Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Columnist Patt Morrison writes an interesting piece in the Los Angeles Times about radio call letters. Morrison writes, “This call letter business got codified in 1912, at a ‘radiotelegraph’ conference in London not long after RMS Titanic sank, so the power of wireless communication was very much on delegates’ minds.” This piece also includes images of vintage postcards showing historic radio broadcast studios. See the piece here.

WABC, New York is sending a news team and video crew to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. WABC owner John Catsimatidis says, “The public deserves to be informed on what both sides are saying and doing. We are committed to reporting the truth, so that listeners can make knowledgeable decisions. We were at the Republican National Convention last month, and we will be at the Democratic National Convention, as well.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”

FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”

Industry News

Round One of July 2024 PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 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). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imJuly 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) 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.

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10

WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19

WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40

WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44

News

WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6

WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)

WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11

WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7

KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31

KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34    

News

KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36

KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24

Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13

WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25

WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37

WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4  – #5

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39

WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24

KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4

KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20

KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA     

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1

KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14

KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32

KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39

KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7  (Astros)

KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27  

News

KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23  (Astros)

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9  

Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1

WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26

WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32

WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)

WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15

WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8

WRAS  .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13

WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24

WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26

WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27

WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33

Sports Talk

WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12     

Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15

WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25

KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18

KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)

KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA  

KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2

WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20         

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+). 

Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of June PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 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). The survey period covered May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slips to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is also steady with a 1.5 share and falls back to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN slides a half share to finish with a 2.5 share good for the #15 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM rises two-tenths to a 1.1 share that lifts it to the #25 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP adds four-tenths for a 3.0 share and rises to the #12 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM is steady with a 1.5 share but slips to the #27 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imJune 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 ratings period (May 23 – June 19) 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).

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are May 2024 – June 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.3 – 3.3, #10 – #11

WOR 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – .9, #23 – #22

WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #36

WLIR .1 – .1, #45 – #43

News

WINS-FM 4.3 – 4.2, #5 – #7

WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #20 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #34 – #33

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #37 – #33

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #37 (Mets)

WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.4 – 2.3, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #26 -#27 (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 3.3 – 3.7, #10 – #9

WNYC-AM .9 – .7, #24 – #26

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.0 – 3.7, #7 – #7

KRLA .8 – .7, #33 – #33

KEIB .6 – .5, #34 – #34    

News

KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.1, #10 – #11

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #37

KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.5 – 1.5, #26 – #27 (Dodgers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 1.8 – 1.6, #22 – #26

Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.0 – 2.5, #12 – #15

WLS-AM .9 – 1.1, #26 – #25

WVON .2 – .2, #36 – #37

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #41

WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 5.4, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #41

WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #13 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .2 – .3, #36 – #33 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 1.6 – 1.7, #21 – #22  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.0, #22 – #23

KSFO Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.7 – 5.4, #3 – #3

KNEW .2 – .2, #32 – #30 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.2 – 4.5, #6 – #5 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.7 – 1.5, #20 – #21

KNBR Stream .4 – .3, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #38 – #35  

KTCT .1 – .1, #38 – #35  

KGO Stream .2 – DNA, #32 – DNA  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA     

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 5.9 – 7.1, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .3, #31 – #28

Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s +1.2 (5.9 – 7.1) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 increase.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 2.6 – 3.0, #15 – #12

KSKY .6 – .7, #34 – #33

KLIF-AM .4 – .4, #36 – #35

KFXR-AM .1 – .1, #43 – #38

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #26 – #27

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #38

KKGM & KHVN Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #38

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.3 – 5.1, #1 – #2

KRLD-FM 2.5 – 2.3, #19 – #20 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.2 – .9, #28 – #30 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 2.9 – 2.5, #12 – #17

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.3 – 3.3, #13 – #13  (Astros)

KPRC .3 – .3, #30 – #27  

News

KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #24 – #23

KBME 1.0 – .8, #26 – #26  (Astros)

KILT-AM Stream .6 – .3, #27 – #27

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 3.4 – 4.1, #12 – #7

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.1– 7.2, #2 – #3

WFOM .3 – .3, #30 – #29

WGKA .3 – .2, #30 – #31

WAOK DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 4.1 – 4.2, #8 – #8 (Braves)

WZGC 3.7 – 2.8, #11 – #17

WZGC Stream .6 – .3, #25 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11

WRAS  .5 – .4, #27 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.1 – 2.2, #18 – #16

WKXW 1.1 – .8, #24 – #25

WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #25 – #26

WURD .3 – .3, #28 – #28

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #30

WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

WURD Stream .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA   

News

KYW & WPHI 5.1 – 5.0, #6 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .5 – .7, #27 – #26

WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 7.4 – 7.5, #4 – #3 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 3.0 – 1.7, #10 – #19 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 2.9 – 3.1, #12 – #11

Note: The -1.3 (3.0 – 1.7) by sports talk WIP’s internet stream is tied for Philadelphia’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 decrease. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #16

WOR 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #20

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.2, #3 – #2

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 1.7, #16 – #18 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .5, #23 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream .4 – .3, #24 – #25 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .3, #24 – #25

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .1 – .2, #31 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .4 – .2, #21 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .4 #21 – #19

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 2.0 – 1.4, #17 – #21

KSFO Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #26  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 3.5 – 4.1, #8 – #5

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #26

KNEW .2 – .2, #29 – #26 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #11 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.3 – 1.4, #22 – #21

KNBR Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #26 (Giants)

KGO .2 – .2, #29 – #26  

KGO Stream .8 – DNA, #26 – DNA  

KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.0 – 6.3, #2 – #2

WOR 3.3 – 3.0, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream .8 – 1.0, #19 – #18         

News

WINS-FM 2.2 – 2.0, #12 – #14

WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #20 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #24 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .1, #25 – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.3, #10 – #13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: News/talk WKXW’s -.7 (7.0 – 6.3) represents a tie for Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+)May 2024 – June 2024 decrease.

Up next: June 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Leonard H. Goldenson’s Real Open Door

By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Host, WPHT, Philadelphia – daily
Talk Media Network – Sundays

imLeonard H. Goldenson was the founder/chairman of ABC, Inc. Before Disney, before Capital Cities, ABC was… ABC and it was run by Mr. Goldenson. He launched the ABC Radio Networks, ABC Television Network, and the original ABC radio and television stations.

His background was as a movie theatre owner. He respected the crowd, applause, creativity, art, the show. Many top talent and executives owe their start or standards to Mr. Goldenson. I worked at ABC Radio for five years when Leonard was chairman, here’s what I absorbed.

— Risk for the show. Allen Shaw and his team largely invented the album rock format and launched it on the ABC FM stations. There was no proof it would work. But it made sense. That required seven stations to dump automation and hire seven AFTRA jocks and seven IATSE engineers at each station. Note the IATSE pay scale was higher than the AFTRA scale. It didn’t go as planned. In San Francisco, the presumed success was slow to profit. WRIF, Detroit, under the leadership of Willard Lochridge, slam dunk. Leonard didn’t blink. Imagine.

— ABC was caught up in the payola scandals in the early 1960s. Alan Freed was a jock on WABC. After the Congressional hearings, Goldenson said never again and vowed to sell the radio stations. WXYZ GM, Hal Neal went to the chairman and said, “Let me run them and I will clean them up.”  He did. Without mercy. Leonard kept them and the ABC AM/FM stations became legend. Imagine.

— Leonard had the heart of an artist. He painted. Every year, at the holidays, a beautiful book of his art was distributed to all employees with an essay written by Leonard sharing his thoughts and feelings about each work. We had a glimpse of his soul. Imagine.

The door was always open for talent. On-air talent could visit Mr. Goldenson without an appointment at any time. WPLJ morning star, Jim Kerr would regularly ride to the 40th floor and sit in Leonard’s office to chat. Imagine.

— At an executive conference, he got up early and started to leave. Being a smartass, I looked at him and asked why was he sneaking out? He explained that ABC was opening a movie that afternoon and he wanted to stand outside a theater and ask audience members how they liked his movie. That was his research. Imagine.

— When WABC-AM switched from music to talk, the plan called for profit in year 10. It took 11. Imagine

— Leonard Goldenson flew commercial, coach. Imagine.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling at Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, now in its 10th year of success.

He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Red Apple Syndicates James Golden Weekend Show

Former Rush Limbaugh producer James Golden, a.k.a. Bo Snerdley, is being syndicated by Red Apple Audio Networks. The WABC, New York-based program “The James Golden Show” airs Saturdays from 7:00im am to 10:00 am with “news, interviews, and entertainment, with a relaxed vibe that listeners want on weekends.” Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis states, “Presenting listeners with captivating, interesting programming and big-name hosts always wins, and we have seen proof of that with our growing weekend audience. Our listeners on WABC Radio have gravitated towards the interesting programs we deliver on weekends, including ‘The James Golden Show’ on Saturday mornings.”

Industry News

Frank Morano Show Adds Stations in Las Vegas and the Twin Cities

The WABC, New York-based overnight talk show, “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano,” is nowim airing on Audacy talk outlets WCCO, Minneapolis and KMXB-HD3, Las Vegas “K-DAWN.” Red Apple Audio Networks distributes the show live from 1:00 am to 5:00 am nightly. Morano comments, “I’m incredibly grateful to be on both of these great radio stations. I’ve dreamt of being on the radio in Minnesota ever since Jesse Ventura ran for governor. It’s great to be on a station that has so many independent thinkers. As far as ‘K-DAWN’ goes, I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the air in Las Vegas, a 24/7 city. It’s great to talk to an audience in a city that’s up all night.”

Industry News

WABC Names Dominic Carter Host of 3:00 pm Hour

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York announces that Dominic Carter is the new host of the daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, the same slot previously occupied by Rudy Giuliani until he was let go by the company in mid-May. The show simulcasts on WABC Radio and WLIR-FM, Hampton Bays on Long Island. Carter willim continue to host his nightly 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am show as well as his 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight heard on Sundays. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He’s done an excellent job with his overnight programs and I know he will do the same with the 3:00 pm hour.” Carter comments, “I’m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and [president] Chad Lopez have shown in me. It’s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.”

Industry News

Round One of May PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 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). The survey period covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is up one-tenth to a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR also climbs one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #19 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles drops six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share and pulls it back to the #7 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN declines eight-tenths to a 3.0 share good for the #12 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM is steady with a .9 share and the #26 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) 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).

No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.

MLB spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.2 – 3.3, #11 – #10

WOR 1.4 – 1.5, #20 – #19

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

WLIR DNA – .1, DNA – #45

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.3, #5 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 1.5, #19 – #19 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #34 – #34

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #37

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #39 (Mets) 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #13 -#13 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .8, #22 -#26 (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WNYC-AM .6 – .9, #27 – #24 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3) represents New York’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 4.6 – 4.0, #3 – #7

KRLA .9 – .8, #32 – #33

KEIB .6 – .6, #34 – #34

News

KNX-FM 3.4 – 3.3, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.6 – 1.5, #27 – #26 (Dodgers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.1 – 1.8, #19 – #22

Notes: News/talk KFI’s -.6 (4.6 – 4.0) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Flagships of the Angels are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.8 – 3.0, #9 – #12

WLS-AM .9 – .9, #27 – #26

WVON .2 – .2, #39 – #36

WLS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #41

WLIP .3 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 5.2, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #41

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10 (Cubs)

WSCR Stream .3 – .2, #35 – #36 (Cubs)

WSHE-HD2 .1 – DNA, #45 – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #38 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.2 – 5.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .2, #30 – #32 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 4.2, #6 – #6 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #20

KNBR Stream .5 – .4, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO Stream .1 – .2, #37 – #32  

KGO .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KTCT .1 – .1, #37 – #38  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.1 – 5.9, #1 – #2

KALW .2 – .3, #32 – #31

Note: Public radio news/talk KQED’s -1.2 (7.1 – 5.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.2 – 2.6, #11 – #15

KSKY .6 – .6, #34 – #34

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #36 – #36

KFXR-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #43

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.4 – 1.5, #28 – #26

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 3.7 – 5.3, #10 – #1

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.5, #20 – #19 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.2, #31 – #28 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.1 – 2.9, #12 – #12

Note: Sports/talk KTCK’s +1.6 (3.7 – 5.3) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 2.8 – 3.3, #17 – #13  (Astros)

KPRC .4 – .3, #27 – #30 

News

KXYZ .1 – DNA #34 – DNA

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .9 – 1.1, #25 – #24

KBME 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #26  (Astros)

KILT-AM Stream .4 – .6, #27 – #27

KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.5 – 3.4, #18 – #12

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.1– 7.1, #2 – #2

WFOM .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WGKA .2 – .3, #32 – #30

WAOK Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

WAOK .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 3.8 – 4.1, #10 – #8 (Braves)

WZGC 3.8 – 3.7, #10 – #11

WZGC Stream .5 – .6, #29 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.4 – 4.0, #13 – #9

WRAS  .6 – .5, #25 – #27

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #18

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #26 – #25

WURD .4 – .3, #27 – #28

WURD Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.5 – 5.1, #6 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .5, #28 – #27

WTEL .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 6.7 – 7.4, #4 – #4 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 2.8 – 3.0, #13 – #10 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 2.9, #9 – #12 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.6 – 1.7, #18 – #18

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .2 – .2, #28 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.2, #2 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.8, #15 – #16 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .6, #24 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream .5 – .4, #24 – #24 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.6 – 2.9, #11 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .1, #28 – #31 

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .3 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .4 #19 – #21

KPCC .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.9 – 2.0, #16 – #17

KSFO Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 3.9 – 3.5, #7 – #8

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #29

KNEW .2 – .2, #28 – #29 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.5, #9 – #8 (Giants)

KGMZ 1.8 – 1.3, #19 – #22

KGO Stream .4 – .8, #27 – #26  

KNBR Stream .9 – .3, #26 – #27 (Giants)

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #29  

KTCT .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.3 – 7.0, #1 – #2

WOR 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #9

WKXW Stream .7 – .8, #21 – #19     

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.2, #13 – #12

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #24 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .3, #25 – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 2.9, #8 – #10 (Yankees)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.0 (3.9 – 2.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Up next: May 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

WABC, New York Morning Host Sid Rosenberg is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

77WABC, New York morning show host Sid Rosenberg is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Rosenberg, who is a Jewish native New Yorker and outspoken supporter of Israel, risked his life this past Friday evening (5/17) on a Brooklyn-bound subway train standing up and defending an orthodox Jewish man being threatened with physical assault by an obscenity-spewing, anti-Semitic African American man who appeared dangerously amped up on drugs. The story is compelling and offers insight into the hate and dangers that are on full display in the Big Apple. Harrison and Rosenberg discuss the dangerous spread of anti-Semitism in America, the disturbing behavior of Gen Z on college campuses, and the rise in crime on the streets of America’s leading urban centers. This powerful conversation is not to be missed. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

Report: Giuliani Creditors Subpoena WABC’s John Catsimatidis

According to a report from Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani’s creditors are subpoenaing WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis to get documents “detailing his relationship with Giuliani, Giuliani’sim compensation from WABC, and documents about the shows Giuliani hosted.” The creditors are represented by a committee in Giuliani’s bankruptcy case and until 10 days ago, Giuliani worked at WABC hosting an afternoon radio talk show. The report notes that the creditors are looking for information about Giuliani’s “‘termination or suspension’ and about any statements he made regarding the Georgia poll workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him after he accused them of rigging election results.” Giuliani challenged that verdict in court, but his recent efforts failed, and he remains on the hook for the $148 million judgement. Read the Bloomberg Law story here.

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Confronts Man Threatening Jewish Commuter

WABC, New York morning drive talk host Sid Rosenberg tells TALKERS he witnessed an anti-Semitic assault on a Jewish commuter on a New York subway train on Friday (5/17). Rosenberg says, “On the downtown 5 train from 42nd street. I get on the train, and I walk by a guy with a yarmulke standing by theim door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.

Industry News

Round One of April PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 2024 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).  The survey covered March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC drops eight-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.4 share and remains ranked #20. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI surrenders nine-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share but remains ranked #3, as Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share and remains ranked #10. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN rises six-tenths for a 3.8 share and remains ranked #9, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share to stay ranked #4. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Michael Cohen testifies in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the pro-Palestinian protests and Israel’s troops amassed near Rafah; the presidential race; President Joe Biden ramps up tariffs on Chinese goods; Rudy Giuliani is fired from WABC radio show; Antony Blinken’s unannounced visit to Ukraine and Russia’s latest military push; Arizona pushes back the enforcement date for its anti-abortion law; the planet’s plummeting fertility rate; and the return of Canadian wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 ratings period (March 28 – April 24) 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).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

MLB; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

For context, MLB’s 2024 season officially started March 20 when the Dodgers and Padres played two games in South Korea; the other 28 teams played their first game March 28.

Meanwhile, NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are March 2024 – April 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 4.0 – 3.2, #9 – #11

WOR 1.6 – 1.4, #20 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #34 – #37

News

WINS-FM 4.6 – 4.7, #5 – #5

WCBS-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #14 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #32 – #34

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #32 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #45 – #39 (Mets 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 1.9 – 2.3, #15 -#13 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – 1.1, #26 -#22 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.0, #9 – #8

WNYC-AM 1.0 – .6, #23 – #27 

Notes: The +.5 registered by sports talk WFAN’s internet stream (.6 – 1.1) represents New York’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase; conversely, news/talk WABC’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 4.6, #3 – #3

KRLA .7 – .9, #33 – #32

KEIB .7 – .6, #33 – #34  (Clippers 

News

KNX-FM 3.0 – 3.4, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .2, #39 – #38

Sports Talk

KLAC .8 – 1.6, #32 – #27 (Dodgers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.2 – 2.1, #17 – #19

Notes: Whereas sports/talk KLAC’s +.8 (.8 – 1.6) represents Los Angeles’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, news/talk KFI’s -.9 (5.5 – 4.6) is the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

The flagship of the Angels and Lakers is sports talk KESN (DNA); Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app; games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.2 – 3.8, #9 – #9  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.4 – .9, #25 – #27

WLIP .1 – .3, #40 – #35

WVON .2 – .2, #38 – #39

WLS-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #40 – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #40 – #39

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.9 – 3.3, #11 – #10 (Cubs, Bulls)

WSCR Stream .4 – .3, #31 – #35 (Cubs, Bulls)

WSHE-HD2 .1 – .1, #40 – #45  

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.0 – 2.0, #18 – #18  

Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #37

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.2, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .3, #30 – #30 (Oakland A’s)  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.0 – 3.9, #10 – #6 (Giants)

KGMZ 2.0 – 1.9, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #28 (Giants)

KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #37  

KGO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37  

KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #37  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.2 – 7.1, #2 – #1

KALW .2 – .2, #33 – #32

Notes: Sports/talk KNBR’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9) represents San Francisco’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

Games of the San Jose Sharks are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #11

KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #28 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .7 – .6, #33 – #34

KLIF-AM .4 – .3, #35 – #36

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.3 – 1.4, #28 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 3.6 – 3.7, #10 – #10 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 1.7 – 2.3, #24 – #20 (Texas Rangers)

KRLD-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.1, #31 – #31 (Texas Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.2 – 3.1, #5 – #12  

Note: Public radio news/talk KERA’s -1.1 (4.2 – 3.1) represents Dallas’ largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.2 – 2.8, #13 – #17  (Astros, Rockets)

KPRC .3 – .4, #28 – #27  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #32 – #34

Sports Talk

KBME .5 – 1.1, #27 – #23  (Astros, Rockets)

KILT-AM .8 – .9, #26 – #25

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .4, #32 – #27

KFNC .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.9 – 2.5, #17 – #18

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.7– 7.1, #2 – #2

WFOM .5 – .2, #26 – #32

WGKA .3 – .2, #30 – #32

WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #35

WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WCNN 2.5 – 3.8, #17 – #10 (Braves)

WZGC 3.8 – 3.8, #9 – #10 (Hawks)

WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #28 – #29 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.7 – 3.4, #10 – #13

WRAS  .5 – .6, #26 – #25

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Notes: Sports/talk WCNN’s +1.3 (2.5 – 3.8) represents Atlanta’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase, while news/talk WSB-AM’s -.6 (4.2 – 3.1) represents a four-way tie for the market’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease. 

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.3 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #23

WPHT Stream .5 – .7, #27 – #26

WURD .6 – .4, #26 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .1, #29 – #31

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.8 – 5.5, #4 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .2 – .3, #29 – #28

WTEL .1 – .1, #31 – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 5.5 – 6.7, #6 – #4 (Phillies)

WIP Stream 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13 (Phillies)

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.1, #13 – #9      

Note: Sports/talk WIP’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) represents Philadelphia’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.6, #18 – #18

WOR 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #19

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #28

News

WINS-FM 4.9 – 5.2, #5 – #2

WCBS-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #17 – #15 (Mets)

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .5, #27 – #24 (Mets)

Business News WBBR .4 – .5, #26 – #24

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .5, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.4 – 2.6, #12 – #11 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #28

Note: The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .3, #23 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .3 – .4 #19 – #19

KPCC .1 – .1, #25 – #25

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 1.9, #19 – #16

KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #27 – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.7 – 3.9, #5 – #7

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #28

KNEW .2 – .2, #27 – #28 (Oakland A’s)  

Sports Talk

KNBR 2.8 – 3.2, #10 – #9 (Giants)

KGMZ 2.0 – 1.8, #18 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream .5 – .9, #26 – #26 (Giants)

KGO Stream .2 – .4, #27 – #27  

KGO .2 – .2, #27 – #28  

KTCT .2 – .2, #27 – #28   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Note: Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION

News/Talk

WKXW 7.5 – 7.3, #1 #1

WOR 3.6 – 3.1, #9 – #10

WKXW Stream .7 – .7, #19 – #21         

News

WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #11 – #13

WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #18 – #19 (Mets)

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #22 – #24

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #25 (Mets)

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 3.9, #10 – #8 (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports/talk WFAN’s +1.0 (2.9 – 3.9) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

The flagship of the Knicks, Islanders, and Rangers is sports talk WEPN-FM (DNA).   

Up next: April 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Harrison Talks to John Catsimatidis about WABC, New York Cancelling Rudy Giuliani’s Talk Show

Red Apple Media Group chief John Catsimatidis suspended Rudy Giuliani from his daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm talk show that’s been airing on WABC for several years. The New York Times, quotes Catsimatidis saying, “We’re not going to talk about fallacies of the November 2020 election. We warned him once. We warned him twice. And I get a text from him last night, and I get a text from him this morning that he refuses not to talk about it. So, he left me no option. I suspended him.” But there were more concerns on Catsimatidis’ part. Giuliani was found liable forim defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them. The Times reports that in a memo from Catsimatidis to Giuliani he told Giuliani that they’ve been monitoring his show for comments about the election and that “radio operators had ‘worked diligently’ to excise content that might run afoul of defamation laws.” He also wrote, “You are once again stating that there was fraud. You may not do so on our airwaves.” Clearly, Catsimatidis was concerned about being involved in actionable language on Giuliani’s part. Giuliani spoke publicly over the weekend about being terminated and said he’s been imtalking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorneyim general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.” Listen to Michael Harrison and John Catsimatidis discussing the situation this morning by clicking here.

Industry News

Round One of March PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 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). The survey covered February 29 through March 27. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises two-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #9 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is steady with a 1.6 share and the #20 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WINS-FM adds one-tenth for a 4.6 share good for the #5 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI inches up one-tenth for a 5.5 share that keeps it locked into the #3 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM dips three-tenths, finishing with a 3.2 share and the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM falls six-tenths to a 1.4 share good for the #25 rank. Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM is steady with a 5.4 share but falls back to the #4 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imMarch 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) 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).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are February 2024 – March 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.8 – 4.0, #11 – #9

WOR 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #34

News

WINS-FM 4.5 – 4.6, #7 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.0, #19 – #14

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .4, #33 – #32

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #32

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #46 – #45

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.0 – 1.9, #15 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .6, #25 -#26 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.7 – 4.0, #4 – #9

WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #22 – #23

Notes: News WCBS-AM’s +.3 (1.7 – 2.0) represents a tie for New York’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase.

Conversely, public radio news/talk WNYC-FM’s -.7 (4.7 – 4.0) represents the market’s largest (6+)February 2024 – March 2024 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.4 – 5.5, #3 – #3

KEIB .7 – .7, #32 – #33  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .7, #34 – #33  

News

KNX-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #10 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .3 – .2, #37 – #39

Sports Talk

KLAC .7 – .8, #32 – #32 (Clippers)

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.4 – 2.2, #15 – #17

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.5 – 3.2, #8 – #9  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 2.0 – 1.4, #18 – #25

WVON .1 – .2, #40 – #38

WLIP .4 – .1, #34 – #40

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.4, #3  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .3 – .1, #35 – #40

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.1 – 2.9, #10 – #11 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #31 (Bulls)

WSHE-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #40

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18   

Note: News/talk WLS-AM’s -.6 (2.0 – 1.4) represents Chicago’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .1, #32 – #34

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.7 – 6.5, #3 – #3

KNEW .4 – .3, #28 – #30  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #34 – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.2 – 3.0, #9 – #10

KGMZ 2.1 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #28

KGO .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .1 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .1 – DNA, #34 – DNA  

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.6 – 7.2, #2 – #2

KALW .4 – .2, #28 – #33

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.3 – 3.6, #12 – #10

KEGL 1.3 – 1.3, #29 – #28  (Mavericks)

KSKY .8 – .7, #33 – #33

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #38 – #35

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.3, #27 – #28

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM .1 – DNA, #42 – DNA

Sports Talk

KTCK 4.9 – 3.6, after back-to-back months at #1, falls to #10 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.3 – 1.7, #19 – #24

KRLD-FM Stream 1.0 – 1.1, #30 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #5  

Note: Sports talk KTCK’s -1.3 (4.9 – 3.6) represents a tie for the most significant (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in these twelve PPM-markets.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.4 – 3.2, #14 – #13  (Rockets)

KPRC .4 – .3, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #33 – #32

Sports Talk

KILT-AM .7 – .8, #25 – #26

KBME .5 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KFNC .1 – .2, #33- #30

KILT-AM Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #32   

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 7.3– 7.7, #3 – #2

WFOM .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .1 – .1, #34 – #34

WAOK Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #9 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.1 – 2.5, #17 – #17

WZGC Stream .5 – .4, #26 – #28 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.6 – 3.7, #11 – #10

WRAS  .5 – .5, #26 – #26

WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.0 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WKXW 1.1 – 1.1, #24 – #24

WURD .4 – .6, #27 – #26

WPHT Stream .8 – .5, #26 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #29

WKXW Stream .1 – .1, #32 – #31

WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #31 

News

KYW & WPHI 6.0 – 5.8, #5 – #4

KYW & WPHI Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #29

WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 5.7 – 5.5, #6 – #6

WIP Stream 2.0 – 3.2, #15 – #12

WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.2, #22 – #23 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #13      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s internet stream registers Philadelphia’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 increase (2.0 – 3.2, +1.2). 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #18

WOR 1.2 – 1.0, #19 – #21

WLIR .2 – .2, #27 – #27

News

WINS-FM 5.1 – 4.9, #3 – #5

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .7 – .6, #23 – #24

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.4, #12 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

KPWK .5 – .2, #19 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .5 – .3 #19 – #19

KPCC DNA – .1, DNA – #25

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 2.1 – 1.8, #15 – #19

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 4.7, #4 – #5

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27

KNEW .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.6 – 2.8, #7 – #10

KGMZ 2.0 – 2.0, #19 – #18 (Golden State Warriors)

KNBR Stream DNA – .5, DNA – #26

KGO .2 – .2, #30 – #27  

KGO Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #27  

KTCT .3 – .2, #26 – #27   

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION (New Jersey) 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.2 – 7.5, #2 – #1

WOR 3.6 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream 1.1 – .7, #18 – #19         

News

WINS-FM 2.4 – 2.4, #11 – #11

WCBS-AM .8 – .8, #19 – #18

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .3, #23 – #22

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.9, #10 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: March 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News TALKERS 2024

John Catsimatidis Named Recipient of 2024 TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award

im

Self-made billionaire businessman, broadcasting entrepreneur, radio talk show host and best-selling author John Catsimatidis (pictured above speaking at last year’s TALKERS 2023) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board as the 2024 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The honor, also commonly referred to as the “TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award,” is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. In addition to Catsimatidis’ founding and/or ownership of major enterprises in the fields of grocery chains and the energy industry, he is a long-running radio talk show host who began changing the course of the medium’s history by purchasing heritage radio station WABC, New York in 2019.  Since then, the Greek immigrant born on the island of Nistros in 1948 and who came to the United States with his parents when he was six months old, has made significant progress in repositioning and reinvigorating the legendary talk and music station to its role as a major cultural and political influencer in modern media. This has been accomplished by boldly bringing diverse, high-profile voices to the station’s talent lineup, focusing heavily on local news and public policy issues, eliminating paid weekend programming, adding a dash of music and pop culture to the mix, concentrating the station’s schedule on live shows in real time and investing in community-oriented events. Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media Group has subsequently expanded the station’s national footprint by acquiring WLIR-FM, Long Island and launching its own syndication arm, Red Apple Audio Networks. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, upon announcing the selection, stated, “John Catsimatidis is a true New York City legend and former mayoral candidate who has proven to be one of the most positive forces the radio industry has seen in decades. He embodies the spirit of what this award is all about. He joins a remarkable list of broadcasters from all ends of the political spectrum – left, right, middle, and apolitical – who’ve received this honor going back every year to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s.” The award will be presented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Long Island Friday, June 7.

Industry News

Talk Media Industry Mourns Loss of “Popular Guest” Joe Lieberman

The death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) yesterday (3/27) at the age of 82 sparked a wave of sad reaction across the talk media industry where he was fondly remembered as one of the most popular political guests during the height of his public career during the 90s and the first decade of the 2000s. During the turn of the century, he boldly straddled the boundaries between left and rightim ideology on an issue-by-issue basis – although infuriating his fellow Democrats on many an occasion. After leaving the Senate in 2012, he withdrew somewhat from the political spotlight to serve as an attorney in private practice and a college professor but remained outspoken on issues of politics and public policy. His most recent activities included founding the No Labels Group which condemns what Lieberman described as the “partisan polarization of our politics which prevents us from making the principled compromises on which progress in a democracy depends.” Lieberman said, “We need bipartisan leadership to break the gridlock in Washington that will unleash all the potential that is in the American people.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison had the opportunity to get to know Joe Lieberman very well while serving as a talk show host on Connecticut’s leading talk station, WTIC, Hartford in the early 1990s. Harrison states, “Joe Lieberman was always available at a moment’s notice to appear on the air with me during those golden days of talk radio’s modern era and it was apparent to me – as well as talk show hosts across the nation – that he wasn’t your ‘run of the mill politician’ who put party over country and avoided answering the tough questions. There was a profound honesty in his words and tone that inspired confidence, among even those who disagreed with him, that they were talking to a very solid, principles-based man.” Harrison continues, “Talk show hosts on both sides of the political divide loved him for his warmth, candor and accessibility.” Harrison concludes, “Al Gore would have been better served during his run for the presidency to have let Joe have freer reign over his media availability during the campaign, something the VP failed to do. Every request for Joe to be a guest – many of which were squashed – had to go through the Gore campaign which turned off a lot of Joe’s friends and admirers in both radio camps.”

In 2018, during the midpoint of the Donald Trump presidency, Michael Harrison scored a rare and illuminating interview with Joe Lieberman for his podcast and various platforms (including a “reunion” on WTIC).  Click here to listen. WABC, New York talk show host Frank Morano interviewed the former senator this past Friday (3/22) which is most likely his last radio interview.  Click here to listen.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The NAB launches the 2024 Election Toolkit – an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, drive get-out-the-vote efforts and cover local, state and federal elections. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome. Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.” Check it out here.

Former President Donald Trump sat down for a wide-ranging interview with WABC, New York’s Sid Rosenberg, on the “Sid and Friends in the Morning” program. Trump talked about his stance on abortion, the war in Gaza and his bid to win the White House this November.

Cumulus Media and MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers agree to renew their partnership to air Dodgers games on KYVB, Oxnard-Ventura.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and will once again be home to every game in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Westwood One will present each game through the National Championship on April 8.

Industry News

Round One of February PPMs Released

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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). The February survey covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC adds three-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #11, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR loses one-tenth for a 1.6 share finish and falls to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN tacks on four-tenths to finish with a 3.5 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM adds two-tenths for a 2.0 share finish and remains ranked #18. Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM fell eight-tenths to a 5.4 share but only regressed one spot to the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings – Part One

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) 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).

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are January 2024 – February 2024  (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WKXW 1.0 – 1.0, #24 – #23

WKXW Stream .3 – .3, #35 – #35

News

WINS-FM 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #7

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.7, #17 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .4, #27 – #33

Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #31 – #33

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #39 – #46 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.7 – 2.0, #13 -#15 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .8 – .8, #25 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)   

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.5 – 4.7, #7 – #4

WNYC-AM 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #22 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.5 – 5.4, #3 – #3

KEIB .8 – .7, #33 – #32  (Clippers)

KRLA .6 – .6, #34 – #34  

News

KNX-FM 2.8 – 3.3, #12 – #10

KNX-FM Stream .2 – .3, #39 – #37  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – .7, #32 – #32 (Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

Kings’ games are heard on the iHeartRadio app, while games of the Anaheim Ducks are heard on the Ducks stream.

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.1 – 3.5, #10 – #8  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.9 – 2.0, #18 – #18

WLIP .4 – .4, #35 – #34

WLS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #40

WVON .1 – .1, #41 – #40

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 6.2 – 5.4, #2  – #3

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .3, #38 – #35

Sports Talk

WSCR 3.4 – 3.1, #8 – #10 (Bulls)

WSCR Stream .6 – .3, #32 – #35 (Bulls)

WMVP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.7 – 2.4, #13 – #16   

Note: News WBBM-AM & WCFS’ -.8 (6.2 – 5.4) represents Chicago’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #32

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.6 – 6.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .4, #30 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #34

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.9 – 3.2, #6 – #9

KGMZ 2.4 – 2.1, #14 – #16 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGO Stream .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KTCT .2 – .1, #34 – #34  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors)      

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 7.9 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .4, #32 – #28

Note: Sports talk KNBR’s -.7 (3.9 – 3.2) represents San Francisco’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.7 – 3.3, #9 – #12

KEGL 1.2 – 1.3, #29 – #29  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .8, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #38

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.7 – 1.5, #24 – #27

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News KKGM DNA – .1, DNA – #42

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 4.9, second straight month at #1 (Stars)

KRLD-FM 2.8 – 2.3, #17 – #19

KRLD-FM Stream .4 – 1.0, #35 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.0 – 4.0, #7 – #8  

Notes: The +.6 (.4 – 1.0) registered by sports/talk KRLD-FM’s internet stream represents a tie for Dallas’ highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase, while similarly-formatted KTCK’s -.7 (5.6 – 4.9) is the market’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 3.6 – 3.4, #9 – #14  (Rockets)

KPRC . 3 – .4, #28 – #28  

News

KXYZ .1 – .1 #34 – #33

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.6 – .7, #21 – #25

KBME .6 – .5, #27 – #27  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #28 – #33

KFNC .2 – .1, #33 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.8 – 2.8, #19 – #17

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.6– 7.3, #1 – #3

WFOM .6 – .5, #27 – #26

WGKA .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WAOK .2 – .1, #31 – #34

WAOK Stream .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 4.2 – 3.6, #8 – #11 (Hawks)

WCNN 2.2 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WZGC Stream .8 – .5, #24 – #26 (Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #11

WRAS  .7 – .5, #25 – #26

WABE-HD3 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s -1.3 (8.6 – 7.3) represents Atlanta’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 2.0, #16 – #15

WKXW 1.3 – 1.1, #23 – #24

WPHT Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26

WURD .4 – .4, #28 – #27

WURD Stream .2 – .2, #30 – #29

WKXW Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #32

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KYW & WPHI 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .3, #32 – #28

WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 7.0 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WIP Stream 2.3 – 2.0, #15 – #15

WPEN-FM 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #22 (76ers, Flyers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 3.1 – 3.3, #10 – #12      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.3 (7.0 – 5.7) represents Philadelphia’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.5 – 1.8, #18 – #17

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #19 – #19

WLIR .1 – .2, #32 – #27

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 5.1, #5 – #3

WCBS-AM 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #18

WINS-FM Stream 1.0 – .7, #20 – #23

Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #32 – #27

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 4.6 – 2.7, #7 – #12 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .3 – .2, #26 – #27

Note: Sports talk WFAN’s -1.9 (4.6 – 2.7) represents the highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #21 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .5, #21 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .5 #20 – #19

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.8 – 2.1, #20 – #15

KSFO Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #30  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.2 – 5.4, #4 – #4

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #26

KNEW .2 – .3, #28 – #26  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.7 – 3.6, #5 – #7

KGMZ 2.8 – 2.0, #10 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .3, #26 – #26  

KTCT .3 – .3, #27 – #26   

KGO .2 – .2, #28 – #30  

KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Golden State Warriors) 

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Notes: Sports talk KNBR’s -1.1 (4.7 – 3.6) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 7.4 – 7.2, #1 – #2

WOR 2.7 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WKXW Stream .8 – 1.1, #20 – #18    

News

WINS-FM 2.7 – 2.4, #9 – #11

WCBS-AM .9 – .8, #19 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .5 – .5, #22 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 2.7 – 2.9, #9 – #10 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Up next: February 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com