Ratings Takeaways

April 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

April 2022 PPM Data – Information for the April 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s April 2022 sweep covered March 31 – April 27.

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

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

All comparisons noted are March 2022 – April 2022 (6+).

Sports-Related Notes: The MLB season began on April 7; NBA playoffs got underway on May 1; and NHL playoffs started on May 2.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.7 – 8.1, -.6, second to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, continues at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 9.6 – 9.7, +.1, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .8 – .7, -.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, fourth month in succession, 9.6 – 9.7, +.1

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WKYS (+.4)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease (Tie): news WTOP & WTLP and adult contemporary WASH (-.6)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, eighth to seventh

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, repeats in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 7.3 – 8.4, +1.1, continues in the runner-up slot

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #12 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.0 – 3.7, -.1.3, seventh to ninth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, locked at #12

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, third month in succession, 9.2 – 8.6, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WNNW (+1.7)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic rock WZLX (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.7 – 2.1, -.6, #14 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, fourth consecutive month, 9.0 – 8.6, -.4

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WLYF; urban contemporary WMIB; and Spanish news/talk WAQI (+.4)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio news/talk WLRN and Spanish news/talk WURN (-.6)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 7.4 – 6.3, -1.1, #1 to #2

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.0 – 4.3, -.7, sixth to ninth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.9 – 5.4, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM, first month, 6.3 – 7.8, +1.5

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KRWM (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: sports talk KJR-FM (-1.2)**

*Represents the largest March 2022 – April 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents tying the largest March 2022 – April 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.4 – 3.6, +.2, repeats at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 4.4, -.6, eighth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings) 5.7 – 6.3, +.6, fifth to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream, .9 – 1.3, +.4, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM steady at 2.3, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, fourth consecutive month, 7.7 – 7.6, -.1

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC (-.8)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” flat at 4.6, fourth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 6.8 – 5.8, -1.0, first to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.6 – 6.9, +.3

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KNAI (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KJZZ (-1.0)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, #12 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.6 – 3.0, -.6, repeats at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, anchored at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 5.0 – 5.8, +.8, ninth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.3 – 7.0, -.3, continues in second-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, fourth month in a row, 8.5 – 9.0, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+.8)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: triple A KCMP (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #9 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, first month, 6.3 – 7.5, +1.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): adult hits KFBG and classic rock KGB-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-1.2)**

**Represents tying the largest March 2022 – April 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 3.7, #11 to #10

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 4.4 – 3.6, -.8, #7 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.0 – 1.7, +.7, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #16 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, eighth month in succession, 8.1 – 7.7, -.4

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): urban contemporary WBTP and sports talk WDAE (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: news/talk WFLA (-.8)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, #16 to #12; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #18 to #17; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, third straight month, 6.8 – 6.6, -.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: country KWBL (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic rock KRFX (-.8)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.6 – 2.8, -.8, #10 to #11

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #13 to #16

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” flat at 1.0, unchanged at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, seventh to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, third month in a row, 8.4 – 8.9, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIF (-1.0)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, carries on at #11 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” flat at 2.6, #15 to #14

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.1 – 1.2, +.1, stays at #19

The internet stream of Audacy’s KFTK .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, remains in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, fourth month in a row, 9.8 – 8.8, -1.0

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: country KSD and news/talk KMOX (+.8)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: rock KSHE (-1.0)

 

Up next: April 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

March 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30

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

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

All comparisons noted are February 2022 – March 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, ninth to tenth

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.3 – 8.7, +1.4, fourth to second

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .8, +.1, stays at #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, third month in succession, 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news WTOP & WTLP (+1.4)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU (-1.2)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.7, +1.1, tenth to eighth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.2 – 5.5, -.7, fifth to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 6.3 – 7.3, +1.0, fourth to second

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #14 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.3 – 5.0, +.7, repeats in seventh-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 8.4 – 9.2, +.8

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WRKO (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, third consecutive month, 9.1 – 9.0, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): Spanish news/talk WURN and the internet stream of urban AC WHQT (+.4)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-1.0)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” steady at 7.4, #1

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.7 – 5.0, -.7, second to sixth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 1.9 – 2.9, +1.0, #21 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.3 – 5.9, +.6, fifth to third

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, third straight month, unchanged at 7.4

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: country KNUC (-.9)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #14 to #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 6.1 – 5.0, -1.1, fourth to eighth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons and Red Wings) 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, seventh to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #15 to #17

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.7, -.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk WXYT-FM and country WDRQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news WWJ (-1.1)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.4 – 4.6, -.8, third to fourth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 3.2 – 2.7, -.5, #11 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 6.3 – 6.8, +.5, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KJZZ, first month, 6.3 – 6.8, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KSLX (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk KFYI (-.8)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ had been #1 the past seventeen months.

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, #7 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, steady at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, locked at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 4.9 – 5.0, +.1, seventh to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, anchored in second-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, third month in a row, 10.1 – 8.5, -1.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KZJK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.6)*

*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.3 – 3.8, +.5, #13 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 5.8, -.5, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third consecutive month, 8.1 – 7.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KFBG (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-1.1)

**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) steady at 4.4, remains in seventh-place

Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, flat at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, seventh month in succession, 8.6 – 8.1, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: rock WXTB (-.9)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, repeats at #16; KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.3 – 1.6, -.7, #17 to #18; and KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, locked at #7

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, second straight month, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: hot AC KIMN (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KJMN (-.9)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #11 to #10

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, repeats at #13

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, continues at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” steady at 3.8, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, second month in a row, 8.6 – 8.4, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classical WBJC (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WWMX and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-1.1)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #13 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #20 to #19

The internet stream of Audacy’s KFTK flat at .9, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 4.7 – 5.2, +.5, tenth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, third month in a row, 8.6 – 9.8, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rock KSHE (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk KFTK (-.8)

Up next: March 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

February 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

February 2022 PPM Data – Information for the February 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2

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

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

All comparisons noted are January 2022 – February 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 4.1, +.5, #12 to #9

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, second to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 3.0 – 2.0, -1.0, #13 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 9.6 – 10.8, +1.2, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW steady at .7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, second month in succession, 9.6 – 10.8, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WAMU (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classical WETA (-1.1)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.5 – 3.6, -.9, seventh to tenth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 6.4 – 6.2, -.2, fourth to fifth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 8.3 – 6.3, -2.0, first to fourth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to seventh

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.0, -.4, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 6.9 – 8.4, +1.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WROR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WIOD “News Radio 610” unchanged at 2.0, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second consecutive month, 8.3 – 9.1, +.8

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WFEZ (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WQAM (-.5)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, #1

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 5.2 – 5.7, +.5, fifth to second

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, third to fifth

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.4, +.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: news/talk KVI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KIRO-AM (-.9)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #13 to #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, locked in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons and Red Wings) 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, repeats at #7

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, steady at #15

Wayne State University’s WDET 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #15 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, second consecutive month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country WYCD (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: the internet stream of sports talk WXYT-FM (-.7)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in third-place

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ 6.5 – 6.3, -.2, anchored at #2

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, seventeenth consecutive month, 8.4 – 6.5, -1.9

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KLNZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, unchanged at #14

Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, third to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.4 – 6.6, -.8, locked in second-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, second month in a row, 10.6 – 10.1, -.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: hot AC KTCZ (+1.3)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.6)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, repeats at #13

News: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, third to second

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.1, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: alternative XTRA-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC (-.7)

Statistical Oddity: There’s a six-way logjam at #4

TAMPA

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” (Lightning) 3.3 – 4.4, +1.1, #11 to #7

Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 1.9 – 1.2, -.7, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, sixth month in a row, 8.1 – 8.6, +.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WXGL (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.3)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #11 to #16; KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17; and KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 1.7, -.6, #17 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.9 – 2.7, -1.2, #9 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.4 – 6.6, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock KQMT (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KKFN (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, #9 to #11

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .6 – 1.2, +.6, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 3.8, -.9, sixth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 5.7 – 3.8, -1.9, fifth to eighth

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, first month, 7.4 – 8.6, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: CHR WWMX (+2.0)*

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WYPR (-1.9)

*Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: In the Audacy cluster, KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #12 to #11; KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #11 to #13; and KFTK’s internet stream .8 – .9, +.1, repeats at #19

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .8, +.1, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, ninth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, second month in a row, 8.5 – 8.6, +.1

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: country KSD (-2.8)**

**Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: February 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Washington, DC Radio Legend Andy Parks Passes at 68. The Washington Times reports that market radio legend Andy Parks has died at age 68 after battling a recent illness. Parks spent the majority of his radio career with news/talk WMAL but in recent years he’d been hosting the podcast, “Politically Unstable,” produced by The Times. He began his career at WMAL doing traffic reports, but management liked his commentary and made him a regular show host. He served with co-host Fred Grandy from 2003 to 2010 on the morning drive “Grandy & Andy” show. Former Iowa congressman Grandy says, “We were Washington’s wake-up call. We were the first people you heard in the morning with a breaking story. Real partnerships are rare — few and far between. And when you get one, you know it, and you want to hang on to it. I think Andy and I knew pretty quickly this was going to work out.” Times opinion editor Charles Hunt says, “More than anything, Andy was a prince of a guy. And though he spent a lifetime covering all the crazy shenanigans of this political town, he never lost the straightforward common sense that his listeners loved about him. He will be dearly missed.”

 

Round One of February PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. New York City’s two big news/talk stations are tied as Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM/WLIR-FM dips one-tenth for a 2.9 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish and iHeartMedia’s WOR-AM rises one-tenth to reach a 2.9 share. Both stations are tied at the #13 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI is up three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share, good for the #7 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-AM/FM ticks up two-tenths for a 3.3 share finish but dips to the #11 rank. Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM, Chicago sheds six-tenths, falling to a 4.6 share good for the #5 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM also falls six-tenths, finishing with a 5.1 share that takes it from #1 to #3. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

 

Audacy Names Jonathan Carlson AM Drive Co-Anchor on WWJ-AM, Detroit. Television news pro Jonathan Carlson is named the new morning drive co-anchor on Audacy’s all-news WWJ News Radio 950 in Detroit. Carlson joins Roberta Jasina for the 5:00 am to 10:00 am daypart, beginning April 18. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “We are thrilled to have Jonathan – an Emmy Award-winning journalist – join our team as a morning anchor. We’re confident he will round out our morning show program while seamlessly connecting with our listeners along the way.” Carlson has anchored in major markets around the country for nearly two decades, including WXYZ-TV, Detroit and most recently WGCL-TV, Atlanta. He comments, “I’m thrilled to join the legendary WWJ news team in such a pivotal role and I am honored and humbled to soon be waking up Metro Detroiters each morning. I am passionate about Detroit and Michigan as a whole and was waiting for the right opportunity to return. I can’t wait to bring my years of television reporting experience to radio and hope to be a voice listeners can trust and lean on each day.”

 

Audacy Announces Promotions at Corporate Promotions and Experiences Team. The company announces three moves in its corporate promotions and experiences department. Most relative to spoken-word programming is Jess Clarke’s new role as director, sports and entertainment, a promotion from her current role as regional promotions director for Audacy Tri-State. The company says, Clarke will continue to oversee the New York City market, but her primary focus is going to be leading Audacy’s upcoming performance space at the soon-to-open Hard Rock Hotel in New York City. She will spearhead Hard Rock development projects and work alongside SVP promotions and experiences Chad Fitzsimmons, sports format VP Spike Eskin, and VP of sports Matt Volk to develop sport events and platforms nationally. Other promotions announced include Bethany Kent moving into a new role as director of music initiatives and Andrea Burtscher moving from her role as regional promotion director – Northern California into the newly developed role of director, country promotions and experiences.

 

TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated, San Antonio-based talk radio personality Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo announces he’s giving up his position as host of iHeartMedia’s “The Weekend” talk program. Pags tells TALKERS, “After almost 12 years, I’ve decided to stop doing ‘The Weekend w/Joe Pags’ to give 100% focus on ‘The Joe Pags Show.’ It’s been an indescribable honor and I can’t thank Premiere, the stations, and the listeners enough.” Pags’ daily program is based at iHeartMedia’s WOAI, San Antonio and is syndicated nationally by Compass Media Networks…..WPG, Atlantic City morning drive personality Harry Hurley is taking part in the New Jersey GOP Statewide Leadership Summit taking place March 25-26 at Harrah’s Marina Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey. Hurley is serving as the moderator for a very high-profile panel on Friday as well as on a talk radio panel on Saturday. The keynote speaker for the event is former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson…..This Thursday (3/24), Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents the latest in a series of Town Hall broadcasts to help New Jersey residents navigate life in the Garden State. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads a panel of educators, behavioral specialists, education advocates and policymakers to examine how best to deal with pandemic-induced learning loss. He says, “Nearly two years of remote and hybrid learning has caused significant learning issues for New Jersey school kids. Some may never catch up.” Scott says he and his guests will help parents identify areas where their kids may be struggling, and will offer ways to take corrective action. These deficits are not confined to the classroom – social anxiety, loss of interpersonal skills and an increase in bullying has also been blamed on remote learning…..Audacy announces that Sam Levitt will join sports talk KWFN-FM, San Diego 97.3 The Fan’s flagship broadcast coverage of MLB’s San Diego Padres as pregame and postgame host. Levitt will join The Padres Radio Network broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Jesse Agler and color analyst Tony Gwynn Jr, beginning this season. “97.3 The Fan” brand manager Adam Klug says, “We are thrilled to welcome Sam Levitt as the new pre and postgame host for Padres baseball on the Padres Radio Network. Sam has a wealth of experience and passion for baseball that will benefit Padres fans of all ages.”

 

Russia-Ukraine War, Biden in Europe, Jackson Confirmation Hearings, Gas Prices/Inflation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, and Severe Weather in U.S. South Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/21). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe and his warning that Russian cyberattacks on the West are a real threat; the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson; the soaring gas prices at the pump and the high cost of consumer retail goods; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; and tornadoes and severe weather hit the U.S. South were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.