Ratings Takeaways

June 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJune 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s June 2024 survey period (May 23 – June 19) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.4 – 4.5, #7 – #8

KJCE .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  1.0 – 1.0, #21 – #19

KVET-AM .6 – .7, #22 – #22

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 6.1 – 4.9, #3 – #5

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Public radio news/talk KUT posts a -1.2 (6.1 – 4.9), which is Austin’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 decrease.

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 8.3 – 8.6, #2  – #3

WPTF .4 – .5, #24 – #24

News

WRAL-HD3 .7 – .6, #19 – #21

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.2 – 2.3, #12 – #14

WCMC-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 6.9 – 8.0, #5 – #4 

Notes: While public radio news/talk WUNC’s +1.1 (6.9 – 8.0) represents a tie for Raleigh’s largest (6+)May 2024 – June 2024 increase, sports talk WCMC-FM’s -.9 (3.2 – 2.3) is tied for the market’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 6.9 – 7.5, #4 – #4

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .3, #22 – #22

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.5 – 2.9, #14 – #14

WNDE .1 – .3, #23 – #22

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.8 – 4.8, #9 – #8

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 12.1 – 12.5, tenth consecutive month at #1

WAUK DNA – .2, DNA – #22

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.1 – 1.9, #15 – #15

WOKY .3 – .2, #21 – #22

WSSP .2 – .1, #23 – #27

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.6 – 2.4, #14 – #14

WHAD-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #27

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 6.5 – 5.5, #4 – #8

WLAC 1.6 – 1.0, #17 – #18

News

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

Sports Talk

WGFX 5.3 – 6.6, #9 – #3

WPRT 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 3.1 – 2.9, #15 – #14

WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 7.3 – 6.5, #4 – #5

WHJJ  1.2 – 1.1, #13 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.8 – 1.6, #10 – #10

WPRV .1 – .1, #19 – #18

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.2 – 2.0, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.0 – 1.1, #15 – #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #19 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.4 – 2.2, #13 – #13

WGH-FM HD2  .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

News

WNOH Black Information Network .3 – .3, #22 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.4 – .9, #16 – #19

WGH-AM .1 – .1, #24 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.7 – 9.4, #3 – #2

News

WJBT-HD2 Black Information Network .2 – .2, #22 – #20

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #22 – #20

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.8 – 1.9, #12 – #14

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.6 – 2.1, #9 – #9

WJNO 1.2 – 1.6, #13 – #13

WZZR 1.0 – 1.3 #14 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .4, #16 – #16

WBZT .3 – .4, #18 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.2 – 2.9, #11 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.7 – 3.5 #10 – #11

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.2 – 4.3, #9 – #8

WUNC 2.1 – 1.9, #12 – #14

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 2.7, #10 – #7

KWAM .5 – .4, #12 – #12

News

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

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.6 – 2.7, #7 – #7

WMC-AM .3 – .4, #13 – #12

WMFS Stream .2 – .4, #14 – #12 

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.0 – .5, #11 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk WREC’s +1.3 (1.4 – 2.7) constitutes Memphis’ largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 increase.

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 4.2 – 4.4, #8 – #8

WDRC-AM 1.2 – 1.7, #16 – #15

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.5 – 1.1, #15 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 6.4 – 5.7, #5 – #6

WFCR .4 – .6, #19 – #17 

Notes: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s -.7 (6.4 – 5.7) represents a tie for Hartford’s largest (6+) May 2024 – June 2024 decrease. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 survey period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

MLB team names of spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.4 – 4.4, #7 – #7

KJCE .1 – .1, #30 – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .9 – 1.0, #21 – #21

KVET-AM .5 – .6, #24 – #22

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 7.6 – 6.1, #2 – #3

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Public radio news/talk KUT’s -1.5 (7.6 – 6.1) represents Austin’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.3 – 8.3, #4  – #2

WPTF .6 – .4, #23 – #24

News

WRAL-HD3 .7 – .7, #21 – #19

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.2, #12 – #12

WCMC-FM HD2 .1 – .1, #25 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 7.9 – 6.9, #3 – #5 

Note: Public radio news/talk WUNC’s -1.0 (7.9 – 6.9) represents a tie for Raleigh’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.7 – 6.9, #7 – #4

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #22

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  2.3 – 3.5, #16 – #14

WNDE .3 – .1, #22 – #23

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 5.9 – 4.8, #6 – #9 

Notes: The +1.2 by news/talk WIBC (5.7 – 6.9) and sports talk WIBC-HD2 (2.3 – 3.5) represents Indianapolis’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase 

Meanwhile, public radio news/talk WFYI’s -1.1 (5.9 – 4.8) is tied for the market’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 10.3 – 12.1, ninth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #26

WAUK DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #15

WOKY .2 – .3, #21 – #21

WSSP .2 – .2, #21 – #23

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 3.3 – 2.6, #10 – #14 

Notes: In addition to being #1 for the ninth consecutive month, news/talk WISN posts Milwaukee’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase (10.3 – 12.1, +1.8).

Conversely, public radio news/talk WUWM’s -.7 (3.3 – 2.6) represents a tie for the market’s largest (6+)April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 6.5, #5 – #4

WLAC 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #17

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 5.5 – 5.3, #7 – #9

WPRT 2.5 – 2.3, #17 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 3.2 – 3.1, #15 – #15

WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 7.0 – 7.3, #4 – #4

WHJJ  1.1 – 1.2, #12 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.7 – 1.8, #9 – #10

WPRV .1 – .1, #18 – #19

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.2, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.0 – 1.0, #13 – #15

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #19

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.1 – 2.4, #14 – #13

WGH-FM HD2  .1 – .1, #24 – #24

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #23 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.1 – 1.4, #17 – #16

WGH-AM .1 – .1, #24 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 9.1 – 8.7, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .2 – .2, #21 – #22

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #21 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.4 – 2.8, #13 – #12

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #9

WJNO .9 – 1.2, #14 – #13

WZZR 1.2 – 1.0 #13 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .3 – .3, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.2, #8 – #11

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.9 – 3.7 #10 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.4 – 4.2, #7 – #9

WUNC 2.5 – 2.1, #12 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 1.4, #10 – #10

KWAM .4 – .5, #13 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.3 – 2.6, #7 – #7

WMC-AM .2 – .3, #15 – #13

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #14 

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.1 – 1.0, #11 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.4 – 4.2, #6 – #8

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.2, #16 – #16

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.8 – 1.5, #14 – #15

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.0 – 6.4, #7 – #5

WFCR .4 – .4, #18 – #19 

Notes: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s +1.4 (5.0 – 6.4) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase. 

On the other hand, news/talk WTIC-AM’s -1.2 (5.4 – 4.2) is the market’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

April 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imApril 2024 PPM Data – Information for the April 2024 survey period (March 28 – April 24) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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.

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.

NBA and NHL playoffs began April 20.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 3.8 – 4.5, #9 – #7

KJCE .1 – .1, #30 – #30

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .9 – .9, #21 – #21

KVET-AM .7 – .5, #23 – #24

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 8.4 – 7.6, #2 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.3 – 7.3, #4  – #4

WPTF .6 – .6, #23 – #23

News

WRAL-HD3 .5 – .7, #24 – #21

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.0 – 3.1, #13 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 8.7 – 7.9, #2 – #3

Note: Public radio news/talk WUNC’s -.8 (8.7 – 7.9) is tied for Raleigh’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.1 – 5.7, #8 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  2.6 – 2.3, #16 – #16

WNDE .5 – .3, #22 – #22

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Pacers)

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 5.6 – 5.9, #6 – #6

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.0 – 10.3, eighth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #26

WAUK .2 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.4 – 2.3, #15 – #15

WOKY .1 – .2, #26 – #21

WSSP .2 – .2, #22 – #21

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.9 – 3.3, #13 – #10

WHAD 1.3 – 1.8, #17 – #16

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: News/talk WISN’s +1.3 (9.0 – 10.3) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 6.5 – 5.7, #5 – #5

WLAC 1.8 – 1.7, #18 – #18

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 6.6 – 5.5, #4 – #7

WPRT 2.3 – 2.5, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.8 – 3.2, #9 – #15

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk WPLN’s -1.6 (4.8 – 3.2) represents Nashville’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 decrease.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.2 – 7.0, #5 – #4

WHJJ  1.3 – 1.1, #13 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.5 – 1.7, #11 – #9

WPRV .1 – .1, #18 – #18

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.1, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.4 – 1.0, #12 – #13

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.0 – 2.1, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .1 – .1, #23 – #24

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #23

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.3 – 1.1, #17 – #17

WGH-AM .1 – .1, #23 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.3 – 9.1, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .DNA – .2, DNA – #21

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.1 – 2.4, #13 – #13   

Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.8 (8.3 – 9.1) is Jacksonville’s largest (6+) March 2024 – April 2024 increase.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #8

WZZR 1.1 – 1.2 #13 – #13

WJNO 1.1 – .9, #13 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .4 – .5, #17 – #16

WBZT .4 – .3, #17 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.9 #11 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.6 – 4.4, #6 – #7

WUNC 2.5 – 2.5, #12 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.8 – 1.4, #8 – #10

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.3 – 2.3, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)

WMC-AM DNA – .2, DNA – #15

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.6 – 1.1, #10 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 6.2 – 5.4, #5 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.6, #16 – #16

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.1 – 1.8, #13 – #14

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.0 – 5.0, #7 – #7

WFCR .4 – .4, #18 – #18

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Cumulus to Simulcast Gene Valicenti on New London Talker

TALKERS has learned that WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence morning drive host Gene Valicenti’sim program will be simulcast on Cumulus Media’s New London, Connecticut news/talk outlet WXLM-AM, beginning Monday (5/13). Valicenti has been hosting the morning show on WPRO since 2010. He is also the evening anchor on Sinclair’s WJAR-TV, Providence where he’s been working since 1992.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 survey period (February 1 – February 28) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 5.1, #5 – #5

KJCE .1 – .3, #28 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM .8 – .9, #22 – #21

KBPA-HD2  1.1 – .5, #19 – #24

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 6.9 – 7.4, #3 – #2

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.5 – 8.0, #4  – #3

WPTF 1.0 – .8, #18 – #19

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.4 – 2.2, #11 – #15 (Carolina Hurricanes)

WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.0 – 8.5, #2 – #2

Note: Sports talk WCMC-FM’s -1.2 (3.4 – 2.2) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.1 – 4.9, #7 – #10

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.7 – 3.0, #13 – #16

WNDE .5 – .5, #22 – #21

WXNT DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.6 – 4.6, #8 – #11

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 11.5 – 9.0, sixth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #27

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 3.7 – 2.1, #11 – #15

WOKY .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #20

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.2 – 2.6, #14 – #13

WHAD 1.2 – 1.2, #16 – #17

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: News/talk WISN’s -2.5 (11.5 – 9.0) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

Sports talk outlets WOKY and WSSP are part of a seven-way tie at #20

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.4 – 5.7, #6 – #5

WLAC 2.1 – 2.1, #18 – #17

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 8.0 – 4.9, #2 – #9

WPRT 2.3 – 1.5, #17 – #19 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.9 – 4.9, #8 – #9

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #24 

Note: Sports talk WGFX’s -3.1 (8.0 – 4.9) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets.

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.9 – 6.8, #4 – #4

WHJJ  1.0 – 1.1, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 2.1 – 1.7, #9 – #11

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #8

WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, #12 – #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #21 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.9 – 1.4, #15 – #16

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.0 – 8.9, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .2 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.6 – 2.2, #16 – #13   

Note: News/talk WOKV-FM’s +.9 (8.0 – 8.9) represents Jacksonville’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 3.0 – 2.3, #7 – #9

WZZR 1.3 – 1.4 #14 – #13

WJNO .9 – 1.1, #15 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .7 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .4 – .4, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.8 – 2.1, #9 – #10

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.2 #9 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 5.3 – 4.7, #6 – #6

WUNC 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 1.5, #11 – #10

KWAM .5 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 3.2 – 2.5, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #14 – #14 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.9 – 1.7, #9 – #9

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.8 – 1.6, #14 – #14

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #18 – #18

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.0 – 1.4, #13 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.1 – 5.1, #8 – #7

WFCR .6 – .4, #17 – #18 

Note: Public radio news/talk WNPN’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 increase.

Contact Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Radio Pro Ron St. Pierre Dies Unexpectedly

Rhode Island native and longtime programmer and air personality Ron St. Pierre died on Monday (3/11)im at age 69 after suffering a heart attack. St. Pierre served with WABC, New York during his career but worked much of his career in Rhode Island radio and TV. He programmed talk outlets including WPRO-AM, WHJJ-AM, and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence and anchored sports on WPRI-TV, Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He is survived by his wife Patti. Read the RINewsToday.com obit here.

Industry News

Round Four of January PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey covered January 4 – 31. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds 2.5 shares to finish with an 11.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) good for its fifth straight month ranked #1, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ does not appear in this survey. (TALKERS has reached out to GKB for clarification.) In Nashville, Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WWTN-FM rises 1.5 shares to finish with a 5.4 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC adds nine-tenths for a 2.1 share finish good for the #18 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on a full share to wrap the survey with a 6.9 share, lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHJJ-AM is up two-tenths for a 1.0 share finish and the #13 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

January 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imJanuary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 survey period (January 4 – January 31) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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 “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.1 – 5.7, #6 – #5

KJCE .1 – .1, #31 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  1.4 – 1.1, #19 – #19

KVET-AM 1.1 – .8, #23 – #22

KTAE .9 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.3 – 6.9, #3 – #3

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: The +1.6 by public radio news talk KUT (5.3 – 6.9) and news/talk KLBJ-AM (4.1 – 5.7) represent Austin’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 5.0 – 7.5, #5  – #4

WPTF .6 – 1.0, #22 – #18

News

WRAL-HD3 .2 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.4, #12 – #11 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 7.9 – 9.0, #2 – #2

Note: News/talk WTKK’s +2.5 (5.0 – 7.5) represents Raleigh’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 4.8 – 5.1, #8 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.0 – 3.7, #16 – #13

WNDE .3 – .5, #21 – #22

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 3.4 – 4.6, #11 – #8

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.0 – 11.5, fifth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #28 – #26

WTMJ 6.4 – DNA, #5 – DNA 

WGKB .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.7 – 3.7, #15 – #11

WOKY .2 – .2, #22 – #23

WSSP .2 – .2, #22 – #23

WKTI 1.6 – DNA, #17 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.5 – 2.2, #16 – #14

WHAD .8 – 1.2, #20 – #16

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: News/talk WISN’s +2.5 (9.0 – 11.5) represents Milwaukee’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 3.9 – 5.4, #12 – #6

WLAC 1.2 – 2.1, #19 – #18

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 6.9 – 8.0, #2 – #2

WPRT 2.0 – 2.3, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.1 – 4.9, #11 – #8

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 5.9 – 6.9, #5 – #4

WHJJ  .8 – 1.0, #15 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 2.0 – 2.1, #10 – #9

WBZ-FM 3.0 – DNA, #8 – DNA

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 1.6 – 2.1, #13 – #9

WNPN 1.3 – 1.5, after nine straight months at #14, moves to #12

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #18

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.0 – 2.3, #14 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #24 – #23

News

WNOH .2 – .3, #24 – #21

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.8 – 1.9, #15 – #15

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #24 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 6.5 – 8.0, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #24

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 1.8 – 1.6, #15 – #16

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.1 – 3.0, #9 – #7

WZZR 1.3 – 1.3 #13 – #14

WJNO .6 – .9, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .6 – .7, #15 – #16

WBZT .2 – .4, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 1.9 – 2.8, #10 – #9

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.3 – 3.5 #8 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.2 – 5.3, #7 – #6

WUNC 2.2 – 2.8, #13 – #11

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.0 – 1.4, #11 – #11

KWAM .4 – .5, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.8 – 3.2, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #14 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.6 – 1.9, #9 – #9

WKNO-HD2  .2 – DNA, #15 – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.2 – 6.6, #6 – #4

WDRC-AM 1.5 – 1.8, #15 – #14

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #19 – #18

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.5 – 2.0, #11 – #13

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.0 – 4.1, #8 – #8

WFCR .6 – .6, #18 – #17

Mike Kinosian is managing editor at TALKERS magazine. Reach him at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 survey period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.3 – 4.6, #6 – #5

KJCE .3 – .3, #28 – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM 1.0 – 1.4, #22 – #18

KTAE 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KBPA-HD2  .5 – .8, #27 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.8 – 5.1, #4 – #4

KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #33

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 6.9 – 6.0, #3 – #4

WPTF .8 – .8, #19 – #20

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.0 – 3.3, #12 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.8 – 8.8, repeats at #1

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 7.3 – 5.3, #2 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  4.0 – 3.5, #12 – #12 (Colts)

WNDE 1.0 – .9, #20 – #19

WXNT .1 –.2, #24 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.3 – 4.2, #11 – #10

Notes: News/talk WIBC’s -2.0 (7.3 – 5.3) represents Indianapolis’ largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk

WISN 10.7 – 9.6, third consecutive month at #1

WTMJ 7.7 – 7.6, #2 – #3 

WLIP .2 – .2, #23 – #23

WRJN  DNA – .1, DNA – #27  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.8 – 3.4, #14 – #13 (Green Bay Packers)

WKTI 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #18

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #23

WOKY .3 – .1, #22 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 3.1 – 2.7, #12 – #14

WHAD 1.6 – .7, #17 – #21

WGKB .1 – .1, #27 – #27

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 4.3, #5 – #9

WLAC 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 7.4 – 7.3, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)

WPRT 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #18 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.4 – 4.0, #10 – #11

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .1, #23 – #23 

Notes: News/talk WWTN’s -1.4 (5.7 – 4.3) represents Nashville’s  largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.8 – 6.4, #5 – #5

WHJJ  .5 – .8, #16 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.4 – 3.2, #9 – #8

WVEI 2.0 – 2.3, #11 – #11

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.0 – 2.1, #11 – #12

WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, eighth straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  3.0 – 2.5, #13 – #11

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #20 – #20

Sports Talk

WVSP 2.4 – 1.7, #14 – #15

WTAR .3 – .3, #20 – #20

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.3 – 6.8, #3 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .3 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #13   

Notes: News/talk WOKV-FM’s -1.5 (8.3 – 6.8) represents Jacksonville’s  largest November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA – DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA – DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.7 – 2.5, #9 – #9

WZZR 2.0 – 1.2 #11 – #13

WJNO 1.2 – .7, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .3 – .4, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.9 – 2.0, #8 – #11

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 4.4 – 3.5 #8 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 3.6 – 4.0, #9 – #7

WUNC 1.5 – 1.7, #14 – #14

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.4 – 1.8, #9 – #10

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.8 – 2.6, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 2.0 – 1.8, #11 – #10

WKNO-HD2  DNA – .2, DNA – #15

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 4.8 – 5.3, #6 – #5

WDRC-AM 1.9 – 1.6, #15 – #15

WTIC-AM Stream .6 – .4, after five consecutive months at #17, slips to #20

WPOP .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.3 – 2.5, #13 – #12

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #9

WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Cumulus Promotes Holly Paras to Regional VP

Cumulus Media promotes Holly Paras to regional vice president for the company in which she adds the New London, Connecticut stations to her current oversight of the Providence, Rhode Island cluster.im Cumulus operates news/talk WXLM-AM in the New London market and news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM and sports talk WPRV-AM in Providence. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner states, “Holly is an extremely effective and capable leader. Having her lead New London in addition to Providence allows for us to provide enhanced solutions for customers in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.”

Ratings Takeaways

November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imNovember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 survey period (October 12 – November 8) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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.

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are October 2023 – November 2023 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.7 – 4.3, #5 – #6

KJCE .4 – .3, #28 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KTAE .7 – 1.0, #25 – #22

KBPA-HD2  .5 – .5, #27 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.6 – 5.8, #4 – #4    

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 8.2 – 6.9, #3 – #3

WPTF .7 – .8, #20 – #19

News

WRAL-HD3  .1 – .3, #23 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.5 – 3.0, #11 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.4 – 9.8, #2 – #1

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 6.9 – 7.3, #3 – #2

News

WOLT-HD2  .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  4.3 – 4.0, #12 – #12 (Colts)

WNDE .9 – 1.0, #21 – #20

WXNT .1 –.1, #24 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.6 – 4.3, #10 – #11

Note: Sports talk WFNI (DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.7 – 10.7, #1 #1

WTMJ 9.6 – 7.7, #2 – #2 

WLIP .1 – .2, #28 – #23  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.6 – 2.8, #14 – #14 (Green Bay Packers)

WKTI 1.0 – 1.2, #18 – #19

WOKY .4 – .3, #22 – #22

WSSP .2 – .2, #25 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 3.0 – 3.1, #13 – #12

WHAD 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #17

WGKB .1 – .1, #28 – #27

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Whereas news/talk WISN’s +1.0 (9.7 – 10.7) represents Milwaukee’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase, similarly-formatted WTMJ’s -1.9 (9.6 – 7.7) is the market’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease; the two rivals remain first and second (6+).

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 5.7, #5 – #5

WLAC 1.4 – 1.5, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 7.3 – 7.4, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)

WPRT 1.9 – 2.0, #17 – #18 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.1 – 4.4, #10 – #10

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.5 – 6.8, #5 – #5

WHJJ  .3 – .5, #18 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.6 – 3.4, after thirteen consecutive months at #8, slips to #9

WVEI 2.4 – 2.0, #9 – #11

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.4 – 2.0, #9 – #11

WNPN 1.4 – 1.6, seventh straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  3.3 – 3.0, #12 – #13

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #22 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #20 – #20

Sports Talk

WVSP 2.9 – 2.4, #13 – #14

WTAR .2 – .3, #22 – #20

WGH-AM .3 – .2, #20 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 7.5 – 8.3, #3 – #3

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .3, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.8 – 2.4, #12 – #13   

Note: Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.3 – 2.7, #9 – #9

WZZR 1.8 – 2.0 #13 – #11

WJNO 1.2 – 1.2, #14 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .4 – .5, #18 – #16

WBZT .4 – .3, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.5 – 2.9, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #21 – DNA

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 4.9 – 4.4 #7 – #8

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 3.5 – 3.6, #9 – #9

WUNC 1.7 – 1.5, #14 – #14

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.4 – 2.4, #9 – #9

KWAM .2 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 3.0 – 2.8, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #13 – #15 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.9 – 2.0, #10 – #11

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.1 – 4.8, #6 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.9 – 1.9, #15 – #15

WTIC-AM Stream .8 – .6, fifth consecutive month at #17

WPOP .2 – .2, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.5 – 2.3, #11 – #13

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 3.8 – 4.0, #9 – #9

WFCR .8 – .6, #17 – #17

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 survey period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

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.

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 3.4 – 4.7, #10 – #5

KJCE .3 – .4, #27 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM 1.0 – 1.3, #22 – #22

KTAE DNA – .7, DNA – #25

KBPA-HD2 .4 – .5, #26 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.3 – 5.6, #3 – #4    

Note: News/talk KLBJ-AM’s +1.3 (3.4 – 4.7) represents Austin’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase. 

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 9.4 – 8.2, #2 – #3

WPTF DNA – .7, DNA – #20

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .1, #15 – #23

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.5, #8 – #11 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.1 – 9.4, #3 – #2

Notes: News/Talk WTKK’s -1.2 (9.4 – 8.2) represents Raleigh’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

Following a six-month absence, eight (8) Curtis Media Group stations – including news/talk WPTF – return as Nielsen Audio subscribers.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 6.1 – 6.9, #4 – #3

News

WOLT-HD2 .1 – .1, #27 – #24

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2 3.5 – 4.3, #13 – #12 (Colts)

WNDE .9 – .9, #22 – #21

WXNT .1 –.1, #27 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 6.4 – 4.6, #3 – #10

Note: Sports talk WFNI (DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 9.6 – 9.7, #2 – #1

WTMJ 9.8 – 9.6, #1 – #2 

WLIP DNA – .1, DNA – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.4 – 2.6, #13 – #14 (Green Bay Packers)

WKTI 1.0 – 1.0, #18 – #18

WOKY .2 – .4, #26 – #22

WSSP .2 – .2, #26 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.4 – 3.0, #13 – #13

WHAD 2.1 – 2.1, #16 – #17

WGKB DNA – .1, DNA – #28

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk WUWM’s +.6 (2.4 – 3.0) ties classic hits-oldies WRIT for Milwaukee’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 6.1 – 5.7, #4 – #5

WLAC 1.1 – 1.4, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 7.2 – 7.3, #3 – #3 (Tennessee Titans)

WPRT 1.4 – 1.9, #17 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 5.5 – 4.1, #6 – #10

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .2, #23 – #23 

Note: Public radio news/talk WPLN’s -1.4 (5.5 – 4.1) represents Nashville’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.1 – 6.5, #6 – #5

WHJJ  .3 – .3, fourth straight month at #18

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.3 – 3.3, thirteenth consecutive month at #8

WVEI 2.3 – 2.4, #10 – #9

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 1.9 – 2.4, #12 – #9

WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, sixth straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #19 – #20

Note: Public radio news/talk WGBH’s +.5 (2.4 – 3.0) ties rock WHJY for Providence’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  3.5 – 3.3, #11 – #12

WGH-FM HD2 .2 – .2, #24 – #22

News

WNOH .4 – .3, #21 – #20

Sports Talk

WVSP 2.7 – 2.9, #13 – #13

WGH-AM .4 – .3, #21 – #20

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.2 – 7.5, #3 – #3

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.6 – 2.8, #12 – #12

Note: Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 1.8 – 2.3, #12 – #9

WZZR 1.9 – 1.8 #10 – #13

WJNO 1.1 – 1.2, fourth successive month at #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZT .2 – .4, #19 – #18

WMEN .2 – .4, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.5, #8 – #8

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #21

Note: News/talk WFTL’s +.5 (1.8 – 2.3) ties urban AC WMBX for West Palm Beach’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase. 

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 4.5 – 4.9 #8 – #7

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 3.5 – 3.5, #9 – #9

WUNC 1.4 – 1.7, #13 – #14

Note: Urban AC WQMG has the highest October 2023 share (14.0, 6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets.

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.1 – 2.4, #9 – #9

KWAM .4 – .2, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.4 – 3.0, #8 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #13 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.7 – 1.9, #11 – #10

Note: Urban contemporary WHRK’s -2.7 (10.3 – 7.6) represents the largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease by any station in all 48 PPM-markets.

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.2 – 5.1, #6 – #6

WDRC-AM 2.3 – 1.9, #12 – #15

WTIC-AM Stream .8 – .8, fourth consecutive month at #17

WPOP .2 – .2, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.7 – 2.5, #15 – #11

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 3.7 – 3.8, #9 – #9

WFCR .6 – .8, #18 – #17

Note: While sports talk WUCS’ +.8 (1.7 – 2.5) represents Hartford’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase, news/talk WDRC-AM’s -.4 (2.3 – 1.9) is the market’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Four of August PPM Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s 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 Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.

Industry News

Round Four of July PPMs Released

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s 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 Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN dips one-tenth to finish with a 9.7 share but remains locked in the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls 1.6 shares to finish the survey with a 7.9 share that takes the station from #2 to #4. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises three-tenths for a 6.2 share finish and rises to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia crosstown news/talk WHJJ loses three-tenths to finish with an 0.2 share good for the #18 rank.  In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk outlet WZZR-FM adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL dips three-tenths for a 1.3 share finish that leaves it ranked #13. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: We Have a Winner

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imTHE Best Bit I’ve Heard This Month was by Gene Valicenti, morning host, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence.

Among advertisers he endorses: Pinnacle Discount Center, where TV prices are SO low ya wonder if the merch’ is hot. It was a hole-in-the-wall before Gene tripled its business… not a tough sell when every customer gets to “Spin the Wheel!” on the way out for even-deeper discounts or a FREE bonus TV.

“You’ve got an uncle in the TV business,” Gene says, and “Uncle Bill” gives him TVs to award listeners who chime-in on topic du jour each morning.

im

As Amazon Prime Days began, Gene spontaneously texted Uncle Bill – not a set-up, I’m told – challenging him to beat Amazon deals. ONE MINUTE later, Uncle Bill replied: “Yes! 15% less for any same-model TV Amazon is offering.” Even if nobody took him up on the offer, the gesture slam-dunks this retailer’s category ownership.

Even if you aren’t making a station advertiser a hero: How can YOU localize The Big Story?

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Bekah Berger Rises to WPRO-FM Morning Show Role

Broadcaster Bekah Berger, who began her radio career as an intern in the WPRO-AM, Providence newsroom, isim named co-host of the “The Giovanni in the Morning” show on Cumulus Media’s CHR WPRO-FM. After her internship, Berger joined WPRO-AM as call screener for “The Buddy Cianci Show.” In 2008, she was named promotions director for WPRO-AM and hosted a weekend show called, “This Week in Entertainment With Bekah Berger.” She also served as producer for WPRO-AM’s morning drive “Gene Valicenti Show.”

Industry News

Round Four of June PPM Released

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

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

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

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

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

RALEIGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INDIANAPOLIS

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MILWAUKEE

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NASHVILLE

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROVIDENCE 

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORFOLK

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

JACKSONVILLE

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREENSBORO

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MEMPHIS

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

HARTFORD

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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 April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, fifth month in succession, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.3) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.8 – 8.3, -.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

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

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.0 – 7.9, -.1, locked in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, fifth straight month, 9.3 – 9.4, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTKK and contemporary Christian WRTP (-.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.4 – 6.6, +.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, fourth month in a row, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.2, +.5, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.2 – 8.2, -1.0, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.7 – 10.2, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.0)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, eighth to ninth   

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 -1.4, +.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, fourth month in succession, steady at 13.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WKDF (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WWTN (-1.7)*

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

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” unchanged at .4, continues at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 2.1, -1.3, #9 to #12

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, eighth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.5, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: rock WHJY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WGBH (-1.3)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, remains at #15

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fifth straight month, 9.4 – 10.7, +1.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WGH-FM (+1.5)**

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WUSH (-.9)

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

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 5.5 -.6, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJGL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WKSL-HD3 (-.7)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .8 -1.9, +1.1, #16 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #11 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” flat at .5, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, fourth straight month, 11.8 – 11.9, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-1.1)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD flat at 2.0, remains at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – .9, -.2, stays at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, fifth month in a row, 13.4 – 13.3, -.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.1)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, locked at #11

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, tenth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .4, -.1, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, third straight month, 11.0 – 11.8, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-.8)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .4, -.2, #17 to #18

WTIC-AM cluster-mate WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.3 – .9, -.4, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .7, +.3, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 40th month in a row, 11.0 – 10.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-1.0)

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

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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 January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, second month in succession, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KAMX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLQB (-1.0)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.3 – 8.0, -.3, locked in second-place

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 7.4, -.9, second to third

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, second straight month, 8.5 – 10.5, +2.0

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban AC WFXC (+2.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: gospel WNNL (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.2 – 8.0, +.8, carries on in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, locked at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .5, -.2, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” flat at .4, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, second month in a row, 10.4  – 9.2, -1.2 and Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, first month, 9.3 – 9.2, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WIBC (+.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.6 – 9.8, +.2, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 7.5 – 7.0, -.5, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.7 – 1.0, -.7, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.5 – 3.9, -.6, #7 to #11

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD unchanged at 1.1, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second successive month, 9.6 – 9.8, +.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: country WMIL (-1.2)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 6.6, +.4, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 5.5 – 4.4, -1.1, seventh to eighth  

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, locked at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.8 – 3.0, -.8, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, first month, 7.5 – 14.3, +6.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+6.8)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-1.8)

*Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 48 PPM-markets

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, anchored in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .4, repeats at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics) 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, continues in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” steady at 2.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, ninth to eighth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fifth month in succession, 10.5 – 8.2, -2.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WPRO-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-2.3)**

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

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #12

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .3, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” steady at 1.8, repeats at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, second straight month, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WTWV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WNVZ (-1.2)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.8 – 7.4 -.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 3.8, +.8, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #11 to #10

cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #11 to #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 -1.0, +.1, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .9 – .7, -.2, #14 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, seventh to eighth

co-owned WLRN-HD2’s internet stream flat at .2, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.3 – 10.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKGR (-.7)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.9, +1.0, remains in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, stays at #10

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, second month in a row, 12.2 – 12.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.9 – 2.9, -1.0, #8 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, eighth to seventh

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, stays at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 15th successive month, 11.8 – 10.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMC-FM (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.1 – 5.7, +.6, eighth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” unchanged at 1.0, continues at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, remains in seventh-place

New England Public Media’s WFCR and its internet stream are both steady at .4 and stay at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 37th month in a row, 10.9 – 13.7, +2.8

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+2.8)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSS (-2.0)

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

Industry News

Talk Host Steve Kass Elected into RI Heritage Hall of Fame

Longtime Rhode Island talk radio host Steve Kass is being elected into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, May 6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Pavilion in Providence. Kass was inducted into the RI Radio Hall of Fame in 2010. He began his radio career in 1958 as a rock ‘n’ roll disc jockey. He also led the pop group Steve Kass and the Love Larks that was recorded by Bobby Day for Class Records. They performed on TV and toured for a while. Kass changed careers and launched several successful businesses but returned to radio and TV in 1979, hosting shows at WPRO-AM and WHJJ-AM in Providence. Today, he hosts an eponymous podcast.

Features

January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.

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 “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).

 AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, repeats in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” flat at 2.1, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, continues at #4

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, first month, 8.8 – 9.9, +1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKMJ (-4.6)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 10.4 – 8.3, -1.1, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8, #16 (did not appear in the “Holiday” 2022 report)

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, #8 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.2 – 8.3, -.9, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, first month, 9.6 – 8.5, -1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WNCB and contemporary Christian WCCE (+.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-6.3)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 7.2, +1.5, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, repeats at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .4 – .7, +.3, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, first month, 7.9 – 10.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WJJK (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-7.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 8.8 – 9.6, +.8 third to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.2 – 7.5, +1.3, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, repeats at #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.3 – 4.5, +1.2, #11 to #7

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD .6 – 1.1, +.5, #21 to #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 8.8 – 9.6, +.8

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WMIL (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLDB (-3.4)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #17 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.1 – 1.2, +.1, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.6 – 3.8, +1.2, #13 to #10

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, first month, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WUBT (+1.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-6.9)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.5 – 5.0, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.0 – 4.2, +2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, continues in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN flat at 2.6, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, fourth month in succession, 16.9 – 10.5, -6.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWBB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-6.4)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.8, #11 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .8 – 1.3, +.5, repeats at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, first month, 9.0 – 10.1, +1.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: classic rock WAFX (+2.5)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-6.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 7.8 +1.7, fifth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 7.1 – 10.0, +2.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+2.9)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-10.0)**

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.7, +.6, #13 to #11 and cluster-mate WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” flat at 1.7, #10 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -.9, -.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) 1.1 – .9, -.2, #13 to #14

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

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, repeats in seventh-place and the stream of co-owned WLRN-HD2 .2, #18 (unlisted in “Holiday” 2022)

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, first month, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.2)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.2 – 3.9, +.7, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, ninth to tenth

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.3 – 1.9, +.6, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, first month, 9.8 – 12.2, +2.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits WSMW (+2.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-9.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.6 – 3.9, +1.3, #13 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, ninth to eighth and WFMS’ internet stream flat at .4, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.4, +.3, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 14th successive month, 13.2 – 11.8, -1.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-3.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” flat at 5.1, sixth to eighth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” steady at 1.0, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” unchanged at 2.0, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR flat at 5.7, fifth to seventh

New England Public Media’s WFCR steady at .4, #18 to #19 and WFCR’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 36th month in a row, 15.8 – 10.9, -4.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR WKSS (+2.4)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-4.9)

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

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary KKMJ, second month in a row, 9.0 – 10.7, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKMJ (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLZT (-1.7)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 9.2 – 10.4, +1.2, first to second

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .2, -.1, #23 to #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.9, +1.2, #13 to #8 and co-owned WCMC-HD2 flat at .3, #23 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.2 – 9.2, +1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, first month, 6.9 – 11.6, +4.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRAL (+4.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRDU (-.4)

Note: Seven (7) Curtis Media Group-owned stations that appeared in the December 2022 top twenty are no longer subscribers and are unlisted in “Holiday” 2022. In addition to news/talk WPTF (#18 in December 2022), the others are: classic hits-oldies WKIX-FM (#5); adult hits WBBB (#7); country WQDR-FM (#8); classic hits-oldies WKIX-AM (#15); CHR WPLW (#15); and regional Mexican WYMY (#15).

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.1 – 5.7, -1.4, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Colts) 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .7 – .4, -.3, #18 to #19

Audacy’s WXNT “CBS Sports 1430” .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, anchored at #9

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 11.5 – 17.1, +5.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WYXB (+5.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.8)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 8.8, -1.1, first to third

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks) 6.6 – 6.2, -.4, locked in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” (Green Bay Packers) 2.4 – 1.6, -.8, #14 to #15

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at 1.0, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT, first month, 8.3 – 11.2, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WRIT (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.1)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “SuperTalk 99.7” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) 7.3 – 6.6, -.7, third to fourth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 4.0 – 2.6, -1.4, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 11.9 – 14.4, +2.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WJXA (+2.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN-FM (-1.4)

PROVIDENCE

 News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.3 – 4.5, -.8, fifth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” flat at .5, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots) 4.5 – 4.0, -.5, anchored in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, remains at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, stays at #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, third month in succession, 10.5 – 16.9, +6.4

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+6.4)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR WPRO-FM and country WCTK (-1.4)

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.4 – 2.8, -1.6, #7 to #11

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” 1.5 – .8, -.7, #17 to #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” flat at 1.6, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WWDE, second month in a row, 10.2 – 14.4, +4.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+4.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WNIS (-1.6)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 6.1 -.8, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .3 – .6, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, second consecutive month, 14.0 – 18.1, +4.1

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+4.1)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country WQIK (-1.9)**

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, repeats in tenth-place and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, flat at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” .9 – 1.0, +.1, anchored at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .8 – 1.1, +.3, #16 to #13

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

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s flat at 3.2, carries on at #7

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 7.0 – 7.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WAYF (-1.3)

Note: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF had been #1 the past 12 months

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.7 – 3.2, -1.5, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #11 to #9

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, flat at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG, second month in a row, 12.8 – 17.4, +4.6

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMAG (+4.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-1.5)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, remains at #13

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, continues at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, 13th successive month, 11.7 – 13.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WHRK (+1.6)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KXHT (-1.6)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, fifth to sixth

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” flat at 1.0, stays at #17

iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” unchanged at .2, #21 to #20

WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .2, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, third to fifth

New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .4, #20 to #18 and WFCR’s internet stream .2, #20 (did not appear in the December 2022 sweep)

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 35th month in a row, 15.0 – 15.8, +.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-1.3)

 

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

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, September 12, 2022

Monday Memo: “Like Sands Through the Hourglass…” Beginning today, a TV milestone. “Or is this ‘the canary in the coal mine?’” consultant Holland Cooke asks. Beginning today, after 57 years and 58 Emmy Awards on broadcast television, “The Days of Our Lives” will now be seen exclusively on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock. In this week’s column, HC notes how this trend is playing-out, and what it means to radio. Read it here.

 

Pending Business: Coupons. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the renewed interest in clipping coupons thanks to the current high prices of food and other consumer goods. Coupons were, and still can be a barometer for return on investment by marketers who use them; and they’ve been a thorn in the side of radio sellers from time to time, as well. Lapa has some suggestions for radio sellers running into competition from coupon marketers. Read it here.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Waterloo Media Group’s news/talk KLBJ-AM, Austin jumps a full share to finish the survey with a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) that lifts it from the #11 rank to #7. Although rising by 1.4 shares for a 9.3 share finish, Radio One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis remains in the #2 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN continues to hold down the #1 rank after adding four-tenths for a 10.3 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls seven-tenths for an 8.9 share that keeps it ranked #2. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence tacks on eight-tenths for a 4.8 share finish but remains ranked #7 as iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up half a share for a 1.2 share that lifts it to the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to New Roles as Metro Presidents. The company announces the promotion of three current market presidents to the newly created roles of metro presidents. First, Columbus market president Kris Foley is now metro president for Columbus and Cleveland. Second, Charlotte market president Dave Carwile is now metro president for the Carolinas giving him oversight of Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina. And third, Cincinnati market president D.J. Hodge is now metro president for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. All three executives report to Tom McConnell, division president for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group.

Audacy Names Terri Gunnell EVP of Advertising Technology, Products and Platforms. Advertising technology professional Terri Gunnell is named EVP of advertising technology, products and platforms for Audacy. She comes to the company from WarnerMedia where she was EVP, head of monetization and data platforms. In her new role with Audacy, she’ll lead the teams responsible for advertising technology, products and platforms for the company’s revenue organization, providing business-focused use cases and requirements for vendors and ad tech engineers to ensure that the platforms meet business needs. She’ll also lead the business transformation activities surrounding people, process and tech, partnering with peer leaders to ensure that organizational structure and business processes are optimized and successfully supported by the tech and data platforms. Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “Terri’s extensive technical expertise, ability to administer and guide large budgets and staff, combined with her commitment to building collaborative teams, makes her a perfect candidate to take on this role. We look forward to her owning this rapidly growing portion of our business to help us best serve our clients, partners and consumers.”

iHeartMedia Promotes Uta Knablein to Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. The company promotes Uta Knablein from her executive vice president of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience role to chief product officer for iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says of Knablein, “She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry. Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.” Knablein steps into this role following former chief product officer Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.

Legendary Talk Show Host Steve Kass Back in the Game. Retired talk radio personality Steve Kass has informed TALKERS that he is interested in getting back on the air as a fill-in host. Kass states, “There is so much going on right now in the nation and world, it is difficult to sit on the sidelines and not participate in what is clearly one of the most exciting and consequential chapters in news/talk broadcasting history. Today, with access to leading-edge remote technology, there is absolutely no reason not to get back in the game.” Kass is credited as having been one of the most successful voices heard on the airwaves in New England where he was a major player at both WPRO and WHJJ in Providence between 1984 and 2005 – many of those years as a dominant morning host. Kass hung up his headphones in 2005 to accept the position of communications director in the administration of Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri. During his last year on the air, Kass was named the Associated Press “Talk Show Host of the Year” and in 2010 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. Kass tells TALKERS, “No job is too big or too small” and that he can be available on very short notice. Steve Kass can be reached by phone at 401-663-9776 or emailed at stevegkass@gmail.com.

TALKERS News Notes. Former Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Larry Elder is considering a run for president, he tells The Daily Wire. In an interview, Elder says what brought him to run against California Governor Gavin Newsom in last year’s recall election. “[A] number of people approached me as you know, to encourage me to run for governor of California. And little by little I felt that I had a moral and spiritual and a patriotic obligation to do it.” He adds, “I didn’t think I would like politics. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I was surprised at how good I was at it. And in about seven and a half weeks which is when I got into the race, with only that much time left. I raised around $22 million —  more than all of the major rivals combined.”…..Los Angeles talk radio station KBLA “Talk 1580” is presenting an election forum tonight (9/12) with incumbent Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and challenger and former Long Beach Chief of Police Robert Luna. This is the first in the station’s Public Safety Forum series of events. It’s being streamed on the station’s website, YouTube and Facebook and will be broadcast on KBLA later. It’s being moderated by station owner Tavis Smiley with radio hosts Dominique DiPrima, Angela Reddock-Wright and Nii Quartelai Quartey…..Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Wisconsin launches the Tundra Trio Radio Network, which is airing Green Bay Packers content across sports talk WKTI-FM, “94.5 ESPN” and news/talk WTMJ in Milwaukee and WTLX-FM, Madison “100.5 ESPN.” The newest Good Karma Brands radio network got its name from its Tundra Trio properties, two houses adjacent to Lambeau Field where private tailgates are hosted prior to each home game. Kicking off every Packers game day at the Tundra Trio houses are former Packer Gary Ellerson and WTMJ personality Greg Matzek. Following each game, host Gabe Neitzel and Steve “The Homer” True, alongside Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher, will team up for the “Pack Attack Postgame.”

Trump vs DOJ, Ukraine Recaptures Territory, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, King Charles III Crowned, Fentanyl Crisis, NFL Season Opens, and Western Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The legal battle between former President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice over documents Trump was keeping at his Mar-a-Lago residence; Ukraine forces recapture territory from Russia and concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; the November midterms elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Charles III is crowned King of Great Britain; the growing rate of fentanyl being shipped across the U.S.-Mexico border; the NFL opens its 103rd season; and the wildfires in the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

April 2022 PPM Data – Information for the April 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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 April 7; NBA playoffs got underway May 1; and NHL playoffs started May 2.

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.8 – 4.7, -.1, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 6.8 – 6.5, -.3, second to third

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, fourth month in a row, 10.0 – 9.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KLQB (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classical KMFA (-1.4)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 6.7 – 7.4, +.7, fourth to third

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) flat at 2.5, steady at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.8 – 8.0, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, second successive month 8.4 – 9.0, +.6

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WTKK and CHR WDCG (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: country WQDR-FM (-.8)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.5 – 9.0, -.5, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” (Pacers) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, #10 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .9 – .6, -.3, remains at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.7 – 5.3, +.6, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, fourth successive month, 12.4 – 12.8 +.4

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): country WLHK and public radio news/talk WFYI (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: sports talk WIBC-HD2 (-.7)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers and Bucks) 8.2 – 9.9, +1.7, third to first

iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 8.3 – 7.5, -.8, second to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #16 to #15

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” 1.0 – .8, -.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 5.9 – 5.3, -.6, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WTMJ, first month, 8.2 – 9.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: news/talk WTMJ (+1.7)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKLH (-.9)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, second to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, #14 to #15

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.5 – 6.4, +.9, seventh to fifth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, fourth month in a row, 7.5 – 9.4, +1.9

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+1.9)*

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: CHR WNFN (-.9)

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

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, fourth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .8 – .6, -.2, continues at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.7 – 4.4, +.7, ninth to seventh

Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, and Bruins) 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, locked in eighth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH flat at 3.1, carries on in tenth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, third straight month, 11.3 – 11.5, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNBH (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: country WCTK (-2.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 2.5 – 2.9, +.4, #13 to #11

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #19 to #18

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .4, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, fourth month in succession, 10.4 – 10.5, +.1

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

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: hot AC WPTE (-.9)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 10.5 – 10.6 +.1, #1

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” flat at .7, stays at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 2.9, -.8, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: news/talk WOKV-FM, fourth consecutive month, 10.5 – 10.6 +.1

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase:  urban AC WSOL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary WEJZ and rock WWJK (-1.4)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, ninth to tenth

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” steady at 1.3, #13 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” unchanged at 1.1, #14 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .4 – .5, +.1, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.8 – 2.7, -1.1, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, fourth month in succession, 9.6 – 9.8, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: country WIRK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-1.1)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.1 – 5.6, +.5, anchored in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #10 to #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, fourth month in a row, 13.4 – 12.6, -.8

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: CHR WMKS (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: urban AC WQMG (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #14 to #12

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .7 – .5, -.2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, continues in tenth-place and WMFS’ internet stream 1.0 – .7, -.3, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO flat at 1.8, steady at #16

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, fourth successive month, 13.6 – 12.1, -1.5

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: urban AC KJMS (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (-1.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, repeats in ninth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – .8, -.2, #15 to #16

The internet stream of Audacy’s WTIC-AM, .6 – .8, +.2, #18 to #16

iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” .2, #20 (unlisted in March 2022)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” steady at 1.0, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 10.1 – 7.8, -2.3, second to third

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 -.8, +.4, #20 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 26th month in a row, 10.9 – 12.5, +1.6

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNPR (-2.3)**

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

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

 

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, January 31, 2022

Monday Memo: Talk Radio 101 – LISTEN. “Streaming has music radio on its heels, because,” in consultant Holland Cooke’s view, “The Sentence Never Spoken is ‘Alexa, please play six commercials.’” Yet Cooke warns that “talkers should avoid taking false comfort that we’re less vulnerable to digital competitors, because people are using social media to talk to each other without us.” In this week’s column, HC details techniques to engage callers. Read it here.

 

Pending Business: It’s a Matter of Trust. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says that it’s not unusual for news/talk radio sellers to unwittingly overlook the importance of the trust and credibility that their station’s hosts have engendered with their listeners. Too often, this important quality that’s not easy to match is left out of proposals for one reason or another. Read his column here.

Adriana Rizzo Named SVP of Consumer Marketing for Audacy. Marketing pro Adriana Rizzo joins Audacy as SVP of consumer marketing, effective January 31. In this role, Rizzo will lead the company’s audience growth initiatives across brand strategy, creative, messaging, media planning and attribution, while also managing the company’s Alchemy function, focused on the strategic integration of exclusive content and programming to Audacy’s over 200 million listeners. Audacy chief marketing officer Paul Suchman says, “We’re thrilled to have Adriana join our growing team. Her hire underscores our commitment to world-class marketing and our vision to become the audio platform of choice for consumers. The timing of Adriana’s hire is well aligned with our deep investments in technology and our future-proofed digital platform. Adriana will be a key partner to our business lines and to our marketing leads across broadcast, digital, sports betting and podcasting.” Rizzo was most recently with Discovery and launched streaming service Discovery+. She’s also served with ESPN. She comments, “I’m very excited to be joining Audacy at such an important and strategic time for the company and the industry. I look forward to working closely with this talented team and helping Audacy achieve new heights.”

After YouTube Snub, Heidi Harris Launches Vimeo Show. Twenty-four-year veteran Las Vegas-based radio talk show host Heidi Harris, currently heard at “97.1 FM Talk St. Louis” (KFTK-FM), is another conservative commentator recently banned from YouTube because of political content that the mega-platform says doesn’t meet its standards. In response, she has launched a new channel on Vimeo which will feature her daily “Headlines with Heidi” program. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison served as her first guest. Harris and Harrison discussed the current Big Tech censorship controversy as well as a number of “behind-the-scenes” talk media issues. To see the program, please click here.

2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards Take Place Virtually on Thursday. A number of celebrities will make guest appearances on this Thursday’s 2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. The program was originally to take place live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles but will now happen virtually at 9:00 pm ET on February 3 streaming on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and Facebook page as well as broadcast across select iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. iHeartMedia says stars appearing include: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Martha Stewart, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Paris Hilton, Shonda Rhimes, Will Ferrell, Wilmer Valderrama, and many more. While winners from most categories will be decided by a panel of industry leaders and creatives, the Podcast of the Year award is decided by social voting on Twitter. The nominees for Podcast of the Year are: “Code Switch,” “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” “Crime Junkie,” “Louder Than a Riot,” “Office Ladies,” “SmartLess,” “Stuff You Should Know,” “The Daily,” “The Midnight Miracle” and “You’re Wrong About.”

Round Four of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s Holiday 2021 sweep covered December 9 – January 5. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Due to holiday listening habits influenced by Christmas music, spoken-word stations often lose share during this period, but not all stations saw losses this time around. In Indianapolis, Emmis Communications’ news/talk WIBC-FM adds seven-tenths for an 8.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #3 in the market. Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “SuperTalk 99.7” is up eight-tenths for a 6.1 share finish and climbs from the #8 rank to #3. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises nine-tenths to a 6.7 share but is still ranked #5 in the market. iHeartMedia’s WJNO, West Palm Beach adds a half share for a 2.3 share finish good for the #11 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three rounds) here.

Ukraine Tensions/Sanctions, COVID-19, U.S.-China Relations/Olympics, Midterm Elections/Trump & the GOP, Spotify’s COVID Issue, Supreme Court Opening, North Korea Missile Test, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories over the Weekend. Russia’s military build-up at the Ukraine border and the West’s threatened sanctions if Russia invades; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad, and mask & vaccine mandates; the Biden Administration’s relations with China and the Beijing Winter Olympics; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence on the GOP; Spotify deals with artists pulling their music in response to what they term medical misinformation being spread on the “Joe Rogan Experience”; the controversy over President Joe Biden’s promise to nominate a Black woman to fill retiring Justice Stephen Breyer’s Supreme Court seat; North Korea tests a new missile causing concern over its military ambitions; and the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl after Sunday’s games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.