Tag: managing editor

Industry News

Round One of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey covered February 29 through March 27. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises two-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #9 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.6 share and the #20 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-FM adds one-tenth for a 4.6 share good for the #5 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI inches up one-tenth for a 5.5 share that keeps it locked into the #3 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM dips three-tenths, finishing with a 3.2 share and the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM falls six-tenths to a 1.4 share good for the #25 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM is steady with a 5.4 share but falls back to the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Four of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Austin, Waterloo Media’s news/talk KLBJ-AM drops six-tenths to finish with a 5.1 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #5, while Audacy’s news/talk KJCE-AM rises two-tenths for a 0.3 share and stays ranked #28. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM rises half a share to finish with an 8.0 share that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF loses two-tenths for a 0.8 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 5.7 share and inches up to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC is steady with a 2.1 share but moves up one spot to the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Two of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady at a 4.5 share (6+, weekly AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, sheds seven-tenths for a 7.6 share but stays ranked #2 in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share that lifts it to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share but remains ranked #6. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR tacks on four-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.5 share and moves up to the #14 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ loses three-tenths, wrapping the survey with a 5.3 share and falling one spot to the #9 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round One of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period covered January 4 – 31. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM adds half a share to finish with a 3.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR-AM rises half a share to a 1.7 share that lifts it to the #17 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds nine-tenths for a 4.5 share finish good for the #3 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM is up a half share, finishing with a 3.1 share and the #10 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM rises two-tenths to a 1.9 share and moves up one spot to the #18 rank. And in Atlanta, Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM claims the #1 rank after rising 1.2 shares to an 8.6 share. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Ratings Analysis: All-News During the “Holiday” Survey

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imToday, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian does a deep-dive into the recent performances of the all-news format during Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” PPM ratings period. He writes, “Ever since Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio) instituted the Portable People Meter as ratings currency in 2007, the ‘Holiday’ ratings period has been a veritable goldmine for stations employing the wall-to-wall Christmas music programming strategy. Adult contemporary comprises the overwhelming majority of those outlets. Usually substantial, however, is the negative impact on many other formats in ‘Holiday’ sweeps.” See his analysis of the past four “Holiday” surveys here.

Ratings Takeaways

Has All-News Taken A “Holiday?”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

imEver since Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio) instituted the Portable People Meter as ratings currency in 2007, the “Holiday” ratings period has been a veritable goldmine for stations employing the wall-to-wall Christmas music programming strategy.

Adult contemporary comprises the overwhelming majority of those outlets.

Usually substantial, however, is the negative impact on many other formats in “Holiday” sweeps.

With that in mind, let’s review how all-news stations have performed in the last four “Holiday” survey periods.

The 2020 presidential election was held on November 3, thus exactly one month prior to the start of that year’s “Holiday” sweep (December 3). It should additionally be remembered that the COVID pandemic was roughly entering its tenth month. Eerily, the final day of that survey period was January 6, 2021, the day of domestic terrorism/insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Over the course of the “Holiday” 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024), all-news operations again battled for listenership in the ongoing annual all-Christmas music environment. Ostensibly working in their favor, however, was that the 2024 presidential campaign was waging and the previous president was embroiled in a record number of legal cases/charges/indictments.

The following chart summarizes ratings performances of all-news stations in the four most recent “Holiday” sweeps.

                                                                 2020       2021       2022       2023

“Holiday” 6+ Share                                       3.70        3.32        3.50        2.88

December – “Holiday” Increase                       35%        40%        30%        5%

December – “Holiday” Decrease                      50%        50%        65%        85%

December – “Holiday” Flat                             15%        10%        5%          10%

Average December – “Holiday” Increase           +.31        +.22        +.28        +.40

Average December – “Holiday” Decrease          -.68         -.21         -.29         -.40

“Holiday” 6+ Market Rank                             #10.40    #12.15     #10.55     #13.20

  • The typical (6+) high-water mark logged by an all-news facility was 2020’s 70, more than eight-tenths of a share better than 2023’s 2.88
  • Four of ten (40%) all-news stations improved December 2021 – “Holiday” 2021 (6+)
  • On the other hand, 85% of these formatted stations witnessed (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 erosion
  • Note the virtual identical average increases/average decreases for all-news outlets in the last three “Holiday” sweeps
  • It was customary for an all-news facility to rank tenth in “Holiday” 2020 (#10.40), but thirteenthin “Holiday” 2023 (#13.20)

“Holiday” 2023 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.3

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    5.7

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.9

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.7

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           4.5

WWJ, Detroit                                4.3

WINS-FM, New York                      3.9

WINS-FM, Long Island                   3.3

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.5

KNWN, Seattle                              2.3

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.8

WCBS-AM, New York                     1.6

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.4

WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore               1.0

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.0

WDCH, Baltimore                          .8

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2

WNOH, Norfolk                             .2

“Holiday” 2023 6+ Fluctuation from December 2023

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.5   +.4

WWJ, Detroit                                4.3   Flat

WDCH, Baltimore                          .8     Flat

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           4.5   -1.2

WINS-FM, Long Island                   3.3   -1.1

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    5.7   -.7

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.3   -.6

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7   -.5

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.4   -.4

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.7   -.4

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.9   -.3

KNWN, Seattle                              2.3   -.3

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.0   -.3

WINS-FM, New York                      3.9   -.2

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5   -.2

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.8   -.2

WCBS-AM, New York                     1.6   -.1

WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore               1.0   -.1

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2     -.1

WNOH, Norfolk                             .2     -.1

  • WCBS-AM’s four-tenths uptick in Long Island represents the only all-news December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase (6+).

“Holiday” 2023 By Market Rank  

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    5.7   #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.9   #4

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.3   #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           4.5   #4

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.7   #5

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7   #6

WINS-FM, New York                      3.9   #9

WWJ, Detroit                                4.3   #9

WINS-FM, Long Island                   3.3   #9

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5   #12

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.5   #12

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.8   #13

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.0   #18

WCBS-AM, New York                     1.6   #19

KNWN, Seattle                              2.3   #20

WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore               1.0   #20

WDCH, Baltimore                          .8     #22

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2     #24

WNOH, Norfolk                             .2     #24

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.4   #27

  • Forty-five percent (45%) of all-news stations ranked in the top ten (“Holiday” 2023, 6+).

“Holiday” 2022 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            7.8

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           7.0

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7

KYW, Philadelphia                         6.2

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.8

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.8

WINS-FM, New York                      4.6

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.8

WINS-FM, Long Island                    3.0

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          2.2

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.0

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.7

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.2

WNOH, Norfolk                             .8

WDCH, Baltimore                          .6

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2

WYTS, Columbus                          .1

“Holiday” 2022 6+ Fluctuation from December 2022

WINS-FM, New York                      4.6   +.4

KYW, Philadelphia                         6.2   +.4

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.8   +.4

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5   +.3

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.8   +.1

WINS-FM, Long Island                   3.0   +.1

WYTS, Columbus                          .1     Flat

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            7.8   -.8

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7   -.7

WNOH, Norfolk                             .8     -.7

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5   -.4

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          2.2   -.3

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.0   -.2

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.8   -.1

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5   -.1

WDCH, Baltimore                          .6     -.1

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2     -.1

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           7.0   -.1

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.7   -.1

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.2   -.1

“Holiday” 2022 By Market Rank  

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7   #2

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           7.0   #2

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            7.8   #3

KYW, Philadelphia                         6.2   #3

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5   #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          4.8   #4

WINS-FM, New York                      4.6   #5

WBZ-AM, Boston                          4.8   #6

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5   #7

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.8   #7

WINS-FM, Long Island                   3.0   #10

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.5   #12

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.7   #14

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       .2     #16

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.0   #17

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.2   #18

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          2.2   #20

WDCH, Baltimore                          .6     #20

WNOH, Norfolk                             .8     #20

WYTS, Columbus                          .1     #22

  • One of every two (50%) all-news facilities finished in the top ten (“Holiday” 2022, 6+).

“Holiday” 2021 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.4

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          5.6

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.4

WWJ, Detroit                                5.0

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7

WINS, New York                            4.4

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.1

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.8

WINS, Long Island                         2.7

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.6

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.6

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.6

WINS, Middlesex                           1.1

WNOH, Norfolk                             .4

WDCH, Baltimore                          .1

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  .1

WYTS, Columbus                          .1

“Holiday” 2021 6+ Fluctuation from December 2021

WINS, New York                            4.4   +.6

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.6   +.4

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.8   +.2

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5   +.2

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7   +.1

WINS, Middlesex                           1.1   +.1

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.6   +.1

WNOH, Norfolk                             .4     +.1

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7   Flat

WYTS, Columbus                          .1     Flat

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.4   -.4

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5   -.4

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.6   -.3

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.1   -.2

WDCH, Baltimore                          .1     -.2

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.4   -.2

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          5.6   -.1

WWJ, Detroit                                5.0   -.1

WINS, Long Island                         2.7   -.1

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  .1     -.1

“Holiday” 2021 By Market Rank  

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          5.6   #3

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    6.7   #3

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5   #3

KNWN, Seattle                              5.5   #3

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            6.4   #4

WWJ, Detroit                                5.0   #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.4   #4

WINS, New York                            4.4   #5

KYW, Philadelphia                         4.7   #6

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  3.1   #8

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     2.8   #11

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.6   #13

WINS, Long Island                         2.7   #13

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     1.6   #19

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  .1     #21

WYTS, Columbus                          .1     #20

WNOH, Norfolk                             .4     #22

WINS, Middlesex                           1.1   #23

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.6   #26

WDCH, Baltimore                          .1     #32

  • Mirroring what happened in “Holiday” 2022, half the all-news facilities placed in the top ten (“Holiday” 2021, 6+).

“Holiday” 2020 6+ Share (Highest to Lowest)

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    8.1

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            8.1

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          6.8

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.6

KYW, Philadelphia                         5.4

KOMO, Seattle                              4.6

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5

WINS, New York                            3.6

KNX, Los Angeles                          3.2

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.9

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.7

WINS, Long Island                         2.6

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     2.4

WBZ-AM, Providence                       1.4

KRLD-AM, Dallas                           1.3

WINS, Middlesex                            1.2

WNOH, Norfolk                             1.2

WDCH, Baltimore                          0.8

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  0.1

“Holiday” 2020 6+ Fluctuation from December 2020

KYW, Philadelphia                         5.4   +.5

WBZ-AM, Providence                       1.4   +.4

WINS, New York                            3.6   +.3

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     2.4   +.3

WNOH, Norfolk                             1.2   +.3

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.7   +.2

WINS, Middlesex                           1.2   +.2

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          6.8   Flat

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.3   Flat

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  0.1   Flat

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            8.1   -1.6

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.6   -1.4

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    8.1   -1.0

KOMO, Seattle                              4.6   -.7

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.9   -.7

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5   -.6

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5   -.3

WINS, Long Island                         2.6   -.3

KNX, Los Angeles                          3.2   -.1

WDCH, Baltimore                          0.8   -.1

“Holiday” 2020 By Market Rank  

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5   #2

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          6.8   #3

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    8.1   #3

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            8.1   #3

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.6   #4

KYW, Philadelphia                         5.4   #5

KOMO, Seattle                              4.6   #6

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5   #6

WINS, New York                            3.6   #7

KNX, Los Angeles                          3.2   #9

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.7   #12

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.9   #12

WNOH, Norfolk                             1.2   #12

WINS, Long Island                         2.6   #13

WBZ-AM, Providence                       1.4   #13

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     2.4   #14

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  0.1   #17

WDCH, Baltimore                          0.8   #21

WINS, Middlesex                           1.2   #22

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.3   #24

All-News Composite Arranged By Market Rank    

                                                  “Hol” 2020     “Hol” 2021     “Hol” 2022     “Hol” 2023

WINS-FM, New York                      3.6   #7           4.4   #5           4.6   #5           3.9   #9

WCBS-AM, New York                     2.7   #12         2.6   #13         2.0   #17         1.6   #19

KNX-FM, Los Angeles                     3.2   #9           2.8   #11         2.5   #12         2.5   #12

WBBM-AM & WCFS, Chicago          6.8   #3           5.6   #3           4.8   #4           4.9   #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Francisco    8.1   #3           6.7   #3           6.7   #2           5.7   #3

KRLD-AM, Dallas                          1.3   #24         1.6   #26         2.2   #20         1.4   #27

WTOP & WTLP, Washington            8.1   #3           6.4   #4           7.8   #3           6.3   #4

KYW, Philadelphia                         5.4   #5           4.7   #6           6.2   #3           4.7   #6

WBZ-AM, Boston                          6.5   #2           6.5   #3           4.8   #6           4.7   #5

KNWN, Seattle                               4.6   #6           5.5   #3           5.5   #3           2.3   #20

WWJ, Detroit                                4.5   #6           5.0   #4           4.5   #7           4.3   #9

WINS-FM, Long Island                   2.6   #13         2.7   #13         3.0   #10         3.3   #9

WCBS-AM, Long Island                  2.9   #12         3.1   #8           3.8   #7           2.5   #12

WDCH, Baltimore                          .8     #21         .1     #32         .6     #20         .8     #22

WTOP & WTLP, Baltimore               DNA DNA        DNA DNA        DNA DNA        1.0   #20

WMMS-HD2, Cleveland                  .1     #17         .1     #21         DNA DNA        DNA DNA

WYTS, Columbus                          DNA DNA        .1     #20         .1     #22         DNA DNA

WRAL-HD3, Raleigh                       DNA DNA        DNA DNA        .2     #16         .2     #24

KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose           5.6   #4           5.4   #4           7.0   #2           4.5   #4

WINS-FM, Middlesex                      1.2   #22         1.1   #23         1.7   #14         1.8   #13

WCBS-AM, Middlesex                     2.4   #14         1.6   #19         1.2   #18         1.0   #18

WBZ-AM, Providence                       1.4   #13         DNA DNA        DNA DNA        DNA DNA

WNOH, Norfolk                             1.2   #12         .4     #22         .8     #20         .2     #24

Notes

  • WINS-AM, New York added FM simulcast WINS-FM on October 27, 2022
  • KNX-AM, Los Angeles added FM simulcast KNX-FM on December 21, 2021
  • KRLD-AM, Dallas and WBZ-AM, Boston are news – talk hybrids
  • KOMO, Seattle changed calls to KNWN on February 2, 2022
  • WDCH, Baltimore is business news
  • WMMS-HD2, Cleveland and WNOH, Norfolk are Black Information Network affiliates
  • “DNA” indicates a station “Did Not Appear” in that particular survey and/or wasn’t a Nielsen Audio subscriber in that sweep
  • All above data is based on news stations that appeared in the top twenty in at least one of the four “Holiday” survey periods noted (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

Contact managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Features

Remembering Charles Osgood

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

imDespite his seemingly nonchalant, bad boy on-air persona, David Letterman is exceptionally respectful of broadcasting and its history.

An easily discernable gleam could be seen in the late-night talk host’s eyes when – in 1993 – he formally announced he was jumping to CBS-TV.

One would be naïve not to think that the astonishingly lucrative payday played a significant part in his exhilaration, but Letterman was genuinely enthusiastic about joining the “Tiffany Network.” The entertainment division helped sculpt that vaulted reputation, but the Eye Network’s image was also greatly enhanced by its stellar news department.

Names of those who’ve graced CBS news broadcasts read like a veritable “Who’s Who” of the industry, with the incomparable Walter Cronkite at the very top.

Additionally, there’s Murrow. Sevareid. Collingwood. Rather. Reasoner. Wallace. Edwards. Kuralt. Safer. Mudd. Bradley. Schieffer. Stahl. Rooney. Burdett. Pauley. Hottelet. Chung. Threlkeld. O’Donnell. That just scratches the surface.

Perhaps no one on that – or any similar – list is more erudite, witty and thought provoking than Charles Osgood (Wood).

In a special April 18, 2005 NAB presentation in Las Vegas, the man who did as much for boosting bowtie sales (far pre-dating Tucker Carlson) received the Paul White Award from the RTNDA.

Established in 1956, the recognition carries on the name of CBS’ first news director.

Illustrious company

Past Paul White Award recipients have included Edward R. Murrow, Dan Rather, Bob Schieffer, Ed Bradley, Tom Brokaw, Ted Koppel, Peter Jennings, and Jane Pauley, who succeeded Osgood on CBS-TV’s “Sunday Morning” in 2016. Osgood humbly noted, “I’ve known about the Paul White Award for a long time and have been there to see others get it. It’s obviously a very distinguished company I join. I was there when [former CBS News Division President] Richard Salant [received] it and certainly regard it with a lot of respect. If you hang around long enough, it finally gets to be your turn.”

There’s a parallel with this recognition and Osgood’s 1990 induction to the NAB Hall of Fame. “[Neither] one is the kind of thing you campaign for,” he remarked. “The first I heard about it is when they called and told me it happened. There’s no tension about it and no disappointment that you didn’t get it.”    

Mistaken identity

Rich, God-given voice with which Osgood was blessed became evident at an early age. “My dad was a textile salesman and executive. His name was Charles Osgood Wood – I’m actually Charles Osgood Wood, the third. I’d answer the phone and the person on the other end would [automatically assume they were talking to my father]. He and I talked almost exactly alike.” 

Somewhat of a built-in schizophrenia existed in the famed broadcaster. A friend with whom he’d frequently play tennis noticed that when the multiple Peabody and Emmy Award winner screwed up he’d say, “Come on Osgood.” As a result, “I’d be harder on ‘Osgood’ than I would be on ‘Wood.’ You don’t talk to yourself when you do something right – you just sort of smile.”

Distinctive difference

Understandably, the natural tendency was to automatically link the instantly likable Osgood to CBS for his impeccable long-running role as voice/writer of CBS Radio’s “The Osgood File” and for hosting duties of CBS-TV’s “Sunday Morning.” In addition, he spent six years (1981-1987) as anchor of “The CBS Sunday Night News.”

Many, however, forget that predating those résumé credits, he toiled for ABC.

When he began there, ABC – as luck would have it – already had an announcer named Charles Woods. “In those days, some staff announcers did newscasts,” Osgood explained. “They hired me, but said they didn’t want to have a Charles Woods and a Charles Wood. When they told me to pick a name, I used my middle name as my last name. It’s worked out well and is a little more distinctive and professional.”

Safe haven

Selection of another type made a great impact on his life, as the broadcaster with the industry’s most stylish writing style was an Economics major at New York’s Fordham University. “I never really had an idea that this is what I was cut out to do,” Osgood candidly stated. “As a result, I never took any writing or editing courses. When I started [in broadcasting], I really hung on by my fingernails and just did it the best way I could think of. It took more than a couple of years to get a sense of what I could do. If I’d started the kinds of things in journalism school that I do now, they would have said, ‘No – that’s not how you do it.’ I would have had it drummed out of me early on.” 

Thankfully though, someone realized a broadcaster existed within Osgood and the New York native became actively involved at Fordham’s campus radio station. “That was my locker – the place I’d go between classes,” he pointed out. “At least in those days, regardless of your [declared major], you really majored in Philosophy. You learned things like ethics, logic and cosmology. That really turned out to be pretty useful for what I’m doing.”

Never was there a moment’s regret for the father of five that he didn’t pursue a career in economics. “I’m not even sure I understood what economics was when I decided to make it my major,” Osgood sheepishly admitted. “I knew it had something to do with money and I thought it would be good to know something about that.” 

Sailing with Uncle Walter

As things eventuated, it was immaterial that Osgood never took any college journalism courses. “I went to the best school of broadcast journalism that you could go to, [because] I got to work with Walter Cronkite and a pretty potent lineup of [other] people,” Osgood asserted. “I was often in the same room and could see how Walter’s mind worked and his idea of telling a story. He’s the most centered guy you’re ever going to meet and is very tough.”

Fabled anchorman Cronkite was also managing editor of “The CBS Evening News,” a responsibility he took very seriously. “He was a newsman and kept asking questions of everybody; I have all the respect in the world for him,” Osgood reverently recalled of Cronkite, who was 92 when he died in 2009. “Within a year after I went to work in the CBS newsroom, I found myself sailing in a boat with Walter Cronkite. I felt like I died and went to heaven.” 

Mid-1950s on-air job at Washington, DC classical outlet WGMS enabled Osgood to display his familiarity with – and dexterity to handle –  names like Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakoff. “I really did like that kind of music,” the long time ASCAP member emphasized. “They [eventually] gave me a job that was like the assistant to the GM. It paid all of about $25 a week, but I learned a little bit about station management. WGMS was sold to RKO General and I ended up being program director and, for a time, co-manager.”

Ahead of its time

Also dotting Osgood’s notable vitae is a 1963 stint as general manager of Hartford’s WHCT, the country’s first pay television station. “It was an over-the-air station that CBS owned at one time. It had a mechanism that would encode both picture and sound.”

Subscribers paid $125 for a decoder that needed to be attached to their television set; however, Osgood readily conceded it wasn’t exactly the ideal system. “Color was starting to come on strong, but this only worked in black and white, [so] we had a few strikes against us going in. We were, however, able to play ‘subsequent first-run’ movies – [films] that hadn’t yet been seen in local theaters.”

A tape inside the decoder recorded what a subscriber watched and customers were sent a bill once a month. “The system as an experiment failed, but it was not a bad idea,” Osgood maintained. “Now, of course, we have pay-per-view television, which is essentially the same thing.” 

Shared versus singular responsibilities

Each Osgood-fronted “Sunday Morning” broadcast concluded with the affable host reminding viewers that he would, “See you on the radio,” which was his way of reinforcing that radio is a visual medium. “You create pictures in your own mind and those are much richer than the ones that can be shown on television,” Osgood contended. “On television, what you see is what you get and [that medium] is very pre-occupied with the picture. There’s often wonderful writing there, but television people don’t tend to think about that or the sound at all.”

Images are their main focus and having had vast experience in each medium, Osgood opined that radio is a much more individual effort. “You decide what you’re going to do; you write it; and you do it. You can take all the credit or blame for whatever you do on radio. Television is a collaborative process. There are producers, writers and photographers. One person really can’t take any bows.”

Demanding schedule

One hour separated each of his four daily “Osgood File” features. The general rule was that Osgood didn’t start writing the next one until he finished delivering the last. “If it takes more than an hour, I’m in a lot of trouble,” he deadpanned. “I have to write it in somewhat less than an hour.”

Preparation for that Monday through Friday workday ritual began at the petrifying time of 2:30 am. “It somehow always feels like a horrible mistake when the alarm goes off then,” Osgood declared in his perfectly inflected trademark delivery. “I’m usually in the office at 4:30 am. I have to get my ducks in a row before [doing the first piece] so I know what I’m going to do the rest of the morning. You spend part of that time reading to see what’s there in the way of tape and to see what news stories are of interest that morning.” 

Newspapers, wire sources and the internet provided plenty of possibilities, so Osgood didn’t start worrying about what he was going to put on paper until he arrived at the office. “The news is a constantly refreshing source of material,” he commented. “If you’re doing something that has to last for a long time, you have a different problem. It’s just a question of what you can get your teeth into.”

Road to Sunday Morning

Four-year tour of duty (1967 – 1971) as morning anchor/reporter at New York City’s all-news WCBS-AM got Osgood accustomed to getting up early; he had the luxury of sleeping in until 4:30 am each Sunday. “You have no idea how much later 4:30 am is than 2:30 am,” he convincingly put forth. “I don’t have to get up early on Saturdays. There are [‘Osgood File’] shows, but they’re repeats of things that were done during the week. It’s a great delight to wake up on a Saturday and then realize I can go back to sleep, but it’s still never that late. I get up by 7:00 am.”

Energetic Osgood actually preferred a slow news day when it came to doing his 90-minute Sunday television broadcast. “I’m certain I’m the only network TV anchor who hopes there’s no news. We’ve worked on the show all week and want to do the broadcast that was planned. Some of our shows have themes or, at least, have connections between the pieces. If there’s a big story, you might have to throw something out and that may – or may not – hold up the following week.”                                                    

Succeeding Charles Kuralt as host of “Sunday Morning” nearly 30 years ago (4/10/1994) was a tough act for Osgood to follow, especially since he viewed “On The Road” legend Kuralt as a great personal hero. “He was one of the best who ever came along,” Osgood succinctly stressed. “Charles was a country boy with that wonderful North Carolina accent and had a way of using the language. I thought he was simply terrific. He taught me a lot, [including] not to imitate or copy what you hear. He was in control of every sentence he put down and had an idea of how he wanted to come across to the audience; he was really brilliant.”

Admiration for his predecessor

No advance notice was given to Osgood that his colleague – who would die of complications from lupus in 1997 at just 62 – was planning to leave the Sunday morning show. “I remember getting up one day at the usual hour and putting on my socks in a dark room,” Osgood recollected. “I had the radio on and heard Charlie had announced his retirement. That was terrible news and it never even occurred to me that CBS might ask me to replace him. For one thing, I was older than Charles [by approximately 20 months]. You don’t replace a person who retires with someone older, but that’s what happened. The real reason I got the job was they needed someone whose first name is Charles.”       

Sunday’s audience was conditioned to expect a high-level broadcast, and Osgood acknowledged that made the transition much easier. “As long as I didn’t try to be Charles and try to do an imitation of him, I thought I’d be okay [provided] the audience would put up with me long enough to get used to me.”

Certain things about the CBS-TV show were the same every week. “When we change something, the audience usually doesn’t like it at first,” Osgood contended. “It was especially daunting for me at the beginning because [Kuralt] was so terrific.” 

All tied up

Play a visual word association game about Osgood and “bowtie” will invariably be the first response, but he viewed that fashion statement as a relatively new choice. “I’ve only been doing it for 20 years,” he quipped tongue-in-cheek.

It all began when he wore a clip-on bowtie to work one day. CBS-TV “Evening News” writer John Mosedale admonished Osgood to never wear a clip-on. “He actually walked me into the men’s room and taught me how to tie a bowtie. When you teach an old dog a new trick, he wants to keep doing it. I wear a bowtie when I do speaking dates or television. The excuse I use for my attire is that I get dressed in the dark.”

Write stuff

This author of six books (the last one, 2004’s “Defending Baltimore Against Enemy Attack”) also formerly wrote a “USA Weekend” column and a King Features’ syndicated column. Moreover, he had a full plate with four daily CBS Radio shows (via Westwood One) and a weekly morning television show. “I always have a book that I’m either thinking about or actually in the process of writing,” CBS’ “Poet In Residence’ disclosed. “I’ve been talking with publishers about several book ideas, but they’re not far enough along to really [discuss] at this point. The [leisure time] thing I do more than anything else is fooling around at the piano; I like doing that.”

Unexpected situations like receiving the Paul White Award; being inducted into the NAB Hall Of Fame; and replacing Charles Kuralt as host of CBS Sunday Morning seemed to be the norm for the 1999 International Radio & Television Society Foundation award winner for Significant Achievement.

Long-range plans

With that as a backdrop, it was noteworthy that Osgood never considered himself to be a permanent replacement for Dan Rather on the “CBS Evening News” – a job that would eventually go to Katie Couric in 2006. “I’m not a candidate for anything,” Osgood vehemently insisted to me in our conversation, “[although] I do think it’s important that the ‘CBS Evening News’ be our flagship show. When they asked Bob Schieffer what he thought about doing ‘The Evening News,’ he said it was something to keep him busy until he was old enough to be on ‘60 Minutes.’”   

More than satisfied to have carried on with his radio and television assignments, Osgood – who had a summer residence in France – didn’t look forward to retirement. “I like vacations, but I like them because they are vacations. It’s nice to get away from work, but that’s only if you’re working. I hope they realize I intend to continue to do this for a long time. If it stops being fun, that’s when it’s time to hang it up.”

Mike Kinosian can be emailed at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Dallas Seeks News Pros

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Cumulus Media’s Dallas news/talk stations WBAP and KLIF-AM have three career opportunities for qualified radio news pros. First, KLIF-AM has an opening for a news anchor on “DFW’s Morning News.” In this position, you’ll work each day with veteran, award-winning anchor, Dave Williams. Candidates must be well read, and able to relate to a 35-64 year old adult and know how to “play the hits of the day”im that resonate with them! The position requires extreme reliability and flexibility. Females are encouraged to apply.  Second, Cumulus is seeking a news director to work with both stations. It says, “This is not a 9 to 5 weekday desk job. If news runs in your blood, if you get an adrenaline rush from breaking stories, if you are hands-on, and you realize the commitment that it takes to win from you and your team, then this job could be for you. Our ideal candidate should possess an extremely good work ethic and have a history of news department success as a news director.” And third, the company is looking for a managing editor for both stations. This is an early morning position from 2:30 am until 10:30 am. The main job is to make sure the shows on both stations have the content they need to have a successful broadcast. Get more information on all of these positions and apply here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s 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 – applicable flagships are bolded. 

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, ninth month in succession, 9.7 – 9.6, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KUTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUT (-.8) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 9.4, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.3 – 3.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.5 – 9.1, -.4, first to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 8.5 – 10.1, +1.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WQOK (-2.2)**

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

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.0 – 6.1, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI 6.3 – 6.4, +.1, third straight month in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 6.9 – 8.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC WNTR (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1, third to first 

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.7 – 9.6, -1.1, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.4 – 2.4, +1.0, #17 to #13

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, fifth straight month at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 6.1, +.3, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 4.8 – 7.2, +2.4, eighth to third    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, eighth month in succession, 10.3 – 9.3, -1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WSM-FM (-2.0)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, third straight month at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, anchored in eighth-place for the twelfth consecutive month

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #11 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, fifth straight month at #14

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCAI .1, #19 (did not appear in August 2023)

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.9, +1.2

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

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPRO-AM (-.7)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, fifth consecutive month at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 10.2, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.1 – 10.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WOKV-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WWJK (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.8, +.2, repeats at #12

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, third straight month at #14

News: None in the top twenty

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

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .2, -.2, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, third month in a row, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-1.3)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, locked in eighth-place for the eleventh straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, repeats in ninth-place

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, sixth straight month at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, first month, 11.2 – 13.6, +2.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WPAW (-1.2)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .2 – .4, +.2, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, seventh straight month, 12.9 – 11.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK and CHR WEGR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-1.7)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.8 – 5.2, +.4, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #14 to #12

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, third straight month at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, repeats in ninth-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .6, fourth straight month at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 44th month in a row, 10.1 – 10.5, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WDRC-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.1)

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

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s 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.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.1 – 6.3, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 20, +.3, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KINK and hot AC KRSK (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-2.0)*

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

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.4 – 5.2, -1.2, third to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 5.2, +.6, sixth to fifth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – 1.0, +.5, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group country WSOC, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFNZ and public radio news/talk WFAE (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBT-AM & WBT-FM (-1.2) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk:  iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #17 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #15 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth consecutive month, 8.6 – 7.1, -1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock KTKX (+.6)

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

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #24 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, #10 (third straight month)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.9, +1.1, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, tenth month in a row, 11.4 – 11.2, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA and classical WQED (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eleventh straight month, 10.8 – 10.3, -.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KJMY (-1.0) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #26 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third month in succession, 9.3 – 9.5, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID and classic rock KXPT (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.2)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, seventh to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” steady at 3.4, #13 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 9.1 – 10.1, +1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: alternative WQMP (-1.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds, Bengals) 14.0 – 13.9, -.1, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 20th consecutive month, 14.0 – 13.9, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.0 – 5.1, +1.1, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #18 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” .2 – .3, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eleventh month in a row, 10.5 – 11.8, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI +1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WMMS (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” flat at 5.1, third to fourth

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

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” unchanged at 1.0, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 (third successive month)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KJNW (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country KBEQ (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, second to fourth    

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.6 – 7.9, +2.3, fifth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eleventh straight month, 10.4 – 9.8, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-.9)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

Up next: September 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imApril 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, 17th 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, 21th 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 One of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” dips two-tenths to a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises one spot to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR rises two-tenths to finish with a 1.9 share good for the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is unchanged with a 4.1 share and remains ranked #5 in market, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM climbs four-tenths to a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM adds two full shares to finish the survey with an 8.0 share and leaps from #3 to #1 in the market. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas shoots up eight-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that lifts it from the #16 rank to #12. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | 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, 15th 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, 19th 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

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

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+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.9, ninth to tenth

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” locked at 4.6, remains in seventh-place

Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #17 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, repeats at #12

WFAN’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.4, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 6.5 – 7.0, +.5

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

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.7) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.1, sixth to fifth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #9 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eighth month in succession, 6.8 – 5.5, -1.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+1.1)

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

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, ninth to tenth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, anchored in fourth-place

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, eighth to seventh  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, fifth straight month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.9 – 6.0, -.9, second to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #11 to #14

Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.9 – 2.3, -1.6, #7 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth successive month, 8.1 – 7.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KDFC and alternative KITS (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*

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

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #10 to #16

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #17 to #20

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 6.2 – 5.6, -.6, #1

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #9 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, second straight month, 6.2 – 5.6, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (+.6)

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

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” flat at 3.8, stays at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF steady at 3.1, repeats at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 24th consecutive month, 9.6 – 8.0, -1.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-1.6)*

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

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 7.2, +.9, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #14 to #18

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, second successive month, 8.3 – 8.1, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (1.2)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, fifth to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 6.9 – 5.9, -1.0, second to fourth

WIP’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, repeats at #19

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.7, +.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOGL (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.0)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, continues at #16

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, seventh to sixth

Cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth

Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) flat at 1.6, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 5.9 – 6.1, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI (+1.6)**

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.9)

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

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .4, continues at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 15th consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.0)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #19

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.4 – 6.8, -.6, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 4.3 – 2.7, -1.6, #7 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, ninth consecutive month 8.5 – 7.6, -.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*

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

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.3, -.8 remains in the runner-up slot

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #14 to #12

Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.1 – 1.5, +.4, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, seventh to ninth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, second consecutive month, 7.4 – 6.6, -.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ; news/talk WKXW; and sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.8)

Up next: February 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Industry News

Round One of Holiday PPM Ratings Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Bill Gates - FaceThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s 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 New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM dips two-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for the #10 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-AM/FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that lifts it to the #5 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago dips one-tenth to a 4.8 share that keeps it locked in the #4 rank, while Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN falls two-tenths to finish with a 2.8 share good for the #12 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth tacks on four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.7 share that puts it in the #7 rank. And Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta falls one share for a 4.4 share finish good for the #7 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, September 15, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Rush Limbaugh Book to Be Published Next Month. A book Rush Limbaugh was working on prior to his February 17, 2021 death will be published on October 25 by Threshold Editions. Titled, Radio’s Greatest of All Time, and credited to Limbaugh, his widow Kathryn Limbaugh, and brother David Limbaugh, Threshold says the book is “a collection of Rush Limbaugh’s greatest on-air moments, with special commentary and personal stories.” Threshold’s promotion of the book states: “Rush’s passing the following year sent shock waves through the conservative and broadcasting communities. In this timeless collection of his best work, his triumphant legacy as the greatest voice for conservatism is cemented in history. When Rush’s dear friend Vince Flynn first suggested the idea of this book, Rush considered the task daunting. ‘How can I possibly select the best of the best,’ he joked, ‘from all the years of pure genius?’ Over time, Rush came to love this project immensely, and recalled incredible details from his childhood and early career. Featuring commentary from loved ones, family, friends, and prominent figures such as President Donald Trump, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Governor Ron DeSantis, and more, Radio’s Greatest of All Time is the ultimate gift for any devoted listener and leaves no doubt about his profound impact on this country.

Management Promotions at iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network. The company announces two management changes at the BIN: Black Information Network. Andrea Coleman is elevated to vice president of news operations and Mike Stevens becomes BIN’s first-ever managing editor. iHeartMedia says, “As vice president of news operations, Coleman will lead the charge in keeping BIN: Black Information Network front and center while guiding newsroom operations to optimize the network’s reach, scale and influence. Coleman previously served as news director of BIN. In the new managing editor position, Stevens will work closely with Coleman to guide newsroom operations, as well as assign and coordinate national and local news coverage. The shift in leadership structure comes after the passing of Tanita Myers, a seasoned network and local news manager, producer, broadcaster and anchor who joined BIN in June 2020 and was most recently serving as vice president of news operations. BIN president Tony Coles adds, “A major part of Tanita Myers’ legacy at the Black Information Network will forever be the incredible depth of talent she hired. Following her passing, Andrea and Mike not only helped us to continue her work but have built upon this foundation. It only felt natural to elevate both to these leadership positions and trust them to continue bringing BIN to new heights. I am excited to see two of our best journalists advance into these new roles, and I am confident we will continue to grow under their leadership.”

KFBK, Sacramento Celebrates 100th Anniversary; Plans October Live Event. Sacramento news/talk KFBK-AM/FM is celebrating 100 years since its first on-air broadcast on September 17, 1922 all this week. iHeartMedia says of KFBK: “Signing on less than two years after the very first U.S. radio station, KFBK News Radio was first licensed to the Kimball-Upson department store located at 607 K St., which sold radios. The station’s first broadcast that Sunday evening began at 8:00 pm with “Song of the East,” played on the piano by a local musician. Additional songs and local news announcements followed to complete the evening’s first-ever radio broadcast. That inaugural day began Carlos McClatchy’s mission for KFBK to serve the Sacramento Valley and Northern California with local news, information, and entertainment. KFBK News Radio has been a springboard for talent who would go on to become nationally famous, including Rush Limbaugh and Tom Sullivan.” In celebration, the station is featuring rare historic audio highlights as well as a published timeline of the station’s history, rare photos, audio, video, and special podcasts, from the last 100 years. KFBK program director Bill White says, “The founding principle of KFBK News Radio remains the same today as it did in 1922, to provide relevant local news and information. Through the generations, KFBK’s team of talented news anchors, reporters, and talk hosts continues to proudly uphold that mission, to serve the listeners of Sacramento and Northern California.” iHeartMedia Sacramento will present a KFBK Centennial Celebration Event on Friday, October 21. It will be hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty from “The Armstrong and Getty Show” and will include appearances by current KFBK on-air talent including Cristina Mendonsa, Sam Shane, Tom Sullivan, Kitty O’Neal, John McGinness, Pat Walsh, and many KFBK alumni from the station’s previous years.

WSYR, Syracuse Celebrates 100 Years of Service. Another iHeartMedia station celebrating its 100th anniversary is Syracuse news/talk WSYR. A local proclamation from Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, along with local video greetings and dignitaries, can be seen at WSYR’s website today (9/15) to coincide with the station’s historic launch. In addition, News Radio 570 WSYR will reveal an online museum featuring previously archived photographs and biographies of past on-air personalities and more. iHeartMedia Upstate New York president Robert J. Morgan says, “From its earliest days, News Radio 570 WSYR has been an integral part of this community. Generations of Central New Yorkers have depended on News Radio 570 WSYR for relevant, accurate and up-to-the-minute coverage of the topics that matter most to the local community. We intend to build on this legacy in the next 100 years and will always be here with news, conversation, and companionship in times of crisis and celebration.” While WSYR was first licensed in 1926, the origin of its founding was September 15, 1922, when WMAC was started. WMAC would later be merged with WSYR.

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Visit Affiliate KLBJ-AM, Austin. Last week, “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” visited affiliate KLBJ-AM, Austin “NewsRadio KLBJ – 590 AM/99.7 FM,” broadcast live from the station on September 8 and 9, and hosted a client and listener meet-and-greet. The duo also took in the Alabama vs Texas football game at Texas Memorial Stadium. Pictured above (from l-r) at the game are: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Sexton, Senator Ted Cruz, Travis and Texas oil executive Bill Holmes.

TALKERS News Notes. The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning is switching its radio flagship from iHeartMedia’s news/talk WFLA, Tampa to Cox Media Group’s hot talk WHPT-FM, Tampa “The Bone.” In making the announcement, the club cites WHPT’s strong signal as a benefit to fans. Vinik Sports Group president Mark Pitts says, “As we continue to grow our brand and fan base throughout the state, the Lightning are excited to partner with Cox Media Group to provide Bolts fans throughout Central Florida and beyond, the opportunity to hear all games on 102.5 The Bone…..PromoSuite announces it is promoting Nia Addison to the newly created position of customer success & renewal contract manager. In this role, Addison will manage the contract renewal process in collaboration with PromoSuite’s sales and customer success teams. She will also continue to work directly with PromoSuite customers to ensure their success utilizing PromoSuite Next, PromoSuite Mail and the all-new PromoSuitePlus workflow platform which includes PromoSuite Digital and PromoSuite Production…..Virtual News Center adds two new stations to its roster of affiliates. Adding the service for local newscasts and weather reports are BiCoastal Media’s news/talk KELA-AM and country KMNT-FM, Centralia-Chehalis, Washington.

Inflation/Financial Markets/Freight Rail Strike, Trump vs DOJ, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Immigration/Migrant Busing, Abortion Legislation, January 6 Investigation, Russia-Ukraine War, and Asian Leaders Summit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/14). The still-rising price of food and consumer goods, the activity on the financial markets, and a potential freight rail strike; former President Donald Trump’s battle with the Department of Justice over classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees for president in 2024; Biden Administration immigration policy and the relocating of migrants; Senator Lindsey Graham’s national abortion bill; former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows complies with a subpoena from the January 6 committee; Russia’s recent losses in the Ukraine invasion; and the summit of Asian leaders, including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, in Uzbekistan were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.