Industry News

TEGNA Names Rick Rogala President and GM for Columbus TV and Radio

TEGNA Inc names Rick Rogala president and general manager at the company’s Columbus station group that includes CBS affiliate WBNS-TV, sports talk outlets WBNS-FM “The Fan 97.1,” WBNS-AMim “ESPN 1460 Columbus,” and the Ohio News Network. Rogala comes to Columbus from the company’s Memphis television stations. TEGNA says, “During his career, Rogala has been on the leading edge of media convergence, leading stations to record ratings and revenue, building three media facilities, launching innovative, new local programming, and creating a groupwide sales training program.”

Industry News

Ron Cook Retires from KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh

Patch.com reports that KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 FM The Fan” air personality Ron Cook announced his retirement from the station yesterday (2/5). Cook is one of the original hosts who joined the station atim its inception in 2010. Cook told his listeners, “It’s been a blast with you guys.” Cook is also a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’ll leave that position after his last column appears on Sunday. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli comments, “From the first day ‘93.7 The Fan’ signed on the air, Ron brought instant credibility to the station with, not only with reputation as one of the top columnists in the market, but also a trusted voice that sports fans wanted to hear from. That is a rare combination, and to this day we are fortunate that Ron was here with us from the beginning.” Read it on Patch here.

Industry News

Cumulus Media’s Dallas-Fort Worth Stations Raised Record Sum for Local Charities

Cumulus Media announces that its Dallas-Fort Worth radio station group raised $2,696,127 for charities in the region during 2023, topping the 2022 total by more than $400,000. In the Dallas-Fort Worthim market, Cumulus operates news/talk WBAP-AM/FM, news/talk KLIF-AM/FM, sports talk KTCK-AM/FM and two country music brands. Cumulus regional vice president Dan Bennett says, “I can’t say enough about our air talent and programming team who understand that serving our community in Dallas-Fort Worth means raising awareness for organizations that give a lift to people who need it. They give so much of their time to make a difference and 2023’s efforts show the incredible results.”

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

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

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

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.5 – 3.1, #9 – #9

WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 6.9 – 6.3, #3 – #4

WDCH .5 – .5, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.6, #17 – #15 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .5 – .6, #23 – #21 (Capitals)

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

WTEM .1 – .2, #28 – #26 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.3 – 11.5, 26th month in succession at #1

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.9 – 3.1, #14 – #9

WXKS-AM .8 – .9, #23 – #24

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.1 – 4.7, #5 – #5

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #29

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.2 – 9.2, #2 – #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #25

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.6 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 3.9, #8 – #6

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.3, #24 – #22 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #28 – #27 (Dolphins)

WMEN .1 – .1, #36 – #36

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

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.6 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.1 – 4.0, #9 – #6 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.6 – 1.3, #22 – #23

KVI 1.6 – 1.0, #22 – #24

KPTR DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.3, #19 – #20

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 3.0 – 2.8, #16 – #15 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 3.6 – 2.6, #11 – #17 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .7 – .9, #26 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.2 – 6.2, #2 – #3

KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #15

WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .2 – .1, #25 – #28

News

WWJ 4.3 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #26 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #30 – #28

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.6 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.7 – 1.2, #18 – #19 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19

WUOM 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.2 – 2.9, #8 – #8

KTAR-FM 1.8 – 2.2, #23 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.1 – 1.5, #19 – #23 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #32 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

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

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #11   

Note: Adult contemporary KESZ’s 18.5 represents the largest (6+) share by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.0 – 3.8, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17

KTLK-AM 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #19

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

News

KQQL-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.6 – 6.8, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .3 – .2, #27 – #27

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #29 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.5 – 5.2, #5 – #4

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 3.8 – 3.9, #9 – #6

KLSD .2 – .3, #26 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #14

KGB-AM 1.0 – 1.0, #21 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 5.9 – 4.7, #4 – #4

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.8 – 4.1, #8 – #7 (Lightning)

WFLA 3.9 – 3.2, #10 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.9– 1.6, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.7 – 1.9, #18 – #17

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #23

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.1 – 2.7, #13 – #14 (Broncos)

KHOW 1.8 – 1.4, #20 – #19

KDFD 1.4 – 1.3, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.8 – 3.5, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN .1 – .1, #35 – #35

KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

KAMP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 2.7 – 3.0, #14 – #13

KUNC .4 – .7, #30 – #26  

Note: Adult contemporary KOSI’s +6.4 (10.1- 16.5) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.4 – 2.7, #10 – #11 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.1 – 1.0,  #18 – #20

WDCH  .8 – .8,  #21 – #22

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.2 – 4.5, #8 – #6

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, #11 – #9

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #28

Note: CHR WWMX’s -2.3 (5.3 – 3.0) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.0 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .3 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #23 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 4.1 – 3.9, #11 – #12 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.0 – 4.5, #12 – #8

Note: Adult contemporary KEZK’s +6.4 (9.3- 15.7) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

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

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

Industry News

KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth Celebrates 30 Years of Sports Talk

Cumulus Media’s sports talk KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth is celebrating 30 years of sports talk withim a number of on-air and off-air events. The station is presenting a sold-out listener event at the House of Blues on Friday (1/26). The sports talk format was launched when Cardinal Communications bought then KAAM-AM from Bonneville International and changed the calls to KTCK-AM and debuted the sports talk format. Cardinal would sell to Susquehanna Communications which would be acquired by Cumulus Media in 2006. All the while, The Ticket would garner ratings and revenue as one of the nation’s more successful sports talk outlets.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings – Part One

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

NEW YORK

News/Talk

WABC 2.8 – 3.0, #11 – #11

WOR 1.1 – 1.2, #22 – #21

WKXW .9 – .8, #24 – #27

WKXW Stream .2 – .2, #38 – #37

News

WINS-FM 4.1 – 3.9, #10 – #9

WCBS-AM 1.7 – 1.6, #19 – #19

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .4, #36 – #32

Business News WBBR .4 – .3, #32 – #34

WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .1, #38 – #46 

Sports Talk

WFAN FM & AM 2.5 – 2.3, #12 -#12 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 1.3 – 1.2 #21 – #21 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

WFAN FM & AM Stream .9 – .7, #24 -#28 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils) 

Public Radio News/Talk

WNYC-FM 4.3 – 4.1, #8 – #7

WNYC-AM 1.0 – 1.0, #23 – #23 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk

KFI 5.1 – 4.6, #2 – #4

KRLA .6 – .4, #34 – #30

KEIB .5 – .4, #35 – #30  (Clippers 

News

KNX-FM 2.7 – 2.5, #11 – #12

KNX-FM Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #40  

Sports Talk

KLAC 1.0 – . #29 – #28 (Chargers, Clippers 

Public Radio News/Talk

KPCC 2.6 – 2.0, #12 – #14

Notes: Public radio news/talk KPCC’s -.6 (2.6 – 2.0) represents a tie for Los Angeles’ highest (6+)December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

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 2.8 – 2.6, #10 – #11  (Blackhawks)

WLS-AM 1.7 – 1.7, #18 – #19

WLIP .4 – .3, #36 – #38

WVON .1 – .1, #43 – #43

WLS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.2 – 4.9, #4  – #4

WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .2 – .1, #41 – #43

Sports Talk

WSCR 2.4 – 2.5, #13 – #12 (Bulls)

WMVP 1.4 – 1.5, #20 – #20 (Bears)

WSCR Stream .9 – .4, #27 – #36 (Bulls)

Public Radio News/Talk

WBEZ 2.6 – 2.1, #12 – #15  

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk

KSFO 1.4 – 1.4, #22 – #22

KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #31 – #32 

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.4 – 5.7, #3 – #3

KNEW .2 – .3, #31 – #29  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #38

KKSF DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Sports Talk

KNBR 3.5 – 3.6, #10 – #7 (49ers)

KGMZ 2.3 – 2.0, #14 – #14 (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .5 – .4, #27 – #27  

KGO .2 – .2, #31 – #32  

KGO Stream .2 – .2, #31 – #32  

KGMZ Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #32 (Golden State Warriors)   

Public Radio News/Talk

KQED 6.6 – 6.9, #2 – #2

KALW .2 – .2, #31 – #32

DALLAS

News/Talk

WBAP 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #14

KEGL 1.5 – 1.4, #26 – #27  (Mavericks)

KSKY .5 – .6, #33 – #33

KLIF-AM .3 – .4, #36 – #34

KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.8 – 1.4, #20 – #27 (Cowboys)

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

Sports Talk

KTCK 5.2 – 4.2, #2 – #3  (Stars)

KRLD-FM 3.4 – 2.9, #11 – #13 (Cowboys)

KRLD-FM Stream .2 – .3, #37 – #35 (Cowboys)

Public Radio News/Talk

KERA 4.2 – 3.5, #4 – #6  

Note: Sports talk KTCK’s -1.0 (5.2 – 4.2) represents Dallas’ highest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

HOUSTON

News/Talk

KTRH 3.5 – 2.6, #10 – #17  (Rockets)

KPRC . 5 – .5, #26 – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

KILT-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #21 – #21 (Texans)

KBME .5 – .6, #26 – #27  (Rockets)

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

KFNC .1 – .2, #33 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KUHF 2.3 – 2.4, #20 – #18

ATLANTA

News/Talk

WSB-AM & WSBB 8.3 – 7.4, #1 – #2

WFOM .4 – .4, #29 – #27

WGKA .2 – .1, #31 – #31

WAOK .2 – .1, #31 – #31

WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #31

WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

WBIN  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WZGC 2.8 – 3.5, #15 – #9 (Falcons, Hawks)

WCNN 1.5 – 1.4, #20 – #20

WZGC Stream .5 – .3, #27 – #29 (Falcons, Hawks)

Public Radio News/Talk

WABE 3.9 – 3.3, #8 – #11

WRAS  .6 – .8, #25 – #24

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk

WPHT 1.7 – 1.7, #19 – #19

WKXW .9 – 1.2, #24 – #23

WPHT Stream .6 – .7, #27 – #26

WURD .5 – .3, #28 – #27

WURD Stream .7 – .2, #26 – #29

WDEL-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WKXW Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

News

KYW & WPHI 5.2 – 4.7, #7 – #6

KYW & WPHI Stream .1 – .1, #31 – #30

WTEL .1 – DNA, #31 – DNA

Sports Talk

WIP 6.6 – 5.7, #4 – #4 (Eagles)

WIP Stream 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #20 (Eagles)

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WHYY 2.8 – 2.8, #11 – #9      

Notes: Adult contemporary WBEB makes the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase(+7.3) of any station in these 12 PPM-markets and logs the highest (6+) share (16.8).

Conversely, country WXTU has the most significant (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decline of any station in these 12 PPM-markets (5.3 – 3.7, -1.6). 

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)

News/Talk

WABC 1.3 – 1.1, #20 – #20

WOR 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #22

WLIR .2 – .1, #33 – #35

News

WINS-FM 4.4 – 3.3, #8 – #9

WCBS-AM 2.1 – 2.5, #16 – #12

WINS-FM Stream .7 – .9, #25 – #23

Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #30 – #30

WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #35

Sports Talk

WFAN-FM & AM 3.7 – 3.5, #10 – #7 (Giants, Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils)

WEPN-FM 2.5 – 2.7, #12 – #11 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

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

Public Radio News/Talk

WSUF .2 – .2, #33 – #30

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk

None

News

KFOO .1 – DNA, #23 – DNA

Sports Talk

KPWK .2 – .2, #21 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

KVCR .3 – .3 #20 – #16

KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN JOSE

News/Talk

KSFO 1.3 – 1.5, #22 – #19

KSFO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.7 – 4.5, #3 – #4

KNEW .2 – .3, #28 – #28  

KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #28 – #30

Sports Talk

KNBR 4.1 – 3.9, #6 – #6 (49ers)

KGMZ 1.6 – 1.5, #20 – #19 (Golden State Warriors)

KTCT .6 – .8, #26 – #25   

KGO Stream .6 – .7, #26 – #26  

KGO .2 – .3, #28 – #28  

KGMZ Stream DNA – .2, DNA – #30 (Golden State Warriors)

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Notes: News KCBS-AM & KFRC’s -1.2 (5.7 – 4.5) represents San Jose’s highest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease. 

Sharks’ games are carried on the Sharks Audio Network.

MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION 

News/Talk

WKXW 5.2 – 5.7, #4 – #4

WOR 1.1 – 1.6, #20 – #15

WKXW Stream .7 – .7, #22 – #20         

News

WINS-FM 2.0 – 1.8, #11 – #13

WCBS-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #17 – #18

WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #26 – #23

WCBS-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WEPN-FM 1.3 – 1.0, #17 – #18 (Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)

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

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

Public Radio News/Talk

None

Up next: “Holiday” 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

Audacy Announces Market Leadership Moves

Audacy announces “strategic leadership updates and promotions to bolster the company’s commitment to its local markets.” Gina Massenzi is promoted to SVP and market manager for Las Vegas that includes news/talk outlets KDWN and KXNT and four music brands. She has been serving the cluster as director of sales. Dan Barron rises to SVP and market manager for New Orleans that includes news/talkim WWL-AM/FM, sports talk WWWL-AM, and four music brands. Barron succeeds Kevin Cassidy, who was named SVP and market manager of Audacy Chicago in December. Additionally, Bob Mackay assumes the role of vice president of sales for Audacy Dallas after serving in the same post in Austin. And three regional presidents add responsibilities to their regions as Doug Abernethy picks up regional and direct oversight of Audacy Austin, Brian Purdy adds regional oversight for Audacy Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, and Mark Hannon assumes regional oversight of Audacy Minneapolis. Audacy COO Susan Larkin comments, “We have a very strong leadership team that has enabled us to make strategic changes and promote talent with multi-year track records of success. These leadership moves continue to position our local brands to deliver exceptional listener experiences and client value while reinforcing our commitment to excellence in the communities we serve.”

Industry News

Spike Eskin to Return to Philly as WIP PM Drive Co-Host

Audacy announces that Spike Eskin will return to sports talk WIP-FM, Philadelphia “SportsRadio 94WIP” as afternoon drive co-host alongside Ike Reese and on-air producer Jack Fritz. Eskin will leave his current position as vice president of programming for WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio andim re-join WIP once a successor is named. Audacy says a nationwide search is currently underway. The WIP co-host position opened after Jon Marks announced his exit from the station for personal reasons in December. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We’re very excited to bring Spike home to Philadelphia and SportsRadio 94WIP. This is a unique opportunity to add a great talent with a long history in our marketplace to one of our most popular dayparts, and we’re looking forward to having Spike reunite with his longtime friend and colleague Ike Reese and Jack Fritz to shape the future of afternoon drive at WIP.” Eskin comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with Ike and Jack in afternoons at 94WIP. It’s now the third job of a lifetime I’ve had the opportunity to do. Leaving WFAN and CBS Sports Radio is an incredibly difficult decision. I’m surrounded by talented, great people, and it’s been an amazing experience. I’d like to thank David Yadgaroff, Jeff Sottolano and Rod Lakin for this opportunity, and Chris Oliviero for my time in New York.”

Industry News

Brewer Media to Sell Two Chattanooga Signals to Religious Broadcaster

According to the Times-Free Press, Brewer Media is committed to selling sports talk WALV-FM “ESPN Chattanooga” and FM translator W295BI at 106.9 to Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network for $900,000. Brewer sold two other signals to American Family Association in 2021. Company VP Kira Brewer Headlee tells the paper, “Just like any other business, we have to evaluate our operations and make upgrades and changes in our missions.” The company is also planning to move from its current downtown Chattanooga office space to a smaller space in East Brainerd. See the Times-Free Press story here.

Industry News

Audacy Unveils New Midday Show at 97.3 The Fan in San Diego

Audacy sports talk KWFN-FM, San Diego “97.3 The Fan” unveils its new midday program, Annie & Elsten,” hosted by local sports broadcast pros Annie Heilbrunn and Craig Elsten. The show debutsim tomorrow (1/4). Audacy San Diego SVP and market manager Michael Valenzuela says, “We’re excited to kick off the next era of our station’s midday improgramming with the additions of two seasoned broadcasters in Annie and Craig. We have no doubt their vast knowledge of this city’s sports scene will add extraordinary value to our local content offering and can’t wait to see them get the ball rolling.” Heilbrunn says, “I’m so excited for this opportunity and eager to contribute to the impressive lineup already established at ‘97.3 The Fan.’” Elsten adds, “I couldn’t be more excited to be partnered with someone as talented and respected as Annie. To do so on ‘97.3 The Fan’ is the perfect pairing. I know we will work hard to make middays a fun place to hang out every day and a great place to talk Padres.”

Industry News

Tim Hall Named APD at “97.1 The Fan” in Columbus

Tegna announces that Tim Hall is named assistant program director at sports talk WBNS-AM and FM, Columbus “97.1 The Fan” and “1460 ESPN.” Hall is currently the host of “The Buckeye Show” (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and Ohio State football and men’s basketball post-game shows from Learfield. Programim director and operations manager Matt Fishman says, “Tim’s extensive background in the sports talk format is invaluable as we continue to grow ‘97.1 The Fan’ and ‘1460 ESPN’ here in Columbus. I look forward to watching Tim grow in this new role and seeing his impact on the team and the overall product.” Station manager Cody Welling adds, “For the last several months, Tim has expressed the interest and ability to grow as a broadcaster and as a programmer. As ‘97.1 The Fan’ continues to innovate as one of the elite sports radio properties in the United States, I’m excited to see the contributions that Tim will deliver for our station and the community.”

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

Robert “Hardy” Poole Named Morning Co-Host at “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Beasley Media Group announces that Robert “Hardy” Poole moves from the midday “Zolak & Bertrand” show to morning drive as the new co-host of the “Toucher & Hardy” show on sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” effective January 4. Beasley says, “Over the past eight years, he’s played a key role in propelling the ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ show to unprecedented ratings success in theirim midday slot. Hardy has also lent his voice and creative talents to various platforms across the station, including the creation of the wildly popular ‘Fuppets’ videos for Felger & Mazz. In addition, he has been the longtime host of the ‘Sports Hub Golf Club’ show and can also be heard on Beasley’s Rock 92.9.” Morning host Fred Toucher says, “I’ve known Hardy and admired his talent for many years. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter and feel revitalized by the new opportunity.” Hardy comments, “As a lifelong radio guy, I’m thrilled for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Fred and the rest of the morning show crew on what I believe will be a great show.” Station PD Rick Radzik states, “Hardy is one of the most talented and creative individuals I have ever worked with in radio. Teaming him with Fred was just a natural fit for our new morning show. I look forward to them providing great content and entertaining our listeners for years to come.”

Industry News

Denver Sports Talk Scene Examined

There are two interesting pieces published recently that look at the sports talk radio scene in Denver – one an interview with market sports talk personality Darren “Dmac” McKee by Doug Ottewill in Mileim High Sports, the other a piece by Michael Roberts in alt-weekly Westword that analyzes the state of Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan.” McKee (along with several others) was let go by “The imFan” in September after the station was beat in the ratings by Stan Kroenke’s crosstown KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio.” “The Fan” PD Raj Sharan was ousted shortly thereafter, and former ESPN Radio programmer Amanda Brown was recently brought aboard as PD to right the ship. Roberts’ piece chronicles the rise of “The Fan” – as well as its recent struggles. Ironically, shortly after being let go, McKee found work at his former competitor and now co-hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show at “Altitude Sports Radio” with former “Fan” host Tyler Polumbus and Scott Hastings. Read the Westwood “Dmac” interview here. See the Mile High Sports piece here.

Industry News

Nielsen Audio Releases Audio Today Report on the Black Audience

The most recent edition of Nielsen Audio’s Audio Today report focuses on Black consumers and concludes that of all audio services – both ad-free and ad-supported – AM/FM radio dominates in drawing Black listeners. For Blacks 18+, AM/FM reaches 89% of the population monthly, compared to itsim next best competitor – YouTube Music – at 31%. When it comes to Blacks 35-49, AM/FM reaches 90% of that demographic. The Nielsen report dips into Edison Research’s Share of Ear study and notes that when it comes to share of daily time spent listening to all audio sources (Black adults 18+) 44% of that time is spent with AM/FM radio compared to its next best competitor – streaming audio – with 14%. Not surprisingly, when it comes to the top radio formats listened to by Blacks 18+, rhythmic music stations rank at the top. However, out of the 20 radio formats Nielsen lists in its study, news/talk comes in as the 6th most-listened-to format with a monthly reach of almost 2.4 million. That comes out ahead of sports talk with a monthly reach of almost 1.98 million. See the study results here.

Industry News

WWO’s Audio Active Group Analyzes Edison’s Q3 Share of Ear

Today’s blog post from Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the results of Edison Research’s Q3 2023 Share of Ear study of the reach and time spent with all forms of audio. Some of the takeawaysim from the study include: 1) the proportion of AM/FM radio in-car listening rose 9% year-over-year and is on par with pre-pandemic levels of listening; 2) spoken-word content listening is at an eight-year high with 39% of ad-supported listening (including AM/FM, streaming and podcasts) devoted to news/talk, talk, and sports; and 3) looking at Persons 25-54, the share of ad-supported audio time spent with personalities/talk shows has increased the most – from 11% of ad-supported listening in Q4 2016 to 19.4% in Q3 of 2023. See the blog post here.

Industry News

KIRO-FM and KIRO-AM Launch Holiday Magic Fundraiser

Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO “Newsradio 97.3 FM” and sports talk KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports 710 AM” are kicking off the 35th annual “Holiday Magic Fundraiser” benefitting Treehouse, a nonprofitim organization addressing the essential education and enrichment needs of children and youth in foster care in Washington State. The 2023 fundraiser includes an online auction featuring one-of-a-kind sports packages from the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners, autographed Seahawks merchandise, and more. Bonneville SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano says, “It is remarkable to celebrate 35 years of partnership between KIRO Newsradio and Treehouse in producing Holiday Magic. We have worked with Treehouse to create the Holiday Magic Campaign longer than any other community initiative and it has become a part of our purpose and mission.”