KTSA | TALKERS magazine

June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | July 18, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21.

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

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

All comparisons noted are May 2023 – June 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 5.6, -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, anchored in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, #18 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 8.6 – 9.1, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KWJJ and similarly-formatted KUPL (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW and news/talk KEX (-.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, #8 to #11

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .4, -.1, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, second straight month, 6.9 – 7.6, +.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WKKT (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WFAE (-.8)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, repeats at #14

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.3 – 2.4, -.9, #12 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #21 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth consecutive month, 7.6 – 8.9, +1.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: country KCYY and news/talk KTSA (-.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.9 – 9.6, -.3, first to second

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 4.6, +.4, ninth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.6 – 1.0, -.6, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 8.5 – 10.2, +1.7

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KSEG (+1.7)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KBEB (-1.0)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.3 – 7.1, -.2, fourth to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, seventh month in a row, 11.5 – 11.2, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock WDVE (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits WRRK (-2.3)*

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.7 – 5.6, -.1, repeats in third-place

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.9 – 4.1, -.8, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, eighth straight month, 11.3 – 11.0, -.3

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KBER (+1.4)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-.9)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.9 – 2.3, +.4, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, first month, 5.2 – 8.4, +3.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish adult hits KWID (+3.2)**

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: CHR KLUC (-1.4)

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, continues at #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .4 – 1.3, +.9, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game”.7 – 1.3, +.6, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, first month, 7.6 – 8.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WMMO (-2.0)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0, #1

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.9 – 4.2, -.7, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 17^th consecutive month, 12.0 – 13.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WVXU (-.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.1 – 2.9, -1.2, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.5 – 5.7, -.8, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, eighth month in a row, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: CHR WAKS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.2)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR steady at 3.8, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 9.0 – 10.5, +1.5

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: classic rock KCFX (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.8)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.1 – 6.2, -.9, second to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, eighth straight month, 10.2 – 11.0, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WCOL (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTVN and sports talk WBNS-FM (-.9)

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of May PPMs Released

By TALKERS | June 15, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA falls three-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that leaves it ranked #12, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also dips three-tenths to wrap with a 3.1 share good for the #14 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM, Orlando declines six-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and the #10 rank, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO adds two-tenths to finish with a 3.7 share that leaves it locked in the #11 position. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24.

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

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

All comparisons noted are April 2023 – May 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.5 – 5.8, -1.7, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third straight month, 10.4 – 9.0, -1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KOPB (-1.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.2 – 4.7, -.5, fifth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” flat at 2.0, anchored at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.7 – 4.6, +.9, tenth to eighth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .7 – .5, -.2, remains at #20

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, first month, 6.0 – 6.9, +.9

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WPEG (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban AC WBAV (-2.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #12

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.3 – 7.6, -.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country (-.8)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, repeats in ninth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, unchanged at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fifth month in succession, 9.4 – 9.9, +.5, #1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+1.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country KNCI (-1.5)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, locked in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, sixth month in a row, 10.1 – 11.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: alternative WXDX (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.0 – 5.7, +.7, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.5 – 4.9, -1.6, second to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #14 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, seventh straight month, 11.9 – 11.3, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock KAAZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.6)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, eighth successive month, 11.2 – 7.5, -3.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KWNR and classic rock KXPT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-3.7)**

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, eighth to tenth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” flat at .7, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #14 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, second month in a row, 9.4 – 9.5, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WOMX (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-.7)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.5 – 4.2, +.7, ninth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU flat at 4.9, repeats in sixth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 16^th consecutive month, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: news/talk WKRC and classic country WNKR (+.7)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WEBN and classical WGUC (-1.2)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.6 – 5.9, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, #10 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.1 – .6, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, ninth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, seventh month in a row, steady at 10.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic rock WNCX’s internet stream (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTAM (-.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, ninth to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.6 – 3.8, -.8, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.4 – 10.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+1.6)*

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.6)

*Represents a (three-way) tie for the largest April 2023 – May 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.4 – 7.1, +.7, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.3 – 5.8, +.5, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, seventh straight month, 9.2 – 10.2, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country WCOL and classic rock WLVQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNND (-.8)

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of April PPMs Released

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk owned KTSA is unchanged at a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), but rises to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI also remains steady at a 3.4 share and moves up to the #12 rank. iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento is steady with a 9.4 share that keeps it ranked #1, while sister news/talk KSTE-AM falls half a share for a 3.7 share finish good for the #9 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-FM adds 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.5 share and shoots up to the #2 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM tack on two-tenths for a 5.0 share and remains ranked #6. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

Remote News Service adds 13 new affiliate stations to its roster, including Alpha Media’s KTSA, San Antonio; Forcht Broadcasting’s stations in Paintsville, Kentucky, and Basin Mediactive’s stations in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Remote News Service president and lead anchor Lesley Lotto says, “We’ve always provided fill-in news anchors for vacations, illness, sudden departures, etc. Across the industry there’s been an increase in fill-in requests, especially from stations that need someone on the air in 6 to 12 hours, which we are able to provide.”

The Motley Fool announces that Chris Hill, longtime host of the “Motley Fool Money” podcast and radio show, is leaving at the end of the month. Taking over host duties is head of programming Dylan Lewis. Hill comments, “Getting the chance to create and host Motley Fool Money has been the highlight of my time at The Motley Fool. One of the things I’ve always loved is the team approach we’ve taken to helping listeners understand what’s happening on Wall Street, bringing a long-term perspective to daily market news, and offering stock ideas and analysis. We have a deep bench, and that same team approach will continue after I’m gone. With the show in such a position of strength, the time is right for me to explore the next chapter in my professional life.”

iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 23 at 5:15 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website and a replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentation section of iHeartMedia’s Investors homepage.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | May 18, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.

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

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

All comparisons noted are March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.7 – 5.3, -.4, anchored in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 1.7, -.7, #16 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, remains at #3

KOPB’s internet stream steady at 2.0, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KEX and jazz KMHD’s internet stream (-.7)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT-AM/FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” flat at 5.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.6 – 2.0, -.6, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #10

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .5 – .7, +.2 #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 8.7, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WLNK (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” unchanged at 3.6, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) steady at 3.4, #14 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, fourth consecutive month, 7.8 – 8.3, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KQXT (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-1.0)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” steady at 9.4, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.2 – 3.7, -.5, sixth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.3 – 1.7, +.4, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, fourth month in succession, steady at 9.4

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classical KXPR (-.6)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

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

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #12 to #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fifth month in a row, 10.8 – 10.1, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR WKST and hot AC WLTJ (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country WDSY (-.8)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.1 – 6.5, +1.4, fourth to second

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.8 – 5.0, +.2, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, sixth straight month, 12.0 – 11.9, -.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KSL (+1.4)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.5)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, seventh successive month, 10.0 – 11.2, +1.2

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: CHR KLUC (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KRGT (-.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, locked in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, repeats at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) .4 – .7, +.3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 6.3 – 9.4, +3.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WMMO (+3.1)*

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 (-1.5)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.1 – 11.6, +.5, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #11 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 15^th consecutive month, 11.1 – 11.6, +.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WEBN (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC WREW (-.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers, Guardians) 5.2 – 6.6, +1.4, tenth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.8 – 4.4, -4, #11 to #10

WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.1, remains at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 6.0, +.3 eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, sixth month in a row, unchanged at 10.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WMMS (+1.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-3.1)**

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

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.1 – 3.2, +1.1, #16 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, fifth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.5, +.7

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KCSP (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM’s internet stream (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.0 – 6.4, +.4, sixth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 6.2 – 5.3, -.9, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.2 – 4.9, -1.3, fourth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, sixth straight month, 9.5 – 9.2, -.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLVQ and public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

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

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

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Rounds 3 and 4

By TALKERS | April 24, 2023 by TALKERS

March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Columbus, Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.

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

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

All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 7.0 – 5.7, -1.3, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.4 – 2.4, -1.0, #9 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.2 – 7.4, +.2, repeats at #3

KOPB’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk KXL and triple A KINK (-1.3)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, remains in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WPZS (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-.9)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #10 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, third consecutive month, 8.9 – 7.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.8 – 3.5, -.3, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, third month in succession, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock KRXQ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #13

KDKA-AM’s internet stream .9 – .7, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.0 – 6.8 +.8, locked in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, #9 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, fourth month in a row, 11.3 – 10.8, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WDSY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW and hot AC WLTJ (-.5)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, sixth to fourth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.2 – 3.3, +.1, #14 to #11

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fifth straight month, 10.8 – 12.0, +1.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSFI (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: hot AC KBZN (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #18 to #19

KMXB-HD3 cluster-mate KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, sixth successive month, 9.3 – 10.0, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLUC-HD3 (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSOS and classic rock KXPT (-.9)

Note: KDWN signed off on March 2; its news/talk programming segued to KMXB-HD3.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.2 – 5.0, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #10 to #11

WTKS cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” .6 – .7, +.1, #22 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.9, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.3)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 10.9 – 11.1, +.2, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 14^th consecutive month, 10.9 – 11.1, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: news/talk WKRC (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers and Guardians) 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, anchored in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.1, -.4, flat at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.5 – 5.7, +.2 seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fifth month in a row, 11.1 – 10.0, -1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WMJI (-1.1)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to ninth

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.0 – 2.1, -.9, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 5.0, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk KCSP (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 6.0, -.7, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, fifth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.2 – 6.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WNND (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.0)

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.5 – 5.6, +.1, fifth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio-owned KTXX “The Horn” steady at 1.9, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.6 – 5.3, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, third month in succession, 9.6 – 8.7, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KLBJ-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-.9)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 8.3, +.3, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #14 to #15

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #13 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Urban One urban AC WFXC, third straight month, 10.5 – 9.6, -.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-.9)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.9, remains at #12

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.8 – 4.9, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Urban One adult contemporary WYXB, second month in a row, 9.2 – 9.0, -.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZRL (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJJK (-1.3)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.8 – 9.7, -.1, first to second

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks and Brewers) 7.0 – 7.4, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #18 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at 1.1, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 3.9 – 2.1, -1.8, #11 to #15

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #15 to #18

Number One 6+: Saga Communications classic rock WKLH, first month, 9.2 – 10.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WJMR (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WUWM (-1.8)

*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.6 – 6.9, +.3, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #18 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) flat at 1.1, anchored at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, second month in succession, 14.3 – 14.7, +.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country WSM-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WUBT (-.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.9 – 6.0, +1.1, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .4 – .3, -.1, flat at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Bruins and Celtics) 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, locked in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #11 to #10

The internet stream of Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” .1, #20; unlisted in February 2023

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.2, -.6, eighth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, sixth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WNBH (-1.2)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” flat at 2.6, #12 to #13

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” steady at .3, anchored at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” unchanged at 1.8, remains at #16

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .3, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, third straight month, 10.0 – 10.9, +.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WVKL (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WGH-FM (-1.4)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 7.0 -.4, third to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 9.2 – 8.7, -.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: rock WWJK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WEJZ (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #10 to #11

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 -1.1, +.1, continues at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” (Florida Panthers) .7 – .5, -.2, #16 to #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” steady at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 10.4, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: regional Mexican WLLY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC WMBX (-.9)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, locked in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #10 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.5 – 1.3, -.2, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, third month in a row, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKZL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.8)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #13 to #11

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” .4 – .2, -.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” (Grizzlies) 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, repeats in seventh-place

WFMS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #16 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, first month, 10.4 – 10.1, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: gospel WHAL (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHRK (-.8)

Note: Number one the past 15 months, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO is unlisted in March 2023

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, repeats in sixth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #16 to #15

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, continues at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 5.3 – 5.4, +.1, seventh to sixth

New England Public Media’s WFCR flat at .4, carries on at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 38^th month in a row, 13.7 – 11.7, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRCH (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 24 PPM-markets

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

Ratings Takeaways

February 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | March 27, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.

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

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

All comparisons noted are January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 7.9 – 7.2, -.7, steady at #3

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, first month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KQAC; alternative KNRK; and rhythmic CHR KXJM (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult hits KYCH (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.3 – 5.5, +1.2, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 3.1 – 2.0, -1.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFNZ (-1.1)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, #13 to #10

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #9 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, second consecutive month, 7.2 – 8.9, +1.7

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR KXXM (-1.6)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in succession, 10.9 – 9.5, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KSTE (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-1.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #12 to #10

KDKA-AM’s internet stream 1.1 – .9, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.2 – 6.0 -.2, repeats in fourth place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, third month in a row, 9.9 – 11.3, +1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.4)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.9 – 5.1, -.8, third to fifth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, fourth straight month, 9.9 – 10.8, +.9

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (-.8)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 3.0 – 2.3, -.7, #13 to #18

co-owned KXNT “News Talk 840” 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #23 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fifth successive month, 7.8 – 9.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE and classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-1.8)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 5.2, -.9, fifth to eighth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fifth consecutive month, 8.2 – 8.5, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: country WWKA (+2.5)*

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish news/talk WRSO (-1.0)

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4, #1

cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.8 – 4.1, +.3, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” 3.1 – 1.4, -1.7, #11 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 13^th consecutive month, 12.3 – 10.9, -1.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRRM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WCKY (-1.7)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, #8 to #12

WKRK’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 4.2 – 5.5, +1.3 #11 to #7

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, fourth month in a row, steady at 11.1

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WKRK (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.6 – 4.8, +1.2, #11 to #6

Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #21 to #19

Audacy-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, seventh to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, first month, 7.8 – 8.2, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: news/talk KMBZ-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: alternative KCJK (-.5)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.7 – 5.8, -2.9, second to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU steady at 7.2, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, fourth straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WZCB-HD2 (+.6)

Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBNS-FM (-2.9)**

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

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

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

Industry News

Round Three of January PPMs Released

By TALKERS | February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by TALKERS

The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises six-tenths to finish the survey with a 6.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX is up eight-tenths for a 3.0 share finish good for the #10 rank. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte adds six-tenths to finish the sweep with a 4.3 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises nine-tenths for a 3.5 share finish that puts it in the #9 position, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds seven-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share good for the #13 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City grows 1.5 shares to finish with a 5.9 share that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM rises nine-tenths to finish the survey with a 5.5 share as it remains ranked #5. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Features

January 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by TALKERS

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

Nielsen Audio’s January 2023 sweep covered January 5 – February 1.

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

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

All comparisons noted are “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, fifth to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.2 – 3.0, +.8, #16 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.7 – 7.9, +1.2, repeats in third-place and KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, third month in a row, 16.7 – 9.2, -7.5

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: triple A KINK (+1.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KKCW (-7.5)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, tenth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” (Hornets) 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, flat at #12

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .3 – .6, +.3 steady at #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 7.4 – 8.3, +.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban AC WBAV and urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-4.4)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” (Spurs) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #13 to #9

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 3.2, +.7, #14 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, first month, 8.1 – 7.2, -.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: CHR KXXM (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-8.5)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.8 – 10.9, +2.1, second to first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 3.2 – 3.8, +.6, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” (Kings) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #12 to #7

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 8.8 – 10.9, +2.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYMX (-7.7)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, #13 to #12 and KDKA-AM’s internet stream .7 – 1.1, +.4, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 5.4 – 6.2, +.8, fifth to fourth and KDKA-FM’s internet stream .5 – .6, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 3.1 – 4.5, +1.4, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, second month in a row, 13.3 – 9.9, -3.4

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: adult hits WRRK (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WSHH (-4.5)

*Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.4 – 5.9, +1.5, sixth to third

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, repeats in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 3.1, +1.0, #17 to #14

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, third straight month, 20.0 – 9.9, -10.1

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: alternative KXRK (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSFI (-10.1)**

**Represents the largest “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, fourth successive month, 14.1 – 7.8, -6.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KYLI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSNE (-6.3)

ORLANDO

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

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” (Magic) .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, fourth consecutive month, 13.1 – 8.2, -4.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: alternative WQMP (+1.8)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-4.9)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Bengals) 10.7 – 12.3, +1.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 2.8 – 3.8, +1.0, #13 to #9

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 2.6 – 3.1, +.5, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, sixth to fifth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 12^th consecutive month, 10.7 – 12.3, +1.6

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-4.6)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Cavaliers) 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 6.0 – 5.5, -.5, sixth to eighth and WKRK’s internet stream 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU flat at 4.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, third month in a row, 14.1 – 11.1, -3.0

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WENZ (+2.1)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDOK (-3.7)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, remains at #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.4, locked at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 2.5 – 3.2, +.7, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, flat at 7.9

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KPRS (+1.2)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-4.4)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 5.3 – 7.0, +1.7, eighth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 8.0 – 8.7, +.7, anchored in the runner-up slot

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3, seventh to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, third straight month, 9.2 – 9.5, +.3

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Increase: news/talk WTVN (+1.7)

Largest 6+ “Holiday” 2022 – January 2023 Decrease: adult hits WODC (-3.0)

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

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

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | January 27, 2023 by TALKERS

Holiday 2022 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 (2022) – January 4 (2023).

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

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

All comparisons noted are December 2022 – “Holiday” 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

CHARLOTTE

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN ANTONIO

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

SACRAMENTO

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

SALT LAKE CITY

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAS VEGAS

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, third straight month, 10.6 – 14.1, +3.5

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

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

ORLANDO

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

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

CINCINNATI

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

CLEVELAND

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

COLUMBUS

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

News: None in the top twenty

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

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

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

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

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

Up next: “Holiday” 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, November 3, 2022

By Editor | November 3, 2022 by Editor

Urban One Net Revenue Up 8.9% in Q3 of 2022. The company issues its third quarter 2022 financial data and reports net revenue of approximately $121.4 million, an increase of 8.9% from the same period in 2021. Urban One reports net income of approximately $4.2 million compared to the net income of $13.9 million it reported in the third quarter of 2021. The company says broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $50.8 million, an increase of 3.5% over the same period in 2021. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III says, “Q3 was another very solid quarter, during which we grew both revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Following a soft July for radio advertising, August and September rebounded and we finished the quarter +1.4% on a same station basis, and -1.3% excluding political. Same station radio pacings for Q4 excluding digital are currently +16.0% including political and +0.1% excluding political. Layering in the recent Indianapolis acquisition should push radio revenues to a double-digit percentage increase for Q4. Political spending has steadily gathered momentum, and we anticipate net political advertising revenues to be between $12-$13 million, of which radio is $9-$10 million, which is significantly ahead of both our budget and the 2018 cycle. Our cable TV business had another successful broadcast upfront season, and we were able to increase both our CPM’s and total dollars committed. Our Digital segment posted growth of approximately 40% in both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA as demand for our audience and digital products remained strong. Our liquidity and leverage profile remained robust, and we continued to opportunistically repurchase our 7.375% bonds in the open market.”

Saga Communications’ Third Quarter 2022 Net Revenue Rises 3.9%. Third quarter 2022 financial results for Saga Communications, Inc. reveal net revenue of $30 million – and increase of 3.9% over the same period in 2021. Station operating expense increased 2.8% for the quarter to $22.3 million compared to the same period last year. For Q3 of this year, station operating income increased 4.1% to $8.9 million, and operating income was $1.1 million compared to $4.6 million for the same quarter last year. Free cash flow was $1.6 million for the quarter compared to $4.0 million for the same period last year. Saga reports a net loss of $104,000 for the quarter compared to net income of $3.5 million for the third quarter last year. The company says, “Despite strong underlying performance the results were impacted by one-time payments related to the passing of our founder Ed Christian. As a result, the company is required to make several payments to his estate as outlined in his employment agreement. These expenses were accrued as of September 30, 2022 increasing the reported corporate general and administrative expense line item by $3.8 million for both the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2022. Without these expenses operating income would have increased 5.8% to $4.9 million, free cash flow would have increased 36.5% to $5.4 million and net income would have increased 7.9% to $3.7 million.” Saga’s balance sheet reflects $58.3 million in cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2022 and $45.3 million as of October 31, 2022.

Round Three of October PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM drops 1.1 shares to finish with a 7.3 share (6+, weekly AQH share) but remains ranked #4 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.9 share that lifts it to the #9 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI, San Antonio stays ranked #10 after dipping three-tenths for a 3.6 share, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA sheds one-tenth for a 3.3 share finish and falls to the #12 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM puts up seven-tenths for a 12.3 share that cements its #1 rank as Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds six-tenths for a 7.3 share finish that puts it in the #2 slot. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.

Andrew Colton to Host Mornings on WIOD, Miami. Taking over for longtime South Florida broadcasting legend Jimmy Cefalo on January 9, 2023 as host of the morning program on iHeartMedia’s WIOD “NewsRadio 610 AM” is Andrew Colton. He comes to iHeartMedia from his most recent work as CEO of Colton Legal Media Worldwide. He’s also been an award-winning national correspondent for ABC News, CBS Newspath, and hosted the nationally syndicated “Wall Street Journal This Morning” program. Cefalo will continue to provide commentary on WIOD as well as his role as play-by-play announcer for the Miami Dolphins. “South Florida First News with Andrew Colton” will include veteran news anchor Nathalie Rodriguez, William Althoff with more news and sports, Doug Lindsay with traffic and the Weather Channel’s Ray Stagich. Vice president of news and AM programming Florida Region and iHeartMedia NTS brand coordinator Grace Blazer says, “Jimmy and Andrew both share a passion for news, information, commonsense, and our South Florida lifestyle. We are excited and fortunate to have Andrew Colton continue WIOD’s spoken-word tradition and digital expansion.”

Philadelphia Sports Radio Broadcasters Honored with Hall of Fame Inductions. Two Audacy Philadelphia sports radio personalities are being recognized for their contributions to the Philadelphia sports media landscape. Longtime WIP radio host Howard Eskin is being inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on November 3. Eskin says, “It’s an honor to be selected and to be in such great company – really overwhelming. They say do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. As hard as I work, I have to admit, it is a labor of love.” Al Morganti, co-host of WIP’s morning show, is being honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame and will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism. Morganti comments, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and a huge part of any success I have had is because of the fans of Philadelphia. Having been on WIP for so many years and working at the Philadelphia Inquirer, I can attest that the emotional investment Philadelphia fans make to their teams makes everyone raise their game. Thank you!”

TALKERS News Notes. Legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and SiriusXM ink a multi-year agreement for Krzyzewski to continue hosting his exclusive weekly SiriusXM show, “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K.” Krzyzewski has been hosting the show since 2005 and today (11/3) the first episode of the show’s 18^th season drops. Krzyzewski says, “This will be the first fall in nearly 50 years that I’m not on the sidelines, and I’m so pleased to extend my long relationship with SiriusXM and continue hosting ‘Basketball and Beyond.’ Having the creative freedom to do a really unique show has been incredibly important and rewarding to me. I can be a part of the national conversation on basketball, while also exploring interesting topics with a variety of guests who make an impact far beyond the basketball court.”…..Red Apple Audio Networks announces it is signing 17 stations to its affiliate roster, including 11 Saga Communications stations. The newly added stations are carrying shows hosted by Larry Kudlow, Rudy Giuliani, and Judge Jeanine Pirro, as well as Frank Morano, host of “The Other Side of Midnight.”…..Compass Media Networks partners with Wisebuddah and its sister company imager – European providers of sonic branding, radio imaging and jingles. The London-based companies currently curate the sound of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, Bauer Media and Virgin Radio alongside dozens of radio stations (iHeartMedia, Alpha Media Group) in the United States.

Midterms/Trump in 2024, The Economy/Fed Rate Hike, Elon Musk’s Twitter, Russia-Ukraine War, and Pelosi Attack Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/2). The campaigning ahead of the November 8 midterm elections and expectations that former President Donald Trump will announce his 2024 presidential campaign shortly thereafter; the state of the U.S. economy and the Fed’s decision to hike interest rates again; the spate of celebs claiming they are leaving Twitter as a result of Elon Musk’s taking ownership of the social media platform; Russia’s war on Ukraine and its relationship with Iran, North Korea and China; and the conspiracy theories surrounding the attack on Paul Pelosi were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | November 3, 2022 by Editor

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s October 2022 sweep covered September 15 – October 12.

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

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

All comparisons noted are September 2022 – October 2022 (6+).

Note: The NHL season began October 7; NHL and NFL flagships are noted where applicable.

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.4 – 7.3, -1.1, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB steady at 8.8, second to first and KOPB’s internet stream flat at 1.4 remains at #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, unchanged at 8.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KRYP (+1.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-2.1)*

*Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” (Carolina Panthers) 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.4 – 2.8, +1.4, #17 to #15

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.8 – 4.2, -.6, ninth to tenth

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC .4 – .6, +.2, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.0, -.4

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFNZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats in tenth-place

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, steady at #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, ninth straight month, 9.7 – 9.5, -.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country KAJA (+.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSMG (-.8)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9, first and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, repeats in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KHTK “Sacramento Sports 1140” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 4.1 – 3.3, -.8, #7 to #12

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second successive month, 8.9 – 10.8, +1.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+1.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-.8)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” flat at 2.8, anchored at #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” 6.0 – 6.6, +.6, repeats in fourth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA steady at 3.7, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, third straight month, unchanged at 10.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WPGB (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WDSY (-1.3)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 11.6 – 12.3, +.7, first

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.7 – 7.3, +.6, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.7 – 2.9, -.8, #10 to #13

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 12.3, +.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock KBER (-.9)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.4, #16 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID, second month in a row, 7.1 – 5.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KVEG (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.4)

Note: KDWN is being acquired by Audacy.

ORLANDO

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 5.0 – 6.0, +1.0, eighth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 5.6, -.3, fifth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” .9 – 1.3, +.4, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.0, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WPYO (+1.3)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WXXL (-.9)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, repeats in tenth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” (Bengals) 1.0 – 1.7, +.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.4 – 5.1, +.7, steady at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, eighth month in a row, 11.1 – 9.8, -1.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” 7.8 – 8.7, +.9, third to first

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, repeats in ninth-place and WKRK’s internet stream flat at 1.2, stays at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, continues at #12

Number One 6+: news/talk WTAM, first month, 7.8 – 8.7, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news/talk WTAM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: country WGAR (-.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.8, -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” flat at 1.2, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.3 – 9.2, +.9

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KPRS (-.9)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.7 – 7.5, +.8, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” (Blue Jackets) 9.4 – 10.2, +.8, first

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 6.6, -1.3, third to fifth

Number One 6+: sports talk WBNS-FM, second consecutive month, 9.4 – 10.2, +.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: country WCOL (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WOSU (-1.3)

**Represents the largest September 2022 – October 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets, as well as the previous 24 PPM-markets

Up next: October 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, October 28, 2022

By Editor | October 28, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “The Bird is Caged,” looks back at this past week of 10/24-10/28. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Mark Davis, talk show host, KSKY, “660 AM The Answer,” Dallas/Fort Worth; Holland Cooke, media consultant/author; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/physician; and Brad Shepard, talk show host, Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.

Cumulus Net Revenue Declines 1.8% in Third Quarter. Reporting its financial data for the third quarter of 2022 – as well as the first nine months of 2022 – Cumulus Media reveals that net revenue was $233.5 million in Q1, a decrease of 1.8% over the same period in 2021. For the first nine months of this year, the company reports net income of $16.3 million compared to the loss of $360,000 it reported for the first nine months of 2021. Cumulus breaks out its revenue into segments and the total broadcast radio revenue for Q3 of 2022 was $177 million, down 4.7% from the same period in 2021. While spot revenue was $124.8 million – up 2.3%, network revenue was $52.3 million, down 18.2%. Digital revenue was $34.9 million, an increase of 4.7% over the third quarter of 2021. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “Notwithstanding a difficult macro environment, consistent execution of our strategic plan has put us in an enviable financial position to effectively navigate through the continuing headwinds. Our solid Q3 results reflect that execution – although total revenue declined, driven by weakness in national advertising channels, digital revenue continued to grow, and we increased profitability as well. We also generated $24 million of cash from operations, repurchased $3.9 million of shares, opportunistically retired $2.8 million of senior notes at a discount and finished the quarter with net leverage of 3.7x, the lowest it’s been in more than a decade. Looking ahead, we will continue to rigorously implement our plan, which includes: furthering our multi-platform evolution; supporting growth of multiple, profitable digital businesses; reducing our fixed cost base; investing in high-ROI internal initiatives; maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A, including enhancing cash generation from non-core asset monetization; bolstering liquidity; reducing net leverage; and optimizing a multi-pronged capital allocation strategy. Given our track record, we continue to have strong confidence in our ability, under this plan, to grow shareholder value even in the incrementally challenging macro environment.”

Beasley Names Ron deCastro Market Manager for Tampa. Radio sales and management pro Ron deCastro joins Beasley Media Group as market manager for the company’s Tampa station group that includes business news WHFS-AM “Money Talk 1010 AM” and five music brands. DeCastro was most recently market president and chief revenue officer at WQHT-FM and WBLS-FM in New York. He says, “I’ve spent a significant amount of my career leading some of the most iconic brands in America and I am excited to join the team at Beasley and help continue grow these fantastic brands.” Beasley EVP and COO Brian Beasley says, “We are happy to welcome Ron into the Beasley Media Group family. His vast experience, valuable insight and proven leadership made him the perfect choice to lead and grow our Tampa/St. Pete-based radio properties.”

NPR and Edison Research Unveil Results of Spoken Word Audio Report. The latest Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research concludes that “almost half (46%) of the U.S. population listens to spoken word audio content daily.” This is the fourth version of this study that “explores the ways spoken word media consumption in the U.S. has increased over time, including the number of listeners, and how long they listen.” This year’s study includes a special focus on how younger demographics are increasingly more interested in the medium, and reveals a 214% increase in listening to spoken word audio among those age 13-24. Key findings include: 1) There are an estimated 26 million more people listening to spoken word audio in the U.S. than eight years ago. An estimated 131 million people in the U.S. age 13+ are daily spoken word audio listeners, up from 105 million daily listeners in 2014; 2) Spoken word’s share of all audio is increasing among all listeners. Listeners age 13+ spend 29% of their total audio time with spoken word content, up from 20% in 2014, a 45% increase; 3) Listeners age 13-24 show the most explosive growth with share of spoken word audio. That Gen Z segment spends 22% of their time with spoken word audio, compared with those age 13-24 in 2014 who spent only 7% of their time with spoken word audio, a 214% increase for this age group; and 4) For the first time ever, daily spoken word audio listeners spend a majority of their audio time with spoken word. Those who listen to spoken word audio daily spend 51% of their total daily audio time with spoken word. You can see the report here.

TALKERS News Notes. Just in time for the 2022 Major League Baseball World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros, Audacy drops the new national daily podcast, “Baseball Isn’t Boring,” hosted by longtime baseball columnist, author and WEEI-FM, Boston broadcaster Rob Bradford. The podcast is a project born from the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” campaign instituted by Bradford and major league pitcher Joe Kelly. Kelly and Bradford have also co-authored the soon-to-be-released book, A Damn Near Perfect Game: Reclaiming America’s Pastime. Bradford says, “As we wrap up what has been a very ‘un-boring’ postseason, we’re thrilled to launch this fun new daily podcast to rally behind the great sport of baseball – America’s national pastime. I look forward to speaking with some of the biggest names in sports to prove that baseball is alive and thriving.”…..CNN Audio premieres the new eight-episode, limited-series podcast, “The James Brown Mystery,” that investigates the suspicious death of the legendary musician and questions if he was murdered. The investigation began after CNN reporter Thomas Lake received a phone call from a woman who said she was in James Brown’s inner circle almost 40 years ago and the relationship nearly destroyed her career. Decades later, she’s trying to solve the mystery of Brown’s death. When she makes the call to Lake, “the two stumble into a world of secrets, intimidation, and suspected foul play.” “The James Brown Mystery” is the first podcast hosted and reported by Thomas Lake, who in 2019 published his exclusive CNN investigative series, “Lost in the Woods with James Brown’s Ghost,” exploring unanswered questions around the singer’s death and the many people still calling for an autopsy and criminal investigation. “The James Brown Mystery” expands upon Lake’s reporting and covers Brown’s complicated past, the mysterious death of his third wife, and the biggest questions surrounding his demise…..WDAS-AM/W273DO, Philadelphia “FOX Sports Radio, The Gambler” sports show “The Divide Live” – hosted by Mike, a diehard Mets fan and Corey, a diehard Yankees fan – are broadcasting a one-hour special recorded live from the Toms River Field of Dreams Comedy Night Benefit last weekend (10/22). The special broadcast will include interviews with former MLB third baseman Todd Frazier for his take on the Mets, Yankees, “retirement” and life after the MLB; mixed martial artist Frankie Edgar who breaks down what it’s like to prepare for his final UFC fight at Madison Square Garden; and WFAN, New York afternoon drive star Craig Carton talking career, giving back, life’s successes and unfortunate failures. It airs tonight at 9:00 pm ET…..Edison Research, provider of Edison Podcast Metrics, announces it has developed a complementary service to count downloads for participating publishers. After months of research, Edison is utilizing a new method for determining U.S. downloads that does not employ a redirect nor involve delivery of log files. Edison president Larry Rosen says, “We have developed an elegant new solution that will enhance our unique Edison Podcast Metrics survey. While our survey of 20,000 podcast listeners each year provides the most complete look at the totality of actual listening to podcasts, download data will provide deeper information to subscribers, especially for smaller and short-run shows.”

KTSA, San Antonio Helps Raise Almost $170,000 for Thanksgiving Dinner for Those in Need. San Antonio news/talk KTSA helped raise a record $163,893, during the annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner radiothon Friday, October 21. Funds raised will go to feed more than 25,000 seniors and needy people on Thanksgiving Day. The Alpha Media news/talk says the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is the largest dinner of its kind in the country. Pictured above (l-r) are KTSA talk hosts Sean Rima, Jack Riccardi, and Trey Ware with a staffer from the Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Dinner charity.

WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina Owner Honored for Station’s Service. Pictured above is broadcaster and WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner Anne Eller (left) receiving a proclamation by Charles Moates (right), chair of the Greenwood County Council, in honor of the station’s 81 years of service and Eller’s service to the community. Speaking to The Index-Journal about her work as an independent broadcaster, Eller says, “Each day gives me the chance to connect with my listeners through delivery via traditional radio, livestreaming on the Internet, podcasts on our website and promotions via social media. Radio is as relevant in the business of communications as ever before – maybe more so. I am proud of the honors my station and I have received recently, and I look forward to many more great years as a broadcaster,” Photo by Damian Dominguez, The Index-Journal

Politics and Midterm Elections Tie as Top News/Talk Stories for Week of October 24-28. The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and the politics surrounding them came together as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the state of the economy, including inflation and threats of a recession, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal issues at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, September 9, 2022

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Like a Pendulum Do,” looks back at this past week of 9/5 to 9/9. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Tim Van Horn, talk show host, KWAM, Memphis; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Sandy Rios, talk show host, American Family Radio; Matthew B. Harrison, VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Podcast Movement Apologizes to Ben Shapiro; Way Forward Still Unclear. The controversy surrounding the surprise appearance of Ben Shapiro at the recent Podcast Movement convention in Dallas that apparently upset at least one other attendee continues as the organization has issued an apology to Shapiro. As you may recall, Podcast Movement immediately apologized to the offended party via Twitter in a since-deleted tweet, causing Cumulus Media to cry foul and announce it would not support the 2023 convention. Podcast Movement tweeted on Thursday (9/8): “As we stated, we’re continuing to evaluate our policies guiding social media & events with inclusivity, diversity & respect for all. We have to start by sincerely apologizing to Mr. Shapiro for our reaction when he visited a booth we sold his company. That wasn’t right. Podcast Movement began in 2014, with four podcasters who had an idea to create a vibrant community that was for podcasters, by podcasters. We’re still those people with the same idea, and recognize there’s work to do as we grow. We are now looking to move forward, as we focus on that original mission from 2014 – being a hub for podcasting events, resources, news, and thought leadership.” Naturally, those with no tolerance for conservative thought are not happy with this apology and this puts Podcast Movement in a difficult situation. On one hand, it can refuse to include conservatives in future gatherings and appease the “no tolerance” segment of its constituency. But big-time podcast publishers such as Cumulus, iHeartMedia, and Audacy produce a large number of podcasts. While most of those are not political at all, some are and are hosted by polarizing personalities. Does Podcast Movement want to alienate them to appease a small but very vocal minority? On the other hand, if it says, “everyone’s welcome,” you can bet those intolerant of others’ opinions will protest loudly, and the annual event then becomes a referendum on political partisanship. Podcast Movement has less than a year to figure this out.

Round Three of August PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM grows by a full share to post a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts the station to #1, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX-AM rises by seven-tenths for a 3.1 share that boosts it to the #13 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM, San Antonio adds seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share pushes it to the #8 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA rises by two-tenths for a 3.2 share but falls one position to the #12 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City remains ranked #1 even after dropping a half share for a 9.1 share finish. Meanwhile, Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds a half share and closes the survey with a 6.1 share good for the #4 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s news/talk KMBZ-FM tacks on eight-tenths for a 4.7 finish that lifts it from #11 to #5, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KCMO-AM also adds eight-tenths for a 1.5 share finish putting at the #20 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the first two groups) here.

Triton Digital Releases Streaming Rankers for July 2022. The latest data from Triton Digital’s monthly ranking of top streaming properties is released for the July 2022 period. Triton ranks streamers based on Average Active Sessions (AAS). In the U.S. for 6AM-12AM Mon-Sun, iHeartRadio is the #1 streamer with 278,576 AAS. At #2 is NPR Member Stations (67,269 AAS), followed by Audacy at #3 (61.293 AAS). Other radio-related companies on Triton’s chart includes: Cumulus Streaming Network ranked #4 (37,569 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate at #7 (16,157), Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (13,676), Salem Communications at #10 (7,763 AAS), and Urban One at #11 (7,533). You can see the complete ranker here.

Big Radio Announces News and Sports Talent Additions. At Scott and Ben Thompson’s Big Radio in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, two new staffers join the company. At the Janesville, Wisconsin operations, Sean Maloney is now part of the news team working on news coverage across the group and being part of local high school sports broadcasts. He joined the company from Magnum Media in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. John Barry, award-winning sportswriter previously with the Janesville Gazette, also joins the company to work on its local sports coverage. Big Radio says its sports department consists of nearly 40 individuals working together to provide over 400 local high school sports broadcasts annually throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Company CEO Ben Thompson says, “Local news, information and entertainment is what people look for from their local stations and Big Radio injects local news, sports, entertainment and conversation wherever we can across our 10-station group. We are grateful that both Sean and John bring those values with them to help reinforce our commitment to local programming.”

TALKERS News Notes. The 2022-23 NFL season is underway and Audacy announces a series of podcasts to cater to fans. New podcasts produced by the company’s 2400Sports studio include: “Kickoff with Boomer and Valenti” starring WFAN, New York morning host Boomer Esiason and WXYT-FM, Detroit afternoon host Mike Valenti; “The Crew” with senior NFL insider Josina Anderson, Hollywood actor Morris Chestnut, and former NFL cornerback Fred Smoot; “In The Huddle” starring former NFL player and current Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger and Audacy NFL insider and NFL reporter Jason La Canfora; “1st & Pod with Parkins and Poni” starring WSCR, Chicago’s Danny Parkins and KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh’s Andrew Fillipponi…..Skyview Networks partners with iHeartMedia Milwaukee to be the play-by-play radio broadcast distributor for Green Bay Packers games. As part of the deal, Skyview’s AdView inventory management software will be used. Skyview SVP business development and communication Andrew Kalb says, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with iHeartMedia Milwaukee and its Green Bay Packers radio rightsholder, ‘The Game 97.3.’ We look forward to collaborating on taking the Packers network to the next level and I am confident that with our technology, they will see new efficiencies and greater insight into revenue.”…..iHeartMedia and Warner Music Group announce a multi-year deal in which the two companies will co-produce a slate of shows that range from ongoing weekly podcasts to limited-run series, beginning this fall. As part of the collaboration, WMG’s Interval Presents will distribute its podcasts through the iHeartPodcast Network widely to all podcast consumption platforms. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne states, “Joining forces with an iconic music company like Warner Music Group, known for their dedication to advancing the voices and careers of artists, is a seamless fit for iHeartMedia. Our team is thrilled to be co-producing a slate of shows to elevate inspiring, diverse voices and important conversations in this vein – and can’t wait to get started.”

Mar-a-Lago Aftermath and Trump Legal Issues Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 5 – 9. The Department of Justice’s appeal of Judge Aileen Cannon’s order for a Special Master to oversee the documents former President Donald Trump had stored at Mar-a-Lago and Trump’s other legal issues combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was politics and the midterm elections, followed by crime, violence, and homelessness at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Michael Harrison “Idiots” Tour Off and Running. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has appeared as a guest on a number of major local and national radio talk shows covering several hundred stations across the nation during the past two weeks discussing the musical track “Idiots” on which he appears as lead vocalist with the iconic classic rock band, GUNHILL ROAD. “Idiots” is a catchy song with an ear-worm hook and provocative lyrics taking aim at what Harrison describes as the “growing wave of idiocy that’s spreading across America and threatening the nation’s democracy.” Harrison wrote the song in collaboration with his bandmates – Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Since its release in late August, the song’s music video (www.idiotsvideo.com) has racked up thousands of views on YouTube and gotten airplay on dozens of talk shows and radio station websites from WABC, New York to KXL, Portland – including KTSA, San Antonio; WBT, Charlotte; KSCO, Santa Cruz; KFNX, Phoenix; WPG, Atlantic City; WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami; WRVA, Richmond; WTIC, Hartford; WVLY, Wheeling; WTNN, Nashville; KWAM, Memphis; KDFD, Denver; WLIR-FM, Long Island; WRHU-FM, Hempstead, NY and many more including exposure on Talk Media Network; Doug Stephan’s “Good Day”; Virginia Talk Radio Network, Nevada Talk Network, John Fredericks Radio Network, Podcast Radio Network in the U.K. and more. “Ironically, the song is becoming somewhat of a talk radio hit,” says Harrison. “The music stations haven’t a clue what to do with it because it doesn’t fit conveniently into their cookie cutter categories. Today’s music radio doesn’t have the flexibility to include those ‘odd’ and ‘offbeat’ songs that would occasionally come down the pike and become hits in pop’s golden era. However, talk radio programmers get it.” One of the song’s qualities that adds to its talk show appeal and support from both liberals and conservatives is its non-partisanship. Harrison calls it an “equal opportunity offender.” Lyrics include such lines as: A fool will always be a fool… left, right, blue or red… it pays to have an open mind, but not an empty head. Another: They (idiots) cherry pick and reaffirm half-baked dumb ideas… agree with almost anything that feeds their hate and fears… always blaming others for their own damn lack of vision… they buy the crap that’s sold them from the merchants of division. That last line is punctuated on the video by the famous “turd” emoji emanating from the rear ends of an elephant and donkey. Harrison plans to continue the Talk Radio Idiots Tour through the fall. Shows and hosts interested in booking him as a guest can do so by emailing info@talkers.com or calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Click here to see the video.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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

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

All comparisons noted are July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0, fourth to first

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #17 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.4 – 8.5, -.9, first to second

Number One 6+: news/talk KXL, first month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KXL and adult hits KYCH (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio KOPB and country KWJJ (-.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, locked at #17

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” flat at .3, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, tenth to seventh

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC steady at .3, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WKKT, first month, 7.5 – 7.6, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and gospel WPZS (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 4.6, +.7, ninth to eighth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX steady at 2.5, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.2 – 9.4, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country KAJA (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, remains in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 4.1, +.6, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KNCI, first month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classical KXPR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSTE (-1.1)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, anchored in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.5 – 3.5, +1.0, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, first month, flat at 9.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC WLTJ (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR WKST (-1.2)

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

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 9.6 – 9.1, -.5, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, seventh month in succession, 9.6 – 9.1, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC KBZN and rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KUDD (-1.1)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.0, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC KVGS (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.5)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fourth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 2.0 – 3.7, +1.7, #15 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #20 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 7.0 – 7.5, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WDBO (+1.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WRUM (-1.4)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.3 – 11.7, -.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, remains at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, sixth month in a row, 12.3 – 11.7, -.6

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUBE (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 7.4 – 7.8, +.4, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, #11 to #10 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.3 – 4.3, +1.0, #12 to #11

Ideastream-owned WCPN’s internet stream .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, eighth month in a row, 9.4 – 9.0, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WNCX (-2.0)**

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

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, #11 to #5

Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .7 – 1.5, +.8, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) steady at 3.4, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fifth straight month, 8.3 – 8.6, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KMBZ-FM and similarly-formatted KCMO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian KJNW (-1.7)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 8.2 – 7.5, -.7, first to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.9 – 6.8, +.9, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 8.2, +.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WNCI, first month, 7.7 – 8.5, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-1.1)

Call letter oddity: This is the first month at #1 for Bonneville Sacramento country KNCI, as well as iHeartMedia Columbus CHR WNCI.

Up next: August 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | August 11, 2022 by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.2 – 8.0, -.2, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.8)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE flat at 4.6, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 6.1 – 7.9, +1.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: urban AC WBAV (+1.8)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.0)

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

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, eighth to ninth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #15 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth straight month, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KISS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” flat at 7.5, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, continues at #9

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, seventh month in a row, unchanged at 9.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KNCI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock KRXQ and regional Mexican KVMX-FM (-.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, remains at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classical WQED (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WKPL (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 10.2 – 9.6, -.6, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.8 – 5.6, -1.2, second to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, sixth month in succession, 10.2 – 9.6, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.1, #15 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.3 – 7.5, +1.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC KVGS (-.7)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 6.1, +.2, seventh to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #18 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, second straight month, 7.9 – 8.5, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-2.2)**

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.4 – 12.3, +.9, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.0 – 4.3, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, fifth month in a row, 11.4 – 12.3, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WLW (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WEBN (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.7 – 7.4, +.7, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #12 to #11 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, remains at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, seventh month in a row, 10.4 – 9.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WMMS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats at #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.1 – .9, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fourth straight month, 7.7 – 8.3, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WDAF (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative KRBZ (-1.6)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.1 – 8.2, -.9, #1

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, seventh to sixth and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3, fourth to second

Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, sixth straight month, 9.1 – 8.2, -.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WOSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC WVMX (-1.2)

Up next: July 2022 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

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

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, July 15, 2022

By Editor | July 15, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “The Merchants of Division,” looks back at this past week of 7/11 to 7/15. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Peter King, correspondent, CBS News Radio, Orlando/Kennedy Space Center; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Matthew B. Harrison, VP/associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast RadioUK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

It’s My Party – The Story of Hubbard Broadcasting’s ‘myTalk 107.1’. Back in 2000, Hubbard Broadcasting bought a pair of New Richmond, Wisconsin-licensed country-formatted stations (WIXK-AM & WIXK-FM) for $27 million. The company subsequently tested several formats for the FM, then upgraded it to a move-in signal at 107.1 for Minneapolis-St. Paul, roughly 47 miles to the west. Country was jettisoned in early-June 2002 so it could give way to what has blossomed into a distinctively different approach to the talk radio genre. In this feature story, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian does a deep dive into the female-targeted talk station KTMY-FM “myTalk 107.1” that will celebrate its 20^th anniversary as a talker next Thursday. Hubbard Minneapolis VP/market manager Dan Seeman says company president and CEO Ginny Morris “saw that ‘Oprah was Oprah’ [and wondered why] a talk radio station couldn’t be aimed at women. Even today, all talk radio is [male-targeted]. It doesn’t mean that women aren’t listening; [however], news, politics, and sports lean more toward men. Ginny will always tell you that the hope for the station was to create Vanity Fair on the air. The conversation was about relationships and certainly included news and information – but from a female perspective. It was much lighter and with laughs. There wasn’t – and still isn’t – anything else like [KTMY] anywhere in the country.” Read the full story here.

Round Three of June PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM rises three-tenths to finish the survey with an 8.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #4. Across town, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM tacks on two-tenths to finish ranked #19 after posting a 2.1 share. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI, San Antonio rises to the #8 rank after adding three-tenths for a 4.2 share, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds half a share for a 2.6 share finish good for the #15 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM is #1 after rising six-tenths to a 10.6 share finish while Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM adds seven-tenths for a 6.8 share that pushes it up to the #2 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.

Steak Shapiro and Sandra Golden to Host Late Mornings on Audacy’s ‘92.9 The Game’ in Atlanta. Two of the Atlanta market’s most well-known sports talk personalities are joining Audacy’s WZGC-FM “92.9 The Game” to host the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show effective August 4. The new program featuring Steak Shapiro and Sandra Golden is called “The Front Row on 92.9 The Game.” Shapiro and Golden co-hosted together previously in the market on Dickey Broadcasting’s crosstown sports talker WCNN-AM “The Fan.” Audacy Atlanta SVP and market manager Rick Caffey states, “We are excited to welcome Steak Shapiro and Sandra Golden to the ‘92.9 The Game’ team and for the addition of this brand-new show to our weekday programming slate. Like our listeners, Steak and Sandra are extremely passionate about our Atlanta sports teams, and their high-energy, fast-paced show will be a great compliment to our market-leading schedule of live and local sports content.” Shapiro is also the creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning television show “Atlanta Eats.” He’s has lead roles on Food Network shows “Food Truck Face-Off” and “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and has been a guest commentator on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, FOX Business and Headline News. He is the founder of Big League Broadcasting and Bread n Butter Content Studio. Golden is a three-time Emmy Award winner and four-time Associated Press Award winner. Audacy says additional co-hosts of “The Front Row on 92.9 The Game” will be announced at a later date.

Research Director Announces New Staffers. With the retirement of longtime quality control team manager Kathryn Boxill from Research Director, Inc, the company announces a number of promotions. Nakia Smith takes on additional duties as client services consultant and senior team lead. At the same time, Matthew Wright assumes the quality control team supervisor and graphic designer position. Additionally, Lucas Gordon and Andrew Wilson join the company as media data analysts. Research Director Inc founder and CEO Marc Greenspan says of the retiring Boxill, “She was the second employee we hired back in 1996. I interviewed her at my dining room table before we moved into our first office in 1997. She has played an important role in every stage of our company’s success since then. We wish her the best in the next phase of her journey.”

TALKERS News Notes. Next Wednesday afternoon (7/20), Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas and talk host Rick Roberts will present a live, in-studio panel discussion with school safety experts and DFW community leaders called “School Security and Your Child’s Safety.” Taking part in the two-hour program will be Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Texas State Senator Royce West, retired NYPD lieutenant and FOX News contributor Joe Cardinale, retired Texas Ranger and co-founder of Cinco Peso Training Group Brad Oliver, and Dallas Police Association president Sgt. Mike Mata…..The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will enshrine Rick Alloway, Gary Kerr, and Neil Nelkin into its Hall of Fame on August 9 during the 87th Annual NBA Convention. Alloway served with KFOR, Lincoln from 1972-1984 as an announcer, producer, promotions director and operations manager. He became a full-time University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty member who taught the college’s sports broadcasting course for 30 years and was a member of the steering committee that developed the college’s major in Sports Media and Communication. Kerr served with WOW-AM & WOW-TV beginning in 1964. He became the WOWT-TV news anchor in 1971. Nelkin has moved through the broadcasting ranks as an announcer, talk show host, program director, operations manager, station manager and co-owner. He continues to stay active in Omaha radio, at both NRG Media and at Walnut Media…..Double Elvis, in partnership with iHeartMedia, announces the launch of a brand new travel-meets-music podcast titled, “Sound of Our Town.” The new scripted, narrative-style audio series explores 10 different cities across the United States in-depth by taking listeners through each town’s individual culture of music. In each episode, host and acclaimed independent recording artist Will Dailey digs into each city’s best live music venues, tells the tales of local musicians, and details the neighborhoods and communities where new sound styles thrive and more. The show’s premiere episode takes listeners through the dynamic sound of Portland, Maine, while other episodes will delve into local music from Asbury Park, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Tulsa, Phoenix, Houston and Philadelphia.

Partisan Politics and the Elections Tie as Top News/Talk Story for Week of July 11-15. The partisan politics in Washington, DC tied with the November midterm elections and speculation about who will be the presidential nominees in 2024 tied as the most talked about stories on news/talk radio during the week and landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy as inflation, sinking stocks and fears of a recession plague Americans, followed by the January 6 Committee hearings at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is a result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

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