Podtrac releases its Podcast Industry Ranking for March 2024 (based on U.S. unique monthly audience
for participating podcasts) and, while not a lot changes from last month, NPR’s “NPR News Now” took over the #1 spot from The New York Times’ “The Daily,” which falls to #2. Cumulus Podcasts Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” rises one spot to #10, and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” climbs two places to #12. See the complete chart here.
January 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 ratings period (January 4 – January 31) 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.
NBA and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.0 – 3.5, #11 – #11
WOR 1.2 – 1.7, #21 – #17
WKXW .8 – 1.0, #27 – #24
WKXW Stream .2 – .3, #37 – #35
News
WINS-FM 3.9 – 4.7, #9 – #6
WCBS-AM 1.6 – 1.7, #19 – #17
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #32 – #27
Business News WBBR .3 – .4, #34 – #31
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #46 – #39
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.7, #12 -#13 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .7 – .8, #28 -#25 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.2 – DNA #21 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 4.1 – 4.5, #7 – #7
WNYC-AM 1.0 – 1.2, #23 – #22
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 4.6 – 5.5, #4 – #3
KEIB .4 – .8, #30 – #33 (Clippers)
KRLA .4 – .6, #30 – #34
News
KNX-FM 2.5 – 2.8, #12 – #12
KNX-FM Stream .1 – .2, #40 – #39
Sports Talk
KLAC .8 – .9, #28 – #32 (Clippers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 2.0 – 2.3, #14 – #15
Notes: News/talk KFI’s +.9 (4.6 – 5.5) represents a tie for Los Angeles’ highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.
Flagship of the 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 2.6 – 3.1, #11 – #10 (Blackhawks)
WLS-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #19 – #18
WLIP .3 – .4, #38 – #35
WVON .1 – .1, #43 – #41
WLS-AM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #41
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 4.9 – 6.2, #4 – #2
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .2, #43 – #38
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.5 – 3.4, #12 – #8 (Bulls)
WMVP 1.5 – 1.5, #20 – #20
WSCR Stream .4 – .6, #36 – #32 (Bulls)
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 2.1 – 2.7, #15 – #13
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #22 – #22
KSFO Stream .2 – .3, #32 – #30
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.7 – 6.6, #3 – #3
KNEW .3 – .3, #29 – #30
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.6 – 3.9, #7 – #6
KGMZ 2.0 – 2.4, #14 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)
KGO .2 – .2, #32 – #34
KGO Stream .2 – .2, #32 – #34
KTCT .4 – .2, #27 – #34
KGMZ Stream .2 – DNA, #32 – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 6.9 – 7.9, #2 – #2
KALW .2 – .3, #32 – #30
Note: Sports talk KNBR is the flagship of the 49ers, which lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 2.8 – 3.7, #14 – #9
KEGL 1.4 – 1.2, #27 – #29 (Mavericks)
KSKY .6 – .6, #33 – #32
KLIF-AM .4 – .5, #34 – #33
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.4 – 1.7, #27 – #24
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 4.2 – 5.6, #3 – #1 (Stars)
KRLD-FM 2.9 – 2.8, #13 – #17
KRLD-FM Stream .3 – .4, #35 – #35
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 3.5 – 4.0, #6 – #7
Note: Sports/talk KTCK’s +1.4 (4.2 – 5.6) represents Dallas’ highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 2.6 – 3.6, #17 – #9 (Rockets)
KPRC . 5 – .3, #28 – #28
News
None
Sports Talk
KILT-AM 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #21
KBME .6 – .6, #27 – #27 (Rockets)
KILT-AM Stream .3 – .3, #30 – #28
KFNC .2 – .2, #31 – #33
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 2.4 – 2.8, #18 – #19
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.4– 8.6, #2 – #1
WFOM .4 – .6, #27 – #27
WGKA .1 – .3, #31 – #30
WAOK .1 – .2, #31 – #31
WAOK Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN DNA – .1, DNA – #36
Sports Talk
WZGC 3.5 – 4.2, #9 – #8 (Hawks)
WCNN 1.4 – 2.2, #20 – #16
WZGC Stream .3 – .8, #29 – #24 (Hawks)
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.3 – 4.0, #11 – #9
WRAS .8 – .7, #24 – #25
WABE-HD3 DNA – .1, DNA – #36
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 1.7 – 2.2, #19 – #16
WKXW 1.2 – 1.3, #23 – #23
WPHT Stream .7 – .7, #26 – #26
WURD .3 – .4, #27 – #28
WURD Stream .2 – .2, #29 – #30
WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 4.7 – 6.2, #6 – #5
KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #32
WTEL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WIP 5.7 – 7.0, #4 – #4
WIP Stream 1.5 – 2.3, #20 – #15
WPEN-FM 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #21 (76ers, Flyers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 2.8 – 3.1, #9 – #10
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.1 – 1.5, #20 – #18
WOR 1.0 – 1.1, #22 – #19
WLIR .1 – .1, #35 – #32
News
WINS-FM 3.3 – 4.8, #9 – #5
WCBS-AM 2.5 – 2.2, #12 – #15
WINS-FM Stream .9 – 1.0, #23 – #20
Business News WBBR .2 – .3, #30 – #26
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #32
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 3.5 – 4.6, #7 – #7 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 2.7 – DNA, #11 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .3, #30 – #26
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO DNA – .1, DNA – #21
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .1, #18 – #21
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .3 – .4 #16 – #20
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.5 – 1.8, #19 – #20
KSFO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.5 – 5.2, #4 – #4
KNEW .3 – .2, #28 – #28
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.9 – 4.7, #6 – #5
KGMZ 1.5 – 2.8, #19 – #10 (Golden State Warriors)
KGO Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #26
KTCT .8 – .3, #25 – #27
KGO .3 – .2, #28 – #28
KGMZ Stream .2 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Golden State Warriors)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Notes: Sports/talk KGMZ’s +1.3 (1.5 – 2.8) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.
Sports talk KNBR is the flagship of the 49ers, which lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 5.7 – 7.4, #4 – #1
WOR 1.6 – 2.7, #15 – #9
WKXW Stream .7 – .8, #20 – #20
News
WINS-FM 1.8 – 2.7, #13 – #9
WCBS-AM 1.0 – .9, #18 – #19
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .5, #23 – #22
WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM DNA – 2.7, DNA – #9 (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)
WEPN-FM 1.0 – DNA, #18 – DNA (Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: News/talk WKXW’s +1.7 (5.7 – 7.4) represents Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest (6+)Holiday 2023 – January 2024 increase.
Up next: January 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Today (2/13) is the 13th annual celebration of World Radio Day – proclaimed an official “international day” by the United Nations in 2011 and facilitated each year by UNESCO. For last minute ideas and suggestions in taking advantage of the opportunity to acknowledge the medium of radio’s colorful past, present and future please click here. While you’re at it, check out the new two-minute song by the talk radio friendly band Gunhill Road titled, “Over the Radio Waves” on YouTube here and available for license-free broadcast. Happy World Radio Day 2024!
In conjunction with today’s celebration of World Radio Day 2024 (WRD 2024), the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural agency UNESCO has issued a powerful statement supporting the necessity of AM radios remaining in automobiles and the importance of all “terrestrial” radio for the maintenance of freedom and peace throughout the world. The following position titled “Radio, the Trusted Guide in a Changing World” has been posted on UNESCO’s WRD 2024 web page:
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” World Radio Day 2024 marks 100 years of radio, a period in which it has become the medium that is arguably closest to human hearts and minds, providing news, entertainment and education in all corners of the world. It satisfies our need to be informed both for day to-day decision-making and in times of emergency and crisis. Over the past century, radio has proved itself as a crucial medium in maintaining freedom of opinion and expression, often being the only one still up and running in times of crisis. Studies have repeatedly shown that radio has the greatest trust, with most citizens rating it above television, the internet, social networks or the written press. Radio is a triumph of accessibility, immediacy and intimacy, and there’s a strong public-interest case for protecting it and our access to it. We believe that remaining easily accessible to all people, in all places, regardless of how they receive radio means using terrestrial broadcast networks (both analogue and digital) – still relied upon by the majority of listeners globally – and fostering online access to radio that is just as democratic and open. Cars are a particular concern, consistently among the most popular locations for radio listening. Whether it is terrestrial broadcast or internet, radio in cars should not just be easy to find, it must be impossible to miss. Information is a public good and a shared resource for all of humanity. Radio has its place in the digital transformation of the information ecosystem, complementing the internet and digital platforms. The evolution of communication technologies should advance people’s right to receive information and ideas through any media – instead of regressing it. We call upon governments, regulatory bodies, the technology and automotive industries, and all members of the global radio community to put safeguards in place to ensure that radio continues to thrive; to protect the free and unfettered access radio provides to a plurality of opinions and to trusted information; to allow radio to continue to help communities and all minority language speakers to receive information and participate in democratic processes; and to ensure radio remains available to all people regardless of their financial means or personal circumstances.
TALKERS founder, Michael Harrison, who has served as executive advisor to UNESCO on WRD 2024 and fully supports its stated position on preserving radio, states, “Working with UNESCO in this capacity has sharpened my global perspective on the AM car radio issue in as much as the argument in America focuses primarily on the use of radio for emergencies – a limited and short-sighted proposition to which
the automobile industry has intelligently responded. The issue however is much larger. As UNESCO’s chief of section for media development and society, Mirta Lourenco puts it, ‘The free flow and easily accessible information provided by terrestrial radio supports the spirit of the First Amendment via the concept of media pluralism and more. This expands to a valid concern about privacy rights – which is equally important to freedom and democracy. With GPS and internet platforms simultaneously in our cars, we are turning the enormous power to invade the privacy of individuals over to a mere handful of Big Tech giants. They know what and who we listen to, including where, when and how we travel.’” Harrison adds, “Finally, I am compelled as a lifelong radio broadcaster and publisher of a major trade journal to protect the viability of radio stations as a going concern and the well-being of their owners, employees, and listeners.”
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee is accepting suggestions for 2024 nominees now through Sunday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. Submit suggestions for possible honorees for consideration here. Twenty-four names will be selected as
nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class. Kraig T. Kitchin, co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, comments, “The input from fellow radio industry members and listeners alike helps our nominating committee contemplate so many more individuals worthy of a nomination. We’re grateful for the input and the ideas offered.”
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. Find out more here. WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.
According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, 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. 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.”
By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS
The 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 WRD 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 stifling debt, exotic competition, a generational divide, creeping censorship, and 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 and inspiring case for the ongoing importance and positive impact of radio to inform, educate and entertain.
Please read and consider any or all of the “13 Ideas to Celebrate World Radio Day 2024” posted on the UNESCO website and in this edition of TALKERS magazine. To see the list of 13 ideas, please click here.
Michael Harrison can be contacted directly via email at michael@talkers.com.
The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. migrant crisis tied with the related move to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, followed by the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil trial in New York 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.
BIA Advisory Services releases its 2024 U.S. Local Advertising Forecast in which it predicts that revenue across all media in the U.S. will be $175.6 billion next year, primarily due to the political season. “The 8.6% increase over 2023 is slightly shadowed by concerns of an economic downturn and overall lower ad spending. With the forecasted political revenues removed, BIA’s projection in 2024 is $164.6
billion in total local advertising, only a 2.2% increase in local advertising year-over-year.” BIA VP of forecasting & analysis Nicole Ovadia adds, “As expected, 2024 will be driven by political spending, and, even in markets that are not highly contested there will be a large amount of political advertising. Local political advertising will be fueled by the presidential and senate campaigns as well as issue-based advertising. When we look at the forecast without political, we expect only a slight increase in ad spending due to both global and local economic trends that may create more cautious spending.” See more about the forecast here.
The various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump again came together as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s low job ratings, followed by the 2024 presidential race and the legal theory Trump may be disqualified from the ballot due to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment 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.
The 2024 GOP presidential candidates’ debate; former President Donald Trump’s “counterprogramming” interview with Tucker Carlson; the 2020 Georgia election co-conspirators surrender in Fulton County; the special counsel Hunter Biden investigation; Kevin McCarthy’s promise of an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden; Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly dies in a plane crash in Russia; the BRICS summit and U.S.-China relations; Japan begins releasing Fukushima wastewater into the sea were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The fourth indictment of former President Donald Trump in the Georgia 2020 election case; the 2024 presidential race; the Hunter Biden investigation; the aftermath of the Maui wildfires; the Nordstrom’s Los Angeles flash mob robbery and San Francisco retailer Gump’s open letter to California politicians; the one-year anniversary of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act; the Russia-Ukraine war; the next congressional budget battle; and the Montana climate lawsuit were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Special counsel Jack Smith announces the grand jury indictment of former President Donald Trump in connection with the events of January 6; the investigation into Hunter Biden and the status of his plea deal; the 2024 presidential race; the Russia-Ukraine war; the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strikes; and Lizzo is sued by former dancers for sexual assault, harassment and discrimination were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The Hunter Biden investigation and the status of his plea deal; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; questions about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health; a judge blocks an Arkansas law making librarians and booksellers liable for making “harmful” books available to children; the heatwave affecting much of the U.S. and Europe; the Russia-Ukraine war; trucking industry giant Yellow plans to file bankruptcy; and the $1.05 billion Powerball jackpot were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The status of Hunter Biden’s “sweetheart” plea deal; the feds sue Texas over Rio Grande immigrant barrier; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; the legal fight over Alabama’s congressional map; U.S.-Israel relations in the wake of that country’s weakening of its Supreme Court; the heatwaves affecting the U.S. and Europe and the fires scorching Greek islands; and conservatives freak out over the Barbie movie were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Texas Governor Greg Abbott under pressure to remove floating barriers in the Rio Grande; the weekend’s premieres of The Barbie Movie and Oppenheimer; the extreme heat affecting much of the United States and Europe; the Jason Aldean “Try That in a Small Town” controversy; the latest attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war; Israeli protests over Netanyahu’s plans to weaken the country’s Supreme Court; Elon Musk transitions Twitter to its new name X were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The candidates for the Republican and Democratic nominations for the 2024 presidential race and the top campaign issues was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the various legal battles facing former President Donald Trump, followed by the recent Supreme Court decisions and the federal judge ruling that government agencies cannot order social media platforms to pull content at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media 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.
Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China to attempt to smooth U.S.-China relations; today’s Juneteenth Holiday; the uneasy truce between House hardliners and Speaker Kevin McCarthy over spending cuts; the heatwave hitting the U.S. South; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.