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March 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
March 2021 PPM Data – Information for the March 2021 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2021 sweep covered March 4 – 31.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as greatest (6+) gains and losses.
All comparisons noted are February 2021 – March 2021 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 6.2 – 5.1, -1.1, remains at #4
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 10.1 – 8.9, -1.2, second to third
Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, first month, 8.5 – 9.3, +.8
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Spanish adult hits KLJA (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KKMJ (-1.6)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 6.0 – 5.2, -.8, fifth to sixth
Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #14 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.6 – 3.1, +1.5, #16 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 10.5 – 9.1, -1.4, repeating at #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, fifth month in a row, 10.5 – 9.1, -1.4
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: sports talk WCMC (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUNC (-1.4)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.2 – 7.2, -1.0, steady at #3
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WFNI “The Fan” 4.2 – 4.7,+.5, remains at #8
iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .6, +.1, flat at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI 5.7 – 5.1, -.6, steady at #7
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second straight month, 9.8 – 10.0, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: urban AC WTLC-FM (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-2.2)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.4 – 8.0, -1.4, first to second
Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” 6.0 – 5.6, -.4, unchanged at #5
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, steady at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: Saga classic rock WKLH, first month, 8.7 – 8.8, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: rock WHQG (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.4)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.7 – 6.9, +.2, third to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #11 to #12
Cromwell Group-owned WPRT “The Game” .7 – .8, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.4 – 4.0, -1.4, seventh to tenth
Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, third month in a row, 8.7 – 9.3, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country WSIX (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WPLN (-1.4)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 5.1, -.8, fourth to fifth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “1030 News Radio” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #14 to #15
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, remains at #7
Audacy-owned WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” flat at 2.8, tenth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: Rhode Island Public Radio-owned WNPN 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, flat at #10
WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #8 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, third successive month, steady at 9.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: country WCTK (-.9)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: Commonwealth Radio’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group Holdings’ WVSP “ESPN 94.1 FM” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, unchanged at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, 29th consecutive month, steady at 13.4
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic rock WAFX (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: adult hits WNOB (-.9)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.6 – 7.9, -.7, flat at #3
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.-owned WJCT 6.5 – 5.6, -.9, fourth to seventh
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, first month, 9.0 – 9.6, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Three tied with +.6 (classic hits-oldies WJGL; urban AC WSOL; and urban contemporary WJBT)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WJCT (-.9)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, eighth to ninth
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #14 to #13
iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.0 – 1.9, +.9, #20 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.4 – 3.9, -.5, sixth to seventh
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, 12th straight month, 8.5 – 8.4, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+1.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-1.3)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, flat at #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS & WPCM 600 AM & 920 AM” .5 – .4, -.1, remains at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, tenth to ninth
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 2.3 – 1.7, -.6, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, third successive month, 11.2 – 11.5, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: rhythmic CHR WJMH (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-.7)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, steady at #8
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.4 – 3.0, -.4, #9 to #11
Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790 AM” .4 – .2, -.2, flat at #18
WMFS’ internet stream .6 – .2, -.4, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO 2.9 – 2.0, -.9, #12 to #13
WKNO-HD2’s internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, stays at #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.6)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 6.2 – 5.7, -.5, fourth to seventh
Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – .7, -.3, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410 AM & 100.9 FM” .0 – .2, +.2, #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, flat at #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications’ WNPR 6.8 – 7.2, +.4, third to second
New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #16 to #18
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 12th month in a row, 13.9 – 13.8, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country WWYZ (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WHCN (-1.4)
Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
March 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
March 2021 PPM Data – Information for the March 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 March 2021 sweep covered March 4 – March 31.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as the most significant (6+) improvement and erosion.
All comparisons noted are February 2021 – March 2021 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.0 – 5.7, -.3, second to fourth
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.7, -.7, #12 to #16
Alpha Media’s KUFO “Freedom 970” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 11.2 – 10.7, -.5, repeats at #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, third month in a row, 11.2 – 10.7, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Three tied at +1.0 (triple A KINK; CHR KBFF; and regional Mexican KRYP)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: classical KQAC (-.9)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” .7 – .9, +.2, steady at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation-owned WFAE 5.1 – 4.1, -1.0, #6 to #11
South Carolina Educational Television Commission’s WNSC flat at .6, remains at #20
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, fifth successive month, 7.5 – 6.7, -.8
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: CHR WHQC (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Two tied at -1.0 (public radio news/talk WFAE and classical WDAV)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 6.7 – 5.0, -1.7, second to seventh
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” flat at 1.6, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.3 – 9.6, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WOAI (-1.7)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 8.2, -1.4, first to second
Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, #13 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio’s KXJZ 5.9 – 5.3, -.6, fifth to sixth
KQED, Inc.’s KQEI .9 – .8, -.1, #16 to #19
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX, first month, 6.7 – 8.5, +1.8
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KYMX (+1.8)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-1.4)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 5.3 – 4.7, -.6, fifth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 7.0 – 6.2, -.8, fourth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 3.1, -1.0, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, first month, 9.0 – 9.7, +.7
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WSHH (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WESA (-1.0)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio” 7.0 – 6.8, -.2, second to third
iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 7.0 – 6.5, -.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 5.7 – 4.7, -1.0, fourth to sixth
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, second consecutive month, 7.1 – 8.4, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUER (-1.0)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio Corporation-owned KNPR 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #11 to #16
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fifth month in a row, 8.1 – 7.2, -.9
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Two tied at +.7 (hot AC KMXB and alternative KXTE)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-.9)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, fourth to fifth
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #12 to #11
iHeartMedia’s WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, unchanged at #18
Spanish News/Talk: Star Over Orlando-owned WRSO “Accion 97.9” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #21 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, remains at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections’ WMFE 3.6 – 2.4, -1.2, #10 to #15
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOCL, third straight month, 10.9 – 9.2, -1.7
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Two tied at +1.0 (adult contemporary WMGF and country WWKA)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOCL (-1.7)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 8.8 – 9.1, +.3, first to second
Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.5 – 4.3, -1.2, fifth to tenth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .9 – .7, -.2, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WVXU 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, #12 to #11
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR, first month, 8.7 – 9.4, +.7
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: rock WEBN (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-1.2)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” 6.3 – 6.9, +.6, seventh to fourth
News: iHeartMedia-owned WMMS-HD2 “BIN 99.1 Because Truth Matters” steady at .1, #18 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” unchanged at 3.4, #12 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Ideastream-owned WCPN 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, #10 to #12
Kent State University’s WKSU .6 – .7, +.1, flat at #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock WNCX, first month, 10.3 – 10.6, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult hits WHLK (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: country WGAR (-1.5)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, fifth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” 2.4 – 2.8, +.4, unchanged at #15
Audacy-owned KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri’s KCUR 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, fifth to eighth
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fourth successive month, 10.0 – 8.8, -1.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country KFKF (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (-1.2)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.5 – 5.9, -1.6, fourth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 4.7 – 5.4, +.7, remains at #6
Co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” flat at .2, unchanged at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.6 – 6.6, -1.0, remains at #3
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, third straight month, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country WCOL (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WTVN (-1.6)
Up next: March 2021 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
March 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
March 2021 PPM Data – Information for the March 2021 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2021 survey period covered March 4 – 31.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as highest (6+) positive spikes and sharpest declines.
All comparisons noted are February 2021 – March 2021 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 6.0 – 3.9, -2.1, fourth to ninth
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.9 – 9.0, -.9, flat at #2
Audacy business news WDCH “99.1 & 105.7-HD2 Bloomberg Radio” 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, unchanged at #19
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, steady at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.2 – 9.7, -.5, repeating at #1
Pacifica Foundation’s public radio news/talk – jazz WPFW 1.2 – 1.1, -.1, steady at #19
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, third straight month, 10.2 – 9.7, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country WMZQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WMAL (-2.1)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 5.2 – 4.4, -.8, flat at #8
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 7.5 – 6.4, -1.1, first to fourth
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 6.1 – 6.9, +.8, fourth to second
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #10 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University‘s WBUR 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, ninth to seventh
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 5.6 – 4.4, -1.2, sixth to eighth
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in a row, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WGBH (-1.2)
MIAMI
Spanish News/Talk: Univision Radio-owned WAQI “710 AM Radio Mambi” unchanged at 2.6, remains at #13
Actualidad Media Group’s WURN-AM “Actualidad AM 1040” flat at 2.2, steady at #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 4.3 – 3.7, -.6, seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, sixth successive month, unchanged at 9.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Two tied at +.6 (urban AC WHQT and urban contemporary WEDR)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WLRN (-.6)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 7.3 – 6.4, -.9, repeating at #1
Co-owned KTTH “AM 770 Conservative Talk Radio” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #16 to #18
News: Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM “Seattle News, Weather, Sports” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, remains at #5
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 6.7 – 5.6, -1.1, second to third
Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 7.3 – 6.4, -.9
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country KNUC (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.1)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, eighth to tenth
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fifth to eighth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” flat at 4.9, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Wayne State University-owned WDET 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, remains at #16
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, first month, 6.2 – 7.2, +1.0
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-.8)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.3 – 4.5, -.8, third to fifth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports 98.7 FM” flat at 2.4, steady at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fifth straight month, 7.1 – 6.4, -.7
Largest 6+ February 2021- March 2021 Increase: Two tied at +.7 (classic rock KSLX and country KMLE)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk KFYI (-.8)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO News Talk 830” 4.7 – 5.0, +.3, ninth to eighth
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” flat at 4.0, #12 to #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 7.4 – 6.7, -.7, remains at #3
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4, steady at #2
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, second straight month, 9.8 – 9.2, -.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Three tied at +.8 (classic hits-oldies KQQL; adult hits KZJK; and urban-rhythmic oldies KTCZ-HD3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KNOW (-1.4)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, fifth to fourth
Los Angeles sibling KFI “AM 640” 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, remains at #17
Co-owned KGB-AM “760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University-owned KPBS 6.4 – 6.3, -.1, repeats at #1
Number One 6+ (Tie): public radio news/talk KPBS, second successive month, 6.2 – 6.4, +.2 and Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.2 – 6.3, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: hot AC KMYI (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-.8)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fourth to ninth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, #11 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, unchanged at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida-owned WUSF 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, steady at #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 105th month in a row, 7.0 – 8.5, +1.5
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.6)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, #11 to #12
Co-owned KOA “News Radio 850” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, steady at #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.8 – 2.2, -.6, #13 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 7.1 – 6.1, -1.0, remains at #2
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second straight month, 7.4 – 6.8, -.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Two tied with +1.0 (jazz KUVO and triple A KJAC)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KCFR (-1.0)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, eighth to seventh
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #12 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” unchanged at 3.0, #13 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation’s WYPR 4.3 – 2.9, -1.4, #7 to #13
American University-owned WAMU 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #19 to #17
Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, third successive month, 9.4 – 10.0, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult hits WQSR (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WYPR (-1.4)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, #9 to #11
Co-owned KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #13 to #14
KFTK’s internet stream 1.4 – .7, -.7, #18 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #12 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, flat at #15
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, third month in a row, 12.4 – 12.8, +.4
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: CHR KSLZ (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Three tied with -.7 (news/talk KFTK’s internet stream; classic hits-oldies KLOU; and hot AC KYKY)
Up next: March 2021 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
March 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One
March 2021 PPM Data – Information for the March 2021 ratings period 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.
Nielsen Audio’s March 2021 sweep covered March 4 – 31.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are February 2021 – March 2021 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #14
Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” (1.9, #19, February 2021) to unlisted
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, ninth to seventh
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #12
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #13
Emmis-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, fifth to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fifth successive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Two tied with -.9 (Spanish contemporary WXNY and Spanish tropical WSKQ)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, third to second
News: Audacy-owned KNX “1070 News Radio” 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #9
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, second straight month, 5.9 – 6.1, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: news/talk KFI (+.7)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Four tied with -.3 (news talk KEIB; adult contemporary KOST; country KKGO; and Spanish contemporary KLLI)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, sixth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, first to second
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #17 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 6.4 – 4.7, -1.7, second to fourth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, first month, 6.0 – 6.3, +.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WRME-LP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WBEZ (-1.7)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #19 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.5 – 6.8, -.7, flat at #2
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, ninth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 10.6 – 9.8, -.8, repeats at #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, third straight month, 10.6 – 9.8, -.8
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Four tied with +.3 (sports talk KNBR; Spanish adult hits KBRG; hot AC KIOI; and rhythmic CHR KYLD)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk news KQED (-.8)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD-2 FM” 4.0 – 3.0, -1.0, #10 to #14
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.1 – 2.6, -1.5, #9 to #17
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #15 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE, second month in a row, 5.2 – 5.3, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Three tied with +.6 (regional Mexican KLNO; country KSCS; and Spanish contemporary KDXX)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: sports talk KTCK (-1.5)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 6.5 – 5.8, -.7, second to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, unchanged at #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, fifth successive month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: regional Mexican KLTN (+.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk KTRH (-.7)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 10.5 – 9.2, -1.3, #1
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, seventh to tenth
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #16 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.2, #11, unlisted in February 2021
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM, 22nd consecutive month, 10.5 – 9.2, -1.3
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: urban contemporary WVEE (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news/talk WSB-AM (-1.3)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, remains at #17
Audacy-owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, flat at #19
News: Audacy’s KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, steady at #3
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WIP “Sports Radio 94” unchanged at 5.3, sixth to fifth
Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 2.5 – 2.1, -.4, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY’s WHYY 5.2 – 4.6, -.6, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, third straight month, 8.0 – 8.1, +.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: country WXTU (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Two tied with -.6 (public radio news/talk WHYY and rock WMMR)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #13 to #11
News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #14 to #13
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.5 – 2.6, -.9, #10 to #15
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” steady at 4.0, sixth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WNYC-FM 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #19 to #16
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.2 – 6.1, +.9
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+.9)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news WCBS-AM (-.9)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFI “AM 640” 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, second to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College’s KVCR flat at .8, steady at #19
Pasadena Area Community College-owned KPCC .4 – .5, +.1, unchanged at #20
Number One 6+: Entravision Communications Spanish adult hits KLYY, seventh month in a row, 6.5 – 6.4, -.1
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Four tied with -.4 (news/talk KFI; adult contemporary KOST; regional Mexican KSCA; and urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s KGO “810” flat at 2.0, #12 to #11
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.1 – 4.1, -1.0, fourth to sixth
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KNBR “The Sports Leader” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #19 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 12.0 – 11.3, -.7, repeats at #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, third straight month, 12.0 – 11.3, -.7
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Four tied with +.5 (sports talk KNBR; classic rock KUFX; hot AC KEZR; and hot AC KLLC)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: Two tied with -1.0 (news KCBS-AM & KFRC and adult contemporary KOIT-FM)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 4.4 – 3.9, -.5, flat at #6
iHeartMedia’s WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.1 – 1.9,-.2, unchanged at #20
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” steady at 2.5, remains at #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, third month in a row, 8.1 – 8.7, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.5)
Largest 6+ February 2021 – March 2021 Decrease: news WCBS-AM (-1.0)
Up next: March 2021 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis. Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
February 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
February 2021 PPM Data – Information for the February 2021 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2021 sweep covered February 4 – March 3.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as greatest (6+) gains and losses.
All comparisons noted are January 2021 – February 2021 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: KLBJ-AM 5.7 – 6.2, +.5, steady at #4
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KTXX 2.2 – 1.3, -.9, #17 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: KUT 11.5 – 10.1, -1.4, first to second
Number One 6+ first month: adult contemporary KKMJ 9.8 – 10.6, +.8
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUT (-1.4) and Spanish adult hits KLJA (-1.4)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: WTKK 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, third to fifth and WPTF 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, flat at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WCMC-FM 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, #17 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: WUNC 11.3 – 10.5, -.8, repeating at #1
Number One 6+ fourth month in a row: public radio news/talk WUNC 11.3 – 10.5, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult hits WBBB (+2.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: classical WCPE (-3.3, unlisted)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: WIBC 8.9 – 8.2, -.7, first to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WFNI 4.0 – 4.2,+.2, ninth to eighth and WNDE .7 – .5, -.2, flat at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WFYI 5.5 – 5.7, +.2, steady at #7
Number One 6+ first month: adult hits WJJK 7.6 – 9.8, +2.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult hits WJJK (+2.2)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk WIBC (-.7); triple A WTTS (-.7); alternative WOLT (-.7); and rock WNDX (-.7)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: WISN 11.0 – 9.4, -1.6, repeats at #1 and WTMJ 6.5 – 6.0, -.5, third to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WRNW 1.5 – 1.0, -.5, #13 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WUWM 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, steady at #9
Number One 6+ second consecutive month: news/talk WISN 11.0 – 9.4, -1.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: hot AC WMYX (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk WISN (-1.6) and classic rock WDRV (-1.6, unlisted)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: WWTN 6.8 – 6.7, -.1, fourth to third and WLAC 2.4 – 2.0, -.4, #16 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WGFX 4.6 – 3.3, -1.3, #9 to #11 and WPRT 1.1 – .7, -.4, unchanged at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WPLN-FM 6.5 – 5.4, -1.1, fifth to seventh
Number One 6+ second successive month: adult hits WCJK 8.6 – 8.7, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: sports talk WGFX (-1.3) and classic rock WNRQ (-1.3)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: WPRO-AM 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, flat at #4
News – Talk: WBZ-AM steady at 1.6, unchanged at #14
Sports Talk: WBZ-FM 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, flat at #7 and WVEI even at 2.8, remains at #10
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, flat at #8 and WNPN 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #11 to #10
Number One 6+ second successive month: rock WHJY 10.4 – 9.2, -1.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: variety WERS (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-1.4)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: WNIS 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, sixth to eighth
News: WNOH 1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #17 to #19
Sports Talk: WVSP 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #15 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+ 28th month in a row: urban AC WVKL 13.7 – 13.4, -.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: rock WNOR (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: urban contemporary WOWI (-.6)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: WOKV-FM 9.2 – 8.6, -.6, second to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT 6.2 – 6.5, +.3, steady at #4
Number One 6+ fourth consecutive month: adult contemporary WEJZ 9.4 – 9.2, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country WGNE (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: rock WWJK (-.9)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: WJNO 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, seventh to eighth and WFTL 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #16 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WLRN 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+ (Tie): hot AC WRMF (11th straight month) 8.7 – 8.5, -.2 and adult contemporary WOLL (first month) 6.4 – 8.5, +2.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WOLL (+2.1)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-2.5, unlisted) and classic hits-oldies WMXJ (-2.5, unlisted)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: WPTI 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, flat at #9
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WSJS .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: WFDD 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, unchanged at #10 and WUNC 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #13 to #12
Number One 6+ second successive month: urban AC WQMG 10.6 – 11.2, +.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic rock WKRR (+1.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-2.0)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: WREC 3.6 – 4.0, +.4, remains at #8
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WMFS 3.1 – 3.4, +.3, tenth to ninth; WMFS internet stream .5 – .6, +.1, #18 to #16; and WMC-AM .3 – .4, +.1, #19 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WKNO 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, steady at #12 and WKNO-HD2 internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #18
Number One 6+ first month: gospel WHAL even at 9.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: urban AC KJMS (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (-2.4)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: WTIC-AM 6.8 – 6.2, -.6, third to fourth and WDRC-AM (1.2 – 1.0, -.2, #14 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WUCS .6 – 1.4, +.8, #16 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: WNPR flat at 6.8, remains at #3 and WFCR unchanged at .2, #17 to #16
Number One 6+ 11th month in a row: adult contemporary WRCH 14.1 – 13.9, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: sports talk WUCS (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAS-FM (-1.2, unlisted)
Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
February 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
February 2021 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2021 sweep covered February 4 – March 3.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as the most significant (6+) improvement and erosion.
All comparisons noted are January 2021 – February 2021 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: KXL 6.2 – 6.0, -.2, third to second and KEX 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, flat at #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KOPB 12.0 – 11.2, -.8, repeats at #1
Number One 6+ second month in a row: public radio news/talk KOPB 12.0 – 11.2, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KLTH (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-.8)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: WBT AM & WBT-FM 6.6 – 5.5, -1.1, third to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WFNZ 1.1 – .7, -.4, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WFAE flat at 5.1, unchanged at #6, and WNSC .7 – .6, -.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+ fourth successive month: adult contemporary WKQC 7.3 – 7.5, +.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: hot AC WLNK (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (-1.1)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: WOAI 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, steady at #2 and KTSA 2.0 – 1.6, -.4, #17 to #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KSTX 4.4 – 3.7, -.7, #8 to #11
Number One 6+ second consecutive month: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM 7.8 – 8.3, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult hits KJXK (+1.4)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: hot AC KSMG (-1.0)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: KFBK 10.2 – 9.6, -.6, repeats at #1 and KSTE 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, flat at #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KXJZ 6.4 – 5.9, -.5, second to fifth and KQEI flat at .9, #19 to #16
Number One 6+ second straight month: news/talk KFBK 10.2 – 9.6, -.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.0); adult contemporary KYMX (+1.0); and urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: hot AC KZZO (-3.6, unlisted)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: KDKA-AM 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, flat at #5
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KDKA-FM 7.9 – 7.0, -.9, unchanged at #4
Public Radio News/Talk: WESA 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, steady at #9
Number One 6+ third month in a row: classic hits-oldies WWSW 10.1 – 10.0, -.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country WOGI (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: classic country WLYI (-1.1, unlisted)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: KNRS 7.9 – 7.0, -.9, first to second and KSL unchanged at 7.0, remains at #2 (tied with KNRS)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KUER 6.4 – 5.7, -.7, flat at #4
Number One 6+ first month: adult contemporary KSFI 7.0 – 7.1, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: classic rock KAAZ (-1.1)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: KXNT 2.9 – 2.2, -.7, #11 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KNPR 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, #8 to #11
Number One 6+ fourth month in a row: adult contemporary KSNE steady at 8.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic rock KXPT (+.6) and rhythmic CHR KVEG (+.6)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk KXNT (-.7) and urban AC KCEP (-.7, unlisted)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: WTKS 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, flat at #4; WDBO 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #11 to #12; and WFLF 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, unchanged at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WYGM 1.9 – 1.3, -.6, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WMFE 4.9 – 3.6, -1.3, seventh to tenth
Number One 6+ second straight month: classic hits-oldies WOCL 10.6 – 10.9, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-2.5)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: WLW 7.9 – 8.8, +.9, second to first and WKRC 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, sixth to fifth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WCKY .8 – .9, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WVXU 3.9 – 3.2, -.7, #9 to #12
Number One 6+ first month: news/talk WLW 7.9 – 8.8, +.9
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: news/talk WLW (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: country WHKO (-1.2, unlisted)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: WTAM 6.0 – 6.3, +.3, sixth to seventh
News: WMMS-HD2 flat at .1, #20 to #18
Sports Talk: WKRK 4.3 – 3.4, -.9, #11 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WCPN 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, flat at #10 and WKSU unchanged at .6, #19 to #17
Number One 6+ third consecutive month: classic hits-oldies WMJI 10.0 – 10.5, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country WGAR (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: rock WONE (-1.7, unlisted)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: KMBZ-FM 5.1 – 5.7, +.6, sixth to fifth and KMBZ-AM 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, flat at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WHB 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #14 to #15 and KCSP 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, steady at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: KCUR 6.1 – 5.7, -.4, third to fifth
Number One 6+ third successive month: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: contemporary Christian KJNW (-.9)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: WTVN 8.5 – 7.5, -1.0, flat at #4
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WBNS-FM 6.0 – 4.7, -1.3, fifth to sixth and WBNS-AM flat at .2, #17 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: WOSU 8.6 – 7.6, -1.0, first-place tie to third
Number One 6+ second straight month: country WCOL 8.6 – 10.0, +1.4
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country WCOL (+1.4)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-1.3)
Up next: February 2021 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
February 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
February 2021 PPM Data – Information for the February 2021 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2021 survey period covered February 4 – March 3.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as highest (6+) positive spikes and sharpest declines.
All comparisons noted are January 2021 – February 2021 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: WMAL 5.9 – 6.0, +.1, fifth to fourth
News: WTOP & WTLP flat at 9.9, unchanged at #2, and business news WDCH .7 – 1.2, +.5, #22 to #19
Sports Talk: WJFK-FM 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: WAMU 13.4 – 10.2, -3.2, repeating at #1, and public radio news/talk – jazz WPFW flat at 1.2, steady at #19
Number One 6+ second straight month: public radio news/talk WAMU 13.4 – 10.2, -3.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic rock WBIG (+1.4)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU (-3.2)
BOSTON
News/Talk: WRKO steady at 5.2, unchanged at #8
News – Talk: WBZ-AM 8.2 – 7.5, -.7, repeats at #1 (tie)
Sports Talk: WBZ-FM 5.7 – 6.1, +.4, fifth to fourth, and WEEI-FM 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, steady at #10
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH unchanged at 5.6, steady at #6, and WBUR 5.1 – 4.4, -.7, flat at #9
Number One 6+ (Tie): news – talk WBZ-AM (second successive month) 8.2 – 7.5, -.7, and classic hits-oldies WROR (first month) flat at 7.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: CHR WXKS-FM (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: triple A WXRV (-.8)
MIAMI
News/Talk: WIOD 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #17 to #19
Spanish News/Talk: WAQI flat at 2.6, #12 to #13, and WURN-AM 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #18 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WLRN 4.0 – 4.3, +.3, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+ fifth month in a row: adult contemporary WFEZ 7.6 – 9.1, +1.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult contemporary WFEZ (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ’s internet stream (-1.5, unlisted)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: KIRO-FM 7.4 – 7.3, -.1, repeating at #1, and KTTH 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #12 to #16
News: KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM 5.7 – 5.2, -.5, fourth to fifth
Sports Talk: KIRO-AM 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, unchanged at #18
Public Radio News/Talk: KUOW 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, flat at #2
Number One 6+ fourth consecutive month: news/talk KIRO-FM 7.4 – 7.3, -.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KRWM (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: country KNUC (-.9)
DETROIT
News/Talk: WJR flat at 4.8, seventh to eighth
News: WWJ 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, seventh to fifth
Sports Talk: WXYT-FM 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, third to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: WDET 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, #14 to #16, and WUOM 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, unchanged at #20
Number One 6+ second successive month: urban AC WMXD 6.3 – 6.6, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: urban AC WDMK (-.9)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: KFYI 6.0 – 5.3, -.7, second to third, and KTAR-FM 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, seventh to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KMVP-FM 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, steady at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: KJZZ 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+ fourth straight month: adult contemporary KESZ 7.3 – 7.1, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2021- February 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOOL (+.7); alternative KDKB (+.7); and urban-rhythmic oldies KAJM (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNZ (-1.4)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: WCCO 4.8 – 4.7, -.1, flat at #9; KTLK 4.2 – 4.0, -.2, steady at #12; and KTMY flat at 1.2, remains at #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KFXN 8.4 – 7.4, -1.0, second to third
Public Radio News/Talk: KNOW 9.5 – 8.5, -1.0, first to second
Number One 6+ first month: hot AC KSTP-FM 7.5 – 9.8, +2.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+2.3)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk KNOW (-1.0), and sports talk KFXN (-1.0)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: KOGO 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, fourth to fifth; KFI 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #18 to #17; and KGB-AM 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #17 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KPBS 6.2 – 6.4, +.2, second to first
Number One 6+ first month: public radio news/talk: KPBS 6.2 – 6.4, +.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news KNX (-1.4, unlisted)
TAMPA
News/Talk: WHPT 4.8 – 5.1, +.3, fifth to fourth, and WFLA steady at 3.8, unchanged at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WDAE 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, flat at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: unchanged at 3.4, #13 to #14
Number One 6+ (Tie): adult contemporary WDUV (104th month in a row) 7.7 – 7.0, -.7, and contemporary Christian WCIE (first month) 5.9 – 7.0, +1.1
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: CHR WFLZ (-1.6)
DENVER
News/Talk: KDFD steady at 3.1, #12 to #11; KOA 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #18 to #15; and KHOW 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KKFN 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KCFR 7.5 – 7.1, -.4, first to second
Number One 6+ first month: country KYGO 5.7 – 7.4, +1.7
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country KYGO (+1.7)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KEZW (-.7, unlisted)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: WBAL 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, ninth to eighth, and WCBM 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WJZ-FM 4.1 – 3.0, -1.1, #10 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: WYPR 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, flat at #7, and WAMU 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #22 to #19
Number One 6+ second successive month: urban AC WWIN-FM 9.1 – 9.4, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: CHR WZFT (+.5)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news WTOP (-2.2, unlisted)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: KMOX 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, tenth to ninth; KFTK 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #15 to #13; and KFTK’s internet stream flat at 1.4, unchanged at #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WXOS 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, #9 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: KWMU 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, #13 to #15
Number One 6+ second month in a row: rock KSHE 13.0 – 12.4, -.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.2), and contemporary Christian KLJY (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-.8)
Up next: February 2021 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
February 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One
February 2021 PPM Data – Information for the February 2021 ratings period 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.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2021 sweep covered February 4 – March 3.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, managing editor Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are January 2021 – February 2021 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: WOR flat at 2.5, #16 to #14, and WABC 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #21 to #19
News: WINS 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, eighth to ninth, and WCBS-AM 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, #12 to #13
Sports Talk: WFAN 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, steady at #14
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC-FM 4.9 – 4.5, -.4, unchanged at #5
Number One 6+ fourth successive month: adult contemporary WLTW 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: urban AC WBLS (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WXNY (-.9)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: KFI steady at 5.0 and unchanged at #3
News: KNX 3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #10 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KPCC 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, sixth to ninth
Number One 6+ first month: classic hits-oldies KRTH 5.6 – 5.9, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: Spanish contemporary KLLI (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news KNX (-.4)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: WGN unchanged at 4.1, seventh to sixth
News: WBBM-AM & WCFS 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, repeats at #1
Sports Talk: WSCR 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #13 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WBEZ 6.7 – 6.4, -.3, third to second
Number One 6+ second consecutive month: news WBBM-AM & WCFS 7.3 – 7.1, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: alternative WKQX-FM (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: urban AC WVAZ (-.8) and adult contemporary WRME (-.8)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: KGO 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #16 to #19
News: KCBS-AM & KFRC 8.5 – 7.5, -1.0, flat at #2
Sports Talk: KNBR 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, sixth to ninth
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED 10.9 – 10.6, -.3, repeats at #1
Number One 6+ second straight month: public radio news/talk KQED 10.9 – 10.6, -.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KISQ (+.6)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (-1.0)
DALLAS
News/Talk: WBAP flat at 4.0 and steady at #10
News – Talk: KRLD-AM 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, #21 to #18
Sports Talk: KTCK 3.6 – 4.1, +.5, #11 to #9
Public Radio News/Talk: KERA 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #13 to #15
Number One 6+ first month: adult contemporary KDGE 5.6 – 5.2, -.4
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: rock KEGL (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.3)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: KTRH 7.5 – 6.5, -1.0, tie for first to second
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KUHF 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #16 to #17
Number One 6+ fourth successive month: adult contemporary KODA flat at 7.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: country KKBQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk KTRH (-1.0)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: WSB-AM 11.8 – 10.5, -1.3, #1
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WZGC 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, eighth to seventh, and WCNN 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #18 to #16
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+ 21st consecutive month: news/talk WSB-AM 11.8 – 10.5, -1.3
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.5)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news/talk WSB-AM (-1.3)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: WKXW 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #19 to #17, and WPHT 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #18 to #19
News: KYW 6.4 – 6.5, +.1, second to third
Sports Talk: WIP 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, fifth to sixth, and WPEN-FM 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, flat at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY 6.3 – 5.2, -1.1, third to seventh
Number One 6+ second straight month: urban AC WDAS-FM 8.6 – 8.0, -.6
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: rock WMMR (+1.3)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WHYY (-1.1)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: WOR 4.1 – 3.2, -.9, #7 to #13
News: WCBS-AM 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, #11 to #10, and WINS 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #12 to #14
Sports Talk: WFAN 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, fourth to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC-FM 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #19
Number One 6+ second successive month: classic rock WAXQ 5.1 – 5.6, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-1.0)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: KFI 5.2 – 5.4, +.2, steady at #2
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KVCR .7 – .8, +.1, #28 to #19, and KPCC .8 – .4, -.4, #27 to #20
Number One 6+ sixth month in a row: Spanish adult hits KLYY 6.9 – 6.5, -.4
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: Spanish contemporary KLVE (+.6)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: rock KCAL-FM (-.7)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: KGO 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, #11 to #12
News: KCBS-AM & KFRC 6.8 – 5.1, -1.7, second to fourth
Sports Talk: KNBR 2.5 – 1.3, -1.2, #11 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED 12.8 – 12.0, -.8, repeats at #1
Number One 6+ second straight month: public radio news/talk KQED 12.8 – 12.0, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: adult contemporary KISQ (+.9) and classic hits-oldies KBAY (+.9)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (-1.7)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: WKXW 5.0 – 4.4, -.6, fifth to sixth, and WOR 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #21 to #20
News: WCBS-AM 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #14 to #16
Sports Talk: WFAN 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #14 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC-FM 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, sixth to tenth
Number One 6+ second month in a row: classic rock WAXQ 8.9 – 8.1, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+2.0)
Largest 6+ January 2021 – February 2021 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WPAT (-1.7)
Up next: February 2021 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis. Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
January 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways
Spoken-Word Summary. Our final overview of the Nielsen Audio January 2021 PPM survey period (January 7 – February 3) is a composite spoken-word scoreboard.
Highlighted are all news/talk; news; sports talk; and public radio news/talk stations that finished in the top five (January 2021, 6+).
Also noted are the five stations in each of those four genres posting the highest AQH share (January 2021, 6+).
All comparisons are “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 (6+).
NEWS/TALK
News/Talk #1 January 2021 (6+)
KTRH, Houston (5.5 – 7.5, +2.0)
WSB-AM & WSBB-FM, Atlanta (9.0 – 11.8, +2.8)
KIRO-FM, Seattle (7.2 – 7.4, +.2)
KFBK AM & KFBK-FM, Sacramento (7.8 – 10.2, +2.4)
KNRS AM & KNRS-FM, Salt Lake City (6.0 – 7.9, +1.9)
WIBC, Indianapolis (7.6 – 8.9, +1.3)
WISN, Milwaukee (8.2 – 11.0, +2.8)
News/Talk #2 January 2021 (6+)
KFYI, Phoenix (4.6 – 6.0, +1.4)
KFI, Riverside (4.6 – 5.2, +.6)
WOAI, San Antonio (6.8 – 7.0, +.2)
KSL AM & KSL-FM, Salt Lake City (6.1 – 7.0, +.9)
WLW, Cincinnati (7.4 – 7.9, +.5)
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville (8.4 – 9.2, +.8)
News/Talk #3 January 2021 (6+)
KFI, Los Angeles (4.7 – 5.0, +.3)
KXL, Portland (4.8 – 6.2, +1.4)
WBT-AM & WBT-FM Charlotte (5.0 – 6.6, +1.6)
WTKK, Raleigh (5.4 – 7.0, +1.6)
WTMJ, Milwaukee (6.0 – 6.5, +.5)
WTIC-AM, Hartford (5.8 – 6.8, +1.0)
News/Talk #4 January 2021 (6+)
KOGO, San Diego (5.1 – 5.7, +.6)
WTKS, Orlando (3.9 – 6.1, +2.2)
KLBJ-AM, Austin (4.2 – 5.7, +1.5)
WTVN, Columbus (7.3 – 8.5, +1.2)
WWTN, Nashville (5.3 – 6.8, +1.5)
WPRO-AM & WEAN, Providence (5.4 – 6.1, +.7)
News/Talk #5 January 2021 (6+)
WMAL, Washington, DC (4.6 – 5.9, +1.3)
WHPT, Tampa (4.1 – 4.8, +.7)
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh (5.3 – 5.6, +.3)
Top Five News/Talk Stations January 2021 (By 6+ AQH Share)
1 WSB-AM & WSBB-FM, Atlanta (11.8)
2 WISN, Milwaukee (11.0)
3 KFBK AM & KFBK-FM, Sacramento (10.2)
4 WOKV-FM, Jacksonville (9.2)
5 WIBC, Indianapolis (8.9)
NEWS
News #1 January 2021 (6+)
WBBM-AM & WCFS-FM, Chicago (6.8 – 7.3, +.5)
WBZ-AM, Boston (6.5 – 8.2, +1.7)
News #2 January 2021 (6+)
KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM San Francisco (8.1 – 8.5, +.4)
WTOP & WTLP Washington, DC (8.1 – 9.9, +1.8)
KYW & WPHI, Philadelphia (5.4 – 6.4, +1.0)
KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM, San Jose (5.6 – 6.8, +1.2)
News #4 January 2021 (6+)
KOMO-AM & KOMO-FM Seattle (4.6 – 5.7, +1.1)
Top Five News Stations January 2021 (By 6+ AQH Share)
1 WTOP & WTLP Washington, DC (9.9)
2 KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM San Francisco (8.5)
3 WBZ-AM, Boston (8.2)
4 WBBM-AM & WCFS-FM, Chicago (7.3)
5 KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM, San Jose (6.8)
SPORTS TALK
Sports Talk #2 January 2021 (6+)
KFXN, Minneapolis (7.8 – 8.4, +.6)
Sports Talk #3 January 2021 (6+)
WXYT-FM, Detroit (4.4 – 5.5, +1.1)
Sports Talk #4 January 2021 (6+)
WFAN, Long Island (4.1 – 4.3, +.2)
KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh (6.6 – 7.9, +1.3)
Sports Talk #5 January 2021 (6+)
WIP, Philadelphia (5.9 – 6.1, +.2)
WBZ-FM, Boston (5.3 – 5.7, +.4)
WBNS-FM, Columbus (5.6 – 6.0, +.4)
Top Five Sports Talk Stations January 2021 (By 6+ AQH Share)
1 KFXN, Minneapolis (8.4)
2 KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh (7.9)
3 WIP, Philadelphia (6.1)
4 WBNS-FM, Columbus (6.0)
5 WBZ-FM, Boston (5.7)
PUBLIC RADIO NEWS/TALK
Public Radio News/Talk #1 January 2021 (6+)
KQED, San Francisco (9.0 – 10.9, +1.9)
WAMU, Washington, DC (8.3 – 13.4, +5.1)
KNOW, Minneapolis (8.3 – 9.5, +1.2)
KCFR, Denver (7.2 – 7.5, +.3)
KOPB, Portland (9.7 – 12.0, +2.3)
KUT, Austin (8.5 – 11.5, +3.0)
WOSU, Columbus (7.0 – 8.6, +1.6)
KQED, San Jose (10.4 – 12.8, +2.4)
WUNC, Raleigh (9.9 – 11.3, +1.4)
Public Radio News/Talk #2 January 2021 (6+)
KUOW, Seattle (6.4 – 7.3, +.9)
KPBS, San Diego (5.9 – 6.2, +.3)
KXJZ, Sacramento (5.0 – 6.4, +1.4)
Public Radio News/Talk #3 January 2021 (6+)
WBEZ, Chicago (4.3 – 6.7, +2.4)
WHYY, Philadelphia (4.6 – 6.3, +1.7)
KCUR, Kansas City (5.2 – 6.1, +.9)
WNPR, Hartford (5.4 – 6.8, +1.4)
Public Radio News/Talk #4 January 2021 (6+)
KUER, Salt Lake City (5.4 – 6.4, +1.0)
WJCT, Jacksonville (4.3 – 6.2, +1.9)
Public Radio News/Talk #5 January 2021 (6+)
WNYC-FM, New York (4.1 – 4.9, +.8)
WPLN-FM, Nashville (4.9 – 6.5, +1.6)
WLRN, West Palm Beach (4.0 – 4.8, +.8)
Top Five Public Radio News/Talk Stations January 2021 (By 6+ AQH Share)
1 WAMU, Washington, DC (13.4)
2 KQED, San Jose (12.8)
3 KOPB, Portland (12.0)
4 KUT, Austin (11.5)
5 WUNC, Raleigh (11.3)
Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
January 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways
January 2021’s Most Significant Shifts. January sweeps are notorious for producing massive fluctuations, as radio listening habits quickly shakeout following the cessation of wall-to-wall Christmas music by any market station (or stations).
Muddying the waters in Nielsen Audio’s January 2021 ratings period (January 7 – February 3) was the continuation of a global pandemic; a uniquely-contested presidential election; and the aftermath of the January 6 domestic terrorism attack on the U.S. Capitol.
In radio – and life – very few things lately have been transpiring “as usual.”
One thing though did follow a traditional script: Stations programming all-holiday hits (the overwhelming majority of which are adult contemporary) tended to relinquish nearly all – and in some cases, even more – of the gains they racked up in “Holiday” 2020.
Nabbing honors for loftiest (6+) “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 increase is American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU, which spiked by +5.1 in Washington, DC (8.3 – 13.4, second to first, 6+).
Noted below are all facilities displaying upticks of at least one full-share (“Holiday” 2020 – January 2021, 6+), as well as those outlets plunging by that same margin in the identical survey period.
Gains of At Least +1.0 (“Holiday” 2020 – January 2021, 6+)
Spoken-Word Formats
News/Talk
WSB-AM, Atlanta +2.8; WISN, Milwaukee +2.8; KFBK, Sacramento +2.4; WTKS, Orlando +2.2; KTRH, Houston +2.0; KNRS, Salt Lake City +1.9; WBT, Charlotte +1.6; WTKK, Raleigh +1.6; KLBJ-AM, Austin +1.5; WWTN, Nashville +1.5; KFYI, Phoenix +1.4; KXL, Portland +1.4; WMAL, Washington, DC +1.3; WIBC, Indianapolis +1.3; WTVN, Columbus +1.2; WNIS, Norfolk +1.2; KTAR-FM, Phoenix +1.1; WJNO, West Palm Beach +1.1; WREC, Memphis +1.1; and WTIC-AM, Hartford +1.0
News
WTOP-FM & WTLP, Washington, DC +1.8; news – talk WBZ-AM, Boston +1.7; KCBS-AM & KFRC, San Jose +1.2; KOMO AM & KOMO-FM, Seattle +1.1; and KYW, Philadelphia +1.0
Sports Talk
WXOS, St. Louis +1.6; KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh +1.3; WXYT-FM, Detroit +1.1; KTCK, Dallas +1.0; and WEEI-FM, Boston +1.0
Public Radio News/Talk
WAMU, Washington, DC +5.1; KUT, Austin +3.0; WBEZ, Chicago +2.4; KQED, San Jose +2.4; KOPB, Portland +2.3; KQED, San Francisco +1.9; WJCT, Jacksonville +1.9; WFAE, Charlotte +1.8; WHYY, Philadelphia +1.7; WBUR, Boston +1.6; WOSU, Columbus +1.6; WPLN-FM, Nashville +1.6; WFYI, Indianapolis +1.5; KSTX, San Antonio +1.4; KXJZ, Sacramento +1.4; WMFE, Orlando +1.4; WUNC, Raleigh +1.4; WPLN-HD3 Stream, Nashville +1.4; WNPR, Hartford +1.4; KUHF, Houston +1.3; WFDD, Greensboro +1.3; KNOW, Minneapolis +1.2; WGBH, Boston +1.1; WLRN, Miami +1.1; WNYC-FM, Long Island +1.1; WYPR, Baltimore +1.0; KUER, Salt Lake City +1.0; and WCPN, Cleveland +1.0
Music Formats (Arranged Alphabetically)
Adult Contemporary
KBEB, Sacramento +1.7; WISX, Philadelphia +1.2; and WVBW, Norfolk +1.1
Adult Hits
WNOB, Norfolk +1.9; WARH, St. Louis +1.0; and WLKO, Charlotte +1.0
Alternative
KPNT, St. Louis +1.9; KTCL, Denver +1.4; and WWDC, Washington, DC +1.3
CHR
WNCI, Columbus +1.6; WFLZ, Tampa +1.5; and KHTS, San Diego +1.0
Classic Hits-Oldies
WOCL, Orlando +2.2; WROR, Boston +1.9; WOMC, Detroit +1.4; WHCN, Hartford +1.4; WIAD, Washington, DC +1.3; KKLZ, Las Vegas +1.3; WGRR, Cincinnati +1.3; KJR-FM, Seattle +1.0; KOAI, Phoenix +1.0; and KXSN, San Diego +1.0
Classic Rock
KGLK, Houston +1.8; WNRQ, Nashville +1.6; KTKX, San Antonio +1.2; WMMO, Orlando +1.2; WFBQ, Indianapolis +1.1; and KZOK, Seattle +1.0
Contemporary Christian
WCIE, Tampa +1.0
Country
WCOL, Columbus +2.2; WFMS, Indianapolis +2.0; KCYY, San Antonio +1.9; WUBE, Cincinnati +1.7; WPAW, Greensboro +1.6; WGH-FM, Norfolk +1.5; WKKT, Charlotte +1.4; WQIK, Jacksonville +1.4; KSCS, Dallas +1.2; KUPL, Portland +1.1; WNNF, Cincinnati +1.1; WGAR, Cleveland +1.1; KUBL, Salt Lake City +1.0; and KSOP-FM, Salt Lake City +1.0
Gospel
WHAL, Memphis +2.2
Hot AC
KMXB, Las Vegas +1.7; WQAL, Cleveland +1.5; KSTP-FM, Minneapolis +1.3; and KALC, Denver +1.2
Regional Mexican
KLNV, San Diego +1.3
Rhythmic CHR
KXJM, Portland +1.1 and WZMX, Hartford +1.0
Rhythmic Hot AC
WREW, Cincinnati +2.3
Rock
WHJY, Providence +1.7; KSHE, St. Louis +1.4; KRXQ, Sacramento +1.3; WDHA, Middlesex +1.1; and KCAL-FM, Riverside +1.0
Spanish Adult Hits
KWID, Las Vegas +2.2 and KBRG, San Jose +1.0
Triple A
WTTS, Indianapolis +1.1
Urban AC
WQMG, Greensboro +1.8 and WHUR, Baltimore +1.2
Urban Contemporary
WUBT, Nashville +1.0
Losses Of At Least -1.0 (“Holiday” 2020 – January 2021, 6+)
Adult Contemporary
KSFI, Salt Lake City -11.5; WNIC, Detroit -11.1; WMJX, Boston -9.9; KESZ, Phoenix -9.4; KEZK, St. Louis -9.4; WLIT, Chicago -9.2; WASH, Washington, DC -9.2; WMGF, Orlando -9.1; WKQC, Charlotte -8.3; KOST, Los Angeles -8.2; KOSI, Denver -8.0; WJXA, Nashville -8.0; WWLI, Providence -8.0; KYMX, Sacramento -7.9; KOIT-FM, San Jose -7.8; WBEB, Philadelphia -7.5; KQXT, San Antonio -7.3; WMAG, Greensboro -7.2; WWDE, Norfolk -7.0; KKCW, Portland -6.9; KOIT-FM, San Francisco -6.6; WLTW, Middlesex -6.5; WLTW, New York -6.3; WRRM, Cincinnati -6.2; KSNE, Las Vegas -6.1; WLIF, Baltimore -5.9; KYXY, San Diego -5.8; WEJZ, Jacksonville -5.7; KOST, Riverside -5.6; KDGE, Dallas -4.8; WYXB, Indianapolis -4.7; KODA, Houston -4.6; KCKC, Kansas City -4.3; WLTW, Long Island -4.2; WSHH, Pittsburgh -4.2; WDOK, Cleveland -4.1; WLDB, Milwaukee -4.1; WRVR, Memphis -3.5; WRCH, Hartford -3.4; KKMJ, Austin -3.3; KRWM, Seattle -2.4; WLYF, Miami -2.3; WASH, Baltimore -2.1; WMGQ, Middlesex -1.7; WRAL, Raleigh -1.5; WDUV, Tampa -1.3; and WMAG, Raleigh -1.3
Adult Hits
WODC, Columbus -6.2; KBPA, Austin -2.1; KYCH, Portland -1.0; and KJXK, San Antonio -1.0
CHR
WWPW, Atlanta -1.1 and XHTZ, San Diego -1.0
Classic Hits-Oldies
KQQL, Minneapolis -6.0; WWSW, Pittsburgh -3.2; WEAT, West Palm Beach -2.2; KCMO-FM, Kansas City -2.0; WMJI, Cleveland -1.6; and WRIT, Milwaukee -1.6
Classic Rock
WKRR, Greensboro -1.2 and WBGG, West Palm Beach -1.0
Contemporary Christian
WFSH, Atlanta -1.8; KFIS, Portland -1.5; WGTS, Washington, DC -1.2; and KCMS-FM, Seattle -1.0
Hot AC
WMTX, Tampa -4.1; WALK-FM, Long Island -3.5; KPLZ, Seattle -1.9; KZZO, Sacramento -1.3; and WPLW-AM, Raleigh -1.2
Regional Mexican
KSAH, San Antonio -1.6 and KLNZ, Phoenix -1.5
Rhythmic Hot AC
WMOV, Norfolk -2.2
Urban AC
KJMS, Memphis -1.8; WALR, Atlanta -1.3; WVAZ, Chicago -1.2; WBAV, Charlotte -1.2; and WFXC, Raleigh -1.1
Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
