March 2024 PPM Ratings – Part Two
March 2024 PPM Data – Information for the March 2024 ratings period (February 29 – March 27) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.
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+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk
WMAL 4.5 – 4.8, #7 – #5
WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)
News
WTOP & WTLP 7.6 – 7.9, #2 – #2
WDCH .7 – .6, #22 – #22
WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJFK-FM 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #17 (Capitals)
WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .9, #21 – #21 (Capitals)
WTEM .4 – .4, #24 – #25 (Wizards)
WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #27 – #27 (Wizards)
WJFK-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)
WSBN .1 – .1, #30 – #28
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU 13.0 – 11.0, 29th month in succession at #1
Note: Although it is #1 for the 29th consecutive month, public radio news/talk WAMU registers a -2.0(13.0 – 11.0), the largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets surveyed thus far.
BOSTON
News/Talk
WRKO 3.2 – 3.4, #13 – #12
WXKS-AM .8 – .4, #23 – #23
News
News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.9 – 4.6, #6 – #6
Business news WRCA .2 – .3, #26 – #24
Sports Talk
WBZ-FM 9.1 – 9.7, third straight month at #1 (Celtics, Bruins)
WEEI-FM 3.3 – 3.0, #12 – #13
WEEI-AM .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
WEEI-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBUR 6.1 – 6.4, #3 – #3
WGBH 4.6 – 3.8, #8 – #9
Note: Public radio news/talk WGBH’s -.8 (4.6- 3.8) represents Boston’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.
MIAMI
News/Talk
WIOD 1.2 – 1.0, #25 – #26
News
None
Sports Talk
WQAM 1.2 – .9, #25 – #27 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WINZ .6 – .4, #28 – #31
WMEN .1 – .3, #36 – #32
WQAM Stream .1 – .2, #36 – #34 (Heat, Florida Panthers)
WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 5.1 – 5.6, #5 – #5
WLRN-HD2 .1 – .1, #36 – #36
SEATTLE
News/Talk
KIRO-FM 4.1 – 3.9, #10 – #7
KTTH 1.6 – 1.5, #22 – #23
KVI 1.0 – 1.0, #24 – #24
KPTR .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA
News
KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.5 – 2.5, #17 – #18
KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KIRO-AM 2.3 – 2.7, #19 – #17
KJR-FM 2.4 – 2.1, #18 – #19 (Kraken)
KJR-AM .7 – .7, #26 – #26
Public Radio News/Talk
KUOW 7.2 – 7.2, #1 – #3
KSWS .1– DNA, #28 – DNA
DETROIT
News/Talk
WJR 2.5 – 2.3, #14 – #14
WFDF .6 – .6, #22 – #23
WJR Stream .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA
News
WWJ 5.3 – 5.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)
WWJ Stream .4 – .4, #25 – #25 (Pistons)
WDFN .1 – .1, #29 – #29
Sports Talk
WXYT-FM 7.1 – 7.5, #3 – #2 (Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-FM Stream 1.1 – 1.5, #21 – #18 (Pistons, Red Wings)
WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #28 – #27
WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WDET 1.8 – 1.6, #18 – #17
WUOM 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19
PHOENIX
News/Talk
KFYI 3.5 – 3.0, #9 – #10
KTAR-FM 2.7 – 2.2, #12 – #18 (Suns)
News
None
Sports Talk
KMVP-FM 2.2 – 2.6, #18 – #14 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33
KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #34 – #33 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KDUS DNA – .1, DNA – #33
KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)
KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KJZZ 2.3 – 2.7, #15 – #12
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk
WCCO 4.7 – 4.1, #8 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
KTMY 3.0 – 2.5, #14 – #14
KTLK-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #15
WCCO Stream .1 – .2, #29 – #28 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
News
KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #31 – #32
Sports Talk
KFXN 7.1 – 7.4, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Wild)
KSTP-AM .1 – .2, #31 – #28
KQQL-HD3 .1 – .1, #31 – #32
Public Radio News/Talk
KNOW 7.4 – 7.5, #2 – #2
KNOW Stream .7 – .8, #23 – #22
Note: News/talk WCCO’s -.6 (4.7- 4.1) represents a tie for Minneapolis’ largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk
KOGO 4.6 – 4.8, #7 – #5
KLSD .5 – .5, #25 – #24
News
None
Sports Talk
KWFN 3.0 – 3.4, #16 – #14
KGB-AM .8 – .9, #21 – #20
KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KPBS 7.3 – 7.1, #1 – #2
TAMPA
News/Talk
WHPT 4.9 – 5.1, #6 – #5 (Lightning)
WFLA 4.2 – 3.0, #10 – #14
News
Business news WHNZ .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA
Sports Talk
WDAE 1.7– 1.9, #18 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WUSF 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #18
WMNF-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #28 – DNA
WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WFLA’s -1.2 (4.2- 3.0) represents Tampa’s largest (6+) February 2024 – March 2024 decrease.
DENVER
News/Talk
KOA 2.6 – 2.4, #17 – #17
KHOW 1.2 – 1.2, #24 – #21
KDFD 1.4 – 1.1, #22 – #22
News
None
Sports Talk
KKFN 3.7 – 3.6, #10 – #10
KKSE-FM 2.2 – 2.4, #18 – #17 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)
KAMP .1 – .1, #36 – #34
KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #34
KEPN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KCFR 3.7 – 2.9, #10 – #14
KUNC 1.1 – .8, #27 – #26
BALTIMORE
News/Talk
WBAL 3.3 – 3.7, #10 – #10
WCBM 2.0 – 1.9, #14 – #14
News
WTOP & WTLP 1.3 – 1.6, #18 – #16
WDCH .6 – .5, #20 – #20
WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WJZ-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #12 – #11
WJZ-FM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WYPR 3.2 – 3.2, #11 – #12
WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #25
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk
KMOX 2.8 – 3.0, #14 – #14
KFTK 2.1 – 1.6, #17 – #17
KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18
KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #24 – #22
KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #24 – #25
News
KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #24 – #25
Sports Talk
WXOS 5.0 – 5.1, #9 – #9 (Blues)
Public Radio News/Talk
KWMU 4.9 – 5.0, #10 – #11
Up next: March 2024 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey covered February 1 – 28. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady at a 4.5 share (6+, weekly AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, sheds seven-tenths for a 7.6 share but stays ranked #2 in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share that lifts it to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share but remains ranked #6. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR tacks on four-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.5 share and moves up to the #14 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ loses three-tenths, wrapping the survey with a 5.3 share and falling one spot to the #9 rank.
Communications’ WNOV-AM, Milwaukee; and Minority Communications’ KJMC-FM, Des Moines. SmileyAudioMedia owner and program host Tavis Smiley says, “Our show’s rapid and continued expansion into key media markets represents an exciting next chapter. As we move deeper into the 2024 election season, we’ll continue to provide our growing listener base with enlightening and empowering programming unapologetically geared toward African Americans and other citizens of color.” The program is heard in Chicago on Midway Communications’ WVON-AM; LEVAS Communications’ WURD-AM, Philadelphia; and Equity Media’s WBOK-AM, New Orleans and plans to announce more new affiliate stations later in the spring.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period covered January 4 – 31. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WMAL-FM jumps 1.4 shares to finish with a 4.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #7 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM leaps two full shares to an 8.3 share good for the #2 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI rises two-tenths to a 3.1 share but falls two posts to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds four-tenths for a 2.6 share finish and remains ranked #14. In Baltimore, Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL-AM adds 1.6 shares to finish with a 4.3 share that boosts it to the #9 rank, while WCBM Maryland’s news/talk WCBM-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 1.9 share finish that lifts it to the #15 rank.
Moshos. Moshos died on January 11 and today (2/14) would have been his 67th birthday. General manager Joel Oxley says, “George helped me so much when I first started at WTOP 30 some odd years ago. I knew little about production and he let me know it. His gruff demeanor and direct style took a minute to get used to. But it didn’t take long for me to realize this guy with the glint in his eyes was a person who cared. Really cared. About his job and doing it right and more importantly about people. He touched so, so many people and made things better for them. Seems only right to name where he spent so much of his time ‘The George Moshos Production Studio.’”
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 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. The survey period covered December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips four-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) but remains ranked #9, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM loses three-tenths to finish with a 6.3 share good for the #4 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO added two-tenths for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM declines four-tenths to a 4.7 share but remains ranked #5. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises one-tenth to a 2.4 share and climbs to the #15 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ is steady at a 4.3 share and remains ranked #9.
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period ran from October 12 through November 8. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is up six-tenths for a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM declines seven-tenths to a 7.4 share as it falls to the #3 rank after 10 months at #2. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM adds half a share to finish with a 4.7 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM rises four-tenths for a 2.6 share good for the #18 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI falls seven-tenths to a 3.3 share that leaves it ranked #11, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM tacks on three-tenths for a 2.7 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank.
Group’s general manager for Christian talk WAVA-FM, Washington, DC Chuck Olmstead. Olmstead tells TALKERS, “It was an amazing day to be at that at that gathering. I met some amazing people. One Jewish woman I interviewed has a home in Bethesda, MD as well as a home in Israel. She was at her home in Israel on 10/7 and continued to stay in Israel but came back for the rally. She was articulate and had a great story to tell. It is interviews like that, that are hard to distill down to sound bites.”
I am always impressed when I see-and-hear radio and TV stations swapping product.
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises one-tenth to finish with a 4.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP dropped six-tenths to an 8.1 share and stays locked in the #2 rank. In Detroit, Audacy’s all-news WWJ adds six-tenths for a 4.6 share finish and rises to the #9 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises half a share for a 2.3 share that lifts it to the #16 rank.
stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. The inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. She reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery.
York. The spoken-word winners included: Legendary Radio Station of the Year – all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco; Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year – Rich Eisen, Westwood One; Best Podcast of the Year – “The Letter,” KSL-FM, Salt Lake City; News/Talk Station of the Year – WTOP-FM, Washington, DC; and Sports Station of the Year – WBZ-FM, Boston.
McBride most recently served with CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, Washington DC where she served as a news and sports anchor. McBride says, “I am excited to join an incredibly talented team at Newsmax and look forward to bringing Americans the stories that matter each morning. It has been my dream to work for network news, and I feel my 17 years of anchoring experience have prepared me for this new role of co-hosting ‘Wake Up America.’ It’s an absolute honor!”
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths for an 8.7 share finish but stays ranked #2 for the ninth straight month. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is steady with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to #6, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.2 share finish but falls to the #20 rank. And in Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI-AM is up two-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.1 share that lifts it from #10 to #5, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM sheds one-tenth to finish with a 2.9 share that keeps it ranked #15.
radio stations for free to air around holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, as well as year-round programs. The Fisher House
Foundation is a non-profit that provides housing for families of patients receiving care at major military and VA medical centers so they can be near their loved ones. O’Connor, who hosts the morning drive program at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, has hosted the show in the past. Fisher House says, “This informational talk show will inspire listeners through stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. Producer and host Larry O’Connor’s love and respect for our military will only amplify these radio specials.”
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market.
exclusive offering, Kim Komando shares insider secrets to empower listeners to unlock the full potential of their digital lives, catering to a diverse audience across music and spoken word radio formats. Today, technology is infused into every aspect of our lives. Kim Komando’s daily programs transcend barriers, enhancing the lives of listeners from all backgrounds” Komando adds, “I’m thrilled to join forces with the industry leader, WTOP, to bring invaluable tech insights to their discerning audience.”
worked at Saga Communications’ Bellingham, Washington stations for decades hosting his program “The Zone” on both news/talk KGMI-AM and sports talk KPUG-AM. Saga says, “He was a skilled broadcaster of sports at all levels, but was especially known for his knowledge of and dedication to Whatcom County high school teams, their athletes and coaches. His family thanks the community for their outpouring of support, and says they’ll announce plans for a memorial in coming days.”
is a great opportunity to help lead one of the best newsrooms in the area. I look forward to coaching and training future newsroom leaders and collaborating with our veteran journalists. I am excited to work with this new management team to deliver great local coverage of Washington, DC, and the surrounding communities.” McFarland comes to WTOP from NBC Boston, Telemundo Boston and New England Cable News where he was assistant news director. Nguyen recently served as a multimedia reporter in local markets in Kansas (WIBW-TV) and Illinois (WQAD-TV) as well as having worked at CNN, Radio Free Asia, NHK World and CCTV America in both reporter and assignment editor roles. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler comments, “I am so excited to have the force of Monique, Giang and Bill behind our daily newsroom operations. Having their combined talents on both the broadcast and digital sides is exactly what we need to meet our daily mission of delivering the most compelling content to our listeners and readers across all platforms.”
The 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.
July 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.
apologize for the pain I caused WUSA sports reporter Sharla McBride. As has been reported, I insensitively used the terms ‘Barbie,’ ‘Barbie girl,’ and ‘chick’ when talking about Ms. McBride, a fellow broadcaster who I did not know or recognize when she walked by our broadcast position. My attempts to be humorous and topical backfired, and I needlessly deprecated a professional colleague… I have reached out to Ms. McBride to apologize. When she feels ready, I hope that we can have a conversation and that I will have the opportunity to reiterate my apology to her in person. I hope that Ms. McBride and the listeners who heard me will forgive me. I am better than this, and I promise to demonstrate that going forward.”