Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Israel-Hamas war and the various protests against Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks; Jim Jordan’s failure to gain the House Speaker position and the numerous House members now vying for the post; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the Georgia election case defendants agreeing to plea deals; the Russia-Ukraine war; the investigation into the shooting death of a Maryland judge; and the murder of a Detroit synagogue president were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

WTMJ, Milwaukee Talk Host Jeff Wagner Announces Retirement

Longtime Milwaukee talk radio personality Jeff Wagner announces that he will retire from Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ-AM where he hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show after his December 15 show. His 25-year career with WTMJ began in 1998 as a part-time host. He quickly moved into a full-time position in November of that year. Wagner says of his decision to retire, “No show runs forever, andim it has been an honor and a pleasure to host a daily radio talk show in my hometown for a quarter century. I am extremely grateful to Good Karma Brands, my teammates (past and present), our partners, and most importantly, our fans for all their support over the years. While I’m excited to see what comes next, I will truly miss the daily interaction with listeners about the issues of the day.” Wagner has been a long-standing member of the TALKERS magazine Heavy Hundred – the annual list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Good Karma Milwaukee market manager Greg Scalzo comments, “Jeff is a broadcasting legend whose daily wisdom and dedication to the station was felt by our audience throughout his entire career. His retirement marks the end of an era, and we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.” Before joining WTMJ, Wagner was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and later an attorney in private practice.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of October 16 – 20

The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and its international repercussions was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Congressman Jim Jordan’s (R-OH) so far unsuccessful efforts to become the next House Speaker, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the related guilty plea by attorney Sidney Powell in the Georgia 2020 election case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media this week. 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 (10/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) fails in his bid to become Speaker of the House; hundreds sheltering in a hospital in Gaza die as Israel and Hamas blame each other; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping; and Alec Baldwin to face new charges in Rust shooting were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Jim Jordan’s push to become the next House Speaker; the Israel-Hamas war and President Joe Biden’s planned Wednesday trip to Israel; the gag order imposed on former President Donald Trump and his legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; U.S. migrant crisis; and Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett calls for a SCOTUS ethics code were some of  the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The GOP’s maneuvering to elect a new Speaker of the House; Israel’s war against Hamas and the destruction of Gaza; an Illinois landlord kills a six-year-old Muslim boy and injured his mother; the 2024 presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the “ring of fire” solar eclipse 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 October 9 – 13

The deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel and Israel’s response was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s collaboration with Qatar to freeze Iran’s oil assets due to Iran’s solidarity with Hamas, followed by U.S. House Republicans’ efforts to nominate and confirm a new House Speaker 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 (10/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Republicans nominate Steve Scalise to be the next Speaker of the House; the Israel-Hamas war and the controversy over Americans voicing support for Palestinians in Gaza; pressure on President Joe Biden to freeze Iranian assets in response to the Hamas attacks on Israel; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the Supreme Court hears arguments in the South Carolina redistricting case; new charges against Congressman George Santos and his tenuous hold on his seat; the ongoing UAW strike against the big three U.S. automakers; and the $1.72 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Israel-Hamas war and the political repercussions in the U.S.; the vacant House Speaker post and the renewed threat of a government shutdown; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; new felony charges against U.S. Rep. George Santos; Kari Lake announces bid for Arizona U.S. Senate seat; California’s new forced treatment law affecting the “gravely disabled”; the Supreme Court hears arguments in the South Carolina redistricting case; and the $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot 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 September PPMs Released

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

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Israeli responds to Hamas’ attacks and taking of hostages; RFK Jr announces independent bid for the White House; the chaos in the Republican Party after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.7 billion were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUSTIN

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

RALEIGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INDIANAPOLIS

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MILWAUKEE 

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NASHVILLE

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROVIDENCE

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORFOLK

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

JACKSONVILLE

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREENSBORO

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEMPHIS

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

HARTFORD

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of September PPMs Released

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

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of October 2 – 6, 2023

The ouster of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the legal battles of former President Donald Trump, followed by the 2024 presidential race 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 the complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

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

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

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

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

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

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

PORTLAND

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHARLOTTE

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN ANTONIO

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

SACRAMENTO

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

SALT LAKE CITY

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

LAS VEGAS

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

ORLANDO

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

CINCINNATI

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

CLEVELAND

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

COLUMBUS

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industry News

Round Two of September PPMs Released

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

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/4) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The House Speaker vacancy after Kevin McCarthy ouster; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis and President Joe Biden’s move to continue building a wall in South Texas; the 2024 presidential race; the Kaiser Permanente and UAW strikes; the Biden administration’s efforts to aid Ukraine against Russia; the state of the U.S. economy and recent financial markets activities; and the $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOSTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

SEATTLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETROIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOENIX 

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

MINNEAPOLIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO 

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAMPA

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

DENVER 

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

BALTIMORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST. LOUIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of September PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings date from Nielsen Audio’s September PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM rises three-tenths to a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls back one spot to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.2 share finish but rises to the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is flat with a 4.8 share but regresses one spot to the #4 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM jumps eight-tenths for a 3.7 share finish good for the #8 rank in the market. And in Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN-AM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share finish good for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is removed as Speaker of the House; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump and the gag orders imposed on him; the 2024 presidential race; the weapons charges against Hunter Biden; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and the U.S. economy and financial markets activity were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s 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).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #21 to #19

Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM 3.1 — 3.4, +.3, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, seventh to fifth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) steady at 2.5, #13 to #10

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #12 to #9

Good Karma Brands‘  WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) flat at 1.1 #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, tenth to eighth

WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #22 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eleventh month in a row, 8.1 – 7.3, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (+.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.8, third to fourth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.7, +.8, #12 to #8

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, seventh month in succession, 6.4 – 6.1, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KNX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #11 to #8

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, stays at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, remains at #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, twelfth straight month, 7.7 – 6.8, -.9 and Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV, first month, 6.2 – 6.8, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WTMX (+.7)

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

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 2.0, #18 to #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 7.1, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED flat at 5.3, repeats in third-place  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, sixth month in succession, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

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

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.7)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 4.7, +3, repeats in third-place

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers, Cowboys) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, fourth month in a row, flat at 4.9, and Cumulus Media country KPLX, first month, 4.1 – 4.9, +.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLTY (+1.2)

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

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 3.7, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA second month in a row, 7.5 – 7.9, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: alternative KTBZ (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) steady at 2.8, #15 to #14

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.5 – 1.5, -1.0, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.0)

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

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

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Audacy’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 5.5 – 5.8, +.3, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fifth straight month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KYW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBEN-FM (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.9, +2.1, #18 to #8

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, third to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, eighth to tenth

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, seventh month in a row, 7.1 – 8.0, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WABC (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news WINS and Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.7)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 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, .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at .2, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, sixth straight month, unchanged at 9.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KDAY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-.4)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 5.5 – 4.8, -.7, repeats in fourth-place

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, third month in a row, 6.5 – 6.6, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: 1980s-based KOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.0) 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, third to fourth   

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #13

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, remains at #19

WFAN’s internet stream 1.2 – .8, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, third straight month, 6.7 – 6.3, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

Up next: September 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 (10/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Congressman Matt Gaetz’s efforts to strip Kevin McCarthy of his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial; the 2024 presidential race; Hunter Biden to be arraigned on gun charges; the U.S. migrant crisis; President Joe Biden’s push for more aid to Ukraine; and a nine-year-old girl is found safe after being kidnapped for ransom at an upstate New York campground 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

The late-hour deal in Congress to prevent a government shutdown; Congressman Matt Gaetz’s threat to try to remove Kevin McCarthy from his House Speaker position; the Trump Organization fraud trial in New York City; the 2024 presidential race; speculation about who California Governor Gavin Newsom will name to replace Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate; the U.S. migrant crisis; and the U.S. Supreme Court returns from its summer breaks to take on cases including Second Amendment issues and more 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 September 25 – 29

The likelihood of a government shutdown as GOP hardliners demand budget cuts was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2024 presidential race and Wednesday’s GOP debate, followed by the UAW strike and visits to Michigan by Donald Trump and Joe Biden at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media each 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 (9/27) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Attempts to avert the looming government shutdown; the 2024 presidential race, Wednesday evening’s GOP debate and former President Donald Trump’s Michigan visit; President Joe Biden visits the UAW strikers in Detroit; the New York Trump Organization ruling; today’s expected formal opening of the impeachment inquiry into President Biden; the indictment of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) on bribery charges; and American soldier Travis King is released by North Korea into U.S. custody were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/26) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The efforts in congress to avoid a looming government shutdown; the bribery allegations against U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and his refusal to step down; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden; the 2024 presidential race and tonight’s GOP candidates’ debate; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Hunter Biden investigation; the Alabama redistricting case; the FTC and 17 states sue Amazon for monopolistic practices; the Writers Guild of America agrees to end its 148-day strike; and former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson’s book Enough were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.