Tag: WRKO

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” flat at 4.1, seventh to eighth

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.9 – 7.5, +.6, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 3.7 – 2.6, -1.1, #10 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.2 – 10.1, -.1, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .6, -.1, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, seventh month in succession, 10.2 – 10.1, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WJFK-FM (-1.1)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 7.3 – 5.8, -1.5, second to fourth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, #13 to #8

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: CHR WXKS-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-1.5)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, steady at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.7 – 9.3, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMXJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, #1

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, repeats at #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, seventh to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, third straight month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: jazz KNKX (-1.0)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, locked at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) unchanged at 4.5, tenth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 5.9 – 5.5, -.4, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM steady at 2.1, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, seventh consecutive month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WCSX (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, fourth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.8 – 5.4, -.4, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fourth month in a row, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KMLE (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-1.5)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #12 to #10

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, continues at #13

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, remains at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, stays in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.3, +.4, seventh to fifth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, first month, 7.3 – 7.6, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WGVX (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic rock KQRS (-.8)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.8, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.0 – 5.4, -.6, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, fourth consecutive month, 6.6 – 9.8, +3.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult hits KFBG KYXY (+3.2)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-.8)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.2 – 2.9, -.3, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, locked at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, eleventh month in succession, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WXTB (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WXGL and adult contemporary WWRM (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16 and iHeartMedia cluster-mate KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second month in a row, 5.7 – 7.6, +1.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KYGO (+1.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-.9)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 2.3 – 3.4, +1.1, #14 to #10

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, #12 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, remains at #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.4 – 3.6, +.2, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.6 – 8.7, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WBAL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.0)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.7 – 5.3, +.6, repeats at #10 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, continues at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, locked at #14

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 9.3, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: country KSD-FM (-1.9)**

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

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, July 14, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

KFNX, Phoenix Owner Bill Brady is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The veteran radio broadcaster who rolled up his sleeves in 2019 and fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning and operating a radio station by acquiring news/talker KFNX (1100 AM) in Phoenix is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Michael Harrison has known and closely followed the solid career of Bill Brady since hiring him as program director and afternoon drive host at WSPR, Springfield in 1986. Harrison says, “Bill Brady is one of the smartest, most-talented, and dedicated talk radio broadcasters on either side of the microphone that I have ever met, and I’m delighted to have him on the podcast this week to talk about hosting and managing in 2022.” In his steadfast career, Brady served in a number of key industry positions on air and in sales management in large market radio and television as well as the newspaper business. His resume includes stints with Clear Channel Radio, Citadel Communications, Comcast and the Miami Herald. His radio background includes the aforementioned WSPR, Springfield; WQBK, Albany and WPRO, Providence among others. When Brady purchased KFNX right before the pandemic hit, he vowed to upgrade the Phoenix talk outlet to competitor status by eliminating much of its brokered clutter, adding high-caliber syndication and local shows (including his own 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily program) bolstering the sales initiative, instituting a modern expansion of its digital presence and growing its community involvement and outreach. He is well on his way to achieving his goals. News/talk radio practitioners will find this interview illuminating. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Cary Pahigian Named VP/GM of Salem News Channel. Broadcasting industry management pro Cary Pahigian is named vice president and general manager for Salem Media Group’s Salem News Channel (SNC), effective July 18. Pahigian was most recently president and GM for Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL-AM and rock WIYY-FM in Baltimore. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce states, “Cary has been an active, hands-on executive in radio for years, but his last eight years at Hearst Television prepared him well for the burgeoning OTT television market. In Cary we have a strong experienced general manager, who will help us get SNC to the next level. Cary was ready for the next adventure in his long and storied career, and we are extremely fortunate to have that opportunity to give him.” Salem says the new SNC platform “is providing news-oriented content using a combination of Salem Radio Network hosts, and new TV-only content, and recently began top- and bottom-of-the-hour news capsules.” Pahigian will supervise all elements of production on the network including talent, content, sales, marketing, and social media. He comments, “I have long admired Salem Media Group’s unique culture and dedication to community service, quality content and client partnerships. Salem News Channel has put Salem Media Group front and center in the fast-growing video streaming arena with a lineup of prominent hosts and straightforward news and analysis.”

Round Two of June PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds two-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish lifting it up to the #7 rank, while Hubbard Radio’s crosstown all-news WTOP falls nine-tenths to a 6.9 share but remains ranked #3. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston dips eight-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share good for the #11 rank as sister all-news WBZ-AM is steady at a 4.8 share and stays ranked #6. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM is ranked #1 after adding four-tenths for a 7.3 share finish, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM falls six-tenths for a 3.3 share finish good for the #14 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as yesterday’s round one) here.

Beasley Unveils New PM Drive Show for ‘97.5 The Fanatic’ in Philly. The new afternoon drive show at Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” is announced. In the wake of longtime PM drive host Mike Missanelli’s May departure, the station unveils “The Best Show Ever?” featuring (pictured from l-r) former MLB pitcher and NBC Sports Philadelphia analyst Ricky Bottalico, digital sports media influencer Hunter Brody, air personality Jennifer Scordo, and current “Fanatic” personality Tyrone Johnson. The 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm program that will be simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia debuts on August 1. Beasley VP and market manager Joe Bell says, “When you put long time ‘Fanatic’ personality Tyrone Johnson together with social media star Hunter Brody and former Phillies pitcher Ricky Bottalico, then mix in ‘Ring Master’ Jenn Scordo, you’re going to have some exciting afternoons on ‘The Fanatic.’” Station PD Chuck Damico adds, “Philadelphia fans are the best fans ever and they deserve ‘The Best Show Ever?’ We look forward to this diverse group of passionate sports experts providing some of the most entertaining sports talk in Philadelphia.”

Morgan Zegers Latest Addition to Salem Podcast Network. The latest addition to Salem Media Group’s growing slate of programs on its Salem Podcast Network is Morgan Zegers. Her eponymous podcast officially joins the platform on July 18. Salem Media Group VP of spoken word Phil Boyce states, “When we talk to consumers about podcasts, they keep telling us to give them more young, female hosts. Morgan is a perfect example of the nation’s young females taking a stand in favor of America, and we could not be more pleased to add her to SPN.” The 25-year-old Zegers comments, “I am so honored to join the Salem Podcast Network with my show highlighting key issues and events in our nation from the perspective of a young conservative woman. Americans, especially members of my generation, are sold a heap of lies by our education system, media, and pop culture. To get America back on track, we must embrace our roots, rethink education and leadership, and take back control of ourselves, our families, and our country. I hope to inspire my listeners to join into this hopeful and mindful American mentality! I’m thankful to Salem for giving me the opportunity to grow with their support.”

Wayne Allyn Root Featured at FreedomFest Convention. Las Vegas-based, USA Radio Network-syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root is playing a couple of roles at this week’s FreedomFest conference in Las Vegas. The event, billed as “a big tent event that strives for attendees to come to a deeper understanding of freedom and important social issues through open conversations, debate and civil discourse by bringing together a variety of perspectives” will include Root on a Saturday (7/16) panel debate exploring the question “Was the 2020 election stolen and is Trump the best choice for the 2024 GOP nomination?” Root will also serve as the “judge” during a debate over the legalization of drugs.  Root tells TALKERS magazine that on Saturday he will also announce not one, but two TV deals he has signed.

Cox Media Group Sells CoxReps and Gamut. Noting that this sale will allow Cox Media Group to “focus on our core businesses,” the company announces it is selling national television rep firm CoxReps and multiplatform ad firm Gamut to private equity firm One Equity Partners. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. OEP managing director Andrew Dunn states, “OEP is thrilled to begin its investment partnership with these two superb teams leading two companies at the forefront of the television advertising and digital streaming industries. While both CoxReps and Gamut are leaders in their respective markets, and will continue to operate as sibling companies, we expect to foster even greater collaboration between them, increasing the flow of advertising dollars into local video. We will assist these efforts with increasing investment in technology and by capitalizing on OEP’s own deep expertise in the media industry.”

Industry Mourns Tanita Myers. Radio programming pro Tanita Myers – VP of news operations for iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network – died unexpectedly at age 49 on Tuesday (7/12). The Black Information Network posted news of her death on its website, including part of a memo from BIN president Tony Coles, who wrote: “Tanita was a passionate leader, a champion of women in journalism, and one of the driving forces behind the Black Information Network. We are a better organization because of her dedication to our mission, and we are better humans because of her love, her humor, and her spirit. While she took great pride in her work, it was her friends and family who brought her the most joy. Tanita’s smile always got a bit brighter when she spoke about her mom and her son Brandon.” Myers joined iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network in June 2020, following 15 years at Reach Media where she was senior director of radio operations. She previously served as director of operations for “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and executive producer of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.”

TALKERS News Notes. WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island midday talk host John DePetro is now also heard on Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In addition to his radio work, DePetro is a frequent contributor to Newsmax TV…..The Independent Broadcasters Association announced it will conduct the IBA Fall 2022 National Cash Contest, its fifth since the birth of the IBA in 2020. IBA president and executive director Ron Stone says, “We fully expect this upcoming IBA National Cash Contest to be the most successful campaign we’ve done so far! IBA member stations invest $300 to leverage thousands of prize monies, making this the best ratings and revenue opportunity ever presented. But remember, stations must be an IBA member to participate. Nearly $3 million in sponsorship revenue has been generated for participating IBA member stations thus far, with an average of 14.7 to 1 ROI.”…..The Society of Broadcast Engineers is holding its national meeting, awards dinner, board of directors and committee meetings at the Ramada by Wyndham in Liverpool, New York on September 28 and 29. The event includes the SBE22 Broadcast and Technology Expo with a trade show exhibit hall and technical sessions.

The Economy, Biden in Middle East, January 6 Hearings, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Southern Border Crisis, Russia-Ukraine War, Abortion Battle, Musk vs Twitter, and COVID-19 Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/13). The latest inflation report, pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates again, and fears of a recession; President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East; the ongoing January 6 hearings; November’s midterms elections and speculation about who the nominees will be for the 2024 presidential race; the migrant problem at the U.S.-Mexico border; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s potential arms deal with Iran; the abortion rights battles at the state level after the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v Wade; Elon Musk’s legal battle with Twitter over his canceled takeover bid; and the spread of the coronavirus BA.5 variant were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22.

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 2022 – June 2022 (6+).

 WASHINGTON, DC

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

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.8 – 6.9, -.9, locked in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, #13 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.1 – 10.2, +.1, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .6 – .7, +.1, steady at #19

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, sixth month in succession, 10.1 – 10.2, +.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease (Tie): news WTOP & WTLP and rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM (-.9)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.2 – 3.4, -.8, #8 to #11

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” flat at 4.8, repeats in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 9.8 – 7.3, -2.5, first to second

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #11 to #13

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: hot AC WXLO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.5)*

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

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 8.3 – 9.7, +1.4

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WXDJ (+1.6)**

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLYF (-.8)

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.9 – 7.3, +.4, #1

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, #10 to #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 3.9 – 4.6, +.7, tenth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, anchored in fourth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.3, +.4

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: alternative KEXP (+1.6) **

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-1.3)

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

 DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, remains at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) flat at 4.5, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.2 – 5.9, -.3, stays at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM unchanged at 2.1, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, sixth consecutive month, 7.4 – 7.3, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase (Tie): urban AC WDMK; news/talk WJR; and alternative WDZH (+.4)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: urban AC WMXD (-1.4)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.1 – 5.0, +.9, seventh to fourth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #20 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.1 – 5.8, +.7, fourth to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, third month in a row, 6.7 – 6.6, -.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: hot AC KMXP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk KMVP-FM (-1.5)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, repeats at #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #14 to #13

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.3 – 5.3, -1.0, fifth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+ (Tie): Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, sixth month in a row, 8.2 – 7.8, -.4 and Audacy adult hits KZJK, first month, 7.1 – 7.8, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase (Tie): country KEEY and classic rock KQRS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease (Tie): contemporary Christian KTIS-FM and triple A KCMP (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 2.8 – 3.2, +.4, continues at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.2 – 6.0, -.2, second to third

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, third consecutive month, 8.4 – 6.6, -1.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYXY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.8)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, repeats in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) flat at 2.1, anchored at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.8 – 3.2, +.4, #17 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, tenth month in succession, 7.8 – 7.6, -.2

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WXGL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WLLD (-.9)

DENVER

News/Talk: KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, continues at #16 and iHeartMedia cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, remains at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+ (Tie): KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.1 – 5.7, +.6 and Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 6.1 – 5.7, -.4

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KQKS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: hot AC KALC (-1.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, #11 to #12

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) steady at 2.3, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR unchanged at 3.4, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, fifth month in a row, 9.3 – 9.4, +.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: CHR WWMX (-.8)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) steady at 4.7, #11 to #10 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, stays at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 5.7 – 4.3, -1.4, #9 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, carries on at #14

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, sixth month in a row, 8.9 – 10.0, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase (Tie): rock KSHE and country KSD-FM  (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: country WIL-FM (-1.5)

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

May 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Ratings 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 2022 – May 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

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

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.1 – 7.8, -.3, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #16 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .6, -.1, flat at #19

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, fifth month in succession, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WASH (-.7)

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

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, seventh to eighth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, anchored in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.4 – 9.8, +1.4, second to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #13 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #9 to #11

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 2.7, -.8, #12 to #15

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 8.4 – 9.8, +1.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WROR and public radio news/talk WGBH (-.8)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #19 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 7.0 – 8.6, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WHQT (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMXJ (-.7)

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

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.3 – 6.9, +.6, second to first

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) steady at 3.9, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.4 – 5.8, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, first month, 6.3 – 6.9, +.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KCMS-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-1.5)**

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.6 – 3.1, -.5, locked at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, third to fourth

WXYT-FM’s internet stream, 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, flat at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #16 to #18

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, fifth consecutive month, 7.6 – 7.4, -.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: classic rock WCSX (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-.9)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, fifth to seventh

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, #15 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #21 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 6.9 – 6.7, -.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KALV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic rock KSLX and Spanish adult hits KVVA (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

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

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.7 – 3.3, +.6, #15 to #14

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, #14 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.8 – 6.3, +.5, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 7.0 – 6.4, -.6, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, fifth month in a row, 9.0 – 8.2, -.8

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): hot AC KSTP-FM and triple A KCMP (-.8)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #18 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.1 – 6.2, +1.1, fifth to second

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, second consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.4, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KPBS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-1.0)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 3.7 – 4.5, +.8, tenth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, unchanged at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, #18 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, ninth month in succession, 7.7 – 7.8, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: news/talk WHPT (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: alternative WSUN (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster, KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 2.7, #12 to #16; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 1.9 – 2.6, +.7, #17 to #18; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Audacy hot AC KALC, first month, 5.5 – 6.4, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC KALC and jazz KUVO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-1.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, flat at #11

Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #16 to #15

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 1.0 – .7, -.3, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, fourth month in a row, 8.9 – 9.3, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WERQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): jazz WEAA and gospel WCAO (-.6)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.4 – 4.7, +.3, anchored at #11 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #14 to #16

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 5.6 – 5.7, +.1, continues in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, fifth month in a row, 8.8 – 8.9, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: triple A KDHX (-1.3)

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Round Two of April PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, DC, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s April 2022 sweep covered March 31 – April 27. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this round of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds four-tenths to finish with a 4.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #7 rank, and sister all-news WBZ-FM dips by eight-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and remains ranked #6. Bonneville International’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle loses 1.1 shares and wraps the survey with a 6.3 share that pulls it out of first place to #2. Meanwhile, Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips by seven-tenths for a 4.3 share finish good for the #9 rank. In the Twin Cities, Audacy’s news/talk WCCO loses half a share for a 3.8 share finish and the #13 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KTLK-AM sheds six-tenths for a 3.0 share and the #14 rank. And Hubbard Broadcasting’s talk KTMY-FM ticks up one-tenth for a 2.7 share finish good for the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.

 

WOLB-AM, Baltimore Morning Host Larry Young Recovering from Leg Amputation. The Baltimore Sun reports that WOLB-AM, Baltimore morning drive host Larry Young is recovering after having surgery to remove his leg below the knee, the result of an infection in his foot that was complicated by his Type 2 diabetes. The 72-year-old Young has been off the air since April 10. He’s been hosting the morning show on Radio One’s WOLB-AM for the past 25 years and is planning to retire from the station at the end of this year. As noted in a story below, Young is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from TALKERS magazine at TALKERS 2022 at Hofstra University on June 10. Young tells the paper that he expects to be back on the air in June and back to normal activities by August.

 

Cumulus-Signal Hill: YouTube Most Used U.S. Podcast Platform. The latest Podcast Download – Spring 2022 Report from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights that examines weekly podcast listeners has been released. Cumulus says the report is part of its commitment to share insights and research findings with the podcast community. Cumulus EVP, marketing and president, Westwood One Suzanne Grimes says, “Our new Podcast Download Report uncovers a major surge in video podcast audiences as YouTube becomes the most-used platform to access podcasts. Podcast advertising reaches millions of younger consumers who have abandoned linear television for advertising-free video streaming services.” Some highlights from the report: 1) Six in 10 weekly podcast listeners say they prefer podcasts with video. When asked how they prefer listening to podcasts, 28% say they like a podcast video they actively watch while listening and 29% indicate they have the video in the background/minimized while listening. 43% say they use audio only with no video; 2) YouTube is now the leading audience destination. When asked which platform they listen to the most to access podcasts, 24.2% say YouTube, followed by Spotify (23.8%) and Apple Podcasts (16%); 3) The greater the time spent with podcasts, the more the podcast ads generate consumer response and business outcomes. As a result of hearing a podcast ad, heavy podcast listeners (those who listen six-plus hours per week) are more likely to have searched online for a product, discovered a new product/service, made a purchase, used a promo code, or followed a brand on social media. See the complete report here.

 

Edison Research: SiriusXM Top Podcast Network by Reach. According to just-released data from Edison Research, the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2022 are: SXM Media, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, respectively. This ranker measures reach as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience. Rankings are compiled by measuring the total unduplicated reach of all the shows represented by a given network. Listening is credited to the producer and/or the network that represents the advertising for the show, not the platform or app that the listener uses to access the podcast. Rounding out the top 10 are: 4) NPR 5) The New York Times 6) Audioboom 7) Audacy 8) Cumulus Podcast Network 9) Wondery and 10) PRX. Edison Research director of research Gabriel Soto says, “Edison Podcast Metrics is the only dataset that covers the entire U.S. podcast space. By surveying listeners and measuring their actual consumption, the data doesn’t depend on opt-ins from networks and isn’t subject to the various issues with counting downloads. These top networks offer a diverse range of shows that appeal broadly to listeners.”

 

TALKERS Announces Recipients of 2022 Awards. Ian Freeman, Mandy Connell, Larry Young, and Jeff Katz to be recognized at TALKERS 2022.

Ian Freeman is the co-host, along with Mark Edge, of a long-running syndicated radio talk show titled, “Free Talk Live,” that emanates from Keene, New Hampshire evenings 7:00 pm – 10 pm ET. The main theme of the contemporary news and topics show is freedom and the ideals of the First Amendment. Although still on the air regularly, Ian Freeman is currently under federal arrest on a wide array of charges ranging from money laundering to wire fraud. He maintains his innocence and claims the FBI and other government agencies are hell bent on shutting him up after years of dealing with the nuisance of the show’s activism and controversial information on such subjects as civil disobedience, including taking a frontline stance on the emergence and controversies of cryptocurrencies. He will begin his trial later this year. Ian Freeman will receive the TALKERS Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (also known as the “Freedom of Speech” award) at TALKERS 2022 at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10.

Mandy Connell is the 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm midday host at KOA, Denver. Prior to her present position, her radio background includes KHOW, Denver as well as heritage station WHAS, Louisville. She began her career in Florida doing news/talk and hot talk after having been a flight attendant who decided to attend broadcasting school and begin a career in radio. She is widely recognized as an influential, reasonable, and independent conservative political voice as well as an entertaining conversationalist whose repertoire includes all aspects of pop culture and day-to-day issues. Her star continues to be on the rise. Mandy Connell will receive the TALKERS Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Woman to Talk Radio (also known as the “Woman of the Year” award) at TALKERS 2022 at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10.

Larry Young has been the beloved morning show host on African American community talker WOLB, Baltimore for the past 25 years and is about to retire at the end of 2022. The “Larry Young Morning Show” is widely regarded as the top black radio talk show in Maryland. The “Larry Young Morning Show” was also named “Best Radio Station” by Baltimore City Paper in 2007, 2008, 2009 and in 2010. He also has been honored by the community with such awards as the 2007 Pinnacle Award given by American Development Consortium, 2009 Ed Bradley Award given by Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2011 Unsung Hero Award given by Grace Outreach Fundraising Committee, 2012 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award given by Greater Baltimore Urban League and he was the recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2015. Larry Young will receive the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award at TALKERS 2022 at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10.

Jeff Katz is the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm host at WRVA, Richmond. He is a former police officer in Philadelphia who traded his badge for a microphone and began a successful three-decade, award-winning career as a talk show host on major stations in in Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, San Francisco and, since 2013, at the legendary WRVA. Jeff volunteers thousands of hours to help members of the community with a special focus on law enforcement officers and disabled children. President Donald J. Trump honored Jeff’s service by presenting him with The President’s Award for Volunteer Service. In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray honored Jeff by naming him the winner of The Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2019. Katz will be the recipient of the TALKERS Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host (also known as the “Humanitarian of the Year” award) at TALKERS 2022 at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10.

 

TALKERS News Notes. According to the latest data from Comscore, FOX News Digital finished April 2022 as the “top-performing news organization in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes.” FOX News Digital closed out the month reaching 2.9 billion total multiplatform minutes, 1.5 billion total multiplatform views, and 77 million multiplatform unique visitors. FOX News says April also marked the 14th straight month that it outpaced every news brand in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes. While FOX News Digital eclipses competitor CNN.com in multiplatform total views and total minutes, CNN.com tops FOX News Digital in unique visitors by a wide margin…..iHeartMedia Charlotte and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers strike a deal for the teams games to be heard on classic rock WRFX-FM “99.7 The Fox” starting this season. The team’s game broadcasts have been heard on Radio One’s WBT-AM/FM for the past 17 seasons. 99.7 The Fox will carry all Panthers game broadcasts, the Panthers pregame and postgame shows as well the team’s weekly coach’s show. The station will provide unique listener experiences and will have an on-site presence at Bank of America Stadium during Panthers game days. In addition, the new relationship will benefit from iHeartMedia’s audio partnership with the NFL, which features podcast distribution via the iHeartPodcast Network…..iHeartMedia chairman & CEO Bob Pittman and president, CEO & COO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during J.P. Morgan’s 50th Annual Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference in Boston on Tuesday May 24 at 3:30 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website.

 

Dick Rakovan Dies. Radio executive Dick Rakovan has passed, according to numerous reports, including this one from Radio Ink. Consultant and TALKERS magazine columnist Holland Cooke says, “His CapCities resume included WJR, Detroit; WKBW, Buffalo; and WPRO, Providence where he was our station manager in the 1970s – radio Camelot. Later, when he ran the radio group for Outlet Broadcasting, he vectored me into programming WSNE, Providence and WTOP, Washington. He also served with WFYR, Chicago and WWRC, Washington and was VP of the Radio Advertising Bureau.” Rakovan was honored by the Illinois Broadcasters Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. See that video here.

 

Buffalo Shooting/Great Replacement Theory, Midterm Primaries/Trump & the GOP, the Economy, Russia-Ukraine War/Finland & Sweden Apply to NATO, Elon Musk & Twitter, COVID-19, and UFO Hearings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/17). The aftermath of the deadly Buffalo shooting and talk of the Great Replacement Theory; the primary races for the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the financial markets, inflation, and concerns about a major recession on the horizon; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Finland and Sweden apply to NATO; Elon Musk’s attempt to take over Twitter; the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.; and Tuesday’s congressional hearing on UFOs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOSTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

SEATTLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETROIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOENIX

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

MINNEAPOLIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAMPA

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

DENVER

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

BALTIMORE

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

ST. LOUIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, April 21, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Bill O’ Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Multi-platform news/talk media star and best-selling author Bill O’ Reilly is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” O’ Reilly’s 40-plus year career has been colorful, controversial, and continues to be consequential. After gaining prominence as an anchor for the mainstream TV networks ABC and CBS, he served as host of the groundbreaking celebrity gossip entertainment-industry show, “Inside Edition,” and then evolved into politics going on to be the top-rated host at FOX News Channel for approximately two decades. Today, his short-form commentaries, syndicated by Key Networks, are heard on hundreds of news/talk radio stations across the nation and he’s currently in the process of launching a new nightly, long-form syndicated program titled, “No Spin News.” Harrison and O’ Reilly discuss the state and future of modern era news/talk media in addition to looking back at what it was like for the independent-minded talker to co-host and partner with former President Donald Trump on his recent four-city “History Tour.” Be sure to meet Bill O’ Reilly at the forthcoming Talkers 2022 conference at Hofstra University on Friday, June 10. To listen to the entire podcast, please click here.

 

Sean Hannity Becomes Longest-Running Primetime Cable News Host. According to FOX News Channel, primetime superstar Sean Hannity notches another industry milestone as he tops the late Larry King to assume the mantle of the longest-running primetime cable news host in U.S. television history. Today (4/21), marks 25 consecutive years, six months, and 15 days at the helm of a primetime cable news program – beating King’s run on CNN. Hannity has been a staple of FNC’s primetime lineup since the launch of the network in 1996. He was co-host of “Hannity & Colmes (with the late Alan Colmes) that debuted on October 7, 1996. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Sean’s authenticity and insightful commentary have created one of the most enduring connections with our audience and it’s been an honor to watch him over the years. A FOX News original, he has helped innovate the industry, and we are incredibly proud of his extraordinary success.” Hannity comments, “I am extremely grateful to FOX News Media and to our loyal, dedicated viewers whom I am proud to serve every night.”

 

WHAM/WSYR Talk Host Bob Lonsberry Pens Blog Post About Personal Mental Health. Longtime WHAM, Rochester and WSYR, Syracuse talk host Bob Lonsberry’s April 20 post to his blog reveals a man searching for help to deal with mental health issues he confesses have plagued him his entire life. The blog doesn’t go into specific detail about his own struggles but does document to some degree his family history of mental illness, especially that which tormented his mother for most of her life. He begins the post saying, “This column is not intended to elicit sympathy or be seen as courageous. Not by any means. It is rather a report on the final desperate action of a man who has destroyed the lives of his family, hurt countless other individuals, failed at his religion, and probably devolved from narcissist to sociopath. This isn’t pretty or sweet, but neither is it manipulative or attention seeking. It’s just a column. Please, leave me the delusion that I’m a writer. And if me being nuts makes you more comfortable asking if you might be nuts, too, and maybe need some help, too, then good. That’s the point.” Read the blog post here.

 

Round Two of March PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM jumps 1.4 shares for an 8.7 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish and climbs to the #2 rank, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WMAL-FM slips two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish good for the #10 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston continues its ascent, tacking on 1.1 shares to wrap the survey with a 4.7 share and the #8 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-FM slides seven-tenths to a 5.5 share and the #6 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM remains on top posting a 7.4 share to stay ranked #1. The talk in St. Louis is dominated by Audacy as heritage news/talk KMOX finishes with a 3.6 share, after shedding two-tenths, and remains ranked #11, while sister talker KFTK-FM drops eight-tenths for a 2.6 share finish good for the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.

 

Meghan Ottolini Joins WEEI-FM, Boston’s ‘Merloni & Fauria’ Show. Boston sports media personality Meghan Ottolini is getting an expanded role on sports talk WEEI-FM’s “Merloni & Fauria” afternoon drive program, effective May 4. She’s been serving as a part-time host on the show since January of 2021. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “Meghan is a rising star in this industry, and we are very excited to have her join ‘Merloni & Fauria’ each afternoon. Writing is a passion of Meghan’s and she will be able to continue to do that for our station’s website, enabling her to create can’t-miss content for Boston sports fans – both on air and online.” Ottolini most recently served as a multimedia reporter for the Boston Herald since 2017. Additionally, she was an on-air talent for NBC Sports Boston’s “Quick Slants” television program. She comments, “I’m thrilled to join WEEI and work alongside Lou [Merloni] and Christian [Fauria] delivering premier sports talk coverage in the best sports city in the country. This opportunity is such a privilege and I look forward to having a lot of fun in this next chapter of my career.”

 

The TALKERS magazine 2022 Heavy Hundred of Talk Radio Hosts is Published. The 2022 edition of TALKERS magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – also known as the Heavy Hundred – has been published. Since the early 1990s, TALKERS editors – with input from industry leaders – have compiled this annual feature created to recognize the hard-working talk radio personalities in America. TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey says of this 2022 edition, “Creating the Heavy Hundred is always a challenging task for our editorial staff. Our use of both hard and soft factors in evaluating candidates for the list only adds to the difficulty in selecting the “most important” radio talk show hosts, but it’s a project that allows us to really get a big-picture look at the key players in this format and it’s something that we take very seriously. Congratulations to all of the talk radio personalities who are recognized on this year’s Heavy Hundred!” See the list here.

 

FOX News Digital Top Performer in Multiplatform Minutes for March. According to the Comscore data for the month of March, FOX News Digital finished as the top-performing news brand in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes. FOX News Digital says this marks its fourth consecutive quarter ranking as number one in the category in the news competitive set. FOX News Digital delivered 3.5 billion total multiplatform minutes, topping closest rival CNN.com (3.35 billion). For the first quarter of 2022 (Jan.-Mar.), FOX News Digital delivered 9.2 billion total multiplatform minutes versus CNN.com’s 7.85 billion. However, In the multiplatform unique visitors metric, CNN.com was far and away on top with 136.3 million compared to FOX News Digital’s 79.2 million for March. For the first quarter, CNN.com’s multiplatform unique visitors total was 147.9 million to FOX News Digital’s 85.3 million.

 

Radio Pros Launch New Consulting Firm. The new firm is called the Smith Richards Collective and is being launched by radio executives Steve Smith and Tim Richards and digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen. The organization says it “brings deep radio operations, programming, and digital marketing experience to radio stations and groups, with a fresh approach and innovative strategies to help stations grow their audience and revenues, while saving money.” It adds that in addition to podcast and radio talent coaching services, the Smith Richards Collective offers full-service white glove consulting for radio stations and groups, as well as an embedded full-service digital marketing agency, McIvor Marketing, which offers stations and groups a full spectrum of digital resources and support.

 

Salem New York’s ‘The Answer’ to Produce ‘The Salem Business Breakfast.’ Next Wednesday (4/27) Salem Media Group’s news/talk WNYM-AM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” is presenting “The Salem Business Breakfast” at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. It takes place from 6:00 am to 10:00 am as Joe Piscopo broadcasts the morning show live. An interactive business panel discussion will be moderated by attorney and AM 970 The Answer personality Arthur Aidala that will include: Bernie Kerik, former NYPD Police Commissioner; Steve Perillo, president & owner of Perillo Tours; Ace Watanasuparp, national director of strategic sales at Citizens Bank Home Mortgage Division & founder of Chase Restaurant Group; Jason Greene, vice president of Magniflood INC; and Melanie Landano, founder & owner of Mel’s Butcher Box.

 

TALKERS News Notes. New York City Audacy radio stations are airing the podcast episodes hosted by WCBS-FM personality Patty Steele for which she won a 2022 Gracie Award in the category National Podcast – Lifestyle Limited Series. The program is titled “The Deep 6” and the episodes that will be aired on April 24 at 6:00 am consist of her interview with her 26-year-old son Jake about his heroin addiction and his journey to recovery. Steele, a mother of three,  reveals her struggle through the ordeal that simultaneously occurred with her breast cancer diagnosis. With five years of sobriety under his belt, Jake and his mom decided it was time to make their story public with the hope of helping others. Steele comments, “It’s important that we take the stigma away from addiction issues and talk openly about what is truly affecting our children. I’m so grateful that Jake and I are in such a good place that we’re able to share our journey.” WINS director of news and programming Ben Mevorach states, “Patty’s conversation with her son is heartbreaking, inspiring, life-affirming, and compelling. It is one of the most important podcasts to come along in a very long time. What makes it so powerful is its authenticity. You can feel the pain and unrelenting love for her son on this very personal journey. Patty is brave beyond words to share and explore all that has happened and because her story could be any parent’s story, every parent will find a part of themselves in it.”…..Pictured at left is Salem Radio Network talk radio host Mike Gallager(left) with 16-time WWE World Champion wrestler Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair (right). Gallagher bumped into Flair while taking his first “maskless” flight since the pandemic began in 2020…..Audacy is conducting 45 volunteer events nationwide to celebrate Earth Day as part of its 1Day1Thing Sustainability Initiative. The series of events, which will engage employees across the company, aim to make a positive impact on the communities in which the company serves and the planet. Projects including tree planting, park and waterway cleanups, recycling projects and habitat restoration, among others. Audacy director of sustainability Jaimie Field says, “We pride ourselves on our relentless commitment to supporting the health and success of the communities that are at the heart of our business, and we’re thrilled to unite our teams across the country to do some good for our planet. Sustainability is a focal point of our Audacy Serves initiative, and we’re looking forward to leveraging these actions this Earth Day to make a lasting impact on our environment, both today and for generations to come.”…..Good Karma Brands president Steve Politziner has been inducted into the 45th class of the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission recognizes an elite group of individuals who have made major impacts to the Palm Beach County sports landscape. By bringing ESPN to the market through the power of radio, TV and events, he helped shape Palm Beach County’s sports identity, created a home for sports fans and has provided coverage to the great sports stories, teams and athletes that make up the community.

 

Russia-Ukraine War, Netflix Crash/Financial Markets/Inflation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, DeSantis vs Disney, College Debt Forgiveness, COVID-19, Macron-Le Pen Race, and Arizona Wildfire Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/20). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its ICBM test and threat of nuclear weapons use; the crash of Netflix’s stock, its effect on the financial markets and the broader issue of high gas and food prices; the battle for control of Congress in the November midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushes legislation to strip Disney of its decades-old special district benefit; the Biden administration’s move to provide 50,000 students with college debt forgiveness; the ruling that cancels the air travel mask mandate and the BA.2 variant; the tight race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen for president of France; and the raging Arizona wildfire were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOSTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

SEATTLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETROIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOENIX

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

MINNEAPOLIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAMPA

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

DENVER

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

BALTIMORE

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

ST. LOUIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

February 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | by Editor

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOSTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIAMI

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

SEATTLE

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

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

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

DETROIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOENIX

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

MINNEAPOLIS

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

TAMPA

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

DENVER

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

BALTIMORE

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

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST. LOUIS

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Features

A Rich Man’s True Jewels

By Editor | by Editor

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

RICHMOND, VA. — Whether fair or not, market size/overall reach has been elevated as being an individual broadcaster’s dominant barometer of success.

Countless news/talk shows are heard on terrestrial, satellite, and internet radio, as well as through podcasts and other new media streams, yet it would hardly be a stretch to venture that a wildly significant number of news/talk hosts are fervently vying to become the next Rush Limbaugh.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, February 4, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Off to the Races,” looks back at this past week of 1/31 to 2/4. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Ricard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York; Grace Curley, talk show host, WRKO Boston; Tom Shattuck, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Steven Ebert, commentator, AM 970 The Answer, New York/attorney, Cassin & Cassin LLP; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Andrew Wilkow’s Program Moves to Salem News Channel. Conservative media personality Andrew Wilkow is joining Salem Media Group’s OTT platform Salem News Channel (SalemNewsChannel.com) effective February 15. The “Wilkow!” program – billed as “a combination of breaking news from the day, and what to make of it from the host’s perspective” – will air weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET.  Wilkow has hosted a regular program on The Blaze TV for the past seven years. This move to Salem News Channel ends that relationship. Wilkow also hosts “Wilkow Majority” on SiriusXM and that show will continue. Wilkow says, “I cannot wait to move ‘Wilkow!’ onto the Salem News Channel. The 5:00 pm hour is the starting point of the evening news cycle. Our plan is to give the viewer an hour of live TV that combines perfectly executed political analysis and whatever breaking stories are happening. This is not going to be a clone program. Starting February 15, we are going to bring passion and fire to the 5:00 pm hour every day.” Salem says the program will originate out of Salem’s New York City studio in Lower Manhattan and will be the first of many TV-only hours being produced by SNC. The Salem News Channel is also home to video simulcasts of Salem Radio Network’s shows including: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder. Salem SVP of spoken word formats Phil Boyce adds, “Andrew is a perfect fit for SNC and all of the hosts already there. Andrew has carved out a name for himself on the Sirius Patriot Channel. His many followers will have a great time watching him on our new TV network.”

KYW Newsradio Names Kevin McCorry News Director. Radio news pro Kevin McCorry joins Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/WPHI-FM, Philadelphia as news director, effective February 28. In this role, McCorry will oversee editorial coverage across the station’s broadcast, digital, and podcasting departments and will be responsible for planning and executing in-depth original multiplatform reporting projects. McCorry was most recently managing editor at crosstown public media outlet WHYY. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “KYW Newsradio’s influence and legacy is unmatched in Philadelphia, and its community-focused journalism has only grown stronger over the years. We’re happy to welcome Kevin and so excited to see and hear his impact on the continuing evolution of our modern multimedia newsroom.” McCorry comments, “I’m thrilled to lead KYW’s news team as it starts a new chapter and grows its capacity for ambitious, original, multimedia journalism. As a Philly native, I know that KYW Newsradio holds a special place in the hearts and habits of many people in our region, and the talent in this newsroom is immense. The bottom line for any news operation is trust, and I’m beyond excited to continue to build KYW’s trust among more of our region’s listeners and readers by bringing my passion for smart, fair, in-depth news and storytelling to this esteemed organization.”

iHeartMedia Presents Fourth Annual ‘iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.’ Last night, the fourth annual iHeartRadio Podcast Awards took place virtually. The program was exclusively video streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and broadcast across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Pop star Dua Lipa presented the Podcast of the Year award to Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes for their “You’re Wrong About” podcast. (Podcast of the Year was determined by popular vote via Twitter. The rest of the categories were determined by a panel of judges.) Other winners of note include: “The Daily” from The New York Times in the Best News Podcast category; “The Bill Simmons Podcast” from The Ringer/Bill Simmons in the Best Sports Podcast category; and “Pod Save America” from Crooked Media in the Best Political Podcast category. You can see all the winners here.

Edison Research and Ad Results Media to Present 3rd Annual Podcast Super Listeners Study Results. On February 16, Edison Research and Ad Results Media will present the results of the third annual “Super Listeners” study. “Super Listeners” are defined as consumers who listen to five or more hours of podcasts weekly and are the people most likely to hear podcasting ads, and to have an opinion about them. During the webinar, Ad Results Media partner and CEO Marshall Williams and Edison Research WVP Tom Webster will walk attendees through an exclusive look at those who spend the most time listening to podcasts including: how Super Listeners feel about the number of ads in podcasts and the length of ad breaks; their attitudes about host-read ads versus pre-recorded ads versus sponsorships; how podcast advertising affects intent to purchase and other brand fit measures; plus more. You can register for the webinar here.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WMVP-AM “ESPN 1000” is putting Chicago sportscasters Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller together to host a new, weekly program that will air on the station on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. WMVP director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are really excited to have Peggy and Dionne on our team and know the fans will enjoy this duo. I think it’s going to be great.”…..Tomorrow (2/5), FOX Sports Radio personality Joy Taylor, co-host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and host of “The Joy Taylor Show” weekend program, is teaming up with Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL and the Semi-Pro Football San Diego Rebellion, to give female youth in Los Angeles the opportunity to learn the game of flag football. The program is being presented by The Joy Taylor Foundation and Dr. Welter’s Grrridiron Girls organization, the free flag football camp will be held at St. Frances X. Cabrini Catholic School in Los Angeles for girls ages 8-18. Dr. Welter, who has hosted over 30 Grrridiron Girls football camps to date, will lead on-the-field training, teaching the fundamentals of flag football while inspiring self-confidence, sisterhood and empowerment. In addition, Taylor will host “The Joy Taylor Show” live from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PT at the camp. All participants will have the opportunity to hear from Taylor and ask her questions about her career in sports…..iHeartMedia unveils a new podcast hosted by pop star Dua Lipa titled, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service,” which was conceived and produced by Studio 2054 Productions. The weekly interview-style podcast will feature a special guest alongside Dua Lipa for “refreshing and thought-provoking conversations brimming with tools, tips, recommendations and inspiring stories.” The first episode will be available February 11 in English on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. The podcast will also be available to listeners in Spanish, Portuguese and French. Upcoming guests will include Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Russell Brand, Bowen Yang as well as South Korean rapper CL, author Lisa Taddeo, British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, novelist Hanya Yanagihara, Iraqi human rights activist Nadia Murad, and more.

Museum of Innovation and Science Hosts WGY-AM Exhibit. The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady, New York is presenting an exhibit of the history of WGY-AM from its birth in 1922 to 1980 to coincide with the station’s 100th anniversary. A story by Northeast Public Radio’s WAMC, Albany details the exhibit. The station was put on the air by Schenectady-based General Electric. The museum’s Chris Hunter, VP of collections and exhibitions, says, “So, it was about 10th commercial station licensed in 1922. And because it was formed by GE’s publicity department, and not so much the engineers that formed a lot of the other early radio stations, they really placed a premium on entertainment and, kind of, the development of broadcasting.” The exhibit, called WGY: Radio’s Laboratory Celebrates Its Centennial, will be at the museum through May 8. It contains about 50 photos from its first 58 years, including the one above showing FDR doing one of his fireside chats. Hunter says, “So this one of Roosevelt’s early fireside chats. They became really famous once he became president and he gave these personal talks every weekend, kind of comforting people through the Great Depression and World War II, but he kind of perfected the format while New York State Governor here on WGY.” Photo: miSci

COVID-19 Mandates, Masks, Vaccines & Politics Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 31 to February 4. The combination of COVID-19 mandates, mask & vaccine policies and the politics surrounding the pandemic came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, including the financial markets activity, soaring retail and oil prices, and the national debt, followed by rising violent crime in U.S. cities and the spate of police officers being killed at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.