Round Three of July PPMs Released
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey is released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. 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 Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds half a share to finish with a 5.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX jumps four-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises 1.1 shares for a 4.2 share finish and the #11 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips two-tenths to a 1.2 share but rises one spot to the #21 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 6.2 share but slides back on spot to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share for a 4.1 share finish and climbs one spot to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Following up on a story reported yesterday (7/22) in TALKERS, an Audacy Insights Team blogpost (“Local News Radio Listenership Soars”) cites Nielsen Audio listenership increases following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Leading up to quoting specific stats, the research piece states, “Local news audiences are incredibly engaged” and are “twice as likely to stick around through radio ads compared to the average listener. These listeners trust local news radio for its reliable voices and factual reporting.” On July 13, Audacy news stations “saw a 32% jump in streams compared to the same day the week before. Mobile streams led the way with a 45% increase, while smart speaker usage rose by 30%.” The assassination attempt took place in Butler, PA, roughly 40 miles from Pittsburgh where Audacy news/talk KDKA-AM “experienced a 55% increase in streams.” Meanwhile, its Los Angeles all-news operation, KNX, “saw a 41% rise.” Per the Audacy blog, “Spikes in listenership across digital audio platforms confirm that local news radio stations are truly with you during critical times, offering reliable and detailed coverage when needed most.” Engagement continued leading up to last Monday (7/15), the first day of the Republican National Convention, as Audacy news stations “experienced a 5% rise in listenership compared to the previous Monday.” The Audacy blog contends approximately two of three (65%) all-news listeners “trust radio hosts for news updates, compared to 30% who look to social media influencers for such information.” The July 13 assassination attempt “highlights the essential role of local news radio. With a significant boost in listenership and a clear preference for trustworthy, community-focused reporting, local news radio remains a key player in delivering reliable news.”
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 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. The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM drops eight-tenths for a 5.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that leaves it ranked #5 in the market, while iHeartMedia news/talk KEX adds one-tenth for a 1.8 share that lifts it to the #18 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises three-tenths to a 3.1 share and remains ranked #13, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips a half share to finish with a 1.4 share leaving it ranked #22 in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.1 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM is steady with a 3.1 share but rises to the #12 rank. 
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 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. The survey covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, although Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM dipped six-tenths to a 5.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), it remains ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM rises one-tenth to a 1.7 share stays in the #20 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM is steady with a 2.8 share but falls back to the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA slides back two-tenths to a 1.9 share good for the #19 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses 3.2 shares to finish with a 4.9 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM adds half a share for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank. 
Generally speaking, Major League Baseball radio flagships enjoyed a solid first at bat in Nielsen Audio’s 2024 rating season (March 28 – April 24).
KDKA-TV personality who became afternoon drive host at news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh in December of 2020. Colin Dunlap appears to be set to continue hosting the afternoon drive show solo. Audacy has stated that these staff cuts will amount to “less than 2%” of the company’s workforce.
March 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Spacciapolli states, “I first want to congratulate Dave on an incredible career. It has been a privilege to work with him over the past two years. We’re delighted to promote PJ, a mainstay at KDKA for the last 35 years. The trust he has built within our organization and with listeners and partners makes him a great fit to steward this iconic brand into the future as we grow on many levels.” Kumanchik, who has worked in multiple capacities at both KDKA News Radio and “93.7 The Fan” (KDKA-FM) as news producer and editor, morning show producer, sports producer and program director, comments, “I look forward to working with our leadership team, including Michael, to boost the momentum we have created at KDKA News Radio in the past couple of years. As the Voice of Pittsburgh, we will continue to provide news-driven talk that encourages interactions from our listeners.”
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2024 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. The survey period covered February 1 – 28. 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 slips one-tenth to finish with a 6.9 share (6+, weekly AHQ share) but remains ranked #2 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM adds three-tenths for a 1.5 share finish good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI sheds three-tenths to finish with a 2.7 share and falls one spot to the #14 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA is steady at a 2.3 share but rises two spots to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises nine-tenths for a 6.4 share finish but remains ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM dips four-tenths to a 3.1 share but stays put at the #13 rank. 
serving as a full-time KDKA Radio reporter since February 2021 and hosted her own Sunday morning talk show on “93.7 The Fan.” She posted to social media, “While news has offered so many opportunities for growth, my heart has always been in sports journalism and it’s time to fully focus on that path.” Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We are so grateful for all of Shelby’s work in the KDKA newsroom. Her time as a host at ‘The Fan’ will forever be a part of the history of that great radio station. We know the future will bring her great things. We are fortunate to be a part of her journey.” 
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2024 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. The survey covered January 4 – 31. 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 shoots up 2.1 shares for a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and rises to the #2 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM adds one-tenth to finish with a 1.2 share good for the #22 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.0 share good for the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on half a share for a 2.3 share finish that lifts it to the #18 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises 1.9 shares to finish with a 5.5 share and climbs to the #3 rank, while, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM adds 1.3 shares for a 3.5 share finish good for the #13 rank. 
news/talk outlet and has been admitted to the hospital at UPMC dealing with what he called “crazy, insane” pain in his throat. Griffin, who battled throat cancer several years ago and has been in remission, says that late last week he couldn’t swallow anything and that the pain was something he never felt in his life. At this time, Griffin has been diagnosed with pneumonia, but doctors are also trying to determine if he has an infection of if the cancer has returned.
the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. They include: WPHT, Philadelphia afternoon host Rich Zeoli and the morning show “Kayal & Company” both receiving 2024 Outstanding Local Radio Personality/Team honors, and news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh and all-news KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia both receiving several programming honors. Recipients will celebrate at a luncheon in May.
and I would have never imagined that all of my dreams would be multiplied by two. I was blessed with an amazing journey; from Emporium to New York City and every city in between including Nashville, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Baltimore and Pittsburgh…. The best part of my job was working with some of the best talent in the country. I tried to never get in their way, and I listened in awe to what they created daily. They were the reason for my success, and I am thankful for the privilege of tagging along… The time has come for me to walk away, and I do so with the deepest appreciation. If I worked with you, I hope you can say that I gave you my best and that I helped you succeed. I know my life was richer because of you and I will cherish the memories we created together. Thank you! Now, about that last break…”
its inception in 2010. Cook told his listeners, “It’s been a blast with you guys.” Cook is also a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’ll leave that position after his last column appears on Sunday. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli comments, “From the first day ‘93.7 The Fan’ signed on the air, Ron brought instant credibility to the station with, not only with reputation as one of the top columnists in the market, but also a trusted voice that sports fans wanted to hear from. That is a rare combination, and to this day we are fortunate that Ron was here with us from the beginning.” 
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 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. The survey period covered December 7, 2023, through January 3, 2024. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM falls a full share to a 4.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) dropping from the #3 rank to #6, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM loses one-tenth to finish with a 1.1 share good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to a 2.4 share good for the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA sheds two-tenths to finish with a 1.8 share and is steady at the #19 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM declines 2.8 share for a 3.6 share finish that leaves it ranked #9, while iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips six-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank.