Tag: ratings

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 ratings period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for: Washington, DC, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+).

 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.9 – 4.0, #7 – #7

WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.7 – 8.1, tenth straight month at #2

WDCH .6 – .7, #23 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.6 – 2.8, #12 – #14 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream 1.1 – .9, #21 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .2 – .3, #27 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #29 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.0 – 11.9, 23rd month in succession at #1

Note: The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.8 – 2.3, #15 – #16

WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 3.8 – 4.5, #10 – #8

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 7.8 – 10.9, back-to-back months at #1 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 4.2 – 3.8, #9 – #10

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.4 – 5.4, #3 – #3

WGBH 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #10

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s +3.1 (7.8 – 10.9) is the largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+) by any station in all 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.7 – 2.0, #21 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.4 – 2.3, #24 – #19 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .3 – .5, #32 – #29 (Dolphins)

WMEN .1 – .2, #36 – #35

WSFS-HD2 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WQAM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.8 – 3.9, #8 – #5    

Note: Sports talk WQAM’s +.9 (1.4 – 2.3) represents Miami’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.2, #6 – #8 (Seahawks)

KVI 1.7 – 1.8, #22 – #22

KTTH 1.4 – 1.5, #23 – #23

KPTR .1 – .1, #32 – #32

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.2 – 2.2, #20 – #20

KHHO .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 6.0 – 4.3, #3 – #6 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 2.3 – 3.0, #18 – #14 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .3 – .4, #27 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 5.9 – 7.6, #4 – #1

KSWS .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk KUOW’s +1.7 (5.9 – 7.6) represents Seattle’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+); conversely, sports talk KIRO-AM’s -1.7 (6.0 – 4.3) represents the market’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 1.8 – 2.3, #17 – #16

WFDF .1 – .4, #26 – #24

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #26 – #28

News

WWJ 4.0 – 4.6, #11 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .7, #24 – #22 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #26 – #28

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 8.6 – 10.1, #1 – #1 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 2.0 – 2.4, #16 – #14 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .3 – .2, #23 – #25

WXYT-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUOM 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #20

WDET 1.1 – 1.2, #20 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 4.1 – 4.0, #5 – #7

KTAR-FM 2.9 – 2.4, #15 – #16 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.9 – 2.7, #22 – #14 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .2 – .2, #32 – #31 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – 33

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.9 – 3.7, #6 – #9

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 3.3 – 4.6, #12 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #16

KTLK-AM 1.4 – 1.8, #19 – #18

WCCO Stream .3 – .6, #26 – #24 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #30 – #32

Sports Talk

KFXN 6.8 – 7.8, #4 – #2 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .1 – .2, #30 – #28

KSTP-AM .1 – .2, #30 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KNOW Stream .8 – .7, #23 – #23

Note: News/Talk WCCO’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Minneapolis’ largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase(6+).

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.7 – 5.4, #5 – #5

KLSD .3 – .3, #26 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 4.7 – 4.2, #5 – #6

KGB-AM .7 – 1.2, #23 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 6.3, #3 – #3

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.3 – 4.7, #5 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.0 – 4.6, #11 – #8

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.0 – 2.4, #19 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.3 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WUSF Stream .5 – .5, #25 – #25

Notes: Public Radio News Talk WUSF’s –.7 (2.3 – 1.6) represents a four-way tie for Tampa’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease (6+); rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.7 – 4.5, #13 – #6 (Broncos)

KDFD 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #19

KHOW 1.5 – 1.8, #21 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.6 – 4.5, #7 – #6

KKSE-FM 1.4 – 2.0, #23 – #20 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.2 – 3.9, #9 – #13

KUNC .5 – .8, #31 – #27

Note: News/Talk KOA’s +.8 (3.7 – 4.5) represents Denver’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.1 – 4.8, #8 – #8 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.8 – 1.7, #18 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.0 – 1.1,  #20 – #18

WDCH  .8 – .8,  #21 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.0 – 5.1, #9 – #7

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 4.5 – 4.0, #7 – #10

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 5.8 – 5.0, #8 – #9

KFTK 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #16

KTLK-FM 1.0 – .9, #19 – #20

KMOX Stream .5 – .4, #22 – #23

KFTK Stream .5 – .2, #22 – #27

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .4 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 2.3 – 3.2, #15 – #14 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 3.5 – 4.0, #13 – #11

Note: Sports talk WXOS’ +.9 (2.3 – 3.2) represents St. Louis’ largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

Up next: October 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

 Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of October 2023 PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s October 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario. The October 2023 survey covers the period of September 14 – October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC sheds three-tenths for a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish and remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.2 share good for the #23 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI slips three-tenths to a 4.5 share and the #5 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #10 rank. In Chicago, Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM climbs seven-tenths to a 5.6 share but remains ranked #3, while Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN inches up two-tenths to a 3.6 share and steady at the #8 rank, and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.5 share but drops back to the #25 rank. It should be noted that, for reasons unexplained, there is no October data for the San Jose and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets. There is also a noteworthy reduction in data in the Nassau-Suffolk and Riverside markets. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 ratings period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario.

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

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

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.4 – 3.1, #11 – #11

WOR 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23

WKXW .7 – .8, #24 – #25

WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #41 – #37

WLIR-FM .0 – .0, DNA – DNA

News

WINS-FM 4.6 – 4.3, #7 – #7

WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.3, #13 – #15

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #32 – #34

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #35 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .2, #35 – #40

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 3.1 – 2.9, #12 -#13 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.1 – 1.4 #23 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .7 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.6 – 4.4, #10 – #6

WNYC-AM 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22

Note: Public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s +.8 (3.6 – 4.4) ties contemporary Christian WPLJ for the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.8 – 4.5, #4 – #5

KEIB .7 – .8, #32 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #33

News

KNX-FM 3.7 – 3.3, #8 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #43 – #39

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.6 – 1.3, #26 – #27 (Chargers, Clippers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.1 – 2.5, #20 – #13

Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

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

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.4 – 3.6, #8 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.4 – 1.5, #23 – #24

WLIP .3 – .3, #37 – #37

WVON .1 – .0, #44 – DNA

WLS-AM Stream .0 – .0, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 4.9 – 5.6, #3 – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #42 – #45

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.2 – 2.5, #11 – #14 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.4 – 1.6, #23 – #22 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .7 – .3, #28 – #37  (Bulls)

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 3.0 – 3.2, #13 – #12  

Note: Sports talk WSCR’s -.7 (3.2 – 2.5) is the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease (6+).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 2.0 – 1.6, #16 – #20

KSFO Stream .3 – .4, #29 – #28

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 7.1 – 6.6, #2 – #2

KNEW .1 – .2, #33 – #32  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #36

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.7 – 3.2, #7 – #11 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.5 – 1.8, #22 – #18   (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .2 – .3, #30 – #29  

KGO .1 – .3, #33 – #29  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #32  

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 5.3 – 5.3, #3 – #3

KALW .2 – .3, #30 – #29

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 4.6 – 4.5, #5 – #4

KEGL 1.5 – 1.4, #26 – #27  (Mavericks)

KSKY .5 – .6, #35 – #33

KLIF-AM .6 – .4, #34 – #37

KSKY Stream .1 – .0, #42 – #DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.8 – 2.1, #22 – #21 (Cowboys)

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .0 – .0, DNA – DNA (Cowboys)

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.7 – 4.7, #3 – #3  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.9 – 3.6, #15 – #10 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .1 – .2, #42 – #38 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.7 – 2.4, #16 – #18

Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s +.7 (2.9 – 3.6) is the market’s greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

HOUSTON

News/Talk

KTRH 3.7 – 4.0, #12 – #9  (Rockets)

KPRC .9 – .9, #27 – #26  

News

None

Sports Talk

KBME 1.9 – 1.5, #22 – #22  (Rockets)

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #25 – #22 (Texans)

KFNC .2 – .3, #30 – #29

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .2, #34 – #31 (Texans)

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.2 – 1.8, #18 – #21

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3 – 8.1, #3 – #2

WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #30

WGKA .3 – .3, #31 – #32

WSRV-HD3 Stream .0 – .2, DNA – #33

WAOK .1 – .1, #36 – #37

WAOK Stream .0 – .1, DNA – #37

News

WBIN  .1 – .0, #36 – #DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 2.8 – 3.0, #14 – #14 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.5 – 1.8, #20 – #18

WZGC Stream .3 – .6, #31 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.5 – 3.6, #12 – #10

WRAS  .7 – .6, #26 – #27

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 1.5 – 2.1, #19 – #15

WPHT Stream .3 – .5, #29 – #23

WURD .5 – .5, #23 – #23

WURD Stream .5 – .3, #26 – #25

WKXW 1.1 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 5.8 – 5.4, #5 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #27

Sports Talk

WIP 5.8 – 8.2, #5 – #2 (Eagles)

WIP Stream .7 – 1.5, #25 – #20 (Eagles)

WPEN-FM 1.1 – 1.2, #22 – #21 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.6 – 3.1, #11 – #11

Note: Sports talk WIP’s +2.4 (5.8 – 8.2) is the greatest September 2023 – October 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets (6+).

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 3.9 – 2.2, #8 – #18

WOR 1.1 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WLIR .2 – .2, #33 – #30

News

WINS-FM 4.0 – 3.7, #7 – #7

WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.7, #14 – #12

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .6, #25 – #25

WCBS-AM Stream .4 – .2, #29 – #30

Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #32 – #29

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM 3.8 – 3.9 #10 – #6 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.7 – 3.0, #18 – #11 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN-FM Stream 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #33 – #30 

Note: Sports Talk WEPN-FM’s +1.3 (1.7 – 3.0) represents Nassau-Suffolk’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #24

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #19 – #19

KPCC .2 – .1, #20 – #24

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #23

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.0, fourth consecutive month at #1

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .3, #27 – #29

KNEW .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.8 – 5.2, #4 – #5 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – 1.0, #24 – #25  

KTCT .5 – .8, #26 – #27   

KGO .2 – .6, #28 – #28  

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 5.2 – 6.0, #4 – #2

WKXW Stream .6 – 1.0, #22 – #19

WOR .6 – .6, #22 – #23  

News

WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.3, #13 – #11

WCBS-AM 1.2 – .9, #17 – #21

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #27 – #27

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.1 – 3.4, #8 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – 1.2, #20 – #17 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM .9 – 1.2, #19 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease. 

Up next: October 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Nielsen Audio Corrects WABC, New York September PPM Ratings

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

When Nielsen Audio released the 6+ numbers from the September PPM survey for the New York City market, it listed Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC as “N/A” for reasons unexplained, evenim though the stations (WABC-AM and WLIR-FM) were listed as having a 3.9 share in the Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk) market. Now, Nielsen has corrected the 6+ report that is available to the media (versus the more detailed information that is only available to subscribers) and lists WABC as having a 3.4 share good for the #11 rank in the New York City market for the September 2023 survey 

Industry News

Round Four of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ shoots up 1.1 shares to finish with a 9.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it from the #3 rank to #1, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN falls 1.1 shares to a 9.6 share pulling it from #1 to #2. In Nashville, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on three-tenths to finish the survey with a 6.1 share and rises to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC-AM rises two-tenths for a 1.1 share finish good for the #19 rank. And in West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR adds one-tenth for a 1.9 share finish and remains ranked #10, while Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL rises two-tenths for a 1.8 share finish as it remains ranked #12. See Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – applicable flagships are bolded. 

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, ninth month in succession, 9.7 – 9.6, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KUTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUT (-.8) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 9.4, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .1 – .3, +.2, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.3 – 3.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.5 – 9.1, -.4, first to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 8.5 – 10.1, +1.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WQOK (-2.2)**

*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.0 – 6.1, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI 6.3 – 6.4, +.1, third straight month in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 6.9 – 8.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC WNTR (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1, third to first 

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.7 – 9.6, -1.1, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.4 – 2.4, +1.0, #17 to #13

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, fifth straight month at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.8 – 6.1, +.3, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 4.8 – 7.2, +2.4, eighth to third    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, eighth month in succession, 10.3 – 9.3, -1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WSM-FM (-2.0)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, third straight month at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, anchored in eighth-place for the twelfth consecutive month

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #11 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, fifth straight month at #14

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCAI .1, #19 (did not appear in August 2023)

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.9, +1.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WCTK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPRO-AM (-.7)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, fifth consecutive month at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 10.2, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.1 – 10.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WOKV-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WWJK (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.8, +.2, repeats at #12

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, third straight month at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .2, -.2, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, third month in a row, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WRMF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-1.3)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, locked in eighth-place for the eleventh straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, repeats in ninth-place

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, sixth straight month at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, first month, 11.2 – 13.6, +2.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WPAW (-1.2)

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .2 – .4, +.2, #15 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, seventh straight month, 12.9 – 11.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK and CHR WEGR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-1.7)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.8 – 5.2, +.4, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #14 to #12

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .8, third straight month at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, repeats in ninth-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .6, fourth straight month at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 44th month in a row, 10.1 – 10.5, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WDRC-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WWYZ (-1.1)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Round Three of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s September 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 September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Sacramento, iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM/FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 10.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and claims the #1 rank in the market, while sister news/talk KSTE-AM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #12 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises three-tenths for a 5.2 share finish and remains ranked #5, while iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM adds six-tenths for a 4.0 share finish that lifts it to the #9 rank. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia talk outlet WTKS-FM is up two-tenths for a 4.6 share finish but falls to the #8 rank, while Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO remains steady with a 3.4 share but rises to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.1 – 6.3, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 20, +.3, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KINK and hot AC KRSK (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-2.0)*

*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.4 – 5.2, -1.2, third to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 5.2, +.6, sixth to fifth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – 1.0, +.5, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group country WSOC, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFNZ and public radio news/talk WFAE (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBT-AM & WBT-FM (-1.2) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk:  iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #17 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #15 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth consecutive month, 8.6 – 7.1, -1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock KTKX (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.5)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #24 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, #10 (third straight month)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.9, +1.1, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, tenth month in a row, 11.4 – 11.2, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA and classical WQED (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eleventh straight month, 10.8 – 10.3, -.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KJMY (-1.0) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #26 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third month in succession, 9.3 – 9.5, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID and classic rock KXPT (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.2)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, seventh to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” steady at 3.4, #13 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 9.1 – 10.1, +1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: alternative WQMP (-1.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds, Bengals) 14.0 – 13.9, -.1, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 20th consecutive month, 14.0 – 13.9, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.0 – 5.1, +1.1, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #18 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” .2 – .3, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eleventh month in a row, 10.5 – 11.8, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI +1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WMMS (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” flat at 5.1, third to fourth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #19

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” unchanged at 1.0, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 (third successive month)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KJNW (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country KBEQ (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, second to fourth    

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.6 – 7.9, +2.3, fifth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eleventh straight month, 10.4 – 9.8, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-.9)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

Up next: September 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Industry News

Round Two of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths for an 8.7 share finish but stays ranked #2 for the ninth straight month. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is steady with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to #6, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.2 share finish but falls to the #20 rank. And in Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI-AM is up two-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.1 share that lifts it from #10 to #5, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM sheds one-tenth to finish with a 2.9 share that keeps it ranked #15. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2) 

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first 

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)

PHOENIX 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets 

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)

DENVER 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18

News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

Up next: September 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings date from Nielsen Audio’s September 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). Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM rises three-tenths to a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls back one spot to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.2 share finish but rises to the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is flat with a 4.8 share but regresses one spot to the #4 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM jumps eight-tenths for a 3.7 share finish good for the #8 rank in the market. And in Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN-AM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share finish good for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Sell Yourself a Schedule

By Editor | by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imI asked my pal, longtime radio seller, now retired: “How often were you asked, ‘How much would you charge for ONE commercial?’”

“Many times!” he guffawed. “I told ‘em ‘Keep your money! It won’t work!’” And he would explain to the prospect that repetition is the key to radio advertising.

Pitch like your happiest advertisers

Smart reps schedule commercial flights using the Radio Advertising Bureau’s Optimum Effective Scheduling formula (OES), because “message retention and recall begins after three exposures.”

Don’t stop there. I don’t know WHEN I’ll need to buy a tire, but when that next nail finds me, I know WHERE I will buy, because that retailer advertises enough to own “tires” in my mind. Purchasing a whole car is more foreseeable, and I’ve read that it takes many buyers 90 days to pull the trigger. So, if the copy is just right, always-on always works.

Programmers: Are you selling your station, on its own air, with the frequency we preach to clients? And – no matter how often you freshen your imaging – is the benefit statement as consistent as the many ways “Liberty-Liberty-Libbberty” assures us “you only pay for what you need?”

im

Sales 101: “Your best prospect is…”

Say it with me: “…an existing customer.”

To be clear: Nothing you say on-air will add cume, because the only people who hear your imaging are already listening.

Hey, who wouldn’t want a bigger budget for billboards over the Interstate? But it’s…the Interstate. Many who give it a glance (at most) don’t even live here. Some of those who do might give you a try. And whether they do or whether they don’t, there’s very little you can do to keep them sitting in a parked car, listening. So how can we invite them back more often?

Tip: On-hour news appointments, “a quick [name of network] update, throughout your busy day” as the world we live in has listeners wondering “What NEXT???” This is increasingly useful for music stations, with music now commoditized by non-broadcast competitors.

Rip me off

On-air promos accomplish three things:

— Defining the station, labeling your button in the listener’s mind.

— Asking for more occasions of listening, thus the newscast tip above.

— Listeners REMEMBER having-listened. Not just opportune in diary markets, where we want diarykeepers to round-up. 😉 In PPM markets, awareness drives use. So, in both cases, ratings are a memory test. And this matters even if you don’t subscribe to ratings, because advertisers need prospects to hear that tire commercial multiple times.

So, it’s worth your time to review all imaging and promos now airing. Of each piece, ask yourself: What does this accomplish? Does this convey why/when/how the listener should/can listen more often?

To hear 21 examples of imaging work I’ve done for client stations, click “DO listeners understand why to spend more time with you?” at HollandCooke.com

OK…ONE exception…

I asked my bud, who sold a lotta radio for a lotta years: “What if the request to buy ONE commercial was a pop-the-question surprise, to air when the hopeful groom knew she would be listening?”

“Ka-CHING!” he winked, “and I’d nick him good! You know what that ring cost?”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Your Trusted Voice: How to Attract New Clients More Efficiently than Competitors Who Spend a Fortune on Advertising.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Round Four of August PPM Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Three of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. 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 jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to third

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, third to fourth

KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, anchored at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.8 – 10.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A KINK (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.6 – 4.6, +1.0, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, fourth straight month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFAE (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WLKO (-1.5)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, eighth consecutive month, 9.1 – 8.6, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-1.3)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” flat at 3.7, seventh to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 10.7 – 9.7, -1.0 and iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in a row, 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+2.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-2.9)**

*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, repeats in tenth-place

KDKA’s internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.7 – 6.8, +.1, continues at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA flat at 4.6, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, ninth month in a row, 12.8 – 11.4, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: alternative WXDX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, #4 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, #20 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, tenth straight month, 11.6 – 10.8, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS and adult contemporary KBEE (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in succession, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KXQQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-2.1)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, tenth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, #11 to #13

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, repeats at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.1, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOCL (+1.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WPYO (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .8 – 1.2, +.4, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 19th consecutive month, 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-2.0)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.1 – 4.0, +.9, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” flat at .2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, steady at #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, tenth month in a row, 10.3 – 10.5, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WKRK +.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-1.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, fifth to third

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #12 to #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KBEQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, third to second   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, tenth straight month, 10.9 – 10.4, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WLVQ and rock WRKZ (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WOSA (-.7)

Up next: August 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.  

Industry News

Round Two of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” steady at 3.5, ninth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.1 – 9.3, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU unchanged at 11.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 21st month in succession, flat at 11.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WBIG (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.3) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #13 to #12

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, fifth to third

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.7, +.2 #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, second to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, third month in succession, 6.2 – 6.5, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WBWL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBGB (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 7.9, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF and country WKIS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.1)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, fifth to seventh

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #17 to #19

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, ninth to seventh

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 4.5 – 6.8, +2.3, seventh to second

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, third straight month, 7.7 – 7.9, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+2.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (-1.1)

*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets  

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #10 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.7 – 7.2, +.5, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, third successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WYCD (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WDRQ (-1.4)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #13 to #10

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.7 – 3.0, +.3, repeats at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.5 – 4.1, -2.4, second to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, third consecutive month, 7.8 – 7.6, -.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFYI and rock KUPD (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KJZZ (-2.4)**

**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) flat at 3.5, #13 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” unchanged at 1.3, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 3.8 – 4.8, +1.0, #12 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.2, -.5, stays in fourth-place

KNOW’s internet stream 1.2, #20 (unlisted in July 2023)

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fifth consecutive month, 11.6 – 10.7, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, fifth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.2 – 5.8, +.6, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego rhythmic hot AC XHRM, first month, 6.9 – 6.6, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.1)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 5.2, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, tenth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 1.8, +.5 #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #15 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 25th month in a row, 8.1 – 7.8, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 6.1 – 6.6, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KKFN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KQMT (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, locked at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #19 to #18

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, unchanged at 6.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM and urban AC WWIN-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WBJC (-.8)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.5 – 5.9, +.4, eighth to sixth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .9, +.2, #21 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, eighth month in a row, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WXOS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WIL (-1.4)

Up next: August 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

 Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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). Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM dips one-tenth to finish the survey with a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #10 rank. At Audacy’s crosstown all-news WINS-AM/FM, the station is flat at a 4.9 share but falls to the #7 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI adds six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM rises one-tenth for a 2.9 share good for the #12 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas rises four-tenths to a 4.3 share that lifts it from the #9 to the #4 rank, and Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on one-tenth to finish the survey with a 6.6 share and remains ranked #3. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period 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).

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #10

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, locked at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, anchored at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.1, -.6, remains in tenth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, tenth month in a row, 7.7 – 8.1, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.9) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.2 – 4.8, +.6, fifth to third

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, sixth month in succession, 6.8 – 6.4, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFI and regional Mexican KBUE (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.9)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #12 to #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eleventh straight month, 7.0 – 7.7, +.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, fourth to third  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fifth month in succession, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED; sports talk KNBR; and CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-.9)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, third month in a row, 5.3 – 4.9, -.4 and country KSCS, first month, 4.5 – 4.9, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KDMX and news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.2)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #9 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA first month, 6.9 – 7.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: urban AC KMJQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KKBQ and regional Mexican KQQK (-.6)

Note: KODA was #1 28 straight months before slipping to second in July 2023 and returns to the top spot.

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, ensconced in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #15

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WWSZ (-.9)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, fourth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.5, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news KYW (-1.0)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #21 to #20

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, seventh to third

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.2 – 2.3, -.9, #9 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady in eighth-place

Good Karma Brands-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in a row, 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news WINS-FM (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB (-1.4)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #18

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .0 – .2, +.2, #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.3)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to fourth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.2 – 1.7, +.5, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 6.3 – 6.5, +.2 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.4)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, continues in third-place 

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #13 to #12

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.2 – 3.3, -.9, eighth to ninth

WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.2, +.5, #23 to #18

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, second straight month, 7.8 – 6.7, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN’s internet stream and contemporary Christian WAWZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: August 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, sixth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLZT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-1.0) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in third-place

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, #15 to #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #9 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK (+1.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.4)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.8 – 5.7, -1.1, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 6.6, +1.3, seventh to third

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.5 – 7.9, -1.6, second to fourth  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, flat at #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .6 – .8, +.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, steady at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.7, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB and classic hits-oldies WRXS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.6)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, locked in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to ninth    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” flat at 1.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, sixth month in succession, 11.8 – 11.4, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WCJK (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .2, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, repeats in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #12 to #10

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #9 to #11

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 8.9 – 9.6, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.0)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” flat at 2.5, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh straight month, 10.3 – 10.0, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: hot AC WPTE (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.5)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 6.1, -.2, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, third month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.0)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.3, -.3, #12 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.4 – .2, -.2, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 8.2 – 10.2, +2.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-.8)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, repeats 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 1.6 – 2.3, +.7, #12 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, seventh month in a row, 14.0 – 12.3, -1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in these 12 PPM-markets

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to eighth

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” unchanged at .2, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #17 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fifth straight month, 12.2 – 13.7, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WLFP (+4.0)**

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock KWNW (-1.1)

**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #15 to #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” flat at 1.6, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to eighth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .6, +.1, stays at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 42nd month in a row, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (-1.2)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com. 

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI falls two-tenths to post a 2.6 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and falls to the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds one-tenth for a 2.5 share finish that lifts it to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM loses a full share to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish that lifts it to the #6 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia talk WTKS-FM loses six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share but remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO remains flat with a 3.9 share and the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-1.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**

**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**

**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12

WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)

Up next: July 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, repeats in ninth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.2 – 9.1, +.9, ensconced in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.0 – 11.6, +.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 20th month in succession, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.9)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.5, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, third to fifth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1 #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.7 – 6.1, +.4, steady in the runner-up slot

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 6.0 – 6.2, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WBGB (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WKLB (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 8.0, -.9 and co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, ninth to fifth

Lotus Communications’ KVI “Talk Radio 570” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #17

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, seventh to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 5.6 – 4.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.7, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.1) 

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, remains at #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, steady at #10

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, continues in third-place

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, second successive month, 8.1 – 9.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX (-.9)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, second consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KAZG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNZ (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” steady at 2.3, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fourth consecutive month, 10.3 – 11.6, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KEEY (-.9)

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, stays in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.2 – 5.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, sixth successive month, unchanged at 7.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNV (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 24th month in a row, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WFLA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV and sports talk WDAE (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #14 to #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.7, -.8, #10 to #17

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, steady at #11

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7 and KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 6.4 – 6.2, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLDV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classical KVOD (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.5 – 4.3, +.8, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Urban One urban contemporary WERQ, first month, 5.5 – 7.0, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WERQ (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WPOC (-1.9)**

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, seventh to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, remains at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 11.4, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WXOS (-.5)

Up next: July 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Newsmax Says Ratings Are “Surging”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Newsmax says that its surge in the Nielsen cable TV ratings continued through July registering “large weekday ratings boosts year over year, and FOX News continues to see significant declines. The July ratings book foundim Newsmax registered an impressive 88% percent jump in prime time, among all viewers, year over year. Nielsen also reported Newsmax witnessed 62% in total day and 56% in day-time ratings Monday through Friday.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “It’s clear millions of Americans have made the switch to Newsmax, and they like what they see. They also like our powerhouse lineup starting with Greta Van Susteren every night at 6:00 pm Eastern.”

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 5.6, -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, anchored in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.6 – 9.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KWJJ and similarly-formatted KUPL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW and news/talk KEX (-.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, #8 to #11

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.6, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WKKT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFAE (-.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #14

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.3 – 2.4, -.9, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth consecutive month, 7.6 – 8.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KCYY and news/talk KTSA (-.9) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.9 – 9.6, -.3, first to second

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, ninth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.6 – 1.0, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.5 – 10.2, +1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, seventh month in a row, 11.5 – 11.2, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock WDVE (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-2.3)*

*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, repeats in third-place

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 11.0, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-.9) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 5.2 – 8.4, +3.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+3.2)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.4)

**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, continues at #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .4 – 1.3, +.9, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game”.7 – 1.3, +.6, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WMMO (-2.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.5, +.3, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.9 – 4.2, -.7, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 17th consecutive month, 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WVXU (-.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.1 – 2.9, -1.2, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eighth month in a row, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: CHR WAKS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR steady at 3.8, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 9.0 – 10.5, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.8)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, second to fourth   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 11.0, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WCOL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTVN and sports talk WBNS-FM (-.9)

Up next: June 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry News

Round Two of June PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds three-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that drops it to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share good for the #7 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk dips four-tenths to a 2.4 share and falls to the #17 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM loses two-tenths to also finish with a 2.4 share that leaves the two stations tied for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 Heavy Hundred is Published

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The TALKERS magazine editorial board announces that the 2023 edition of its annual feature the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – is now posted. This annual ranking of talk radio hosts is undertaken by TALKERS editors, with input from industry leaders, and is based on a combination of hard and soft factors including courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent, and uniqueness. It is as much subjective art as mathematical science and intended to be a dimensional snapshot of the national talk radio industry at this given moment with an emphasis on the news/talk format.  Candidates for the Heavy Hundred must be working a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at the time of publication. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This feature remains one of the most challenging undertakings for the editors. There are so many quality talk radio hosts working at stations in major markets all the way down to the smallest outlets serving intimate communities. Winnowing that field to the ‘100 most important’ is very difficult, but it is a challenge we take very seriously. We’re excited to publish this year’s Heavy Hundred and to congratulate those fine hosts who’ve made the list.” See the 2023 Heavy Hundred here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, fifth month in succession, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.3) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 8.3, -.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, flat at #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.9, -.1, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, fifth straight month, 9.3 – 9.4, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTKK and contemporary Christian WRTP (-.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.4 – 6.6, +.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, fourth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.2, +.5, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.2 – 8.2, -1.0, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.7 – 10.2, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.0)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, eighth to ninth   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 -1.4, +.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fourth month in succession, steady at 13.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WKDF (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WWTN (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” unchanged at .4, continues at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.1, -1.3, #9 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, eighth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.5, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: rock WHJY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WGBH (-1.3)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, remains at #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth straight month, 9.4 – 10.7, +1.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WGH-FM (+1.5)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-.9)

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 5.5 -.6, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WKSL-HD3 (-.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .8 -1.9, +1.1, #16 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #11 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” flat at .5, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 11.9, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.1)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.2 – 5.0, -.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 flat at 2.0, remains at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – .9, -.2, stays at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, fifth month in a row, 13.4 – 13.3, -.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.1)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, locked at #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” flat at .2, unchanged at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, tenth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .4, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, third straight month, 11.0 – 11.8, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-.8)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .4, -.2, #17 to #18

WTIC-AM cluster-mate WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – .9, -.4, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .7, +.3, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 40th month in a row, 11.0 – 10.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-1.0)

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.5 – 5.8, -1.7, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third straight month, 10.4 – 9.0, -1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-1.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” flat at 2.0, anchored at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.7 – 4.6, +.9, tenth to eighth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .7 – .5, -.2, remains at #20

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, first month, 6.0 – 6.9, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WPEG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban AC WBAV (-2.1) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country (-.8)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, repeats in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, unchanged at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fifth month in succession, 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.5)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, locked in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in a row, 10.1 – 11.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative WXDX (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, second to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, seventh straight month, 11.9 – 11.3, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock KAAZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.6)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, eighth successive month, 11.2 – 7.5, -3.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KWNR and classic rock KXPT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-3.7)**

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from all 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, eighth to tenth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” flat at .7, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second month in a row, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WOMX (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-.7)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.5 – 4.2, +.7, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU flat at 4.9, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 16th consecutive month, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WKRC and classic country WNKR (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WEBN and classical WGUC (-1.2)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.6 – 5.9, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, #10 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – .6, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, ninth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, seventh month in a row, steady at 10.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WNCX’s internet stream (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTAM (-.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, ninth to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.6)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.4 – 7.1, +.7, third to second   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, seventh straight month, 9.2 – 10.2, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNND (-.8)

Up next: May 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. 

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

Round Two of May PPM Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish the survey with a 4.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths to an 8.0 share but remains ranked #2. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises eight-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share and jumps two spots to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and stays in the #8 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 4.3 share stays ranked #8, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses six-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that moves it to the #14 rank.  See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imMay 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*

*Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KPBS (-.6)

**Represents the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets 

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)

DENVER 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place

Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KMOX (-1.0)

Up next: May 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of May PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 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). Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM is steady at a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slides from the #10 rank to #11, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR dips two-tenths to a 1.7 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles is flat with a 4.3 share but falls back to the #5 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN adds one-tenth to finish with a 3.3 share and rises one spot to the #9 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM loses two-tenths to finish with a 4.2 share but rises to the #3 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.