. Marks found love again and was married for the second time, to J Irving Bird Scott. In 2005. She wrote the book Modern Aging: A Guide for Seasoned Citizens to Achieve Health, Happiness and Purpose (Talkers Books 2005). TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Carole was one of the finest human beings I have had the privilege to know in my life.  Her role as my friend and business partner were invaluable in contributing to the longevity and success of our media enterprises.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a consequential thought-leader, businesswoman, humanitarian and philanthropist who supported numerous public service organizations and non-profits.” Her business partner Shelley McBreairty adds, “Carole was more than a beloved colleague and source of guidance and inspiration. She treated me and my daughters as a mother and a grandmother. We all love her dearly.” A public celebration of life for Carole Marks Scott will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to The Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street New London, CT 06320, or Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, 365 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT 06320.

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Vic or Perp?” looks back at this past week of 8/8 to 8/12. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dr. Murray Sabrin, emeritus professor of finance, Ramapo College, NJ; Steve Weisman, professor of law, Bentley University, Boston/founder, Scamicide.com; Greta Van Susteren, talk show host, Newsmax TVMartha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; and Holland Cooke, media consultant. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Round Four of July PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 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 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM is steady with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF is up one-tenth for a 1.8 share good for the #15 rank. Although it sheds 1.5 shares, Emmis’ news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis remains ranked #2 after posting a 7.9 share. The news/talk battle in Milwaukee flips as iHeartMedia’s WISN leaps into the #1 rank after adding nine-tenths for a 9.9 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ drops 1.8 shares, finishes with a 9.6 share and falls to #2. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips seven-tenths for a 6.2 share finish that drags it from #4 to #6, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC rises eight-tenths to a 2.5 share good for the #13 rank. In West Palm Beach, Hubbard Broadcasting’s news/talk WFTL spikes by 2.4 shares for a 3.4 share finish that moves it from #13 to #7, while iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR dips three-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank and sister news/talk WJNO rises three-tenths to a 1.7 share and the #11 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three rounds) here.

RTDNA Announces 2022 National Edward R. Murrow Award Winners. The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the national winners of the 2022 Edward R. Murrow Awards in recognition of outstanding work in digital, radio and television journalism in technical and editorial categories. RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley says, “The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in journalism. More than 750 Regional Murrow winners advanced to the national competition, and over the past few months, an expert panel of journalists has meticulously reviewed and deliberated over every entry. That’s why I’m confident in saying today’s winners represent the absolute best of the best. So, let me be the first to say congratulations to our newest National Edward R. Murrow Award winners.” RTDNA chair Allison McGinley adds, “Thank you to every journalist who played a role in the pieces that were submitted. Not everyone can be a Murrow Award winner, but all of you make a difference in your communities. Thank you for the work you do.” See all the winners here.

LATimes: No One Listens to Sports Talk Radio in L.A. Why the People in Charge Aren’t Worried. Los Angeles Times writer Bill Shaikin looks at the question of why Los Angeles – of all the major markets – has the lowest listenership to sports talk radio, according to Nielsen Audio ratings. In the piece, Shaikin talks to WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” afternoon drive hosts Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti – and others – about why East Coast cities like Boston and Philadelphia have huge sports talk listener audiences while Los Angeles pales in comparison. Read his story here.

TALKERS News Notes. The new permanent host of FOX News Channel’s “FOX News Sunday” program is Shannon Bream. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says Bream – the first woman to host the 26-year-old program – will start on September 11. She will continue as the network’s chief legal correspondent. Scott says, “Shannon is an outstanding journalist, reporter and anchor who has cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with the FOX News Media audience.”…..The National Sports Network is partnering with in USA Radio Network to offer a slate of NCAAfootball games for radio stations. Beginning the schedule this season is the September 3 game Alabama vs Utah State. Other September games include Tennessee at Pitt and Oklahoma at Nebraska. See the whole schedule here…..iHeartMedia Nashville is presenting the 20th annual Wine on the River event on September 10. This year, the funds raised will go to The DISTRICT’s initiative 2ndavestrong, which helps restore the vitally important historic district of 2nd Avenue. The initiative was created in response to the damage resulting from the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville in 2020. News/talk WLAC and its sister stations are promoting the event…..WBUR, Boston unveils its fall season for CitySpace at The Lavine Broadcast Center, “a state-of-the-art live event venue for cutting-edge conversations, adventurous art and innovative ideas. Bringing WBUR’s journalism alive on stage, CitySpace conversations feature some of the nation’s leading thinkers on timely topics such as the changing media landscape, the state of national politics, climate change and the challenges of American motherhood.”

FBI Raid/Trump Legal Issues Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 8-12. The FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago as well as his legal battle with the State of New York combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was partisan politics and the week’s primary elections, followed by urban crime, gun control, and policing issues at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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 June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.2 – 3.2, -2.0, #7 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, seventh month in a row, 8.7 – 10.1, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk KLBJ-AM (-2.0)*

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” flat at 8.0, repeats in third-place

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.9 – 1.2, -.7,  #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.7 – 8.1, +.4, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, fifth successive month 9.4 – 10.2, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock WRDU and regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease:  urban AC WFXC (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.4 – 7.9, -1.5, locked in second-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #12 to #14

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, seventh successive month, 12.6 – 11.4, -1.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WFMS (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WIBC (-1.5)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.0 – 9.9, +.9, third to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 11.4 – 9.6, -1.8, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at .9, #17 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .8 – .9, +.1, #18 to #15

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” .8 – .7, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 9.0 – 9.9, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.8)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.9 – 6.2, -.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” flat at 2.1, #13 to #15

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” .9 – .8, -.1, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, seventh month in a row, 9.8 – 10.4, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WNRQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: country WKDF (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .6 – .7, +.1, #17 to #16

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” .2, #20 (unlisted in June 2022)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, locked in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, ninth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, tenth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, sixth straight month, 11.5 – 10.0, -1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWBB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WHJY (-1.5)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, locked in tenth-place

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .3 – .4, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, repeats at #18

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .3 – .4, +.1, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh month in succession, 10.0 – 9.7, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WWDE and hot AC WPTE (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WNOR (-.7)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 9.2 – 8.1 -1.1, second to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .6 – .5, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, flat at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase:  country WQIK (+1.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WOKV-FM (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 – 3.4, +2.4, #13 to #7

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.4 – 2.1 -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .6 – .4, -.2, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, seventh month in succession, 8.9 – 9.7, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary WOLL; urban AC WMBX; and public radio news/talk WLRN (-.6)

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” flat at 5.8, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, repeats at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, seventh month in a row, 11.0 – 10.2, -.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WPAW (+1.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.0 – 4.0, +1.0, #11 to #8

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” unchanged at .7, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #11 and WMFS’ internet stream .6 – .5, -.1, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, seventh successive month, 13.4 – 12.5, -.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: urban AC KJMS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, repeats in eighth-place and WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .6, +.4, #21 to #17

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .6 – .4, -.2, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .8 – .7, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.5 – 7.9, +.4, second to fourth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .2, -.2, flat at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 29th month in a row, 12.0 – 11.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+2.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.1)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, July 25, 2022

Monday Memo: Save Those Benjamins. Even with gas prices now inching down, almost everything else is “SO expensive that listeners (and we) are coping.” Wrapping-up his month-long series – “Inflation Hacks” – Holland Cooke presents 9 money-saving tips, “AND a fabulous radio prize!” Read it here.

Pending Business: The Great Resignation. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says “The Great Resignation” is having an effect on the radio/audio sales business, too. He writes, “The Pew survey says the top three reasons for ‘The Great Resignation’ are: low pay, lack of advancement opportunity, and feeling disrespected at work. Does it sound like the grumbling before the Monday morning sales meeting? My marketing work puts me in direct contact with sales reps across the country and ‘The Great Resignation’ did extend into our radio/audio sales community. On the radio side more so in the larger market stations.” He offers some suggestions for navigating this era of economic uncertainty. Read it here.

Radio HOF Welcomes Nine Inductees. A voting participant panel comprised of more than 800 industry professionals honorees determined six honorees; the other three were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin comments, “Our forthcoming inductees have made a wonderful impact on the lives of their listeners and our industry. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate their respective careers and honor them with an induction to the Radio Hall of Fame.” According to co-chair Dennis Green, “This was our highest voter participation ever. The radio industry picked an amazing, diverse class of broadcasters and executives that we are proud to call Hall of Famers. These individuals have made a lasting impact on this amazing industry, cementing their place as part of the legacy that makes radio special.” In alphabetical order, the nine inductees are: radio executive Marv Dyson; “Country USA” host Lon Helton; iHeartMedia Los Angeles adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103” morning personality Ellen K; Audacy New York classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits” afternoon drive talent Broadway Bill Lee; “Gospel Traxx” host Reverend Walt “Baby” Love; iHeartMedia New York classic rock WAXQ “Q 103.4” talent Carol Miller; Sirius XM sports talk host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo; Emmis Communications president/chief executive officer Jeff Smulyan; and New York Yankees Radio Network announcer Suzyn Waldman. The 2022 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored in-person  November 1 at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988; The Museum of Broadcast Communications took over operations in 1991. This year’s confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Radio Resources Unit Debuts Today. Tailored for medium to small market owners and operators, Radio Resources was launched today (Monday, 7/25) by parent company Gen Media Partners. Director of products and services Alex Quintero notes, “Until now, radio station owners and operators had to deal with multiple providers and retrofit the pieces together. The Radio Resources toolkit offers broadcasters one central point of contact and stewardship for a wide array of products and services, streamlined across critical departments to deliver a more efficient, productive, and seamless experience. We’re the only company that can aggregate such a broad range of radio products and services and provide this level of multi-resource support. Our independent standing gives us the freedom to seek out the best providers to service our radio clients.” Among other things the Radio Resources suite includes: Programming and Content; Workflow Solutions; IT and Cyber Security; 24/7 Formats; Sales Strategy; Imaging and Production; Research; Online and Digital Integrations; and Back-Office Operations. Radio Resources products and services are available for cash, barter or a combination of both.

Pickup Truck Slams Into Cumulus Media Indy Building. Two vehicles were involved in a crash last Thursday (7/21) at approximately 5:45 pm with one, a pickup truck (pictured above), striking the Cumulus Media Indianapolis building on North Shadeland Avenue. No one in that structure was hurt, although the building received extensive damage. According to a Facebook posting, Cumulus Indianapolis continued from its backup studio. The driver of one vehicle in the accident was taken to a hospital and is listed in serious condition. In addition to sports talk WXNT “CBS Sports 1430 AM,” Cumulus Indianapolis consists of WFMS “95.5 The Country Station”; classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5”; WNDX “93.9 X – Indy’s Rock Station”; hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix”; and CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL.”

Windy City Readying For Rock Radio Revisited. Longtime “The Larry King Radio Show” executive producer Pat Piper is producing The Museum of Broadcast Communications’ “Rock Radio Revisited,” which will be held August 14 at 3:00 pm at The Des Plaines Theatre. Museum of Broadcast Communications board chair David Plier notes, “The heyday of rock radio in the 60’s and 70s’ was centered around the booming personalities of [Chicago on-air talents such as] Larry Lujack, John Records Landecker, Yvonne Daniels, Bob Sirott and Steve King. Every city had their favorite local radio station and the voices behind them. This will be an incredible celebration of the personalities and music that made that era of rock and roll so memorable.” Landecker, Tommy Edwards, Bob Stroud and Dyana Williams will reminisce about “the golden age of rock radio.” In addition, there will be vintage airchecks, as well as stories about the on-air personalities, fans, and gimmicks. Those making special appearances include: Gary Burbank; “Cousin BrucieMorrow; Kris Erik Stevens; and Connie Szerszen. Among the “presenters” of the Wendy Snyder-hosted event is Nexstar Media Group Chicago news/talk WGN “Radio 720”; cross-town Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WLS-AM “890 AM” is one of the “sponsors.”

TALKERS News Notes. Most recently working as ABC Audio’s manager of digital audio, Josh Cohan is promoted to director of podcast programming for ABC News. His first venture into podcasting was as part of the team that launched “10% Happier with Dan Harris” in 2016. He also helped create ABC’s flagship daily news podcast, “Start Here,” which won the 2022 Webby Award for “Best News and Politics” podcast. Cohan joined ABC News Radio in 2007 as an intern and served as a producer and coordinating producer before transitioning to podcasting … As a result of signing a multi-year contract, WHPT “102.5 The Bone” 6:00 am – 10:00 am talent Mike Calta continues his role at the Cox Media Group Tampa news/talk outlet. Regional vice president/general manager Keith Lawless remarks, “Mike is arguably one of the most successful and talented broadcasters on the air in America today.” WHPT’s director of branding & programming, John Brennan, comments, “Mike Calta is simply the best radio talent in Tampa. I couldn’t be more excited that he will continue to call ‘102.5 The Bone’ home for many years to come.” Calta – who joined WHPT in 2007 – adds, “I’m grateful and proud to be continuing my radio career with CMG in my home of  Tampa Bay. At 50 years old, my window to being a male dancer has surely closed, so this contract is extra special to me and my family.” … Two-year Max Media Norfolk vice president/operations and programming Eddie Haskell exits the five-station cluster, which includes sports talk WVSP “94.1 ESPN” and business talk WGH-AM “Money Talk 1310 and 100.9.” He formerly was senior vice president/programming for nine iHeartMedia stations in Ft. Collins (Colorado).

 

 

Salem Media Group Seeks Producers. Attention producers! Salem Media Group is looking for producers. Salem has great radio stations, the Salem Radio Network, the Salem Podcast Network, and the Salem News Channel, and we always need producers to help us create our great products. If you have experience producing radio or TV shows, please send your resume and keep ‘em coming to: Phil Boyce, Senior VP of Spoken Word Formats, Salem Media Group Philip.boyce@salemmedia.com. Salem is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, July 18, 2022

Pending Business: SiriusXM’s Chutzpah. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says AM/FM radio needs a stronger response to attacks like the broadside leveled at it by SiriusXM last week in its “Why waste your time with AM/FM radio? campaign. “Timing is everything and as much as it hurts, the “Why waste your time?” ad was well played. AM/FM radio can’t afford to ignore a broadside attack. Playing the local, free and emergency cards is a solid first step. Every AM/FM radio listener and advertiser can use a reminder. Just like a utility, we take it for granted until it’s not there when you need it.” He offers three concepts for development that support radio’s value. Read it here.

Monday Memo: Dine with Seinfeld’s Parents. Consultant Holland Cooke continues his month-long series “Inflation Hacks, money-saving tactics for your listeners (and yourself).” In this week’s column, HC offers “escape from Ramen, and your dentist!” Read it here.

‘The Big Picture’ Panel Video from TALKERS 2020 Posted. Today (7/18), the video of the panel discussion titled, “The Big Picture,” from the recent TALKERS 2022 convention at Hofstra University is posted. The panel was moderated by TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison (who was introduced by Dottie Herman, vice-chair, Douglas Elliman Real Estate and host of “Eye on Real Estate” heard on WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer”) Panelists included: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Lee Habeeb, host/producer, “Our American Stories”; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Chris Oliviero, president/market manager, Audacy New York. See the video here.

Salem Rises to Prominence in Conservative Media. In a profile piece published in TALKERS magazine today (7/18), executive editor Kevin Casey chronicles some of the history of Salem Media Group and highlights the company’s steadily growing prominence in the conservative media universe. At the very heart of Salem Media Group is its philosophy and mission. Co-founder and executive chairman of the board Ed Atsinger says, “Salem’s leadership enthusiastically embraces the concept of American exceptionalism – that America is unique in human history as a place where no matter your social status, your ethnicity, your religion, or your country of origin the American dream is available for the taking. Today there are ideologies conspiring to tear us apart by promoting identity politics under such euphemisms as ‘critical race theory.’ Salem is committed to do all that we can to counteract the forces that would tear us apart, and we have created a company uniquely positioned to achieve that goal. Fortunately, there are enough Americans committed to religious faith and conservative values to help us achieve that goal.” Company SVP of spoken word format Phil Boyce states, “When I joined Salem’s team in early 2012, I had no idea the company was positioned to explode onto the conservative landscape like it did. My 14 year’s experience programming WABC in New York – the most-listened-to news/talk station in the nation – had prepared me well for the explosive times we were about to enter at Salem. We’ve been in a culture war for years in this country, and Salem is able to use its assets to further the cause, doing good, while informing and entertaining our audience.” Read the entire story here.

LiveOne to Spin Off PodcastOne into Separate Company. On Friday (7/15), LiveOne revealed its intention to spin off wholly owned subsidiary PodcastOne, as a separate public company to be listed on a national exchange and its plan to dividend a portion of PodcastOne’s common equity to LiveOne’s more than 15,000 stockholders as of a future record date. LiveOne says it hopes to complete the spin-off be year’s end. Related to the anticipated spin-off, PodcastOne closed a private placement financing of convertible notes and warrants totaling approximately $8.1 million prior to offering expenses, including $3 million invested by LiveOne, whereby the terms of the financing value PodcastOne at a pre-money valuation of $60 million. LiveOne CEO Robert Ellin states, “The goal of both our management team and board of directors is to maximize stockholder value. PodcastOne has been a tremendous addition to LiveOne since our acquisition in 2020, and we feel strongly that the market value of our stock dramatically undervalues the sum of our parts, which includes our PodcastOne subsidiary. Upon the successful completion of the spin out, we believe PodcastOne will be the only major pure play podcast company trading on a national exchange.” PodcastOne president, Kit Gray comments, “The podcasting business has exploded over the past five years and PodcastOne is one of the largest independent podcast companies in the world. The company is one of only two independent podcasting publishers in the top 10 of Podtrac’s list of Top Publishers. We believe that by trading as a separate public company, PodcastOne will have the opportunity to access the public capital markets as well as be better positioned to both acquire podcast platforms and attract significant podcast talent.”

Round Four of June PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 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 June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM adds eight-tenths to finish the survey with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF is up two-tenths for a 1.7 share good for the #17 rank. Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee solidifies its #1 finish after adding 1.1 shares for an 11.4 share finish, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WISN sheds six-tenths for a 9.0 and falls back to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville adds a full share for a 6.9 share finish but remains in the #4 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WOKV-FM, Jacksonville remains ranked #2 after dipping four-tenths for a 9.2 share finish. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three rounds) here.

Up on the Roof.  Posing for promo shots on the roof of the Imperial Square Building (that housed the radio station) in Hempstead, Long Island during the Winter of 70-71 is the original airstaff of the legendary progressive rock station WLIR. Pictured (l-r): Richard Neer, Pete Larkin, Don K. Reed and Michael Harrison. All went on to colorful and groundbreaking careers in the media. Reed, who would serve for many years at WCBS-FM, New York, died over the weekend. His cause of death was not reported but it is believed he had been battling heart issues. You can see the memorial tribute video created by Art Vuolo here.

KXEL, Cedar Rapids Celebrates 80th Anniversary. Pictured above is Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signing the document declaring Thursday, July 14 “KXEL Radio 80th Anniversary Day” in the state. Standing next to her looking on is KXEL host and program director Jeff Stein. The NRG Media news/talk station was the first station in the U.S. to sign on with the maximum 50,000-watts on a clear channel signal. It first took to the air at 5:30 am on July 14, 1942, from studios in downtown Waterloo, Iowa. It was founded by Joe DuMond, a Waterloo native who came to national prominence portraying “Josh Higgins of Finchville” on NBC Radio in the 1930s and 1940s.

Biden in Middle East, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, The Economy, Uvalde Report, January 6 Hearings, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, European Heatwave/Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. President Joe Biden’s trip to the Middle East and his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees for president in 2024; the high inflation rate, unstable stock market, and fears of a recession; the release of the Uvalde School Shooting report; the ongoing January 6 hearings; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the global economy; the climbing rate of subvariant BA.5 COVID cases in the U.S.; the intense heatwave gripping Europe and the Mediterranean wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

June 2022 PPM Data – Information for the June 2022 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22.

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 2022 – June 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.2 – 5.9, -.3, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, sixth month in a row, steady at 8.7

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: country KOKE-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease (Tie): hot AC KAMX and classical KMFA (-.6)

 RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.2 – 8.0, +.8, fourth to third

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.6 – 7.7, +.1, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, fourth successive month 7.8 – 9.4, +1.6

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: country WQDR-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease:  adult hits WBBB (-2.2)*

*Represents the largest May 2022 – June 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.5 – 9.4, +.9, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” flat at  2.8, repeats at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.0, -.8, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, sixth successive month, 11.8 – 12.6 +.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: triple A WTTS (+2.0)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: country WFMS (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 10.3 – 11.4, +1.1, #1

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 9.0, -.6, second to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.5 – .9, -.6, #15 to #17

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – .8, -.2, #17 to #18

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.0 – .8, -.2, continues at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, third month in succession, 10.3 – 11.4, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: rock WHQG (-1.3)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0, remains in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.7 – 1.7, -1.0, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 3.2 – 2.1, -1.1, #12 to #13

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.6 – .9, -.7, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, sixth month in a row, 8.9 – 9.8, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk WGFX (-1.1)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.8 – 4.6, -.2, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” unchanged at .6, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” steady at 4.4, continues in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, stays at #9

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, locked in tenth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, fifth straight month, 11.7 – 11.5, -.2

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC WSNE and classic hits-oldies WNBH (+.5)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk WVEI (-.6)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .4, continues at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #15 to #18

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .4, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, sixth month in succession, 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk WVSP (-.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 9.6 – 9.2 -.4, repeats in second-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .9 – .6, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, second straight month, 9.8 – 9.4 -.4

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase:  adult contemporary WEZI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: CHR WKSL (-.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 2.4 +.3, ninth to eighth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.9 – 1.4, -.5, #11 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .8 – .6, -.2, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, sixth month in succession, 10.0 – 8.9, -1.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+2.9)**

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.1)

**Represents the largest May 2022 – June 2022 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 6.6 – 5.8, -.8, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, #11 to #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, continues at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, sixth month in a row, 13.0 – 11.0, -2.0

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: country WTQR (+2.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: urban AC WQMG (-2.0)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #14 to #11

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” flat at .7, continues at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.7 – 3.0, -.7, #9 to #11 and WMFS’ internet stream .8 – .6, -.2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, locked at #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, sixth successive month, 12.6 – 13.4, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase (Tie): urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO and country WLFP (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WDIA (-2.1)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, ninth to eighth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at .6, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” steady at .8, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.9 – 7.5, -.4, continues in the runner-up slot

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, stays at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 28th month in a row, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: classic rock WDRC-FM (-1.0)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Complete Video of ‘Independent Radio Station and Small Group Operations’ Panel Posted. Today, TALKERS magazine posts the third video from the TALKERS 2022 convention held on June 10 at Hofstra University on Long Island. This session was moderated by KFNX-AM, Phoenix owner Bill Brady. He was introduced by Binnie Media director of brand operations Michael Czarnecki. Panelists included: Marc Beaven, general manager, WCBM, Baltimore; Paul Gleiser, owner/host, KTBB, Tyler, Texas; Todd Starnes, owner, KWAM, Memphis/host The Todd Starnes Show; Paul Vandenburgh, owner/host, WGDJ, Albany, New York; and Michael Zwerling, owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz, California.  See the video here.

 

Industry Heavyweights Add Insight and Expertise to Introducer Role at TALKERS 2022. A number of talk media professionals served as introducers for panels and presentations at the recent TALKERS 2022 convention at Hofstra University. Though limited to brief speeches due to the jam-packed schedule, they provided informative and relevant introductions to the conference presentations. Pictured below is 1010 WINS, New York morning anchor Lee Harris serving as introducer to the “Maintaining Integrity in Times of Political and Cultural Polarization” panel discussion.

 

Pictured above is Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein introducing the “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era” panel at TALKERS 2022.

 

Audacy Announces Debut of Web3-Focused Program. A new Sunday morning program and podcast from Audacy titled, “Inside Web3,” is being launched. Audacy says that show, hosted by Shira Lazar, will delve into “the latest in cryptocurrency, NFTs, the Metaverse and beyond.” It will air on stations including KNX, Los Angeles “News 97.1 FM”; KIFM-AM, Sacramento “ESPN 1320”; KWFN-FM, San Diego “97.3 The Fan”; and KCBS-AM, San Francisco.  Audacy Southern California regional president Jeff Federman says, “We’re thrilled to jump right into this rapidly growing space with the launch of ‘Inside Web3’ and give our listeners a home for smart, informative content every week. Shira has a sharp perspective of the Web3 world, which we trust will resonate with listeners looking to learn more about everything blockchain technology related.” Shira Lazar is the founder and CEO of the Emmy-nominated digital media brand, What’s Trending. She is a Web3 advocate, collector, and advises as well as consults with companies in the space relating to cryptocurrency, NFTs and the metaverse.

 

Stan Lehr to Retire from WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. News anchor and reporter Stan Lehr will retire from news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis on July 1, according to the Indianapolis Star. Lehr has served with the station for the past 28 years. He joined WIBC before Emmis Communications bought the station. Emmis recently announced that it is selling WIBC and its other Indianapolis stations to Urban One for $25 million. WIBC news director Chris Davis states in a memo to staffers that Lehr has always been known as a “stickler.” “When I say the word stickler, here is what I mean: Though Stan is gifted with a voice that could have taken him far on its own, he has never wanted recognition for that gift. Instead, he made it clear to all who work or have worked with him that strong writing, accuracy and excellence in delivery are the best ways to serve the listeners.”

 

Dom Giordano Day Celebrated in Wildwood, New Jersey. Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia midday talk show host Dom Giordano (left) accepting a gift clock from Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron (right) on Wednesday as June 22 was again declared Dom Giordano Day. Two years ago, Byron designated June 22 Dom Giordano Day for the City. This year, Giordano and his WPHT crew broadcast live from Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill.

 

FOX News Digital Tops in Multiplatform Minutes for May. According to data from Comscore, FOX News Digital finished May 2022 as the top-performing news organization in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes for the 15th consecutive month. FOX News Digital closed out the month reaching over 2.9 billion total multiplatform minutes compared to closest competitor CNN.com with 2.3 million total multiplatform minutes. FOX News Digital also topped CNN.com in multiplatform total views, 1.47 billion to 1.43 billion. However, in the category of multiplatform unique visitors, CNN.com dominated with 131.7 million to FOX News Digital’s 80 million.

 

47th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon Held in New York City. Yesterday (6/22), the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation presented the 47th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Host Hannah Storm, anchor of “ESPN SportsCenter,” led the program alongside presenters Paul “Cubby” Bryant, Co-Host “106.7 LiteFM Morning Show” with Christine Nagy; Linsey Davis, ABC News Live Prime anchor, Weekend “World News Tonight” anchor, and ABC News Correspondent; Larry O’Connor, Host, “O’Connor & Company on WMAL”; Kate Snow, “NBC Nightly News Sunday,” anchor and NBC News senior national correspondent; and Shelley Wade, Afternoon Host, New York City’s “94.7 The Block” and podcast host “All the Rage with Shelley Wade.” Pictured above is the board of the AWM Foundation with host Hannah Storm and entertainer Hannah Ellis. See the complete list of honorees here.

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TALKERS News Notes. Social media platform LinkedIn names Audacy one of its inaugural Top Companies 2022: Media and Entertainment. Through this list, LinkedIn ranks the 25 best companies to grow a career in the industry, aiming to provide a go-to resource for professionals at every stage of their career journeys. Audacy COO Susan Larkin comments, “At Audacy, we strive to not only help propel the audio industry forward but cultivate an organization full of team members who lead that charge. We’re honored to have been recognized by LinkedIn on their list spotlighting media and entertainment companies and sit alongside some of our industry’s best innovators, champions and influencers. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”…..Sounds Profitable, in partnership with Edison Research, has put together a comprehensive study profiling podcast creators in America. Next Tuesday (6/28), the results of the study will be revealed during a 1:00 pm webinar. Sound Profitable and Edison Research say that “The Creators 2022” is the first iteration of a study that will track trends and changes in the podcast creator space annually. “Much of the research in the podcast space up to this point has been related to listening, so ‘The Creators’ will fill a gap in industry knowledge about those who create podcasts.”…..iHeartMedia announces the launch of “Prop Culture” – a first-of-its-kind podcast hosted by iHeartMedia’s very own Non-Fun Squad NFTs and voiced by top comedians and celebrities. The announcement was made at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity during a metaverse and innovation panel featuring Paris Hilton, the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Metaverse.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group president Conal Byrne states, “iHeartMedia continues to be on the cutting edge of the audio world. We’re excited to introduce ‘Prop Culture’ at Cannes, pioneering the first-ever podcast series voiced by NFTs. The metaverse is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the audio and podcasting space, and we’re thrilled to be on the forefront of this new frontier.”

 

The Economy, Gun Legislation, January 6 Hearings, Russia-Ukraine War, Supreme Court Term, COVID-19, and Uvalde Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/22). High gas & food prices, sinking financial markets, and recession fears; the Senate’s compromise on a gun legislation bill; the ongoing January 6 hearings and the case the Committee is making against Donald Trump; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the toll it’s taking on the world’s economy; the end of the Supreme Court’s term and the expected overturning of Roe v Wade; the appearance of two new Omicron subvariants that are better at evading vaccines; and the investigation of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, June 20, 2022

Monday Memo: Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime. Although the season officially begins tomorrow, consultant Holland Cooke says. “People are already there emotionally.” And in this week’s column, HC suggests how stations can relate to listeners’ inflation-hampered circumstances. Read his column here.

 

Pending Business: Digital Audio Keeps Growing. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column that recent data indicates listening to digital audio – especially via smart speakers – continues to grow and that leaves opportunity for the audio seller. “No matter how your digital platforms are packaged, the concept of ‘influencer’ is alive and well when a listener accesses that feed. And every listener who accesses that smart speaker audio feed adds impressions to your talent’s content.” Read more here.

 

Talk Radio Revenue Addressed at TALKERS 2022 Convention. The recent TALKERS 2022 convention held on Friday, June 10 at Hofstra University on Long Island examined a number of issues facing talk media professionals, including selling spoken-word programming. Pictured above are four of the sales pros who appeared on the “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Noisy Digital World” panel, moderated by RAB president/CEO Erica Farber (inset). They are (from l-r): Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group, New York/RAB; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media; and Erik Hellum, COO, Townsquare Media, New York/RAB. Beginning tomorrow (6/21), TALKERS magazine will begin posting videos of the numerous convention sessions, one per day.

 

Talk Host Meets Senator. Pictured above is KNTH-AM, Houston “AM 1070 The Answer” morning host Sam Malone (right) having an animated discussion with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz R-TX (left) on the floor of the annual Texas State Republican Convention. Malone and Cruz sparred over the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending ruling on Roe v Wade that many expect to be handed down this week.

 

Urban One to Pay $25 Million for Emmis’ Indy Stations. According to the SEC filing by Urban One on Friday (6/17), the price that it is paying for Emmis Communications Indianapolis radio stations adult contemporary WYXB-FM, country WLHK-FM, news/talk WIBC-FM, translators W228CX and W298BB “The Fan 93.5FM and 107.5FM,” and Network Indiana is $25 million. The two companies announced the deal earlier in the week. As noted then, this move leaves Emmis effectively out of the radio business. It owns the licenses to WEPN-FM and WLIB-AM in New York but leases them. Emmis continues to operate with a focus on its sales and marketing businesses.

 

Cromwell Media Officially Launches ‘94.9 The Fan’ in Nashville. Emanating from Cromwell Media’s WBUZ-HD3 and translator W235BW, “94.9 The Fan” becomes Nashville’s newest sports talk radio station. Programming includes “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” as well as “OutKick 360” with Chad Withrow, Jonathan Hutton and Paul Kuharsky, and sports betting content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. Cromwell Vp/market manager Dennis Gwiazdon says, “The type of exciting sports content offered on ‘94.9 The Fan’ is not only unique by design, it’s the perfect complement to the live and local sports talk programming offered on sister station ‘ESPN 102.5 The Game.’ We now offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for all types of sports fans and sports bettors who want only the best local and national sports talk along with live sports broadcasts that include the Nashville Predators, the Nashville Sounds, MTSU football and men’s basketball, NASCAR, the Music City Grand Prix and much more.”

 

‘Chicks On The Right’ Redouble Efforts to ‘Give Conservatism a Makeover.’ Talk media entrepreneurs Miriam Weaver and Amy Jo Clark – hosts of the Radio America syndicated podcast “Chicks On The Right” – are embarking on a makeover of their own, launching a new website (and subsequent newsletter), hiring an all-female staff, and committing to a national tour of events to meet their growing fanbase across the country. Radio America says, “This relaunch campaign comes in response to the Chicks’ exploding popularity and record engagement from fans. Their website boasts as many as 2 million views a month and they earn more than 3 million impressions per month on their popular daily program. Weaver says, “Amy Jo and I started ‘Chicks On The Right’ as a fun side project. We were two working women who felt like our views weren’t represented in national discourse and decided to speak up. We never imagined that more than a decade later, we would quit our jobs to commit to ‘Chicks On The Right’ full time due to the overwhelming support we’ve received from women (and men) across the country, especially this year.”

 

Station Owner Shawn Knight Dies in Paragliding Accident. The details are few at this time, but Edhat Santa Barbara is reporting that Knight Broadcasting owner Shawn Knight died on June 15 in a paragliding accident. Knight’s company operates three Southern California radio stations, including: news/talk KUHL, Santa Maria; country KRAZ-FM, Santa Ynez; and AC KSYV-FM, Solvang.

 

The Economy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, January 6 Hearings, Juneteenth Holiday, End of SCOTUS Term, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, and Columbia Elects Leftist Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The high price of gas & food, the sinking Dow & NASDAQ, and concerns about a recession; the primary races for the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the aftermath of the January 6 Committee hearings; today’s Juneteenth holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S.; the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to close its term and the overturning of Roe v Wade is expected; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; the still-present COVID-19 virus and concerns about new subvariants; and Columbia elects leftist Gustavo Petro president were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

May 2022 PPM Data – Information for the May 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25.

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 2022 – May 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.5 – 6.2, -.3, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, fifth month in a row, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock KLBJ-FM and rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country KASE (-1.6)*

*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.4 – 7.2, -.2, third to fourth

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.0 – 1.5, -.5, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #12 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.6, -.4, second to third

Number One 6+ (Tie): Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, third successive month 9.0 – 7.8, -1.2 and Radio One urban AC WFXC, first month 7.4 – 7.8, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): adult hits WBBB and country WNCB (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease:  classic rock WRDU (-1.6)*

*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.0 – 8.5, -.5, locked at #2

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, steady at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .6 – .4, -.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 4.8, -.5, continues in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, fifth successive month, 12.8 – 11.8 -1.0

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): CHR WZPL and triple A WTTS (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.9 – 10.3, +.4, #1

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 7.5 – 9.6, +2.1, fourth to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, repeats at #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #17

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” .8 – 1.0, +.2, unchanged at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 5.3 – 5.1, -.2, flat at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, second month in succession, 9.9 – 10.3, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: news/talk WISN (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKLH (-1.1)

**Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.2 – 3.2, +1.0, #15 to #12

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 6.4 – 5.6, -.8, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, fifth month in a row, 9.4 – 8.9, -.5

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: country WKDF (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFFH (-1.2)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .6, steady at #17

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 4.4, seventh to eighth

Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, anchored in tenth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, fourth straight month, 11.5 – 11.7, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-.7)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #11 to #10

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .4, repeats at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #18 to #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” unchanged at .4, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.9, -1.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: urban AC WVKL (-1.6)*

*Represents a tie for the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 10.6 – 9.6 -1.0, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .7 – .9, +.2, remains at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.7 – 9.8 +.1

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase:  country WGNE (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk WOKV-FM and CHR WAPE (-1.0)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.1 – 2.1 +1.0, #13 to #9 and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 2.2 – 19, -.3, #10 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” flat at 1.3, unchanged at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .5 – .8, +.3, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.7 – 3.3, +.6, continues in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, fifth month in succession, 9.8 – 10.0, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WMBX (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country WIRK (-1.3)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.6 – 6.6, +1.0, carries on in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD steady at 2.8, #12 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, repeats at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, fifth month in a row, 12.6 – 13.0, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult hits WSMW and CHR WKZL (-.7)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #12 to #14

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .5 – .7, +.2, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to ninth and WMFS’ internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, steady at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, unchanged at #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, fifth successive month, 12.1 – 12.6, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.0)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, continues in ninth-place and WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, #16 to #15

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .8 -.6, -.2, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.0 – .8, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.8 – 7.9, +.1, third to second

New England Public Media’s WFCR .8 -.4, -.4, #16 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 27th month in a row, 12.5 – 11.6, -.9

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WBOM (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.6)**

**Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Urban One Enters into Deal to Acquire Emmis Communications’ Indy Radio Stations. The price for the four radio stations, two translators and the regional programming network has not been revealed yet, but Urban One, Inc’s definitive asset purchase agreement with Emmis Communications to purchase its Indianapolis radio cluster means Emmis will be effectively out of the radio business. It still owns the licenses to WEPN-FM and WLIB-AM in New York but leases them. Under the terms of this new deal, Urban One will acquire adult contemporary WYXB-FM, country WLHK-FM, news/talk WIBC-FM, sports talk “The Fan” (translators W228CX at 93.5 and W298BB at 107.5), and Network Indiana. Urban One president and CEO Alfred Liggins comments, “These are terrific general market formats and will be a great addition to Urban One in a transaction that is accretive and deleveraging.” Urban One adds that in anticipation of the transaction, it will sell its hip hop WHHH-FM, Indianapolis along with the intellectual property related to WNOW to a third party. Emmis will continue to operate its stations and Urban One will continue to operate WHHH until the transaction closes. Meanwhile, Emmis founder and chairman Jeff Smulyan states, “When Emmis launched our first station, WENS now ‘HANK FM,’ in 1981, I never could have envisioned the journey we would go on. Indianapolis is my hometown, and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish – we’ve become an invaluable contributor to the Indianapolis community, a leader of radio industry initiative and innovation, and a trusted resource for Central Indiana listeners and businesses.” Emmis notes in its press release that in recent years it “has sold many of its media assets and redeployed capital into new ventures which emphasize its sales and marketing experience including: Lencore Acoustics, a leader in high-quality sound masking solutions for commercial applications; Sound That BRANDS, the Los Angeles-based podcasting studio specializing in branded audio content for national advertisers; and Digonex, a leading provider of dynamic pricing solutions for attractions and live entertainment industries.”

 

Round One of May PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including 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’s May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC slips by three-tenths to a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish good for the #10 rank. Across town, Audacy’s all-news WINS sheds 1.1 shares to finish with a 3.1 share and the #11 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles loses one-tenth, but remains ranked #3 on the strength of a 5.0 share. Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM, San Francisco is up one-tenth, finishing with a 6.2 share that bumps it into the #2 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP posts a seven-tenths increase that pushes it to the #10 rank with a 3.6 share, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KRLD-AM is steady at a 2.1 share but falls to the #20 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

 

TALKERS 2022 Coverage Coming Soon.  The 25th annual installment (and second pandemic-era edition) of the talk media industry’s longest-running, largest, and most important national convention – TALKERS 2022 – took place this past Friday, June 10 and by all accounts significantly exceeded expectations. It was widely hailed by many of its longtime participants as “the best ‘TALKERS’ ever!” It was presented by TALKERS in association with Hofstra University’s award-winning radio station WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. Some 275 passionate media professionals from all over the country traveled to the beautiful campus of Hofstra on Long Island to see, hear and meet more than 60 luminary speakers – from talk media programming, management, station ownership, syndication, sales, marketing and technology – tackle the most compelling issues, opportunities and challenges currently at play in the industry. It was a power-packed day of non-stop panels, solo addresses, fireside charts, award presentations, exhibits and networking opportunities. The TALKERS editorial staff is now sifting through hundreds of photos and hours of video preparing extensive coverage of the conference and its enormous treasure trove of content that will be appearing in TALKERS magazine for days and weeks ahead. Pictured at the top of this story is TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (left) interviewing Key Networks-syndicated star Bill O’Reilly (right) during one of three keynote addresses. Pictured in the inset is Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk radio personality Buck Sexton addressing the attendees during the opening session.

 

Greta Van Susteren Launches on Newsmax TV Tonight. This evening (6/14), news/talk television pro Greta Van Susteren begins her program on Newsmax TV’s evening lineup. “The Record with Greta Van Susteren” airs at 6:00 pm ET. Van Susteren says, “With all that is going on in the world, I am getting back to my roots — a daily live news show with real reporting from the places where things are happening.” At the same time, Newsmax announces the new daily program schedule on the network: “The Chris Salcedo Show,” 4:00 pm; “Spicer & Co.” with Sean Spicer, Lyndsay Keith, 5:00 pm; “The Record with Greta Van Susteren,” 6:00 pm; “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” 7:00 pm; “Eric Bolling The Balance,” 8:00 pm; “Prime News” with Jenn Pellegrino, 9:00 pm; and “Greg Kelly Reports,” 10:00 pm. Newsmax EVP programming Elliot Jacobson comments, “This new schedule will strengthen Newsmax’s ability to deliver hard-hitting news and analysis when Americans need it the most.”

 

ATTENTION: TALKERS Heavy Hundred MembersTALKERS has been made aware that a trophy and plaque manufacturing company has been contacting talk show hosts who are listed as being members of the Heavy Hundred (The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America) and is soliciting them to purchase a costly plaque or trophy commemorating the honor. Please be advised that this plaque (or a variety of variations of awards and trophies available in their catalogue) is unofficial and the company – SHOWMARK MEDIA, LLC – enjoys no official connection or licensing agreement with TALKERS. According to TALKERS VP/associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison, “TALKERS has never engaged in charging its award recipients for items or products indicating their receiving an honor bestowed by our organization.”

 

Radio Hall of Fame 2022 Nominees Announced. The nominees for the Radio Hall of Fame class of 2022 have been announced by the Museum of Broadcast Communications. The 24 nominees were chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting for inductees begins Tuesday, June 22 and runs through July 8. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2022 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The two additional inductees that will make up the eight-person induction class will be selected by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. More than 600 industry members will receive a confidential ballot on Tuesday, June 22, to cast votes for up to six nominated individuals. The confidential ballot will be conducted by Votem.com, and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen. The nominees in spoken-word radio include: Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, SiriusXM; Dave Ross, KIRO-FM, Seattle; Diane Rehm, WAMU-FM,Washington DC; John & Ken, KFI, Los Angeles; Larry Elder; and Suzyn Waldman, New York Yankees Radio Network. You can see the complete list of nominees here. Radio Hall of Fame co-chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “We’ve made changes in 2022, to allow voting participants to vote for up to six nominees for induction, and limit the voting process to knowledgeable industry members. Listeners and industry members alike contributed more than 2,500 suggestions for the Nominating Committee to consider in addition to their own considerations.”

 

iHeartMedia Names AJ Punjabi Market President for San Francisco. Radio sales and management pro AJ Punjabi moves from iHeartMedia’s Charleston market, where he most recently served as the market president and enterprise leader of the Blockchain/Crypto/NFT category, to San Francisco to serve as market president. iHeartMedia’s San Francisco station group includes business talk KNEW-AM “Bloomberg Radio” and KKSF-AM “BIN: Black Information Network. iHeartMedia division president Scott Hopeck says, “AJ is a talent-focused leader with exceptional digital experience, which will serve him well in the Bay Area, where he will lead a talented team of creators and sales professionals. I’m excited for AJ to begin working with his team and our partners!”

 

Rob Parker Makes Debut at LA’s The Comedy Store. Last week, FOX Sports Radio personality Rob Parker, co-host of “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker,” made his stand-up comedy debut at the legendary Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Parker participated in the “Crack’Em Up Comedy” show in the Belly Room, a weekly showcase and workout room featuring rising comedy stars and established comedians. Pictured above are (l-r): Elijah Sebunnya, FOX Sports Radio digital content director; Scott Shapiro, FOX Sports Radio VP of programming; Parker; Jade Kozup, Premiere Networks director of marketing; and Mike Lingard, FOX Sports Radio executive news producer & operations manager.

 

‘New Jersey 101.5’ to Present Town Hall on ‘Growing Weed in the Garden State.’ This Thursday (6/16) at 7:00 pm,Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents the latest in a series of Town Hall broadcasts. “Growing Weed in the Garden State” explores how the legal adult use marijuana industry is impacting New Jersey. The station’s Eric Scott leads a panel that includes law enforcement, legal experts, regulators, growers and dispensary operators. “The sale of legal cannabis products for recreational use generated over $24 million in the first month,” Scott says. “While there is clearly demand for product, unintended consequences are continuing to surface.” The program will explore not only those unintended consequences, but also how legal marijuana sales are positively impacting New Jersey. The program’s on-air panel will feature: Bill Caruso, co-founder of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform; Rob Nixon with the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association; New Jersey State Senate president Nicholas Scutari; Chrissy Buteas, chief government affairs officer at New Jersey Business & Industry Association; as well as marijuana cultivators and dispensary operators.

 

The Economy, January 6 Hearings, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, White Nationalist Movement, and Western Heat-Drought Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/13). Financial markets hit bear territory, the soaring price of gasoline & food, and concerns about a recession; Monday’s session of the January 6 hearings; the primary elections for November’s midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and the effects of the blockade on Ukraine’s major ports; the rate of infections of COVID-19; the arrest of 30 members of the white nationalist organization Patriot Front in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and the Western heatwave and ongoing drought were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.