Tag: PPM

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 – flagships are bolded, where applicable.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.3 – 8.7, -.6, ensconced in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight month

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) steady at 2.6, #16 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 12.0, +.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 22nd month in succession, 11.6 – 12.0, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WKYS (-.7)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #12 to #15

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2, third to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #11 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.6 – 5.4, -.2, repeats in third-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.6 – 7.8, +2.2*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.9 – 3.8, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, seventh straight month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+1.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WMIB (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 4.7 – 6.0, +1.3, seventh to third

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #17 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 6.8 – 5.9, -.9, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, fourth straight month, 7.9 – 6.8, -1.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (+1.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.2) 

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 4.0, repeats at #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4, second to first 

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 2.0, +.7, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, continues at #17

Wayne State University’s WDET 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: sports talk WXYT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 8.6, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-.8)

PHOENIX 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, tenth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #15 for the third straight month

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, seventh to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 6.1 – 7.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KESZ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KAZG (-1.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, #14 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 for the fourth straight month

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 for the third month in succession

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 4.8 – 8.8, +2.0, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW flat at 6.2, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, sixth consecutive month, 10.7 – 10.1, -.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+2.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KTCZ and country KMNB (-.7)

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” steady at 4.7, seventh to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XRST (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets 

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.2 – 5.3, +.1, repeats in fifth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #8 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 2.0, +.2 #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 26th month in a row, 7.8 – 8.0, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: country WQYK (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: country WFUS (-1.5)

DENVER 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.7 – 3.7, +1.0, #16 to #13

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.6, +.8, #11 to #7

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 6.2, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN and sports talk KKSE (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.2 – 4.1, +.9, #12 to #8

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, repeats at #18

News: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, eighth to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.4 – 4.5, +.1, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 6.4 – 8.6, +2.2

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHUR (-.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, sixth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, first month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban AC WFUN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WARH (-2.1)**

**Represents a tie for the largest August 2023 – September 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets

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

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of September PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings date from Nielsen Audio’s September PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM rises three-tenths to a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls back one spot to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR sheds two-tenths for a 1.2 share finish but rises to the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is flat with a 4.8 share but regresses one spot to the #4 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM jumps eight-tenths for a 3.7 share finish good for the #8 rank in the market. And in Chicago, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN-AM adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.4 share that lifts it to the #8 rank, while Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths for a 4.9 share finish good for the #3 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imSeptember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the September 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s September 2023 sweep covered August 17 – September 13.

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 August 2023 – September 2023 (6+).

Note: The NFL season began September 7 (flagships are bolded).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #21 to #19

Red Apple Media‘s WABC-AM 3.1 — 3.4, +.3, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, seventh to fifth

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) steady at 2.5, #13 to #10

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, #12 to #9

Good Karma Brands‘  WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) flat at 1.1 #23 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, tenth to eighth

WNYC-FM cluster-mate WNYC-AM 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #22 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, eleventh month in a row, 8.1 – 7.3, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (+.5)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.8, third to fourth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.7, +.8, #12 to #8

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, seventh month in succession, 6.4 – 6.1, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KNX (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLLI (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, #11 to #8

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, stays at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.9 – 3.0, +.1, remains at #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, twelfth straight month, 7.7 – 6.8, -.9 and Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV, first month, 6.2 – 6.8, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: hot AC WTMX (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-.9)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 2.0, #18 to #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 7.1, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED flat at 5.3, repeats in third-place  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, sixth month in succession, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.7)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 4.7, +3, repeats in third-place

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers, Cowboys) 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, fourth month in a row, flat at 4.9, and Cumulus Media country KPLX, first month, 4.1 – 4.9, +.8

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLTY (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (-.7)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 3.7, repeats at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA second month in a row, 7.5 – 7.9, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: alternative KTBZ (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.3, +.7, locked in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) steady at 2.8, #15 to #14

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.5 – 1.5, -1.0, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.7 – 3.5, -.2, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.2 – 7.9, -1.3

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-1.3)*

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

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Audacy’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, ninth to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 5.5 – 5.8, +.3, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fifth straight month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news KYW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBEN-FM (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 3.9, +2.1, #18 to #8

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.7 – 4.0, -.7, third to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, eighth to tenth

Good Karma-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) steady at 1.7, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, seventh month in a row, 7.1 – 8.0, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: news/talk WABC (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: news WINS and Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.7)

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

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .5 – .4, -.1, #18 to #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at .2, repeats at #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, sixth straight month, unchanged at 9.9

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KDAY (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-.4)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) 5.5 – 4.8, -.7, repeats in fourth-place

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #19 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, third month in a row, 6.5 – 6.6, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: 1980s-based KOSF (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.0) 

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.5 – 5.2, -.3, third to fourth   

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #12 to #13

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, Giants) 3.3 – 4.1, +.8, ninth to eighth

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) 1.0 – .9, -.1, remains at #19

WFAN’s internet stream 1.2 – .8, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, third straight month, 6.7 – 6.3, -.4

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2023 – September 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

Up next: September 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Industry News

“Why Is KFI So Successful?”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles gets some love from the Los Angeles Daily News’ Richard Wagoner in his column. Reporting on the station’s recent #3 rank in Nielsen’s August PPM survey,im Wagoner writes, “Why is KFI so successful – isn’t conservative talk dead? Yes, it is… and it’s been decades since KFI was considered ‘conservative talk’ (even when it wasn’t). There have always been a balance of viewpoints on the station; as it moved away from politically centered topics to more general topics, it matched the mood of listeners who wanted to be entertained more than they wanted to be angry.” Read his column here.

Industry News

The Damning Myth of Spoken Word Radio: High Time Spent Listening (TSA) and Low Cume

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network

imDependency upon a PPM panel to deliver high time spent listening is a bad business model. Would you rather count on one person listening for one hour or four people listening for 15 minutes? Right.

A good music format program director knows exactly how to program talk radio in a PPM environment. Oddly, when a music programmer has the privilege of programming a talk station they seem to forget all of their programming knowledge. Both formats are measured by exactly the same technology and therefore if it “works” in music, it works in talk.

The reason “New Jersey 101.5” quickly became the highest cuming FM talk station in the world – for 20+ years – is because when Bob McAllan, Jay Sorensen, Perry Simon, John Dziuba and I designed it, we had a simple process: Build a music station that takes a lot of phone calls. It was always programmed like a top 40 station and 33 years later it obviously worked.

The reason “Real Radio 104.1 in Orlando” was the only Howard Stern station that did not suffer the expense of having to change format when he was recruited to SiriusXM Satellite Radio was because the station was built as a heavily formatted music station that took a lot of phone calls. Note that Real Radio 104.1 and New Jersey 101.5 both air music non-stop on the weekends for the single purpose of targeting a specific cume demographic. It obviously worked.

What are the key elements of a music format that should be applied to talk in order to build cume?

  • Please, god, don’t flag the “breaks.”
  • Every show had a specific pace based on topic set up time and call length time which gave the station a consistent rhythm and sound.  All day.
  • No “records” from home!  No personal sound effects, jingles or that crap.
  • Constantly sell ahead. No yesterday calls, yesterday references. Sell what’s next.
  • Assume every single listener just tuned in. Explain the topic and give the phone number obsessively.
  • Listener driven not host driven. Every host is valuable and gifted but if a host makes the mistake of quitting, the interest needs and tastes of the listener are constant and can be reflected by the next host. A constant.

Mickey Luckoff, the brilliant president of KGO, San Francisco for decades explained why he hired most of his hosts from top 40  radio because, “I can teach them TALK but I can’t teach them radio.”  BTW yes, even 34-year morning host Jim Dunbar worked at WLS and KQV as a top 40 jock immediately before joining KGO to host a talk show.

Walter Sabo was a pioneer in the concept of targeted talk which allows a station to precisely reach a chosen demographic. He has had a robust list of consulting clients including, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Conde Naste, CBS, Press Broadcasting, RKO General, Hearst, Fred Silverman Productions, and many more. His company HITVIEWS was the first major player to recognize and monetize online video stars known as “influencers.” He is on the nominating board of the Radio Hall of Fame. Reach him at 646.678.1110 or walter@sabomedia.com.  Discover Sabo’s network radio show here: waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

Round Four of August PPM Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee iHeartMedia news/talk WISN adds a full share for a 10.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ rises eight-tenths to finish with an 8.7 share lifting it to the #3 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM adds six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 6.8 share good for the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ rises two-tenths for a 0.4 share and the #18 rank. In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk WZZR-FM dips one-tenth for a 1.8 share but rises to the #10 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WFTL, rises three-tenths for a 1.6 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 2023 – August 2023 (6+).   

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.0 – 3.3, -.7, #10 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 5.4 – 6.1, +.7, fifth to third

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, eighth month in succession, 10.4 – 9.7, -.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KPEZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KASE (-1.3)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 7.9 – 9.2, +1.3, third to second

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” flat at .1, repeats at #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #12 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 9.9 – 9.5, -.4, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, second consecutive month, 9.9 – 9.5, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WTKK (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-.7)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 5.7 – 6.0, +.3, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 6.6 – 6.3, -.3, remains in third-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, third successive month, 8.4 – 7.8, -.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WNTR (+2.7)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.5)

*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station in all 48 PPM-markets

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0, #1

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 7.9 – 8.7, +.8, fourth to third  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .8 – 1.0, +.2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM flat at 2.5, #13 to #14

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, repeats at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fifth straight month, 9.7 – 10.7, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk WISN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rock WHQC (-.7)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.3 – 4.8, +.5, ninth to eighth    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #20 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 3.4 – 4.2, +.8, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult hits WCJK (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WJXA (-1.1)

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 6.2 – 6.8, +.6, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .2 – .4, +.2, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, continues in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, tenth to eighth

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” steady at .1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, unchanged at #11

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, anchored at #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, second month in a row, 9.6 – 9.7, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WKKB (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: CHR WPRO-FM (-1.0)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, ensconced at #11

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” flat at .2, #22 to #20

Max Broadcast Group’s business talk WGH-FM-HD2 “Money Radio” steady at .2, #22 to #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, repeats at #14

WVSP cluster-mate WGH-AM “Fox Sports 1310” unchanged at .2, #22 to #20

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” flat at .2, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth straight month, 10.0 – 11.3, +1.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWDE (+2.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-1.0)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Renda adult contemporary WEJZ, first month, 9.5 – 9.3, -.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WQIK (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WJGL (-.8)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #12 to #10

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.3 -1.6, +.3, #13 to #12

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .2 – .4, +.2, anchored at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” flat at .2, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, second straight month, 10.2 – 9.2, -1.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WAYF (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WOLL (-1.7)**

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

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, anchored 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 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #11 to #9

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC flat at 1.4, repeats at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, eighth month in a row, 12.3 – 12.5, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WPAW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WTQR (-1.0)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, eighth to ninth

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” steady at .2, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, eighth to seventh

WFMS’ internet stream .4 – .2, -.2, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, sixth straight month, 13.7 – 12.9, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRVR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.6)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, repeats in seventh-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, flat at #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream steady at .8, unchanged at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, eighth to ninth

New England Public Media’s WFCR unchanged at .6, continues at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 43rd month in a row, 9.6 – 10.1, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WRCH; rhythmic CHR WZMX; and CHR WKCI (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.4)

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

Industry News

Round Three of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. 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 jumps nine-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that lifts it to the #3 rank in the market, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish good for the #18 rank. In San Antonio, Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.6 share and rises to the #15 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOAI dips two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish and falls to the #17 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville news/talk KSL-AM/FM jumps six-tenths for a 4.9 share finish that lifts it to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 1.2 shares to finish with a 3.4 share that drags it down to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 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 August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to third

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #20 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 6.2 – 6.1, -.1, third to fourth

KOPB’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, anchored at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW, first month, 8.8 – 10.3, +1.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KKCW (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A KINK (-1.6)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, locked at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.6 – 4.6, +1.0, #11 to #6

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, fourth straight month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFAE (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WLKO (-1.5)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 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 – 1.9, +.2, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, eighth consecutive month, 9.1 – 8.6, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KCYY (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KQXT (-1.3)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9, #1

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” flat at 3.7, seventh to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, first month, 10.7 – 9.7, -1.0 and iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, second month in a row, 12.6 – 9.7, -2.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KBEB (+2.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (-2.9)**

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

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

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, repeats in tenth-place

KDKA’s internet stream .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 6.7 – 6.8, +.1, continues at #4

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA flat at 4.6, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, ninth month in a row, 12.8 – 11.4, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: alternative WXDX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWSW (-1.4)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 4.6 – 3.4, -1.2, #4 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 2.1 – 2.6, +.5, #20 to #17

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, tenth straight month, 11.6 – 10.8, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KBZN (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk KNRS and adult contemporary KBEE (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, second month in succession, 8.1 – 9.3, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KXQQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KWID (-2.1)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, tenth to seventh

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, #11 to #13

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, repeats at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, third consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.1, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOCL (+1.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WPYO (-1.2)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0, #1

WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .8 – 1.2, +.4, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 19th consecutive month, 16.0 – 14.0, -2.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WGRR (+1.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news/talk WLW (-2.0)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.1 – 4.0, +.9, #12 to #11

WKRK’s internet stream .4 – .5, +.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WARF “Fox Sports 1350 AM The Gambler” flat at .2, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University’s WKSU 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, steady at #9

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, tenth month in a row, 10.3 – 10.5, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WKRK +.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban AC WZAK (-1.6)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, fifth to third

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, repeats at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #12 to #10

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, first month, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country KBEQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KCKC (-1.1)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, third to second   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 4.5 – 4.4, -.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, tenth straight month, 10.9 – 10.4, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WLVQ and rock WRKZ (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WOSA (-.7)

Up next: August 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 Two of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM adds two-tenths for a 9.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2 in the market, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.5 share but rises to the #7 rank. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 4.7 share and falls to the #7 rank, while Lotus Communications all-news KNWN-AM/FM declines three-tenths to wrap the survey with a 2.0 share good for the #19 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia news/talk KFYI adds a full share for a 3.9 share finish that lifts it to the #10 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM adds three tenths to finish with a 3.0 share but remains ranked #15 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 2023 – August 2023 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” steady at 3.5, ninth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.1 – 9.3, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU unchanged at 11.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 21st month in succession, flat at 11.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic rock WBIG (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.3) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #13 to #12

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 4.9 – 5.6, +.7, fifth to third

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.7, +.2 #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, second to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, third month in succession, 6.2 – 6.5, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WBWL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult hits WBGB (-1.0)

MIAMI

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 7.9, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLYF and country WKIS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-1.1)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, fifth to seventh

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #17 to #19

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, ninth to seventh

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 1.6 – 2.4, +.8, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 4.5 – 6.8, +2.3, seventh to second

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, third straight month, 7.7 – 7.9, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+2.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KHTP (-1.1)

*Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 – and the previous 12 – PPM-markets  

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, #10 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 6.7 – 7.2, +.5, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.3, -.5, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, third successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: country WYCD (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WDRQ (-1.4)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.9 – 3.9, +1.0, #13 to #10

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.7 – 3.0, +.3, repeats at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.5 – 4.1, -2.4, second to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, third consecutive month, 7.8 – 7.6, -.2

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFYI and rock KUPD (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KJZZ (-2.4)**

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

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) flat at 3.5, #13 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” unchanged at 1.3, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 3.8 – 4.8, +1.0, #12 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.2, -.5, stays in fourth-place

KNOW’s internet stream 1.2, #20 (unlisted in July 2023)

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fifth consecutive month, 11.6 – 10.7, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, eighth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, fifth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.2 – 5.8, +.6, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego rhythmic hot AC XHRM, first month, 6.9 – 6.6, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KYXY (-1.1)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 5.2, sixth to fifth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, tenth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 1.8, +.5 #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #15 to #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 25th month in a row, 8.1 – 7.8, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC WMTX (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.7 – 3.8, +1.1, #17 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, #11 to #10

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 6.1 – 6.6, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk KKFN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KQMT (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, locked at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #19 to #18

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, first month, unchanged at 6.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM and urban AC WWIN-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classical WBJC (-.8)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.5 – 5.9, +.4, eighth to sixth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .7 – .9, +.2, #21 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 1.7 – 2.4, +.7, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.9 – 3.6, -.3, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, eighth month in a row, 11.4 – 10.3, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WXOS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country WIL (-1.4)

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

 Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

Round One of August PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC-AM/WLIR-FM dips one-tenth to finish the survey with a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #10 rank. At Audacy’s crosstown all-news WINS-AM/FM, the station is flat at a 4.9 share but falls to the #7 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI adds six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM rises one-tenth for a 2.9 share good for the #12 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas rises four-tenths to a 4.3 share that lifts it from the #9 to the #4 rank, and Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on one-tenth to finish the survey with a 6.6 share and remains ranked #3. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

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 2023 – August 2023 (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #10

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, locked at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, anchored at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.1, -.6, remains in tenth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, tenth month in a row, 7.7 – 8.1, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.9) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.2 – 4.8, +.6, fifth to third

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, sixth month in succession, 6.8 – 6.4, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFI and regional Mexican KBUE (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.9)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #12 to #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eleventh straight month, 7.0 – 7.7, +.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, fourth to third  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fifth month in succession, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED; sports talk KNBR; and CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-.9)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, third month in a row, 5.3 – 4.9, -.4 and country KSCS, first month, 4.5 – 4.9, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KDMX and news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.2)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #9 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA first month, 6.9 – 7.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: urban AC KMJQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KKBQ and regional Mexican KQQK (-.6)

Note: KODA was #1 28 straight months before slipping to second in July 2023 and returns to the top spot.

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, ensconced in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #15

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WWSZ (-.9)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, fourth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.5, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news KYW (-1.0)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #21 to #20

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, seventh to third

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.2 – 2.3, -.9, #9 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady in eighth-place

Good Karma Brands-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in a row, 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news WINS-FM (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB (-1.4)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #18

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .0 – .2, +.2, #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.3)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to fourth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.2 – 1.7, +.5, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 6.3 – 6.5, +.2 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.4)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, continues in third-place 

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #13 to #12

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.2 – 3.3, -.9, eighth to ninth

WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.2, +.5, #23 to #18

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, second straight month, 7.8 – 6.7, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN’s internet stream and contemporary Christian WAWZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.5)**

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

Up next: August 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Industry News

Round Four of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN dips one-tenth to finish with a 9.7 share but remains locked in the #1 rank, while Good Karma Brands crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls 1.6 shares to finish the survey with a 7.9 share that takes the station from #2 to #4. In Providence, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM rises three-tenths for a 6.2 share finish and rises to the #6 rank, while iHeartMedia crosstown news/talk WHJJ loses three-tenths to finish with an 0.2 share good for the #18 rank.  In West Palm Beach, iHeartMedia talk outlet WZZR-FM adds a half share for a 1.9 share finish that lifts it to the #12 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk WFTL dips three-tenths for a 1.3 share finish that leaves it ranked #13. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 survey period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group’s KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, sixth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas’ KUT 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, sixth to fifth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA, seventh month in succession, 11.4 – 10.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLZT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits KBPA (-1.0) 

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.2 – 7.9, -.3, repeats in third-place

News: Capitol Broadcasting-owned WRAL-HD3 “WRAL News+” .3 – .1, -.2, #15 to #16

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #9 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WUNC, first month, 8.3 – 9.9, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WQOK (+1.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.4)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Urban One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 6.8 – 5.7, -1.1, fourth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 3.2 – 2.2, -1.0, #14 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 5.3 – 6.6, +1.3, seventh to third

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult hits WJJK, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.4, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WFYI (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WYXB (-1.2)

MILWAUKEE

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

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.5 – 7.9, -1.6, second to fourth  

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, flat at #17

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” .6 – .8, +.2, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #14 to #13

Wisconsin Educational Communications Board’s WHAD 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, steady at #16

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.7, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLDB and classic hits-oldies WRXS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.6)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 5.2 – 5.6, +.4, locked in sixth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to ninth    

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” flat at 1.3, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA, sixth month in succession, 11.8 – 11.4, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WRVW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WCJK (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .5 – .2, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, repeats in eighth-place

Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #12 to #10

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #9 to #11

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI, first month, 8.9 – 9.6, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WWLI (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WWBB (-1.0)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked at #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group-owned WVSP “Sports Radio 94.1 ESPN” flat at 2.5, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh straight month, 10.3 – 10.0, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: hot AC WPTE (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WTWV (-.5)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 6.1, -.2, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL, third month in a row, 10.0 – 9.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WEJZ (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJBT (-1.0)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #13 to #12

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.6 -1.3, -.3, #12 to #13

WZZR cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #16 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida”.4 – .2, -.2, locked at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WBZT “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” unchanged at .2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, sixth to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WEAT, first month, 8.2 – 10.2, +2.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WEAT (+2.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: hot AC WRMF (-.8)

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, repeats 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 1.6 – 2.3, +.7, #12 to #11

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, steady at #13

Number One 6+: Audacy adult hits WSMW, seventh month in a row, 14.0 – 12.3, -1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WTQR (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult hits WSMW (-1.7)*

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

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, tenth to eighth

Starnes Media Group-owned KWAM “News Talk Memphis The Mighty 990” unchanged at .2, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, ninth to eighth

WFMS’ internet stream .2 – .4, +.2, #17 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS, fifth straight month, 12.2 – 13.7, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country WLFP (+4.0)**

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock KWNW (-1.1)

**Represents the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from all 48 PPM-markets

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, sixth to seventh

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #15 to #14

WTIC-AM’s internet stream .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” flat at 1.6, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to eighth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .5 – .6, +.1, stays at #18

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 42nd month in a row, 9.9 – 9.6, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: alternative WMRQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 (-1.2)

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

Industry News

Round Three of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI falls two-tenths to post a 2.6 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) and falls to the #15 rank, while Alpha Media’s crosstown news/talk KTSA adds one-tenth for a 2.5 share finish that lifts it to the #16 rank. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS-AM/FM loses a full share to wrap the survey with a 4.6 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish that lifts it to the #6 rank. In Orlando, iHeartMedia talk WTKS-FM loses six-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share but remains ranked #10, while Cox Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WDBO remains flat with a 3.9 share and the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imJuly 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 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 July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.

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 2023 – July 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place

KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1) 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first

KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15

Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-1.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1) 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**

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

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11

WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**

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

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)

*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12

WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth

KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third   

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)

Up next: July 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 Two of July PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imThe second of two rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP leaps nine-tenths for a 9.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.5 share good for the #9 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO sheds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.4 share and falls to the #13 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and remains ranked #7. In Seattle, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM rises six-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #5 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown news/talk is up three-tenths for a 1.9 share and the #19 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.