Ratings Takeaways

February 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imFebruary 2024 PPM Data – Information for the February 2024 ratings period (February 1 – February 28) 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 January 2024 – February 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 7.0 – 6.9, #2 – #2

KEX 1.2 – 1.5, #22 – #21

KUFO .5 – .8, #26 – #24

KPAM .1 – .1, #32 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 1.6 – 1.6, #19 – #20

KXTG 1.9 – 1.2, #18 – #22

KPOJ .6 – .6, #25 – #26 (Trailblazers)

KMTT .1 – .1, #32 – #34

KFXX Stream  .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.0 – 5.1, #4 – #4

KOPB Stream  1.2 – 1.0, #22 – #23

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 4.3– 4.6, #10 – #8

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.3 – 3.4, #13 – #14 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.7 – 4.9, #5 – #6

WNSC 1.2 – .8, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 3.0– 2.7, #13 – #14 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.3 – 2.3, #18 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.5 – .9, #21 – #25

KTKR .8 – .5, #26 – #30

KZDC .3 – .3, #35 – #33

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.9 – 2.3, #14 – #16 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK-AM 7.6 – 7.3 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.5 – 2.9, #9 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.9 – 1.4, #18 – #18 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #25 – #23

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 2.8, #14 – #13

KQEI .3 – .3, #28 – #27

KQED .3 – .1, #28 – #29

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.3 – 4.5, #9 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .4 – .3, #21 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 8.3 – 7.6, #3 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream  .4 – .6, #21 – #19

WBGG DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.5 – 5.2, #6 – #8

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 5.5 – 6.4, #3 – #3

KNRS-FM 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

KKAT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL .8 – .8, #24 – #23

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

KZNS-AM .4 – .1, #27 – #28 (Utah Jazz)

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

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

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.6 – 2.8, #11 – #15

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .1 – .3, #28 – #27

KUMT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .8 – .9, #28 – #26

KXNT .3 – .6, #32 – #29

KXNT Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36

KMZQ .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .9 – .6, #26 – #29

KKGK .5 – .3, #29 – #32 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .3 – .2, #32 – #34

KENO .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.4 – 1.6, #24 – #22

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 4.3 – 5.0, #10 – #7

WDBO 3.5 – 3.1, #13 – #13

WFLF .6 – .8, #21 – #19

WFYY-HD3 DNA – .3, DNA – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM 1.0 – .8, #19 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 3.4 – 2.4, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 12.1 – 10.2, #1 – #2

WKRC 6.1 – 6.1, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.5 – 1.1, #18 – #19

WSAI .7 – .6, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.8 – 3.1, #8 – #10   

Note: News/talk WLW’s -1.9 (12.1 – 10.2) represents Cincinnati’s largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 5.6 – 5.8, #10 – #9 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.9 – 3.7, #8 – #11

WKRK Stream .9 – .4, #19 – #21

WARF .2 – .2, #22 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.1 – 6.4, #7 – #6

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Sports/talk WKRK’s -2.2 (5.9 – 3.7) is the largest (6+) January 2024 – February 2024 decrease by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.0 – 4.4, #4 – #6

KCMO-AM 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #14

KMBZ-AM 1.7 – 1.8, #17 – #17

KMBZ-FM Stream 1.0 – .8, #21 – #22

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.1 – 3.0, #14 – #12

KCSP Stream  .2 – .3, #27 – #25

KWOD .1 – .1, #29 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 3.2 – 2.9, #12 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.3, #7 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.8 – 7.2, #2 – #2 (Blue Jackets)

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

WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #22

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.7 – 5.6, #8 – #6

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

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

Industry News

Matty “Ice” Hayes Inks Extension at The Fan in Columbus

Midday talk host Matty “Ice” Hayes signs a multi-year extension to remain with Tegna’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus “97.1 The Fan” as co-host of the “Rothman and Ice” (alongside Anthonyim Rothman) program and as host of “The Fan” pregame show every gameday Saturday in the fall. Hayes says, “‘The Fan’ has been my home for 10 years and I’m very excited to continue working at a station that has been a part of my life for so long.” WBNS station manager Cody Welling comments, “Matt has been working extremely hard developing his broadcast talents. We value his point-of-view on topics, and is the perfect duo for our highly rated midday show, ‘Rothman and Ice.’ I’m happy that Columbus sports fans will be able to access Matt Hayes for years to come each weekday, and on college football gamedays.”

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

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.”

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

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

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

Armstrong & GettyWBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show.  The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting.  It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922.  WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: Eric@TheWeissAgency.com or Craig Whetstine at craig@armstrongandgetty.com.

PodcastOne Obtains Rights.  LiveOne subsidiary PodcastOne obtains exclusive network distribution/advertising sales rights to “Some More News” and its Cody Johnston & Katy Stoll-hosted spinoff podcast, “Even More News.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray notes, “With ‘Some More News’ and ‘Even More News,’ Cody and Katy host two intelligent, insightful and incredibly funny vodcasts. Their engaged audiences pair well with our existing programming. As we enter into a never-ending cycle of election year news, we’re looking forward to Cody’s and Katy’s comedic take on what promises to be an endless flood of attention-grabbing headlines. We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this team to grow their shows and their advertiser audience.”

Portnoy Joins ABC News Radio.  Here just yesterday (TALKERS, Tuesday, 7/11), it was reported that, “Following an eight-and-a half-year run with CBS News Radio, White House correspondent Steven Portnoy is exiting CBS News ‘for a new opportunity.’ It didn’t take long to learn where he’s landing as ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse today notes Portnoy is national correspondent for ABC News Radio. In a memo, she writes, “Steven has earned his reputation as an insightful, straightforward journalist with over two decades of reporting on politics and breaking news. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As we embark on another pivotal presidential election season, ABC News Radio is committed to upholding those high ideals; Steven’s integrity and tenacity as a journalist will help us achieve that mission.” It is a homecoming for Portnoy who joined ABC News in 2002 as an intern for the White House unit of “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” In 2006, he was named Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. Portnoy extensively reported on the recent prisoner swap that led to the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russia.

WSJ: Audacy Initiating Debt Restructuring Discussions. Per a Wall Street Journal report, Audacy is about to initiate discussions with creditors regarding a restructuring of the company’s $1.9 billion of debt. Lawyers representing two different groups of creditors have reportedly signed nondisclosure agreements. The report states that one group of senior lenders has hired one law firm, while another group of second lien bondholders has employed another entity to represent them in confidential negotiations. Audacy executed a thirty-for-one reverse stock split at the end of June to initiate compliance with the New York Stock Exchange.

Alpha Portland Change.  Alpha Media Portland (Oregon) content director Keith Abrams exits as his position has been eliminated. The Alpha Media Portland cluster includes news/talk KXL “FM 101 News”; sports talk KXTG “750 The Game”; and news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970.”

Bannister Joins WONE.  Starting next Monday (7/17), Marty Bannister will begin hosting a daily 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm show on iHeartMedia Dayton sports talk WONE “Fox Sports 980.” Bannister does play-by-play of Ohio University men’s and women’s basketball for ESPN3 and high school sports for Spectrum. He previously worked in Columbus as an update anchor for sports talk WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan.”

TN HOF Banquet To Honor Legacy Class. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame awards ceremony and banquet later this month (7/29) in Columbia, Tennessee is a sell-out. The “Legacy Class of 2023” includes: Phil Valentine (Nashville); Sam Phillips (Memphis); E.G. Blackman (Nashville); Johnny Eagle (Chattanooga); Art Gilliam (Memphis); Al “Adams” Johnson (Knoxville); Devon O’Day (Nashville) and Dick Ellis (Tri-Cities). Joining the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame’s board of directors for a two-year term is Jeff Jarnigan from Cumulus Media Knoxville. In addition, Melissa McDonald returns to the board.   

Dr Daliah Wachs and Jimmy GaroppoloLas Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo.  Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base.  Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”

Job Opportunity

Columbus’ “The Fan” Seeks Station Manager

TEGNA’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus, Ohio “97.1 The Fan” is seeking a “strategic, creative, dynamic, experienced broadcasting sales manager/director of sales/general manager to become our next great station manager. ‘97.1 The Fan’ is the flagship station for all Ohio State Athletics as well as NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the MLS Columbus Crew. ‘The Fan’ is also the Columbus home for Cleveland Browns football. Our legacy properties boast one of the top-rated ESPN affiliates in the United States as well as a statewide network of over 80 stations and a digital platform of full-service digital solutions. This position reports to the president and general manager of WBNS-TV.” Find out more and apply here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 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 Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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 December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.4 – 6.0, -1.4, third to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 2.2, -.9, #12 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 6.7, -.5, fourth to third and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second month in a row, 10.0 – 16.7, +6.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+6.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk KXL (-1.4)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) steady at 3.7, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, continues at #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC flat at .3, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second month in succession, 8.3 – 11.0, +2.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and adult hits WLKO (+2.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #11 to #13

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, locked at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #17 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, second straight month, 14.0 – 15.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.2)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: country KCYY (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.1 – 8.8, -1.3, first to second and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) unchanged at 1.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 9.1 – 13.9, +4.8

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+4.8)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic rock KSEG (-1.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, carries on at #13 and KDKA-AM’s internet stream .4 – .7, +.3, #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 5.9 – 5.4, -.5, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 8.3 – 13.3, +5.0

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+5.0)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.3 – 4.6, -.7, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 6.7 – 4.4, -2.3, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second month in a row, 12.1 – 20.0, +7.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+7.9)*

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-2.3)**

*Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents the largest December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.0 – 2.3, +1.3, #26 to #16

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 straight month, 10.6 – 14.1, +3.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+3.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.6)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.1, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.0 – .9, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 1.6, -.6, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 11.4 – 13.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.7)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.0 – 10.7, +.7, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.6 – 2.8, -.8, #9 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.7 – 2.6, +.9, #19 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 11th consecutive month, 10.0 – 10.7, +.7

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.9)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, #11 to #8

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 6.3 – 6.0, -.3, repeats in sixth-place and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.0 – 4.2, -.8, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 14.1, +4.5

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMJI (+4.5)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock WMMS; country WGAR; and public radio news/talk WKSU (-.8)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #13 to #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.2 – 1.4, +.2, steady at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC, first month, 5.7 – 8.6, +2.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+2.9)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: hot AC KZPT (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.8 – 5.3, -1.5, fourth to eighth  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.2 – 8.0, -1.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, second straight month, 10.1 – 9.2, -.9

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WSNY (+2.3)

Largest 6+ December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTVN (-1.5)

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 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.  

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

New York All-Newser WINS An FM Signal. Beginning two weeks from this Thursday (10/27), Audacy New York’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” will begin simulcasting on 92.3, a frequency currently occupied by alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3.” At the same time, WINS’ longtime brand manager Ben Mevorach is boosted to vice president of New York news, overseeing WINS and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM “News Radio 880”; Ivan Lee is promoted to brand manager of both stations. As noted here yesterday (TALKERS, Monday, 10/10) WCBS-AM news director/brand manager Tim Scheld indicated in a staff memo that he’d be exiting the all-news outlet before the end of the year. A new agreement with SAG-AFTRA will allow cross-utilization of anchors and reporters for WINS and WCBS-AM. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero comments, “At a time when quality journalism and local reporting is so critical, it was the ideal moment to make a strong investment in our news creation and distribution capabilities. Audacy New York’s news organization, anchored by both WINS and [WCBS-AM], is the premier audio news outlet in the city. Now more than ever, we remain committed to serving our audiences as we have done so for over the last 50 years.” Mevorach states, “We are standing at the edge of an exciting new era for news in New York for our team,  advertisers, and – most importantly – our listeners. [WINS and WCBS-AM] will be in more places, covering more stories, creating more original content, expanding our digital footprint, and now offering listeners a crystal-clear FM audio experience. Both brands will retain their distinct identities but will now harness resources with the single mission of better serving our communities and reaching the next generation of news consumers.” Mevorach began his career in Boston as a magazine writer/editor for The Library Scene. Lee previously was operations manager at Talk America, which rebranded to Liberty Broadcasting; became WCBS-AM’s operations coordinator in 2004; WINS’ news editor in 2010; and was promoted to assistant news director in 2012. From November 1985 – December 2005, WXRK (now WNYL) was Howard Stern’s flagship station. The station flipped from CHR “Amp Radio” to alternative in February 2017. Recording its third consecutive down trend (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), WNYL ranks #21 in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep. WINS (3.0, 6+) and WCBS-AM (2.9, 6+) rank #11 and #13, respectively.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; and Providence. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets. News/talk is again #1 and #2 in Milwaukee – but – with a +1.1 from August (8.9 – 10.0, 6+), Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” advances from second to first, while iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” drops seven-tenths (10.3 – 9.6, 6+) and shifts from first to second. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” notches a +1.5 (7.3 – 8.8, 6+), progressing from third to first. Simultaneously with Cumulus Media Providence’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” gaining seven-tenths (4.8 – 5.5, seventh to sixth, 6+), cross-town iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” dips eight-tenths (1.2 – .4, #15 to #16, 6+). Not only does Cumulus Media Nashville sports talk WGFX vault from #13 to #5, “104.5 The Zone” ties Columbus’ similarly-formatted WBNS-FM for the largest (6+) August 2022 – September 2022 increase of any station from the 42 PPM-markets analyzed thus far (3.5 – 6.1, +2.6). In Austin, Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” posts a +1.1 from August (1.4 – 2.5, 6+), inching up from #19 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.  His overviews of Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford will appear tomorrow.

iHM WPB, Florida Panthers Announce Broadcast Agreement. The pact between iHeartMedia West Palm Beach and the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers is effective through the 2024 – 2025 season. As part of the deal, Florida Panthers games will be aired on sports gambling-formatted WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler.” iHeartMedia market president Mark McCauley states, “We’re excited to partner with the Florida Panthers and provide listeners great play-by-play action on ‘1230 The Gambler.’” Meanwhile, Panthers chief revenue officer Shawn Thornton adds, “We’re excited for iHeartMedia West Palm Beach to join the Florida Panthers radio network. With the refresh of their sports radio station ‘1230 The Gambler’ this past summer, we look forward to working with the leading audio media company in America to broadcast Panthers games to our fans in Palm Beach County.” In addition to Panthers play-by-play coverage, WBZT will air a one-hour Florida Panthers weekend show. The eight-station iHeartMedia West Palm Beach cluster includes WBZT, news/talk WJNO “News Radio 1290,” and news/talk WZZR “92.1 Real Radio.”

“The Book of Joe” Podcast Debuts. In their iHeartMedia/Fox Sports Radio “Book of Joe” podcast, three-time MLB “Manager of the Year” Joe Maddon and three-time “Sportswriter of the Year” Tom Verducci provide insight, commentary and discussion on the MLB postseason. According to Maddon, “We are here to tell you what we think, not what we’ve heard. No regurgitation and original thoughts are valued.” Maddon managed in the big leagues for 19 years. He famously led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years and the Tampa Bay Rays to their first-ever World Series. Five-time Emmy Award winner Verducci is the lead baseball writer for Sports Illustrated; lead analyst/reporter for MLB Network and Fox Sports; and a member of the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame. He comments, “Like its namesake [forthcoming] book, the podcast will be full of surprises and insight. From game strategy to baseball history to leadership lessons – and maybe to some rock & roll and classic cars – we’ll cover more ground than a gold glove shortstop on the most illuminating and interesting podcast in baseball.” The podcast launched yesterday (Monday, 10/10) and will air through the World Series.

TALKERS News Notes. Tomorrow at 7:00 pm (Wednesday, 10/12), Hearst Television Baltimore news/talk WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (and sister NBC affiliate WBAL-TV) will air a Maryland gubernatorial debate between Democrat Wes Moore and Republican Dan Cox. WBAL president/general manager Dan Joerres comments, “The production and broadcast of this debate on both WBAL ‘News Radio’ and WBAL-TV is an important part of our ‘Commitment 2022’ political coverage. Putting all of our broadcast and digital sources to work to bring voters across the state this gubernatorial debate is a major part of our continuing effort to help them make informed decisions on election day. The debate will be moderated by WBAL-TV anchor Jason Newton. … The first episode of ESPN’s “The CJ McCollum Show” was posted last Thursday (10/6). The guard of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans had teammate Brandon Ingram as the inaugural guest on the podcast, which will post episodes each Thursday. McCollum formerly hosted Cadence 13’s “Pull Up With CJ McCollum.” … Elsewhere in NBA-themed podcasts, Jam Street Media introduces 15-year-old Sloane Weinstein hosting the bi-weekly “Sloane Knows.” She’ll interview some of the NBA’s biggest names, including the Boston Celtics’ newly-signed Blake Griffin; free agent Dwight Howard; and former NBA players Richard Jefferson and Baron Davis.

 

Supreme Court Sides With KQED On Prop 8 Trial Video Release. The ruling concludes a 12-year effort by a media coalition guided by San Francisco public radio news/talk KQED that paved the way for the release of videotapes from the 2009 – 2010 Prop 8 trial, leading to legalization of same-sex marriage in California. Proposition 8 passed in 2008 and banned same-sex marriage in the state. The subsequent trial, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, questioned whether Prop. 8 violated the U.S. Constitution. Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in favor of the right to same-sex marriage, but said at the time that videotapes of the trial would remain sealed for 10 years. KQED “Political Breakdown” podcast co-host Scott Shafer spearheaded the effort to make the tapes public. Shafer states, “As someone who sat through the entire Prop. 8 trial, I witnessed some very dramatic and moving testimony, as well as riveting cross-examinations. I’m glad others will now get to view this important part of the historical record.” KQED chief content officer Holly Kernan notes, “If our systems work behind closed doors, with no press or public access, we have no idea how decisions are made, nor what arguments are leading to these decisions. KQED wants more sunlight on our legal system, and we will fight on behalf of the public to get that access.”

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, October 10, 2022

Monday Memo: Plan NOW For The Big Story. “When-the-fit-hits-the-shan, news/talk stations need to be conspicuous.” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke uses that colorful quote as he provides four suggestions for stations to re-familiarize themselves with their network’s continuing coverage routine.” Read Holland Cooke’s column here.

Pending Business: To Do Lists. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa knows the importance of being organized in running a sales department or being a seller in this business. He gains inspiration from Benjamin Franklin – an incredibly busy man known for creating “To Do” lists – in drawing up five important things he suggests you include in creating yours each day. Read it here.

Bohannon’s Final Bow Set For This Friday. One of the most proficient and classiest talk/radio personalities the country has ever heard – Jim Bohannon – will hang up the headsets on his eponymous program this Friday (10/14). Having appeared on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” an astounding 27 consecutive years, the highly affable “Jimbo” is calling it quits due to health reasons. Beginning next Monday (10/17), Rich Valdes will succeed Bohannon on the weeknight, three-hour (10:00 pm – 1:00 am) Cumulus Media Westwood One broadcast. Bohannon states, “It’s been a great 40 years with Westwood One – the last 30 of which as host of ‘The Jim Bohannon Show.’ I’ve enjoyed every minute of our daily nighttime town hall with my guests, callers, and all of America. “Now, I’d like to introduce Rich Valdes, a very bright, vibrant young man who will be taking over in the same tradition.” Cumulus Media executive vice president of corporate marketing/Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes remarks, “We celebrate Jim’s long radio history and all his achievements, including his induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame; the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association; the Lifetime Achievement Award from TALKERS Magazine; and his inductions into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. We are especially proud that Jim has been an invaluable member of our Westwood One family these many years – he is truly an industry legend. As we pass the baton to Rich Valdes, we’re excited to bring a new name and voice to talk radio. We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing the best programming to our affiliates and listeners.” Valdes notes, “No one can ever fill Jim’s shoes. I consider it a blessing and great honor to be part of the next generation of late-night talk show hosts, following the tradition of Jim Bohannon and Larry King.” TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison has a very candid conversation with Bohannon on PodcastOne’s “The Michael Harrison Interview,” which drops tomorrow (Tuesday, 10/11). Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and spent over 31 years as host of the early morning weekday news magazine “America in the Morning” and previously hosted “America This Week.” He began his career in 1960 at KLWT-AM, his hometown station in Lebanon, Missouri.

Sid Rosenberg Pays Tribute to Bernard McGuirk.  WABC, New York personality Sid Rosenberg shares personal feelings about his longtime broadcasting colleague Bernard McGuirk who succumbed last week (10/5) after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.  The two co-hosted the highly successful “Bernie & Sid in the Morning” program since April of 2018 bringing it to the top of the ratings in the competitive Big Apple AM drive daypart. But their relationship went back many years before that to their days together as part of team backing the legendary “Imus in the Morning” program and more.  Rosenberg discusses their history together and his loving perspective on McGuirk as a broadcaster and a friend in an exclusive conversation with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison.  To listen to the tribute, please click here.

Scheld Schedules His WCBS-AM Departure. In a memo to the staff of WCBS-AM, news director/brand manager Tim Scheld notes he will be leaving the Audacy New York all-news facility before the end of the year. Lauding the WCBS-AM team and Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero, Scheld writes that “Audacy New York is in great hands.” Also included in the memo, Scheld states an Audacy arrangement with SAG-AFTRA signifies a new strategy, combining WCBS-AM’s resources with those of co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS. “[It’s] a plan I have endorsed and frankly helped design.” Scheld was a WCBS-AM reporter from 1987 – 1994 and rejoined the station in 2003, after a nine-year stint as a correspondent for ABC Radio News. In addition to his WCBS-AM duties, he’s chair of the Radio Television Digital News Association.

KGO Betting On The Spread. Confirming a story reported here last Friday (TALKERS, 10/7), Cumulus Media San Francisco today transitions longtime news/talk KGO to “The Spread 810 AM,” the Bay Area’s first station focused on sports betting. Cumulus San Francisco vice president/market manager Larry Blumhagen comments, “This is a bittersweet day for us, as it’s hard to say goodbye to the legendary KGO, which has been a part of listeners’ lives for so many years. We want to thank all the people who have been a part of KGO’s historic run these many years and the listeners who loyally tuned into the station. Times change, and we must change with them. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to serving the Bay Area’s passionate sports fans in an incomparable way.” Cumulus San Francisco sports talk KNBR and KTCT program director Kevin Graham adds PD duties for “The Spread” and notes, “We are pleased to introduce sports-betting radio to our community. The station will feature a lineup of expert personalities that deliver unique sports talk and sports betting insights that entertain, inform, and engage. While [KGO] will feature specific gambling information, we believe our entertaining presentation will make it a favorite for all Bay area sports fans and a perfect complement to the legendary KNBR and KTCT.” The station’s weekday programming lineup includes: Joe Ostrowski, Joe Giglio, and Erin Hawksworth (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Jim Rome (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley (12:00 noon – 4:00 pm); Quinton Mayo, Trysta Krick, and Ryan Horvat with “Bet MGM Tonight” (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm); and CBS Sports Radio (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 San Francisco sweep, KGO “810 AM” was up two-tenths from August 2022 (1.5 – 1.7, #21 to #20). In San Jose, KGO registers its fourth straight uptick for a combined +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+) and ranks #13.

Round Three of September PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 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 Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of 12 markets. News/talk packs a one-two punch (6+) in Salt Lake City, where iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” erupts with a +2.5 (9.1 – 11.6, 6+) to rank on top for the eighth month in succession, while Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” adds six-tenths (6.1 – 6.7, 6+), advancing from fourth to second. In addition to SLC, the format registers number one showings in Sacramento with iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” gaining eight-tenths (8.1 – 8.9, third to first, 6+), and in Cincinnati, where co-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” – despite being off six-sixths – is on top for the seventh consecutive month (11.7 – 11.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” dials up a +1.3 (3.7 – 5.0, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). The largest (6+) August 2022 – September 2022 increase by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is in Columbus, where Tegna-owned sports talk WBNS-FM logs a +2.6 (6.8 – 9.4, 6+); “97.1 FM The Fan” vaults from fourth to first. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” for this group of 12 markets (as well as the first two groups) here.

Hurley Charity Event Hauls in $65,00+. The fourteenth Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner and Silent Auction was held last Friday (10/7) at Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel. This year’s event raised more than $65,000 and featured congressman Jeff Van Drew as guest of honor/keynote speaker. An additional supplemental live on-air auction is still to be staged. According to “Hurley in the Morning” Charity founder/chair Harry Hurley (pictured at the right with Jeff Van Drew), “It was an amazing, ‘Who’s Who’ evening, which will directly benefit many worthy non-for-profit organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond. For example, this special event will make it possible for the “Hurley in the Morning Charity” to make a $7,000 contribution [next June] to The Broadcasters Foundation of America. Jeff Van Drew arrived early and was the last to leave.” To date, The Harry Hurley charity has donated $21,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.” Hurley, who does morning drive (6:00 am – 10:00 am) on Townsquare Media Atlantic City news/talk WPGG “WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM & 1450 AM,” reveals that Fox News Channel/Fox News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade will be guest of honor/keynote speaker September 29, 2023 at “our fifteenth annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner and Silent Auction.”

TALKERS News Notes. As part of cutbacks at Beasley Media Group Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Toucher & Rich morning show producer Mike Lockhart and nighttime Adam Jones Show co-host Christian Arcand exit. Meanwhile in Philadelphia at co-owned/similarly-formatted WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic,” John Kincaid Show member Jaimie Lynch departs. … Almost seven months to the day from his kidney transplant, Zimmer Broadcasting Cookeville (Tennessee) news/talk WHUB “News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub” program director/6:00 am – 8:00 am host/promotion director/assistant news director Brent Carl Fleshman won two first-place trophies at last week’s inaugural Tennessee Association of Broadcasting’s “Excellence Awards.” Fleshman was named “Best Local On-Air Personality” and “Best Local Talk Show” in the “Small Market Radio Division,” which consists of stations not in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.In 2016,  Fleshman won the NAB Marconi Award as “Small Market Personality of the Year” and was a finalist for that award in 2019. … “Fridays with Frankie,” a limited-edition Audacy series hosted by reality show star Frankie Grande, debuted last Friday (10/7). Each episode will feature a different topic and will be live aired on Audacy’s digital platform at 8:00 am (ET) and replayed until 12:00 midnight (ET). The show will also air across Audacy’s Channel Q’s network of stations. … The Society of Professional Journalists names the headquarters of the Voice of America – 330 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, DC – as a Historic Site in Journalism. The Voice of America is the editorially independent international broadcaster funded by the United States government. SPJ international community co-chair Dan Kubiske states that, “For 80 years, the Voice of America has been a source of solid and honest journalism. From its beginning in 1942, despite being a U.S. government agency, through custom, charters and law the editorial independence of VOA journalists has not wavered.”

Ratings Takeaways

May 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

May 2022 PPM Data – Information for the May 2022 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 May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25.

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

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

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

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.6 – 1.9, -.7, #16 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 8.5 – 8.9, +.4, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, third successive month, 9.3 – 9.9, +.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KFIS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): news/talk KEX and triple A KINK (-.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, steady at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, seventh to fifth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .6, +.1, continues at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, first month, 6.2 – 6.8, +.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WKQC (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: adult hits WLKO (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 5.3 – 3.9, -1.4, fifth to ninth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, locked at #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fourth straight month, 7.6 – 8.1, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase:  rock KISS’ internet stream (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: news/talk WOAI (-1.4)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 6.6 – 7.5, +.9, third to second and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” flat at 2.7, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” 1.1 – .9, -.2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.4 – 3.6, -.8, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, fifth month in a row, 10.0 – 9.1, -.9

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase:  classic rock KYRV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.1)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.8, -.3, anchored in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.5 – 1.8, -.7, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in succession, 10.4 – 9.7, -.7

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase alternative WXDX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WWSW and public radio news/talk WESA (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 7.6 – 6.1, -1.5, second to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, fourth month in succession, 10.8 – 9.6, -1.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: alternative KLO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.5)*

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

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, flat at #16

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+ (Tie): Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, third straight month, 7.2 – 6.7, -.5 and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 5.6 – 6.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: hot AC KMXB (+1.6)**

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KRGT (-1.1)

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.4 – 5.5, +.1, eighth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 2.0 – 1.5, -.5, #14 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.5, +.5, #18 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.2 – .9, -.3, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 1.7, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.9 – 9.5, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.6)**

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 (-1.3)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.4 – 12.1, -1.3, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.4 – 5.2, -.2, fourth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fifth to eighth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, third month in a row, 13.4 – 12.1, -1.3

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: rock WEBN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) flat at 5.3, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.7 – 5.3, +.6, ninth to eighth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, #9 to #11

Ideastream-owned WCPN’s internet stream .1, #19 (did not appear in April 2022)

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, fifth month in a row, 10.2 – 9.3, -.9

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: rock WMMS (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 6.3 – 5.6, -.7, flat at #3 and KMBZ-FM’s internet stream .6 – 1.3, +.7, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 4.6 – 4.5, -.1, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR flat at 4.6, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, second straight month, 9.0 – 8.0, -1.0

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

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (-1.0)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.2 – 10.0, +.8, #1

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 7.0 – 6.4, -.6, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.1 – 7.0, -.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, fourth straight month, 9.2 – 10.0, +.8

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

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease:  classic hits-oldies WNND (-1.0)

Up next: May 2022 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.  

Ratings Takeaways

March 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 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 March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30

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

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

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

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.7 – 8.1, +.4, fourth to third

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #14 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB flat at 8.9, first to second and KOPB’s internet stream 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.3 – 9.1, +.8

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLTH (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult hits KYCH and classical KQAC (-.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 3.3 – 4.2, +.9, #14 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, repeats at #16

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .4 – .5, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, eighth to tenth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .8, +.3, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, second consecutive month, 6.3 – 6.6, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM and alternative WEND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WHQC (-1.3)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 5.1 – 6.2, +1.1, seventh to third

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second straight month, 7.1 – 8.4, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase:  classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): CHR KXXM and rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” flat at 6.5, anchored in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.6 – 4.2, -.4, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, third month in a row, 10.2 – 11.3, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase:  classic rock KSEG (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.1)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 4.8 – 3.9, -.9, seventh to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.5 – 7.6, +.1, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fifth month in succession, 10.8 – 11.4, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase:  country WPGB (+.7)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease:  adult hits WRRK (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 8.4 – 9.9, +1.5, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.0 – 6.3, +.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 4.1 – 4.6, +.5, tenth to sixth

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM second month in succession, 8.4 – 9.9, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase:  news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic rock KAAZ (-1.4)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #15 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): Spanish contemporary KRGT and similarly-formatted KXLI (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: hot AC KVGS (-1.2)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.3 – 5.9, -.4, fourth to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, #17 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #16 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE flat at 2.4, #15 to #13

Number One 6+ (Tie): iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, third straight month, 7.9 – 8.3, +.4 and co-owned adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 6.1 – 8.3, +2.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: urban AC WCFB (-.8)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 12.2, -.1, second to first and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.3 – 5.1, -.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 1.1 – .8, -.3, repeats at #19

iHeartMedia-owned WSAI “Fox Sports AM 1360” .6 – .8, +.2, #22 to #19

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

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, first month, 12.3 – 12.2, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: hot AC WKRQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.5)**

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

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.2 – 4.3, +.1, #11 to #9 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.0 – 1.9, +.9, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream’s WCPN 4.4 – 3.2, -1.2, #9 to #12

Kent State University-owned WKSU 1.5 – 2.2, +.7, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, third month in a row, 11.1 – 10.4, -.7

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): classic hits-oldies WMJI and sports talk WKRK’s internet stream (+.9)

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

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 7.8 – 7.3, -.5, first to second

Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .9 – 1.6, +.7, remains at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 1.5 – 2.3, +.8, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie)public radio news/talk KCUR; urban contemporary KPRS; and country WDAF (-.8)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, #1

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” .3 – .2, -.1, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.8 – 8.6, -.2, remains in second-place and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM”.6 – .5, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 8.3 – 8.5, +.2, repeats at #3

Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, second straight month, 9.3 – 8.7, -.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase:  adult hits WODC (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WNCI (-.9)

Up next: March 2022 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.  

Ratings Takeaways

December 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

December 2021 PPM Data – Information for the December 2021 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 December 2021 sweep covered November 11 – December 8.

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 November 2021 – December 2021 (6+).

 

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” flat at 7.1, second to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.1 – 2.5, -.6, unchanged at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.9 – 7.2, +.3, fourth to third and KOPB’s internet stream steady at 2.2, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 7.1 – 12.4, +5.3

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+5.3)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: hot AC KRSK (-.8)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 4.5 – 3.8, -.7, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” (Hornets) 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, remains at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation-owned WFAE 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, tenth to ninth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission’s WNSC steady at .5, locked at #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, first month, 5.0 – 8.8, +3.8

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WKQC (+3.8)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: classical WDAV (-.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, tenth to eighth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, first month, 5.9 – 10.8, +4.9

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+4.9)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.1 – 7.3, -1.8, first to third and cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #14 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” 1.0 – .9, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio’s KXJZ 4.9 – 4.5, -.4, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.3 – 10.2, +1.9

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+3.1)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-2.2)*

*Represents the largest November 2021 – December 2021 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, remains in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 8.7 – 7.8, -.9, stays at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.3 – 2.7, -.6, #11 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 8.9 – 11.1, +2.2

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase:  adult contemporary WSHH (+2.5)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: sports talk KDKA-FM (-.9)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.2 – 7.1, -.1, anchored in second-place

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 7.5 – 6.0, -1.5, first to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER steady at 4.1, repeats at #8

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, first month, 5.5 – 10.9, +5.4

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+5.4)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #21 to #16

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, first month, 6.0 – 13.1, +7.1

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+7.1)**

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS (-2.1)

**Represents the largest November 2021 – December 2021 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, seventh to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, flat at #16

iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE 2.5 – 1.7, -.8, #13 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 6.1 – 12.0, +5.9

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+5.9)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: rock WJRR (-1.5)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.8 – 10.2, -1.6, flat at #2 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.8 – 5.2, -.6, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) locked at 1.4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU steady at 3.9, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR second month in a row, 12.3 – 11.0, -1.3

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+1.8)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, stays in ninth-place

News: iHeartMedia-owned WMMS-HD2 “BIN 99.1 Because Truth Matters” unchanged at .2, #18 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 5.5 – 4.6, -.9, seventh to eighth and WKRK’s internet steam debuts with a 1.5, #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream-owned WCPN steady at 2.6, #13 to #12

Kent State University’s WKSU 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WDOK first month, 9.8 – 10.4, +.6

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase:  iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, remains at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 6.6 – 6.1, -.5, continues in third-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.7, +.8

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KCKC (+3.4)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.6)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.5, -.2, remains in fourth-place

News: iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Columbus’ BIN 1230” .2 – .1, -.1, locked at #19

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.6 – 10.3, +.7, #1 and cluster-mate WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .6 – .5, -.1, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, fourth successive month, 9.6 – 10.3, +.7

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Increase: adult hits WODC (+2.1)

Largest 6+ November 2021 – December 2021 Decrease: classic rock WLVQ (-1.2)

 

Up next: December 2021 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.