Tag: Talkers Magazine

Features

TALKERS 2023 Speakers, Registration, and Hotel Info

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

TALKERS 2023, the 26th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and largest convention is shaping up to be one of the storied event’s most important installments.  The power-packed, one-day event will be presented by TALKERS on Friday, June 2, 2023 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “We are delighted to be able to join forces again with our colleagues at Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2022, 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.” As was the case last year, this event will be held in a COVID-19 compliant environment based upon the circumstances at the time of the convention. TALKERS 2023 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. It will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities.

In-person speakers at TALKERS 2023 include (in alphabetical order): Arthur L. Aidala, Esq. founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins PC/talk show host AM 970 The Answer, New York; Asa Andrew, M.D., talk show host, the Doctor Asa Show; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media; Guy Benson, talk show host, FOX News Radio; David Bernstein, director of broadcast operations, TALKERS; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida Region, iHeartMedia; Phil Boyce, SVP/Spoken Word Format, Salem Media Group; Ops VP, New York Region/ WMCA/AM970 The Answer; John Caracciolo, president/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS; Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, 1071 – The Boss, Livingston, NJ/sports talk talent coach; Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Mandy Connell, talk show host, KOA, Denver; Tom Cuddy, program director, WOR, New York; Michael Czarnecki, VP/programming, Binnie Media; Kevin DeLany, VP, News & Talk Programming, Westwood One; Spike Eskin, VP of Programming at WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio; Jimmy Failla, talk show host, FOX News Radio; Alex Fife, VP, operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia/Total Traffic & Weather Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Paul L. Gleiser, talk show host/owner, KTBB-AM/FM, Tyler, TX; Lee Habeeb, talk show host/producer, Our American Stories; Michael Harrison, publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, VP/associate publisher, TALKERS/media attorney; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Ross Kaminsky, talk show host, KOA, Denver; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond; Brian Kilmeade, talk show host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel; Kraig Kitchin, president, Sound Mind, LLC;  Steve Lapa, president, Lapcom Communications Corp; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting; Frank Morano, talk show host, WABC, New York; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hempstead, NY; Chris Oliviero, market president, Audacy, New York; David Pakman, talk show host/commentator, the David Pakman Show; Christopher Ruddy, CEO, Newsmax Media; Walter Sabo, president, Sabo Media/talk show host, Sterling On Sunday; Tavis Smiley, talk show host/owner, KBLA 1580, Los Angeles; Todd Starnes, talk show host, the Todd Starnes Show/owner KWAM, Memphis; Doug Stephan, talk show host, the Good Day Show/CEO Stephan Multimedia; Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; Joe Thomas, talk show host/program director, WCHV – Charlottesville, VA/PD, WRAD, New River Valley, VA; Paul Vandenburgh, talk show host/owner, WGDJ, Albany, NY; Jeff Warshaw, CEO/founder, Connoisseur Media; Lisa Wexler, talk show host, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Brett Winterble, talk show host WBT, Charlotte; Larry Young, talk show host, The Larry Young Podcast; Michael Zwerling, talk show host/owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA. More will be named in the days ahead.

Attendance at the conference is limited to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Attendance will be limited, and the conference is again expected to be an early sellout.

The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $379. Take advantage of the early bird fee of $329 available until 5:00 pm ET on Friday, March 31. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable. The recommended nearby hotel is the Long Island Marriott at 101 James Doolittle Blvd., Uniondale, NY. For room reservations click here. To register for TALKERS 2023 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | 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, 13th 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

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 20 – 24

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The numerous legal battles facing former President Donald Trump, including the probable indictment in the Stormy Daniels hush money allegation was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about the security of the global banking system, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates again at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | 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, 15th 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, 19th 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

Yesterday’s (3/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The economy, the Fed’s move to increase interest rates again, and fears of a recession; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and the state of the banking industry; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. government’s move to ban TikTok; two staff members are injured in a shooting at a Denver high school; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the meeting between Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping; and the recent climate change report and the severe weather in Southern California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 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.

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+). 

NEW YORK

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

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” locked at 4.6, remains in seventh-place

Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #17 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, repeats at #12

WFAN’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.4, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 6.5 – 7.0, +.5

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.7) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.1, sixth to fifth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #9 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eighth month in succession, 6.8 – 5.5, -1.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+1.1)

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

CHICAGO

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

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, anchored in fourth-place

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, eighth to seventh  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, fifth straight month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.9 – 6.0, -.9, second to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #11 to #14

Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.9 – 2.3, -1.6, #7 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth successive month, 8.1 – 7.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KDFC and alternative KITS (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*

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

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #10 to #16

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #17 to #20

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 6.2 – 5.6, -.6, #1

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #9 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, second straight month, 6.2 – 5.6, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (+.6)

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

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” flat at 3.8, stays at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF steady at 3.1, repeats at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 24th consecutive month, 9.6 – 8.0, -1.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-1.6)*

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

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 7.2, +.9, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #14 to #18

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, ninth to tenth

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

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (1.2)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, fifth to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 6.9 – 5.9, -1.0, second to fourth

WIP’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, repeats at #19

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.7, +.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOGL (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.0)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, continues at #16

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, seventh to sixth

Cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth

Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) flat at 1.6, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 5.9 – 6.1, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI (+1.6)**

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.9)

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

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .4, continues at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 15th consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.0)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #19

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.4 – 6.8, -.6, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 4.3 – 2.7, -1.6, #7 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, ninth consecutive month 8.5 – 7.6, -.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*

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

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.3, -.8 remains in the runner-up slot

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #14 to #12

Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.1 – 1.5, +.4, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, seventh to ninth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, second consecutive month, 7.4 – 6.6, -.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ; news/talk WKXW; and sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.8)

Up next: February 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

Yesterday’s (3/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The potential indictment of former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels hush money matter and Trump’s call to his base to protest; the sniping between former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; the U.S. economy, the Fed’s interest rate hikes, and the aftermath of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank; Xi Jinping’s trip to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit with Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine; the latest climate change report issued Monday concluding the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; the legal battle between Dominion Voting Systems and FOX News in the former’s $1.6 billion suit against the media outlet; and high winds and rain hit Southern California as the 12th atmospheric river hits the region were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels and his likely indictment; the latest climate change report issued Monday concludes the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; China’s Xi Jinping visits Vladimir Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about global banking troubles; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War; and Miami Beach struggles with crowds and violence during Spring Break were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the state of the global banking system; Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s case against former President Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels matter and Trump’s suggestion his supporters “take to the streets” in protest; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the GOP race for the nomination in ’24; Vladimir Putin visits Mariupol, Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues; China’s Xi Jinping travels to Moscow to visit Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and the first rounds of the NCAA basketball tournaments were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 13-17

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, the issue of banking regulations, and concerns about bank security came together as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy and the related policies of the Federal Reserve, followed by the U.S. drone downed by Russia over the Black Sea and the related Russia-Ukraine war at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

The Late Jim Bohannon to Be Honored at TALKERS 2023

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A decade after receiving the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 installment of the trade journal’s national convention, the late Westwood One syndicated talk radio star Jim Bohannon will again be honored at the annual gathering. The award will be renamed The Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, “On behalf of our editorial board, I am pleased to announce that this prestigious award is being named after one of its most beloved and accomplished recipients. Jim’s 60-year career in radio as a DJ, news reporter and then as one of the all-time great talk show hosts was impeccable. He stood tall as a giant among us displaying journalistic integrity, on-the-job dependability, remarkable longevity, stunning talent, and unconditional goodwill to his fellow broadcasters as a mentor and a colleague.” Bohannon passed away on November 12, 2022 after a brave battle with esophageal cancer performing on air as best he could to almost the very end. The award will be presented at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University along with The Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech, The Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievements by a Woman (Woman of the Year), and The Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service (Humanitarian of the Year).  The recipients of all four awards will be named within the next few weeks. 

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/15) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank and the efforts to assure Americans about the security if the banking system; the U.S. economy. Fed policy, and concerns about a recession; Russia’s downing of a U.S. drone over the Black Sea and the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the U.S. pushes China to force TikTok sale; Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk hears arguments over the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone; the ’24 race for the GOP nomination; the 5,000 mile-wide seaweed blob headed to the shores of Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A U.S. military drone is knocked out of the sky by a Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea; the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and concerns about regulation and the banking industry; inflation, the state of the U.S. economy, and Fed policy; today’s scheduled arguments in a Texas court over access to the abortion pill; President Joe Biden issues executive order strengthening gun purchase background checks; the Republicans vying for the 2024 GOP nomination for president; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; Facebook parent Meta announces layoffs of another 10,000 employees; and the atmospheric river that deluged California and left hundreds of thousands without power & the Nor’easter that dumped snow on the Northeast were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, concerns about other banks and the controversy over bank regulation; the government’s inflation report and whether the Fed will hike interest rates or stand pat; U.S.-Mexico border troubles and Texas’ move to create its own border police force; President Joe Biden approves a new oil drilling project in Northern Alaska; the GOP contenders for the ‘24 GOP nomination; Russia’s aggressive assault on eastern Ukraine; China warns U.S. over nuclear sub deal with Australia; former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen set to testify before Manhattan grandy jury investigating the Stormy Daniels hush money allegations; and the atmospheric river dumping more rain on Northern California and the Nor’easter piling snow on the Northeast were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The fallout from the failure of Silicon Valley Bank; the attempts by large groups of people to enter the U.S. by overwhelming border guards in El Paso and other border crossing locations; the 2024 presidential race; former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen set to testify before Manhattan grand jury investigating the Stormy Daniels hush money allegations; Russia’s ongoing assault on the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; the atmospheric river event destined for Northern California that will bring more rain and potential flooding to the region; and Sunday evening’s Academy Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 6 – 10

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The relations between the U.S., China, and Russia as China threatens the U.S. for trying to “encircle and contain” it while the U.S. watches China cozy up to Vladimir Putin and refuse to condemn Russia’s aggression in Ukraine was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the use of security video from the U.S. Capitol by FOX News personality Tucker Carlson to downplay the events of January 6, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s warning that interest rates will continue to be pushed up at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

FOX News host Tucker Carlson’s airing January 6 video attempting to prove what happened at the Capitol was “mostly peaceful”; a House committee begins hearings in which it suggests an investigation into the lab leak theory of COVID-19’s origins should be investigated; U.S.-China relations as China accuses the U.S. of trying to “encircle and suppress” China’s progress; Russia’s intensifying fighting to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; President Joe Biden’s plan to present his budget proposal including tax hikes that would cut the federal deficit by $3 trillion; two Americans are killed in Mexico traveling for a medical procedure; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is hospitalized after falling; and Central and Northern California prepare for another powerful snow and rain storm were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Fed chair Jerome Powell tells the Senate Banking Committee the Fed is likely to raise interest rates much higher to curb inflation; China’s foreign minister Qin Gang threatens the U.S. with “conflict and confrontation” for trying to “encircle and suppress” China; the proposed ban on TikTok gains support from the White House; two Americans are dead after being kidnapped by Mexican drug gangs; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s cozying up to Vladimir Putin; the protests in Paris over the raising of the retirement age; controversy over FOX News’ Tucker Carlson portraying January 6 as a “mostly peaceful” event; and California’s severe weather threat changes from snow to floods were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/6) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang defends China’s relationship with Russia and warns the U.S. about interfering; Russia’s efforts to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; former Vice President Mike Pence asks a judge to block a subpoena for his January 6 testimony; the battle in Congress over the U.S.’s debt ceiling; the U.S. economy and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s scheduled testimony today (3/7) before the Senate Banking Committee; the Biden administration’s immigration policies and its consideration of reinstating the detention of migrants; four Americans are kidnapped in Mexico by an armed gang; the severe winter weather hitting California; and tennis star Novak Djokovic seeks a COVID vaccine exemption to play in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Former President Donald Trump speaks at CPAC; the race for the GOP nomination in ’24; U.S.-China relations and warnings from the West that China should not assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine; President Joe Biden visits Selma, Alabama and promotes voting rights legislation; a second Norfolk Southern train derailment happens this time in Springfield, Ohio; Russia’s battle to take control of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the testimony from FOX News executives and personalities in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit; and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington dies were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for February 27 – March 3

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly vote condemning the invasion and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was U.S.-China relations in the wake of the spy balloon matter and China’s cozying up to Russia, followed by the U.S. Energy Department concluding that COVID-19 was the result of a Chinese lab leak at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (3/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before the Senate Judiciary oversight committee; Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as crime in the city becomes chief election issue; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was the result of a Chinese lab leak; the G-20 meeting in New Delhi, India; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko visits Xi Jinping in Beijing; testimony from the Dominion Voting Systems suit against FOX News; the numerous legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; the deadly Greek high-speed train crash; and Harry and Meghan are ousted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles III were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/28) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Supreme Court hears arguments over the constitutionality of President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan; the escalating military action in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s threats against the West; Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko meets with Xi Jinping in Beijing; Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid as mayor of Chicago after criticism over city’s crime spike; the U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that COVID was likely the result of a Chinese lab leak; Attorney General Merrick Garland goes before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing today (3/1); the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; and the record snow and rain hitting California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (2/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The U.S. Energy Department’s conclusion that the cause of COVID was likely a lab leak and renewed speculation the Chinese government knew about it; Ron DeSantis’ takeover of the Disney district; the Supreme Court hears arguments over President Joe Biden’s student debt relief program; the intensifying fighting in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s issuing January 6 footage to FOX News Channel’s Tucker Carlson; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the aftermath of the toxic train wreck in East Palestine, Ohio; the record snowfall in California and the tornadoes that swept through Oklahoma; the released testimony from the Dominion-FOX News lawsuit; and this week’s CPAC taking place in Maryland were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Round Four of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Barry Farber - usedThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 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 January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis comes back from the Holiday survey with a 1.5 share increase to post a 7.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #3. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN-AM adds eight-tenths to finish the survey with a 9.6 share that lifts it to the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ-AM adds 1.3 shares to wrap the survey with a 7.5 share but remains anchored in the #5 spot. In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM tacks on 1.3 shares to finish with a 6.2 share, good for the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC-AM is off two-tenths, finishing with a 1.0 share and the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.