March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4
March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3
KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13
iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13
KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth
iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19
KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT (-.9)
Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11
WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1
cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11
WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot
News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, first to second
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16
Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15
Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18
Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)
*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth
Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place
Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10
The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth
Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13
News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16
Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11
WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #18
iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked in eighth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15
Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11
Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place
WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)
Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15
WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth
New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**
**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) good for the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM also goes up four-tenths and finishes with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte shoots up 1.2 shares to finish the survey with a 5.5 share that moves it from the #8 rank to #4. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM is up half a share, wrapping the survey with a 3.7 share good for the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI-AM falls two-tenths for a 3.3 share that sees it decline from the #9 rank to #14. 
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises six-tenths to finish the survey with a 6.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX is up eight-tenths for a 3.0 share finish good for the #10 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte adds six-tenths to finish the sweep with a 4.3 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises nine-tenths for a 3.5 share finish that puts it in the #9 position, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds seven-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share good for the #13 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City grows 1.5 shares to finish with a 5.9 share that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises nine-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.5 share as it remains ranked #5. 
Tulsa; WOKV-FM, Jacksonville, and WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton. WSB director of branding and programming Ken Charles says, “For more than a decade, Erick has done a great job of entertaining and informing the WSB audience about the biggest news stories of the day. I’m proud we’ll continue our partnership for another three years, and I’m 
excited about what new things we can create moving forward. The best is yet to come!” Erickson says, “‘95.5 WSB’ is not just home, it’s the gold standard of talk radio, with incredible leadership from Ken Charles and Jaleigh Long. I fell into the role by accident 12 years ago. It’s not just the longest job I’ve had, it’s three hours of joy every day working with the best people in radio. I simply cannot imagine doing anything else anywhere else with any team other than the hard-working talent at ‘95.5 WSB.’”
Daytona 500 on February 19. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann says, “ESPN Radio offers the access to play-by-play, nationally known talent, and athletes that cannot be replicated. ‘ESPN 660 Orlando’ will air events like the Daytona 500 and the College Football Playoffs, giving radio listeners long-awaited access to these ‘must listen to’ sports, that previously were not available in Central Florida. We will have the largest selection of compelling sports content on ESPN 660 Orlando.”
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. 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 Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM loses 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX declines nine-tenths for a 2.2 share finish that puts it in the #16 spot. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is steady with a 3.7 share but rises to the #10 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM sheds seven-tenths, finishing the survey with a 4.6 share but rises to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 2.3 shares for a 4.4 share finish that drops it to the #6 rank. Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM, Las Vegas adds 1.3 shares for a 2.3 share finish that pushes from the #26 rank to #16. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM is down a full share for a 5.1 share finish and the #7 rank, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. 
content leadership team that includes current news director LaToya Dennis and three staffers in newly created positions. The new director of community collaboration is Rebecca Fernandez; the director of audio content is Brad Waldo; and the digital director is Ryan Ellison. WMFE president and general manager Judith Smelser says, “These four leaders are experts in their distinct but overlapping fields, and I’m eager to see what they can accomplish for WMFE’s current and future audiences by working collaboratively as a team of co-equals. Our community expects and deserves high-quality, independent journalism that reflects and serves our diverse population, and WMFE is committed to providing that public service.”
Monday Memo: Plan NOW For The Big Story. “When-the-fit-hits-the-shan, news/talk stations need to be conspicuous.” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke uses that colorful quote as he provides four suggestions for stations to re-familiarize themselves with their network’s continuing coverage routine.” Read Holland Cooke’s column 
Pending Business: To Do Lists. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa knows the importance of being organized in running a sales department or being a seller in this business. He gains inspiration from Benjamin Franklin – an incredibly busy man known for creating “To Do” lists – in drawing up five important things he suggests you include in creating yours each day. Read it 
Hundred” an astounding 27 consecutive years, the highly affable “Jimbo” is calling it quits due to health reasons. Beginning next Monday (10/17), Rich Valdes will succeed Bohannon on the weeknight, three-hour (10:00 pm – 1:00 am) Cumulus Media Westwood One broadcast. Bohannon states, “It’s been a great 40 years with Westwood One – the last 30 of which as host of ‘The Jim Bohannon Show.’ I’ve enjoyed every minute of our daily nighttime town hall with my guests, callers, and all of America. “Now, I’d like to introduce Rich Valdes, a very bright, vibrant young man who will be taking over in the same tradition.” Cumulus Media executive vice president of corporate marketing/Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes remarks, “We celebrate Jim’s long radio history and all his achievements, including his induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame; the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association; the Lifetime Achievement Award from TALKERS Magazine; and his inductions into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. We are especially proud that Jim has been an invaluable member of our Westwood One family these many years – he is truly an industry legend. As we pass the baton to Rich Valdes, we’re excited to bring a new name and voice to talk radio. We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing the best programming to our affiliates and listeners.” Valdes notes, “No one can ever fill Jim’s shoes. I consider it a blessing and great honor to be part of the next generation of late-night talk show hosts, following the tradition of Jim Bohannon and Larry King.” TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison has a very candid conversation with Bohannon on PodcastOne’s “The Michael Harrison Interview,” which drops tomorrow (Tuesday, 10/11). Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and spent over 31 years as host of the early morning weekday news magazine “America in the Morning” and previously hosted “America This Week.” He began his career in 1960 at KLWT-AM, his hometown station in Lebanon, Missouri.
market president Chris Oliviero, Scheld writes that “Audacy New York is in great hands.” Also included in the memo, Scheld states an Audacy arrangement with SAG-AFTRA signifies a new strategy, combining WCBS-AM’s resources with those of co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS. “[It’s] a plan I have endorsed and frankly helped design.” Scheld was a WCBS-AM reporter from 1987 – 1994 and rejoined the station in 2003, after a nine-year stint as a correspondent for ABC Radio News. In addition to his WCBS-AM duties, he’s chair of the Radio Television Digital News Association.
vice president/market manager Larry Blumhagen comments, “This is a bittersweet day for us, as it’s hard to say goodbye to the legendary KGO, which has been a part of listeners’ lives for so many years. We want to thank all the people who have been a part of KGO’s historic run these many years and the listeners who loyally tuned into the station. Times change, and we must change with them. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to serving the Bay Area’s passionate sports fans in an incomparable way.” Cumulus San Francisco sports talk KNBR and KTCT program director Kevin Graham adds PD duties for “The Spread” and notes, “We are pleased to introduce sports-betting radio to our community. The station will feature a lineup of expert personalities that deliver unique sports talk and sports betting insights that entertain, inform, and engage. While [KGO] will feature specific gambling information, we believe our entertaining presentation will make it a favorite for all Bay area sports fans and a perfect complement to the legendary KNBR and KTCT.” The station’s weekday programming lineup includes: Joe Ostrowski, Joe Giglio, and Erin Hawksworth (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Jim Rome (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley (12:00 noon – 4:00 pm); Quinton Mayo, Trysta Krick, and Ryan Horvat with “Bet MGM Tonight” (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm); and CBS Sports Radio (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 San Francisco sweep, KGO “810 AM” was up two-tenths from August 2022 (1.5 – 1.7, #21 to #20). In San Jose, KGO registers its fourth straight uptick for a combined +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+) and ranks #13.
Round Three of September PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of 12 markets. News/talk packs a one-two punch (6+) in Salt Lake City, where iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” erupts with a +2.5 (9.1 – 11.6, 6+) to rank on top for the eighth month in succession, while Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” adds six-tenths (6.1 – 6.7, 6+), advancing from fourth to second. In addition to SLC, the format registers number one showings in Sacramento with iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” gaining eight-tenths (8.1 – 8.9, third to first, 6+), and in Cincinnati, where co-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” – despite being off six-sixths – is on top for the seventh consecutive month (11.7 – 11.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” dials up a +1.3 (3.7 – 5.0, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). The largest (6+) August 2022 – September 2022 increase by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is in Columbus, where Tegna-owned sports talk WBNS-FM logs a +2.6 (6.8 – 9.4, 6+); “97.1 FM The Fan” vaults from fourth to first. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” for this group of 12 markets (as well as the first two groups) 
Drew as guest of honor/keynote speaker. An additional supplemental live on-air auction is still to be staged. According to “Hurley in the Morning” Charity founder/chair Harry Hurley (pictured at the right with Jeff Van Drew), “It was an amazing, ‘Who’s Who’ evening, which will directly benefit many worthy non-for-profit organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond. For example, this special event will make it possible for the “Hurley in the Morning Charity” to make a $7,000 contribution [next June] to The Broadcasters Foundation of America. Jeff Van Drew arrived early and was the last to leave.” To date, The Harry Hurley charity has donated $21,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.” Hurley, who does morning drive (6:00 am – 10:00 am) on Townsquare Media Atlantic City news/talk WPGG “WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM & 1450 AM,” reveals that Fox News Channel/Fox News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade will be guest of honor/keynote speaker September 29, 2023 at “our fifteenth annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner and Silent Auction.”
director Brent Carl Fleshman won two first-place trophies at last week’s inaugural Tennessee Association of Broadcasting’s “Excellence Awards.” Fleshman was named “Best Local On-Air Personality” and “Best Local Talk Show” in the “Small Market Radio Division,” which consists of stations not in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.In 2016, Fleshman won the NAB Marconi Award as “Small Market Personality of the Year” and was a finalist for that award in 2019. … “Fridays with Frankie,” a limited-edition Audacy series hosted by reality show star Frankie Grande, debuted last Friday (10/7). 
Each episode will feature a different topic and will be live aired on Audacy’s digital platform at 8:00 am (ET) and replayed until 12:00 midnight (ET). The show will also air across Audacy’s Channel Q’s network of stations. … The Society of Professional Journalists names the headquarters of the Voice of America – 330 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, DC – as a Historic Site in Journalism. The Voice of America is the editorially independent international
broadcaster funded by the United States government. SPJ international community co-chair Dan Kubiske states that, “For 80 years, the Voice of America has been a source of solid and honest journalism. From its beginning in 1942, despite being a U.S. government agency, through custom, charters and law the editorial independence of VOA journalists has not wavered.”
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled “Doom or Boom?” looks back at this past week of 8/22 to 8/26. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Ethan Bearman, attorney, The Bearman Firm; Jack Heath, talk show host, The Pulse of NH; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; and Matthew B. Harrison, attorney, VP/associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please 
Babin comments that, “Jason’s leadership, creativity, and strategic approach have led to outstanding results for our employees, listeners, and advertisers in Orlando. He’s leaving the market in much better condition than when he arrived. Orlando remains a crucial market for CMG, and I will immediately begin the search for a new vice president/market manager to continue our team’s success there. I know that Jason will make a positive impact in this new role in Tampa, building on the consistent success that our team in Tampa produces every year.” Tampa/St. Petersburg area native/University of Central Florida alum Meder states, “Our CMG Radio team in Orlando worked hard and worked together to achieve some amazing accomplishments. We built a team that will continue to have great success in the future. I’m very excited to work with another very talented team and continue the legacy of success for these powerful CMG community brands.” Meder joined CMG Tampa 20 years ago as a media consultant. Prior to becoming vice president/market manager for CMG’s Orlando stations, he was general sales manager; director of sales, and general manager. In addition to news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone,” CMG Tampa’s cluster includes adult contemporary outlets WDUV and WWRM; classic hits-oldies WXGL; CHR WPOI; and alternative WPOI-HD2.
Darnell’s iHM Duties Now Include Riverside Area President. In addition to continuing to oversee iHeartMedia properties in Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Monterey, Bakersfield, and Spokane, Pacific Area president Steve Darnell adds Riverside-Ontario-San Bernardino (Southern California’s Inland Empire) to his responsibilities. iHeartMedia Markets Group division
president Dan Lankford notes, “Steve has done a great job of elevating the performance of this area, and I’m certain he will form a strong partnership with iHeartMedia Riverside senior vice president of sales Ryan Lieberman.” Darnell adds, “I’m thrilled to welcome the Riverside market into the Pacific Area. Riverside shares many market characteristics and cultural similarities with our other markets in the Pacific Area, including great audio brands and veteran sales leadership. I’m confident Riverside will be a great addition and I can’t wait to get to work with Team Riverside.” Prior to becoming iHM’s Pacific Area president in January 2020, Darnell was the company’s Fresno’s market president and was vice president/general manager of Buckley Radio Bakersfield. iHeartMedia’s Inland Empire cluster includes sports talk KPWK “Fox Sports AM 1350” and news KFOO-AM “Black Information Network BIN 1440,” as well as rhythmic CHR KGGI; triple A KMYT; and rock KTMQ.
Lohman’s iHM AP Purview Is Extended To Hawaii. The potential exists for Andy Lohman to rack up considerable frequent flyer miles as iHeartMedia’s Alaska Area (Anchorage and Fairbanks) president tacks on a similar title for the company’s Hawaii facilities. According to iHeartMedia Markets Group division president Dan Lankford, “Andy has done a great job leading his Alaskan markets. I’m excited to see how our Alaska and Hawaii markets will work together because of their shared unique characteristics. I’m sure Andy and Honolulu market president Scott Hogle will work closely together to elevate both areas.” Former KJR-FM, Seattle general sales manager Lohman remarks, “I’m looking forward to working with Scott Hogle and his fantastic iHeartMedia Hawaii team. Hawaii has its own unique culture; iHeartMedia Hawaii is an integral part of the island lifestyle. The Alaska/Hawaii Area comprises not only the two states separate from the lower 48, but also two of the most beautiful places to live in America. We will be strong partners.” In addition to news/talk KHVH “News Radio 830” and sports talk KIKI “Fox Sports AM 990 Hawaii,” iHeartMedia Honolulu owns and operates adult contemporary KSSK-FM & KSSK-AM; CHR KDNN; rhythmic CHR KUBT; hip-hop KUBT-HD2; alternative KUCD; and Asian CHR KUCD-HD2.
Michael Harrison Performs Lead Vocals on GUNHILL ROAD’s “Idiots.” The brand-new track – “Idiots” – by venerable pop musical ensemble GUNHILL ROAD features TALKERS founder Michael Harrison as lead vocalist. Specifically designed for talk radio airplay, the song is a sharp-tongued follow up to the group’s 2021 internet hit, “I Know You’re Real,” in which Harrison also performed lead vocals. Whereas, “I Know You’re Real” was a sweet tribute to animal welfare, “Idiots” is a scathing commentary on the dangers posed to American democracy by ignorance, frivolousness, greed, dishonesty, violence and bad character. According to Harrison, who co-wrote the catchy tune in collaboration with all of the quartet’s members, the song is political but not partisan. It describes both the Democratic and Republican Parties as “merchants of division” while also hurling verbal jabs at negative cultural
excesses such as narcissism, hyper-consumerism, and social media addiction. Harrison says, “Some people might be offended by this song – especially the stupid ones…. which, to one degree or another, includes us all.” He adds, “Based upon my years of experience tracking American public opinion, I think the growth of systemic idiocy within our culture poses a frightening threat to American democracy.” GUNHILL ROAD has been writing and recording a wide variety of songs contained in four albums since the late-sixties, including the 1973 top 40 hit single, “Back When My Hair Was Short.” The group’s colorful history was the subject of a 2017 feature film documentary titled, “Every 40 Years.” Formed in Mount Vernon, New York by Steve Goldrich and Glenn Leopold and named after an iconic street in the Bronx, GUNHILL ROAD has evolved for more than a half century and continues to be musically active, much to the delight of its dedicated fan base. Harrison’s history with the group goes back to his days as the morning host on legendary New York album rocker WNEW-FM when he championed them as a main item on his daily musical menu. An FM progressive rock radio favorite in the early 1970s, GUNHILL ROAD has developed into a modern musical organization with an eclectic internet following – continually writing and recording new music while exploring a wide variety of genres. The group’s songs address such compelling themes as relationships, aging, politics, animal welfare, and personal loss. The current players in GUNHILL ROAD include co-founder Steve Goldrich (piano, vocals, writing); longtime member Paul Reisch (guitar, vocals, writing); veteran Broadway instrumentalist Brian Koonin (guitar, vocals, writing); and radio icon Harrison (vocals, writing). Backup horns, strings, percussion and assorted instruments are provided by some of the nation’s leading studio musicians and concert performers. “Idiots” is an advance single from the group’s forthcoming fifth album that’s scheduled to drop in the late fall. Harrison says, “It is an honor to actually be a member of this historic group after having played them on the radio in my early career.” Harrison is going on tour to promote the song and is available for talk media interviews in which he discusses the danger of widespread idiocy. To arrange a booking, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To hear “Idiots” and view the accompanying video produced by Matthew B. Harrison, click 
NRG Media Omaha, Creighton Extend Their Relationship. As part of the three-year deal, several NRG Media Omaha stations will cover Creighton University athletics, including men’s and women’s basketball; men’s baseball; volleyball; and men’s and women’s soccer. According to NRG Radio Omaha market manager Mark Schecterle, “We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with Creighton University and the athletic department. Creighton is an amazing university with a great athletic program. We truly look forward to growing our partnership in the coming years.” The university’s athletic director, Marcus Blossom, notes that, “NRG has been a tremendous partner with Creighton athletics and we are thrilled to continue this deal. We truly value the long-term relationship we have had with NRG and look forward to the expansion of coverage with additional sports on NRG’s radio stations.” From October through March, sports talk KOZN “1620 The Zone” will air a weekly, live call-in show, “The Creighton Athletics Hour” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm). Meanwhile, men’s baseball home games; women’s basketball; women’s soccer; and volleyball contests will be on news/talk KOIL “News Talk 1290” or sports talk KZOT “1180 The Zone.”
TALKERS News Notes. Award-winning journalist Deepa Fernandes will join NPR and Boston University-owned public radio news/talk WBUR’s midday news program “Here & Now” (Monday) October 3 as the show’s third host alongside Robin Young and Scott Tong. WBUR chief content officer Victor Hernandez states, “Deepa’s zeal and commitment for telling compelling and deeply reported stories is directly aligned with our mission at WBUR and NPR. Her global-local perspective and experience are going to add tremendous value to our strong team.” Fernandes adds, “Public radio is the most easily accessed daily news source for audiences across the country. I believe we can continue to reach new listeners and enrich the public conversation by including voices, stories and news from communities often excluded.” She joins “Here & Now” from The San Francisco Chronicle where she was an immigration correspondent and senior newsroom advisor on Race and Equity. India-born Fernandes also spent time at Southern California Public Radio; Pacifica Network News; and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. … KFH “Sports Radio 1240 AM & 97.5 FM” names Tommy Castor host of its weekday (9:00 am – 11:00 am)
“Sports Daily” program on the Audacy Wichita sports talk outlet. Currently vice president of ticket sales and marketing for the Wichita Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, Castor previously spent 15 years on several Wichita radio stations. He co-owns AMP Digital Innovations, a Wichita marketing company. … Starting next Thursday (9/1), Yellowstone Public Radio-owned KEMC, Billings (Montana) “Morning Edition” host Jess Hazel joins Colorado College’s KRCC, Colorado Springs as morning host. Hazel notes, “I can’t wait to meet the people of Southern Colorado. I’m looking forward to building connections with listeners through a shared appreciation for storytelling and public radio.”
