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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.
January 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four
January 2021 PPM Data – Information for the January 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 January 2021 sweep covered January 7 – February 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 “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk: KLBJ-AM (4.2 – 5.7, +1.5, fifth to fourth, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KTXX (1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #16 to #17, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KUT (8.5 – 11.5, +3.0, third to first, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KUT (8.5 – 11.5, +3.0, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk KUT (+3.0)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KKMJ (-3.3)
RALEIGH
News/Talk: WTKK (5.4 – 7.0, +1.6, fifth to third, 6+) and WPTF (flat at 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WCMC-FM (1.8 – 2.0, +.2, unchanged at #17, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WUNC (9.9 – 11.3, +1.4, repeating at #1, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC (9.9 – 11.3, +1.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.6)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.5)
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk: WIBC (7.6 – 8.9, +1.3, second to first, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WFNI (3.4 – 4.0,+.6, #13 to #9, 6+) and WNDE (.8 – .7, -.1, #19 to #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WFYI (4.0 – 5.5, +1.5, ninth to seventh, 6+)
Number One 6+: news/talk WIBC (7.6 – 8.9, +1.3, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: country WFMS (+2.0)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-4.7)
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk: WISN (8.2 – 11.0, +2.8, third to first, 6+) and WTMJ (6.0 – 6.5, +.5, fourth to third, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WRNW (1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #12 to #13, 6+); WKTI (.8 – .9, +.1, #16 to #17, 6+); and WSCR (debuts with a .6, #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WUWM (3.6 – 3.4, -.2, seventh to ninth, 6+) and WHAD (1.0 – .7, -.3, #14 to #19, 6+)
Number One 6+: news/talk WISN (8.2 – 11.0, +2.8, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news talk WISN (+2.8)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WLDB (-4.1)
NASHVILLE
News/Talk: WWTN (5.3 – 6.8, +1.5, steady at #4, 6+) and WLAC (1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #18 to #16, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WGFX (5.3 – 4.6, -.7, fourth to ninth, 6+) and WPRT (1.0 – 1.1, +.1, flat at #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WPLN-FM (4.9 – 6.5, +1.6, seventh to fifth, 6+) and WPLN-HD3 Stream (.1 – 1.5, +1.4, #18, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult hits WCJK (8.0 – 8.6, +.6, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk WPLN (+1.6) and classic rock WNRQ (+1.6)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-8.0)
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk: WPRO-AM (5.4 – 6.1, +.7, steady at #4, 6+)
News – Talk: WBZ-AM (1.4 – 1.6, +.2, #13 to #14, 6+)
Sports Talk: WBZ-FM (3.8 – 3.6, -.2, seventh, 6+) and WVEI (2.4 – 2.8, +.4, ninth to tenth, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH (2.7 – 3.5, +.8, unchanged at #8, 6+) and WNPN (1.7 – 2.5, +.8, steady at #11, 6+)
Number One 6+: rock WHJY (8.7 – 10.4, +1.7, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: rock WHJY (+1.7)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-8.0)
NORFOLK
News/Talk: WNIS (2.9 – 4.1, +1.2, sixth, 6+)
News: WNOH (flat at 1.2, #12 to #17, 6+) and business news WGH-AM (.3 – .5, +.2, #15 to #19, 6+)
Sports Talk: WVSP (1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #13 to #15, 6+) and WTAR (debuts with a .2, #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: urban AC WVKL (12.8 – 13.7, +.9, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: adult hits WNOB (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WWDE (-7.0)
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk: WOKV-FM (8.4 – 9.2, +.8, steady at #2, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT (4.3 – 6.2, +1.9, seventh to fourth, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult contemporary WEJZ (15.1 – 9.4, -5.7, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk WJCT (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-5.7)
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk: WJNO (2.4 – 3.5, +1.1, ninth to seventh, 6+) and WFTL (1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #15 to #16, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WLRN (4.0 – 4.8, +.8, unchanged at #5, 6+)
Number One 6+: hot AC WRMF (flat at 8.7, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news/talk WJNO (+1.1)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WEAT (-2.2)
GREENSBORO
News/Talk: WPTI (4.4 – 4.7, +.3, seventh to ninth, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WSJS (.6 – .4, -.2, #15 to #19, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WFDD (3.0 – 4.3, +1.3, steady at #10, 6+) and WUNC (even at 1.9, #12 to #13, 6+)
Number One 6+: urban AC WQMG (8.8 – 10.6, +1.8, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: urban AC WQMG (+1.8)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMAG (-7.2)
MEMPHIS
News/Talk: WREC (2.5 – 3.6, +1.1, #12 to #8, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WMFS (2.9 – 3.1, +.2, ninth to tenth, 6+); WMFS Stream (.3 – .5, +.2, steady at #18, 6+); and WMC-AM (flat at .3, #18 to #19 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WKNO (2.3 – 2.6, +.3, #13 to #12, 6+); WKNO-HD2 Stream (flat at .2, steady at #20, 6+)
Number One 6+: urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO (11.0 – 11.8, +.8, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: gospel WHAL (+2.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WRVR (-3.5)
HARTFORD
News/Talk: WTIC-AM (5.8 – 6.8, +1.0, fourth to third, 6+); WDRC-AM (.8 – 1.2, +.4, #15 to #14, 6+); and WPOP (flat at .2, #15 to #17, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WUCS (1.3 – .6, -.7, #13 to #16, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WNPR (5.4 – 6.8, +1.4, sixth to third, 6+) and WFCR (flat at .2, #15 to #17, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult contemporary WRCH (17.5 – 14.1, -3.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk news/talk WNPR (+1.4) and classic hits-oldies WHCN (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-3.4)
Email managing editor Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com
January 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
January 2021 PPM Data – Information for the January 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 January 2021 sweep covered January 7 – February 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 “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: KXL (4.8 – 6.2, +1.4, sixth to third, 6+) and KEX (3.8 – 3.6, -.2, #9 to #12, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KOPB (9.7 – 12.0, +2.3, second to first, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB (9.7 – 12.0, +2.3, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk KOPB (+2.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-6.9)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: WBT (5.0 – 6.6, +1.6, fifth to third, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WFNZ (flat at 1.1, steady at #18, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WFAE (3.3 – 5.1, +1.8, tenth to sixth, 6+)
Number One 6+ (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC (15.6 – 7.3, -8.3, 6+) and country WSOC (6.4 – 7.3, +.9, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk WFAE (+1.8)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-8.3)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: WOAI (6.8 – 7.0, +.2, third to second, 6+) and KTSA (1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #19 to #17, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KSTX (3.0 – 4.4, +1.4, #12 to #8, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (7.4 – 7.8, +.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: country KCYY (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-7.3)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: KFBK (7.8 – 10.2, +2.4, second to first, 6+) and KSTE (1.5 – 2.2, +.7, #14 to #13, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KXJZ (5.0 – 6.4, +1.4, fifth to second, 6+) and KQEI (.8 – .9, +.1, #21 to #19, 6+)
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK (7.8 – 10.2, +2.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news/talk KFBK (+2.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-7.9)
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: KDKA-AM (5.3 – 5.6, +.3, sixth to fifth, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KDKA-FM (6.6 – 7.9, +1.3, fifth to fourth, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WESA (3.7 – 4.4, +.7, unchanged at #9, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies WWSW (13.3 – 10.1, -3.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: sports talk KDKA-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WSHH (-4.2)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: KNRS (6.0 – 7.9, +1.9, third to first, 6+) and KSL (6.1 – 7.0, +.9, steady at #2, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KUER (5.4 – 6.4, +1.0, fifth to fourth, 6+)
Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS (6.0 – 7.9, +1.9, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news/talk KNRS (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KSFI (-11.5)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: KXNT (2.7 – 2.9, +.2, flat at #11, 6+) and KDWN (even at 2.0, #17 to #19, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KNPR (3.3 – 3.1, -.2, tenth to eighth, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult contemporary KSNE (14.2 – 8.1, -6.1, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+2.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-6.1)
ORLANDO
News/Talk: WTKS (3.9 – 6.1, +2.2, seventh to fourth, 6+); WDBO (2.7 – 3.2, +.5, #12 to #11, 6+); and WFLF (1.6 – 1.9, +.3, flat at #18, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WYGM (1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #16 to #18, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WMFE (3.5 – 4.9, +1.4, eighth to seventh, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies WOCL (8.4 – 10.6, +2.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase (Tie): news/talk WTKS (+2.2) and classic hits-oldies WOCL (+2.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-9.1)
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: WLW (7.4 – 7.9, +.5, third to second, 6+) and WKRC (5.4 – 5.8, +.4, fourth to sixth, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WCKY (.9 – .8, -.1, flat at #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WVXU (3.2 – 3.9, +.7, tenth to ninth, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies WGRR (7.8 – 9.1, +1.3, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WREW (+2.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-6.2)
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: WTAM (5.8 – 6.0, +.2, seventh to sixth, 6+) and WNIR (debuts with a .1, #20, 6+)
News: WMMS-HD2 (even at .1, #17 to #20, 6+)
Sports Talk: WKRK (3.9 – 4.3, +.4, #9 to #11, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WCPN (3.3 – 4.3, +1.0, steady at #10, 6+) and WKSU (flat at .6, #19, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies WMJI (11.6 – 10.0, -1.6, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: hot AC WQAL (+1.5)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WDOK (-4.1)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: KMBZ-FM (4.8 – 5.1, +.3, seventh to sixth, 6+) and KMBZ-AM (1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #21 to #20, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WHB (2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #15 to #14, 6+) and KCSP (1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #18 to #19, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KCUR (5.2 – 6.1, +.9, sixth to third, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (10.4 – 8.4, -2.0, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk KCUR (+.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-4.3)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: WTVN (7.3 – 8.5, +1.2, second to fourth, 6+) and WHIO Stream (debuts with a .4, #15, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WBNS-FM (5.6 – 6.0, +.4, sixth to fifth, 6+) and WBNS-AM (.1 – .2, +.1, #16 to #17, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WOSU (7.0 – 8.6, +1.6, third to first, 6+)
Number One 6+ (Tie): public radio news/talk WOSU (7.0 – 8.6, +1.6, 6+); CHR WNCI (7.0 – 8.6, +1.6, 6+); and country WCOL (6.4 – 8.6, +2.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: country WCOL (+2.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult hits WODC (-6.2)
Up next: January 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.
January 2021 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
January 2021 PPM Data – Information for the January 2021 ratings sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s January 2021 survey period covered January 7 – February 3.
In addition to providing “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty, Mike Kinosian notes each particular city’s #1 station (6+), as well as highest (6+) positive spikes and sharpest declines.
All comparisons noted are “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: WMAL (4.6 – 5.9, +1.3, seventh to fifth, 6+)
News: WTOP & WTLP (8.1 – 9.9, +1.8, third to second, 6+)
Sports Talk: WJFK-FM (1.2 – 1.5, +.3, steady at #17, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WAMU (8.3 – 13.4, +5.1, second to first, 6+); public radio news/talk – jazz WPFW (.7 – 1.2, +.5, #21 to #19, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU (8.3 – 13.4, +5.1, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: public radio news/talk WAMU (+5.1)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WASH (-9.2)
BOSTON
News/Talk: WRKO (4.3 – 5.2, +.9, unchanged at #8, 6+)
News – Talk: WBZ-AM (6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, second to first, 6+)
Sports Talk: WBZ-FM (5.3 – 5.7, +.4, sixth to fifth, 6+); WEEI-FM (2.5 – 3.5, +1.0, #13 to #10, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH (4.5 – 5.6, +1.1, seventh to sixth, 6+); WBUR (3.5 – 5.1, +1.6, steady at #9, 6+)
Number One 6+: news – talk WBZ-AM (6.5 – 8.2, +1.7, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WROR (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WMJX (-9.9)
MIAMI
News/Talk: WIOD (2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #15 to #17, 6+)
Spanish News/Talk: WAQI (1.9 – 2.6, +.7, #19 to #12); WURN-AM (1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #19 to #18)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: WLRN (2.9 – 4.0, +1.1, tenth to eighth, 6+)
Number One 6+ (Tie): adult contemporary WFEZ (8.1 – 7.6, -.5, 6+) and urban AC WHQT (7.1 – 7.6, +.5, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: classic rock WBGG (+1.5)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WLYF (-2.3)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: KIRO-FM (7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeating at #1, 6+); KTTH (3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #14 to #12, 6+)
News: KOMO (4.6 – 5.7, +1.1, sixth to fourth, 6+)
Sports Talk: KIRO-AM (3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #14 to #18, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KUOW (6.4 – 7.3, +.9, unchanged at #2, 6+)
Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM (7.2 – 7.4, +.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news KOMO (+1.1)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KRWM (-2.4)
DETROIT
News/Talk: WJR (4.2 – 4.8, +.6, ninth to seventh, 6+)
News: WWJ (4.5 – 4.8, +.3, sixth to seventh, 6+)
Sports Talk: WXYT-FM (4.4 – 5.5, +1.1, eighth to third, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WDET (steady at 2.9, flat at #14, 6+); WUOM (1.5 – 1.8, +.3, unchanged at #20, 6+)
Number One 6+: urban AC WMXD (6.1 – 6.3, +.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WNIC (-11.1)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: KFYI (4.6 – 6.0, +1.4, fourth to second, 6+); KTAR-FM (3.1 – 4.2, +1.1, ninth to seventh, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KMVP-FM (2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #12 to #20, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KJZZ (3.1 – 3.3, +.2, ninth to tenth, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult contemporary KESZ (16.7 – 7.3, -9.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: news/talk KFYI (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-9.4)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: WCCO (5.2 – 4.8, -.4, fifth to ninth, 6+); WTLK (3.4 – 4.2, +.8, #13 to #12, 6+); KTMY (.8 – 1.2, +.4, #21 to #20, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KFXN (7.8 – 8.4, +.6, third to second, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KNOW (8.3 – 9.5, +1.2, second to first, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk: KNOW (8.3 – 9.5, +1.2, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KQQL (-6.0)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: KOGO (5.1 – 5.7, +.6, steady at #4, 6+); KGB-AM (1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #18 to #17, 6+); KFI (2.2 – 1.9, -.3, #17 to #18, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: KPBS (5.9 – 6.2, +.3, unchanged at #2, 6+)
Number One 6+: classic hits-oldies KXSN (5.7 – 6.7, +1.0, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-5.8)
TAMPA
News/Talk: WHPT (4.1 – 4.8, +.7, eighth to fifth, 6+); WFLA (3.1 – 3.8, +.7, #15 to #11, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WDAE (1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #19, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WUSF (2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #16 to #13, 6+)
Number One 6+: adult contemporary WDUV (9.0 – 7.7, -1.3, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: CHR WFLZ (+1.5)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: hot AC WMTX (-4.1)
DENVER
News/Talk: KDFD (2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #11 to #12, 6+); KOA (1.5 – 1.8, +.3, #19 to #18, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: KKFN (2.4 – 3.3, +.9, #14 to #10, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KCFR (7.2 – 7.5, +.3, second to first, 6+)
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KCFR (7.2 – 7.5, +.3, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: alternative KTCL (+1.4)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KOSI (-8.0)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: WBAL (4.1 – 4.3, +.2, seventh to ninth, 6+); WCBM (3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #10 to #11, 6+)
News: WTOP & WTLP (unlisted in “Holiday” 2020 to 2.2, #15, 6+)
Sports Talk: WJZ-FM (3.2 – 4.1, +.9, ninth to tenth, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: WYPR (3.4 – 4.4, +1.0, eighth to seventh, 6+)
Number One 6+: urban AC WWIN-FM (flat at 9.1, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: urban AC WHUR (+1.2)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIF (-5.9)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: KMOX (3.6 – 4.0, +.4, #10 to #11, 6+); KFTK (3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #15, 6+); KFTK Stream (unlisted in “Holiday” 2020 to 1.4, #18, 6+)
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: WXOS (2.8 – 4.4, +1.6, #15 to #9, 6+)
Public Radio News/Talk: KWMU (3.3 – 3.8, +.5, steady at #13, 6+)
Number One 6+: rock KSHE (11.6 – 13.0, +1.4, 6+)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.9)
Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2020 – January 2021 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-9.4)
Up next: January 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.
