September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).
Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.1 – 6.3, +.2, repeats in fourth-place
KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 20, +.3, #20 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KINK and hot AC KRSK (+.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-2.0)*
*Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.4 – 5.2, -1.2, third to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 5.2, +.6, sixth to fifth
South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – 1.0, +.5, #20 to #18
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group country WSOC, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFNZ and public radio news/talk WFAE (+.6)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBT-AM & WBT-FM (-1.2)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #17 to #15
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #15 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth consecutive month, 8.6 – 7.1, -1.5
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock KTKX (+.6)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.5)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #24 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, #10 (third straight month)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.9, +1.1, fourth to third
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, repeats in eighth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, tenth month in a row, 11.4 – 11.2, -.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.1)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA and classical WQED (-.5)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in fifth-place
iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #17
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eleventh straight month, 10.8 – 10.3, -.5
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KJMY (-1.0)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #26 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third month in succession, 9.3 – 9.5, +.2
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID and classic rock KXPT (+1.8)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.2)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, seventh to eighth
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” steady at 3.4, #13 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #18 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #14 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 9.1 – 10.1, +1.0
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.4)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: alternative WQMP (-1.0)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds, Bengals) 14.0 – 13.9, -.1, #1
WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in sixth-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 20th consecutive month, 14.0 – 13.9, -.1
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.9)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, eighth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.0 – 5.1, +1.1, #11 to #10
WKRK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #18 to #17
iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” .2 – .3, +.1, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eleventh month in a row, 10.5 – 11.8, +1.3
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI +1.3)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WMMS (-1.1)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” flat at 5.1, third to fourth
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #19
Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” unchanged at 1.0, #22 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 (third successive month)
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KJNW (+.7)
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country KBEQ (-1.1)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, second to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.6 – 7.9, +2.3, fifth to second
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eleventh straight month, 10.4 – 9.8, -.6
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.3)**
Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-.9)
**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
Up next: September 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
slot. Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “‘The Rob Brown Show’ has been a winner in middays for ‘The Fan Upstate’ and will be even better in morning drive. Rob and Lonzo deliver an engaging, fast-paced sports talk show and are fresh off winning the best sports show in South Carolina for the second time. We’re equally as excited to debut Bill Reiter and his highly popular program to middays to carry listeners through their day. Upstate sports fans will love this new lineup and the quality sports radio content it will deliver.” This year, “The Rob Brown Show” won “Best Sports Show” at the annual State Television and Radio (STAR) Awards presented by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.
for the Phoenix Region that includes news/talk KFYI-AM and sports talk KGME, plus six music brands. iHeartMedia Phoenix region president Linda Little says, “I am thrilled to have Nancie step into this role and lead our Phoenix sales team to the next level. I know Nancie will bring her passion, creativity and leadership talents to help us further grow our business and partnerships.”
personality Mike Babchik. Amendolara has been hosting a program on CBS Sports Radio since 2017. SiriusXM VP of sports programming Eric Spitz states, “D.A. is one of the brightest stars in sports radio today. He delivers a terrific blend of informative and thoughtful sports talk with creative, entertaining humor, which is what our listeners are looking for as they start their day. He and Babs will make a dynamic team as they lead off our programming each morning.”
Friday (9/29). Cumulus objected to the two hosts publishing their “The Dumb Zone” podcast arguing that it violates the terms of their contracts, specifically the non-compete clause. McDowell and Kemp left “The Ticket” in July after being unable to come to terms on a renewal due to the two sides’ disagreement over digital initiatives. McDowell and Kemp had argued that Cumulus’ business is “the operation of terrestrial radio stations – old media – and it was only in that business that Plaintiff employed the Defendants.” Ultimately the two sides were ordered into mediation on the matter. The terms of the settlement have not been made public. 
signature programs, My Home Library, which raises funds to provide home libraries to economically disadvantaged children in Houston. Audacy Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier says, “Through the power of community and compassion, we’re delighted to help provide a brighter future for underserved children. We are proud to support the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation in their critical mission once again.”
been with the station since February of 2021 and has served as evening host, prime-time fill-in host, and co-hosts the “Cash The Ticket” sports betting podcast with WXYT afternoon host Mike Valenti. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager 
Debbie Kenyon says, “I’m thrilled that Jim Costa will be the next co-host of the ‘97.1 The Ticket’ morning show. Jim has spent the last few years building a great relationship with his listeners. We look forward to the talents of Jim Costa and Jon Jansen entertaining and informing the Detroit sports audience and can’t wait to see how the show evolves in 2024.” Costa adds, “This is a dream come true for me. My whole career, I’ve chased the chance to build a show on ‘97.1 The Ticket.’ I grew up listening to this station and rooting for these teams. To start the conversation in Detroit every morning is special. Jon Jansen and I are a good contrast; we play off each other well, and I’m excited for the show we will create along with Heather [Park] and the entire morning show crew.”
Phillip Lindsay’ begins a new era for the station’s flagship program airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bye moves to afternoons after serving on the midday show. Replacing Bye as Brandon Stokley’s partner is Josh Dover on the “Stokley and Josh” program airing in the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daypart. Dover previously served with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s KKSE-FM, Denver. At the same time, the station is extending the “Schlereth and Evans” morning show to air from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Katie Reid says, “We are proud to usher in a new generation here on ‘104.3 The Fan.’ This new lineup will provide a stable and consistent listening experience for our audience. We’re extremely excited to welcome both Phil and Josh, as their high character, dynamic personalities and passion for their Denver community will resonate deeply with our audience.”
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
recently director of sales at the company’s Beaumont, Texas/Lake Charles, Louisiana operations. The cluster includes news/talk WJCW-AM, sports talk WXSM-AM and two music brands. Walker says, “I’m extremely excited to be joining our Tri-Cities team. Cumulus Media is a great company to be a part of, supporting its employees with many great resources for our success. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve our Tri-Cities team, advertisers, and community. I have family in the market and can’t wait to call Tri-Cities home.”
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
director of operations and sports programming Chase McCabe (left). Middle Tennessee State alum Dubin was an original host on “The Game” when the station flipped to sports talk in 2012. He has also hosted programs on WNSR-AM, WKRN-TV, and WSMV-TV. McCabe says, “This is a surreal moment for me. After being able to watch Joe on TV, intern with him and then produce his shows on “The Game,” I am thrilled to be able to finally co-host with him. Joe is one of my mentors who always taught me to laugh and we will be doing a lot of that each weekday. I’m so glad to have him back on the team.” 
station features Michigan talk personality Justin Barclay in morning drive, followed by Premiere Networks’ daytime lineup of “The Glenn Beck Show,” “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” Sean Hannity, and Jesse Kelly, supplemented by “Our American Stories” and some FOX News Radio content. Adell bought the former Radio Disney station in January of 2015 and launched “910 The Superstation” featuring Black talk hosts who were not on the payroll but were given the platform to get their message out. Ultimately, Adell says it wasn’t financially successful. He told the Detroit Metro News, “When you look at it, no one supported it. I couldn’t get the community to support it.”
him the right person to lead this market and continue to raise the bar. I’m excited for our team to continue our commitment to serving our communities through local news, talk and sports with best-in-class brands in Wisconsin.” Scalzo comments, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of market manager with our GKB Milwaukee team. We are excited to work together to serve Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin with quality, trusted content in news, sports, and talk while connecting fans with our partners and impacting the community. We are proud of the new content we will be creating on ‘ESPN Wisconsin’ and the amazing things to come across all of our brands.”
the Obama Administration – is also the host of the programs “As I See It” and “Take My Word for It” on sister news/talk WRVA-AM. Collin Gutman hosts “The Gutcheck” on WRNL. Audacy Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier states, “We’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Postgame Gutcheck’ and give Commanders fans a dedicated space to dissect and digest each game this season. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ambassador Howard Gutman and his son Collin, this show will be a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth analysis, insider insights and a passionate breakdown of all things Commanders.”
Rick Caffey says, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric Baker to the Audacy Atlanta team as our new director of sales. With his extensive background in sales management, we are confident that Eric’s expertise will drive our market growth to new heights. His strategic vision and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in delivering top-tier content and engagement to our valued listeners and partners.” Baker says, “It’s with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new journey as the director of sales at Audacy Atlanta. I’m thrilled to collaborate with industry veterans like Rick Caffey, Doug Abernethy, and Reggie Rouse, whose expertise I greatly respect. My 16 years at Radio One have been invaluable, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the dynamic team at Audacy Atlanta, working together to deliver results and achieve remarkable success for our clients while continuing to positively impact the Atlanta community!”
their podcast “The Dumb Zone,” arguing that it violates the terms of their contracts, specifically the non-compete clause. McDowell and Kemp left “The Ticket” in July after being unable to come to terms on a renewal due to the two sides’ disagreement over digital initiatives. Since then, the two have been producing the aforementioned podcast. In response to the suit filed by Cumulus, McDowell and Kemp argue, “Plaintiff’s business is the operation of terrestrial radio stations – old media – and it was only in that business that Plaintiff employed Defendants. Plaintiff has realized only too late that it should have been moving into new media platforms for years now. Defendants’ new venture does not compete with Plaintiff, and their words and actions have complied with the restrictive covenants of their employment contracts despite, as will be shown below, almost all of those covenants are illegal restrictions on Defendants’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act.” Mediation has been set for August 22.
December and now hosts a show on the Outkick platform. With Query’s move to middays, the Kevin & Query Show that’s been airing in morning drive becomes “The Wake Up Call With KB and Andy,” as Kevin Bowen is joined by new co-host Andy Sweeney. Urban One Indianapolis operations manager David Wood tells the Indianapolis Business Journal, “While Jake loves working with Kevin, the show is a complete antithesis to his body clock. He’s a huge night owl. It dawned on me, ‘Why don’t I put a known quantity in this noon to 3 p.m. show?’ Everybody knows Jake. He’s well-respected and he’s an entertaining person.” 
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 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.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”
No, this isn’t about college football or New Year’s Eve. Wait, maybe it is.
branding. He’s been serving as a producer for the station since 2019. Audacy regional president Stacey Kauffman says, “Charlie O’s experience as a producer and deep understanding of our station’s content has been instrumental in KIFM’s success. With this new role, Charlie O will continue to elevate our content strategy, support our talented team, streamline operations and reinforce our distinctive branding. We are confident that his passion and dedication will help take ‘ESPN 1320’ to the next level.”
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.