June 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
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+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.7 – 3.6, -1.1, seventh to ninth
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.2, +.2, anchored in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, continues at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.4 – 11.0, -.4, #1
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 19th month in succession, 11.4 – 11.0, -.4
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WHUR (+1.0)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WMAL (-1.1)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, ninth to tenth
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, eighth to seventh
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.3 – 5.5, -2.8, first to third
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1 #11 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.5 – 5.7, +.2, third to second
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, repeats at #11
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, flat at 6.0
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC WWBX (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-2.8)*
*Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far
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 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, seventh to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fourth straight month, 9.1 – 8.9, -.2
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC WFLC (+1.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.8)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” flat at 4.3, eighth to ninth
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #14 to #16
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to seventh
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.0 – 5.6, +1.6, tenth to fourth
Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 6.5 – 7.4, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KUOW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB; contemporary Christian KCMS; and sports talk KJR-FM (-.9)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” unchanged at 2.4, #14 to #17
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” flat at 3.5, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.6 – 7.0, -.6, second to third
WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.2 – 1.8, -.4, #17 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.2 – 8.1, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX; sports talk WXYT-FM; and rock WRIF (-.6)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #13 to #17
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 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: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.6 – 6.3, +.7, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.5 – 6.8, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: rock KUPD (+.8)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KESZ (-1.1)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.7 – 3.2, -.5, #14 to #13
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #15 to #16
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.4 – 4.3, -1.1, seventh to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.1 – 5.9, -.2, fifth to sixth
Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 10.3, +.8
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: sports talk KFXN (-1.1)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 4.5, -.6, sixth to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 4.9 – 5.4, +.5, seventh to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, third to second
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fifth successive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary XLTN (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.2)
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 6.0 – 4.9, -1.1, fourth to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #15 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) flat at 2.0, repeats at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #16 to #17
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 23rd month in a row, 7.9 – 8.8, +.9
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WDUV and country WQYT (+.9)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: news/talk WHPT (-1.1)
DENVER
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, anchored at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, #11 to #10
KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” flat at 2.4, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 5.8 – 6.5, +.7
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.7)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: hot AC KIMN (-.9)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.6 – 3.2, -.4, #11 to #12
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” steady at 1.6, repeats at #17
News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #21 to #20
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, eighth to tenth
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #10 to #11
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, third month in succession, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WPOC (+1.9)**
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY (-1.6)
**Represents the largest May 2023 – June 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 6.0 – 5.8, -.2, eighth to seventh
KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, locked at #16
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” flat at .8, steady at #19
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #15
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.6 – 3.7, +.1, #11 to #12
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, sixth month in a row, 10.5 – 10.0, -.5
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Increase: country WIL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ May 2023 – June 2023 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-1.4)
Up next: June 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
Nashville Public Radio, which includes WPLN “News 90.3” (and triple A WNXP), appoints Robert Sanchez as its chief operating officer. Nashville Public Radio president/chief executive officer Steve Swenson comments, “Rob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us as we continue our rapid growth to expand our public service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. His extensive background in both news and music programming is unique in our industry.” Sanchez notes, “I’m grateful to Steve Swenson and the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the many digital and audio services Nashville Public Radio offers. I’m invigorated to join an organization that functions at such a high level of public service and community engagement.” For the past five years, Sanchez was vice president of news for iHeartMedia Boston news -news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM and iHM’s northeast regional news director. He previously was director/news and programming for Washington, DC’s WNEW-FM “All News 99.1”; assistant news director of New York all-news WCBS-AM; and programming/operations manager for Los Angeles’ KBLA “1580 Talk Radio.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 survey period, WPLN ranks #14 and is trending 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 (March – April – May, 6+).
Simulcasting on 98.7 HD-2, iHeartMedia Washington, DC launches “Freedom 104.7 – DC’s Real News. Real Talk.” Senior vice president of programming Jeff Kapugi states, “We are excited to welcome a number of best-in-class personalities to ‘Freedom 104.7.’ We are confident [the station] will quickly become a favorite destination for DMV talk radio listeners.” Premiere Networks executive vice president of affiliate sales Peter Tripi adds, “We’re thrilled to have our industry-leading talk lineup join ‘Freedom 104.7 & 98.7 HD-2.’ These stellar talents will provide entertaining, unique and insightful views on the latest news, politics and events that Washington, DC listeners are looking for.” The station’s weekday lineup includes: “America’s First News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Clay Travis & Buck Sexton (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Jesse Kelly (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); “Our American Stories” (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight); “Coast to Coast Early Edition” (12:00 midnight – 1:00 am); and “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (1:00 am – 6:00 am). Approximately six months ago (1/5), WWDC-HD2 and 104.7 translator station W284CQ became “iHeart Sports DC”; it was not listed in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep. Among persons 6+ in that ratings period, American University public radio news/talk WAMU ranks first (11.4); Hubbard all-news WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” is second (8.0); Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” finishes seventh (4.7); and Audacy business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” ranks #22 (.5).
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 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 May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM rises a half share to finish the survey with a 4.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM dips six-tenths to an 8.0 share but remains ranked #2. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises eight-tenths to finish with a 4.4 share and jumps two spots to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on four-tenths for a 4.5 share finish and stays in the #8 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 4.3 share stays ranked #8, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM loses six-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that moves it to the #14 rank. 
May 2023 PPM Data – Information for the May 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
streaming platforms. Attendees will discuss the latest radio and automotive trends and how AM operators can prepare their stations for the future. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) will also offer insight into recently introduced legislation aimed at preserving AM radio in automobiles and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will discuss AM radio’s critical role in the National Public Warning System. Following the conference, attendees will travel to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers about the importance of in-vehicle AM radio, especially during times of emergency and they will encourage congressional passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. 
at Hofstra University will be posted, beginning today with the panel discussion “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 1.” The session, sponsored by Premiere Networks, is introduced by Larry O’ Connor, morning host at WMAL, Washington, DC and moderated by Mike McVay (pictured at right), CEO of McVay Media Consulting. Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Joe Thomas, program director/host, WCHV, Charlottesville, VA; Eric Stanger, SVP operations, Sean Hannity Show/Premiere Networks; Brett Winterble, host, WBT, Charlotte; Kevin DeLany, VP news & talk programming, Westwood One; and Tom Cuddy, program director, WOR, New York. (Note: Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York who was originally scheduled to appear on this panel switched to the “Programming News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2” session which will be posted tomorrow.) 
Townsquare Media where he was market president and general manager for its Rockford, Illinois station group. Urban One regional VP & general manager Jeffery Wilson Sr. says, “Brian has a track record of taking leadership, customer service, and community service to the highest levels, while working with his teams to reinvent themselves. That’s how we do things at Radio One-DC. We’re thrilled to welcome Brian as we craft historic success on the horizon.”
and programming Julia Ziegler says, “This award is one that we really won as team for our collective work as journalists committed to making a difference in our community. We are so honored to be recognized with this regional Edward R. Murrow award.” WTOP now advances to the national round of the competition where it will compete against regional winners from across the country.
public affairs show for ALL formats in the U.S. and around the world. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. The three-hour, one-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor (WMAL-FM, Washington) and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Hear the demo, register, and download today at 
The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 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 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 Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds two-tenths for a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and stays in the #7 rank, while Hubbard Radio’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM sheds four-tenths for an 8.6 share that keeps it locked in second place. iHeartMedia’s Boston news/talk WRKO loses half a share to finish with a 3.6 share that moves it to the #11 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM dips three-tenths for a 4.1 share finish and falls from #7 to #8. In the Twin Cities, Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM rises six-tenths to a 4.5 share that lifts it to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KTLK-AM dips eight-tenths to a 2.1 share and falls to the #17 rank, and Hubbard Radio’s talk KTMY-FM declines half a share to a 2.3 share good for the #16 rank in the market. 
and “will be an exciting panel show led by Plante and will include Newsmax veteran Jenn Pellegrino along with three other regular panelists.” Newsmax says, “A seasoned television journalist and syndicated radio host, each weekday night Plante will join with ‘The Right Squad’ as his team features strong analysis with dynamic conversation and debates. ‘The Right Squad’ will talk about the major events that are impacting America — and no topic will be off-limits.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “Chris Plante is an award-winning journalist who delivers fact-based news and opinion while keeping the conversation fun and interesting.” Plante hosts a Westwood One-syndicated radio talk show based at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC.
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 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 March sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington rises one-tenth to finish the survey with a 9.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #2, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM sheds three-tenths for a 4.0 share finish good for the #7 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO is steady with a 4.1 share and stays in the #9 position as sister all-news WBZ-AM dips two-tenths to a 4.4 share and slides back to the #7 rank. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle lost six-tenths for a 4.8 share finish that leaves it in the #6 rank, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths for a 4.1 share that drops it to the #10 rank.