July 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three
July 2023 PPM Data – Information for the July 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio’s July 2023 sweep covered June 22 – July 19.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are June 2023 – July 2023 (6+).
PORTLAND
News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 5.6 – 5.8, +.2, repeats in fourth-place
iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” steady at 1.4, #21 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in third-place
KOPB’s internet stream 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, continues at #20
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH, second month in a row, 9.1 – 9.5, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classical KQAC (+.8)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KWJJ (-1.0)
CHARLOTTE
News/Talk: Urban One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3, seventh to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Urban One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, ensconced at #16
Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats at #11
Number One 6+: Urban One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, third straight month, 7.6 – 8.0, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WBT AM & WBT-FM (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WKQC (-1.3)
SAN ANTONIO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #14 to #15
Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #19
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh consecutive month, 8.9 – 9.1, +.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KCYY (-1.1)
SACRAMENTO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0, second to first
KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.6 – 3.7, -.9, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.1 – 2.1, -1.0, #12 to #15
Number One 6+: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM, first month, 9.6 – 12.6, +3.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM (+3.0)*
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: public radio news/talk KXJZ (-1.0)
*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
PITTSBURGH
News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 7.1 – 6.7, -.4, third to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, eighth to sixth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, eighth month in a row, 11.2 – 12.8, +1.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWSW (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WDVE (-.7)
SALT LAKE CITY
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, third to fourth
Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, eighth to sixth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 1.8 – 2.1, +.3, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 11.6, +.6
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KRSP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country KSOP-FM (-1.1)
LAS VEGAS
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMXB-HD3 “101.5 K-Dawn The Talk Of Las Vegas” unchanged at 2.3, #17 to #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #19 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE, first month, 6.4 – 8.1, +1.7
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KSNE (+1.7)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KISF (-1.9)**
**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ORLANDO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, anchored in tenth-place
Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” flat at 3.9, remains at #11
WTKS’ cluster-mate WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, #19 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WYGM “96.9 The Game” unchanged at 1.3, carries on at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE steady at 2.4, #16 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF, second consecutive month, 8.7 – 8.5, -.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WCFB (+1.3)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WWKA (-1.9)**
**Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
CINCINNATI
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0, #1
WLW’s cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.5 – 4.2, -.3, sixth to seventh
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, 18th consecutive month, 13.0 – 16.0, +3.0
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: news/talk WLW (+3.0)*
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WGRR (-1.8)
*Represents a tie for the largest June 2023 – July 2023 increase (6+) of any station from the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far
CLEVELAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, seventh to eighth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.1, +.2, remains at #12
WKRK’s internet stream .3 – .4, +.1, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 5.7 – 4.9, -.8, eighth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, ninth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: urban AC WZAK (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: CHR WAKS (-.9)
KANSAS CITY
News/Talk: Audacy-owned KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.3 – 4.9, +.6, seventh to fifth
KMBZ-FM cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #19 to #20
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #15 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #10 to #12
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX, second successive month, 10.5 – 10.3, -.2
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: country KFKF (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: country WDAF (-1.3)
COLUMBUS
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” steady at 4.9, seventh to sixth
Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU unchanged at 4.5, ninth to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WCOL, ninth straight month, 11.0 – 10.9, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Increase: adult hits WODC (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2023 – July 2023 Decrease: rock WRKZ and classic rock WXZX (-.6)
Up next: July 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
July 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.
iHeartMedia’s financial by segment, broadcast radio revenue was $429 million, a decline of 7.2% over Q2 of 2022. Network radio was $122 million (down 4.2%), digital revenue (excluding podcast) was $164 million (down 1.6%), and podcasting revenue was $96.7 million (up 12.9%). iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We are pleased to report that our second quarter 2023 results reflected Adjusted EBITDA slightly above the midpoint of the guidance range, and more than double the Adjusted EBITDA we generated in the first quarter, and our consolidated revenue were above the guidance range. The continued positive performance of our Digital Audio Group, led by our Podcasting business, and the significantly improved relative performance of our Multiplatform Group during this soft advertising period, are encouraging metrics for us, and we’re seeing indications of improving macroeconomic trends which we expect to have a positive impact for us in the second half of the year, with most of that impact in Q4.”
tight end Darren Waller and mental health and mindfulness coach Donny Starkins, with new originals joining the slate soon. Williams says, “We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with iHeartPodcasts. With the help of iHeart’s unmatched expertise and platform, we are building a robust content slate and what I believe will be an enjoyable and unique listening experience.” Smith adds, “IN’s approach is guided by inspiring and transformative power-rich storytelling and authentic, entertaining and thought-provoking conversation. We want to elevate and empower creatives, amplify diverse voices and perspectives, and enlighten, entertain and engage our audience. At IN our mantra is, ‘Louder for the folks in the back!’”
apologize for the pain I caused WUSA sports reporter Sharla McBride. As has been reported, I insensitively used the terms ‘Barbie,’ ‘Barbie girl,’ and ‘chick’ when talking about Ms. McBride, a fellow broadcaster who I did not know or recognize when she walked by our broadcast position. My attempts to be humorous and topical backfired, and I needlessly deprecated a professional colleague… I have reached out to Ms. McBride to apologize. When she feels ready, I hope that we can have a conversation and that I will have the opportunity to reiterate my apology to her in person. I hope that Ms. McBride and the listeners who heard me will forgive me. I am better than this, and I promise to demonstrate that going forward.”
follows at #2 (71,573 AAS) and Audacy ranks #3 (68,414 AAS). Cumulus Streaming Network ranks #4 (40,785 AAS). Beasley Corporate lands at #7 (18,469 AAS), Hubbard Broadcasting is right behind at #8 (15,129 AAS), followed by Urban One at #9 (9,971 AAS). 
living in the state of Nevada. The native Iowan was beloved by WHO Radio listeners and colleagues. He was known nationally for his thought-provoking talk show and on-air debates, but also for sharing information about local severe weather and other urgent news relevant to his listeners. Mickelson was known for tackling serious topics but was equally appreciated by his devoted listeners for providing much joy and humor with his infectious laughter.” iHeartMedia Des Moines market president Joel McCrea adds, “Jan Mickelson was the best at his craft. He was always prepared and knew how to get you to listen to the radio. If you disagreed with him, he would take your call first because he wanted a spirited conversation. All of us at WHO miss Jan Mickelson.”
(7/28) and terminated his employment on Saturday. iHeartMedia issued the following statement: “After an internal review, Don Geronimo is no longer an employee of WBIG. We take matters of this nature very seriously and this behavior does not align with our core values.” McBride commented to ESPN, “When I heard the comments made about me on the radio show, I felt incredibly insulted and embarrassed. In my 17 years as a professional journalist, I have never been disrespected in such a blatant manner while trying to do my job. Their words were sexist and misogynistic. No woman should experience this in the workplace, and I appreciate the Commanders’ swift response in handling this matter.” For his part, Geronimo stated via social media, “At this time I will not be providing comment on the events of the last few days. I am consulting with my advisers as to my options moving forward, including an accurate reflection of the situation.” 
AM “ESPN 620.” Long previously served with Bonneville as PD for sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle. He was most recently with iHeartMedia San Diego. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch says, “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to the Bonneville family. He is a proven leader who will bring strategic thinking and an innovative 
spirit that will grow our market leading news and sports brands.” Long will also serve as PD for KMVP-FM and KTAR-AM. He comments, “Getting the chance to return to Bonneville after such a great run in San Diego and being part of the evolution for such iconic brands as ‘Arizona Sports’ and ‘KTAR News’ is humbling. I look forward to getting to work alongside some of the best talent in the country.” At the same time, the company announces that KTAR-FM assistant program director and news director Martha Maurer is being promoted to program director of “KTAR News.” Hatch says, “There is no one more passionate about ‘KTAR News’ and its talented content teams than Martha. We have watched her grow and achieve great success for 11 years and couldn’t be more excited for her to lead this legendary brand into the future.”
podcasts, offering a differentiated promotional playbook to help them grow and monetize their content; and the companies teaming up to offer new resources for niche and emerging business podcasters. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne states, “iHeartMedia is thrilled to team up with LinkedIn to help propel professional conversations through the podcast space. The combination of our vast reach and industry resources and expertise with LinkedIn’s professional network will allow us to bring a new level of innovation and growth to the communities’ business creators care about most.”
The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s June 2023 sweep covered May 25 – June 21. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN remains ranked #1 in the market even after losing four-tenths to finish with a 9.8 share, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ leaps 1.3 shares for 9.5 share finish that lifts it to the #2 rank. In Providence, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM tacks on seven-tenths for a 5.9 share finish but stays in the #7 spot, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up one-tenths for a 0.5 share and remains ranked #17. And in Hartford, Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM rises six-tenths to finish with a 5.5 share good for the #6 rank, while Red Wolf Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WDRC-AM dips one-tenth to a 1.5 share good for the #15 rank. 
June 2023 PPM Data – Information for the June 2023 sweep has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
As TALKERS noted yesterday (Thursday, 7/13), Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “104.9 The Horn” will be dropping its sports talk format in just over two weeks (8/1). For the past seven years, “The Horn” was the home of University of Texas football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts; however, that will change owing to the upcoming format flip. Taking over as new flagships for the Texas Longhorns are iHeartMedia Austin sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone Austin’s Sports Talk” and its country cluster-mate, KVET-FM. The two outlets will simulcast football and men’s basketball. 
According to iHeartMedia sports president Kevin Legrett, “The Texas Longhorns is one of the leading college sports brands in the country. Longhorn Nation continues to be recognized for their pride and dedication to their home team. We are excited to be the broadcast home to these passionate sports fans, providing great programming and play-by-play coverage not only in Austin, but everywhere via iHeartRadio.” University of Texas vice president/director of athletics Chris Del Conte comments, “The move of our network’s flagship radio station to KVET is a huge win for our fans in Austin and central Texas. The powerful signals of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ and [KVET-FM] will give our Longhorn faithful access to crystal-clear radio game broadcasts from the northern tips of Williamson County down to the southern regions of Caldwell and Hays counties and out east to our friends in Bastrop and west into the beautiful Hill Country. No matter where you are in that footprint, you’ll get your Horns loud and clear from kickoff, tipoff or first pitch. Then you add the cherry on top to this deal with our network’s partnership with the mighty brand of iHeartMedia, and we’ve hit a home run in every way.” This will be Craig Way’s 23rd year as play-by-play voice of the Longhorns. The deal was negotiated by rightsholder Learfield’s Longhorn Sports Properties.
WBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show. The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting. It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922. WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: 
Las Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base. Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”
Nashville Public Radio, which includes WPLN “News 90.3” (and triple A WNXP), appoints Robert Sanchez as its chief operating officer. Nashville Public Radio president/chief executive officer Steve Swenson comments, “Rob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us as we continue our rapid growth to expand our public service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. His extensive background in both news and music programming is unique in our industry.” Sanchez notes, “I’m grateful to Steve Swenson and the board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the many digital and audio services Nashville Public Radio offers. I’m invigorated to join an organization that functions at such a high level of public service and community engagement.” For the past five years, Sanchez was vice president of news for iHeartMedia Boston news -news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM and iHM’s northeast regional news director. He previously was director/news and programming for Washington, DC’s WNEW-FM “All News 99.1”; assistant news director of New York all-news WCBS-AM; and programming/operations manager for Los Angeles’ KBLA “1580 Talk Radio.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 survey period, WPLN ranks #14 and is trending 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 (March – April – May, 6+).
Simulcasting on 98.7 HD-2, iHeartMedia Washington, DC launches “Freedom 104.7 – DC’s Real News. Real Talk.” Senior vice president of programming Jeff Kapugi states, “We are excited to welcome a number of best-in-class personalities to ‘Freedom 104.7.’ We are confident [the station] will quickly become a favorite destination for DMV talk radio listeners.” Premiere Networks executive vice president of affiliate sales Peter Tripi adds, “We’re thrilled to have our industry-leading talk lineup join ‘Freedom 104.7 & 98.7 HD-2.’ These stellar talents will provide entertaining, unique and insightful views on the latest news, politics and events that Washington, DC listeners are looking for.” The station’s weekday lineup includes: “America’s First News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Clay Travis & Buck Sexton (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Jesse Kelly (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); “Our American Stories” (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight); “Coast to Coast Early Edition” (12:00 midnight – 1:00 am); and “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (1:00 am – 6:00 am). Approximately six months ago (1/5), WWDC-HD2 and 104.7 translator station W284CQ became “iHeart Sports DC”; it was not listed in Nielsen Audio’s May 2023 sweep. Among persons 6+ in that ratings period, American University public radio news/talk WAMU ranks first (11.4); Hubbard all-news WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” is second (8.0); Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” finishes seventh (4.7); and Audacy business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” ranks #22 (.5).
of staff often meant instability and near-daily internal leaks to the press. Now, the new iHeartPodcast ‘The Whistleblowers: Inside The Trump Administration,’ co-produced with Best Case and Ark Media, will dive headfirst into the chaos to bring listeners the inside story of the people behind some of the most explosive government revelations in American history.” Taylor is a bestselling author and the former chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He first wrote anonymously, but later revealed himself as the author after publishing the #1 bestseller A Warning in 2019. Each episode focuses on a different “whistleblower” including Reality Winner, Andrew McCabe, Alexander Vindman, Olivia Troye, Dawn Wooten, Grant Turner, and Stephanie Grisham.