Lotus Communications | TALKERS magazine

Lotus Seeks Anchor/Reporter in Seattle

By TALKERS | September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 by TALKERS

Lotus Seattle is looking for an enthusiastic, full-time news anchor/reporter to join its newsroom. The successful candidate will work closely with the news director, editors, reporters and other anchors to gather facts, broadcast news reports, interview guests, and cover breaking stories when necessary. This person will cover local, state, national, and international events, and also stay well-informed on breaking news developments. Please submit resumes to hr@lotusseattle.com.

Industry News

Lotus Launches Sports Talker in Sacramento

By TALKERS | August 20, 2024 by TALKERS

Lotus Communications will debut “FOX Sports 104.7 FM and 890 AM” on KSAC-AM/K284CM, Sacramento on Monday, September 2. The new sports talker will feature the FOX Sports Radio lineup in addition to the Sacramento-based program, “The Rob, Anybody, and Dawn Show,” (Rob Williams and Dawn Rossi) in morning drive. Station general manager Kurt Bagelmann says, “Lotus is ecstatic to deliver a game-changing experience to Northern California listeners by combining the market’s most iconic morning show, ‘Rob, Anybody & Dawn,’ with the powerhouse lineup of FOX Sports Radio. This dynamic one-two punch, now available for the first time on both AM and FM, is poised to redefine the sports radio landscape in Sacramento.”

Industry News

Round Two of June PPMs Released

By TALKERS | July 11, 2024 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM slips two-tenths to a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11 in the market, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM rises 1.3 shares to a 9.5 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while sister conservative talk KTTH-AM adds a half share to finish with a 2.0 share good for the #22 rank, and Lotus Communications’ conservative talk KVI tacks on three-tenths for a 2.1 share good for the #21 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI inches up one-tenth for a 3.5 share but falls back to the #9 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM is steady with a 2.3 share and rises to the #18 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Two of May PPMs Released

By TALKERS | June 12, 2024 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM declines eight-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and is ranked #11 in the market, while Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM rises four-tenths for an 8.2 share that keeps it ranked #2. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk slides four-tenths to finish with a 2.9 share and the #14 rank, as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips four-tenths to a 4.5 share but remains ranked #7 in the market. And in Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM gains seven-tenths to finish with a 4.5 share lifting it to the #6 rank, while sister conservative talk KTTH-AM rises one-tenth to a 1.5 share and the #23 rank, and Lotus Communications’ conservative talk KVI-AM adds a half share for a 1.8 share finish good for the #21 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Two of April PPMs Released

By TALKERS | May 15, 2024 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and slides back to the #6 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 7.8 share good for the #2 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO declines one-tenth for a 3.3 share finish and holds steady at the #12 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to a 4.9 share, yet it falls one spot to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM dips one-tenth to a 3.8 share and slides down to the #10 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 2.4 share and remains ranked #18. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Nielsen Releases December 2023 PPM Survey Data

By TALKERS | January 3, 2024 by TALKERS

Over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday break, Nielsen Audio released data from the December 2023 ratings period for all 48 PPM markets that covered November 9 through December 6. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from all PPM markets. Some of the notable ratings stories from the December 2023 period include in New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC falls two-tenths to a 2.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR also dips two-tenths to a 1.1 share and remains ranked #22. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, sheds 1.1 shares for a 3.5 share finish that leaves it ranked #9, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM falls a half share to a 6.9 share but remains ranked #3. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM loses six-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls to the #9 rank, while the company’s sister news/talk KTTH-AM is steady with a 1.6 share good for the #22 rank, and Lotus Communications’ talk KVI-AM, rises one-tenth to a 1.6 share and ties for the #22 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI falls four-tenths to a 2.7 share but remains ranked #14, while Alpha Media’s news/talk dips two-tenths to a 2.0 share that leaves it ranked #19. In Orlando, iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM loses three-tenths for a 3.6 share finish but remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM sheds four-tenths for a 3.2 share and stays locked in the #13 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN finishes its third month in a row at #1 even though it lost 1.1 shares to finish with a 9.6 share, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ-AM is down one-tenth for a 7.6 share that pushes its back to the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeways from all 48 PPM markets here.

Industry News

Round Two of November PPMs Released

By TALKERS | November 30, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period ran from October 12 through November 8. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is up six-tenths for a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM declines seven-tenths to a 7.4 share as it falls to the #3 rank after 10 months at #2. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM adds half a share to finish with a 4.7 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM rises four-tenths for a 2.6 share good for the #18 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI falls seven-tenths to a 3.3 share that leaves it ranked #11, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM tacks on three-tenths for a 2.7 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Two of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths for an 8.7 share finish but stays ranked #2 for the ninth straight month. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is steady with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to #6, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.2 share finish but falls to the #20 rank. And in Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI-AM is up two-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.1 share that lifts it from #10 to #5, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM sheds one-tenth to finish with a 2.9 share that keeps it ranked #15. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | October 5, 2023 by TALKERS

September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22^nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26^th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18

News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

Up next: September 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | September 7, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | September 7, 2023 by TALKERS

August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” steady at 3.5, ninth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.1 – 9.3, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU unchanged at 11.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 21^st month in succession, flat at 11.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WBIG (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.3)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #13 to #12

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, fifth to third

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.7, +.2 #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, second to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, third month in succession, 6.2 – 6.5, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WBWL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBGB (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 7.9, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF and country WKIS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.1)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, fifth to seventh

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #17 to #19

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, ninth to seventh

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 4.5 – 6.8, +2.3, seventh to second

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, third straight month, 7.7 – 7.9, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+2.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (-1.1)

*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #10 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.7 – 7.2, +.5, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, third successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WYCD (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WDRQ (-1.4)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #13 to #10

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.7 – 3.0, +.3, repeats at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.5 – 4.1, -2.4, second to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, third consecutive month, 7.8 – 7.6, -.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFYI and rock KUPD (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KJZZ (-2.4)**

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

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) flat at 3.5, #13 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” unchanged at 1.3, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 3.8 – 4.8, +1.0, #12 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.2, -.5, stays in fourth-place

KNOW’s internet stream 1.2, #20 (unlisted in July 2023)

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fifth consecutive month, 11.6 – 10.7, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, fifth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.2 – 5.8, +.6, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego rhythmic hot AC XHRM, first month, 6.9 – 6.6, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.1)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 5.2, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, tenth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 1.8, +.5 #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #15 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 25^th month in a row, 8.1 – 7.8, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 6.1 – 6.6, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KKFN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KQMT (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, locked at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #19 to #18

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, unchanged at 6.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM and urban AC WWIN-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WBJC (-.8)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.5 – 5.9, +.4, eighth to sixth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .9, +.2, #21 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, eighth month in a row, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WXOS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WIL (-1.4)

Up next: August 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | August 9, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP leaps nine-tenths for a 9.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.5 share good for the #9 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO sheds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.4 share and falls to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and remains ranked #7. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown news/talk is up three-tenths for a 1.9 share and the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | August 9, 2023 by TALKERS

July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, repeats in ninth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.2 – 9.1, +.9, ensconced in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.0 – 11.6, +.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 20^th month in succession, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.9)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.5, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, third to fifth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1 #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.7 – 6.1, +.4, steady in the runner-up slot

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 6.0 – 6.2, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WBGB (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WKLB (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 8.0, -.9 and co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, ninth to fifth

Lotus Communications’ KVI “Talk Radio 570” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #17

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, seventh to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 5.6 – 4.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.7, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.1)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, remains at #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, steady at #10

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, continues in third-place

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, second successive month, 8.1 – 9.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX (-.9)

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, second consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KAZG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNZ (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” steady at 2.3, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fourth consecutive month, 10.3 – 11.6, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KEEY (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, stays in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.2 – 5.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, sixth successive month, unchanged at 7.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNV (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 24^th month in a row, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WFLA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV and sports talk WDAE (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #14 to #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.7, -.8, #10 to #17

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, steady at #11

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7 and KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 6.4 – 6.2, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLDV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classical KVOD (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.5 – 4.3, +.8, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Urban One urban contemporary WERQ, first month, 5.5 – 7.0, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WERQ (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WPOC (-1.9)**

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

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, seventh to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, remains at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 11.4, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WXOS (-.5)

Up next: July 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | July 17, 2023 by TALKERS

June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.7 – 3.6, -1.1, seventh to ninth

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.2, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, continues at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.4 – 11.0, -.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 19^th month in succession, 11.4 – 11.0, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WHUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WMAL (-1.1)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, ninth to tenth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, eighth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.3 – 5.5, -2.8, first to third

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1 #11 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.5 – 5.7, +.2, third to second

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, flat at 6.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC WWBX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.8)*

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fourth straight month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WFLC (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” flat at 4.3, eighth to ninth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #14 to #16

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.0 – 5.6, +1.6, tenth to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 6.5 – 7.4, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB; contemporary Christian KCMS; and sports talk KJR-FM (-.9)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” unchanged at 2.4, #14 to #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 3.5, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.6 – 7.0, -.6, second to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.2 – 8.1, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX; sports talk WXYT-FM; and rock WRIF (-.6)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #13 to #17

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.6 – 6.3, +.7, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KUPD (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.1)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.7 – 3.2, -.5, #14 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, seventh to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, fifth to sixth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 10.3, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 5.4, +.5, seventh to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, third to second

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fifth successive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XLTN (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.2)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 6.0 – 4.9, -1.1, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) flat at 2.0, repeats at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 23^rd month in a row, 7.9 – 8.8, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV and country WQYT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, anchored at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, #11 to #10

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” flat at 2.4, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 5.8 – 6.5, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-.9)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, repeats at #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, third month in succession, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WPOC (+1.9)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY (-1.6)

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 6.0 – 5.8, -.2, eighth to seventh

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, locked at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” flat at .8, steady at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, sixth month in a row, 10.5 – 10.0, -.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WIL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.4)

Up next: June 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

Round Two of May PPM Released

By TALKERS | June 14, 2023June 15, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish the survey with a 4.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths to an 8.0 share but remains ranked #2. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises eight-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share and jumps two spots to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and stays in the #8 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 4.3 share stays ranked #8, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses six-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that moves it to the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | June 14, 2023 by TALKERS

May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18^th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0

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

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**

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

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22^nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place

Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)

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

Up next: May 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by TALKERS

April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.0 – 4.2, +.2 remains in seventh place.

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.0 – 8.6, -.4, anchored in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals, Nationals) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.0 – 11.2, -.8, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 17^th month in succession, 12.0 – 11.2, -.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WIAD (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU and classical WETA (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, #9 to #11

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.1 – 8.7, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #15 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, repeats in fifth-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #12 to #7

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fourth consecutive month, 8.1 – 8.7, +.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WEEI-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WZLX; country WKLB; news/talk WRKO; and hot AC WWBX (-.6)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, second straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBGG and CHR WFLC (+.5)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT and Spanish tropical WRTO (-.6)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to eighth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 3.1 – 4.7, +1.6, #14 to #7

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” steady at 2.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 7.1 – 6.6, -.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB (-1.3)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, repeats at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.8 – 4.1, -.7, #9 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Tigers) 6.2 – 7.4, +1.2, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.4)*

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun, Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 7.3 – 8.1, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+1.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KTAR-FM (-.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins) 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, #12 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.4, -.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, first month, 6.2 – 8.5, +2.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.0)

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 2.6 – 4.9, +2.3, #15 to #6

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, anchored at #2

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third successive month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.2)

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.3, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 21^th month in a row, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX and adult contemporary WDUV’s internet stream (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 to #14

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, locked at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #12 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 4.6 – 5.7, +1.1

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

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, repeats at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #19

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” flat at 1.1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, steady in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 7.3 – 8.4, +1.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WIYY (+2.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.1)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 7.0, +2.1, tenth to fifth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” steady at .9, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fourth month in succession, 10.6 – 9.7, -.9

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+2.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-1.1)

Up next: April 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | April 20, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s March sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington rises one-tenth to finish the survey with a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM sheds three-tenths for a 4.0 share finish good for the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO is steady with a 4.1 share and stays in the #9 position as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips two-tenths to a 4.4 share and slides back to the #7 rank. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle lost six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that leaves it in the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths for a 4.1 share that drops it to the #10 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media‘s WMAL-FM 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #7 rank

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.9 – 9.0, +.1, repeats in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals and Nationals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, continues at #13

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.1 – .8, -.3, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.1 – 12.0, -.1, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 16^th month in succession, 12.1 – 12.0, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.4)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” steady at 4.1, remains in ninth-place

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 4.4, -.2, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, seventh to fifth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, third consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.1, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WEEI-FM (-.6)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 5.3 – 4.3, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.4 – 9.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+1.5)

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

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 5.4 – 4.8, -.6, fifth to sixth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #18 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KKWF (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.5)

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #16 to #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Tigers) 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, fourth to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.3 – 8.3, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLLZ (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” flat at 3.0, #9 to #12

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) unchanged at 2.9, #11 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun and Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #14 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.4 – 6.4, -1.0, first to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.4 – 7.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KSLX and adult hits KYOT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KALV (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins) 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #15 to #12

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #18 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #13 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 6.7, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.9, +1.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.9)

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, locked in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.6 (Padres), +1.0, #20 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS steady at 6.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second successive month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-1.6)**

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, ninth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 20^th month in a row, 7.8 – 9.0

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-.8)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 2.3 – 2.4 (Colorado Rockies), +.1, repeats at #17

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, stays in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KRFX (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, steady at #17

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.1, #19 (unlisted in February 2023)

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .9, +.4, #25 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, remains in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, second straight month, 9.6 – 8.2, -1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.4)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, remains in tenth-place

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – .9, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, continues at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU flat at 3.8, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, third month in succession, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rock KSHE (-.6)

Up next: March 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of February PPM Released

By TALKERS | March 24, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s 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 Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM jumps eight-tenths to an 8.6 share lifting it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.1 share good for the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM falls seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that leaves it ranked #6 in the market. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds seven-tenths to close with a 5.4 share that moves it from the #2 rank to #5, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM falls 1.2 shares to finish with a 4.3 share and falls from #3 to #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | March 24, 2023 by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.8 – 8.6, +.8, third to the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #14 to #10

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.0 – .9, -.1, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.9 – 12.1, -.8, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 15^th month in succession, 12.9 – 12.1, -.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical WETA (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.7 – 4.1, +.4, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.8 – 7.5, -1.3, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.9 – 3.2, -.7, #10 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR flat at 4.5, sixth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, second consecutive month, 8.8 – 7.5, -1.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-1.3)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.1 – 5.3, +1.2, eighth to fourth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second month in succession, steady at 8.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WLRN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBGG (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.1 – 5.4, -.7, second to fifth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.5 – 4.3, -1.2 third to ninth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock KZOK, first month, 4.3 – 6.5, +2.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KZOK (+2.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.7)*

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

Note: KNUC flipped from country to triple A KPNW on February 14.

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, eighth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings) 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, third to fourth

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, steady at #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 7.3 – 7.4, +.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-1.1)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, tenth to ninth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun) 2.4 – 2.8, +.4, #17 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 8.0 – 7.4, -.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, second month in a row, 8.0 – 7.4, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country KNIX (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.1 – 3.4, +.3, #14 to #13

Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) flat at 3.0, repeats at #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 7.1 – 5.6, -1.5, second to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, fifth to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, first month, 6.7 – 7.3, +.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: jazz KBEM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.5)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.9 – 6.3, -.6, first to second

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.4 – 6.8, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: rock KIOZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, continues in ninth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #15 to #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 19^th month in a row, flat at 7.8

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

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX (-1.2)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #15 to #17

co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, sixth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, fifth consecutive month, 6.2 – 6.1, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KRFX; classic hits-oldies KXKL; and public radio news/talk KUNC (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KOA (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #8 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.7, #18 to #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 1.2 – .7, -.5, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.4 – 4.3, +.9, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, 6.8 – 9.6, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult hits WQSR (+2.8)**

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WWMX (-1.6)

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, ninth to tenth

cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #17 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .8, +.1, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #12 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 4.4 – 3.8, -.6, flat at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, second month in succession, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLOU (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: triple A KDHX (-1.1)

Up next: February 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | February 23, 2023February 23, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths for a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all news WTOP-FM is up eight-tenths for a 8.6 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO rises nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.7 share that boosts it to the #11 spot as sister all-news WBZ-AM jumps half a share to finish with a 5.3 share good for the #5 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM tacks on six-tenths to finish with a 6.1 share and jumps to the #2 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news combo KNWN-AM/FM is flat at 5.5, and repeats in the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Features

January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | February 23, 2023 by TALKERS

January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.8 – 8.6, +.8, third to the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #14 to #10 and WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.0 – .9, -.1, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.3 – 12.9, +1.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 14^th month in succession, 11.3 – 12.9, +1.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WASH (-4.5)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 2.8 – 3.7, +.9, #13 to #11

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, sixth to fifth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots) 8.0 – 8.8, +.8, second to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.6 – 3.9, -.7, seventh to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, seventh to sixth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 8.0 – 8.8, +.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WBQT (+1.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMJX (-8.3)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #13 to #8

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WFEZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, third to second

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” flat at 5.5, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, #10 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.9 – 2.6, +.7, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW flat at 4.9, locked in sixth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 4.7 – 6.3, +1.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-6.8)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #15 to #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Lions) 7.6 – 6.8, -.8, second to third and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, third month in a row, 15.7 – 7.7, -8.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic rock WCSX and country WYCD (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-8.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, eighth to tenth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun and Arizona Cardinals) 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #22 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun) 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #23 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 8.1 – 8.0, -.1, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KALV (+2.2)*

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

*Represents a tie for 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

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” flat at 3.1, anchored at #14

Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 3.7 – 3.0, -.7, #12 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) 7.5 – 7.1, -.4, locked in second-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 5.5 – 7.2, +1.7

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR KDWB (+1.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-8.3)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” .8 – 1.9, +1.1, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.5 – 6.9, +1.4, fourth to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KPBS, first month, 5.5 – 6.9, +1.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KPBS and classic rock KGB-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-7.9)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 3.7 – 4.5, +.8, #12 to #9

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, locked at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, unchanged at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 18^th month in a row, 11.4 – 7.8, -3.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE; classic hits-oldies WRBQ; and news/talk WHPT (+.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV (-3.6)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #16 to #15; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, #20 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, fourth consecutive month, 14.4 – 6.2, -8.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: hot AC KALC (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOSI (-8.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #18

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .6 – 1.2, +.6, #20 to #19

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM”.6 – .7, +.1, steady at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.3 – 5.4, +1.1, remains in sixth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #10

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, sixth consecutive month, 14.5 – 8.4, -6.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIF (-6.1)

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.4 – 5.2, +.8, repeats in ninth-place and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, steady at #17

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .5 – .7, +.2, #24 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, first month, 8.9 – 10.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLOU (+1.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-7.7)

Up next: January 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Two of Holiday PPMs Released

By TALKERS | January 26, 2023January 26, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #7 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM falls eight-tenths but remains ranked #3 in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.8 share good for the #13 rank and sister all-news WBZ-AM also adds one-tenth for a 4.8 share finish that puts it in the #6 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM falls 1.1 shares to finish with a 5.5 share pushing it down to the #3 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM adds three-tenths for a 5.5 share that puts it in a tie for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | January 26, 2023 by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 7.8, -.8, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, flat at #14 and WJFK-FM’s internet stream .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.5 – 11.3, -.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 13^th month in succession, 11.5 – 11.3, -.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WMZQ and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-1.0)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, #14 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots) 8.5 – 8.0, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.7 – 4.6, -.1, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, eighth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, second month in a row, 9.7 – 12.5, +2.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WROR and CHR WXKS-FM (-.8)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.0 – 8.9, +.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban AC WHQT (+.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.2)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, second to third

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to third

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in succession, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+2.7)

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #15

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Lions) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, continues in the runner-up slot and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in a row, 11.7 – 15.7, +4.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+4.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WRIF (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.8 – 8.1, +.3, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second consecutive month, 11.3 – 16.7, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: sports talk KMVP-FM (-1.1)

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

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, anchored at #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, steady at #14

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.7 – 2.0, -.7, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) unchanged at 7.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.3, -.4, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second straight month, 11.4 – 15.0, +3.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+3.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.4)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 5.4, +.8, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, second month in a row, 8.3 – 13.6, +5.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.2)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, #7 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.2, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, anchored at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF unchanged at 2.6, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 17^th month in a row, 8.1 – 11.4, +3.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+3.3)

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

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) steady at 2.4, #17 to #16 and cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #8 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, third consecutive month, 9.8 – 14.4, +4.6

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

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KALC (-2.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, locked at #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .4 – .6, +.2, #25 to #20

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM”.7 – .6, -.1, flat at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.6 – 4.3, -.3, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, fifth consecutive month, 11.8 – 14.5, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-2.5)**

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, #12 to #9 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #16 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, flat at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 4.3 – 3.6, -.7, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, first month, 9.4 – 14.8, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock KSHE (-1.3)

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

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Hersholt Retires from KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle; Calvert to AM Drive

By TALKERS | January 13, 2023January 13, 2023 by TALKERS

Today (1/13) is the last day on the air for KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle morning drive news anchor Gregg Hersholt. He’s retiring from Lotus Communications’ “Northwest Newsradio” after five decades on the air in Seattle. Hersholt says, “Thank you to those who have listened along the way and the many great people I have worked for. I feel truly blessed.” KNWN program director Rick Van Cise says, “Gregg gave every story he covered the importance it deserved. While his are big shoes to fill, we are pleased to announce the appointment of ‘Northwest Newsradio’ reporter Brian Calvert to the morning co-anchor post with Manda Factor. Brian’s engaging personality, news credibility and unique storytelling make him a great fit.” Calvert comments, “It’s been a thrill to be a part of one of the best morning teams ever in radio as a reporter, and now an honor to co-host the broadcast.”

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