December 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two
December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 4.6 – 3.5, #6 – #9
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 7.4 – 6.9, #3 – #3
WDCH .6 – .5, #23 – #23
WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.4, #14 – #17 (Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .5, #21 – #23 (Capitals)
WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26 (Wizards)
WTEM .2 – .1, #27 – #28 (Wizards)
WSBN DNA – .1, DNA – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 12.7 – 11.3, 25th month in succession at #1
Notes: Even though WAMU’s -1.4 (12.7 – 11.3) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease, the public radio news/talk station remains #1 for the 25th straight month.
The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 2.5 – 2.9, #14 – #14
WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.0 – 5.1, #6 – #5
Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #27
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 10.7 – 9.2, following three straight months at #1, slips to #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #12
WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 6.4 – 5.6, #2 – #3
WGBH 3.9 – 4.2, #9 – #8
Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -1.5 (10.7 – 9.2) represents Boston’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.4 – 1.4, #24 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM 2.1 – 1.2, #20 – #24 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #28 (Dolphins)
WMEN .4 – .1, #31 – #36
WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 3.9 – 3.6, #7 – #8
Note: Sports talk WQAM’s -.9 (2.1 – 1.2) represents Miami’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.1, #6 – #9 (Seahawks)
KTTH 1.6 – 1.6, #21 – #22
KVI 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #22
KPTR .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.6, #18 – #19
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KJR-FM 3.1 – 3.6, #12 – #11 (Kraken)
KIRO-AM 3.1 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Seahawks)
KJR-AM .6 – .7, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 6.8 – 6.2, #2 – #2
KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16
WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23
WJR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
WWJ 4.6 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #31 – #30
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 9.6 – 9.6, after three straight months at #1, falls to #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #18 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #26 – #25
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #20
WUOM 1.6 – 1.0, #18 – #21
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.3 – 3.2, #11 – #8
KTAR-FM 2.7 – 1.8, #14 – #23 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 3.5 – 2.1, #7 – #19 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 3.1 – 2.8, #12 – #11
Notes: Sports talk KMVP-FM’s -1.4 (3.5 – 2.1) represents Phoenix’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Adult contemporary KESZ boasts the highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase (+7.0) by any station in the first two rounds of PPM results, as well as posting the largest (6+) share (8.2 – 15.2).
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.0 – 4.0, #12 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16
KTLK-AM 2.0 – 1.7, #17 – #17
WCCO Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Sports Talk
KFXN 8.9 – 7.6, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)
KQQL-HD3 .3 – .3, #26 – #27
KSTP-AM .2 – .1, #28 – #29
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 5.7 – 5.5, #5 – #5
KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 4.2 – 3.8, #6 – #9
KLSD .3 – .2, #26 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 3.6 – 3.4, #11 – #11
KGB-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #21
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 6.2 – 5.9, #2 – #4
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 4.5 – 4.8, #6 – #8 (Lightning)
WFLA 4.4 – 3.9, #7 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.8– 1.9, #17 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #18
WMNF-HD3 Stream .1 – .4, #33 – #29
WUSF Stream .3 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 3.3 – 3.1, #13 – #13 (Broncos)
KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #20
KDFD 2.0 – 1.4, #20 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 4.2 – 3.8, #10 – #10
KKSE-FM 2.1 – 2.4, #19 – #16 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #35
KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #35
KAMP .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 4.0 – 2.7, #11 – #14
KUNC .4 – .4, #31 – #30
Note: Public radio news/talk KCFR’s -1.3 (4.0 – 2.7) represents Denver’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.7 – 3.4, #11 – #10 (Ravens)
WCBM 1.8 – 1.6, #17 – #17
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.3 – 1.1, #18 – #18
WDCH .9 – .8, #20 – #21
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 5.1 – 4.2, #5 – #8
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 4.5 – 3.3, #9 – #11
WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #26
Note: Public radio news/talk WYPR’s -1.2 (4.5 – 3.3) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 4.0 – 3.0, #11 – #13
KFTK 1.9 – 1.6, #17 – #17
KTLK-FM 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #18
KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #25 – #23
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #23
Sports Talk
WXOS 3.7 – 4.1, #12 – #11 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 4.0, #9 – #12
Note: News/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0) represents St. Louis’ largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.
Up next: December 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
midday slot. Hardy has also lent his voice and creative talents to various platforms across the station, including the creation of the wildly popular ‘Fuppets’ videos for Felger & Mazz. In addition, he has been the longtime host of the ‘Sports Hub Golf Club’ show and can also be heard on Beasley’s Rock 92.9.” Morning host Fred Toucher says, “I’ve known Hardy and admired his talent for many years. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter and feel revitalized by the new opportunity.” Hardy comments, “As a lifelong radio guy, I’m thrilled for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Fred and the rest of the morning show crew on what I believe will be a great show.” Station PD Rick Radzik states, “Hardy is one of the most talented and creative individuals I have ever worked with in radio. Teaming him with Fred was just a natural fit for our new morning show. I look forward to them providing great content and entertaining our listeners for years to come.”
High Sports, the other a piece by Michael Roberts in alt-weekly Westword that analyzes the state of Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan.” McKee (along with several others) was let go by “The 
Fan” in September after the station was beat in the ratings by Stan Kroenke’s crosstown KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio.” “The Fan” PD Raj Sharan was ousted shortly thereafter, and former ESPN Radio programmer Amanda Brown was recently brought aboard as PD to right the ship. Roberts’ piece chronicles the rise of “The Fan” – as well as its recent struggles. Ironically, shortly after being let go, McKee found work at his former competitor and now co-hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show at “Altitude Sports Radio” with former “Fan” host Tyler Polumbus and Scott Hastings. 
next best competitor – YouTube Music – at 31%. When it comes to Blacks 35-49, AM/FM reaches 90% of that demographic. The Nielsen report dips into Edison Research’s Share of Ear study and notes that when it comes to share of daily time spent listening to all audio sources (Black adults 18+) 44% of that time is spent with AM/FM radio compared to its next best competitor – streaming audio – with 14%. Not surprisingly, when it comes to the top radio formats listened to by Blacks 18+, rhythmic music stations rank at the top. However, out of the 20 radio formats Nielsen lists in its study, news/talk comes in as the 6th most-listened-to format with a monthly reach of almost 2.4 million. That comes out ahead of sports talk with a monthly reach of almost 1.98 million. 
from the study include: 1) the proportion of AM/FM radio in-car listening rose 9% year-over-year and is on par with pre-pandemic levels of listening; 2) spoken-word content listening is at an eight-year high with 39% of ad-supported listening (including AM/FM, streaming and podcasts) devoted to news/talk, talk, and sports; and 3) looking at Persons 25-54, the share of ad-supported audio time spent with personalities/talk shows has increased the most – from 11% of ad-supported listening in Q4 2016 to 19.4% in Q3 of 2023. 
organization addressing the essential education and enrichment needs of children and youth in foster care in Washington State. The 2023 fundraiser includes an online auction featuring one-of-a-kind sports packages from the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners, autographed Seahawks merchandise, and more. Bonneville SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “It is remarkable to celebrate 35 years of partnership between KIRO Newsradio and Treehouse in producing Holiday Magic. We have worked with Treehouse to create the Holiday Magic Campaign longer than any other community initiative and it has become a part of our purpose and mission.”
the company. Dove, who starts on January 1, comes to Alpha Media from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as Pacific Northwest Region president. Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt commented on the announcement, “I am very excited to have Robert lead us to new heights, opportunities, and successes. He knows Portland like no other broadcaster, has deep relationships and knowledge of our city’s intricacies, and will be a great addition to our team of market managers all across America.” Dove adds, “I’m very excited to join the Alpha Media team. As a native Portlander having the chance to work with some of Portland radio’s most iconic brands is very rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t wait to get started.” 
Cumulus operates news/talk WXLM-AM in the New London market and news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner states, “Holly is an extremely effective and capable leader. Having her lead New London in addition to Providence allows for us to provide enhanced solutions for customers in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.”
company operates news/talk WHLD-AM, Buffalo; sports talk WRIE-AM, Erie; and sports talk WSKO-AM, Syracuse as well as 11 music-formatted stations. Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker states, “We are pleased to expand Beth’s responsibilities over these three key markets for Cumulus. Her deep experience and effectiveness as a leader make her a natural choice for this enhanced role.” 
McCaffrey has been co-host of the “Murph and Mac” show with Brian Murphy, who appears to still be employed with the station. The dismissal of Santangelo spells the end of the evening call-in show that’s been part of the station for the past 51 years. Station program director Adam Copeland– who also co-hosts the afternoon show with Tom Tolbert – said on the program, “It’s been a really difficult day. I love this building, I love this station, I love working with you, Tom, and I’ve listened to you for years. I love a lot of people. I love the guys we let go of today. I’m looking forward to the future, but I really think we need to tip our cap and applaud the work that those guys have done.” 
November 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
WEEI-FM, Boston. He’ll continue to lead his program that includes cast members Jermaine Wiggins, Courtney Cox and Chris Curtis. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas states, “We are thrilled to extend Greg’s contract and keep the momentum going for his award-winning morning show. We look forward to having Greg, alongside Jermaine and Courtney, continue to set the tone for our weekday programming and deliver entertaining content for our listeners for the foreseeable future.”
her Eugene, Oregon management role and becomes regional vice president. Cumulus operates news/talk outlet KKOH-AM, Reno; news/talk KUGN-AM & sports talk KUJZ-FM in Eugene, plus six music brands. Cumulus president, operations Bob Walker says, “We are thrilled to expand Tricia’s responsibilities and welcome her back to Reno. Her experience and relationships in the market are unmatched.” 
from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. In addition to “Morning Juice,” Beam hosts the Ohio State Buckeyes football network post-game show in partnership with “97.1 The Fan” and Learfield/Ohio State Sports Properties and co-hosts the “Bone and Beam United” podcast. Station program director Matt Fishman says, “Beamer is a smart, versatile personality who has excelled in several roles. We are thrilled that he has decided to stay at ‘The Fan.’” Station manager Cody Welling adds, “Brandon is an emerging talent that has worked extremely hard on his development. I enjoy his energy, his passion for the station, and his love for Columbus, our teams, and our fans.”
$145.7 million, down 7.1% year-over-year. Audacy president and CEO David J. Field states, “Audacy’s third quarter net revenues declined 5.6%, in-line with our quarterly guidance as ad market conditions have remained challenging, particularly on national business. Cash operating expenses were down 2%. We gained revenue share in the quarter, most significantly in radio in which we have achieved accelerating share growth since the start of the year. We also delivered solid gains in radio ratings share and digital audience metrics while making important progress on our tech roadmap and meaningful expense savings to improve our current and future business model. Fourth quarter is currently pacing down 9% on an as reported basis and down 4% on a same-station, ex-political basis. We expect Q4 total revenues to decline by high single digits and costs to decline by high single digits. As noted in our recent public filings, we remain in constructive conversations with our lenders to recapitalize the company’s balance sheet to establish a strong financial footing and position the company to capitalize effectively on our growth opportunities. Notwithstanding current challenges, Audacy has established a strong position as a scaled, leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment company distinguished by our exclusive premium content and top positions across the country’s largest markets. We salute our team for their strong work delivering solid growth against our key performance metrics and serving our listeners and customers with excellence.”
“Martinez & Company” (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET), with the early afternoon daypart to be announced. The press release states, TBSN will debut October 30th with LIVE programming every weekday with sports talk radio from 7am to 8pm to start. Additional time slots and weekend programming will be added over the following months. TBSN is available to listeners nationwide online via LIVE365.com and on the ‘Tony Bruno Sports Network’ app for Android and iPhone.” Bruno adds, “I want to thank all of my fans who have followed and supported me through the years. I am grateful to everyone who has encouraged me to return and who still want to hear my daily fun approach to sports and current affairs, which has been my forté for over five decades in broadcasting; this time, I’m bringing friends! I hear over and over again that fans are tired of X’s & O’s sports radio. I plan to bring back exciting, sports talk radio again, with a Florida flair. What better place to launch a new nationwide sports network than in Florida, a true melting pot of fans from all over the nation.”
September 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
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.”