Industry News

Red Apple Syndicates James Golden Weekend Show

Former Rush Limbaugh producer James Golden, a.k.a. Bo Snerdley, is being syndicated by Red Apple Audio Networks. The WABC, New York-based program “The James Golden Show” airs Saturdays from 7:00im am to 10:00 am with “news, interviews, and entertainment, with a relaxed vibe that listeners want on weekends.” Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis states, “Presenting listeners with captivating, interesting programming and big-name hosts always wins, and we have seen proof of that with our growing weekend audience. Our listeners on WABC Radio have gravitated towards the interesting programs we deliver on weekends, including ‘The James Golden Show’ on Saturday mornings.”

Industry News

Frank Morano Show Adds Stations in Las Vegas and the Twin Cities

The WABC, New York-based overnight talk show, “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano,” is nowim airing on Audacy talk outlets WCCO, Minneapolis and KMXB-HD3, Las Vegas “K-DAWN.” Red Apple Audio Networks distributes the show live from 1:00 am to 5:00 am nightly. Morano comments, “I’m incredibly grateful to be on both of these great radio stations. I’ve dreamt of being on the radio in Minnesota ever since Jesse Ventura ran for governor. It’s great to be on a station that has so many independent thinkers. As far as ‘K-DAWN’ goes, I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the air in Las Vegas, a 24/7 city. It’s great to talk to an audience in a city that’s up all night.”

Industry News

WABC Names Dominic Carter Host of 3:00 pm Hour

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York announces that Dominic Carter is the new host of the daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, the same slot previously occupied by Rudy Giuliani until he was let go by the company in mid-May. The show simulcasts on WABC Radio and WLIR-FM, Hampton Bays on Long Island. Carter willim continue to host his nightly 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am show as well as his 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight heard on Sundays. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He’s done an excellent job with his overnight programs and I know he will do the same with the 3:00 pm hour.” Carter comments, “I’m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and [president] Chad Lopez have shown in me. It’s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.”

Industry News

Round One of May PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 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 April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is up one-tenth to a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR also climbs one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #19 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles drops six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share and pulls it back to the #7 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN declines eight-tenths to a 3.0 share good for the #12 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM is steady with a .9 share and the #26 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

MLB spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.2 – 3.3, #11 – #10

WOR 1.4 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

WLIR DNA – .1, DNA – #45

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.3, #5 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 1.5, #19 – #19 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #34 – #34

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #37

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #39 (Mets) 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .8, #22 -#26 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WNYC-AM .6 – .9, #27 – #24 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3) represents New York’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.6 – 4.0, #3 – #7

KRLA .9 – .8, #32 – #33

KEIB .6 – .6, #34 – #34

News

KNX-FM 3.4 – 3.3, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.6 – 1.5, #27 – #26 (Dodgers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.1 – 1.8, #19 – #22

Notes: News/talk KFI’s -.6 (4.6 – 4.0) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Flagships of the Angels are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.8 – 3.0, #9 – #12

WLS-AM .9 – .9, #27 – #26

WVON .2 – .2, #39 – #36

WLS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #41

WLIP .3 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 5.2, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #41

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .2, #35 – #36 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 .1 – DNA, #45 – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #38 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.2 – 5.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .2, #30 – #32 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 4.2, #6 – #6 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #20

KNBR Stream .5 – .4, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO Stream .1 – .2, #37 – #32  

KGO .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KTCT .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 5.9, #1 – #2

KALW .2 – .3, #32 – #31

Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s -1.2 (7.1 – 5.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.2 – 2.6, #11 – #15

KSKY .6 – .6, #34 – #34

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #36 – #36

KFXR-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #43

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.4 – 1.5, #28 – #26

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 3.7 – 5.3, #10 – #1

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.5, #20 – #19 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.2, #31 – #28 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.1 – 2.9, #12 – #12

Note: Sports/talk KTCK’s +1.6 (3.7 – 5.3) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 2.8 – 3.3, #17 – #13  (Astros)

KPRC .4 – .3, #27 – #30 

News

KXYZ .1 – DNA #34 – DNA

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .9 – 1.1, #25 – #24

KBME 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #26  (Astros)

KILT-AM Stream .4 – .6, #27 – #27

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.5 – 3.4, #18 – #12

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.1– 7.1, #2 – #2

WFOM .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WGKA .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WAOK Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WAOK .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 3.8 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Braves)

WZGC 3.8 – 3.7, #10 – #11

WZGC Stream .5 – .6, #29 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.4 – 4.0, #13 – #9

WRAS  .6 – .5, #25 – #27

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #18

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #26 – #25

WURD .4 – .3, #27 – #28

WURD Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.5 – 5.1, #6 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .5, #28 – #27

WTEL .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 6.7 – 7.4, #4 – #4 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 2.8 – 3.0, #13 – #10 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 2.9, #9 – #12 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.6 – 1.7, #18 – #18

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .2 – .2, #28 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.2, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.8, #15 – #16 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .6, #24 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream .5 – .4, #24 – #24 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.6 – 2.9, #11 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .1, #28 – #31 

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .3 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .4 #19 – #21

KPCC .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.9 – 2.0, #16 – #17

KSFO Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 3.9 – 3.5, #7 – #8

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #29

KNEW .2 – .2, #28 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.5, #9 – #8 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.8 – 1.3, #19 – #22

KGO Stream .4 – .8, #27 – #26  

KNBR Stream .9 – .3, #26 – #27 (Giants)

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #29  

KTCT .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.3 – 7.0, #1 – #2

WOR 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #9

WKXW Stream .7 – .8, #21 – #19     

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.2, #13 – #12

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .3, #25 – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 2.9, #8 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.0 (3.9 – 2.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Up next: May 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

WABC, New York Morning Host Sid Rosenberg is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

77WABC, New York morning show host Sid Rosenberg is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Rosenberg, who is a Jewish native New Yorker and outspoken supporter of Israel, risked his life this past Friday evening (5/17) on a Brooklyn-bound subway train standing up and defending an orthodox Jewish man being threatened with physical assault by an obscenity-spewing, anti-Semitic African American man who appeared dangerously amped up on drugs. The story is compelling and offers insight into the hate and dangers that are on full display in the Big Apple. Harrison and Rosenberg discuss the dangerous spread of anti-Semitism in America, the disturbing behavior of Gen Z on college campuses, and the rise in crime on the streets of America’s leading urban centers. This powerful conversation is not to be missed. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

Report: Giuliani Creditors Subpoena WABC’s John Catsimatidis

According to a report from Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani’s creditors are subpoenaing WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis to get documents “detailing his relationship with Giuliani, Giuliani’sim compensation from WABC, and documents about the shows Giuliani hosted.” The creditors are represented by a committee in Giuliani’s bankruptcy case and until 10 days ago, Giuliani worked at WABC hosting an afternoon radio talk show. The report notes that the creditors are looking for information about Giuliani’s “‘termination or suspension’ and about any statements he made regarding the Georgia poll workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him after he accused them of rigging election results.” Giuliani challenged that verdict in court, but his recent efforts failed, and he remains on the hook for the $148 million judgement. Read the Bloomberg Law story here.

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Confronts Man Threatening Jewish Commuter

WABC, New York morning drive talk host Sid Rosenberg tells TALKERS he witnessed an anti-Semitic assault on a Jewish commuter on a New York subway train on Friday (5/17). Rosenberg says, “On the downtown 5 train from 42nd street. I get on the train, and I walk by a guy with a yarmulke standing by theim door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 MLB Flagship Scoreboard

imGenerally speaking, Major League Baseball radio flagships enjoyed a solid first at bat in Nielsen Audio’s 2024 rating season (March 28 – April 24).

To put things in perspective, the baseball year officially started March 20 when the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

Listed below are each MLB team’s main flagship.

Only one station per team appears – there are no simulcast partners and/or internet streams.

In addition, flagships of the Yankees and Mets are listed only in New York (not Long Island and Middlesex), while key stations of the Giants and A’s appear in San Francisco (not San Jose).

There was a (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 uptick in approximately four of every five applicable flagship cases (81%); 15% dipped; and 4% were flat.

Representative March 2024 – April 2024 (6+) gains were +0.92, while typical declines were -0.27.

Heftiest increases (+2.0 each) were logged by news/talk WLW, Cincinnati (Reds) and news/talk WTAM, Cleveland (Guardians).

Flagships of the Angels (KESN); White Sox (WMVP); and Brewers (WTMJ) did not appear (DNA) in the March 2024 or April 2024 survey periods.

News/talk WLW, Cincinnati (Reds) 11.3 – 13.3, +2.0, #1 #1

News/talk WTAM, Cleveland (Guardians) 5.4 – 7.4, +2.0, #9 – #4

Sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit (Tigers) 7.5 – 9.2, +1.7, #2 – #1

Sports talk KCSP, Kansas City (Royals) 1.8 – 3.4, +1.6, #17 – #10

News/talk KMOX, St. Louis (Cardinals) 3.0 – 4.5, +1.5, #14 – #10

Sports talk WCNN, Atlanta (Braves), 2.5 – 3.8, +1.3, #17 – #10

Sports talk WIP, Philadelphia (Phillies), 5.5 – 6.7, +1.2, #6 – #4

Sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle (Mariners) 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 – #10

Sports talk KNBR, San Francisco (Giants), 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #10 – #6

Sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston (Red Sox), 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #13 – #10

Sports talk KLAC, Los Angeles (Dodgers), .8 – 1.6, +.8, #32 – #27

Sports talk KRLD-FM, Dallas (Texas Rangers), 1.7 – 2.3, +.6, #24 – #20

Sports talk KBME, Houston (Astros), .5 – 1.1, +.6, #27 – #23

Sports talk KWFN, San Diego (Padres) 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #14 – #10

News/talk KOA, Denver (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 – #15

Sports talk WFAN FM & AM, New York (Yankees), 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #15 -#13

Sports talk WSCR, Chicago (Cubs), 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #11 – #10

Sports talk WDAE, Tampa (Rays) 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #17 – #16

Sports talk KMVP-FM, Phoenix (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, #14 – #10

News/talk WCCO, Minneapolis (Minnesota Twins) 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #11 – #10

Sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington, DC (Nationals), 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 – #17

Business News KNEW, San Francisco (Oakland A’s), .3 – .3, Flat, #30 – #30

Sports talk WINZ, Miami (Marlins) .4 – .3, -.1, #31 – #31

News WCBS-AM, New York (Mets), 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #14 – #19

News/talk WBAL, Baltimore (Orioles) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 – #10

Sports talk KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh (Pirates) 8.4 – 8.0, -.4, #2 – #2

Sports talk KESN, Los Angeles (Angels), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports talk WMVP, Chicago (White Sox), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News talk WTMJ, Milwaukee (Brewers), DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports talk CJCL, Toronto (Blue Jays), Canadian, Not Applicable

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

BIA: WTOP, Washington Top Biller in 2023

im

Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington, DC was the nation’s top billing radio station last year – and it wasn’t even close. According to a report from BIA Advisory Services, the news outlet racked up $66.3 million compared to runner-up KIIS-FM, Los Angeles’ $41.8 million. Interestingly, Beasley Media Group sports talker WBZ-FM, Boston ($32.7 million) beat Audacy’s legendary WFAN-FM, New York ($30.3 million). BIA also produced a chart of the top billing AM stations in the U.S. in which Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM, Chicago topped the chart with $30 million billed. See that chart below.

im

Industry News

Round One of April PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC drops eight-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.4 share and remains ranked #20. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI surrenders nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share but remains ranked #3, as Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share and remains ranked #10. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN rises six-tenths for a 3.8 share and remains ranked #9, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share to stay ranked #4. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

For context, MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

Meanwhile, NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 4.0 – 3.2, #9 – #11

WOR 1.6 – 1.4, #20 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #34 – #37

News

WINS-FM 4.6 – 4.7, #5 – #5

WCBS-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #14 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #32 – #34

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #32 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #45 – #39 (Mets 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 1.9 – 2.3, #15 -#13 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – 1.1, #26 -#22 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.0, #9 – #8

WNYC-AM 1.0 – .6, #23 – #27 

Notes: The +.5 registered by sports talk WFAN’s internet stream (.6 – 1.1) represents New York’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase; conversely, news/talk WABC’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 4.6, #3 – #3

KRLA .7 – .9, #33 – #32

KEIB .7 – .6, #33 – #34  (Clippers 

News

KNX-FM 3.0 – 3.4, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #38

Sports Talk

KLAC .8 – 1.6, #32 – #27 (Dodgers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.2 – 2.1, #17 – #19

Notes: Whereas sports/talk KLAC’s +.8 (.8 – 1.6) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, news/talk KFI’s -.9 (5.5 – 4.6) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

The flagship of the Angels and Lakers is sports talk KESN (DNA); Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app; games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.2 – 3.8, #9 – #9  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.4 – .9, #25 – #27

WLIP .1 – .3, #40 – #35

WVON .2 – .2, #38 – #39

WLS-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #40 – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #40 – #39

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.9 – 3.3, #11 – #10 (Cubs, Bulls)

WSCR Stream .4 – .3, #31 – #35 (Cubs, Bulls)

WSHE-HD2 .1 – .1, #40 – #45  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.0 – 2.0, #18 – #18  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #37

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.2, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .3, #30 – #30 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.0 – 3.9, #10 – #6 (Giants)

KGMZ 2.0 – 1.9, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #37  

KGO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37  

KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #37  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.2 – 7.1, #2 – #1

KALW .2 – .2, #33 – #32

Notes: Sports/talk KNBR’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

Games of the San Jose Sharks are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #11

KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #28 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .7 – .6, #33 – #34

KLIF-AM .4 – .3, #35 – #36

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.3 – 1.4, #28 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 3.6 – 3.7, #10 – #10 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 1.7 – 2.3, #24 – #20 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #31 – #31 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.2 – 3.1, #5 – #12  

Note: Public radio news/talk KERA’s -1.1 (4.2 – 3.1) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.2 – 2.8, #13 – #17  (Astros, Rockets)

KPRC .3 – .4, #28 – #27  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #32 – #34

Sports Talk

KBME .5 – 1.1, #27 – #23  (Astros, Rockets)

KILT-AM .8 – .9, #26 – #25

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .4, #32 – #27

KFNC .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.9 – 2.5, #17 – #18

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.7– 7.1, #2 – #2

WFOM .5 – .2, #26 – #32

WGKA .3 – .2, #30 – #32

WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #35

WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 2.5 – 3.8, #17 – #10 (Braves)

WZGC 3.8 – 3.8, #9 – #10 (Hawks)

WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #29 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.7 – 3.4, #10 – #13

WRAS  .5 – .6, #26 – #25

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Notes: Sports/talk WCNN’s +1.3 (2.5 – 3.8) represents Atlanta’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, while news/talk WSB-AM’s -.6 (4.2 – 3.1) represents a four-way tie for the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.3 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #23

WPHT Stream .5 – .7, #27 – #26

WURD .6 – .4, #26 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .1, #29 – #31

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.8 – 5.5, #4 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .2 – .3, #29 – #28

WTEL .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 5.5 – 6.7, #6 – #4 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.1, #13 – #9      

Note: Sports/talk WIP’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) represents Philadelphia’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.6, #18 – #18

WOR 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #19

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #28

News

WINS-FM 4.9 – 5.2, #5 – #2

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #17 – #15 (Mets)

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .5, #27 – #24 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .5, #26 – #24

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .5, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.4 – 2.6, #12 – #11 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #28

Note: The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .3, #23 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .3 – .4 #19 – #19

KPCC .1 – .1, #25 – #25

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 1.9, #19 – #16

KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #27 – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.7 – 3.9, #5 – #7

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #28

KNEW .2 – .2, #27 – #28 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 2.8 – 3.2, #10 – #9 (Giants)

KGMZ 2.0 – 1.8, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream .5 – .9, #26 – #26 (Giants)

KGO Stream .2 – .4, #27 – #27  

KGO .2 – .2, #27 – #28  

KTCT .2 – .2, #27 – #28   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION

News/Talk

WKXW 7.5 – 7.3, #1 #1

WOR 3.6 – 3.1, #9 – #10

WKXW Stream .7 – .7, #19 – #21         

News

WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #11 – #13

WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #18 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #22 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 3.9, #10 – #8 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports/talk WFAN’s +1.0 (2.9 – 3.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).   

Up next: April 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Pennsylvania-based radio and television host John Fredericks – operator of the John Fredericks Radio Network – confirmed he is “strongly considering” a campaign for the Chair of the Pennsylvania delegation to the Republican National Convention. Fredericks says grassroots voters propelled him to a “landslide” victory to become an RNC delegate to nominate former President Donald Trump. Fredericks told The Pennsylvania Daily Star, “I’m only considering a run for delegation chairman due to the outpouring of support I’ve gotten and the number of people that have asked me to run. I am going to the convention for one purpose, and that is to make sure that President Trump’s agenda is executed to precision.”

Salem Media’s New York Christian Teach & Talk radio station WMCA “AM570/FM102.3 The Mission” is partnering with the Christian Cultural Center to host a day honoring the many hardworking pastors and ministry leaders of New York and their service to the citizens of the city. The WMCA Annual Pastors Appreciation Breakfast & Ministry Exhibition will be held on Friday, May 24.

PodcastOne’s “Baby Mamas No Drama” is named the People’s Choice Winner 2024 for Best Lifestyle Podcast in the 28th Annual Webby Awards Internet Celebration. The podcast is hosted by Kail Lowry and Vee Rivera, two hosts who are both part of the cultural phenomenon MTV television show, “Teen Mom.”

Industry News

Boomer and WFAN, New York Ink Extension

WFAN, New York morning drive personality Boomer Esiason signs a multiyear extension with the Audacy sports talk giant. Esiason co-hosts the “Boomer & Gio” show with Gregg “Gio” Giannotti. Audacy notes that this new deal brings Esiason past 20 years as morning drive host at WFAN, making him the longest-tenured morning show host in the station’s history, surpassing Don Imus. Audacy Newim York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Boomer has become a true cornerstone in the long, storied history of WFAN. He was already the highest-rated morning show in the FAN record books, and now, with this new extension, he will add longest-running to his accolades. And most excitedly, we are certain the best is still yet to come as Boomer begins this new chapter in his career by making a longterm commitment to the FAN, along with a creative vision for elevating the brand together to new heights.” Esiason comments, “For the last 17 years, it has been an honor to be the voice that New York sports fans wake up to. I could not be more excited to continue delivering four hours of entertaining conversation at the most vibrant and storied sports radio station in the country, working alongside the morning crew. I would like to thank Audacy, Chris Oliviero, and, most importantly, our passionate listeners for the opportunity to continue on this incredible ride.”

Industry News

Report: Francesa Says Tom Brady “Not Going to Be Great” TV Analyst

The publication Marca reports that former WFAN, New York afternoon drive legend Mike Francesa has a not great prediction about Tom Brady’s probability of success as a FOX Sports NFL color analyst. The seven-time Super Bowl winner will begin his 10-year, $375 million gig with FOX this September, takingim over for Greg Olsen alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt. Francesa is quoted saying that Brady obviously has a deep knowledge of the game but he believes Brady will struggle. “I don’t think his personality is such. I don’t think he’s going to be great at it. I really don’t. I think there’s a unique quality that you have to bring that allows you as an analyst to see the game, see the game quickly, plus bring personality into it. It’s a tricky job for the analyst in football because you’re going to spend a lot of time over replay. You’re going to spend a lot of time breaking down what happens on replay. And you also have to be very personable and glib in how you do it. I don’t see him there.” Read the Marca story here.

Industry News

Round One of March PPMs Released

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.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.8 – 4.0, #11 – #9

WOR 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #34

News

WINS-FM 4.5 – 4.6, #7 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.0, #19 – #14

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #33 – #32

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #32

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #46 – #45

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.0 – 1.9, #15 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #25 -#26 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.7 – 4.0, #4 – #9

WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #22 – #23

Notes: News WCBS-AM’s +.3 (1.7 – 2.0) represents a tie for New York’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Conversely, public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.7 – 4.0) represents the market’s largest (6+)February 2024 – March 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.4 – 5.5, #3 – #3

KEIB .7 – .7, #32 – #33  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .7, #34 – #33  

News

KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

Sports Talk

KLAC .7 – .8, #32 – #32 (Clippers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, #15 – #17

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #9  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 2.0 – 1.4, #18 – #25

WVON .1 – .2, #40 – #38

WLIP .4 – .1, #34 – #40

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.4, #3  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .3 – .1, #35 – #40

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.1 – 2.9, #10 – #11 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #31 (Bulls)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #40

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18   

Note: News/talk WLS-AM’s -.6 (2.0 – 1.4) represents Chicago’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .1, #32 – #34

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.7 – 6.5, #3 – #3

KNEW .4 – .3, #28 – #30  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.0, #9 – #10

KGMZ 2.1 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #28

KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.6 – 7.2, #2 – #2

KALW .4 – .2, #28 – #33

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.3 – 3.6, #12 – #10

KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #29 – #28  (Mavericks)

KSKY .8 – .7, #33 – #33

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #38 – #35

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.3, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM .1 – DNA, #42 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.9 – 3.6, after back-to-back months at #1, falls to #10 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 1.7, #19 – #24

KRLD-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #30 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #5  

Note: Sports talk KTCK’s -1.3 (4.9 – 3.6) represents a tie for the most significant (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in these twelve PPM-markets.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.4 – 3.2, #14 – #13  (Rockets)

KPRC .4 – .3, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #33 – #32

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .7 – .8, #25 – #26

KBME .5 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KFNC .1 – .2, #33- #30

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #32   

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3– 7.7, #3 – #2

WFOM .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #34

WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #9 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.1 – 2.5, #17 – #17

WZGC Stream .5 – .4, #26 – #28 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.7, #11 – #10

WRAS  .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.0 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #24

WURD .4 – .6, #27 – #26

WPHT Stream .8 – .5, #26 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #29

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #32 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 6.0 – 5.8, #5 – #4

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #29

WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 5.7 – 5.5, #6 – #6

WIP Stream 2.0 – 3.2, #15 – #12

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #13      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s internet stream registers Philadelphia’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase (2.0 – 3.2, +1.2). 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #18

WOR 1.2 – 1.0, #19 – #21

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.1 – 4.9, #3 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .7 – .6, #23 – #24

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.4, #12 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

KPWK .5 – .2, #19 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .5 – .3 #19 – #19

KPCC DNA – .1, DNA – #25

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 2.1 – 1.8, #15 – #19

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 4.7, #4 – #5

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27

KNEW .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.6 – 2.8, #7 – #10

KGMZ 2.0 – 2.0, #19 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .5, DNA – #26

KGO .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

KGO Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

KTCT .3 – .2, #26 – #27   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.2 – 7.5, #2 – #1

WOR 3.6 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.1 – .7, #18 – #19         

News

WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.4, #11 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #18

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .3, #23 – #22

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: March 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Audacy Names Ryan Hurley WFAN, New York PD

The new brand manager for Audacy’s sports talk WFAN, New York is Ryan Hurley, who comes from a two-decade stint with crosstown competitor “ESPN New York” (WEPN-FM). Hurley takes over programming WFAN and the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio) from Spike Eskin,im who is returning to Philadelphia as a host at the company’s “SportsRadio 94WIP.” Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “Ryan knows radio, sports and New York, making him a triple threat to take the reins of WFAN, which continues to be the city’s most influential and dominant sports platform. In addition, with Infinity Sports Network, Ryan will have a major impact on the sports conversation nationwide. All of us at Audacy are excited to welcome him to the team.” Hurley, who joined ESPN New York as an intern in 2004 after graduating from Hofstra University and worked his way up to PD in 2017, says, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join this legendary station. The term ‘dream job’ can get thrown around a lot, but as someone who grew up listening to ‘The Fan’ religiously, that is exactly what this is. There is an incredible team here led by Chris Oliviero, and I look forward to this journey ahead with them.” Additionally, David Mayurnik has been named assistant brand manager of WFAN and Infinity Sports Network and will report to Hurley.

Industry News TALKERS 2024

John Catsimatidis Named Recipient of 2024 TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award

im

Self-made billionaire businessman, broadcasting entrepreneur, radio talk show host and best-selling author John Catsimatidis (pictured above speaking at last year’s TALKERS 2023) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board as the 2024 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The honor, also commonly referred to as the “TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award,” is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. In addition to Catsimatidis’ founding and/or ownership of major enterprises in the fields of grocery chains and the energy industry, he is a long-running radio talk show host who began changing the course of the medium’s history by purchasing heritage radio station WABC, New York in 2019.  Since then, the Greek immigrant born on the island of Nistros in 1948 and who came to the United States with his parents when he was six months old, has made significant progress in repositioning and reinvigorating the legendary talk and music station to its role as a major cultural and political influencer in modern media. This has been accomplished by boldly bringing diverse, high-profile voices to the station’s talent lineup, focusing heavily on local news and public policy issues, eliminating paid weekend programming, adding a dash of music and pop culture to the mix, concentrating the station’s schedule on live shows in real time and investing in community-oriented events. Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media Group has subsequently expanded the station’s national footprint by acquiring WLIR-FM, Long Island and launching its own syndication arm, Red Apple Audio Networks. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, upon announcing the selection, stated, “John Catsimatidis is a true New York City legend and former mayoral candidate who has proven to be one of the most positive forces the radio industry has seen in decades. He embodies the spirit of what this award is all about. He joins a remarkable list of broadcasters from all ends of the political spectrum – left, right, middle, and apolitical – who’ve received this honor going back every year to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s.” The award will be presented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Long Island Friday, June 7.

Industry News

Talk Media Industry Mourns Loss of “Popular Guest” Joe Lieberman

The death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) yesterday (3/27) at the age of 82 sparked a wave of sad reaction across the talk media industry where he was fondly remembered as one of the most popular political guests during the height of his public career during the 90s and the first decade of the 2000s. During the turn of the century, he boldly straddled the boundaries between left and rightim ideology on an issue-by-issue basis – although infuriating his fellow Democrats on many an occasion. After leaving the Senate in 2012, he withdrew somewhat from the political spotlight to serve as an attorney in private practice and a college professor but remained outspoken on issues of politics and public policy. His most recent activities included founding the No Labels Group which condemns what Lieberman described as the “partisan polarization of our politics which prevents us from making the principled compromises on which progress in a democracy depends.” Lieberman said, “We need bipartisan leadership to break the gridlock in Washington that will unleash all the potential that is in the American people.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison had the opportunity to get to know Joe Lieberman very well while serving as a talk show host on Connecticut’s leading talk station, WTIC, Hartford in the early 1990s. Harrison states, “Joe Lieberman was always available at a moment’s notice to appear on the air with me during those golden days of talk radio’s modern era and it was apparent to me – as well as talk show hosts across the nation – that he wasn’t your ‘run of the mill politician’ who put party over country and avoided answering the tough questions. There was a profound honesty in his words and tone that inspired confidence, among even those who disagreed with him, that they were talking to a very solid, principles-based man.” Harrison continues, “Talk show hosts on both sides of the political divide loved him for his warmth, candor and accessibility.” Harrison concludes, “Al Gore would have been better served during his run for the presidency to have let Joe have freer reign over his media availability during the campaign, something the VP failed to do. Every request for Joe to be a guest – many of which were squashed – had to go through the Gore campaign which turned off a lot of Joe’s friends and admirers in both radio camps.”

In 2018, during the midpoint of the Donald Trump presidency, Michael Harrison scored a rare and illuminating interview with Joe Lieberman for his podcast and various platforms (including a “reunion” on WTIC).  Click here to listen. WABC, New York talk show host Frank Morano interviewed the former senator this past Friday (3/22) which is most likely his last radio interview.  Click here to listen.

Industry News

Bold Gold Media Group Unveils Bold Gold Studios

Bold Gold Media Group announces the grand opening of Bold Gold Studios – a brand-new, state-of-the-art audio and video podcast and recording studio located in the newly renovated historic Liberty Theater, on Main Street in Liberty, New York. The company says that in addition to providing interested podcasters and content creators a place to make their audio and video magic, this studio will also serveim as a satellite radio studio for Bold Gold Media’s four local broadcast radio stations, including news/talk WVOS-AM/W223DB “Catskills News Talk 92.5 & 94.9.”  Bold Gold Studios will be available for lease opportunities, and offers brand new professional audio and video recording gear, with experts available to assist in recording, producing, and even marketing branded multi-media podcast or A/V productions. The company will hold a grand opening celebration on April 19. Bold Gold New York general manager Dawn Ciorciari says, “We are grateful to Bruce Davidson at the Liberty Theater for partnering with Bold Gold Media to create and manage this state-of-the-art studio in his historic building.  This studio will extend Bold Gold Media’s reach in Sullivan and the Catskills and serve as a new professional space for audio and video content creators.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The NAB launches the 2024 Election Toolkit – an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, drive get-out-the-vote efforts and cover local, state and federal elections. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome. Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.” Check it out here.

Former President Donald Trump sat down for a wide-ranging interview with WABC, New York’s Sid Rosenberg, on the “Sid and Friends in the Morning” program. Trump talked about his stance on abortion, the war in Gaza and his bid to win the White House this November.

Cumulus Media and MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers agree to renew their partnership to air Dodgers games on KYVB, Oxnard-Ventura.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and will once again be home to every game in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Westwood One will present each game through the National Championship on April 8.

Industry News

Round One of February PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February survey covered February 1 – 28. 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 adds three-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR loses one-tenth for a 1.6 share finish and falls to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN tacks on four-tenths to finish with a 3.5 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM adds two-tenths for a 2.0 share finish and remains ranked #18. Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM fell eight-tenths to a 5.4 share but only regressed one spot to the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #24 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #35

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #7

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.7, #17 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .4, #27 – #33

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #31 – #33

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #46 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.7 – 2.0, #13 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .8, #25 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.5 – 4.7, #7 – #4

WNYC-AM 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #22 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 5.4, #3 – #3

KEIB .8 – .7, #33 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #34  

News

KNX-FM 2.8 – 3.3, #12 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #37  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – .7, #32 – #32 (Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.9 – 2.0, #18 – #18

WLIP .4 – .4, #35 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #40

WVON .1 – .1, #41 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 6.2 – 5.4, #2  – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #35

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.4 – 3.1, #8 – #10 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .6 – .3, #32 – #35 (Bulls)

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.7 – 2.4, #13 – #16   

Note: News WBBM-AM & WCFS’ -.8 (6.2 – 5.4) represents Chicago’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #32

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .4, #30 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 3.2, #6 – #9

KGMZ 2.4 – 2.1, #14 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)      

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.9 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .4, #32 – #28

Note: Sports talk KNBR’s -.7 (3.9 – 3.2) represents San Francisco’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.7 – 3.3, #9 – #12

KEGL 1.2 – 1.3, #29 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .8, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #38

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.7 – 1.5, #24 – #27

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – .1, DNA – #42

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 4.9, second straight month at #1 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #17 – #19

KRLD-FM Stream .4 – 1.0, #35 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.0, #7 – #8  

Notes: The +.6 (.4 – 1.0) registered by sports/talk KRLD-FM’s internet stream represents a tie for Dallas’ highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase, while similarly-formatted KTCK’s -.7 (5.6 – 4.9) is the market’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.6 – 3.4, #9 – #14  (Rockets)

KPRC . 3 – .4, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #34 – #33

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.6 – .7, #21 – #25

KBME .6 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #28 – #33

KFNC .2 – .1, #33 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.8, #19 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.6– 7.3, #1 – #3

WFOM .6 – .5, #27 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .2 – .1, #31 – #34

WAOK Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 4.2 – 3.6, #8 – #11 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.2 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WZGC Stream .8 – .5, #24 – #26 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11

WRAS  .7 – .5, #25 – #26

WABE-HD3 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s -1.3 (8.6 – 7.3) represents Atlanta’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.0, #16 – #15

WKXW 1.3 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26

WURD .4 – .4, #28 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #29

WKXW Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #32

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .3, #32 – #28

WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 7.0 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WIP Stream 2.3 – 2.0, #15 – #15

WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #12      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.3 (7.0 – 5.7) represents Philadelphia’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .1 – .2, #32 – #27

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 5.1, #5 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #18

WINS-FM Stream 1.0 – .7, #20 – #23

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #32 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.6 – 2.7, #7 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .3 – .2, #26 – #27

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.9 (4.6 – 2.7) represents the highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #21 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .5, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #20 – #19

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 2.1, #20 – #15

KSFO Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.2 – 5.4, #4 – #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26

KNEW .2 – .3, #28 – #26  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.7 – 3.6, #5 – #7

KGMZ 2.8 – 2.0, #10 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .3, #26 – #26  

KTCT .3 – .3, #27 – #26   

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports talk KNBR’s -1.1 (4.7 – 3.6) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2

WOR 2.7 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream .8 – 1.1, #20 – #18    

News

WINS-FM 2.7 – 2.4, #9 – #11

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .5, #22 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.9, #9 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: February 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

New York City radio personality Jim Kerr – host of the “Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show” on iHeartMedia’s Q104.3 – is celebrating 50 years on the air in the Big Apple. Kerr began hosting morning radio in New York City on March 18, 1974. The station is planning a week of special events to commemorate Kerr’s incredible achievement.

Triton Digital announces its partnership with ID5 to introduce rich audience data to Triton’s Audio Marketplace. Triton says this partnership will improve advertising targeting and addressability in the audio space while complying with privacy regulations globally. Triton chief product officer Benjamin Masse says, “ID5’s ID technology is transforming how the advertising world operates through the creation of listener profiles and its privacy-first approach. Providing access to these listener profiles, supported by rich data, will enhance the value of the inventory available in the Triton Digital Audio Marketplace. We are encouraged by the promising results we have witnessed so far and are excited to be partnering with ID5 to bring this technology to more advertisers.”

PodcastOne announces the extension of its partnership with A+E Networks for the exclusive sales and distribution rights to true crime podcasts “Cold Case Files” and “I Survived.” As part of the agreement, the two media companies will expand their relationship and introduce two new podcasts based on A&E’s long-running television programs, “American Justice” and “City Confidential.”

Industry News

Radio Pro Ron St. Pierre Dies Unexpectedly

Rhode Island native and longtime programmer and air personality Ron St. Pierre died on Monday (3/11)im at age 69 after suffering a heart attack. St. Pierre served with WABC, New York during his career but worked much of his career in Rhode Island radio and TV. He programmed talk outlets including WPRO-AM, WHJJ-AM, and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence and anchored sports on WPRI-TV, Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He is survived by his wife Patti. Read the RINewsToday.com obit here.