Tag: Talkers Magazine

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, sixth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLZT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-1.0) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in third-place

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

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #9 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK (+1.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.4)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.8 – 5.7, -1.1, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 6.6, +1.3, seventh to third

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

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

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.5 – 7.9, -1.6, second to fourth  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, flat at #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .6 – .8, +.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, steady at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.7, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB and classic hits-oldies WRXS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.6)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, locked in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to ninth    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” flat at 1.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, sixth month in succession, 11.8 – 11.4, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WCJK (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .2, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, repeats in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #12 to #10

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #9 to #11

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 8.9 – 9.6, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.0)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” flat at 2.5, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh straight month, 10.3 – 10.0, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: hot AC WPTE (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.5)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 6.1, -.2, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, third month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.0)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.3, -.3, #12 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.4 – .2, -.2, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 8.2 – 10.2, +2.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-.8)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 1.6 – 2.3, +.7, #12 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, seventh month in a row, 14.0 – 12.3, -1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.7)*

*Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station in these 12 PPM-markets

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to eighth

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” unchanged at .2, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #17 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fifth straight month, 12.2 – 13.7, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WLFP (+4.0)**

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock KWNW (-1.1)

**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #15 to #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” flat at 1.6, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to eighth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .6, +.1, stays at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 42nd month in a row, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (-1.2)

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

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI falls two-tenths to post a 2.6 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and falls to the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds one-tenth for a 2.5 share finish that lifts it to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM loses a full share to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish that lifts it to the #6 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia talk WTKS-FM loses six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share but remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO remains flat with a 3.9 share and the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The indictments of former President Donald Trump, including the revelation of a previously secret memo to overturn the 2020 election and special counsel’s securing a warrant to search Trump’s Twitter account; the Hunter Biden “on hold” plea deal and calls for an investigation into the Biden family finances; President Joe Biden announces rules restricting investment in Chinese artificial intelligence; the FBI kills Utah man who allegedly threatened Biden; Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio is assassinated at a campaign event; Ukraine’s slow counteroffensive against Russian troops; and the deadly wildfires in Hawaii were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-1.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12

WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)

Up next: July 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 July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP leaps nine-tenths for a 9.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.5 share good for the #9 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO sheds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.4 share and falls to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and remains ranked #7. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown news/talk is up three-tenths for a 1.9 share and the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

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

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and Judge Aileen Cannon’s challenges to special counsel Jack Smith’s use of the grand jury; the expected indictment of Donald Trump under Georgia’s RICO statue by Fulton County DA Fani Willis; the 2024 presidential race; the Ohio referendum to raise the threshold to amend the state’s constitution fails; reports of China’s sluggish economy; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the $1.58 billion Mega Millions winning lottery ticket is sold in Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, repeats in ninth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.2 – 9.1, +.9, ensconced in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.0 – 11.6, +.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 20th month in succession, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.9)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.5, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, third to fifth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1 #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.7 – 6.1, +.4, steady in the runner-up slot

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 6.0 – 6.2, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WBGB (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WKLB (-1.0)

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 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 8.0, -.9 and co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, ninth to fifth

Lotus Communications’ KVI “Talk Radio 570” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #17

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, seventh to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 5.6 – 4.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.7, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.1) 

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, remains at #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, steady at #10

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, continues in third-place

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, second successive month, 8.1 – 9.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX (-.9)

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, second consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KAZG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNZ (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” steady at 2.3, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fourth consecutive month, 10.3 – 11.6, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KEEY (-.9)

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, stays in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.2 – 5.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, sixth successive month, unchanged at 7.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNV (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 24th month in a row, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WFLA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV and sports talk WDAE (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #14 to #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.7, -.8, #10 to #17

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, steady at #11

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7 and KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 6.4 – 6.2, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLDV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classical KVOD (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.5 – 4.3, +.8, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Urban One urban contemporary WERQ, first month, 5.5 – 7.0, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WERQ (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WPOC (-1.9)**

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

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, seventh to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, remains at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 11.4, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WXOS (-.5)

Up next: July 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 July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM sheds two-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls back to the #11 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WINS-AM/FM rises six-tenths to a 4.9 share and climbs to the #6 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN adds two-tenths for a 3.2 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM tacks on four-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.0 share but falls back to the #4 rank. And in San Francisco, Audacy all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM rises eight-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.7 share that leaves it ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KSFO dips one-tenth for a 1.9 share finish good for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The indictment of former President Donald Trump in connection with the events of January 6; the 2024 presidential race; the “on hold” plea deal by Hunter Biden and calls for an investigation into the Biden family finances; today’s Ohio ballot initiative to make changing its constitution more challenging; Ukraine’s troop losses as it attempts a counteroffensive against Russian troops; the severe weather affecting the Eastern U.S.; and tonight’s drawing for the $1.55 billion Mega Millions lottery were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 June 2023 – July 2023 (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, eighth to sixth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, anchored at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, locked at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, repeats in tenth-place

WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM .8 – 1.5, +.7, #26 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, ninth month in a row, 7.6 – 7.7, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-AM (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WXNY (-.7) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, remains in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” steady at 2.8, #12 to #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, fifth month in succession, 5.9 – 6.8, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRTH (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KBUE (-.8)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #10

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #15 to #12  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, tenth straight month, 7.2 – 7.0, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: triple A WXRT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WDRV (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #18 to #17

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #11 to #10

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

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth month in succession, 7.8 – 8.1, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR KMVQ (-1.0)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 5.1 – 4.7, -.4, continues in the runner-up slot  

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, steady at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, second month in a row, 5.4 – 5.3, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits KJKK (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KPLX (-.6)

Note: Audacy classic hits-oldies KLUV “Nobody Plays More 80s” remains in the format and stays at #1; however, it changes calls to KSPF as “98.7 The Spot.”

HOUSTON

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.6 – 4.0, +.4, #11 to #9

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 rock KGLK first month, 6.8 – 7.0, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KSBJ; urban contemporary KQBT; Spanish contemporary Christian KHVU; and gospel KROI (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-2.0)*

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

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA had been #1 the last 28 months.

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” flat at 6.5, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, repeats at #14

Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 2.7 – 3.5, +.8, #15 to #9

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, seventh successive month, 10.4 – 9.6, -.8

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WABE (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-.8)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, seventh to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, tenth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY flat at 4.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, third straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WXTU (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.5 – 1.9, -.6, #16 to #18

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 3.7, ninth to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, tenth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.4 – 3.4, -1.0, fifth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fifth month in a row, 6.7 – 8.5, +1.8

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+1.8)**

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN (-1.0)

**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 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, .3 – .4, +.1, locked at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fourth straight month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.6)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #18 to #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” steady at 6.3, third to first 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, seventh to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, unchanged at 6.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC KBLX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR KMVQ (-1.6)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 6.5, +1.0, repeats in third-place 

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” flat at 1.0, stays at #19

WKXW’s internet stream .3 – .9, +.6, #20

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #16 to #13

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, sixth to eighth

Good Karma Brands‘ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-1.1)

Up next: July 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

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Former President Donald Trump’s “come after me I come after you” response to his indictment on charges related to January 6; the Hunter Biden on hold plea deal and calls for an investigation into the Biden family finances; the 2024 presidential race; A Ukrainian woman is arrested on charges of being part of a plot to assassinate Volodymyr Zelensky; the Russian and Chinese ships found patrolling near Alaska last week; the hoopla surrounding the possible Elon Musk–Mark Zuckerberg cage match; and the Barbie movie hits record $1 billion in box office receipts were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS Vice President/Executive Editor Kevin Casey is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Last month marked the 33rd anniversary of the launch of TALKERS magazine – the talk media industry trade publication founded by Michael Harrison in July of 1990. The term “talk media” established and popularized byim the journal refers to AM, FM, online and satellite talk radio, cable news/talk TV, and talk podcasting.

Marking this third-of-a-century milestone, TALKERS longtime VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Casey, then a program director for Clear Channel’s WHYN, imSpringfield, MA, joined TALKERS as its managing editor almost a quarter-of-a-century ago in 2000. The big story during that pre-9/11 year was the excruciatingly inconclusive presidential election between Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore that took over a month to settle.

Michael Harrison states, “I’ve been blessed with a tremendous group of media professionals who operated and built TALKERS into the established communications vehicle that it has proven to be in many ways paralleling the growth of talk radio and its offshoots for more than three decades. One of the key individuals who has been responsible for its growth and longevity is my dear colleague, Kevin Casey.”

In a casual conversation between longtime friends and co-workers, Harrison and Casey take stock of the publication’s journey which parallels the historic role of talk radio’s modern era. Hear the complete podcast here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of July 31 – August 4

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges related to the events of January 6 was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the “on hold” plea deal by Hunter Biden and the building momentum to investigate the Biden family finances, 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 this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The latest indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges related to the events of January 6; the status of Hunter Biden’s plea deal and calls for further investigation into his business dealings and how involved President Joe Biden was; the 2024 presidential race; the gunman in the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting is sentenced to death; the Russia-Ukraine war; and musician Lizzo is sued by former dancers for harassment were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (8/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Special counsel Jack Smith announces the grand jury indictment of former President Donald Trump in connection with the events of January 6; the investigation into Hunter Biden and the status of his plea deal; the 2024 presidential race; the Russia-Ukraine war; the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strikes; and Lizzo is sued by former dancers for sexual assault, harassment and discrimination were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/31) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Hunter Biden investigation and “on hold” plea deal; Donald Trump’s various legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the ongoing heatwaves affecting parts of the U.S. & Europe and the larger topic of climate change; the Russia-Ukraine war; the growing U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf;  Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman, dies 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 Hunter Biden investigation and the status of his plea deal; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; questions about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health; a judge blocks an Arkansas law making librarians and booksellers liable for making “harmful” books available to children; the heatwave affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the Russia-Ukraine war; trucking industry giant Yellow plans to file bankruptcy; and the $1.05 billion Powerball jackpot 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 Stories for Week of July 24 – 28

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Hunter Biden plea deal and Republicans’ desire to further investigate the Biden family finances was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the potential Joe Biden impeachment inquiry, followed by former President Donald Trump’s various legal battles 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 Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Judge Maryellen Noreika defers her decision on approving a plea deal between Hunter Biden and prosecutors and Republicans’ calls for impeaching President Joe Biden over Hunter Biden’s business dealings; Donald Trump’s legal battles and Rudy Giuliani’s admission he made false statements about Georgia election workers; the Fed raises interest rates and indicates future rate increases are possible to battle inflation; the 2024 presidential race; a whistleblower testifies that the U.S. government is concealing its UFO capture program; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s stated deployment of nuclear weapons; the intense heatwaves affecting much of the U.S. & Europe and the great topic of climate change; and Sinead O’Connor dies at 56 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Hunter Biden’s guilty plea and criticism of the “sweetheart” deal that would have sent regular Americans to prison; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy considers Joe Biden impeachment in connection with Hunter Biden investigation; the Fed is expected to hike interest rates again today; the heatwaves affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere and the report that the Atlantic Ocean’s currents are being harmed by global warming; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang disappears from public view and is replaced; LeBron James’ son suffers cardiac event at basketball practice; and today’s House panel hearings on UFO’s were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The status of Hunter Biden’s “sweetheart” plea deal; the feds sue Texas over Rio Grande immigrant barrier; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the legal fight over Alabama’s congressional map; U.S.-Israel relations in the wake of that country’s weakening of its Supreme Court; the heatwaves affecting the U.S. and Europe and the fires scorching Greek islands; and conservatives freak out over the Barbie movie were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

TALKERS Celebrates 33rd Year of Publishing

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Today begins the 34th year of publishing for TALKERS magazine as a trade journal serving the talk media industry. The first issue rolled off the presses in the form of a tabloid newspaper on Monday July 23, 1990 focusing primarily on talk radio.  Since then it has grown and evolved with the industry to go through severalim format phases including a full color magazine and eventually a daily online operation geared to providing news, advice and opinions to professionals involved in programming, managing, marketing and operating an array of related platforms in what has come to be known as talk media.  This includes most popular forms of spoken-word AM and FM radio, plus online programming, podcasting, cable television and satellite broadcasting. During this period, TALKERS has produced and presented 26 national conventions in New York and another three in Los Angeles. Add to that more than 35 regional, national and international forums about the field and countless radio rows including several at the White House in conjunction with both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. TALKERS remains and will continue to be a non-partisan proponent of the First Amendment with a great love and passion for talk media’s roots in the century old medium of radio.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Texas Governor Greg Abbott under pressure to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande; the weekend’s premieres of The Barbie Movie and Oppenheimer; the extreme heat affecting much of the United States and Europe; the Jason Aldean “Try That in a Small Town” controversy; the latest attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war; Israeli protests over Netanyahu’s plans to weaken the country’s Supreme Court; Elon Musk transitions Twitter to its new name X 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 Stories for Week of July 17-21

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump 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, followed by the Hunter Biden investigation at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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 (7/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Donald Trump legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the IRS whistleblowers and the Hunter Biden investigation; the controversy over Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town”; the global summer heatwave and climate change; Texas abortion lawsuit; Russia steps up bombing of Ukraine; and the $1 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 June PPM Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.4 – 4.4, -1.0, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT steady at 4.4, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, sixth month in succession, 10.5 – 11.4, +.9

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (-1.1) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.2, -.1, second to third

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

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, stays in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.9 – 8.3, +.4, third to second

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, sixth straight month, 9.4 – 9.8, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC; public radio news/talk WUNC; and adult contemporary WRAL (+.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCMC (-.7)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.6 – 6.8, +.2, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, first month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI and alternative WOLT (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.0)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 10.2 – 9.8, -.4, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 8.2 – 9.5, +1.3, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” flat at 1.1, #16 to #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .9 – .6, -.3, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, third straight month, 10.2 – 9.8, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.0)

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

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.0 – 5.2, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, ninth to seventh   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.4 -1.3, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, flat at #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fifth month in succession, 13.3 – 11.8, -1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.2 – 5.9, +.7, locked in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 2.2, #11 to #12

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .0 – .1, +.1, #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #12 to #9

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN steady at 1.6, unchanged at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB, first month, 8.4 – 9.0, +.6

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM & WEAN (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WCTK (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.0 – 3.7, +.7, remains at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #15 to #12

WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” .2 – .5, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, sixth straight month, 10.7 – 10.3, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3 +.8, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, second month in a row, 8.7 – 10.0, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.3)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country WQIK (-2.1)

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

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.9 -1.6, -.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.4, continues at #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – .9, -.4, #14 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.5 – .4, -.1, anchored at #18

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

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 3.2, +.6, tenth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WOLL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-3.7)**

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

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC .9 – 1.0, +.1, flat at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, sixth month in a row, 13.3 – 14.0, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WPTI; country WTQR; and CHR WKZL (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #11 to #10

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 2.4, -.7, eighth to ninth

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO flat at 1.5, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 12.2, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-1.1)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 5.5, +.6, seventh to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream flat at .4, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .9 – 1.6, +.7, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.6 – 3.5, -2.1, sixth to ninth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .7 – .5, -.2, #17 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 41st month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: sports talk WUCS (+.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.1)

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

Industry News

Round Three of June PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #14, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA loses nine-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM sheds one-tenth for wrap the survey with a 5.6 share and remains ranked #3, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses eight-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls one spot to the #8 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM adds one-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share and remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO tacks on two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish that keeps it ranked #11. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Today’s hearing before Judge Aileen Cannon in the Donald Trump classified documents case; the Georgia Supreme Court denies Trump’s attempt to shut down 2020 election investigation; the global heatwave and climate change; the 2024 presidential race and Joe Manchin’s third party run tease; a judge blocks Iowa’s six-week abortion ban; Russia backs out of Ukraine grain deal and bombs Ukraine grain port; and the Hollywood writers and actors strikes were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJune 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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 May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 5.6, -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, anchored in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.6 – 9.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KWJJ and similarly-formatted KUPL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW and news/talk KEX (-.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, #8 to #11

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.6, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WKKT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFAE (-.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #14

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.3 – 2.4, -.9, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth consecutive month, 7.6 – 8.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KCYY and news/talk KTSA (-.9) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.9 – 9.6, -.3, first to second

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, ninth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.6 – 1.0, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.5 – 10.2, +1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, seventh month in a row, 11.5 – 11.2, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock WDVE (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-2.3)*

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, repeats in third-place

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, seventh to eighth

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+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 11.0, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-.9) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 5.2 – 8.4, +3.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+3.2)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.4)

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, continues at #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .4 – 1.3, +.9, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game”.7 – 1.3, +.6, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WMMO (-2.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.5, +.3, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.9 – 4.2, -.7, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 17th consecutive month, 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WVXU (-.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.1 – 2.9, -1.2, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eighth month in a row, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: CHR WAKS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR steady at 3.8, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 9.0 – 10.5, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.8)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, second to fourth   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 11.0, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WCOL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTVN and sports talk WBNS-FM (-.9)

Up next: June 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 June PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds three-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that drops it to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share good for the #7 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk dips four-tenths to a 2.4 share and falls to the #17 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM loses two-tenths to also finish with a 2.4 share that leaves the two stations tied for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.