Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia “Talk Radio 1210” announces that it raised $117,198 benefiting the Travis Manion Foundation during its 8th annual “Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Radiothon.” The funds raised will go towards benefit programs, training opportunities and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen. Pictured above is the staff of Audacy Philadelphia that participated in the radiothon.
SummitMedia LLC names Joe Bell senior vice president of sales. Bell, who served with Beasley Media Group for the past 25 years leading clusters in Philadelphia and Miami, will be based in SummitMedia’s
Birmingham, Alabama headquarters. SummitMedia CEO Carl Parmer states, “Joe brings a wealth of experience and a new perspective to the SummitMedia team. He’s a dynamic, high-energy leader who, I know, will guide our results-oriented teams to new levels of success.” Parmer adds that he expects Bell to bring innovation across platforms, strengthening the company’s competitiveness and longterm growth across media platforms. Bell comments, “Success lies in leading with vision, inspiring a high-performing team and unlocking new revenue opportunities across our traditional and digital platforms. Summit has built a team of great people — with great products and great markets — that equal great opportunities.”
Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia “Newsradio” is honoring 10 leaders making a difference and uplifting the lives of people in and around Philadelphia’s communities of color. This year’s honorees were recognized at a ceremony hosted by KYW Newsradio community impact reporter Racquel Williams at Audacy’s headquarters last night (2/27). Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “KYW Newsradio’s annual GameChangers is a meaningful honor given to the community by the community. We are proud to spotlight the unsung heroes whose contributions shape and elevate us all. It’s a privilege to amplify their stories and the lasting impact they have through our platforms.”
Pictured here is WPHT, Philadelphia early afternoon host Dom Giordano during the station’s broadcast from today’s Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parade.
The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.
A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.
Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
AGENDA
12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”
Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”
Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group
1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”
Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA
2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”
Moderator: Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network
3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”
Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA
3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”
Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker: Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA
4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up: Group Chat
Audacy all-news outlet KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM and 1060 AM) in Philadelphia celebrating 60 years of service to the region with a monthly series of special programming and initiatives throughout 2025. In addition to 60th anniversary imaging, on-air liners and fresh studio signage, listeners will be able to send
“love notes” via the Audacy app’s voicemail feature beginning next month. In March, KYW Newsradio will feature “60 Voices” from the Philadelphia area, with quotes from local community organizers, business leaders, celebrities and hometown heroes, sharing why they love living in the Delaware Valley. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Local radio is vital more than ever, and it’s a privilege to work at a media outlet so connected to this region. For generations, Philadelphians have turned to KYW for everything from breaking traffic updates to complex international headlines. When I walked in the door as an account executive in 1992, I was so excited to work at KYW Newsradio. That sense of pride has only grown and intensified. I’m in awe of our team and their impact on the community, and we’re excited to dedicate this year to those who have devoted their lives to reporting the facts.”
Kevin DeLany, who served as vice president of news & talk programming at Westwood One, retired from the company on Friday (1/17). DeLany had not previously announced his intention to retire from the
company as one Westwood One staffer called the exit a “surprise announcement” from him. DeLany is a Philadelphia native who, according to Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, was one of two staffers who remained with WWDB-FM, Philadelphia when it made the format change from jazz to talk. The other staffer was Sid Mark, host of the long-running “Sounds of Sinatra” program. DeLany would retain his connection to the program and Sid Mark after it moved from WWDB to WPHT. His work in network radio began as a producer at the Mutual Broadcasting System and he eventually rose to VP of news & talk at Westwood One where he managed 30 network news correspondents, anchors, editors and producers at the Westwood One newsroom in Washington, DC.
Audacy and Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies announce a multi-year extension to their radio broadcast partnership. SportsRadio 94WIP will continue as the flagship station of the team, broadcasting all
regular and postseason games, as well as select Spring Training games. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “As we gear up for another Red October, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership with the Phillies. The Phillies are synonymous with this city’s great sports culture, and we’re proud to continue serving as the home for Phillies faithful – from every pitch throughout the season to yearlong updates and headlines surrounding their favorite team.”
Beasley Media Group announces new RVP roles for managers overseeing multiple markets across the country. The company says that under the new leadership structure, cluster and market managers will report directly to the regional vice president responsible for overseeing their market. Ron deCastro will be
responsible for overseeing the Fort Myers and Tampa, Florida markets. In addition to serving as Ft. Myers market manager, AJ Lurie will now oversee sales across the state. Mac Edwards will oversee the Charlotte and Fayetteville markets. Kent Dunn will continue to lead the Augusta market. Mary Menna will lead the company’s Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey markets. Kevin Rich, who currently serves as Beasley Media Group vice president of operations, will now also be responsible for overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and Detroit-based operations. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “These changes reflect the company’s continuous commitment to streamline our sales efforts and drive revenue in an efficient manner across multiple platforms throughout the company.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 June 20 through July 17. 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 rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) 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.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10
WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19
WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40
WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44
News
WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6
WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)
WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11
WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7
KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31
KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34
News
KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36
KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24
Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13
WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25
WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37
WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4 – #5
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39
WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)
WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24
KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4
KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20
KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1
KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14
KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32
KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39
KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7
KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7 (Astros)
KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27
News
KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23 (Astros)
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24
KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31
KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9
Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1
WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26
WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32
WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)
WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15
WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8
WRAS .4 – .4, #26 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13
WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26
WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5
KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27
WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33
Sports Talk
WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12
Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15
WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19
WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25
News
WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21
WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21
KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18
KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)
KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2
WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20
News
WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11
WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+).
Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Philadelphia sports media pro Mike Missanelli is returning to Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The
Fanatic” to host the midday show, effective August 12. “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller says, “I am excited to welcome Mike back to the Fanatic. I know that both previous and new listeners will be anxious to hear his insight and perspective on Philadelphia Sports.” The company also announces that Bill Colarulo, a recent addition to the station, will join Mike Missanelli as part of the show’s new on-air lineup.
Beasley Media Group and air personality Ricky Bottalico agree to a multiyear contract extension in which he’ll continue serving as co-host of “The Best Show Ever with Tyrone Johnson.” Bottalico – a former MLB
relief pitcher – joined the afternoon drive show in August of 2022. Beasley Philadelphia cluster manager Paul Blake comments, “Ricky was a fierce competitor on the mound during his 12-year career in Major League Baseball. His grit, toughness, and strong work ethic make him an ideal co-host for our afternoon show on ‘The Fanatic.’ We’re thrilled to announce his renewal.” Bottalico says, “I am happy to be back with Tyrone and ‘The Best Show Ever.’ I will continue to work hard to bring my best every day. As a group, we are striving to be better every chance we get!”
According to a report in the New York Post, longtime WIP, Philadelphia personality Howard Eskin returned to his regular Saturday show on the Audacy sports talk station and addressed the incident that happened at Citizens Bank Park in late June that got him banned from the ballpark in late June. Eskin was banned from the
Citizens Bank Park and from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey after an unwanted advance on an Aramark employee at the ballpark. Eskin was off WIP since that time. He said, in part, “I’d like to briefly address the recent reports about an incident at Citizens Bank Park. Now I’m not going to get into specifics other than to say that I recognize my actions have offended and upset her. I feel awful about that. I really do. I apologized to her at the time of the incident, and I apologize again now. I’m truly sorry that this did occur. I know a lot of you want me to say more about this, but I don’t intend to comment on this any further and hopefully you understand.” See the Post story here.
Philadelphia talk radio veteran Mary Mason died on July 25 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mason, a.k.a. Beatrice Turner, was a pioneering talk host in the urban talk radio format when she transitioned from a Gospel music host – beginning in 1958 – to anchor of the “Mornings with Mary” program on WHAT, Philadelphia in 1970. Thera Martin was Mason’s former program director at WHAT and tells WPVI-TV, “Reverend Louise Williams Bishop and Mary Mason are the two African American women who really broke the barrier in Philadelphia radio for us to come behind them. People used to hang onto her every word, every morning, with her very popular radio show.” The story notes that “the show catapulted Mason’s career, leading her to interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Oprah.” See the WPVI-TV story here.
Former MLB relief pitcher/26-year Philadelphia Phillies radio analyst Larry Anderson; Beasley Media Group account representative Tina Costello; iHeartMedia, Philadelphia news/community affairs director Loraine Ballard Morrill; and long-time (now retired) all-news KYW, Philadelphia anchor/“Reporters Roundup” host Steve Nikazy are among those who will be entering the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia (BPOP) Hall of Fame. Along with six others, these four will be inducted into the Hall at the nonprofit’s gala in approximately four months (11/22). Hosting the BPOP Hall of Fame event will be 15-time Emmy winner/2015 inductee CBS News Philadelphia morning and noon anchor Jim Donovan and former WPVI-TV, Philadelphia sports anchor/2005 HOF honoree Scott Palmer. Founded in 1962, The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honors the broadcast history of Philadelphia, supporting the next generation of broadcasters through scholarships and educational opportunities and recognizing those who have made lasting contributions to the industry.
During a presentation last week at Beasley Media Group Boston, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association awarded 11 scholarships totaling $30,000. Scholarship checks were presented by MBA’s immediate past chair/Beasley Media Group vice president/market manager Mary Menna and MBA executive director Jordan Walton. According to Menna, “Beasley Media is proud to have participated in the MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship for many years. It’s a worthwhile investment in supporting the next generation of radio and television employees.” Walton commented, “The MBA and its members have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in our future broadcasters. We look forward to watching this group succeed in broadcasting in the years to come.” Menna and Walton delivered brief remarks to the scholarship winners before BMG Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning hosts Fred Toucher and Rob “Hardy” Poole spoke to the winners about their paths into broadcasting. Student Broadcaster Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and enrolled at a two or four-year accredited school.
Audacy Philadelphia sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94” names Rob Ellis Saturday 10:00 am -1:00 pm co-host, succeeding the retired Glen Macnow. Ellis will be partnered with Mike Sielski, who said during the on-air announcement, “It’s going to be terrific. We very much wanted to keep the tone, content, and humor that Glen brought to the show.” Ellis joined WIP in 2007; left in 2015; but returned in 2018. He has previously hosted afternoons; evenings; and pre- and post-game shows of the Phillies; Eagles; Sixers; and Flyers. Ellis worked in television for 23 years and is a two-time Emmy winner.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slips to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is also steady with a 1.5 share and falls back to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN slides a half share to finish with a 2.5 share good for the #15 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM rises two-tenths to a 1.1 share that lifts it to the #25 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP adds four-tenths for a 3.0 share and rises to the #12 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM is steady with a 1.5 share but slips to the #27 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
June 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 ratings period (May 23 – June 19) 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.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are May 2024 – June 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.3 – 3.3, #10 – #11
WOR 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #20
WKXW 1.0 – .9, #23 – #22
WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #36
WLIR .1 – .1, #45 – #43
News
WINS-FM 4.3 – 4.2, #5 – #7
WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #20 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #34 – #33
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #37 – #33
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #37 (Mets)
WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.4 – 2.3, #13 -#13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #26 -#27 (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 3.3 – 3.7, #10 – #9
WNYC-AM .9 – .7, #24 – #26
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 4.0 – 3.7, #7 – #7
KRLA .8 – .7, #33 – #33
KEIB .6 – .5, #34 – #34
News
KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.1, #10 – #11
KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #37
KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KLAC 1.5 – 1.5, #26 – #27 (Dodgers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 1.8 – 1.6, #22 – #26
Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 3.0 – 2.5, #12 – #15
WLS-AM .9 – 1.1, #26 – #25
WVON .2 – .2, #36 – #37
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #41
WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 5.4, #4 – #4
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #41
WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WSCR 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #13 (Cubs)
WSCR Stream .2 – .3, #36 – #33 (Cubs)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 1.6 – 1.7, #21 – #22
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.0, #22 – #23
KSFO Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.7 – 5.4, #3 – #3
KNEW .2 – .2, #32 – #30 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #35
KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.2 – 4.5, #6 – #5 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.7 – 1.5, #20 – #21
KNBR Stream .4 – .3, #28 – #28 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #38 – #35
KTCT .1 – .1, #38 – #35
KGO Stream .2 – DNA, #32 – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 5.9 – 7.1, #2 – #2
KALW .3 – .3, #31 – #28
Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s +1.2 (5.9 – 7.1) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 increase.
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 2.6 – 3.0, #15 – #12
KSKY .6 – .7, #34 – #33
KLIF-AM .4 – .4, #36 – #35
KFXR-AM .1 – .1, #43 – #38
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #26 – #27
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #38
KKGM & KHVN Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #38
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.3 – 5.1, #1 – #2
KRLD-FM 2.5 – 2.3, #19 – #20 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream 1.2 – .9, #28 – #30 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 2.9 – 2.5, #12 – #17
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.3 – 3.3, #13 – #13 (Astros)
KPRC .3 – .3, #30 – #27
News
KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KILT-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #24 – #23
KBME 1.0 – .8, #26 – #26 (Astros)
KILT-AM Stream .6 – .3, #27 – #27
KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 3.4 – 4.1, #12 – #7
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.1– 7.2, #2 – #3
WFOM .3 – .3, #30 – #29
WGKA .3 – .2, #30 – #31
WAOK DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 4.1 – 4.2, #8 – #8 (Braves)
WZGC 3.7 – 2.8, #11 – #17
WZGC Stream .6 – .3, #25 – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11
WRAS .5 – .4, #27 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.1 – 2.2, #18 – #16
WKXW 1.1 – .8, #24 – #25
WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #25 – #26
WURD .3 – .3, #28 – #28
WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #30
WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA
WURD Stream .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.1 – 5.0, #6 – #6
KYW & WPHI Stream .5 – .7, #27 – #26
WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WIP 7.4 – 7.5, #4 – #3 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 3.0 – 1.7, #10 – #19 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 2.9 – 3.1, #12 – #11
Note: The -1.3 (3.0 – 1.7) by sports talk WIP’s internet stream is tied for Philadelphia’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 decrease.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #16
WOR 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #20
WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27
News
WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.2, #3 – #2
WCBS-AM 1.8 – 1.7, #16 – #18 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .6 – .5, #23 – #24
WCBS-AM Stream .4 – .3, #24 – #25 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .4 – .3, #24 – #25
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Yankees)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .1 – .2, #31 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KPWK .4 – .2, #21 – #24
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .4 #21 – #19
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 2.0 – 1.4, #17 – #21
KSFO Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #26
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 3.5 – 4.1, #8 – #5
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #26
KNEW .2 – .2, #29 – #26 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #11 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.3 – 1.4, #22 – #21
KNBR Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #26 (Giants)
KGO .2 – .2, #29 – #26
KGO Stream .8 – DNA, #26 – DNA
KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 7.0 – 6.3, #2 – #2
WOR 3.3 – 3.0, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream .8 – 1.0, #19 – #18
News
WINS-FM 2.2 – 2.0, #12 – #14
WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #20 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #24 – #23
WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .1, #25 – #25 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.3, #10 – #13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: News/talk WKXW’s -.7 (7.0 – 6.3) represents a tie for Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+)May 2024 – June 2024 decrease.
Up next: June 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Pictured above are iHeartMedia Philadelphia region president Jeff Moore (right) and director of news and community affairs Loraine Ballard Morrill (left) as the company’s Philadelphia cluster is named a 2024 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia provides a standard for superior corporate citizenship showcasing how civic-minded companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities.
Beasley Media Group promotes Paul Blake to cluster manager for its Philadelphia stations. He most recently served as vice president/director of sales and has been with the cluster for the past 22 years. In his new role,
he will report directly to president Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for overseeing WMMR-FM, WMGK-FM, WXTU-FM, BEN FM, 97.5 The Fanatic, WWDB 860 and Camden’s WTMR 800. He states, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of cluster manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.”
The 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.
May 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.
By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host
WPHT, Philadelphia – daily
Talk Media Network – Sundays
When recently starting nightly on WPHT, Philadelphia, I asked program director Greg Stocker if there was anything else management needed from me. Greg said, “Do your show.”
Since that luncheon meeting his words have sifted through my fevered brain and I realized that at this moment in time, his words were profound: Do your show.
What he did not say:
Meet with sales.
Meet with HR.
Be sure to hit the live reads on time.
Don’t annoy (fill in the blank).
Get all the spots in.
Make sure the studio is clean when you’re done.
David Field listens so be careful.
Meet with sales.
I do my show and nothing else and I’m very happy. The endless whine coming from our colleagues can be traced to ignoring the prime directive: Do your show.
Talk radio is magic, it’s free-form radio. Your music station brethren envy your freedom. They have to call for permission to change the order of pre-programmed songs! You don’t have to do anything which means you can do what you want… which means you can do something great.
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at sabowalter@gmail.com. His nightly show “Walter Sterling at Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, now in its 10th year of success.
“SportsRadio 94WIP” in Philadelphia – the flagship station of the Philadelphia Phillies – is broadcasting
from London tomorrow and Sunday (6/8-9) as the Phillies take on the New York Mets in the MLB’s London Series. to broadcast Major League Baseball’s London Series as the Phillies take on the New York Mets June 8 and 9. To celebrate the weekend, “The WIP Morning Show” broadcast live from Passyunk Avenue, London’s Philadelphia-themed bar, this morning (6/7) and will do the same on Monday (6/10).
Generally 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
