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April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.

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 March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, anchored in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 1.7, -.7, #16 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, remains at #3

KOPB’s internet stream steady at 2.0, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KEX and jazz KMHD’s internet stream (-.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM/FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” flat at 5.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #10

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .7, +.2 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 8.7, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WLNK (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” unchanged at 3.6, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) steady at 3.4, #14 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fourth consecutive month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-1.0)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” steady at 9.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, sixth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fourth month in succession, steady at 9.4

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classical KXPR (-.6)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.1 +.3, anchored in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #12 to #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fifth month in a row, 10.8 – 10.1, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR WKST and hot AC WLTJ (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country WDSY (-.8)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.1 – 6.5, +1.4, fourth to second

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, sixth straight month, 12.0 – 11.9, -.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KSL (+1.4)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #19 to #20

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, seventh successive month, 10.0 – 11.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR KLUC (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KRGT (-.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, locked in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) .4 – .7, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 6.3 – 9.4, +3.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WMMO (+3.1)*

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 (-1.5)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.1 – 11.6, +.5, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 15^th consecutive month, 11.1 – 11.6, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers, Guardians) 5.2 – 6.6, +1.4, tenth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.8 – 4.4, -4, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.1, remains at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 6.0, +.3 eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, sixth month in a row, unchanged at 10.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WMMS (+1.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-3.1)**

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

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.1 – 3.2, +1.1, #16 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fifth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.5, +.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KCSP (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM’s internet stream (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.0 – 6.4, +.4, sixth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 6.2 – 5.3, -.9, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.2 – 4.9, -1.3, fourth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, sixth straight month, 9.5 – 9.2, -.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLVQ and public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

Up next: April 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 April 2023 PPMs Released

By TALKERS | May 17, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds two-tenths for a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays in the #7 rank, while Hubbard Radio’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM sheds four-tenths for an 8.6 share that keeps it locked in second place. iHeartMedia’s Boston news/talk WRKO loses half a share to finish with a 3.6 share that moves it to the #11 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls from #7 to #8. In the Twin Cities, Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM rises six-tenths to a 4.5 share that lifts it to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KTLK-AM dips eight-tenths to a 2.1 share and falls to the #17 rank, and Hubbard Radio’s talk KTMY-FM declines half a share to a 2.3 share good for the #16 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

Newsmax Beats CNN in May 12 Prime Time Ratings

By TALKERS | May 17, 2023 by TALKERS

Newsmax reveals that, according to Nielsen ratings for Friday, May 12, Newsmax TV was the third-highest rated cable news channel in prime time, beating CNN in every hour of prime time. Newsmax notes that the 8:00 pm ET show “Eric Bolling The Balance” won the hour with 467,000 impressions, beating CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” with 447,000. The new 9:00 pm ET show “Chris Plante The Right Squad” pulled an audience of 325,000 impressions, defeating CNN’s “Whole Story” with 293,000. And at 10:00 pm ET “Greg Kelly Reports” took first place with 278,000 viewers, compared to Chris Wallace giving CNN an audience of just 263,000. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Newsmax has witnessed a consistent, positive trend for weeks and we are looking forward to enormous interest in the network as we draw closer to the GOP primaries and ’24 election.”

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.

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 March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.0 – 4.2, +.2 remains in seventh place.

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.0 – 8.6, -.4, anchored in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals, Nationals) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.0 – 11.2, -.8, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 17^th month in succession, 12.0 – 11.2, -.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WIAD (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU and classical WETA (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, #9 to #11

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.1 – 8.7, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #15 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, repeats in fifth-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #12 to #7

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fourth consecutive month, 8.1 – 8.7, +.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WEEI-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WZLX; country WKLB; news/talk WRKO; and hot AC WWBX (-.6)

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 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, second straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBGG and CHR WFLC (+.5)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT and Spanish tropical WRTO (-.6)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to eighth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 3.1 – 4.7, +1.6, #14 to #7

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” steady at 2.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 7.1 – 6.6, -.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB (-1.3)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, repeats at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.8 – 4.1, -.7, #9 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Tigers) 6.2 – 7.4, +1.2, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.4)*

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun, Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 7.3 – 8.1, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+1.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KTAR-FM (-.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins) 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, #12 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.4, -.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, first month, 6.2 – 8.5, +2.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.0)

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 2.6 – 4.9, +2.3, #15 to #6

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, anchored at #2

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third successive month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.2)

**Represents a tie for the largest March 2023 – April 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” (Lightning) 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.3, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 21^th month in a row, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX and adult contemporary WDUV’s internet stream (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 to #14

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, locked at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #12 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 4.6 – 5.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock KQMT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, repeats at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #19

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” flat at 1.1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, steady in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 7.3 – 8.4, +1.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WIYY (+2.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.1)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 7.0, +2.1, tenth to fifth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” steady at .9, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fourth month in succession, 10.6 – 9.7, -.9

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+2.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-1.1)

Up next: April 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 Views

They Simply Don’t Like You

By TALKERS | April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 by TALKERS

By Michael Harrison
TALKERS
Publisher

Many years ago, I received a late-night call from a legendary radio talk show host who had just been let go by management at the iconic major market station where he had been presiding over the airwaves for several decades. His ratings had begun to downtrend a bit, but he still was a big draw for audience and advertisers. He was one of the biggest names in talk radio history and his still-sizable audience loved him. Thus, the unexpected news of his severance blindsided him with a wallop and surprised the heck out of the biz. Everyone was buzzing about it.

The usually jaunty and confident personality asked me in an uncharacteristically despondent tone of voice, “Why do you think they fired me?”

My initial response, “I don’t know.”

He answered, “C’mon, you know everything… why do you think they fired me?”

“What does it matter what I think? I’m not sure you really want to know my opinion about this.”

“No I do, I do… tell me the truth.”

Tapping into Aaron Sorkin, I quipped, “You can’t handle the truth!”

“No I can! Dammit! Tell me what you think.”

I took a deep breath and answered, “In my opinion, they let you go… because they don’t like you.”

“What?” he replied with irritation. “You’re kidding!!”

“No, I’m not kidding. They don’t like you and they’re using your minor ratings downslide and the subjective determination that you are no longer a fresh new voice as an excuse to get rid of you.”

I then attempted to explain to him that quite often in this business, when the question arises, should he stay or should he go, whether it is a matter of ratings, budget, or heated controversy – it comes down to the margins. Do they like you or do they dislike you?

“That’s not true!” he blurted with anger, “They LOVE me! I’m very popular with management and my co-workers. When I walk around the halls the people adore me!”

“I’m afraid they don’t… you are disliked at the station. That’s what I hear.” And that was the last time we spoke.

Fast forward to the two major buzzes currently emanating from FOX. Everyone’s speculating about why the company dumped the mononymic talker widely known as Tucker. IMHO, it comes down to the moral of the above tale. They don’t like him. Or more specifically, among the widespread rumors of “they,” Rupert Murdoch doesn’t like him. So much for the adage content is king. In today’s media business and perhaps all the way back to Gutenberg, platform is king. Or at least co-king.

And by the way, also IMHO – in a related story – the simple reason FOX settled with Dominion? Murdoch didn’t want to go through the discomfort and inconvenience of personally testifying in court. Everything else is filler.

Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. He can be contacted at michael@talkers.com. You can meet Michael Harrison at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Rounds Three and Four of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | April 24, 2023 by TALKERS

Rounds three and four of Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey have been released for 24 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from these markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM falls 1.3 shares to a 5.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but stays in the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips a full share for a 2.4 share finish that leaves it ranked #16. Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds one-tenth for a 5.1 finish that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.8 share good for the #6 rank. And in Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN falls one-tenth to a 9.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ rises four-tenths for a 7.4 share repeating in the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4

By TALKERS | April 24, 2023 by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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

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

All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3

KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13

KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19

KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT (-.9)

Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14^th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

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

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)

*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10

The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #18

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

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)

Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38^th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

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

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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

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

All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media‘s WMAL-FM 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #7 rank

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.9 – 9.0, +.1, repeats in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals and Nationals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, continues at #13

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.1 – .8, -.3, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.1 – 12.0, -.1, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 16^th month in succession, 12.1 – 12.0, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.4)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” steady at 4.1, remains in ninth-place

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 4.4, -.2, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, seventh to fifth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, third consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.1, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WEEI-FM (-.6)

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 5.3 – 4.3, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.4 – 9.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 5.4 – 4.8, -.6, fifth to sixth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #18 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KKWF (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.5)

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #16 to #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Tigers) 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, fourth to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.3 – 8.3, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLLZ (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” flat at 3.0, #9 to #12

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) unchanged at 2.9, #11 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun and Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #14 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.4 – 6.4, -1.0, first to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.4 – 7.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KSLX and adult hits KYOT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KALV (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins) 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #15 to #12

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #18 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #13 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 6.7, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.9, +1.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KMNB (-1.3)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, locked in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.6 (Padres), +1.0, #20 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS steady at 6.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second successive month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-1.6)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the first 24 PPM-markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, ninth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 20^th month in a row, 7.8 – 9.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-.8)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 2.3 – 2.4 (Colorado Rockies), +.1, repeats at #17

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, stays in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KRFX (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, steady at #17

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.1, #19 (unlisted in February 2023)

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .9, +.4, #25 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, remains in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, second straight month, 9.6 – 8.2, -1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.4)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, remains in tenth-place

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – .9, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, continues at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU flat at 3.8, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, third month in succession, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rock KSHE (-.6)

Up next: March 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 March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | April 19, 2023 by TALKERS

The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 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), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” dips two-tenths to a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises one spot to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR rises two-tenths to finish with a 1.9 share good for the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is unchanged with a 4.1 share and remains ranked #5 in market, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM climbs four-tenths to a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM adds two full shares to finish the survey with an 8.0 share and leaps from #3 to #1 in the market. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas shoots up eight-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that lifts it from the #16 rank to #12. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | April 19, 2023 by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 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 March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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

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

All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, tenth to ninth

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, seventh to sixth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, locked at #12

WFAN’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fifth month in a row, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” unchanged at 4.1, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR KIIS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.4)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past eight months

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, tenth to ninth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” steady at 4.8, locked in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls and Cubs) 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #23 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 6.7, -1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WSCR (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-1.3)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0, third to first

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, repeats at #14

Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KMEL (-.8)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #16 to #12

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” steady at 2.3, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) unchanged at 5.6, #1

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys and Texas Rangers) 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #13 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, third straight month, unchanged at 5.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news/talk WBAP (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC KRNB and sports talk KRLD-FM (-.6)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, #13 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 25^th consecutive month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGLK and alternative KTBZ (-.7)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.2 – 6.6, -.6, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE steady at 3.6, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHTA (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WUBL (.7)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.7, -1.2, fourth to eighth

WIP’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, locked at #19

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.8 – 5.4, +.6, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second month in a row, 6.7 – 7.2, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WHYY (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.2)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, anchored at #16

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to eighth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, sixth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.5 – 6.0, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI’s internet stream (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ and rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.9)

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, .5 -.3, -.2, locked at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy country KFRG, first month, 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFRG (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.0)

Note: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA had been #1 the past 15 months

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #19 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, second to first

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, tenth consecutive month 7.6 – 6.3, -1.3 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.8 – 6.3, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KBAY (-1.5)**

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

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

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, locked in second-place

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #12 to #9

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #18 to #14

Sports Talk: Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #19 to #17

The internet stream of Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, third consecutive month, 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW; contemporary Christian WAWZ; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.8)

Up next: March 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.

Industry News

Nikki Ramirez Joins Research Director Inc

By TALKERS | April 5, 2023 by TALKERS

Radio pro Nikki Ramirez (Cumulus Media Atlanta and Audacy Miami) joins Research Director Inc as sales & business development lead. Research Director says that “in this new position, Ramirez will accelerate radio stations’ awareness of Research Director’s powerful Programming & Ratings Toolbox, designed to provide a deeper understanding of market performance immediately after Nielsen’s data release.” Company CEO Marc Greenspan says, “We’re excited to leverage Nikki’s extensive radio industry knowledge and experience, both on-air and behind-the-scenes, to fuel our growth in helping radio stations across the U.S. maximize the value of data to improve both their ratings and their revenue. She joins our team at a pivotal time as we look to showcase our unique ability to help clients improve their programming effectiveness and sales success.”

Industry News

Round Four of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | March 28, 2023 by TALKERS

The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls three-tenths to finish with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains locked in the #2 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.4 share good for the #14 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee rises two-tenths for a 9.8 share finish that keeps it ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ dips half a share to finish with a 7.0 share but rises one spot to the #4 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR is up four-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank, while sister news/talk WJNO falls two-tenths to a 1.5 share leaving it ranked #13, and Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL is up one-tenth for a 1.0 share finish and the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | March 28, 2023 by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, second month in succession, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KAMX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLQB (-1.0)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.0, -.3, locked in second-place

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 7.4, -.9, second to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.5, +2.0

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: gospel WNNL (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.2 – 8.0, +.8, carries on in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, locked at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .5, -.2, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” flat at .4, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, second month in a row, 10.4 – 9.2, -1.2 and Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 9.3 – 9.2, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WIBC (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 9.8, +.2, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.5 – 7.0, -.5, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.7 – 1.0, -.7, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.5 – 3.9, -.6, #7 to #11

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD unchanged at 1.1, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second successive month, 9.6 – 9.8, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WMIL (-1.2)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 6.6, +.4, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 5.5 – 4.4, -1.1, seventh to eighth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, locked at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.8 – 3.0, -.8, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, first month, 7.5 – 14.3, +6.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.8)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.8)

*Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, anchored in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics) 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, continues in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” steady at 2.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, ninth to eighth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.2, -2.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WPRO-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-2.3)**

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

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #12

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .3, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” steady at 1.8, repeats at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, second straight month, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.4 -.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #11 to #10

cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #11 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 -1.0, +.1, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .9 – .7, -.2, #14 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, seventh to eighth

co-owned WLRN-HD2’s internet stream flat at .2, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.3 – 10.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKGR (-.7)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.9, +1.0, remains in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, stays at #10

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, second month in a row, 12.2 – 12.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.9 – 2.9, -1.0, #8 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, eighth to seventh

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, stays at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 15^thsuccessive month, 11.8 – 10.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMC-FM (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.1 – 5.7, +.6, eighth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” unchanged at 1.0, continues at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, remains in seventh-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR and its internet stream are both steady at .4 and stay at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 37^th month in a row, 10.9 – 13.7, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+2.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-2.0)

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

Industry News

Round Three of February PPMs Released

By TALKERS | March 27, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) good for the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM also goes up four-tenths and finishes with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte shoots up 1.2 shares to finish the survey with a 5.5 share that moves it from the #8 rank to #4. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM is up half a share, wrapping the survey with a 3.7 share good for the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI-AM falls two-tenths for a 3.3 share that sees it decline from the #9 rank to #14. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | March 27, 2023 by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.9 – 7.2, -.7, steady at #3

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KQAC; alternative KNRK; and rhythmic CHR KXJM (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult hits KYCH (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.3 – 5.5, +1.2, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 3.1 – 2.0, -1.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFNZ (-1.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #9 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second consecutive month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR KXXM (-1.6)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in succession, 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KSTE (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-1.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #12 to #10

KDKA-AM’s internet stream 1.1 – .9, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.2 – 6.0 -.2, repeats in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in a row, 9.9 – 11.3, +1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.9 – 5.1, -.8, third to fifth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fourth straight month, 9.9 – 10.8, +.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-.8)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #13 to #18

co-owned KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fifth successive month, 7.8 – 9.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE and classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-1.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.2, -.9, fifth to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WWKA (+2.5)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish news/talk WRSO (-1.0)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 3.1 – 1.4, -1.7, #11 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 13^th consecutive month, 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCKY (-1.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, #8 to #12

WKRK’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3 #11 to #7

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fourth month in a row, steady at 11.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.6 – 4.8, +1.2, #11 to #6

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #21 to #19

Audacy-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.2, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: alternative KCJK (-.5)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.7 – 5.8, -2.9, second to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU steady at 7.2, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fourth straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZCB-HD2 (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.9)**

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

Up next: February 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 February PPM Released

By TALKERS | March 24, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM jumps eight-tenths to an 8.6 share lifting it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.1 share good for the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM falls seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that leaves it ranked #6 in the market. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds seven-tenths to close with a 5.4 share that moves it from the #2 rank to #5, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM falls 1.2 shares to finish with a 4.3 share and falls from #3 to #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | March 24, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.8 – 8.6, +.8, third to the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #14 to #10

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.0 – .9, -.1, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.9 – 12.1, -.8, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 15^th month in succession, 12.9 – 12.1, -.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical WETA (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.7 – 4.1, +.4, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.8 – 7.5, -1.3, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.9 – 3.2, -.7, #10 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR flat at 4.5, sixth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, second consecutive month, 8.8 – 7.5, -1.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-1.3)

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 4.1 – 5.3, +1.2, eighth to fourth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second month in succession, steady at 8.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WLRN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBGG (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.1 – 5.4, -.7, second to fifth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.5 – 4.3, -1.2 third to ninth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock KZOK, first month, 4.3 – 6.5, +2.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KZOK (+2.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.7)*

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

Note: KNUC flipped from country to triple A KPNW on February 14.

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, eighth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings) 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, third to fourth

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, steady at #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 7.3 – 7.4, +.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-1.1)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, tenth to ninth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun) 2.4 – 2.8, +.4, #17 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 8.0 – 7.4, -.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, second month in a row, 8.0 – 7.4, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country KNIX (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.1 – 3.4, +.3, #14 to #13

Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) flat at 3.0, repeats at #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 7.1 – 5.6, -1.5, second to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, fifth to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, first month, 6.7 – 7.3, +.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: jazz KBEM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.5)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.9 – 6.3, -.6, first to second

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.4 – 6.8, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: rock KIOZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, continues in ninth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #15 to #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 19^th month in a row, flat at 7.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WFUS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX (-1.2)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #15 to #17

co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, sixth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, fifth consecutive month, 6.2 – 6.1, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KRFX; classic hits-oldies KXKL; and public radio news/talk KUNC (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KOA (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #8 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.7, #18 to #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 1.2 – .7, -.5, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.4 – 4.3, +.9, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, 6.8 – 9.6, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult hits WQSR (+2.8)**

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WWMX (-1.6)

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, ninth to tenth

cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #17 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .8, +.1, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #12 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 4.4 – 3.8, -.6, flat at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, second month in succession, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLOU (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: triple A KDHX (-1.1)

Up next: February 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

Noam Laden Returns to WABC, New York as News Director

By TALKERS | March 6, 2023 by TALKERS

New York City news pro Noam Laden joins Red Apple Media Group’s 77 WABC as news director. He was most recently serving with iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR as morning news anchor. In his new role with WABC, Laden will host the daily 5:00 am “WABC News Hour with Noam Laden” and will anchor the top-of-the-hour news during the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” He’ll also be responsible for all WABC news content and distribution, on-air and online. Laden served with WABC from 2003 to 2018 in which he was news director, news anchor on the “Imus In the Morning” show, and co-host on the Geraldo Rivera show. Laden says, “I’m very excited to join the new 77 WABC. The station has a terrific lineup of hosts and the ratings are soaring. It’s great to be part of a winning team with passionate owners. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for distribution of our news.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “New Yorkers need to be in-the-know first thing in the morning and throughout their busy day. Our goal at WABC Radio is not only to deliver the news but to include all sides of the story.”

Industry Views

The Daily Dance of Affirmation

By TALKERS | March 1, 2023March 2, 2023 by TALKERS

By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS

The embarrassing situation and accompanying financial vulnerability being faced by our colleagues at FOX News is a high-profile example of the consequences of audience “targeting” that has become the common positioning strategy in today’s competitive media marketplace. The process is simple: You give the specifically targeted audience what it wants, not necessarily what it needs, even if what it wants is of dubious quality or unhealthy and – in the case of political talk media – untrue. It is a problematic, unsavory practice that has been brewing in our industry for years and, in the case of FOX, the proverbial toxicity has just hit the fan.

However, those in both the talk and print media, who are sanctimoniously gloating over FOX’s self-imposed misfortune, had better take a real hard look at themselves in the mirror. The strategy of serving up red meat to highly defined core audiences is practiced almost religiously by both the left and the right (not to mention purveyors of sports talk, specialty subjects and even music) – and the tolerance for talent deviation from this course by management has dwindled to almost zero. Today’s overworked and fear-driven managers have no stomach for audience complaints or ratings dips resulting from hosts saying things that do not resonate with the almighty “core.”

Smart programmers over the decades (and I’ve known some) understand that doggedly super-serving the low-hanging fruit of the core eventually yields diminishing returns. You wind up with a happier-but-shrinking audience of increasingly off-kilter zealots who eventually viciously turn on you when you stop feeding them the red meat they crave in what I call the daily dance of affirmation. It is that philosophical gray area between flat out lying or simply being wrong. What it comes down to is this inconvenient truth: programming for ratings, sponsorship support and audience approval isn’t simple.

Heaven help the progressive host who finds fault with Saint Biden or the conservative host who goes against the insidiously pervasive Trump factor. Or the sports talk show host who complains about the downside of betting. Or the music jock who actually engages in music criticism. This is the industry’s elephant in the room.

It’s time to acknowledge the beast.

Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. He can be reached by email at michael@talkers.com.

Industry News

Round Two of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | February 23, 2023February 23, 2023 by TALKERS

The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 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 January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths for a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all news WTOP-FM is up eight-tenths for a 8.6 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO rises nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.7 share that boosts it to the #11 spot as sister all-news WBZ-AM jumps half a share to finish with a 5.3 share good for the #5 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM tacks on six-tenths to finish with a 6.1 share and jumps to the #2 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news combo KNWN-AM/FM is flat at 5.5, and repeats in the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Don’t Take Your Air Talent for Granted

By TALKERS | January 30, 2023January 30, 2023 by TALKERS

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts the updated sales facts below are nowhere to be found in your radio station’s collateral material. This bold challenge is in front of you today as a wakeup call before the calendar becomes your frenemy.

The traditional calendarized selling events are about to begin starting with Valentine’s Day and you need to be current. Ratings, on-air lineup, and outside marketing may be out of your control but sharpening your selling skills and updating presentation materials is totally a selfie.

I’ve used many “wow” stats on sales calls – sometimes together, sometimes separately – but they’re always an important part of the pitch. Radio metric showstoppers with local appeal are mission critical in today’s fast-moving sales environment. Here’s a three-point, freshen-up to be integrated strategically when packaging or in stand-alone radio presentations. Use them or lose them, but at least choose to consider them.

— Nearly 80% of listeners say they would try a product or service recommended by their favorite radio personality, so says The Power of Local Radio Personalities study published by Katz last year. Now that is one heavy duty number! Careful about making this a universal, across-the-board statistic. Recommending a retirement community to the Gen Z audience is a non-starter. But when the radio talent is talking to that 55+ crowd in the right talk radio environment, that sound you hear is the phone lighting up with leads. When great creative is delivered by a great radio personality the audience comes alive.

— “79% of on-line searches are initially prompted with hearing an ad on radio,” according to Harvard Media, a Canadian marketing firm. The hard number may seem high for many of us, but the concept of using radio to enhance a multi-platform campaign, especially at the local level, is a tried-and-true formula. Call the concept what you will – media mix, multi-channel/platform – consistent messaging across the board delivers results.

— Digital disconnects. Ad blockers are in. According to a recent Hubspot survey update, 64% of ad blocker users say ads are intrusive while another 54% say ads are disruptive. Talk about negativity compared to the nearly 80% of radio listeners who consider their favorite personalities a trusted friend. We all want to hear what our friends have to say!

Chances are your basic sales materials are 2022 rollovers. Freshen up your look and give yourself a new reason to make the next call.

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Industry News

Round Four of Holiday 2022 PPM Survey is Posted

By TALKERS | January 30, 2023 by TALKERS

The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 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 Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, despite picking up 1.2 shares for a 10.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM falls from the #1 to the #2 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN dips 1.1 shares for an 8.8 share finish and falls from #1 to #3, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ sheds four-tenths for wrap the survey with a 6.2 share to remain ranked #5. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville adds a half share to finish the survey with a 4.9 share good for the #7 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM is off one-tenth, finishing with a 1.2 share, rising to the #17 rank. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM falls half a share to a 5.1 share that leaves it ranked #6, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM is flat at a 1.0 share and remains ranked #17. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | January 30, 2023 by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, second month in a row, 9.0 – 10.7, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLZT (-1.7)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 10.4, +1.2, first to second

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .2, -.1, #23 to #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.9, +1.2, #13 to #8 and co-owned WCMC-HD2 flat at .3, #23 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.2 – 9.2, +1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 6.9 – 11.6, +4.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+4.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRDU (-.4)

Note: Seven (7) Curtis Media Group-owned stations that appeared in the December 2022 top twenty are no longer subscribers and are unlisted in “Holiday” 2022. In addition to news/talk WPTF (#18 in December 2022), the others are: classic hits-oldies WKIX-FM (#5); adult hits WBBB (#7); country WQDR-FM (#8); classic hits-oldies WKIX-AM (#15); CHR WPLW (#15); and regional Mexican WYMY (#15).

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .4, -.3, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, anchored at #9

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 11.5 – 17.1, +5.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+5.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, first to third

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.6 – 6.2, -.4, locked in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 2.4 – 1.6, -.8, #14 to #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.3 – 11.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WRIT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “SuperTalk 99.7” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 7.3 – 6.6, -.7, third to fourth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.0 – 2.6, -1.4, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 11.9 – 14.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+2.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.4)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.3 – 4.5, -.8, fifth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .5, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, remains at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, stays at #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in succession, 10.5 – 16.9, +6.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+6.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WPRO-FM and country WCTK (-1.4)

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.4 – 2.8, -1.6, #7 to #11

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” 1.5 – .8, -.7, #17 to #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” flat at 1.6, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, second month in a row, 10.2 – 14.4, +4.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WNIS (-1.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 6.1 -.8, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .3 – .6, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 14.0 – 18.1, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.9)**

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, repeats in tenth-place and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – 1.0, +.1, anchored at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .8 – 1.1, +.3, #16 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, remains at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s flat at 3.2, carries on at #7

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.0 – 7.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WAYF (-1.3)

Note: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF had been #1 the past 12 months

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 3.2, -1.5, 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 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #11 to #9

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, flat at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, second month in a row, 12.8 – 17.4, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-1.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, remains at #13

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, continues at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 13^thsuccessive month, 11.7 – 13.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KXHT (-1.6)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, fifth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, stays at #17

iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .2, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, third to fifth

New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .4, #20 to #18 and WFCR’s internet stream .2, #20 (did not appear in the December 2022 sweep)

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 35^th month in a row, 15.0 – 15.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-1.3)

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

Industry News

Round Three of Holiday 2022 PPMs Released

By TALKERS | January 27, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM loses 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX declines nine-tenths for a 2.2 share finish that puts it in the #16 spot. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is steady with a 3.7 share but rises to the #10 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM sheds seven-tenths, finishing the survey with a 4.6 share but rises to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 2.3 shares for a 4.4 share finish that drops it to the #6 rank. Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM, Las Vegas adds 1.3 shares for a 2.3 share finish that pushes from the #26 rank to #16. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM is down a full share for a 5.1 share finish and the #7 rank, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | January 26, 2023 by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 7.8, -.8, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, flat at #14 and WJFK-FM’s internet stream .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.5 – 11.3, -.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 13^th month in succession, 11.5 – 11.3, -.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+2.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WMZQ and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-1.0)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, #14 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots) 8.5 – 8.0, -.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.7 – 4.6, -.1, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, eighth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WMJX, second month in a row, 9.7 – 12.5, +2.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMJX (+2.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WROR and CHR WXKS-FM (-.8)

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 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.0 – 8.9, +.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban AC WHQT (+.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.2)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, second to third

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to third

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, second month in succession, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KIRO-FM (-1.1)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #15

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Lions) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, continues in the runner-up slot and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #18 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC, second month in a row, 11.7 – 15.7, +4.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WNIC (+4.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WRIF (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.8 – 8.1, +.3, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second consecutive month, 11.3 – 16.7, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: sports talk KMVP-FM (-1.1)

*Represents a tie for the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, anchored at #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, steady at #14

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.7 – 2.0, -.7, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) unchanged at 7.5, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.3, -.4, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second straight month, 11.4 – 15.0, +3.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+3.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KZJK (-1.4)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 5.4, +.8, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KYXY, second month in a row, 8.3 – 13.6, +5.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+5.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.2)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, #7 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.2, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, anchored at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF unchanged at 2.6, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 17^th month in a row, 8.1 – 11.4, +3.3

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+3.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) steady at 2.4, #17 to #16 and cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #8 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, third consecutive month, 9.8 – 14.4, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KALC (-2.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, locked at #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .4 – .6, +.2, #25 to #20

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM”.7 – .6, -.1, flat at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.6 – 4.3, -.3, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, fifth consecutive month, 11.8 – 14.5, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, #12 to #9 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #16 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, flat at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 4.3 – 3.6, -.7, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KEZK, first month, 9.4 – 14.8, +5.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KEZK (+5.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock KSHE (-1.3)

*Represents a tie for the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 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

Ratings Takeaways

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | November 3, 2022 by Editor

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 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 October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.

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 September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).

Note: The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.4 – 7.3, -1.1, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB steady at 8.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 remains at #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, unchanged at 8.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KRYP (+1.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-2.1)*

*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.4 – 2.8, +1.4, #17 to #15

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.8 – 4.2, -.6, ninth to tenth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .4 – .6, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.0, -.4

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFNZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats in tenth-place

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, steady at #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth straight month, 9.7 – 9.5, -.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country KAJA (+.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSMG (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9, first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #7 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second successive month, 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” flat at 2.8, anchored at #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA steady at 3.7, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, third straight month, unchanged at 10.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WDSY (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 11.6 – 12.3, +.7, first

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.7 – 7.3, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 2.9, -.8, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 12.3, +.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock KBER (-.9)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.4, #16 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+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, second month in a row, 7.1 – 5.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KVEG (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.4)

Note: KDWN is being acquired by Audacy.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 5.0 – 6.0, +1.0, eighth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 5.6, -.3, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.0, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WPYO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-.9)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.0 – 1.7, +.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, steady at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, eighth month in a row, 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” 7.8 – 8.7, +.9, third to first

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, repeats in ninth-place and WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.2, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WTAM, first month, 7.8 – 8.7, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk WTAM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WGAR (-.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 7.5, +.8, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.4 – 10.2, +.8, first

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 6.6, -1.3, third to fifth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, second consecutive month, 9.4 – 10.2, +.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WCOL (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

Up next: October 2022 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

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | November 2, 2022 by Editor

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.

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 September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).

The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.1 – 9.0, +.9, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals) 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.1 – 11.8, +.7, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, tenth month in succession, 11.1 – 11.8, +.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news WTOP & WTLP (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WMMJ (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” flat at 3.8, repeats in ninth-place

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” steady at 5.3, continues in fifth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, New England Patriots) 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1, second to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, seventh to eighth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #19 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 7.3 – 9.4, +2.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WBWL (-.7)

*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as 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 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 8.4, +.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRTO (+1.0)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WXDJ (-1.7)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.6 – 7.1, +.5, third to second

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.5 – 4.8, +1.3, #14 to #6

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Seahawks) 7.0 – 7.6, +.6, first

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.3 – 2.3, +1.0, #23 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, second month in succession, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits KJAQ (-1.0)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, anchored at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, remains in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Lions) 5.6 – 7.1, +1.5, fourth to second and WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, carries on at #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 7.0 – 7.4, +.4

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOMC (-.7)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” 2.3 – 3.9, +1.6, #20 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.3 – 7.9, +.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 7.3 – 7.9, +.6

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KMVP-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.0)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” 5.6 – 4.8, -.8, seventh to tenth

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #15 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #15 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings) 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5, third to first

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.2 – 5.7, -.5, fifth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia sports talk KFXN, first month, 6.7 – 8.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-1.8)**

**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 2.9, +1.0, #17 to #15 and KWFN’s internet stream .8 – 1.6, +.8, #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, seventh consecutive month, 8.1 – 6.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (-1.5)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, repeats at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, continues at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, fourteenth month in a row, 9.1 – 9.4, +.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WLLD (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #18 to #17; KOA “News Radio 850” (Broncos) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” flat at 1.7, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Audacy hot AC KALC, first month, 6.2 – 6.9, +.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): classic hits-oldies KXKL and sports talk KKFN (+.8)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-1.4)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Ravens) 3.8– 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #17 to #18

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .7 – .8, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.2 – 5.9, +1.7, seventh to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, stays at #11

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second consecutive month, 9.5 – 9.0, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-.9)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 6.5 – 6.9, +.4, fifth to fourth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, repeats at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.0)

Up next: October 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.