Industry News

Round Two of Holiday 2023 PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 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. The survey period covered December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024. 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 dips four-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) but remains ranked #9, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM loses three-tenths to finish with a 6.3 share good for the #4 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO added two-tenths for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM declines four-tenths to a 4.7 share but remains ranked #5. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises one-tenth to a 2.4 share and climbs to the #15 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ is steady at a 4.3 share and remains ranked #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imHoliday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are December 2023 – Holiday 2023 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.5 – 3.1, #9 – #9

WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 6.9 – 6.3, #3 – #4

WDCH .5 – .5, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.6, #17 – #15 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .5 – .6, #23 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #26 (Wizards)

WTEM .1 – .2, #28 – #26 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.3 – 11.5, 26th month in succession at #1

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.9 – 3.1, #14 – #9

WXKS-AM .8 – .9, #23 – #24

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.1 – 4.7, #5 – #5

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #29

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.2 – 9.2, #2 – #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #25

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.6 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 3.9, #8 – #6

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.3, #24 – #22 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #28 – #27 (Dolphins)

WMEN .1 – .1, #36 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.6 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.1 – 4.0, #9 – #6 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.6 – 1.3, #22 – #23

KVI 1.6 – 1.0, #22 – #24

KPTR DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.3, #19 – #20

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 3.0 – 2.8, #16 – #15 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 3.6 – 2.6, #11 – #17 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .7 – .9, #26 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.2 – 6.2, #2 – #3

KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #15

WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .2 – .1, #25 – #28

News

WWJ 4.3 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #26 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #30 – #28

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.6 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.7 – 1.2, #18 – #19 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19

WUOM 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.2 – 2.9, #8 – #8

KTAR-FM 1.8 – 2.2, #23 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.1 – 1.5, #19 – #23 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #32 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #11   

Note: Adult contemporary KESZ’s 18.5 represents the largest (6+) share by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.0 – 3.8, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17

KTLK-AM 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #19

WCCO Stream .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.6 – 6.8, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .3 – .2, #27 – #27

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #29 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.5 – 5.2, #5 – #4

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 3.8 – 3.9, #9 – #6

KLSD .2 – .3, #26 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #14

KGB-AM 1.0 – 1.0, #21 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 5.9 – 4.7, #4 – #4

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.8 – 4.1, #8 – #7 (Lightning)

WFLA 3.9 – 3.2, #10 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.9– 1.6, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.7 – 1.9, #18 – #17

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #23

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.1 – 2.7, #13 – #14 (Broncos)

KHOW 1.8 – 1.4, #20 – #19

KDFD 1.4 – 1.3, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.8 – 3.5, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN .1 – .1, #35 – #35

KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

KAMP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 2.7 – 3.0, #14 – #13

KUNC .4 – .7, #30 – #26  

Note: Adult contemporary KOSI’s +6.4 (10.1- 16.5) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.4 – 2.7, #10 – #11 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.1 – 1.0,  #18 – #20

WDCH  .8 – .8,  #21 – #22

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.2 – 4.5, #8 – #6

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, #11 – #9

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #28

Note: CHR WWMX’s -2.3 (5.3 – 3.0) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.0 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .3 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #23 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 4.1 – 3.9, #11 – #12 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.0 – 4.5, #12 – #8

Note: Adult contemporary KEZK’s +6.4 (9.3- 15.7) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

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

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

December 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

December 2023 PPM Data – Information for the December 2023 ratings period (November 9 – December 6) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are November 2023 – December 2023 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.6 – 3.5, #6 – #9

WFED .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 7.4 – 6.9, #3 – #3

WDCH .6 – .5, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.4, #14 – #17 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .8 – .5, #21 – #23 (Capitals)

WTEM Stream .3 – .2, #25 – #26 (Wizards)

WTEM .2 – .1, #27 – #28 (Wizards)

WSBN DNA – .1, DNA – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.7 – 11.3, 25th month in succession at #1

Notes: Even though WAMU’s -1.4 (12.7 – 11.3) represents Washington, DC’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease, the public radio news/talk station remains #1 for the 25th straight month.

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.5 – 2.9, #14 – #14

WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.0 – 5.1, #6 – #5

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #27

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 10.7 – 9.2, following three straight months at #1, slips to #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.6 – 3.2, #10 – #12

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 6.4 – 5.6, #2 – #3

WGBH 3.9 – 4.2, #9 – #8

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s -1.5 (10.7 – 9.2) represents Boston’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.4, #24 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 2.1 – 1.2, #20 – #24 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #28 (Dolphins)

WMEN .4 – .1, #31 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #37 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.9 – 3.6, #7 – #8

Note: Sports talk WQAM’s -.9 (2.1 – 1.2) represents Miami’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.1, #6 – #9 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.6 – 1.6, #21 – #22

KVI 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #22

KPTR .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.6, #18 – #19

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KJR-FM 3.1 – 3.6, #12 – #11 (Kraken)

KIRO-AM 3.1 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Seahawks)

KJR-AM .6 – .7, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.8 – 6.2, #2 – #2

KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16

WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25

News

WWJ 4.6 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #31 – #30

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.6 – 9.6, after three straight months at #1, falls to #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #18 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #26 – #25

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #20

WUOM 1.6 – 1.0, #18 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.3 – 3.2, #11 – #8

KTAR-FM 2.7 – 1.8, #14 – #23 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 3.5 – 2.1, #7 – #19 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .2 – .1, #31 – #33 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.1 – 2.8, #12 – #11

Notes: Sports talk KMVP-FM’s -1.4 (3.5 – 2.1) represents Phoenix’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

Adult contemporary KESZ boasts the highest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 increase (+7.0) by any station in the first two rounds of PPM results, as well as posting the largest (6+) share (8.2 – 15.2).

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.0 – 4.0, #12 – #11 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.4 – 2.3, #16 – #16

KTLK-AM 2.0 – 1.7, #17 – #17

WCCO Stream .1 – .1, #30 – #29 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Sports Talk

KFXN 8.9 – 7.6, #2 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .3 – .3, #26 – #27

KSTP-AM .2 – .1, #28 – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.7 – 5.5, #5 – #5

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.2 – 3.8, #6 – #9

KLSD .3 – .2, #26 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.6 – 3.4, #11 – #11

KGB-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #20 – #21

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 5.9, #2 – #4

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.5 – 4.8, #6 – #8 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.4 – 3.9, #7 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.8– 1.9, #17 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #18

WMNF-HD3 Stream .1 – .4, #33 – #29

WUSF Stream .3 – DNA, #30 – DNA

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER

News/Talk

KOA 3.3 – 3.1, #13 – #13 (Broncos)

KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #20

KDFD 2.0 – 1.4, #20 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.2 – 3.8, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.1 – 2.4, #19 – #16 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KKSE-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #35

KAMP .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.0 – 2.7, #11 – #14

KUNC .4 – .4, #31 – #30  

Note: Public radio news/talk KCFR’s -1.3 (4.0 – 2.7) represents Denver’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.7 – 3.4, #11 – #10 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.8 – 1.6, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.3 – 1.1,  #18 – #18

WDCH  .9 – .8,  #20 – #21

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 5.1 – 4.2, #5 – #8

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 4.5 – 3.3, #9 – #11

WYPR HD2 Stream .3 – .2, #26 – #26

Note: Public radio news/talk WYPR’s -1.2 (4.5 – 3.3) represents Baltimore’s largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 4.0 – 3.0, #11 – #13

KFTK 1.9 – 1.6, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.0 – 1.1, #19 – #18

KMOX Stream .2 – .3, #25 – #23

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #25

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #23

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.7 – 4.1, #12 – #11 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.9 – 4.0, #9 – #12

Note: News/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0) represents St. Louis’ largest (6+) November 2023 – December 2023 decrease.

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

November 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

imNovember 2023 PPM Data – Information for the November 2023 ratings period (October 12 – November 8) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are October 2023 – November 2023 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 4.0 – 4.6, #7 – #6

WFED DNA – .1, DNA – #30 (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.1 – 7.4, falls to #3, after ten straight months at #2

WDCH .7 – .6, #22 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.8 – 2.8, #14 – #14 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .9 – .8, #21 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM Stream .2 – .3, #29 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM .3 – .2, #25 – #27 (Wizards)

WSBN DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.9 – 12.7, 24th month in succession at #1

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG.

Note: Public radio news/talk WAMU’s +.8 (11.9 – 12.7) represents a tie for Washington, DC’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+). Meanwhile, news WTOP & WTLP’s -.7 (8.1 – 7.4) is the market’s highest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.3 – 2.5, #16 – #14

WXKS-AM .8 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 4.5 – 5.0, #8 – #6

Business news WRCA DNA – .1, DNA – #27

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 10.9 – 10.5, #1 for the third straight month (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.8 – 3.6, #10 – #10

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.4 – 6.4, #3 – #2

WGBH 3.8 – 3.9, #10 – #9

Note: Public radio news/talk WBUR’s +1.0 (5.4 – 6.4) represents Boston’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+).

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 2.0 – 1.4, #21 – #24

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 2.3 – 2.1, #19 – #20 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #29 – #29 (Dolphins)

WMEN .2 – .4, #35 – #31

WQAM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #37 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.9 – 3.9, #5 – #7

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.2 – 4.7, #8 – #6 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.5 – 1.6, #23 – #21

KVI 1.8 – 1.5, #22 – #23

KPTR .1 – .1, #32 – #32

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.2 – 2.6, #20 – #18

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 4.3 – 3.1, #6 – #12 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 3.0 – 3.1, #14 – #12 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .4 – .6, #26 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 7.6 – 6.8, #1 – #2

KSWS DNA – .1, DNA – #32

Note: Sports talk KIRO-AM’s -1.2 (4.3 – 3.1) represents Seattle’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+). 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #16

WFDF .4 – .4, #24 – #23

WJR Stream .1 – .2, #28 – #26

News

WWJ 4.6 – 4.6, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .7 – .4, #22 – #23 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #28 – #31

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 10.1 – 9.6, #1 for the third consecutive month (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 2.4 – 1.5, #14 – #20 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUOM 1.5 – 1.6, #20 – #18

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #21 – #21 

Note: The -.9 (2.4 – 1.5) posted by the stream of sports talk WXYT-FM represents a tie for Detroit’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 4.0 – 3.3, #7 – #11

KTAR-FM 2.4 – 2.7, #16 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.7 – 3.5, #14 – #7 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .2 – .2, #31 – #31 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #34

KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #34

KTAR-FM HD2 .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.7 – 3.1, #9 – #12   

Note: News/talk KFYI’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3) represents the largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+) for Phoenix.

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.6 – 4.0, #10 – #12 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.4 – 2.4, #16 – #16

KTLK-AM 1.8 – 2.0, #19 – #17

WCCO Stream .6 – .1, #24 – #30 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #32 – #30

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.8 – 8.9, #2 – #2 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .2 – .3, #28 – #26

KSTP-AM .2 – .2, #28 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.0 – 5.7, #5 – #5

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

Oddity: Five stations – including news/talk WCCO (4.6 – 4.0, -.6) are tied for Minneapolis’ largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 5.4 – 4.2, #5 – #6

KLSD .3 – .3, #26 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 4.2 – 3.6, #6 – #11

KGB-AM 1.2 – 1.3, #20 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.3 – 6.2, #3 – #2

Note: News/talk KOGO’s -1.2 (5.4 – 4.2) represents San Diego’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.7 – 4.5, #6 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.6 – 4.4, #8 – #7

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.4– 1.8, #16 – #17

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.6 – 1.6, #20 – #20

WUSF Stream .5 – .3, #25 – #30

WMNF-HD3 Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 4.5 – 3.3, #6 – #13 (Broncos)

KDFD 2.1 – 2.0, #19 – #20

KHOW 1.8 – 1.8, #21 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.5 – 4.2, #6 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.0 – 2.1, #20 – #19 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KAMP DNA – .1, DNA – #36

KEPN .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 3.9 – 4.0, #13 – #11

KUNC .8 – .4, #27 – #31

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.8 – 3.7, #8 – #11 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.7 – 1.8, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.1 – 1.3,  #18 – #18

WDCH  .8 – .9,  #20 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 5.1 – 5.1, #7 – #5

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 4.0 – 4.5, #10 – #9

WYPR HD2 Stream DNA – .3, DNA – #36 

Note: News/talk WBAL’s -1.1 (4.8 – 3.7) represents Baltimore’s largest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 5.0 – 4.0, #9 – #11

KFTK 1.8 – 1.9, #16 – #17

KTLK-FM .9 – 1.0, #20 – #19

KMOX Stream .4 – .2, #23 – #25

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #25

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #24 – #25

Sports Talk

WXOS 3.2 – 3.7, #14 – #12 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.0 – 4.9, #11 – #9

Note: While public radio news/talk KWMU’s +.9 (4.0 – 4.9) represents St. Louis’ largest October 2023 – November 2023 increase (6+), news/talk KMOX’s -1.0 (5.0 – 4.0) is the market’s highest October 2023 – November 2023 decrease (6+).

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

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

October 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imOctober 2023 PPM Data – Information for the October 2023 ratings period (September 14 – October 11) has been released for: Washington, DC, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are September 2023 – October 2023 (6+).

 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.9 – 4.0, #7 – #7

WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 8.7 – 8.1, tenth straight month at #2

WDCH .6 – .7, #23 – #22

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.6 – 2.8, #12 – #14 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream 1.1 – .9, #21 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM .2 – .3, #27 – #25 (Wizards)

WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #27 – #29 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 12.0 – 11.9, 23rd month in succession at #1

Note: The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.8 – 2.3, #15 – #16

WXKS-AM .6 – .8, #23 – #23

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 3.8 – 4.5, #10 – #8

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 7.8 – 10.9, back-to-back months at #1 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 4.2 – 3.8, #9 – #10

WEEI-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.4 – 5.4, #3 – #3

WGBH 3.6 – 3.8, #11 – #10

Note: Sports talk WBZ-FM’s +3.1 (7.8 – 10.9) is the largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+) by any station in all 24 PPM-markets analyzed thus far.

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.7 – 2.0, #21 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.4 – 2.3, #24 – #19 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .3 – .5, #32 – #29 (Dolphins)

WMEN .1 – .2, #36 – #35

WSFS-HD2 .1 – DNA, #36 – DNA

WQAM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.8 – 3.9, #8 – #5    

Note: Sports talk WQAM’s +.9 (1.4 – 2.3) represents Miami’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.7 – 4.2, #6 – #8 (Seahawks)

KVI 1.7 – 1.8, #22 – #22

KTTH 1.4 – 1.5, #23 – #23

KPTR .1 – .1, #32 – #32

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.2 – 2.2, #20 – #20

KHHO .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 6.0 – 4.3, #3 – #6 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 2.3 – 3.0, #18 – #14 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .3 – .4, #27 – #26

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 5.9 – 7.6, #4 – #1

KSWS .1 – DNA, #32 – DNA

Note: Public radio news/talk KUOW’s +1.7 (5.9 – 7.6) represents Seattle’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+); conversely, sports talk KIRO-AM’s -1.7 (6.0 – 4.3) represents the market’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease. 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 1.8 – 2.3, #17 – #16

WFDF .1 – .4, #26 – #24

WJR Stream .1 – .1, #26 – #28

News

WWJ 4.0 – 4.6, #11 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .7, #24 – #22 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #26 – #28

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 8.6 – 10.1, #1 #1 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 2.0 – 2.4, #16 – #14 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .3 – .2, #23 – #25

WXYT-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #26 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUOM 1.8 – 1.5, #17 – #20

WDET 1.1 – 1.2, #20 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 4.1 – 4.0, #5 – #7

KTAR-FM 2.9 – 2.4, #15 – #16 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 1.9 – 2.7, #22 – #14 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM .2 – .2, #32 – #31 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KGME .1 – .1, #34 – #33

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – 33

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 3.9 – 3.7, #6 – #9

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 3.3 – 4.6, #12 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #16

KTLK-AM 1.4 – 1.8, #19 – #18

WCCO Stream .3 – .6, #26 – #24 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 .1 – .1, #30 – #32

Sports Talk

KFXN 6.8 – 7.8, #4 – #2 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .1 – .2, #30 – #28

KSTP-AM .1 – .2, #30 – #28

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 6.2 – 6.0, #5 – #5

KNOW Stream .8 – .7, #23 – #23

Note: News/Talk WCCO’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Minneapolis’ largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase(6+).

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

KOGO 4.7 – 5.4, #5 – #5

KLSD .3 – .3, #26 – #26

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 4.7 – 4.2, #5 – #6

KGB-AM .7 – 1.2, #23 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 6.2 – 6.3, #3 – #3

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 5.3 – 4.7, #5 – #6 (Lightning)

WFLA 4.0 – 4.6, #11 – #8

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 2.0 – 2.4, #19 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 2.3 – 1.6, #17 – #20

WUSF Stream .5 – .5, #25 – #25

Notes: Public Radio News Talk WUSF’s –.7 (2.3 – 1.6) represents a four-way tie for Tampa’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 decrease (6+); rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.7 – 4.5, #13 – #6 (Broncos)

KDFD 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #19

KHOW 1.5 – 1.8, #21 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 4.6 – 4.5, #7 – #6

KKSE-FM 1.4 – 2.0, #23 – #20 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 4.2 – 3.9, #9 – #13

KUNC .5 – .8, #31 – #27

Note: News/Talk KOA’s +.8 (3.7 – 4.5) represents Denver’s largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 4.1 – 4.8, #8 – #8 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.8 – 1.7, #18 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.0 – 1.1,  #20 – #18

WDCH  .8 – .8,  #21 – #20

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.0 – 5.1, #9 – #7

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 4.5 – 4.0, #7 – #10

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 5.8 – 5.0, #8 – #9

KFTK 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #16

KTLK-FM 1.0 – .9, #19 – #20

KMOX Stream .5 – .4, #22 – #23

KFTK Stream .5 – .2, #22 – #27

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .4 – .3, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 2.3 – 3.2, #15 – #14 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 3.5 – 4.0, #13 – #11

Note: Sports talk WXOS’ +.9 (2.3 – 3.2) represents St. Louis’ largest September 2023 – October 2023 increase (6+).

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

 Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Ratings Takeaways

September 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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 Two of July PPMs Released

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.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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

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+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, repeats in ninth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.2 – 9.1, +.9, ensconced in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) flat at 2.4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.0 – 11.6, +.6, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 20th month in succession, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WASH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.9)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.4, -.7, #10 to #13

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.5, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 5.5 – 4.9, -.6, third to fifth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1 #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 5.7 – 6.1, +.4, steady in the runner-up slot

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.0 – 3.8, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second month in succession, 6.0 – 6.2, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WBGB (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WKLB (-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 3.7 – 3.6, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 8.0, -.9 and co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 7.9 – 8.0, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WAMR (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, ninth to fifth

Lotus Communications’ KVI “Talk Radio 570” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: Lotus Communications-owned KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #17

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, seventh to ninth

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio-owned KUOW 5.6 – 4.5, -1.1, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, second straight month, 7.4 – 7.7, +.3

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

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.1) 

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, remains at #17

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, steady at #10

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.0 – 6.7, -.3, continues in third-place

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, second successive month, 8.1 – 9.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic rock WCSX (-.9)

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #17 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, third to second

Number One 6+: Hubbard classic rock KSLX, second consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.8, +1.0

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

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNZ (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, remains at #13

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” steady at 2.3, continues at #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.7, +.8, sixth to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, fourth consecutive month, 10.3 – 11.6, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KEEY (-.9)

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 4.5 – 4.6, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, stays in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.2 – 5.2, -1.0, second to fourth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, sixth successive month, unchanged at 7.1

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNV (-1.3)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.9 – 5.2, +.3, repeats in sixth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #13 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #17 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 24th month in a row, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WFLA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WDUV and sports talk WDAE (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #14 to #16

KOA cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #22 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.7, -.8, #10 to #17

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, steady at #11

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7 and KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 6.4 – 6.2, -.2

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KLDV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classical KVOD (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

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

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.6 – 1.2, -.4, #17 to #19

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.5 – 4.3, +.8, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Urban One urban contemporary WERQ, first month, 5.5 – 7.0, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WERQ (+1.5)*

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

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

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

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, seventh to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.2 – 1.7, -.5, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, remains at #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 11.4, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: sports talk WXOS (-.5)

Up next: July 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 Two of June PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO sheds three-tenths for a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that drops it to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share good for the #7 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk dips four-tenths to a 2.4 share and falls to the #17 rank, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM loses two-tenths to also finish with a 2.4 share that leaves the two stations tied for the #17 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Sanchez Selected As Nashville Public Radio COO

Robert SanchezNashville 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+).

Ratings Takeaways

Round Two of May PPM Released

imThe 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.  See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Industry News

May 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

imMay 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.

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.2 – 4.7, +.5, repeats in seventh-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.6 – 8.0, -.6, locked in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.2 – 11.4, +.2, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 18th month in succession, 11.2 – 11.4, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk WTOP & WTLP (-.6) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.6 – 4.4, +.8, #11 to #9

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.1 – 4.5, +.4, stays in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 8.7 – 8.3, -.4, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) steady at 3.5, #12 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 5.5, +1.0, fifth to third

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #7 to #11

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fifth consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.3, -.4

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WBUR (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: CHR WXKS-FM (-.9)

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 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, anchored in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, third straight month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WZTU (-.7)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.4 – 4.3, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.0 – 3.4, -.6, #10 to #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” 2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 4.0, -1.5, fourth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 6.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KJEB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KUOW (-1.5)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” flat at 2.4, locked at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” 4.1 – 3.5, -.6, #12 to #11

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 7.4 – 7.6, +.2, repeats in the runner-up slot

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, #15 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.7, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: urban AC WMXD (+.5)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-1.2)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #14 to #13

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #21 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.1 – 5.6, -.5, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, second month in a row, 8.1 – 7.6, -.5

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

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic rock KSLX (-.9)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.5 – 3.7, -.8, #11 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #16 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 6.4 – 5.4, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 9.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KQQL and triple A KCMP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classical KSJN (-1.9)*

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.5 – 5.9, -.6, second to third

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, fourth successive month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KLNV (+1.3)**

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

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 5.3 – 6.0, +.7, seventh to fourth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 2.0, -.1, #18 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.1 – 2.7, -.4, #12 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 22nd month in a row, 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: Spanish contemporary WYUU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.4)

DENVER 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) flat at 3.0, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.0, +.6, continues at #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #19 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, stays in tenth-place

Number One 6+: KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL, first month, 5.5 – 6.2, +.7

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: country KYGO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: hot AC KALC and adult contemporary KOSI (-.7)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #11

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.9 – 1.6, -.3, #16 to #17

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, steady at #19

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, seventh to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, second month in succession, 8.4 – 8.1, -.3

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: CHR WWMX (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: rock WIYY and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-.5)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 7.0 – 6.0, -1.0, fifth to eighth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, stationary at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .9 – .8, -.1, flat at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU unchanged at 3.6, locked at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fifth month in a row, 9.7 – 10.5, +.8

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Increase: adult hits WARH and classic hits-oldies KLOU (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2023 – May 2023 Decrease: news/talk KMOX (-1.0)

Up next: May 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

Flaherty and Borselle Rise at WBZ-AM, Boston

iHeartMedia all-news WBZ-AM, Boston announces that Bill Flaherty is being promoted to director of programming and operations and Jay Borselle rises to news director, effective July 1. Flaherty takes over for Rob Sanchez – current program director and vice president of news, talkim and sports – who will transition into an innovation-focused consultant role at the end of June. iHeartMedia Boston SVP of programming Dylan Sprague comments, “Rob’s imvision has helped guide ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ towards becoming a digitally focused news organization. I’m glad that he will continue to be a part of our organization as he moves into the next part of his career.” Sprague adds, “Bill’s experience paired with his shared vision of the future makes him the obvious choice to succeed Rob as programim director. Jay is a consummate professional with a strong connection to the community, and we are thrilled to have him to lead our newsroom. I couldn’t be more excited about where ‘WBZ NewsRadio’ is headed with Bill and Jay at the helm.” Flaherty states, “I am excited to work with the best news staff in the business as we keep finding ways to make innovative changes to live local news. WBZ NewsRadio is combining its strong signal with an impactful social media presence to bring news and storytelling to people of all ages,” said Bill Flaherty.

Industry News

WBZ-AM, Boston Takes Home Four Regional Murrow Awards

iHeartMedia Boston’s all-news WBZ-AM wins four Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA in the categories of Excellence in Innovation, Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast, and Excellence in Sound. Inim 2022, WBZ NewsRadio won three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast and Continuing Coverage. WBZ NewsRadio director of operations Bill Flaherty comments, “To be singled out in these important categories is such an honor. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the hard work they put in over the past year.”

Industry News

Round Two of April 2023 PPMs Released

imThe 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. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.0 – 4.2, +.2 remains in seventh place.

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 9.0 – 8.6, -.4, anchored in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals, Nationals) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.0 – 11.2, -.8, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 17th month in succession, 12.0 – 11.2, -.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WIAD (+.7)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk WAMU and classical WETA (-.8) 

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, #9 to #11

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.4 – 4.1, -.3, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins) 8.1 – 8.7, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 2.6 – 3.5, +.9, #15 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.7 – 4.5, -.2, repeats in fifth-place

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.7 – 4.2, +.5, #12 to #7

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, fourth consecutive month, 8.1 – 8.7, +.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WEEI-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic rock WZLX; country WKLB; news/talk WRKO; and hot AC WWBX (-.6)

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 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, continues in seventh-place

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, second straight month, 9.5 – 8.9, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBGG and CHR WFLC (+.5)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban AC WHQT and Spanish tropical WRTO (-.6)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, sixth to eighth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.1 – 4.0, -.1, repeats in tenth-place

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 3.1 – 4.7, +1.6, #14 to #7

iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM “93.3 FM Seattle’s Sports Leader” steady at 2.1, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, continues in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy country KKWF, first month, 7.1 – 6.6, -.5

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.6)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KJEB (-1.3)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, repeats at #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.8 – 4.1, -.7, #9 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings, Tigers) 6.2 – 7.4, +1.2, third to second

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #20 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WCSX, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WXYT-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.4)*

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #12 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun, Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #19 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.4 – 6.1, -.3, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, first month, 7.3 – 8.1, +.8

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOAI (+1.8)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk KTAR-FM (-.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins) 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, #12 to #11

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #15 to #16

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 2.1, -.8, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 6.1 – 6.4, +.3, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.7 – 6.4, -.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Northwestern Media contemporary Christian KTIS-FM, first month, 6.2 – 8.5, +2.3

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (+2.3)**

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

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres), 2.6 – 4.9, +2.3, #15 to #6

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, anchored at #2

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, third successive month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+2.3)**

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.2)

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, eighth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” steady at 2.3, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.3 – 2.1, +.8, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 21th month in a row, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: hot AC WMTX and adult contemporary WDUV’s internet stream (-.7)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #17 to #14

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, locked at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #12 to #11

KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” 1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #21 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KQMT, first month, 4.6 – 5.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock KQMT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.3)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, repeats at #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #17 to #16

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .9 – 1.2, +.3, #20 to #19

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” flat at 1.1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.5 – 4.7, -.8, fifth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.9 – 4.1, +.2, steady in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 7.3 – 8.4, +1.1

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rock WIYY (+2.0)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.1)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 7.0, +2.1, tenth to fifth

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” steady at .9, #20 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #13 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, anchored at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, fourth month in succession, 10.6 – 9.7, -.9

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+2.1)

Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KEZK (-1.1)

Up next: April 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 Two of March PPMs Released

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. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media‘s WMAL-FM 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, #7 rank

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.9 – 9.0, +.1, repeats in second-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Capitals and Nationals) 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, continues at #13

WJFK-FM’s internet stream 1.1 – .8, -.3, flat at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 12.1 – 12.0, -.1, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, 16th month in succession, 12.1 – 12.0, -.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban AC WMMJ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-1.4)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” steady at 4.1, remains in ninth-place

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 4.4, -.2, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics and Bruins) 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, #1

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.2 – 2.6, -.6, #13 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, seventh to fifth

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, anchored at #12

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, third consecutive month, 7.5 – 8.1, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WEEI-FM (-.6)

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 5.3 – 4.3, -1.0, fourth to seventh

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.4 – 9.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+1.5)

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

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 5.4 – 4.8, -.6, fifth to sixth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest News Radio” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, ninth to tenth

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #18 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.5 – 5.1, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.9 – 7.2, +1.3

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KKWF (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: triple A KPNW (-1.5)

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

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #16 to #14

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, repeats in ninth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Red Wings and Tigers) 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, fourth to third

WXYT-FM’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #15 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WKQI, first month, 7.3 – 8.3, +1.0

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WKQI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WLLZ (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” flat at 3.0, #9 to #12

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Sun) unchanged at 2.9, #11 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Sun and Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #14 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 7.4 – 6.4, -1.0, first to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock KSLX, first month, 6.4 – 7.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: classic rock KSLX and adult hits KYOT (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KALV (-1.2)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins) 3.0 – 3.9, +.9, #15 to #12

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #18 to #14

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #13 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.6 – 6.7, +.1, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.9, +1.9

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: hot AC KSTP-FM (+1.9)

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

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 5.6 – 5.1, -.5, locked in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.6 (Padres), +1.0, #20 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS steady at 6.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KXSN, second successive month, 6.8 – 7.3, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk KWFN (+1.0)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGB-FM (-1.6)**

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

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (Lightning) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, ninth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.1 – 2.3, +.2, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, 20th month in a row, 7.8 – 9.0

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WCIE (-.8)

DENVER

 News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOA “News Radio 850” 2.3 – 2.4 (Colorado Rockies), +.1, repeats at #17

KOA cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, continues at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.5 – 4.3, -.2, stays in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, first month, 4.9 – 6.2, +1.3

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KRFX (-1.2)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL “News Radio 1090 AM & 101.5 FM” (Orioles) 3.5 – 3.4, -.1, #11 to #12

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, steady at #17

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 1.1, #19 (unlisted in February 2023)

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .9, +.4, #25 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, remains in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR, second straight month, 9.6 – 8.2, -1.4

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (+1.4)

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult hits WQSR (-1.4)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, remains in tenth-place

KMOX cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, flat at #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” .8 – .9, +.1, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” (Blues) 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, continues at #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU flat at 3.8, repeats at #11

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH, third month in succession, 9.8 – 10.6, +.8

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

Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: rock KSHE (-.6)

Up next: March 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 Two of February PPM Released

The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s February 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 February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM adds four-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #7, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM jumps eight-tenths to an 8.6 share lifting it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston rises four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.1 share good for the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM falls seven-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that leaves it ranked #6 in the market. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM sheds seven-tenths to close with a 5.4 share that moves it from the #2 rank to #5, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM falls 1.2 shares to finish with a 4.3 share and falls from #3 to #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.