Industry News

Mike Gallagher Contributor-at-Large Joey Hudson Reports from Iowa

Joey Hudson, election 2024 correspondent and contributor-at-large for “The Mike Gallagher Show” on the Salem Radio Network, is in Iowa today (1/15) for on-site coverage of the 2024 Iowa Caucuses.im Hudson hosted “The Morning Answer” on former Salem property WGTK, Greenville, South Carolina for close to a decade. In addition to providing live updates during “The Mike Gallagher Show,” Hudson will also report throughout the day on SRN News and TOWNHALL News. SRN VP of news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Joey Hudson’s unique background in Republican party politics as well as his impressive media credentials makes him the ideal person to provide eye-level coverage of today’s important caucuses.”

Industry News

13 Ideas to Celebrate World Radio Day 2024

By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS

imThe United Nations and its specialized agency, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have given the radio industry all around the globe an invaluable gift. It’s called “World Radio Day 2024.” Now in its 13th installment, WRD takes place annually on February 13 with the purpose of spotlighting the accomplishments, importance, and ongoing relevance of the radio medium as it evolves deeper into the 21st century. This year’s theme is “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining.” By officially designating the platform as worthy of its own officially sanctioned UN International Day, the august world body has recognized, spotlighted, and endorsed radio’s continuing relevance and potential for being a vital force for the betterment of humanity.

On a global level, the scope of radio is huge. However, we, practitioners of radio in America, face formidable challenges keeping the spirit and uniqueness of the platform viable as both a business and iconic connector as it faces the growing risk of simply getting lost in the noise and distractions of the ceaselessly evolving digital era. I strongly encourage my American colleagues to embrace WRD 2024 for the fabulous opportunity it offers our industry to make a compelling case for the ongoing importance and positive impact of radio to inform, educate and entertain.

Please read and consider any or all of the following “13 Ideas to Celebrate World Radio Day 2024” posted on the UNESCO website and in TALKERS magazine.

1. World Radio Day Minutes. Air the UNESCO package of 20 pre-produced “World Radio Day Minutes”. They are 60-second audios discussing interesting aspects of the radio medium during its first 100 years of service to humanity. The texts figure in their descriptions so that you have the option of producing your own episodes in other languages. These short-form audios can be programmed on a schedule of your choosing leading up to and on February 13, World Radio Day (WRD). You can run them as non-commercial announcements or offer them for local sponsorships.

2. Talk Shows Celebrating Radio. Program (pre-produced or live) talk shows with local and national experts talking about the importance of radio for quality information, highlighting its 100-year history and continuing relevance. Recruit legendary and retired radio personalities known to your audience to participate in these programs supplemented by real clips from the past to be aired leading up to or on February 13.

3. World Radio Day 2024 Live Event.  Schedule a live indoor or outdoor event (depending upon climate) on February 13 celebrating World Radio Day 2024. Invite listeners free (or charge admission in conjunction with a charity). Feature a panel discussion about the relevance of the entire audio sector in a changing media world as well as local legends telling stories about their service to the public through radio. Supplement it with display tables presenting local businesses and sponsors. Consider holding it on a local college or university campus in conjunction with the school’s communication department. Organize a group of diverse stations (either under one corporate umbrella/cluster or actual competing ones) to join forces in support of information, entertainment and education through radio in general. The results will be beneficial for everyone involved.

4. World Radio Day 2024 Sponsorship with Local Consumer Electronics Store/Chain. Arrange a sales promotion with a local store or chain of stores within your market to offer listeners a significant one-day discount (February 13) on all AM/FM radios and radio-related equipment.

5. International Dialogue. Schedule interviews/conversations (either live or prerecorded) with your broadcast colleagues from other countries to compare and contrast the history and strength of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13. These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one host interviewing another.  For Partnership Opportunities, please check here which stations or partners around the world are interested in collaborative programming and you could contact now.

6. The Greatest “Radio Songs” of All Time.   There are songs in almost every pop music format that contain the word “radio” in them or refer to the medium of radio.  Highlight the “Greatest Radio Songs of All Time” into your playlist intermittently or as a “countdown show” on February 13 in commemoration of World Radio Day 2024. This is an easy and simple way to highlight World Radio Day and create a fun and entertaining programming element.

7. Visit to a Radio Station. Offer guided tours of your facilities to listeners or local school classes leading up to and on February 13 in celebration of World Radio Day 2024. This will be an effective outreach to a younger generation of new listeners and create community goodwill.

8. Radio and Emergencies. Emphasize radio’s impact as an informational public safety net entering its second century of service. Use World Radio Day 2024 as a reason to talk about and remind listeners of the value of the medium to provide a lifeline to the public when the electricity goes out and the internet goes down. There are numerous examples in just the past year alone to draw from in terms of earthquakes, wildfires, and storms in which radio news helped people in distress in real time. This is also a talking point in the current issue about some automobile manufacturers choosing to not equip new car models with AM radios.

9. Theater of the Mind. Use World Radio Day 2024 as a focal point for radio being the “Theater of the Mind” by producing your own locally produced radio dramas and airing them on February 13. You’ll provide intelligent entertainment, support cultural expression, and stimulate listener interest.

10. Radio, the Original Interactive Mass Medium. Recognize radio’s claim to the title “The Original Interactive Mass Medium” and “The Original Social Media” by using these phrases as often as appropriately possible on February 13. Radio pioneered the concept of taking live calls from listeners on the air to give opinions and receive advice in addition to playing musical requests and announcing dedications in real-time on the air. Highlight the interaction with listeners.

11. Take Me Out to the Stadium. Radio was the first mass medium to provide live, real-time play-by-play coverage of sporting events. The history of radio’s connection to sports is deep and rich. There is a lot of colorful sports broadcasting history to discuss in celebration of World Radio Day 2024 and nourish vibrant conversations.

12. Podcasts. Post several new and timely podcasts featuring quality conversations and panel discussions with experts and leaders in the radio profession from around the world as supplemental World Radio Day 2024 content on your station or network website.  You can also generate your own podcasts and programs about radio for placement on your website or general distribution.

13. Positive and Pro-Active – Accomplishment, Pride and Hope. World Radio Day 2024 provides you with a supportive platform and focal point to pursue business, civic and social relationships within your community, and protect free, independent, pluralistic radio.  WRD 2024 symbolizes radio’s century of accomplishment, pride in the present and hope for the future.  Celebrate World Radio Day 2024 spreading this optimistic perspective leading up to, during and following February 13.

For more information, visit https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio

Michael Harrison is a legendary American broadcaster who has served as executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024. He can be contacted via email at michael@talkers.com.

Industry News

Radio Vermont Group Sells WDEV-AM/FM, Waterbury

The family-owned Radio Vermont Group is selling full service WDEV-AM/FM, Waterbury, Vermont to Manchester, Vermont-based Mermel & McClain Management LLC for an undisclosed price. The station had been led by Ken Squier – who took over management from his father Lloyd Squier – for the pastim 44 years. Ken Squier passed away in November and his daughter Ashley tells WCAX-TV, Burlington that the station that’s provided local sports, news, commentary, and more will be in good hands. “I feel that this is a very good day and a very good development. Dad loved community radio.” The station says that former Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former Ethan Allen Institute leader Myers Mermel will serve as owner-operator. Mermel tells WCAX-TV he wants the station to remain local. “We want to look at different ideas and new ideas in order to increase our ability to discover and identify and bring in content.” Read the WCAX-TV story here.

Industry News

WBT-AM/FM to Present Congressional GOP Primary Debate

Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is hosting a debate between candidates in the Republican primary race for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District seat on Wednesday, January 31,im at Wingate University’s Batte Fine Arts Center. The event will be moderated by personalities Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman and will feature questions for the candidates presented by the station’s late morning host Vince Coakley, afternoon host Brett Winterble, evening host Brett Jensen, and news director Mark Garrison.  It will also include a 30-minute lead-in show hosted by Thompson and Troutman. All six registered candidates for the seat have accepted invitations to take part in the commercial-free broadcast.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Five Golden Actions for 2024

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network

imResearch shows that readers to trade publications like articles with five bullet points. Here are my five bullet points for 2024. If these were to be deployed, you could be thriving by the end of the year. These actions would increase sales and audience share.

1. Radio should be easy to buy. It’s not. Easy fix: Look at your website. Based on the website how would you buy time on your station? It should be as simple as a realtor’s website. Put up pictures of your salespeople with ALL of their real contact information – not a FORM. Offer their email and cell number. Offer a “tour” of the offerings with information about the talent and the audience. What does the host sell best? How about a very brief audio message from each host to your potential advertiser?
2. Every medium creates its own stars. Example – David Caruso, good on TV, bad in movies. Your hosts, good on radio, lousy at original podcasts.  Sure, edit up the interviews or bits and make them into a podcast. But don’t ask a host to get off the air and make brand new content for a podcast. Engage locals who are good at making original podcasts and offer them a stage.
3. Sell the biggest number. Your morning show probably has more listeners than the “Tonight Show” has viewers in your city. 1010 WINS has more listeners in New York than FOX News has viewers nationwide. Go check. Those are the numbers that put radio in perspective!  Stop selling the smallest number, TIME SPENT LISTENING. Who came up with that!?
4. Don’t make potential advertisers jump through hoops. If you have spent your career in programming, you may not know the tyranny of MEDIA CREDIT. New radio advertiser: Good buy, high rate, longterm business. Sounds great. Not so fast. At most companies, new business still has to go through the gauntlet of a MEDIA CREDIT CHECK. End that.
5. What’s wrong with the hosts? Many hosts use a content formula that MUST generate a diminishing audience size and older and older and older demos.  Repeat. WHY? If you start to trust that what you talk about socially, with your friends, your audience will grow and grow younger. Be more like Bruce Collins, PD at WBAP, Dallas. Bruce just hired James Parker who has been featured for years on “Sterling On Sunday.” James is going to talk about life, fatherhood and funny. He joins “New Jersey 101.5” alumnus, Casey Bartholomew, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, who talks about life, fatherhood and funny.  It’s working so well that WBAP will now be simulcast on Class C2 FM, KLIF.

Five bullet points. Goals: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Walter Sabo was a founding architect of SiriusXM and began the recruitment of Howard Stern. He has consulted RKO General, PARADE magazine, Hearst Broadcasting, Press Broadcasting, and other premium brands. He launched the first company to engage online video influencers, Hitviews. As an executive, he was EVP of NBC FM RADIO giving Dr. Ruth Westheimer her first media job and fostering the creation of adult contemporary. As VP ABC Radio Networks, Sabo hired Ringo Starr to be a DJ for a 24-hour special.

Industry News

Urban One Averts NASDAQ Delisting After Reporting Q3 2023 Operating Results

On December 22, Urban One filed its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the third quarter of 2023. In it the company reports net revenue of $117.8 million for the period ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of 2.8% from the same period in 2022. It also reports a net loss of $53.7 million in Q3 2023 compared to the net income of $3.7 million it reported in Q3 of 2022. Urban One had received a delisting notice from Nasdaq Stock Market LLC for failing to file its quarterly reports with the SEC on time. As TALKERS has previously reported on this matter, the tardiness stems from the company dismissing its previous independent registered public accounting firm BDO USA, LLP andim hiring Ernst & Young LLP. Yesterday (1/4), Urban One filed the following with the SEC: “On January 4, 2024, Urban One, Inc. announced that it had received notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC confirming that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c) (the “Periodic Filing Rule”) which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission… with the company in compliance with the Periodic Filing Rule, Nasdaq has ceased any action to delist the company’s securities… Nasdaq has informed the company that it will be subject to a Mandatory Panel Monitor for a period of one year, or until December 29, 2024. If, within the one-year monitoring period, the company again fails to comply with the Periodic Filing Rule, the company will not be permitted to provide the Nasdaq Staff with a plan of compliance with respect to that deficiency, nor will the company be afforded a cure period. Instead, upon the Nasdaq Staff issuing a delist determination letter, the company would then have an opportunity to request a new hearing with the initial Hearing Panel or a newly convened Hearing Panel if the initial Hearing Panel is unavailable.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of January 1 – 5

The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis and the related move by House Republicans to impeach Biden administration Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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.

Industry News

Jimmy Failla Named Host of “FOX News Saturday Night”

FOX News Channel names Jimmy Failla host of “FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla,” premiering on Saturday, January 13 and airing from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET. FNC EVP of primetime programming Meade Cooper says, “As a former New York City cab driver, Jimmy is a classic Americanim success story and a perfect fit for this role. We look forward to watching him make America laugh on Saturday nights.” Failla comments, “‘FOX News Saturday Night’ is a show for everyone who realizes that our country doesn’t need more Republicans or more Democrats, it needs more comedy.” In addition, FOX Nation just released a one-hour special showcasing Failla’s recent standup comedy performance to a sold-out crowd on Long Island, titled, “Jimmy Failla: They’re Just Jokes.” Failla is also the latest author to be published by FOX News Books with Cancel Culture Dictionary being released on January 30.

Industry News

Audacy Negotiating with Lenders for Bankruptcy Filing

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal and picked up by various financial publications including The Business Journals, Audacy will file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after several months of discussions with its lenders. In what is termed a pre-packaged bankruptcy deal because it comes withim the blessing of the lenders, the company will be owned by those same lenders. Audacy’s debt is approximately $2 billion. It began talks with lenders in October after the company sought and received amendments to its credit facilities because it is unable to make interest payments due largely to the industry-wide downturn in advertising revenue. The 2017 acquisition of the CBS Radio assets is cited among industry watchers as the move that pushed Audacy into its currently precarious situation.

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

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

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.3 – 4.6, #6 – #5

KJCE .3 – .3, #28 – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KVET-AM 1.0 – 1.4, #22 – #18

KTAE 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KBPA-HD2  .5 – .8, #27 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.8 – 5.1, #4 – #4

KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #33

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 6.9 – 6.0, #3 – #4

WPTF .8 – .8, #19 – #20

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 9.8 – 8.8, repeats at #1

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 7.3 – 5.3, #2 – #7

News

WOLT-HD2 DNA – .2, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

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

WNDE 1.0 – .9, #20 – #19

WXNT .1 –.2, #24 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.3 – 4.2, #11 – #10

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

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

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk

WISN 10.7 – 9.6, third consecutive month at #1

WTMJ 7.7 – 7.6, #2 – #3 

WLIP .2 – .2, #23 – #23

WRJN  DNA – .1, DNA – #27  

News

None

Sports Talk

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

WKTI 1.2 – 1.3, #19 – #18

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #23

WOKY .3 – .1, #22 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 3.1 – 2.7, #12 – #14

WHAD 1.6 – .7, #17 – #21

WGKB .1 – .1, #27 – #27

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 4.3, #5 – #9

WLAC 1.5 – 1.5, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

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

WPRT 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #18 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.4 – 4.0, #10 – #11

WPLN-HD3 Stream .2 – .1, #23 – #23 

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

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.8 – 6.4, #5 – #5

WHJJ  .5 – .8, #16 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.4 – 3.2, #9 – #8

WVEI 2.0 – 2.3, #11 – #11

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.0 – 2.1, #11 – #12

WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, eighth straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  3.0 – 2.5, #13 – #11

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #23

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #20 – #20

Sports Talk

WVSP 2.4 – 1.7, #14 – #15

WTAR .3 – .3, #20 – #20

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 8.3 – 6.8, #3 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .3 – .4, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #13   

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.7 – 2.5, #9 – #9

WZZR 2.0 – 1.2 #11 – #13

WJNO 1.2 – .7, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .3 – .4, #18 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.9 – 2.0, #8 – #11

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 4.4 – 3.5 #8 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 3.6 – 4.0, #9 – #7

WUNC 1.5 – 1.7, #14 – #14

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 2.4 – 1.8, #9 – #10

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.8 – 2.6, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 2.0 – 1.8, #11 – #10

WKNO-HD2  DNA – .2, DNA – #15

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 4.8 – 5.3, #6 – #5

WDRC-AM 1.9 – 1.6, #15 – #15

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

WPOP .2 – DNA, #23 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.3 – 2.5, #13 – #12

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #9

WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.9 – 5.9, #2 – #3

KEX 1.6 – 1.2, #21 – #22

KUFO .8 – .6, #23 – #26

KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #33

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.8 – 2.0, #20 – #20

KXTG 1.4 – 1.2, #23 – #22

KPOJ .7 – .7, #24 – #24 (Trailblazers)

KFXX Stream  .2 – .1, #28 – #33

KMTT .2 – .1, #28 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.4 – 6.1, #3 – #2

KOPB Stream  1.5 – 1.4, #22 – #21

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 5.6 – 4.2, #5 – #11

News

WRFX-HD2 .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.0 – 2.7, #14 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.4 – 5.0, #6 – #8

WNSC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: News/talk WBT’s -1.4 (5.6 – 4.2) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.1– 2.7, #14 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.2 – 2.0, #17 – #19

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.5 – 1.3, #22 – #22

KTKR .7 – .8, #27 – #27

KZDC .3 – .3, #33 – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #17 

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.3 – 6.6 #2 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.2 – 3.1, #11 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.4 – 1.7, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM 1.1 – .9, #21 – #22

KIFM Stream  .1 – .1, #29 – #29 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.4 – 2.3, #14 – #15

KQEI .2 – .3, #28 – #28

KQED .1 – .1, #29 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.0 – 3.8, #8 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .3, #22 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 8.0 – 7.2, #3 – #5

KDKA-FM Stream  .1 – .2, #25 – #25

WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 4.0 – 4.2, #8 – #7

Notes: Sports/talk KDKA-FM’s -.8 (8.0 – 7.2) represents Pittsburgh’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

The flagships of the Steelers and Penguins are rock WDVE and alternative WXDX, respectively.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 6.1 – 5.4, #4 – #3

KNRS-FM 3.9 – 2.8, #9 – #14

KKAT .1 – .1, #31 – #30

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 2.2 – 1.9, #20 – #20

KZNS-AM .7 – .7, #25 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM 1.0 – .5, #24 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #31 – #30 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.7 – 2.4, #15 – #18

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .2 – .2, #29 – #28

KUMT .4 – .1, #28 – #30    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.6 – .3, #23 – #29

KXNT .2 – .2, #34 – #31

KMZQ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .9 – .8, #27 – #26

KKGK .5 – .4, #30 – #28 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .5 – .2, #30 – #31 (Raiders)

KENO .2 – .2, #34 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #21

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 3.9 – 3.6, #10 – #10

WDBO 3.6 – 3.2, #13 – #13

WFLF .8 – .7, #21 – #20

WFYY-HD3 DNA – .1, DNA – #27

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .7 – .9, #23 – #18 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.7 – 2.8, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 12.0 – 11.2, 23rd consecutive month at #1 (Bengals)

WKRC 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 2.0 – 1.3, #15 – #19 (Bengals)

WSAI 1.2 – .5, #19 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.5 – 3.8, #11 – #9

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.1 – 4.8, #9 – #10 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WKRK 6.0 – 5.8, #7 – #7  (Browns)

WKRK Stream .9 – .7, #19 – #21 (Browns)

WARF .3 – .2, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 5.0 – 5.2, #10 – #9

WKSU-HD4 .1 – .1, #24 – #24

Note: Classic hits-oldies WMJI’s -3.0 (5.6 – 4.2) is the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in the first three rounds of PPM results.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.3, #4 – #5

KCMO-AM 2.0 – 1.9, #16 – #17

KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.6, #18 – #18

KMBZ-FM Stream .7 – .7, #21 – #21

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 2.6, #14 – #15

KCSP Stream  .2 – .2, #27 – #25

KWOD DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.6 – 2.8, #12 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 7.4 – 6.0, #3 – #4   

News

WYTS .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 10.3 – 9.8, #1 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA

WMNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.3 – 4.0, #8 – #9

Up next: December 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.6 – 3.5, #6 – #9

WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 7.4 – 6.9, #3 – #3

WDCH .6 – .5, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.4, #14 – #17 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .5, #21 – #23 (Capitals)

WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26 (Wizards)

WTEM .2 – .1, #27 – #28 (Wizards)

WSBN DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.7 – 11.3, 25th month in succession at #1

Notes: Even though WAMU’s -1.4 (12.7 – 11.3) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease, the public radio news/talk station remains #1 for the 25th straight month.

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.5 – 2.9, #14 – #14

WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.0 – 5.1, #6 – #5

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #27

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 10.7 – 9.2, following three straight months at #1, slips to #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #12

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.4 – 5.6, #2 – #3

WGBH 3.9 – 4.2, #9 – #8

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -1.5 (10.7 – 9.2) represents Boston’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.4, #24 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 2.1 – 1.2, #20 – #24 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #28 (Dolphins)

WMEN .4 – .1, #31 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.9 – 3.6, #7 – #8

Note: Sports talk WQAM’s -.9 (2.1 – 1.2) represents Miami’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.1, #6 – #9 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.6 – 1.6, #21 – #22

KVI 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #22

KPTR .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.6, #18 – #19

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 3.1 – 3.6, #12 – #11 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 3.1 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Seahawks)

KJR-AM .6 – .7, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.8 – 6.2, #2 – #2

KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16

WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25

News

WWJ 4.6 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #31 – #30

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.6 – 9.6, after three straight months at #1, falls to #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #18 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #26 – #25

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #20

WUOM 1.6 – 1.0, #18 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.3 – 3.2, #11 – #8

KTAR-FM 2.7 – 1.8, #14 – #23 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 3.5 – 2.1, #7 – #19 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.1 – 2.8, #12 – #11

Notes: Sports talk KMVP-FM’s -1.4 (3.5 – 2.1) represents Phoenix’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

Adult contemporary KESZ boasts the highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase (+7.0) by any station in the first two rounds of PPM results, as well as posting the largest (6+) share (8.2 – 15.2).

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.0 – 4.0, #12 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16

KTLK-AM 2.0 – 1.7, #17 – #17

WCCO Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Sports Talk

KFXN 8.9 – 7.6, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .3 – .3, #26 – #27

KSTP-AM .2 – .1, #28 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.7 – 5.5, #5 – #5

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.2 – 3.8, #6 – #9

KLSD .3 – .2, #26 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.6 – 3.4, #11 – #11

KGB-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #21

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 5.9, #2 – #4

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.5 – 4.8, #6 – #8 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.4 – 3.9, #7 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.8– 1.9, #17 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #18

WMNF-HD3 Stream .1 – .4, #33 – #29

WUSF Stream .3 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER

News/Talk

KOA 3.3 – 3.1, #13 – #13 (Broncos)

KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #20

KDFD 2.0 – 1.4, #20 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.2 – 3.8, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.1 – 2.4, #19 – #16 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KAMP .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.0 – 2.7, #11 – #14

KUNC .4 – .4, #31 – #30  

Note: Public radio news/talk KCFR’s -1.3 (4.0 – 2.7) represents Denver’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.7 – 3.4, #11 – #10 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.8 – 1.6, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.3 – 1.1,  #18 – #18

WDCH  .9 – .8,  #20 – #21

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 5.1 – 4.2, #5 – #8

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 4.5 – 3.3, #9 – #11

WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #26

Note: Public radio news/talk WYPR’s -1.2 (4.5 – 3.3) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 4.0 – 3.0, #11 – #13

KFTK 1.9 – 1.6, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #18

KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #25 – #23

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #25

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #23

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.7 – 4.1, #12 – #11 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.9 – 4.0, #9 – #12

Note: News/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0) represents St. Louis’ largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

Up next: December 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings – Part One

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

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

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

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

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

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 3.0 – 2.8, #11 – #11

WOR 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #22

WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #24

WKXW Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

News

WINS-FM 4.8 – 4.1, #6 – #10

WCBS-AM 1.9 – 1.7, #19 – #19

Business News WBBR .5 – .4, #31 – #32

WINS-FM Stream .4 – .3, #34 – #36

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #38

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.8 – 2.5, #12 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.5 – 1.3 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .9, #24 -#24 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.0 – 4.3, #9 – #8

WNYC-AM 1.1 – 1.0, #23 – #23 

Note: News WINS-FM’s -.7 (4.8 – 4.1) represents New York City’s highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease. 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.1 – 5.1, #4 – #2

KRLA .5 – .6, #36 – #34

KEIB .7 – .5, #33 – #35  (Clippers 

News

KNX-FM 3.2 – 2.7, #10 – #11

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #40 – #41  

Sports Talk

KLAC .9 – 1.0 #30 – #29 (Chargers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.5 – 2.6, #15 – #12

Flagship of the Rams and Lakers is sports talk KSPN, which is unlisted in this sweep.

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

CHICAGO

News/Talk

WGN 3.4 – 2.8, #10 – #10  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #23 – #18

WLIP .2 – .4, #41 – #36

WVON DNA – .1, DNA – #43

WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #3 – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #44 – #41

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.3 – 2.4, #14 – #13 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.7 – 1.4, #19 – #20 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .5 – .9, #33 – #27 (Bulls) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 3.1 – 2.6, #11 – #12  

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.6 – 1.4, #19 – #22

KSFO Stream .4 – .2, #28 – #31 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3

KNEW .3 – .2, #31 – #31  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #37

KKSF .1 – .DNA, #37 – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.4 – 3.5, #9 – #10 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.1 – 2.3, #15 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .6 – .5, #26 – #27  

KGO .2 – .2, #34 – #31  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #34 – #31    

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 6.7 – 6.6, #2 – #2

KALW .3 – .2, #31 – #31

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.5 – 3.4, #11 – #11

KEGL 1.6 – 1.5, #25 – #26  (Mavericks)

KSKY .6 – .5, #32 – #33

KLIF-AM .5 – .3, #33 – #36

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 2.0 – 1.8, #21 – #20 (Cowboys)

News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – .1, #39 – #40 (Cowboys)

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.6 – 5.2, #1 – #2  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 4.1 – 3.4, #5 – #11 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .5 – .2, #33 – #37 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 3.8 – 4.2, #6 – #4

Note: Sports talk KRLD-FM’s -.7 (4.1 – 3.4) is tied for Dallas’ highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

HOUSTON 

News/Talk

KTRH 4.1 – 3.5, #9 – #10  (Rockets)

KPRC .6 – .5, #28 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (Texans)

KBME 1.3 – .5, #22 – #26  (Rockets)

KILT-AM Stream .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Texans)

KFNC .2 – .1, #30 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.2 – 2.3, #20 – #20

Note: Adult contemporary KODA’s +5.2 (6.8 – 12.0) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.8 – 8.3, #1#1

WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #29

WGKA .2 – .2, #33 – #31

WAOK .1 – .2, #36 – #31

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #33

WSRV-HD3 Stream .2 – DNA, #33 – DNA

News

WBIN  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #15 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.2 – 1.5, #21 – #20

WZGC Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #27 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.2 – 3.9, #13 – #8

WRAS  .9 – .6, #24 – #25  

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 2.2 – 1.7, #15 – #19

WKXW 1.0 – .9, #24 – #24

WURD Stream .6 – .7, #26 – #26

WPHT Stream .6 – .6, #26 – #27

WURD .4 – .5, #28 – #28

WDEL-AM .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.3 – 5.2, #6 – #7

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #31

WTEL DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

WIP 8.5 – 6.6, #2 – #4 (Eagles)

WIP Stream 1.7 – 1.3, #19 – #22 (Eagles)

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 2.9 – 2.8, #11 – #11      

Note: Sports talk WIP’s -1.9 (8.5 – 6.6) represents the largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 2.1 – 1.3, #17 – #20

WOR 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #22

WLIR .2 – .2, #31 – #33

News

WINS-FM 4.1 – 4.4, #7 – #8

WCBS-AM 2.4 – 2.1, #13 – #16

WINS-FM Stream .6 – .7, #25 – #25

Business News WBBR .3 – .3, #30 – #30

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #31 – #36

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.9 – 3.7, #8 – #10 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 3.3 – 2.5, #11 – #12 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN-FM & AM Stream .9 – 1.1, #22 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #31 – #33

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – .1, #22 – #23

Sports Talk

KPWK .1 – .2, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .4 – .3 #20 – #20

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.3, #21 – #22

KSFO Stream .2 – DNA, #31 – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.9 – 5.7, #2 – #3

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .3 – .2, #28 – #28

KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28  

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.0 – 4.1, #7 – #6 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #20 (Golden State Warriors)

KGO Stream .8 – .6, #26 – #26  

KTCT .8 – .6, #26 – #26   

KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28    

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 6.3 – 5.2, #3 – #4

WOR .6 – 1.1, #22 – #20

WKXW Stream .6 – .7, #22 – #22    

News

WINS-FM 2.1 – 2.0, #12 – #11

WCBS-AM 1.1 – 1.3, #18 – #17

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #26

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.6 – 2.7, #9 – #9 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.4 – 1.3, #17 – #17 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream 1.1 – .9, #18 – #21 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

Public Radio News/Talk

None 

Note: News/talk WKXW’s -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)November 2023 – December 2023 decrease. 

Up next: December 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Poll: FNC News Network to Which Voters Turn

According to data from a recent New York Times/Siena College poll of registered voters nationwide, FOX News Channel is named the single news network voters turn to most often, above CNN andim MSNBC, along with topping The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, PBS and NPR. The poll results show 13% of respondents cited FOX News as the single news source they turn to most often, tying broadcast networks like CBS, NBC and ABC, while besting CNN (10%) and MSNBC (3%). For comparison, public news organizations (like PBS and NPR) delivered 4%, national news organizations such as The New York Times and Wall Street Journal garnered 8%, while international news sources like the BBC, Al Jazeera and The Guardian earned 3%.

Industry News

Broadcasters Encouraged to Participate in United Nations World Radio Day 2024 on February 13

American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/2024/register?hub=66636  WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.

According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who is serving as this year’s executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now, while it is relatively early.  American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13.  These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration, and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”

In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. The theme of 2024’s installment of WRD is Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating. Harrison says, “Radio, as a technology, science, means of communications and system of programming audio elements, has roots all the way back to the 1800s… so it can be safely said that the medium is already well into its second hundred years of existence with its footprint spanning three centuries. WRD 2024 shines a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.”

Harrison continues, “The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market. UNESCO is inviting the worldwide radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.”

WRD 2024 60-second vignettes 

In addition, broadcasters are invited to tap into preproduced “World Radio Day Minutes” – a series of 20 one-minute vignettes about radio’s past, present and future being made available license-free.  Platforms can run these commercial free as a promotion for radio or attach them for sponsorships by local advertisers.  The produced versions in English feature the voices of Michael Harrison and noted commentator Victoria Jones (of DC Radio Company).  Unvoiced scripts are available for broadcasters who choose to produce their own versions of these vignettes.  To hear and download these 20 one-minute produced programs and scripts please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/audios2024

13 ideas to celebrate WRD 2024  

Radio broadcasters are also being provided with 13 useful ideas to help them promote WRD 2024 that include ways to create sponsorship and promotional partnerships with their local communities.  These can be accessed by clicking here.  https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas

For more information regarding World Radio Day 2024 please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio

 

Industry News

GBH News Establishes Equity and Justice Unit

GBH News announces the creation of a new multiplatform unit that will focus on racial and socioeconomic equity issues in Greater Boston and beyond. GBH says the Equity and Justice unit will develop regional and national interest stories around these key topics, expanding its commitment to community events, engaging directly with the audience, and elevating community voices using the GBH News platform. GBH president and CEO Susan Goldberg says, “Shining a light on inequity – whether around healthcare, housing, income, or other topics – is an important job for our news organization. As the nation’s largest producer of public media content, we want to ensure awareness of these pressing issues is woven into the stories we tell, the way we work, and the platforms on which we share news and information.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The negotiations in Congress over immigration and border security; the push by Israel’s allies for it to use restraint in Gaza; the 2024 presidential race and former President Donald Trump’s speech in Nevada; the Rudy Giuliani defamation case; the Florida Republican Committee scandal; the post-Roe v Wade legal battles by women with troubling pregnancies; the Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea; and a car slams into President Joe Biden’s motorcade were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

What’s a “Bombshell” in a Noisy World?

By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS

imWe live in an increasingly noisy world.  The accelerating advancement of media technology, with its accompanying “everybody is a star” syndrome, combine to make it increasingly difficult to get attention. By that, I mean real attention – the kind of attention that those in the professional media (and related) industries describe as “traction.”

Public conversation, as conducted in today’s media, has fallen victim to the noisy cocktail party syndrome. That’s what happens at social events, catering halls and froofy restaurants where the cruel combination of loud background music, echoey acoustics, and lots of small talk forces attendees to speak louder and louder and louder in order to be heard. The decibel count goes into hyper-inflation. People start screaming at each other saying nothing of consequence. Some folks deal with the inherent discomfort of this scenario by practicing the disingenuous (but extremely useful) art form of faking interest and understanding through confident smiling, eyebrow raising, nodding, grunting and saying innocuous phrases like “ha” and “there ya go” while others just keep on screaming.

Have you noticed how headlines – even when used by the editors of generally reliable platforms – have taken hyperbole to new lows of dishonest click bait in order to get attention?  Beware of two such words that are being spewed through today’s media to cut through the noise only to create even more noise in the process.  In the world of science, it’s “terrifying.”  In the world of politics, it’s “bombshell.”  These ratty words have infested our media sewers and should be avoided unless actually used in an honest and accurate manner.

Michael Harrison is publisher of TALKERS.  He can be contacted directly via email at michael@talkers.com.