September 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.
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 2022 – September 2022 (6+).
Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, eighth to seventh
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, repeats in the runner-up slot
Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .6 – .8, +.2, steady at #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, continues at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 11.1, -.5, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 11.1, -.5
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WHUR and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.8)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, seventh to ninth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, sixth to fifth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, first to second
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, tenth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, #11 to #7
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #19
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WBWL (+.9)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-.7)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #9
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.3, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WMIB (+.6)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.1 – 6.6, +.5, fourth to third
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, anchored at #14
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 6.2 – 7.0, +.8, third to first
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, first month, 6.2 – 7.0, +.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk KIRO-AM and alternative KEXP (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.3)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, locked at #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, repeats in eighth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, sixth to fourth and WXYT-FM’s internet stream, 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, steady at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+1.0)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-2.8)*
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, ninth to tenth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, remains at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.2 – 7.3, +1.1, repeats in the runner-up slot
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, sixth month in a row, 6.7 – 7.6, +.9
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KJZZ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-.7)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.8 – 5.6, +.8, tenth to seventh
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #17 to #15
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, flat at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 5.5 – 6.7, +1.2, seventh to third
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in fifth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, third month in a row, 8.2 – 8.1, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.1)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.4 – 5.0, +1.6, #11 to #4
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.4 – 5.6, +.2, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, sixth consecutive month, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.7)**
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.1)
*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 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” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, ninth to eighth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” flat at 2.7, #13 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, remains at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, thirteenth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR WFLZ (-.9)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17 and co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #16 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, flat at #9
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second successive month, 7.1 – 6.3, -.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: triple A KBCO (+.9)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.1)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.7– 3.8, +.1, tenth to ninth
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” flat at 1.7, unchanged at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.1 – 4.2, +.1, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.1 – 9.5, +1.4
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.1)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6, tenth to fifth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, continues at #11
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, #12 to #14
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KPNT, second month in a row, 10.0 – 9.2, -.8
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+1.6)
Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-.8)
Up next: September 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com






















its original “Good Day” moniker, Doug Stephan will segue his program to the USA Radio Network. Officially re-launching next Monday (6/13), “Good Day” with Stephan and co-host Jai Kershner will merge with USA’s “Daybreak.” The show Stephan launched in 1988 will continue to air in the morning and remains designed to time-shift to other dayparts. Affiliation will be handled by USA Radio Network, with that web’s president Chip Miller stating, “I’m excited to welcome Doug and ‘Good Day’ to the USA Radio Network family. Doug is an iconic fixture in morning radio throughout the country and we look forward to working with [him] and the ‘Good Day’ team. The lifestyle, non-political content ‘Good Day’ offers is something we feel more stations will welcome during a time when there’s so much going on in the world and in our society. Doug and ‘Good Day’ will serve as the cornerstone for an exciting growth plan for the network. This is our first programming change and show addition since acquiring the network in December 2021.” Stephan comments, “We’ve been hearing from some of our more than 300 affiliates of their frustration with how negative many news/talk programs have become. This move enables us to continue to present the news you need to know, along with our opinions, in addition to the positives that we see every day.” There will be no change in the format clock; technical; traffic; or sales partners. Stephan is the longest running syndicated host of a daily talk show and appears at #29 on TALKERS’ 2022 “Heavy Hundred.”
Guthrie Named iHM Florida Division President. Former six-year Cox Media Group president/chief executive officer Kim Guthrie is set to become iHeartMedia’s Florida division president. In that position, she will succeed Linda Byrd, who retires next month (7/15). Guthrie will report directly to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins, who states, “At iHeart, we pride ourselves on being a ‘talent first’ company; this decision reflects that commitment. It’s rewarding to find someone who both understands what our listeners need and how to operate in a multi-platform environment. Kim checks every box and more. We’re thrilled she chose to bring her talents to iHeart. Her CEO experience at Cox Media Group makes her uniquely-qualified for this position.” Guthrie adds, “I am very excited to announce my ‘un-retirement.’ iHeart has become a true employment destination and I’m thrilled to be part of America’s #1 audio company. iHeart’s leadership has built a culture of respect, transparency and innovation. The entire team has made me feel like I can make a difference here.” Guthrie joined Cox Media Group in 1998 as vice president/general manager for its Long Island radio station group and later became executive vice president of CMG’s national ad platforms. As Cox Media Group’s CEO, she had complete oversight of the company, including nearly 100 broadcast radio and television stations; dozens of digital assets; and newspapers. She started her career as a television news reporter and anchor for several ABC affiliates. Guthrie was named “Woman of Distinction” by the March of Dimes and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition, she won the “Trailblazer Award” from Mentoring And Inspiring Women In Radio and the “Women Who Lead” honor from the Alliance For Women In Media.
Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced. The 31st annual such event was held last night (Thursday, 6/9) in-person at New York’s Sony Hall, as well as virtually. This year’s “Best of Show” award was presented to FCB Chicago for its “Go RVing” radio commercial. Other winners included: Mockingbird, iHeartRadio App, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Promotional Spot or Campaign by a Radio Station or Group”); Great American Settlers, Spreaker.com, The Studio at iHeartMedia tied with Kiddie Pool, The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Commercial by a Radio Station or Group”); Tick Suck, Steve’s Pest Control, Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group; Dog Years, Motel 6, Barkley (Creative Radio Commercial by an Agency, Production Company, Or Advertiser); and Moolah, Georgia Lottery, BBDO Atlanta. Radio Mercury Awards chief judge/Campbell Ewald executive creative director Ale Ortiz comments, “It’s been an honor to be at this year’s Radio Mercury Awards and to award the incredible lineup of winners. The final round jury and I were very impressed by the winners’ ability to not only entertain listeners, but tell stories through radio and audio.” According to Radio Advertising Bureau president and chief executive officer/Radio Creative Fund chair Erica Farber, “This year’s awards once again proved the power of sound and demonstrated the strength of radio and audio in conveying a brand’s message. This was an incredible night for radio. It was so great to celebrate with everyone both in person and online.” Presenters from this year’s final round jury and advisory council included: freelance creative consultant Larissa Kirschner-Chaney; Josh Grossberg (McCann Health); Nicky Lorenzo (Taylor Global); Ciro Sarmiento (Weber Shandwick); and Joyce King Thomas (King Thomas). Event sponsors of this year’s event were Audacy and iHeartMedia. Dedicated sponsors included CBS News Radio, Hubbard Broadcasting and World Wide Wadio. General sponsors were Beasley Media Group; Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Katz Media Group; Salem Media Group; Skyview Networks; Sound and Fury; and WideOrbit, along with Friends of the Mercuries sponsors Forcht Broadcasting; Neuhoff Media; Nielsen; Triton Digital; and vCreative. For the complete list of winners and to listen to their work, go to
Multicultural Broadcasting-owned KBLA “Talk 1580,” Los Angeles’ “A More Perfect Union.” The HUD secretary and KBLA’s chief national political analyst, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, discussed the city’s homelessness problem; the need for affordable housing; and creative ways for first-time buyers to purchase a home and down payment assistance. Fudge commented that HUD is committed to equity by eliminating redlining of “certain kinds of neighborhoods.” … Effective next
Monday (6/13), Randy Cable commences as director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Fort Myers/Naples cluster, which includes sports talk WBCN “ESPN Southwest Florida.” Vice president/market manager AJ Lurie comments, “The more people I asked about Randy, the more excited I got about having him on our team. I think he will be a perfect complement to our brands, products, and family here in Southwest Florida.” Spring Valley, New York native Cable notes, “I am thrilled to join the Beasley family and look forward to working with the incredible team in Fort Myers. I am passionate about helping our team help local businesses thrive and prosper with great ideas and our ability to develop/execute powerful fully-integrated radio and digital campaigns.” Cable formerly was integrated sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Miami and Jacksonville stations, and spent eleven years as director of sales for Audacy Greenville (South Carolina) … The Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters
Association (CAPBA) recognizes Your Public Radio-owned public radio news/talk WYPR, Baltimore with five (5) first-place awards and seven (7) second-place awards for work done in 2021. Its first-place citations are in “Outstanding News Series”; “Outstanding Public Affairs”; “Outstanding Specialty Reporting”; “Outstanding Documentary/In-Depth Reporting”; and “Outstanding Serious Feature.” The CAPBA awards ceremony was held last Saturday (6/4) in Ocean City, Maryland. … In addition to hosting afternoon drive on iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040,” Simon Conway has been doing morning drive on similarly-formatted Orlando sibling WFLA “News Radio” and today adds a national assignment, filling in for Joe Pagliarulo. Conway’s PM drive program is simulcast on iHM’s WMT-AM “News Radio AM 600,” Cedar Rapids and WOC “News Talk 1420,” Davenport (Iowa). … Among the Delta Radio Greenville, Mississippi properties McConnell “Man@Large Adams will oversee as the newly-appointed operations director is WNIX “News Talk.” Adams most recently was director of content for Townsquare Media Lansing (Michigan).