Industry News

Round Three of January PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey covered January 4 – 31. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM shoots up 2.1 shares for a 7.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and rises to the #2 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM adds one-tenth to finish with a 1.2 share good for the #22 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.0 share good for the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on half a share for a 2.3 share finish that lifts it to the #18 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises 1.9 shares to finish with a 5.5 share and climbs to the #3 rank, while, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM adds 1.3 shares for a 3.5 share finish good for the #13 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

January 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imJanuary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the January 2024 ratings period (January 4 – January 31) 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.

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+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 4.9 – 7.0, #6 – #2

KEX 1.1 – 1.2, #21 – #22

KUFO .5 – .5, #25 – #26

KPAM .1 – .1, #34 – #32

News

None

Sports Talk

KXTG 1.1 – 1.9, #21 – #18

KFXX 1.7 – 1.6, #20 – #19

KPOJ .7 – .6, #24 – #25 (Trailblazers)

KFXX Stream  .1 – .1, #34 – #32

KMTT .2 – .1, #31 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.5 – 6.0, #3 – #4

KOPB Stream  .9 – 1.2, #21 – #22

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.0– 4.3, #9 – #10

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 2.5 – 3.3, #15 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 3.5 – 5.7, #11 – #5

WNSC 1.4 – 1.2, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: Public radio news/talk WFAE’s +2.2 (3.5 – 5.7) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.4– 3.0, #15 – #13 (Spurs)

KTSA 1.8 – 2.3, #19 – #18

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.1 – 1.5, #23 – #21

KTKR .7 – .8, #25 – #26

KZDC .2 – .3, #32 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.9, #17 – #14 

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.1 – 7.6 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 2.1 – 3.5, #16 – #9

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.6 – 1.9, #19 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #21 – #25

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.4 – 2.8, #15 – #14

KQED .3 – .3, #28 – #28

KQEI .1 – .3, #30 – #28

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.6 – 4.3, #8 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .4, #22 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.2 – 8.3, #4 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .1 – .4, #27 – #21

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 3.9 – 5.5, #7 – #6

Notes: Public radio news/talk WESA’s +1.6 (3.9 – 5.5) represents a tie for Pittsburgh’s largest (6+)“Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase.

Alternative WXDX is the Penguins’ flagship.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 3.6 – 5.5, #9 – #3

KNRS-AM/FM 2.2 – 3.5, #17 – #13

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.1 – .8, #22 – #24

KZNS-FM .6 – .7, #25 – #25 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .2 – .4, #27 – #27 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

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

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.2 – 3.6, #18 – #11

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .2 – .1, #27 – #28

KUMT .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA    

Note: News/talk KSL’s +1.9 (3.6 – 5.5) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) “Holiday” 2023 – January 2024 increase. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .6 – .8, #28 – #28

KXNT .3 – .3, #31 – #32

KXNT Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KMZQ DNA – .1, DNA – #35

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .8 – .9, #27 – #26

KKGK .3 – .5, #31 – #29 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .2 – .3, #33 – #32

KENO .1 – .1, #36 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.5 – 1.4, #21 – #24

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 3.1 – 4.3, #12 – #10

WDBO 3.1 – 3.5, #12 – #13

WFLF .6 – .6, #20 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .9 – 1.0, #19 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.7 – 3.4, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 10.8 – 12.1, #2 – #1

WKRC 4.5 – 6.1, #6 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.2 – 1.5, #18 – #18

WSAI .5 – .7, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.2 – 3.8, #10 – #8

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 4.8 – 5.6, #8 – #10 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 6.5 – 5.9, #6 – #8

WKRK Stream .8 – .9, #20 – #19

WARF .1 – .2, #23 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 4.1 – 6.1, #10 – #7

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 4.1 – 5.0, #7 – #4

KCMO-AM 1.8 – 2.2, #17 – #15

KMBZ-AM 1.4 – 1.7, #19 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream .5 – 1.0, #23 – #21

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 2.1 – 3.1, #15 – #14

KCSP Stream  .2 – .2, #28 – #27

KWOD DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.4 – 3.2, #13 – #12

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Country WDAF (6.2 – 8.3, #2, 6+) is the flagship of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 4.5 – 5.2, #7 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 6.9 – 7.8, #4 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

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

WMNI .1 – .1, #23 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 3.6 – 4.7, #9 – #8

Up next: January 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Retired WBT-AM/FM Charlotte Newsman Jim Barroll Dies at 71

Retired WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte news broadcaster Jim Barroll passed away on Monday (2/5) at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. Barroll served for more than 30 years in the WBT-AM/FM newsroom, beginning as a reporter before moving on to afternoon drive anchor and eventually news director. Barrollim retired from the station in 2016. Over the years, his focus was often on court reporting and the criminal justice system. He covered multiple Space Shuttle launches, the 1988 Democratic National Convention, the Jim Bakker trial, Hurricane Hugo, the crash of USAir Flight 1016, and the Rae Carruth trial. In 1990, he traveled with a North Carolina political and trade delegation to Germany during the aftermath of the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the German reunification. WBT says that Barroll and fellow anchor John Stokes were the backbone of its news operation for over 30 years. His daughter Amy posted to social media: “I will miss this man so, so much. He passed away this morning from an exceedingly aggressive mantle cell lymphoma. He was a completely healthy man a month ago. I am the luckiest person in the world to have called him my father.”

Industry News

Round Three of Holiday 2023 PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered December 7, 2023, through January 3, 2024. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM falls a full share to a 4.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) dropping from the #3 rank to #6, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM loses one-tenth to finish with a 1.1 share good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to a 2.4 share good for the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA sheds two-tenths to finish with a 1.8 share and is steady at the #19 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM declines 2.8 share for a 3.6 share finish that leaves it ranked #9, while iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM dips six-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imHoliday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) 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 December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 5.9 – 4.9, #3 – #6

KEX 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #21

KUFO .6 – .5, #26 – #25

KPAM .1 – .1, #33 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 2.0 – 1.7, #20 – #20

KXTG 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #21

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

KFXX Stream  .1 – .1, #33 – #34

KMTT .1 – .2, #33 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.1 – 5.5, #2 – #3

KOPB Stream  1.4 – 1.4, #21 – #21 

Note: News/talk KXL’s -1.0 (5.9 – 4.9) represents Portland’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 4.2– 4.0, #11 – #9

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 2.7 – 2.5, #13 – #15 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.0 – 3.5, #8 – #11

WNSC 1.3 – 1.4, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: Public radio news/talk WFAE’s -1.5 (5.0 – 3.5) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.7– 2.4, #14 – #15 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.0 – 1.8, #19 – #19

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #23

KTKR .8 – .7, #27 – #25

KZDC .3 – .2, #30 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.3, #17 – #17 

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.6 – 6.1 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.1 – 2.1, #12 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #19 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #22 – #21

KIFM Stream  .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

KQED .1 – .3, #29 – #28

KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.8 – 3.6, #9 – #8

KDKA-AM Stream  .3 – .4, #24 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.2 – 7.2, #5 – #4

KDKA-FM Stream  .2 – .1, #25 – #27

WBGG .1 – DNA, #27 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 4.2 – 3.9, #7 – #7

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 5.4 – 3.6, #3 – #9

KNRS-FM 2.8 – 2.2, #14 – #17

KKAT .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.9 – 1.1, #20 – #22

KZNS-FM .5 – .6, #26 – #25 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .7 – .2, #24 – #27 (Utah Jazz)

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

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

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.4 – 2.2, #18 – #17

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .2 – .2, #28 – #27

KUMT .1 – .1, #30 – #30    

Notes: Adult contemporary KSFI’s +6.3 (13.9 – 20.2) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase in these 12 PPM-markets. Moreover, KSFI is the first station to reach a 20-share (6+) in the first three rounds of “Holiday” 2023 PPM results.

Conversely, news/talk KSL’s -1.8 (5.4 – 3.6) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .3 – .6, #29 – #28

KXNT .2 – .3, #31 – #31

KMZQ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .8 – .8, #26 – #27

KKGK .4 – .3, #28 – #31 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .2 – .2, #31 – #33 (Raiders)

KENO .2 – .2, #31 – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.6 – 1.5, #21 – #21

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WDBO 3.2 – 3.1, #13 – #12

WTKS 3.6 – 3.1, #10 – #12

WFLF .7 – .6, #20 – #20

WFYY-HD3 .1 – DNA, #27 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .9 – .9, #18 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.8 – 2.7, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 11.2 – 10.8, after 23 consecutive months at #1, slips to #2 (Bengals)

WKRC 4.9 – 4.5, #6 – #6

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.3 – 1.2, #19 – #18 (Bengals)

WSAI .5 – .5, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.8 – 3.2, #9 – #10

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 4.8 – 4.8, #10 – #8 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.8 – 6.5, #7 – #6  (Browns)

WKRK Stream .7 – .8, #21 – #20 (Browns)

WARF .2 – .1, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 5.2 – 4.1, #9 – #10

WKSU-HD4 .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.3 – 4.1, #5 – #7

KCMO-AM 1.9 – 1.8, #17 – #17

KMBZ-AM 1.6 – 1.4, #18 – #19

KMBZ-FM Stream .7 – .5, #21 – #23

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 2.6 – 2.1, #15 – #15

KCSP Stream  .2 – .2, #25 – #28

KWOD .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.8 – 2.4, #13 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 6.0 – 4.5, #4 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 9.8 – 6.9, #2 – #4 (Blue Jackets)

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

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WMNI DNA – .1, DNA – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #9

Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -2.9 (9.8 – 6.9) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first three rounds of “Holiday” 2023 PPM results.

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

Mike Kinosian can be reached at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

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.

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

Industry News

Round Three of November PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered October 12 through November 8. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM is flat with a 6.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.6 share and remains ranked #21. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI adds three-tenths to finish with a 3.1 share but falls back to the #14 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA declines four-tenths to a 2.2 share and slips to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses eight-tenths and wraps the survey with a 6.1 share that leaves it ranked #4, while iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share to a 3.9 share and leaps to the #9 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imNovember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) 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 October 2023 – November 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.9 – 6.9, #3 – #2

KEX 1.7 – 1.6, #21 – #21

KUFO .7 – .8, #24 – #23

KPAM .1 – .1, #34 – #32

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 2.0 – 1.8, #18 – #20

KXTG 1.6 – 1.4, #22 – #23

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

KFXX Stream  .3 – .2, #28 – #28

KMTT .2 – .2, #31 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.9 – 6.4, #4 – #3

KOPB Stream  1.6 – 1.5, #22 – #22

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 5.3 – 5.5, #5 – #5

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #25

Sports Talk

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

WSOC-HD3 .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.0 – 5.4, #10 – #6

WNSC 1.2 – 1.0, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: Public radio news/talk WFAE’s +1.4 (4.0 – 5.4) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 increase.

The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.8 – 3.1, #13 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.6 – 2.2, #15 – #17

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.7 – 1.5, #22 – #22

KTKR .7 – .7, #27 – #27

KZDC .2 – .3, #35 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 1.7 – 2.4, #22 – #16

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 8.2 – 7.3 #1 – #2

KSTE-AM 2.7 – 3.2, #13 – #11

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.3 – 1.4, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM 1.2 – 1.1, #20 – #21

KIFM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #29 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 1.8 – 2.4, #15 – #14

KQEI .2 – .2, #27 – #28

KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk KFBK-AM’s -.9 (8.2 – 7.3) represents Sacramento’s largest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 decrease.

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.8 – 4.0, #11 – #8

KDKA-AM Stream  .5 – .4, #23 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 8.0 – 8.0, #3 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .2 – .1, #28 – #25

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 4.2 – 4.0, #7 – #8

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 6.9 – 6.1, #2 – #4

KNRS-AM/FM 2.9 – 3.9, #15 – #9

KKAT .1 – .1, #29 – #31

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.8 – 2.2, #20 – #20

KZNS-FM .8 – 1.0, #24 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .5 – .7, #26 – #25 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #29 – #31 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  .1 – .DNA, #29 – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.2 – 2.7, #19 – #15

KUMT .1 – .4, #29 – #28

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .5 – .2, #26 – #29    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.6 – 1.6, #22 – #23

KXNT .5 – .2, #29 – #34

KMZQ .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN 1.0 – .9, #27 – #27

KRLV .3 – .5, #32 – #30 (Raiders)

KKGK .3 – .5, #32 – #30 (Golden Knights)

KENO .5 – .2, #29 – #34

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.4 – 2.0, #23 – #18

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 3.9 – 3.9, #10 – #10

WDBO 3.5 – 3.6, #13 – #13

WFLF .9 – .8, #19 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .7 – .7, #22 – #23 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.2 – 2.7, #15 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 13.5 – 12.0, 22nd consecutive month at #1 (Bengals)

WKRC 5.4 – 5.7, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.9 – 2.0, #18 – #15 (Bengals)

WSAI 1.0 – 1.2, #20 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.2 – 3.5, #11 – #11

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.5 – 5.1, #10 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.9 – 6.0, #8 – #7  (Browns)

WKRK Stream  .9 – .9, #18 – #19 (Browns)

WARF .2 – .3, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 5.9 – 5.0, #8 – #10

WKSU-HD4 DNA – .1, DNA – #24   

Note: Public radio news/talk WKSU’s -.9 (5.9 – 5.0) represents Cleveland’s largest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 decrease.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.5 – 5.5, #4 – #4

KCMO-AM 1.6 – 2.0, #17 – #16

KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #18

KMBZ-FM Stream  .9 – .7, #22 – #21

KCMO-AM Stream  .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 3.1, #14 – #14

KCSP Stream  .4 – .2, #23 – #27

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.2 – 3.6, #13 – #12

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Oddity: With a +.4 (1.6 – 2.0), news/talk KCMO-AM is in an eight-way tie for Kansas City’s largest (6+) October 2023 – November 2023 increase.

Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 7.5 – 7.4, #4 – #3    

News

WYTS DNA – .1, DNA – #22

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 8.6 – 10.3, #2 – #1 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .1 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #22

WMNI .1 – DNA, #21 – #DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 3.9 – 4.3, #9 – #8

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Saga Communications declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2023, to shareholders of record on November 27, 2023. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the quarterly dividend will be approximately $1.5 million.

Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is presenting the 30th annual “Hancock’s Bikes for Kids” charity event on December 8 in which it asks the community to donate brand new bicycles to benefit kids in the area.

Industry News

Round Three of October PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered September 14 through October 11. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises two-tenths to finish with a 6.9 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM, adds three-tenths for a 1.7 share good for the #21 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM tacks on two-tenths for a 2.8 share finish that lifts it to the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM rises four-tenths to a 2.6 share and climbs to the #15 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM rockets up 1.7 shares for a 6.9 share that puts it in the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM plunges 1.1 shares to a 2.9 share that puts it in the #15 rank. It should be noted that Nielsen released updated information for the Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and Riverside markets and that is now reflected in the first-round report. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s October 2023 PPM ratings period (September 14 – October 11) 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 September 2023 – October 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.7 – 6.9, #3 – #3

KEX 1.4 – 1.7, #22 – #21

KUFO .7 – .7, #26 – #24

KPAM .1 – .1, #33 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.5 – 2.0, #21 – #18

KXTG 1.0 – 1.6, #23 – #22

KPOJ .4 – .7, #28 – #24 (Trailblazers)

KFXX Stream  .1 – .3, #33 – #28

KMTT .2 – .2, #30 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.3 – 5.9, #4 – #4

KOPB Stream  2.0 – 1.6, #18 – #22

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 5.2 – 5.3, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 2.4 – 2.7, #14 – #13 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 .1 – .1, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.2 – 4.0, #5 – #10

WNSC 1.0 – 1.2, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 .3 – DNA, #21 – #DNA  

Notes: Public Radio News/Talk WFAE’s -1.2 (5.2 – 4.0) represents Charlotte’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease; classic rock WRFX is the flagship of the Carolina Panthers.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.6 – 2.8, #15 – #13 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.2 – 2.6, #19 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.3 – 1.7, #24 – #22

KTKR .9 – .7, #26 – #27

KZDC .2 – .2, #37 – #35

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 1.6 – 1.7, #21 – #22 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 10.1 – 8.2 #1 – #2

KSTE-AM 3.3 – 2.7, #12 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.1 – 1.3, #20 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM 1.0 – 1.2, #22 – #20

KIFM Stream  .1 – .1, #29 – #30 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 1.9 – 1.8, #15 – #15

KQEI .3 – .2, #27 – #27

KQED .3 – .1, #27 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/Talk KFBK-AM’s -1.9 (10.1 – 8.2) represents Sacramento’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease.

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.0 – 3.8, #10 – #11

KDKA-AM Stream  .7 – .5, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.9 – 8.0, #3 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .4 – .2, #25 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 4.1 – 4.2, #8 – #7

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 5.2 – 6.9, #5 – #2

KNRS-AM/FM 4.0 – 2.9, #9 – #15

KKAT .1 – .1, #29 – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.7 – 1.8, #22 – #20

KZNS-FM 1.1 – .8, #24 – #24 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .4 – .5, #27 – #26 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  .1 – .1, #29 – #29 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #29 – #29 (Utah Jazz)

KOVO .1 – .1, #29 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.5 – 2.2, #17 – #19

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .5 – .5, #26 – #26

KUMT .4 – .1, #27 – #29    

Note: News/Talk KSL-AM’s +1.7 (5.2 – 6.9) represents Salt Lake City’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase; conversely, similarly-formatted KNRS-FM’s -1.1 (4.0 – 2.9) is tied for the market’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.9 – 1.6, #18 – #22

KXNT .6 – .5, #28 – #29

KMZQ .1 – .1, #36 – #36

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .9 – 1.0, #27 – #27

KENO .3 – .5, #32 – #29

KRLV .3 – .3, #32 – #32 (Raiders)

KKGK .2 – .3, #35 – #32 (Golden Knights)

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.2 – 1.4, #26 – #23

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 4.6 – 3.9, #8 – #10

WDBO 3.4 – 3.5, #12 – #13

WFLF 1.0 – .9, #21 – #19

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM 1.1 – .7, #20 – #22 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.4 – 2.2, #15 – #15

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 13.9 – 13.5, 21st consecutive month at #1 (Bengals)

WKRC 4.6 – 5.4, #6 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.6 – 1.9, #18 – #18 (Bengals)

WSAI .6 – 1.0, #22 – #20

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.6 – 3.2, #9 – #11

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 6.1 – 5.5, #7 – #10 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #24

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.1 – 5.9, #10 – #8  (Browns)

WKRK Stream  .8 – .9, #17 – #18 (Browns)

WARF .3 – .2, #20 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 4.9 – 5.9, #11 – #8

WKSU-HD4 .1 – DNA, #22 – DNA   

Note: Public Radio News/Talk WKSU’s +1.0 (4.9 – 5.9) represents Cleveland’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.1 – 5.5, #4 – #4

KCMO-AM 1.0 – 1.6, #20 – #17

KMBZ-AM 1.2 – 1.2, #19 – #21

KMBZ-FM Stream  .9 – .9, #22 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream  .1 – .2, #30 – #26

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 3.1, #13 – #14

KCSP Stream  .6 – .4, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.2 – 3.2, #12 – #13

KANU-HD2 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 7.3 – 7.5, #4 – #4    

News

None

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.9 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #21 (Blue Jackets)

WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.5 – 3.9, #8 – #9

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round Three of September PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s September PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Sacramento, iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM/FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 10.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and claims the #1 rank in the market, while sister news/talk KSTE-AM falls four-tenths to a 3.3 share good for the #12 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises three-tenths for a 5.2 share finish and remains ranked #5, while iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM adds six-tenths for a 4.0 share finish that lifts it to the #9 rank. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia talk outlet WTKS-FM is up two-tenths for a 4.6 share finish but falls to the #8 rank, while Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO remains steady with a 3.4 share but rises to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 6.7, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.1 – 6.3, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 20, +.3, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: triple A KINK and hot AC KRSK (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-2.0)*

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

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.4 – 5.2, -1.2, third to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.8 – 2.4, +.6, #16 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 5.2, +.6, sixth to fifth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – 1.0, +.5, #20 to #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group country WSOC, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFNZ and public radio news/talk WFAE (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBT-AM & WBT-FM (-1.2) 

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk:  iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #17 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #15 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth consecutive month, 8.6 – 7.1, -1.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock KTKX (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.5)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.7 – 10.1, +.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .8 – 1.1, +.3, #24 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in a row, 9.7 – 10.1, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, #10 (third straight month)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.8 – 7.9, +1.1, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.6 – 4.1, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, tenth month in a row, 11.4 – 11.2, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA and classical WQED (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, repeats at #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eleventh straight month, 10.8 – 10.3, -.5

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KJMY (-1.0) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.1 – 1.9, +.8, #26 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third month in succession, 9.3 – 9.5, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID and classic rock KXPT (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.2)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, seventh to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” steady at 3.4, #13 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.1, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 9.1 – 10.1, +1.0

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: alternative WQMP (-1.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds, Bengals) 14.0 – 13.9, -.1, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 20th consecutive month, 14.0 – 13.9, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.5 – 6.1, +.6, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.0 – 5.1, +1.1, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream .5 – .8, +.3, #18 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” .2 – .3, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eleventh month in a row, 10.5 – 11.8, +1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI +1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: rock WMMS (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” flat at 5.1, third to fourth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #19

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” unchanged at 1.0, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 (third successive month)

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KJNW (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country KBEQ (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, second to fourth    

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.6 – 7.9, +2.3, fifth to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eleventh straight month, 10.4 – 9.8, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBNS-FM (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-.9)

**Represents the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

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

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

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Launches Podcast Radio U.S. Format in Four Markets

Beasley Media Group is partnering with Podcast Radio and KMG Networks for a new “podcast multiplatform radio format in four regions across the company.” Beasley says this unique format will be available to listeners via broadcast on WCSX-HD2/W228CJ, Detroit “Podcast Radio Detroit”; WJBR-AM, Tampa (formerly WHFS-AM) “Podcast Radio Tampa Bay”; WSOC-HD3/W234BY, Charlotte “Podcast Radio Carolinas”; and WXKB-HD2/W243BM, Fort Myers & W268AH/W286AK, Naples, Florida “Podcast Radioim Southwest Florida.” The stations can also be streamed and consumed as podcasts via PodcastRadioUS.com. Podcast Radio states, “Podcast Radio features live ‘Podjocks’, including former KROQ-FM, Los Angeles personality and legendary Radio Hall of Famer Gene ‘Bean’ Baxter. The format will showcase the very best produced and popular podcasts from the United States and all over the world, including audio content from TedAudio (TedTalk), Wondery, Evergreen, Corus, and more! The initiative with Beasley is the first of its kind for the company in the United States. The format will be offered to radio stations and groups on a network/barter basis via KMG Networks. AdLarge Media has been selected to facilitate the network advertising sales.” Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Podcast Radio is an idea that Caroline Beasley and our team have been thinking about and researching for years and we’re excited to be the first to launch this format in the United States. This concept has been highly successful for Gerry [Edwards] and his team in the United Kingdom, and we believe our audience will fall in love with the Podcast Radio U.S. version we present on our stations.”

Industry News

Round Three of August PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to third

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, third to fourth

KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, anchored at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.8 – 10.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A KINK (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.6 – 4.6, +1.0, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, fourth straight month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFAE (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WLKO (-1.5)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, eighth consecutive month, 9.1 – 8.6, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-1.3)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” flat at 3.7, seventh to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 10.7 – 9.7, -1.0 and iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in a row, 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+2.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-2.9)**

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

**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, repeats in tenth-place

KDKA’s internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.7 – 6.8, +.1, continues at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA flat at 4.6, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, ninth month in a row, 12.8 – 11.4, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: alternative WXDX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, #4 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, #20 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, tenth straight month, 11.6 – 10.8, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS and adult contemporary KBEE (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in succession, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KXQQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-2.1)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, tenth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, #11 to #13

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, repeats at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.1, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOCL (+1.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WPYO (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .8 – 1.2, +.4, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 19th consecutive month, 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-2.0)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.1 – 4.0, +.9, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” flat at .2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, steady at #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, tenth month in a row, 10.3 – 10.5, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WKRK +.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-1.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, fifth to third

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #12 to #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KBEQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, third to second   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, tenth straight month, 10.9 – 10.4, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WLVQ and rock WRKZ (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WOSA (-.7)

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI falls two-tenths to post a 2.6 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and falls to the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds one-tenth for a 2.5 share finish that lifts it to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM loses a full share to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish that lifts it to the #6 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia talk WTKS-FM loses six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share but remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO remains flat with a 3.9 share and the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*

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

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12

WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of June PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI dips three-tenths to finish the survey with a 2.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #14, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA loses nine-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM sheds one-tenth for wrap the survey with a 5.6 share and remains ranked #3, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses eight-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls one spot to the #8 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM adds one-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share and remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO tacks on two-tenths for a 3.9 share finish that keeps it ranked #11. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.