news/talk – Page 12 – TALKERS magazine

October 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | November 1, 2022 by Editor

October 2022 PPM Data – Information for the October 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

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

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

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

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

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

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.0, #11 to #12

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.5, -.2, #18 to #19

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #13 to #11 and co-owned WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” unchanged at 3.0, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 3.2 – 3.7, +.5, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Mediaco Holding-owned/Emmis operated urban AC WBLS, second month in a row, 6.6 – 6.9, +.3

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk WFAN and Spanish contemporary WXNY (+.5)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary WLTW; CHR WHTZ; and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” flat at 4.7, continues in fourth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, eighth to ninth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, third month in a row, 5.8 – 5.7, -.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult hits KCBS-FM (-.6)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, ninth to tenth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.9 – 5.3, +.4, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Blackhawks) 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, sixth month in a row, 6.6 – 6.1, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: urban AC WVAZ (+.7)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: news/talk WGN (-.6)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, repeats at #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.4 – 7.0, +.6, second to first

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers) 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, sixth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 7.8 – 6.6, -1.2, first to third

Number One 6+ (Tie): news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.4 – 7.0, +.6 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 6.0 – 7.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KQED (-1.2)

Note: KGO transitioned from news/talk to sports betting (10/10/2022)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.9 – 4.8, -.1, repeats in third-place

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, steady at #16

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 4.0 – 4.4, +.4, seventh to fourth

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) 1.9 – 2.8, +.9, #21 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA flat at 3.0, #13 to #14

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, ninth month in a row, 5.4 – 5.2, -.2

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk KRLD-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-1.0)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, repeats at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF flat at 2.0, continues at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, nineteenth consecutive month, 8.7 – 9.8, +1.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.1)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): contemporary Christian KSBJ; alternative KTBZ; and Spanish contemporary KLOL (-.7)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 5.9, -.4, fifth to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #11 to #9

Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 6.8 – 7.2, +.4, third to second

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, tenth successive month, 8.3 – 8.4, +.1

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase (Tie): urban AC WAMJ; contemporary Christian WFSH; and CHR WWPW (+.8)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WALR and country WKHX (-.8)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” flat at 5.2, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Eagles) 5.3 – 6.5, +1.2, sixth to third and WIP’s internet stream, 2.6 – 2.2, -.4, #12 to #14

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (Flyers) 1.2 – 1.5, +.3, #22 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.6 – 4.8, +.2, continues in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, third straight month, 8.7 – 7.9, -.8

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WIP (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rock WMMR (-.8)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 2.1, #17 to #16

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.1 – 1.9, -.2, remains at #17

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, continues in seventh-place and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, repeats at #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 3.8 – 4.7, +.9, eighth to fifth

Emmis-owned/Good Karma Brands-operated WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Islanders, Rangers) 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, steady at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in succession, 6.6 – 6.1, -.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: sports talk WFAN (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: CHR WBLI (-.8)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .4, anchored at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, tenth consecutive month, 7.7 – 9.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.5)*

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KGGI (-.5)

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

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 2.0, +.5, #21 to #15 and cluster-mate KGO 2.7 – 1.9, -.8, #13 to #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.7 – 6.6, +.9, second to first

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (49ers ) 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+ (Tie): news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth straight month 7.3 – 6.6, -.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+.9)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-1.0)

Note: KGO transitioned from news/talk to sports betting (10/10/2022)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.0 – 6.5, +.5, second to third

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .5 – 1.2, +.7, #23 to #19

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, #12 to #13 and co-owned WINS 1.4 – 1.2, -.2, #17 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (NY Giants) 2.8 – 3.4, +.6, #11 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 8.6 – 6.9, -1.7

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ September 2022 – October 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-1.7)**

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

Up next: October 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Friday, October 21, 2022

By Editor | October 21, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Inflation Inflammation,” looks back at this past week of 10/17-10/21. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Jack Heath, talk show host, the Pulse of NH; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Jerry Reynolds, talk show host, CarPro Radio Network/WBAP, Dallas; and Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., associate publisher, TALKERS. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on 100-plus broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here.

Wisconsin Talk Hosts Avoid Prosecution for Entering Locked State House. According to coverage from Madison.com, charges against Michael Crute (left) and Dominic Salvia (right) – hosts of the progressive talk program, “The Devil’s Advocates Radio Show,” for entering the Wisconsin Capitol illegally on December 22 of 2020 are being dropped. Crute and Salvia’s program is heard in Milwaukee on Good Karma Brands’ WAUK-AM/W266DR, on WTTN-AM/W224EG in Madison and other Wisconsin signals. The duo, along with producer Bryan Kelly, accessed the locked Capitol during the pandemic lockdown to “put up a Christmas tree that included ornaments lampooning Republican lawmakers after Republican state Reps. Paul Tittl and Shae Sortwell and others put up their own tree in the Capitol rotunda and held other activities without a permit because Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had decided not to put up a tree during the pandemic.” Crute, Salvia and Kelly’s lawyer told the program’s listeners that his defensive strategy “was going to be the defense of selective prosecution” on the part of the district attorney. In the end it didn’t matter because ultimately the prosecution “did not feel at this time in the interest of justice jury trials in these matters was warranted.”

Salem Announces Midterm Election Coverage. The company says that its coverage of the November midterm elections will begin on Tuesday (11/8) at 7:00 pm ET and run through 2:00 am the next morning. Salem Media Group says that the Salem Radio Network will join forces with the new Salem News Channel platform to provide marathon “DECISION 22” Midterm Election coverage focusing on the battle over which political party will gain control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years. “DECISION 22” will also track election results in hotly contested races for governor from coast-to-coast. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup states, “This promises to be quite very possibly the most historic Midterm election and it will offer our audiences the first ever live broadcast partnership between our ground-breaking Salem News Channel and the Salem Radio Network nationwide.” For the first five hours starting at 7:00 pm ET, SNC’s Andrew Wilkow and SRN’s nationally syndicated talk hosts Hugh Hewitt and Dr. Sebastian Gorka will anchor the live coverage that will include perspective and analysis from invited guests including SRN hosts Mike Gallagher and Brandon Tatum live from midterm “watch parties.” Correspondents updating key races will include Chris Stigall of “AM990 The Answer” in Philadelphia covering the pivotal Pennsylvania U.S. Senate contest. SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston will provide breaking news throughout the evening from the Decision Desk in the Washington bureau. At 12:00 midnight ET coverage switches to the Los Angeles studios of Salem’s “870AM The ANSWER” for continuing coverage anchored by Jennifer Horn (host of The Morning Answer of KRLA and KTIE) and KRLA news anchor Larry Marino.

Mike Miller Named VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Central PA. Radio programming pro Mike Miller is named vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Central PA stations that include news/talk WHP-AM and sports talk WTKT-AM “FOX Sports 1460” in Harrisburg, as well as five music brands. iHeartMedia national programming group EVP Jeff Hurley comments, “Mike brings an unparalleled understanding of our business and operations. His track record of innovation speaks for itself. He has created and grown unique brands from the ground up for over 20 years in Central PA. We’re excited to welcome Mike back to our programming team, where he got his first start on ‘FM97’ in Lancaster at age 16.”

Broadcasters Foundation of America Lauded for Hurricane Assistance. After hurricanes swept through Puerto Rico and Southwest Florida, those working in the broadcasting business in the those areas have had to deal with personal and family issues in addition to having to keep up their professional duties to keep the public informed and apprised of everything that is happening in clean-up efforts. At best, it has been difficult for those in the broadcast community to continue working while also dealing with damage to their property or automobiles. At worst, they may be dealing with something such as injury to a family member or pet. While there is certainly no way to replace something as precious as life, the Broadcasters Foundation of America has stepped in to provide some financial security to those colleagues who are suffering from these natural disasters. Dozens of employees from various radio and television companies in those areas have reached out for help and the BFOA has either already delivered or is in the process of providing financial support. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Hurricane Ian was one of the worst natural disasters to hit Southwest Florida in over a century. A near category 5 hurricane, the storm devastated communities that Beasley serves. Our employees worked around the clock, serving as a lifeline to listeners when radio was the only source of communication available to them with the outside world. Throughout the storm, Tim McCarthy and the Broadcasters Foundation of America team were front and center, checking in and offering assistance to our employees who were directly impacted by the hurricane. It’s that type of true commitment and dedication to broadcasters on the front lines every day that makes the BFOA so incredibly important and vital as they take care of those who selflessly take care of others every day. That is what the Broadcasters Foundation of America is all about!”

TALKERS News Notes. A new deal between SiriusXM and New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis gives SXM the exclusive rights to distribute and sell advertising for “The Rachel Hollis Podcast.” Additionally, the agreement calls for Stitcher to distribute the show across all podcast platforms. Hollis says, “Teaming up with SiriusXM allows us to further elevate the show, bringing it into an exciting new chapter. I believe we learn the most by listening to other people’s stories and sharing in conversation. My hope is to keep seeking out wisdom from our guests that spark curiosity and openness with an ever-evolving audience.”…..Salem Media Group is presenting at the Annual LD Micro Main Event XV investor conference at 5:00 pm ET on October 26. The presentation will be available on the investor relations portion of Salem’s website prior to the company’s presentation…..Dr. Daliah Wachs’ GCN-syndicated talk radio program adds a new affiliate as Fairview Broadcasting’s news/talk KWBG-AM, Boone, Iowa adds the show to its program schedule in the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daypart.

Politics and the Midterm Elections Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 17-21. The politics and the debates leading up to the November midterm elections combined as the most-talked-about-stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Takers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the economy – including inflation, the up-and-down financial markets, and fears of a recession – followed by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine tied with other foreign affairs stories at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, October 20, 2022

By Editor | October 20, 2022 by Editor

‘CarPro’ Automotive Industry Expert Jerry Reynolds is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Since its invention in the early 20^th century, the automobile’s impact on society (not to mention radio) has been immeasurable… and it continues to be to this very day. The horseless carriage has shaped our culture and influenced us economically, architecturally, culturally, and even psychologically. Jerry Reynolds is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Reynolds is a giant in the world of automotive media. With over 40 years in the automotive industry, much of it as a hugely successful Ford dealer in Dallas, he is a trusted source of automotive news, insider insight, and new car reviews. For the past two decades he, along with co-host Kevin McCarthy, has hosted a Saturday midday talk radio show about cars called “CarPro.” It’s heard for three hours locally on WBAP in the Dallas/Fort Worth market, where Reynolds is a household name, and then for an additional two hours nationally on news/talk stations across America via the CarPro Radio Network. It’s no wonder that the show is such a success – information about automobiles ties in directly with most of the topics discussed on the news/talk format… the economy, the environment, and the day-to-day necessities of living. And a solid show about cars is a magnet for a wide and deep array of potential advertisers. Reynolds’ stated mission is to educate consumers about the car buying process and provide them with the latest information, so listeners can make the best car buying decisions for their needs and budgets. Harrison and Reynolds take an enlightening deep-dive into how today’s automotive industry operates. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

NAB Reveals 2022 Marconi Award Winners; KTAR-FM Named Legendary Station of the Year. The National Association of Broadcasters presented the 2022 NAB Marconi Radio Awards during a dinner celebration held last night (10/19) at the Javits Center at NAB Show New York. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix was named Legendary Station of the Year. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manger Ryan Hatch states, “For more than 100 years, KTAR has been built on the backs of broadcasting legends. We are honored and thrilled to win one of the most coveted awards in broadcasting. I’m so proud of our talented Bonneville Phoenix team who continues to embody the legacy of building up, connecting, and informing the community that we serve.” Other spoken-word stations and personalities recognized by the NAB include: Joel Oxley of Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington was honored as Legendary Radio Station Manager; Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year went to Premiere Networks’ Dan Patrick; Major Market Personality of the Year is Greg Hill of Audacy’s sports talk WEEI, Boston; Major Market Station of the Year went to Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; Pathfinder Communications’ WOWO-AM, Fort Wayne was honored as Medium Market Station of the Year; CMG’s KRMG-FM, Tulsa was named News/Talk Station of the Year; Audacy’s WXYT-FM, Detroit took home Sports Station of the Year; and College Station of the Year went to Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, N.Y. See the complete list of winners here.

Radio America to Syndicate ‘The Todd Herman Show.’ Former tech executive and current media personality Todd Herman is joining Radio America as the network is entering into a new distribution and sales agreement with his daily podcast and the debut of the new weekend program, “The Todd Herman Show,” beginning November 5. Herman hosted a regular program on KTTH-AM, Seattle for eight years and, for six years of that time, was a regular fill-in for Rush Limbaugh until Rush’s passing in 2021. Radio America president and CEO Mike Paradiso says, “Todd is a phenomenal talent that knows how to connect with listeners and advertisers. His daily podcast is a great addition to our podcast lineup and we love the opportunity to bring his show back to a national radio audience.” Herman a CEO and founder of a start-up and an executive with Microsoft, says, “I am feeling such gratitude to be welcomed to Radio America, where our God-given right to speak freely is practiced by some of the greatest voices in radio and podcasting. I thank God, my team, and my podcast family for getting us here.”

Triton Digital Releases Top U.S. Podcast Report for September. This report ranks the top podcasts in the U.S. for the month of September 2022, based on average weekly downloads. There was a little jockeying at the top of the chart as “NPR News Now” returns to the #1 position and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” falls to #2. Wondery’s “Morbid” climbs to #3 and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” falls back to #4. Other radio-related podcasts near the top of the chart include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” steady at #7, Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” up one notch to #14, and Cumulus’ “The Mark Levin Podcast” is at #19. You can see the complete chart ranking the top 100 podcasts here.

PodcastOne Teams with XG Productions for ‘Talk to Me’ Podcast. A new partnership between PodcastOne and XG Productions includes the new podcast series, “Talk to Me.” On this program, listeners will be taken into the exciting inside story of the world’s first hostage negotiation team, which was created inside America’s largest police department, the NYPD in the early 1970s. The first episode of “Talk to Me,” tells the story of the infamous Attica prison riots. Written and narrated by veteran South Bronx detective and New York Times bestselling author Edward Conlon, “Talk to Me” tells the inside story of how and why the field of hostage negotiations was created. In the wake of major 1970s tragedies such as the Attica prison riot, the massacre of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, and the Brooklyn bank robbery that inspired the film “Dog Day Afternoon,” the NYPD recognized an urgent need to develop a protocol for handling incendiary hostage incidents. With news archives and first-hand accounts from hostage team founders Frank Bolz and Harvey Schlossberg, the podcast brings to life cases big and small to explore what worked — and what didn’t. The world’s first hostage negotiation team pioneered the use of psychology in saving lives and created a model that is still used around the world today.

GBH, El Planeta, and Harvard Medical School Team for Spanish-Language Podcast and Radio Show. Public media organization GBH announces it is teaming up with the journalists at the local outlet El Planeta (and its national counterpart, El Tiempo Latino), to produce “Salud,” a podcast and 30-minute radio show focused on health issues important to the Hispanic community. GBH News will lend its production facilities and distribution channels to the program. The Harvard Medical School Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership will provide expertise and guidance on medical matters. “Salud” will air on WGBH-FM 9:30 am on Saturdays, beginning on October 22 for an initial run of eight weeks. The show will be available on demand on YouTube and all major podcast platforms the Thursday before each broadcast date. GBH general manager for news Pam Johnston says, “Collaborating with El Planeta and the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School allows us to super-serve the local and national Hispanic communities with in-depth stories of significant importance to their health and well-being. Bringing these stories to the audience in their native language further reflects our deep commitment to engage with a broad and growing range of listeners.”

The Economy/New Tax Brackets, Russia-Ukraine War, Midterms, Donald Trump Legal Issues, Truss on the Ropes, and Kanye West Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/19). Inflation, the up-and-down financial markets, and fears of a recession, combined with the IRS’ announcement of new, lower tax brackets; Russia’s kamikaze drone strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure; the debates ahead of November’s midterm elections; the numerous legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; Liz Truss’ tenuous hold on her Prime Minister role with Britain’s Conservative Party; and the anti-Semitic rants from rapper and fashion mogul Ye were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

By Editor | October 19, 2022 by Editor

Salem to Acquire Four More Miami Signals for Spanish Programming. A day after announcing that it is acquiring Miami market station WMYM-AM and translator W254DT (98.7 FM) from Actualidad Media Group, LLC, Salem Media Group reveals its deal with Fenix Broadcasting Corporation and co-owned WRHC Broadcasting Corporation to buy the assets of Spanish news outlet WWFE-AM 670 and translator W276DV (103.1 FM) along with Spanish news WRHC-AM and translator W254DV (98.7 FM). Salem says it intends to continue broadcasting in Spanish post-closing. Salem Media executive chairman Edward Atsinger comments, “From this nation’s early days its voices of freedom spoke loudly and were heard. This is one reason we are a true democracy, and not a totalitarian regime. At a time when the voices of freedom in Spanish-language programming are threatened, it is our duty to step up and serve the South Florida audience. For over four decades Salem Media Group has provided a platform for conservative voices on-air, and now online, and in print. Now we will do the same for South Florida’s Spanish-speaking community as well, as we add leading Spanish-speaking voices of freedom to our lineup. The recent passing of Fenix Broadcasting’s president and founder Jorge Rodriguez, Sr. makes this effort even more timely as we work to build upon the broadcast legacy that he and his wife Ana, and son Jorge, Jr. have created. Jorge Sr.’s passionate fight for freedom defined his operation of WWFE AM 670 ‘La Poderosa’ and WRHC AM 1550 ‘Cadena Azul.’ We are grateful to be entrusted with these legendary stations as a platform for our new Spanish-language conservative programming.”

Cumulus Media Names Sly King Promotions Director for Birmingham Station Group. Seventeen-year radio pro Sly King is named promotions director for Cumulus Media’s Birmingham cluster that includes news/talk WAPI-FM/WZRR-FM, sports talk outlets WJOX-FM, WJOX-AM, and WJQX-FM, plus urban AM WUHT-FM. King started his radio career as an intern with WUHT-FM, and later serving the station as producer of the popular nationally syndicated morning program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” In addition to King’s new role as promotions director, he continues his on-air role on WUHT-FM. Cumulus Birmingham VP and market manager James Robinson comments, “I am excited to announce Sly King as our new promotions director in Birmingham. I am proud to promote from within our Birmingham team, someone who has been committed to the Birmingham community for many years. I believe Sly will continue his dedicated hard work and will take the Cumulus Birmingham team to new heights.”

Podtrac to Unveil New Sales Network Ranking. The company says its new Podtrac Sales Network Ranking “showcases the reach and delivery of podcast networks that provide important advertising options to the industry across all of the shows they represent.” Podtrac says this new ranking “provides advertisers with free monthly access to Podtrac reach and delivery information for top sales networks. The networks on the new ranking represent more than 38,000 podcasts and 500 million monthly downloads.” Topping the list is Wondery’s sales network with a US monthly audience of 25 million which includes podcasts they represent on their Art19 platform. Other networks on the ranking include podcast ad and publishing platforms Acast and Libsyn AdvertiseCast, both newly measured by Podtrac, plus PodcastOne. You can see the inaugural ranking here. Since 2016, Podtrac has published its monthly ranking of Top Podcasts and Top Podcast Publishers.

TALKERS News Notes. The National Football League and iHeartMedia announce the NFL Podcast Network’s fall programming lineup. In September, the NFL and iHeartMedia launched a series of new shows including: “NFL Now,” with Andrew Siciliano; “NFL Total Access”; and “NFL GameDay View,” with Rachel Bonnetta, Cynthia Frelund, Gregg Rosenthal and Patrick Claybon. This month, they will debut new podcasts including: “The Season with Peter Schrager”; “El Huddle,” hosted by Will Selva and MJ Acosta-Ruiz; and “NFL Players: Second Acts,” with former All-Pro Charles “Peanut” Tillman and former Pro-Bowler Roman Harper…..CNN Audio launches the new podcast, “The Assignment with Audie Cornish,” on November 17. CNN says, “In this candid weekly show, Cornish will convene conversations with everyday people at the center of debates that are rocking the culture with topics spanning the arts, education, politics, business, and sports – people living behind the headlines in the very heart of the zeitgeist. Listeners will hear stories from inside the communities and cultures shaping what we experience.”…..Audacy’s C13Originals announces the second season of the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning investigative franchise, “Gone South.” In season 2, producer and journalist Jed Lipinski investigates the Dixie Mafia, “a rag-tag confederation of traveling criminals who terrorized the Southeastern United States beginning in the early 1960s.”…..Audacy, Inc. says it will report its 2022 third quarter financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, November 8. The company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results and recent progress against its strategic initiatives. Previously, Cumulus Media Group announced that it would present its 2022 third quarter financial results on October 28…..VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, adds new affiliate stations as iHeartMedia’s KEGL-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “97.1 The Freak” and WAIO-FM, Rochester add VSiN programming to their weekend schedules.

Midterms, Trump Legal Issues, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Ye-George Floyd Case, Xi Jinping, Iran Protests, and Dan Snyder Allegations Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/18). The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control the House and the Senate; the various legal battles former President Donald Trump is facing; Russia’s use of kamikaze drones to target Ukraine’s infrastructure; high food & gas prices, the up & down financial markets and predictions of a recession; the daughter of George Floyd announces $250 million suit against Ye for statements about Floyd’s cause of death; China’s President Xi Jinping is named to third five-year term; the protests rocking Iran’s power structure; and Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder defends himself after allegations he’s hired private investigators to find “dirt” on his fellow owners were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | October 7, 2022 by Editor

September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.

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 2022 – September 2022 (6+).

Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 3.9 – 4.5, +.6, eighth to seventh

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 8.0 – 8.1, +.1, repeats in the runner-up slot

Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .6 – .8, +.2, steady at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, continues at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 11.6 – 11.1, -.5, #1

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, ninth month in succession, 11.6 – 11.1, -.5

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WHUR and classic hits-oldies WIAD (-.8)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 4.3 – 3.8, -.5, seventh to ninth

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, sixth to fifth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (New England Patriots) 7.5 – 7.3, -.2, first to second

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.9 – 4.0, +.1, tenth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.5 – 4.0, +.5, #11 to #7

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #17 to #19

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, first month, 7.2 – 7.4, +.2

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country WBWL (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC WWBX (-.7)

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 2.9 – 3.4, +.5, #12 to #9

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ, second consecutive month, 8.5 – 8.3, -.2

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WMIB (+.6)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” (Seahawks) 6.1 – 6.6, +.5, fourth to third

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, anchored at #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners, Seahawks) 6.2 – 7.0, +.8, third to first

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 4.9 – 4.3, -.6, sixth to seventh

Number One 6+: sports talk KIRO-AM, first month, 6.2 – 7.0, +.8

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk KIRO-AM and alternative KEXP (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KSWD (-1.3)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, locked at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, repeats in eighth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Lions) 5.3 – 5.6, +.3, sixth to fourth and WXYT-FM’s internet stream, 1.5 – 1.9, +.4, steady at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 1.7 – 2.1, +.4, #19 to #17

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, first month, 6.5 – 7.5, +1.0

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOMC (+1.0)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WJLB (-2.8)*

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

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, ninth to tenth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” (Arizona Cardinals) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #18 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 6.2 – 7.3, +1.1, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, sixth month in a row, 6.7 – 7.6, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KJZZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-.7)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.8 – 5.6, +.8, tenth to seventh

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #17 to #15

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, flat at #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) 5.5 – 6.7, +1.2, seventh to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, locked in fifth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, third month in a row, 8.2 – 8.1, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: sports talk KFXN (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC KSTP-FM (-1.1)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.4 – 5.0, +1.6, #11 to #4

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.9, -.4, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 5.4 – 5.6, +.2, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, sixth consecutive month, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: rhythmic hot AC XHRM (+1.7)**

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR KHTS (-1.1)

*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 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” 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, ninth to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” flat at 2.7, #13 to #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.6 – 2.1, +.5, remains at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #13 to #18

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, thirteenth month in succession, 9.0 – 9.1, +.1

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WCIE (+1.3)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR WFLZ (-.9)

DENVER

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies, Broncos) 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #17 and co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #16 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, flat at #9

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, second successive month, 7.1 – 6.3, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: triple A KBCO (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country KYGO (-1.1)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles, Ravens) 3.7– 3.8, +.1, tenth to ninth

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” flat at 1.7, unchanged at #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 4.1 – 4.2, +.1, eighth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, #9 to #11

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.1 – 9.5, +1.4

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIF (+1.4)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.1)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6, tenth to fifth and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, flat at #16

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

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.1 – 3.6, -.5, continues at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.5 – 3.0, -.5, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KPNT, second month in a row, 10.0 – 9.2, -.8

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: news/talk KMOX (+1.6)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: alternative KPNT (-.8)

Up next: September 2022 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

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

By Editor | October 5, 2022 by Editor

Round One of September PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC drops 1.3 shares to post a 3.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), falling into a tie at the #11 rank with Audacy’s all-news WINS, which adds two-tenths to finish with a 3.0 share. Although shedding one-tenth for a 4.7 share finish, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles remains ranked #4. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM dips one-tenth for a 3.5 share finish good for the #9 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM adds three-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.9 share that pushes it to the #3 rank. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth continues its upward trajectory by adding four-tenths to wrap the survey with a 4.9 share that lifts it to the #3 rank. After adding eight-tenths for a 6.3 share finish, Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta remains ranked #5. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

New York Festivals Radio Awards 2023 Competition Open for Entries. The New York Festivals 2023 Radio Awards competition is open for entries. New York Festivals Radio Awards 65-year legacy provides a showcase to celebrate world-class storytellers from around the globe. The competition honors creative innovation and excellence in broadcast and audio content across all genres and platforms. NYFestivals VP and executive director Rose Anderson says, “Journalists today are finding new ways to keep viewers informed and engaged in our ever-changing and interconnected world. Here at New York Festivals, we want to be able to amplify their dedication with categories tailored for those purposes along with stories that show how individual actions can change the world and the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.” This year, New York Festivals Radio Awards adds two additional categories that reflect the evolving industry: Investigative Journalism and Best Nonfiction Series. The 2023 Storytellers Gala will take place at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas on April 18, 2023. This is the 13th year of NYF’s and NAB’s strategic partnership. Radio Award winners will have access to the multi-day event taking place April 15-19, 2023. New York Festivals Radio Awards receives entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. The mission of the competition is to honor the achievements of the men and women who make up the global audio storytelling community. Also, New York Festivals invites award-winning industry leaders from around the world to become members of their world-class Radio Awards Grand Jury. The 2023 Grand jury will be recruited in the coming weeks. Those jurors will include some of the most world’s recognizable voices and captivating content producers in the radio industry. Entries are judged on production values, creativity, content presentation, direction, writing, achievement of purpose, and audience suitability. To see last year’s winners, click here. To see this year’s categories and for information about entering, click here.

Michael Harrison’s “Idiots” is an Internet Hit. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has appeared as a guest on a number of major local and national radio talk shows covering several hundred stations across the nation during the past month discussing the musical track “Idiots” on which he appears as lead vocalist with the iconic classic rock band, GUNHILL ROAD. “Idiots” is a remarkably catchy song with an ear-worm hook and provocative lyrics taking aim at what Harrison describes as the “growing wave of idiocy that’s spreading across America and threatening the nation’s democracy.” Harrison wrote the song in collaboration with his bandmates – Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Since its release in late August, the song’s music video (www.idiotsvideo.com) has racked up more than 52,000 views on YouTube alone and gotten both audio and video exposure on hundreds of talk shows and radio station websites from WABC, New York to KXL, Portland. “Ironically, the song has become somewhat of a talk radio hit – if such a strange thing is possible,” says Harrison. “The music stations haven’t a clue what to do with it because it doesn’t fit conveniently into their cookie cutter categories. However, talk radio programmers get it.” Nationally syndicated talk radio star Lars Larson – one of the first to play the song on air – tells TALKERS, “The minute I put ‘Idiots’ on my talk show, emails flooded in. Gunhill Road hit the note that all of us have been sensing for a long time.” One of the song’s qualities that adds to its talk show appeal and support from both liberals and conservatives is its non-partisanship. Harrison calls it an “equal opportunity offender.” Lyrics include such lines as: A fool will always be a fool… left, right, blue or red… it pays to have an open mind, but not an empty head. Another: They (idiots) cherry pick and reaffirm half-baked dumb ideas… agree with almost anything that feeds their hate and fears… always blaming others for their own damn lack of vision… they buy the crap that’s sold them from the merchants of division. That last line is punctuated on the video by the famous “turd” emoji emanating from the rear ends of both an elephant and donkey. Harrison plans to continue the virtual Talk Radio Idiots Interview Tour through the fall. Shows and hosts interested in booking him as a guest can do so by emailing info@talkers.com or calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Click here to see the video.

Zimmer Broadcasting Simulcasts Morning Show to KWOS-AM, Jefferson City. The Jefferson City news/talk outlet owned and operated by Zimmer Communications is adding the “Wake-Up Mid-Missouri with Branden Rathert” program to its lineup. The program emanates from the company’s news/talk KSSZ-FM, Columbia, Missouri. The company says that lead host Branden Rathert has been recognized for his work during the 2010 BP Gulf Coast oil spill, the unrest at University of Missouri in 2015, and has been awarded for documentaries on homelessness and SWAT teams. The program also features local attorney Stephanie Bell, Centralia native Hannah Adkisson, news director Brian Hauswirth, and fellow journalist John Marsh. Zimmer Communications operations manager Chris Carson says, “We are excited to take what has been an extremely successful show for Columbia and bring that to a much larger audience covering a broad portion of the center of the state. The way they approach each news story, no matter how local or national, and provide a take that appeals to every Missouri listener is incredible. Their service work to the community and relationships with newsmakers and political leaders across parties across the state is unmatched by any other radio show statewide! This is going to be fun!”

Bold Gold Foundation’s 7^th Annual Event & Dinner to Pay Tribute to Abraham Lincoln. The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, announces that Abraham Lincoln will be the focus of this year’s 7th Annual Event and Dinner to be held on Friday, October 28 at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre. The Bold Gold Foundation has chosen the theme: “Abraham Lincoln – Leadership & Statesmanship in a Nation Divided.” Dr. Matthew Spalding – the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government at Hillsdale College and the dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale’s Washington, D.C. campus – will keynote the event. Bold Gold president Vince Benedetto says, “Our theme last year centered around Winston Churchill, as a defender of Western Civilization and free speech. Prior to this, we focused on the leadership of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. It seems only appropriate that we now turn our attention to the greatest statesman of the 19th century, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was a leader with great moral courage, who proved extremely capable of communicating and defending the American constitutional order and our founding principles. The purpose of the Bold Gold Foundation is to support the next generation of media leaders. What better way to learn about leadership and the communication of great ideals in times of deep division than by studying Abraham Lincoln?” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast PA business leader William Rosado, of the Rosado Group and Milford Hospitality Group, with a special citizenship award during this year’s event. The Atlas Award for Citizenship is awarded to individuals who, through their hard work and bold actions, show what is possible to achieve in a free society, and who exhibit extraordinary dedication to the highest ideals of character, community service, entrepreneurialism, patriotism, leadership, and virtue.

KWAM, Memphis Wins TAB Awards. Memphis news/talk KWAM “The Mighty 990” was honored with three Excellence in Broadcasting awards at the recent Tennessee Association of Broadcasters gala and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Tim Van Horn and Ben Deeter won second place honors for Best Talk Show. Grace Baker and the KWAM staff won first and second place for Best Digital Media. Pictured above are (from l-r): general manager Kevin Davis, KWAM political analyst Steve Gill, KWAM owner Todd Starnes, managing editor Caleb Parke, chief engineer Chuck Condron and CEO Dalton Glasscock.

TALKERS News Notes. The board of trustees of New York Public Radio are naming LaFontaine Oliver the next president and CEO of the organization that includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. His appointment is effective in January 2023. Oliver comes to WNYC from Your Public Radio (WYPR) in Baltimore, where he currently serves as president and CEO. WNYC says Oliver has led the station “through the unprecedented change of the pandemic while growing revenue and listenership, launching a new health vertical and podcast, and overseeing the acquisition of station WTMD from Towson University. Oliver also drove the significant expansion of the WYPR newsroom and launched a joint operating agreement with digital news startup, The Baltimore Banner.”…..PodcastOne adds to its roster podcasts from World Series Champion Nick Swisher, NBA Champion Bobby Portis and retired NFL running back Chris Howard, as well as the recent launch of “Hammered Heroes” hosted by Brendan Fitzgibbons and Sophie Santos. The quartet of shows all launch as part of the expanding PodcastOne’s sports vertical of programming for the podcast network. PodcastOne president Kit Gray comments, “Sports fans are loyal, they’re engaged and they’re passionate. With the growing PodcastOne sports vertical, we are producing and developing exclusive sports content shows from some of the most recognizable names in the game, adding to our diverse roster of original programming that advertisers and listeners won’t get from other networks. Our sports hosted shows offer something for everyone, from the parquet floors of the world of basketball to the spectacle of the wrestling ring.”…..iHeartRadio Raleigh is hosting a Hurricane Ian relief donation drive today (10/5) from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm at a local Walmart Supercenter. iHeartRadio Raleigh stations – including news/talk WTKK-FM – are encouraging listeners to donate much-needed supplies for those in Florida affected by the storm. “Our team has heard from many Triangle-area listeners who have a connection to Hurricane victims in Florida, whether it be friends or family,” says Trevor Morini, vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Raleigh. “The overwhelming desire to help those victims is what makes us proud to be part of this community.”…..Cox Media Group today kicks off a “Neighbors in Need” initiative at its TV and radio stations in Florida and Atlanta to support those impacted by Hurricane Ian. This follows WSB-TV’s and Atlanta Radio’s highly successful “Convoy of Care” that saw food, water and other provisions sent from Atlanta to those who needed it in Florida. CMG’s on-air talent across its Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa TV and radio stations will use their platforms to broadcast tales of heroism, discuss rescue efforts, and encourage audiences to donate to Hurricane recovery efforts.

Putin’s Ukraine Annexation, Hurricane Ian Aftermath, Trump Legal Issues, Inflation/Recession Fears, Musk & Twitter, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Record U.S. Debt, Oath Keepers Trial, and Tom Brady Marriage Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/4). The annexation of portions of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin; the search for missing Floridians in Hurricane Ian’s wake and President Joe Biden’s planned visit to the region; former President Donald Trump’s battle with the Department of Justice over the Mar-a-Lago documents; the record high inflation, OPEC’s potential reduction in oil output, and fears of a deep recession in the U.S.; Elon Musk’s reversal of his attempt to get out of acquiring Twitter; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; the U.S. national debt hits a record $31 trillion; the trial of several Oath Keepers on seditious conspiracy; and rumors of a possible split for Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

September 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | October 5, 2022 by Editor

September 2022 PPM Data – Information for the September 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14.

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 2022 – September 2022 (6+).

Note: The NFL season kicked off September 8; NFL – and MLB – flagships are noted where applicable.

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 4.3 – 3.0, -1.3, #8 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, anchored at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 3.0 +.2, #12 to #11 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #11 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) 2.8 – 3.2, +.4, #12 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s 3.6 – 4.1, +.5, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Mediaco Holding-owned/Emmis operated urban AC WBLS, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: urban AC WBLS (+.9)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk WABC (-1.3)*

*Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.8 – 4.7, -.1, repeats in fourth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, tenth to eighth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, #18 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, second month in a row, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.5)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLVE (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.6 – 3.5, -.1, eighth to ninth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” (Bears) 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, fifth to third

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.7 – 2.5, -.2, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, third to fifth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, fifth month in a row, 5.5 – 6.6, +1.1

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic rock WDRV (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: country WUSN (-.8)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #17 to #18 and co-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #21 to #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.4, +.2, continues in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (SF Giants, 49ers) 4.0 – 3.6, -.4, fifth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 8.5 – 7.8, -.7, first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED third month in a row, 8.5 – 7.8, -.7

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KSOL (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio news/talk KQED and adult contemporary KISQ (-.7)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.5 – 4.9, +.4, fourth to third

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” (Cowboys) 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #19 to #16

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, sixth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, eighth month in a row, 5.5 – 5.4, -.1

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KDGE (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: CHR KHKS (-1.0)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.9 – 3.3, -.6, #10 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, eighteenth consecutive month, 9.0 – 8.7, -.3

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: country KKBQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: news/talk KTRH (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 5.5 – 6.3, +.8, continues in fifth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, remains at #11

Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) 1.8 – 2.7, +.9, #17 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 5.1 – 6.8, +1.7, sixth to third

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, ninth successive month, 9.0 – 8.3, -.7

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WABE (+1.7)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: hot AC WSTR (-.9)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #20 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies, Eagles) 4.8 – 5.3, +.5, seventh to sixth and WIP’s internet stream, 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #13 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY steady at 4.6, remains in eighth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, second straight month, 8.0 – 8.7, +.7

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase (Tie): rock WMMR and adult hits WBEN-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WMGK and alternative WRFF (-.4)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.5 – 2.1, -.4, flat at #17

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.6 – 2.1, -.5, #15 to #17

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.6 – 3.9, +.3, eighth to seventh and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #15 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) 3.7 – 3.8, +.1, seventh to eighth

Emmis-owned/Good Karma Brands-operated WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #25 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fifth month in succession, 6.2 – 6.6, +.4

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WBZO (+.8)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: rock WWSK (-.8)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .3 – .4, +.1, locked at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, ninth consecutive month, 5.9 – 7.7, +1.8

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.8)**

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLVE (-.8)

**Represents the largest August 2022 – September 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #12 to #13

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 4.8 – 5.7, +.9, third to second

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (SF Giants, 49ers ) 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, repeats in eighth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire Audacy adult contemporary KOIT-FM, third straight month 6.6 – 7.3, +.7

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: hot AC KEZR (+1.1)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease: 1980s-based KOSF (-.7)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.1 – 6.0, +.9, fourth to second

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, repeats at #12 and co-owned WINS steady at 1.4, #18 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees, NY Giants) unchanged at 2.8, remains at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, third month in a row, 7.4 – 8.6, +1.2

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ August 2022 – September 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban contemporary WWPR and sports talk WEPN-FM (-.5)

Up next: September 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, September 22, 2022

By Editor | September 22, 2022 by Editor

FAIR’s Hold Their Feet to the Fire Radio Row 2022 Brings Hosts and Guests Together in Washington, DC. Today (9/22) is the second day of the two-day radio row presented by Federation for American Immigration Reform. The 15^th annual “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” began on Wednesday with more than 65 talk media personalities interviewing politicians and immigration experts and discussing the hot-button issue of immigration reform and the problems the nation faces with the recent surges of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Pictured above are two of the hosts taking part in the radio row. Above left is WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island personality John DePetro flanked by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and above right is WRVA, Richmond afternoon host Jeff Katz with the media personalities Diamond and Silk.

WPHT, Philadelphia Talent Shuffle Includes New Morning Show; Zeoli Moves to PM Drive. A change in the programming schedule at Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia includes a new morning drive program titled, “Kayal and Company,” led by Nick Kayal and including Dawn Stensland and Greg Stocker (who also serves as station PD). Current morning drive host Rich Zeoli moves to the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm daypart. Dom Giordano remains in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot and Stensland continues her solo program from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The changes become effective on October 3. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff comments, “For the first time ever, WPHT will be live and local from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, which further cements this fan favorite as the voice of Philadelphia and a reliable destination for our listeners. We’re excited to welcome Nick, who is trading in his sports background for his passion for politics, to our morning drive, and move Rich and his highly-successful program to entertain and inform listeners as they wind down their days.” Kayal previously worked in the market on sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic.”

The Ramsey Network Launches ‘Smart Money Happy Hour’ Podcast. A new podcast from the Ramsey Network is launched titled, “Smart Money Happy Hour,” starring Rachel Cruze and George Kamel. The podcast is described as “a mix of solid advice and snark from two friends who also happen to be money experts.” The show joins the Ramsey Network roster of podcasts that includes “The Ramsey Show,” “The Dr. John Delony Show,” “The Rachel Cruze Show,” “The Ken Coleman Show,” “The Fine Print,” “Borrowed Future” and “The EntreLeadership Podcast.” Ramsey Network EVP Blake Thompson says, “Rachel and George have such unique chemistry. One minute I was laughing along with them, the next I was thinking about money in a whole new way. People are going to love the pop culture references and the casual, pour-a-glass-of-wine environment these two have created in this new podcast.” Some of the “Smart Money Happy Hour” topics include: Is Convenience Culture Worth Being Broke?; HGTV: The Network That Brainwashed Us; How to Leave a Royal Legacy for Your Family; and Can the Middle Class Still Afford to Go to Disney?

SmileyAudioMedia Offering ‘Agenda for America’ Election Programming to Stations. As a part of its continuing election coverage, Tavis Smiley, SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” announce that they are offering exclusive election programming to urban stations nationwide. SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and KBLA Talk 1580 are producing a live, four-part series titled, “Agenda for America: An African American Perspective” that is executive produced by Smiley and moderated by KBLA’s radio hosts. The company says these four national conversations featuring influential Black voices will be offered at no charge to other talk- and urban-formatted radio stations and audio platforms across the country. The four programs are: “The State of Black Women in America,” hosted by Areva Martin; “The State of Black Men in America,” hosted by Zo Williams; “The State of Black Youth in America,” hosted by Dominique DiPrima; and, “Why We Can’t Wait: The Urgency of Now,” hosted by Tavis Smiley. The series airs live on Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm PT on KBLA “Talk 1580.” Smiley says, “KBLA ‘Talk 1580’ is not only a portal for talk and opinions for the progressive African American listening audience, but also a content provider of relevant programming for urban stations around the country. We intend for KBLA ‘Talk 1580’ to be the epicenter of election coverage, addressing local, state and national issues, affecting what matters most to our people.”

Audacy’s All-News WWJ, Detroit Unveils New Anchor Lineup. Beginning on October 3, the news anchor lineup changes at Audacy’s all-news WWJ, Detroit “News Radio 950.” The station says longtime anchor Jackie Paige (right) moves to mornings, joining Jonathan Carlson (left) from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. Paige will also host middays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Brooke Allen follows from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Tony Ortiz takes over at 2:00 pm and is joined by Allen from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Ortiz also hosts from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Erin Vermeulen remains the evening news anchor from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon comments, “We are excited to announce our new lineup, which is full of news anchors who are seasoned and well known in the community. This new slate will allow WWJ to continue its mission of keeping listeners informed of breaking news and the top stories of the day.”

BIA Advisory: WTOP Maintains Top Biller Spot for 2021. A report from BIA Advisory Services tallying radio’s top billers for last year reveals that Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington stayed in the #1 position with an estimated $70 million in revenue in 2021. BIA Advisory says that figure was an increase of 12.9% from $62 million in 2020. It goes on to say, “This surpasses the overall growth rate of 10.3% that BIA forecasts for over-the-air radio from 2020 to 2021, as the industry started to pull out of the pandemic slump. WTOP-FM is also the only station on this list to surpass its pre-pandemic revenue figure of $69.8 million in 2019.” The spoken word stations on the 2021 list that showed improvement include Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago – up to the #4 spot from #5 in 2020 ($34 million); Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston rose from #6 to #5 ($33.4 million); Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York was up from #9 to #8 ($31.6 million); its sports talk WFAN, New York rose from #10 to #9 ($31.5 million); and its all-news WCBS-AM, New York entered the top 10 at #10 ($30.9 million). The big change from the 2020 list to the 2021 list was Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta falling from #4 to #12. BIA also ranked the top billing by radio companies. You can see both charts here.

Triton Digital Releases August 2022 U.S. Podcast Report. This report from Triton Digital ranks the most popular podcasts in the U.S. for the month of August based on Average Weekly Downloads. Changes from the July 2022 report include audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” rising from #3 to #1, bumping Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Ben Shapiro Show” from #1 to #3. Remaining in the #2 spot is NPR’s “NPR News Now.” You can see the complete list of the top 100 U.S. podcasts from Triton Digital here.

TALKERS News Notes. The New York City Radio Committee, a joint partnership of all the major radio broadcasters in New York City, is developing a marketing campaign to promote the power of radio. The campaign includes radio messaging on over 20 of New York’s most-listened-to stations, digital and social media marketing along with trade media. The multi-media campaign runs through November. The focus of the initiative is on advertising agencies and businesses that purchase advertising. Audacy New York market president and chairman of the New York City Radio Committee Chris Oliviero says, “Radio has been and continues to be a critical and valued part of millions of New Yorkers’ daily lives. These iconic brands, from music to news to sports, provide the soundtrack of the city. This campaign offers a fresh, fun and innovative approach to highlighting the efficacy of radio for media planners and advertisers. The collaboration of the city’s major broadcasters shows a clear commitment to our belief that local radio, consumed on FM or AM or streaming or in podcasts, is an essential tool in any overall marketing strategy in the media capital of the world.”…..iHeartMedia extends the contract of Michael McGuinness through June 1, 2027 and changes his title from EVP – finance and deputy chief financial officer to EVP, deputy chief financial officer of the company and chief financial officer – multiplatform and digital segments…..FOX News Channel names Trace Gallagher anchor of “FOX News @ Night.” Gallagher takes over for Shannon Bream, who was recently promoted to anchor of “FOX News Sunday.” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “When it comes to breaking news coverage, Trace Gallagher is one of the best in the business and having a seasoned journalist at the helm of this hour ensures our viewers unrivaled 24/7 news coverage.”…..“The Todd Starnes Show” adds new affiliate KHTS, Santa Clarita, California to its roster of stations.

Inflation/Interest Rate Hike, NY Sues Trump Org, Trump Documents Case, Immigration/Migrant Transportation, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Zelenskyy UN Speech, Iran Protests, and Hurricane Fiona Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/21). Inflation, the rising price of gasoline, and the Fed’s interest rate hike; New York Attorney General Letitia James files a civil fraud suit against Donald Trump, his children, and Trump Org officers; an Appeals Court rules DOJ can resume criminal probe of Donald Trump documents case; the immigration troubles at the U.S.-Mexico border and the transporting of migrants from Southern states to Northern cities; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees for president in 2024; Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the UN General Assembly pressing for punishment for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the protests in Iran over the death of a woman in custody of the country’s “morality police”; and the destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Advice

Monday Memo: Can News Save Talk?

By Editor | September 19, 2022 by Editor

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Twenty years ago, at the TALKERS conference in New York, publisher Michael Harrison declared that “talk saved AM radio and it will save FM.”

Now, can news save FM from talk?

The biggest blade in the Swiss Army Knife?

Non-music stations give listeners plenty of reasons to tune-in.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, September 12, 2022

By Editor | September 12, 2022 by Editor

Monday Memo: “Like Sands Through the Hourglass…” Beginning today, a TV milestone. “Or is this ‘the canary in the coal mine?’” consultant Holland Cooke asks. Beginning today, after 57 years and 58 Emmy Awards on broadcast television, “The Days of Our Lives” will now be seen exclusively on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock. In this week’s column, HC notes how this trend is playing-out, and what it means to radio. Read it here.

Pending Business: Coupons. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the renewed interest in clipping coupons thanks to the current high prices of food and other consumer goods. Coupons were, and still can be a barometer for return on investment by marketers who use them; and they’ve been a thorn in the side of radio sellers from time to time, as well. Lapa has some suggestions for radio sellers running into competition from coupon marketers. Read it here.

Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Waterloo Media Group’s news/talk KLBJ-AM, Austin jumps a full share to finish the survey with a 4.2 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) that lifts it from the #11 rank to #7. Although rising by 1.4 shares for a 9.3 share finish, Radio One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis remains in the #2 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN continues to hold down the #1 rank after adding four-tenths for a 10.3 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ falls seven-tenths for an 8.9 share that keeps it ranked #2. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence tacks on eight-tenths for a 4.8 share finish but remains ranked #7 as iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WHJJ is up half a share for a 1.2 share that lifts it to the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three groups) here.

iHeartMedia Promotes Three to New Roles as Metro Presidents. The company announces the promotion of three current market presidents to the newly created roles of metro presidents. First, Columbus market president Kris Foley is now metro president for Columbus and Cleveland. Second, Charlotte market president Dave Carwile is now metro president for the Carolinas giving him oversight of Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina. And third, Cincinnati market president D.J. Hodge is now metro president for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. All three executives report to Tom McConnell, division president for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group.

Audacy Names Terri Gunnell EVP of Advertising Technology, Products and Platforms. Advertising technology professional Terri Gunnell is named EVP of advertising technology, products and platforms for Audacy. She comes to the company from WarnerMedia where she was EVP, head of monetization and data platforms. In her new role with Audacy, she’ll lead the teams responsible for advertising technology, products and platforms for the company’s revenue organization, providing business-focused use cases and requirements for vendors and ad tech engineers to ensure that the platforms meet business needs. She’ll also lead the business transformation activities surrounding people, process and tech, partnering with peer leaders to ensure that organizational structure and business processes are optimized and successfully supported by the tech and data platforms. Audacy chief revenue officer Brian Benedik comments, “Terri’s extensive technical expertise, ability to administer and guide large budgets and staff, combined with her commitment to building collaborative teams, makes her a perfect candidate to take on this role. We look forward to her owning this rapidly growing portion of our business to help us best serve our clients, partners and consumers.”

iHeartMedia Promotes Uta Knablein to Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. The company promotes Uta Knablein from her executive vice president of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience role to chief product officer for iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says of Knablein, “She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry. Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.” Knablein steps into this role following former chief product officer Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.

Legendary Talk Show Host Steve Kass Back in the Game. Retired talk radio personality Steve Kass has informed TALKERS that he is interested in getting back on the air as a fill-in host. Kass states, “There is so much going on right now in the nation and world, it is difficult to sit on the sidelines and not participate in what is clearly one of the most exciting and consequential chapters in news/talk broadcasting history. Today, with access to leading-edge remote technology, there is absolutely no reason not to get back in the game.” Kass is credited as having been one of the most successful voices heard on the airwaves in New England where he was a major player at both WPRO and WHJJ in Providence between 1984 and 2005 – many of those years as a dominant morning host. Kass hung up his headphones in 2005 to accept the position of communications director in the administration of Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri. During his last year on the air, Kass was named the Associated Press “Talk Show Host of the Year” and in 2010 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. Kass tells TALKERS, “No job is too big or too small” and that he can be available on very short notice. Steve Kass can be reached by phone at 401-663-9776 or emailed at stevegkass@gmail.com.

TALKERS News Notes. Former Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Larry Elder is considering a run for president, he tells The Daily Wire. In an interview, Elder says what brought him to run against California Governor Gavin Newsom in last year’s recall election. “[A] number of people approached me as you know, to encourage me to run for governor of California. And little by little I felt that I had a moral and spiritual and a patriotic obligation to do it.” He adds, “I didn’t think I would like politics. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I was surprised at how good I was at it. And in about seven and a half weeks which is when I got into the race, with only that much time left. I raised around $22 million — more than all of the major rivals combined.”…..Los Angeles talk radio station KBLA “Talk 1580” is presenting an election forum tonight (9/12) with incumbent Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and challenger and former Long Beach Chief of Police Robert Luna. This is the first in the station’s Public Safety Forum series of events. It’s being streamed on the station’s website, YouTube and Facebook and will be broadcast on KBLA later. It’s being moderated by station owner Tavis Smiley with radio hosts Dominique DiPrima, Angela Reddock-Wright and Nii Quartelai Quartey…..Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Wisconsin launches the Tundra Trio Radio Network, which is airing Green Bay Packers content across sports talk WKTI-FM, “94.5 ESPN” and news/talk WTMJ in Milwaukee and WTLX-FM, Madison “100.5 ESPN.” The newest Good Karma Brands radio network got its name from its Tundra Trio properties, two houses adjacent to Lambeau Field where private tailgates are hosted prior to each home game. Kicking off every Packers game day at the Tundra Trio houses are former Packer Gary Ellerson and WTMJ personality Greg Matzek. Following each game, host Gabe Neitzel and Steve “The Homer” True, alongside Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher, will team up for the “Pack Attack Postgame.”

Trump vs DOJ, Ukraine Recaptures Territory, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, King Charles III Crowned, Fentanyl Crisis, NFL Season Opens, and Western Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The legal battle between former President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice over documents Trump was keeping at his Mar-a-Lago residence; Ukraine forces recapture territory from Russia and concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; the November midterms elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Charles III is crowned King of Great Britain; the growing rate of fentanyl being shipped across the U.S.-Mexico border; the NFL opens its 103^rd season; and the wildfires in the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | September 11, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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

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

All comparisons noted are July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 3.2 – 4.2, +1.0, #11 to #7

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.8 – 6.7, +.9, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Sinclair Telecable adult hits KBPA, eighth month in a row, 10.1 – 10.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk KLBJ-AM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KHFI (-1.4)

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, anchored in third-place

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #15 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.2 – 1.3, +.1, repeats at #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 8.1 – 7.4, -.7, continues in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, sixth successive month 10.2 – 8.7, -1.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WRDU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRAL (-1.5)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Radio One’s WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 7.9 – 9.3, +1.4, anchored in the runner-up slot

News: iHeartMedia’s WOLT-HD2 “Business News 97.5” flat at .1, #21 to #19

Sports Talk: Radio One-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” steady at 2.4, #14 to #13

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” unchanged at .3, #20 to #18

Cumulus Media’s WNDE “CBS Sports 1430” .1, #19 (did not appear in the previous four sweeps)

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI flat at 4.2, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, eighth successive month, 11.4 – 11.3, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WFMS (+1.7)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WLHK (-1.4)

*Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.9 – 10.3, +.4, first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 9.6 – 8.9, -.7, repeats in the runner-up slot

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .9 – 1.1, +.2, #15 to #16

Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” flat at .9, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.4 – 4.0, -.4, stays in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, second straight month, 9.9 – 10.3, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC WJMR (-.8)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.2 – 5.8, -.4, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #13 to #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” 2.1 – 3.5, +1.4, #15 to #13

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” .8 – .9, +.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.1 – 5.2, +.1, ninth to eighth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, eighth month in a row, 10.4 – 9.6, -.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WGFX (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WSIX (-1.1)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, continues in seventh-place

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .7 – 1.2, +.5, #16 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 2.8 – 3.5, +.7, tenth to eighth

WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “790 The Score” flat at .2, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, stays at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, seventh straight month, 10.0 – 10.2, +.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WPRO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WWLI (-.9)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.4 – 3.8, +.4, #10 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #17

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .4 – .6, +.2, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, eighth month in succession, steady at 9.7

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUSH (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: jazz WHOV (-1.1)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 8.1 – 7.9 -.2, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” flat at .5, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 2.8 – 2.3, -.5, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, second consecutive month, steady at 10.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WJBT (+1.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country WGNE (-1.2)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #11 to #9 and cluster-mate WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.1 – 1.8 -.3, tenth to ninth

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 3.4 – 1.1, -2.3, #7 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” steady at .4, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 2.4 – 3.3, +.9, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, eighth month in succession, 9.7 – 8.8, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WLRN (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WFTL (-2.3)**

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” 5.8 – 5.1, -.7, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, continues at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, remains at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, eighth month in a row, 10.2 – 10.3, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WPAW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk WPTI (-.7)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 4.0 – 3.9, -.1, eighth to ninth

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” .7 – .9, +.2, repeats at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #11 to #12 and WMFS’ internet stream .5 – .7, +.2, locked at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.5 – 1.8, +.3, stays at #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, eighth successive month, 12.5 – 12.8, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: gospel WHAL (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC KJMS (-1.3)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 4.9 – 4.6, -.3, anchored in eighth-place

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .4 – .8, +.4, #19 to #15

Audacy-owned WTIC-AM’s internet stream .6 – .2, -.4, #17 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .7 – .6, -.1, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.9 – 8.8, +.9, fourth to second

New England Public Media’s WFCR .2 – .4, +.2, #20 to #19

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 30^th month in a row, 11.0 – 11.1, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WNPR (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: hot AC WTIC-FM (-.7)

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

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, September 9, 2022

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | September 9, 2022 by Editor

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

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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

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

All comparisons noted are July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0, fourth to first

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.4 – 3.1, +.7, #17 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.4 – 8.5, -.9, first to second

Number One 6+: news/talk KXL, first month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KXL and adult hits KYCH (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): public radio KOPB and country KWJJ (-.9)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, locked at #17

Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC-HD3 “Fox Sports Charlotte” flat at .3, #21 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE 4.6 – 4.9, +.3, tenth to seventh

South Carolina Educational Television Commission-owned WNSC steady at .3, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WKKT, first month, 7.5 – 7.6, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WKQC and gospel WPZS (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WRFX (-1.0)

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 3.9 – 4.6, +.7, ninth to eighth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX steady at 2.5, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, seventh straight month, 8.2 – 9.4, +1.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KONO-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country KAJA (-1.1)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” 7.5 – 8.1, +.6, remains in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.9 – 3.8, -1.1, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.5 – 4.1, +.6, ninth to seventh

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KNCI, first month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classical KXPR (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSTE (-1.1)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, anchored in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.5 – 3.5, +1.0, #13 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WDVE, first month, flat at 9.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC WLTJ (+2.1)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR WKST (-1.2)

*Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 9.6 – 9.1, -.5, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 5.6 – 6.1, +.5, sixth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.8 – 3.9, +.1, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, seventh month in succession, 9.6 – 9.1, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): hot AC KBZN and rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KUDD (-1.1)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, repeats at #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, second straight month, 7.5 – 7.0, -.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC KVGS (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KQRT (-1.5)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 6.1 – 6.5, +.4, sixth to fourth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 2.0 – 3.7, +1.7, #15 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #20 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 2.0 – 2.7, +.7, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO, first month, 7.0 – 7.5, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: news/talk WDBO (+1.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: Spanish tropical WRUM (-1.4)

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 12.3 – 11.7, -.6, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 4.3 – 4.4, +.1, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WCKY “ESPN 1530” .7 – .8, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, remains at #7

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, sixth month in a row, 12.3 – 11.7, -.6

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: country WUBE (+1.2)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRRM (-1.3)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 7.4 – 7.8, +.4, fourth to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.8 – 4.4, +.6, #11 to #10 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, repeats at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.3 – 4.3, +1.0, #12 to #11

Ideastream-owned WCPN’s internet stream .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, eighth month in a row, 9.4 – 9.0, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WKSU (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock WNCX (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 3.9 – 4.7, +.8, #11 to #5

Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” .7 – 1.5, +.8, #21 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) steady at 3.4, #14 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fifth straight month, 8.3 – 8.6, +.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk KMBZ-FM and similarly-formatted KCMO-AM (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian KJNW (-1.7)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 8.2 – 7.5, -.7, first to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.9 – 6.8, +.9, sixth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 7.9 – 8.2, +.3, repeats in the runner-up slot

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WNCI, first month, 7.7 – 8.5, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: rock WRKZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WSNY (-1.1)

Call letter oddity: This is the first month at #1 for Bonneville Sacramento country KNCI, as well as iHeartMedia Columbus CHR WNCI.

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

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

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, September 8, 2022

By Editor | September 8, 2022 by Editor

WBT, Charlotte, Morning Show Co-Host Beth Troutman is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of news/talk radio’s rapidly rising stars, former television anchor Beth Troutman, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Since joining veteran morning personality Bo Thompson as co-host of “Good Morning BT” in April, the heritage station’s program has solidified its position as the top morning show in Charlotte. The new duo’s chemistry appears to be clicking on all cylinders. Troutman’s a Charlotte-area native and a UNC Chapel Hill graduate. Her professional credentials are impressive. One of her first media jobs out of college was working on the production team for the smash TV series, “The West Wing.” She mounted an impressive campaign for U.S. Congress at age 27. She’s been a syndicated TV host, lead news anchor, and an Olympics reporter. As a documentarian, she has won two Emmy Awards and she has reported worldwide, from Brazil to Haiti to Pakistan. She has generated a buzz around the industry for her infectious on-air positivity and journalistic even-handedness. Harrison says, “Beth Troutman is clearly a talent worthy of the industry’s attention.” To listen to the entire podcast, please click here.

WABC: The Cats Era. Several hundred invited guests from media, business, and politics gathered last night at posh Big Apple venue Cipriani 42^nd Street to attend the double-celebration of WABC’s 100^th anniversary and the 74^th birthday of its owner John Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Media. It was a star-studded gala event featuring speeches, music, dining and dancing with presentations by a wide variety of station luminaries including Red Apple president Chad Lopez; station personalities Cousin Bruce Morrow, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, Frank Morano, James Golden, and Deborah Valentine, as well as station co-owner/operator Margo Catsimatidis. The night’s activities included spirited musical performances by Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, Deana Martin, and Vinnie Medugno backed up by a full swing band. Catsimatidis, who took ownership of the legendary station from Cumulus Media in 2019 issued the statement: “Margo and I are honored to join 77 WABC in celebration of 100 years of broadcasting excellence. A pioneer in news, talk, and music radio, 77 WABC reflects much of the history of radio itself. 77 WABC is the crown jewel of American radio, starting from its origins a century ago to its position today as the nation’s most iconic station.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who attended the event, says, “It was certainly a night to remember.” Photo: John Catsimatidis addresses the guests at WABC’s 100^th anniversary bash.

Round Two of August PPMs Released. The second of two rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17. 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 dips two-tenths and finishes the survey with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), but remains ranked #8, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM adds a half share for an 8.0 share finish that propels it to the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston climbs to the #7 rank after adding eight-tenths for a 4.3 share finish as sister all-news WBZ-AM tacks on three-tenths for a 4.6 share finish good for the #6 rank. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM is up one-tenth for a 3.2 share finish that keeps it ranked #13, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news WWJ-AM rises six-tenths for a 5.1 share finish that boosts it to the #8 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Rating Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as the first round) here.

Chris Cuomo Resurfaces at Nexstar Media’s News Nation. Former CNN personality Chris Cuomo will be back on television on Monday, October 3 when his show “Cuomo” launches on Nexstar Media’s NewsNation channel. Cuomo was let go by CNN in late 2021 after being implicated in his brother Andrew Cuomo’s campaign to defend himself against sexual harassment allegations while still serving as governor of New York. The new program will be produced at Nexstar’s midtown Manhattan production studios with Alexandra “Dusty” Cohen as executive producer. Cohen says, “I have known Chris Cuomo for nearly 30 years, and he is hands down the best interviewer of our generation. I am grateful to NewsNation for this incredible opportunity and am blown away by the number of news and talk industry heavyweights who have joined our team. We have hit the ground running.”

Former WGY, Albany Air Personality Chuck Custer Named to NY State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The New York State Broadcasters Association unveils its 2022 class of four inductees into its Hall of Fame and among them is WGY-AM/FM personality Chuck Custer. The now retired Custer served in Albany for more than 36 years. The NYSBA says, “He was the co-host of the top-rated morning show with Kelly Lynch beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he served as morning news anchor and the on-air partner for 25 years with NYSBA Hall of Famer Don Weeks. Custer also previously served as news director and program director for WGY. He also is a former president of the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Custer’s leadership in the newsroom is unsurpassed. As news director, the WGY news department was honored with more than 35 awards for excellence in journalism including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA. At Custer’s retirement, John Cooper, SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Albany stated, ‘For over 36 years, Chuck Custer has been synonymous with WGY. From his time as the leader of the award-winning WGY news department, his outstanding work with ‘Don Weeks in the Mornings,’ his current co-host position with Kelly Lynch, and most importantly all the time he’s contributed to the people of the Capital District. Chuck has been the consummate professional. He’s a great broadcaster who will long be remembered.’”

Key Networks to Syndicate SpeedFreaks Motorsports Program. The 22-year-old motorsports radio program “SpeedFreaks” is joining Key Networks for national affiliate sales and network ad sales, effective September 11. Key Networks says it has already added 80 new stations to the programs roster of affiliates via a new partnership with SportsMap Radio. “SpeedFreaks” is hosted by Kenny Sargent, with co-hosts Crash Gladys and Statt Mann Caruthers, a.k.a. “The Freaks.” The program airs live Sunday nights from 10:00 pm-12:00 midnight ET. Key Networks COO Dennis Green says, “I’m delighted to welcome the “SpeedFreaks” crew of Kenny, Crash and Statt Mann to Key Networks. This long-running show is one-of-a-kind in motorsports that has enjoyed years of success and we’re thrilled to build on that with 80 new stations. Sign-up while you can, drop the hammer and enjoy the ride!”

Katz Promotes Rick Ramos to EVP of Multicultural Partnerships. Rising to the new position EVP of Katz Multicultural Partnerships is Rick Ramos. Katz says that in this new role, Ramos will continue to oversee the creation of dynamic multicultural marketing campaigns across all of Katz’s audio partners. “Katz Multicultural delivers advertisers access to 96% of the Multicultural audio marketplace in one stop. Ramos will also continue to lead advocacy efforts for multicultural advertising and further strengthen relationships with marketers and agencies.” Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini says, “Connecting brands authentically with the Multicultural population is key for a successful campaign. Rick is exceptional at helping advertisers build and execute strategic multicultural campaigns. He has a deep knowledge of multicultural audiences and strong relationships with multicultural ad agencies and brands, making him perfectly positioned to spearhead this important effort.”

TALKERS News Notes. Live overage of last Saturday evening’s Donald Trump rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania was most viewed on Newsmax TV, according to data from Nielsen. Newsmax says it was the third-most-watched cable network (behind ESPN and Hallmark Channel) during the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET period and surpassed the combined ratings of CNN and MSNBC, pulling in more than 21% of both networks. Nielsen reports that Newsmax had a total audience of 1.7 million viewers for Trump’s speech, with its overall coverage drawing over 1.9 million viewers, topping FOX News Channel which had 942,000 viewers in the same time period…..Sports Injury Central announces the addition of hall-of-fame radio broadcaster Jim Rome to its advisory board. Sports Injury Central says this affiliation gives Rome listeners across over 200 stations access to injury insights that will give them an edge in their wagering and fantasy sports activities while giving Sports Injury Central significant national distribution of its brand. Rome states, “I’m very impressed with Sports Injury Central. Their injury reporting and assessments are second to none. But more importantly, as the sports wagering industry continues to explode, I believe their handicapping tools – especially the SIC Scores – will be an absolute necessity for serious gamblers. If you think about it, there are so many data resources at our disposal, but where can you get reliable injury analysis from former team doctors? It’s a phenomenal advantage.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One begins its 36^th consecutive season as the exclusive primetime network radio partner of the NFL and this year’s championship will be the 50th time that the network will broadcast the Super Bowl to a national audience. For the first time, Westwood One’s NFL game broadcasts will be available to fans on affiliated stations’ primary digital platforms, the NFL App, and westwoodonesports.com. Kevin Harlan and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner will once again be the lead broadcast crew, calling opening night, Monday Night Football and Super Bowl LVII for the network…..Compass Media Networks announces is schedule for NCAA and NFL football this season. NFL play-by-play coverage will consist of a double-header every Sunday for all 18 weeks of the regular season and Compass will begin the season with a week one tripleheader on Sunday, September 11. Compass Media Networks GM of sports Michelle Salvatore says, “Fans and advertisers have trusted Compass Media Networks to deliver the best Sunday afternoon NFL matchups for over a decade, and this year is no different. We are committed to delivering unparalleled broadcasts to listeners. 2022 brings more action, more access, and more of what fans want out of their NFL experience, an inside look at what’s transpiring before them. Our entire team of announcers, producers, and engineers is fired up for what’s shaping up to be an incredible season. We can’t wait to deliver this year’s NFL games to our vast network.” Compass also is offering a schedule of college football games. Salvatore says, “We pride ourselves on consistently delivering the best college football schedule to our fans and advertisers. This season our schedule is jam packed with heritage matchups including the Iron Bowl, Red River Showdown, Bedlam and then caps the season off with the Big 10 Championship Game.”…..A new sports business podcast has launched from iHeartMedia and Sports Illustrated titled, “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick.” The weekly show focuses on the business behind sports, touching on NFTs and cryptos, to fantasy and athlete contracts. Featured guests include NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and sports marketing entrepreneur David Meltzer, as well as other leading industry experts…..CNN Audio announces a new limited-series podcast hosted by Anderson Cooper called, “All There Is with Anderson Cooper,” premiering September 14. In this series, Cooper embarks on a deeply personal and emotional exploration of loss and grief and how to move forward without forgetting the moments, memories, and people we miss. He began recording this podcast alone during his final weeks packing up the apartment of his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Mixed in with his mother’s keepsakes and secret journals that evoke never-before-shared memories, Cooper finds unopened boxes belonging to his father and brother, both of whom died decades ago. Feeling overwhelmed, Cooper began to hold and record intimate conversations with others about their experiences with grief. The resulting podcast is about the people we lose, the things they leave behind, and how we can live on—with loss, with laughter, and with love…..Ahead of this year’s midterm elections, WNYC is launching “The People’s Guide to Power,” a 10-week, pop-up live call-in radio show hosted by WNYC senior political reporter Brigid Bergin. It will “feature thoughtful conversations with the people who hold power, those who seek it, and the journalists who cover them — and help New Yorkers navigate their right to the foundational act of democracy: the right to vote.”…..Audacy’s Cadence13, announces the return of “Campaign HQ,” the weekly podcast hosted by David Plouffe – former Obama campaign manager and White House senior advisor, and the architect of both of Barack Obama’s winning presidential campaigns – for a new season focused on the 2022 midterm elections. Plouffe will explore the races and candidates in the key states of Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and California, focusing on one state per episode, and offering his expert insight and analysis on the battles for Senate, House, gubernatorial, Secretary of State, and Attorney General positions.

Trump Documents Case, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Memphis Shootings, and Extreme Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/7). The legal battle over former President Donald Trump’s keeping of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the war’s effects on the global economy; U.S. inflation and concerns about a recession; the deadly shooting spree in Memphis; and the heatwave affecting California were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

August 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | September 8, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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

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

All comparisons noted are July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 7.5 – 8.0, +.5, fourth to second

Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .6, +.1, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.1 – 11.6, +1.5, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW flat at .6, continues at #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, eighth month in succession, 10.1 – 11.6, +1.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WAMU (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WGTS (-2.9)*

*Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.5 – 4.3, +.8, tenth to seventh

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.3 – 4.6, +.3, seventh to sixth

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 5.8 – 7.5, +1.7, fourth to first

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.5 – 3.9, +.4, repeats in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #8 to #11

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, unchanged at #17

Number One 6+: sports talk WBZ-FM, first month, 5.8 – 7.5, +1.7

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WBZ-FM (+1.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WROR (-1.5)

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 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, #15 to #12

Number One 6+ (Tie): Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, second straight month, 9.3 – 8.5, -.8 and co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ, first month, 8.8 – 8.5, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WEDR (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: urban AC WHQT (-.8)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 6.7 – 6.1, -.6, first to fourth

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.1 – 3.4, +.3, locked at #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 5.8 – 6.2, +.4, second to third

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.4 – 4.9, -.5, fifth to sixth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJEB, first month, 5.7 – 6.6, +.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KSWD (+1.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic rock KZOK (-1.2)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, anchored at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) 4.5 – 5.1, +.6, ninth to eighth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 5.5 – 5.3, -.2, fifth to sixth and WXYT-FM’s internet stream, .9 – 1.5, +.6, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM 2.1 – 1.7, -.4, flat at #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB, first month, 5.0 – 7.9, +2.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WJLB (+2.9)**

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WOMC (-1.5)

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 4.8 – 3.9, -.9, fifth to ninth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” flat at 2.7, #17 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station” (Arizona Diamondbacks) 1.7 – 2.2, +.5, #25 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.4 – 6.2, +.8, third to second

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fifth month in a row, 6.8 – 6.7, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult hits KYOT (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: country KMLE (-1.3)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.4 – 4.8, +.4, repeats in tenth-place

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” flat at 3.3, #13 to #15

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #14 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, ninth to seventh

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 6.3 – 5.9, -.4, stays in fifth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, second month in a row, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: classical KSJN (+1.1)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: CHR KDWB (-.9)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” flat at 3.4, #10 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #18 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS flat at 5.4, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, fifth consecutive month, 9.8 – 8.8, -1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: CHR KHTS (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult hits KFBG (-1.0)

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” 4.7 – 4.3, -.4, sixth to ninth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 2.9 – 2.7, -.2, flat at #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 1.8 – 1.6, -.2, carries on at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, twelfth month in succession, 8.2 – 9.0, +.8

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WWRM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WRBQ (-1.3)

DENVER

News/Talk: In the iHeartMedia cluster: KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15; KHOW “Talk Radio 630” steady at 2.4, remains at #16; and KDFD “Freedom 93.7” flat at 1.7, #21 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, #15 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR unchanged at 4.0, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI, first month, 6.2 – 7.1, +.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOSI (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: jazz KUVO (-1.0)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, repeats in tenth-place

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #15 to #17

Cumulus Media-owned WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” .5 – .8, +.3, #23 to #20

News: Audacy-owned business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 FM” .5 – .8, +.3, #23 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.4 – 4.1, +.7, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, remains in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM, first month, 8.4 – 8.5, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WJZ-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): country WPOC and contemporary Christian WRBS-FM (-1.3

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, stays in tenth-place and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.8 – 2.0, +.2, #17 to #16

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.2 – .9, -.3, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” flat at 4.1, repeats at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 3.0 – 3.5, +.5, #14 to #12

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KPNT, first month, 9.0 – 10.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: rock KSHE (-.9)

Up next: August 2022 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 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | September 7, 2022 by Editor

August 2022 PPM Data – Information for the August 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

Nielsen Audio’s August 2022 sweep covered July 21 – August 17.

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

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

All comparisons noted are July 2022 – August 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, seventh to eighth

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, repeats at #18

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.7 – 3.1, +.4, #14 to #11 and co-owned WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.2 – 2.8 -.4, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, flat at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s unchanged at 3.6, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, third month in a row, 6.0 – 5.9, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC WNEW-FM (+.4)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WXNY (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, fifth to fourth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.0 – 3.3, +.3, #11 to #10

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC flat at 2.3, #16 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, first month, steady at 5.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban contemporary KRRL and Spanish contemporary KXOL (-.4)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.3 – 3.6, +.3, tenth to eighth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” steady at 4.6, repeats in fifth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.1 – 4.8, -.3, flat at #3

Number One 6+ (Tie): Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, fourth month in a row, 6.1 – 5.5, -.6 and iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, first month, 5.4 – 5.5, +.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: regional Mexican WOJO (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WRME-LP (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

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

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, remains in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.3 – 4.0, +.7, sixth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 8.1 – 8.5, +.5, first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED second month in a row, 8.1 – 8.5, +.5

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.5)

Note: Prior to the release of San Francisco’s August 2022 sweep, Nielsen Audio made a number of revisions contained in its July 2022 report. All comparisons above reflect the updated information.

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” flat at 4.5, continues in fourth-place

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #17 to #19

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 3.7 – 4.3, +.6, eighth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, seventh month in a row, 5.9 – 5.5, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: CHR KHKS (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KDGE (-.7)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, eighth to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.3 – 1.7, -.6, #18 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, seventeenth consecutive month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.0)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): regional Mexican KQQK and public radio news/talk KUHF (-.6)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 5.7 – 5.5, -.2, fourth to fifth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.3 – 3.3, +1.0, #16 to #11

Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 1.4 – 1.8, +.4, #20 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 5.1, +1.3, eighth to sixth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 11.0 – 9.0, -2.0

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WABE (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-2.0)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” flat at 1.3, repeats at #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.9 – 5.1, +.2, steady in sixth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.0 – 4.8, +.8, eighth to seventh and WIP’s internet stream, 1.2 – 2.5, +1.3, #21 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.3- 4.6, +.3, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, first month, 8.4 – 8.0, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: sports talk WIP’s internet stream (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WDAS-FM and country WUSL (-1.1)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #13 to #17

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, #11 to #8 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.7, +.3, ninth to seventh and WFAN’s internet stream .9 – 1.2, +.3, #25 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, fourth month in succession, 6.3 – 6.2, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: hot AC WNEW-FM (-1.0)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, unchanged at .3, anchored at #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, eighth consecutive month, 7.1 – 5.9, -1.2

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KGGI (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian KSGN (-2.1)**

**Represents the largest July 2022 – August 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #18 to #12

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.0 – 4.8, -1.2, repeats in third-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #14 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire Audacy adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second straight month 7.5 – 6.6, -.9

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk KNBR and rhythmic CHR KVVF (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (-1.2)

Note: Prior to the release of San Jose’s August 2022 sweep, Nielsen Audio made a number of revisions contained in its July 2022 report. All comparisons above reflect the updated information.

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.0 – 5.1, +.1, third to fourth

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #15 to #12 and co-owned WINS 1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, #10 to #11

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .8 – 1.3, +.5, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 6.1 – 7.4, +1.3

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.3)*

Largest 6+ July 2022 – August 2022 Decrease: hot AC WNEW-FM (-1.1)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2022 – August 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: August 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

By Editor | August 31, 2022 by Editor

Audacy CEO David Field Responds to Industry Piece Predicting Company’s Bankruptcy. After a number of tweets on Tuesday (8/30) from various media people called attention to InsideMusicRadio.com publisher Jerry Del Colliano’s opinion piece about the state of Audacy’s business, Audacy CEO David Field responded with a companywide memo and a public response on Twitter. Taken out of context, the headline was subject to misinterpretation unless one read the entire piece. The story goes on to reference a memo Field wrote four years ago in which he gave his observations about the reasons for iHeartMedia’s and Cumulus’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations. Del Colliano’s column suggests Audacy is now facing the same issues iHeartMedia and Cumulus did and Del Colliano predicts that Audacy is headed down the same path as he terms Field’s 2018 memo “a premonition of things to come as Audacy heads into bankruptcy next year.” Field’s response states, “An industry blog post published today falsely claimed that ‘David Field confirms Audacy’s bankruptcy.’ That statement is categorically and unequivocally untrue. Audacy intends to pursue all applicable remedies for false and defamatory statements meant to cause damage to Audacy, its employees and its stakeholders to the fullest extent of the law. As you have heard from me and others on our leadership team, we are excited and confident in our future and focused on capitalizing effectively on the acquisitions, investments and enhancements we have made to position the company for a bright future in the dynamic, growing world of audio. With the additions of a strong leadership position in podcasting, a meaningfully enhanced national sales organization, the rollout of a new, reimagined digital platform, emerging ad tech and data capabilities, plus the industry’s best local radio group with an unrivaled #1 position in news and sports, Audacy is better positioned than ever to serve customers and audiences with greater revenue and earnings potential under normalized market conditions.”

Deborah Flora to Host Daily Show on KUNS-AM, Denver. After giving up her weekend talk show on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KNUS-AM, Denver to pursue the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate, Deborah Flora returns to the station to host a daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm program beginning September 6. Flora is a former Miss Colorado, is president and founder of the non-profit Parents United America. She is also a founding partner of both Lamplight Entertainment and Whetstone Media Group, and produced numerous projects, including the documentary, Whose Children Are They? KNUS operations manager Kelly Michaels says, “We are fortunate to have Deborah back on 710 KNUS and I know she will crush it on her new weekday show. She is a hard-working and caring host who is determined to help make Colorado a better place for families to raise their kids.” Flora comments, “I’m excited to be back on the air and connecting with Coloradans every day. We will talk about common sense solutions to the real issues facing the great people of this state, while inspiring listeners to take a stand for what they care about most.”

FOX News Channel Third Most-Watched Television Network in August. According to data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Channel finished August 2022 as the third most-watched network in all of television during weekday primetime, outpacing ABC and trailing only CBS and NBC. In a press release citing Nielsen ratings, FOX News Channel says it remained cable’s highest-rated network in total day and primetime with total viewers and the top rated in total day with the 25-54 demo. FNC surpassed CNN and MSNBC combined with total day and primetime viewers and was number one in all of cable with total day and primetime viewers. FNC also ranked number one in cable news in primetime viewers for the 19th month in a row and notched 96 of the top 100 cable news telecasts for the month. In total day, FNC delivered 1.5 million viewers, 211,000 with the 25-54 demo and 128,000 with the 18-49 demo. In primetime, FNC netted 2.3 million viewers, 311,000 in the 25-54 demo, and 189,000 with the 18-49 demo. The network also delivered the top four programs in cable news with viewers and the top 15 of the top 16 cable news programs in the 25-54 demo. FNC’s late afternoon offering “The Five” continued as the top-rated show in viewers for the fifth consecutive month and finishing first in cable news for the last eight out of nine months. “Tucker Carlson Tonight” continued as the highest-rated program in cable news in the younger 25-54 demo, averaging 3.3 million viewers and 486,000 in the demo, as well as 301,000 in the 18-49 category throughout July. “Hannity” scored 2.9 million viewers, 397,000 in the 25-54 demo and 235,000 among adults 18-49, achieving the third most-watched program in all categories and outpacing the competition on MSNBC and CNN combined.

John Mullen Named General Manager for Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM. Broadcasting professional and educator John T. Mullen is named general manager for Hofstra University’s student run radio station WRHU-FM 88.7 Radio Hofstra University, effective September 1. Mullen has been serving as the station’s operations manager. Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean Mark Lukasiewicz says, “John has been an important part of the growth and success of WRHU since he joined the station in 2005, spearheading the station’s longstanding relationship with the New York Islanders and other professional sports franchises, and steering the application process for the station’s many industry awards – most notably, three NAB Marconi Awards over the past several years. As a mentor and advisor, he has helped hundreds of students develop skills, build confidence and prepare for careers in broadcasting and other industries, accomplishments that are at the core of WRHU’s mission at Hofstra. John is stepping into a role largely created and defined by outgoing general manager Bruce Avery, who departs with our profound thanks for leading WRHU and its students to such great accomplishments over his more than three decades at Hofstra. I could not imagine a better candidate than John to take the reins from Bruce, and to launch a great new chapter in the storied history of WRHU Radio Hofstra University.”

TALKERS News Notes. WOAI, San Antonio-based, nationally syndicated talk host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo is sitting in for Sean Hannity on Premiere Networks’ “Sean Hannity Show” today (8/31)…..iHeartMedia announces that the podcast “StraightioLab” – hosted by comedians George Civeris and Sam Taggart – joins the iHeartPodcast Network as part of iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Player’s Network. “StraightioLab” is described as an intellectual podcast where the two “unpack the rich, multi-colored tapestry of straight culture. In each episode, George and Sam are joined by a guest to hold a mirror to society and finally get to the bottom of mysterious and perverse topics such as college fraternities, gender reveal parties, the military, themed restaurants, and the concept of ‘the holidays.’”…..Audacy’s Cadence13 names longtime Hollywood executive Patton Valentine to oversee intellectual property adaptation strategy across its original content divisions. The company says it has ambitious plans for adapting its hit audio documentary and scripted storytelling IP into the world of film and television, with many projects already in the works. Valentine joins Cadence13 from Ley Line Entertainment, where he served as head of television…..iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the BofA Securities 2022 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference on Thursday September 8 at 4:10 pm ET. A live webcast of the session will be available to the general public at the start of the session through a link on the Investors homepage of iHeartMedia’s website.

Trump Documents Investigation, Russia-Ukraine War, Biden’s Student Loan Plan, Jackson Water Woes/Western Heatwave, and Mikhail Gorbachev Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/30). The U.S. Justice Department’s battle with former President Donald Trump over the document search of Mar-a-Lago; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effect on Europe’s natural gas supply; criticism of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program; the potable water supply problems in Jackson, Mississippi and the heatwave forecast for the U.S. West; and former USSR leader Mikhail Gorbachev dies were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

By Editor | August 30, 2022 by Editor

Peter Boyles to Host Weekend Show on KNUS, Denver. Longtime Denver talk radio personality Peter Boyles is returning to Salem Media Group’s news/talk 710 KNUS to host a Saturday program airing from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, effective September 10. Boyles has been serving as morning drive host and recently announced his retirement from that full-time position. Last week, Salem announced that former Colorado district attorney and current Denver Post columnist George Brauchler has assumed daily morning show duties. Station operations manager Kelly Michaels says, “Pete is a Denver radio legend and we are blessed to have him back sharing his unique take on the issues of the day.” As part of the lineup change, Randy Corporon’s weekly program moves to Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During his career, Boyles has served with numerous Denver radio stations including: KAAT, KLAK, KWBZ, KYBG, KHOW, and KOA.

WXOS-FM, St. Louis Morning Personality Michelle Smallmon to Exit for ESPN Opportunity. The Hubbard Radio sports talk station posts on its website the news that WXOS-FM, St. Louis morning drive co-host Michelle Smallmon will leave the “Karraker & Smallmon” program after this Friday’s show to join ESPN as overnight “SportsCenter” anchor for ESPN Radio. Earlier in her career, Smallmon served with WXOS as producer of “The Fast Lane” program that included her current broadcast partner Randy Karraker before she left to join ESPN the first time around. She rejoined WXOS in May of 2020.

Leon Williamson Named VP of Sales for iHeartMedia Indy. Broadcast marketing pro Leon Williamson is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s Indianapolis cluster that includes WNDE “FOX Sports 1260,” WOLT-HD2/W248AW “Business News 97.5,” and three music brands. Williamson transitions to this position from iHeartMedia’s Miami operations. iHeartMedia Indianapolis market manager Kristy Beebe says, “We are so excited to welcome Leon to iHeartMedia Indianapolis. Leon’s unique skill set and passion to lead our sales team is what we’re most excited about. His familiarity of our brands and products, along with the experience he brings from different sectors will be a tremendous addition to our Indianapolis team.” Williamson has also served with Urban One in St. Louis and Cox Media Group in Miami. He comments, “I am extremely excited to lead the Indianapolis team with both my professional and personal skills. I look forward to creating a legacy and blazing a trail for young professionals in media that share my experience.”

Michael Burger Promoted to Market President for iHeartMedia Raleigh. Radio sales and management pro Michael Burger is promoted to market president for iHeartMedia’s Raleigh station group that includes news/talk WTKK-FM and five music brands. Burger was most recently serving as SVP of sales for the cluster. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell states, “Michael is a strong natural leader with high business acumen. He has introduced new strategic changes and created synergies between our content creators and revenue drivers that have helped fuel the overall performance for the market.” Burger comments, “I am beyond appreciative and grateful to be trusted with this opportunity. As Raleigh continues to grow, expand and flourish, I look to the future with excitement, encouragement and promise. iHeartMedia Raleigh has established itself as a fierce competitor in the market. We have positioned ourselves incredibly to not only be a destination source for entertainment, music, events, social media, and audio, but to help our clients tell their stories in a creative way that helps them achieve new heights.”

WWO AAG Blog: Performance Marketing Versus Creating Future Demand. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog addresses the difference between the “buy now” marketing strategy versus one that seeks to “create future demand.” Some of the research-based findings in this study include: For the automobile category, only 3% are in-market for a new vehicle and consequently, sales event ads only work on the small group who are ready to buy. But looking ahead two years, 24% will purchase a vehicle in that time span and therefore advertisers who focus on creating future demand will have access to a much larger pool of potential customers. The report says, “When a business consistently uses brand building to create future demand and sales events to convert existing demand, great things happen.” It posits that the ideal budget mix is 40% for sales events and 60% to create future demand via brand building. Read the blog here.

KWTO, Springfield, Missouri Unveils ‘Uncommon Sense with Cass’ Program. A new weekend program will debut on Zimmer Midwest Communications’ news/talk KWTO-AM/K227AO, Springfield, Missouri called “Uncommon Sense with Cass,” hosted by Cass Bowen. The show launches on September 3 and airs Saturdays at 10:00 am. Zimmer says the show “will cover politics, culture, and social issues through a Christian conservative lens, and will feature a diverse group of guest interviews from politicians, local special interest groups, cultural commentators, and more.” Bowen serves with the station on the KWTO morning drive program as executive producer and air personality.

TALKERS News Notes. The content staff at Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corp – operator of public news/talk WESA-FM and independent music station WYEP-FM announce their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. The bargaining unit includes hosts and disc jockeys, reporters, editors, producers, and others. The group states, “We will approach this process in the spirit of collaboration and professionalism and urge PCBC leadership to do the same by voluntarily recognizing the union and begin bargaining in good faith with us. As a union town, Pittsburgh’s public radio stations should be union shops.” The bargaining unit says its goals are securing livable, equitable wages for staff, and improving the company’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. The union also seeks to create a more supportive and transparent workplace to help strengthen PCBC as an organization…..Community Communications’ public radio outlets WMFE, Orlando and WMFV, Cedar Creek, Florida announce they are launching a revamped version of the weekly arts, culture and entertainment segment “Spotlight” on Septempber 1. The segment, hosted by WMFE’s “All Things Considered” host, Nicole Darden Creston, will air at 4:45 pm on Thursdays. “Spotlight” will relaunch as both a four-minute radio segment and an extended podcast. The segment explores Central Florida’s arts scene from a unique perspective and amplifies voices not often heard. “Spotlight” will also share performances from creators of all stripes.

Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, FBI Raid/Documents Investigation, Biden Student Loan Plan, Russia-Ukraine War, Immigration, Musk vs Twitter, Droughts & Floods Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/29). The primary elections for the November midterms and speculation about the presidential nominees in 2024; the aftermath of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago and the investigation into classified documents; criticism of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; migrant troubles at the U.S.-Mexico border; Elon Musk’s battle against Twitter to back out of his $44 billion acquisition of the company; the droughts and floods affecting life in America were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, August 19, 2022

By Editor | August 19, 2022 by Editor

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Crazy, Crazy, Crazy!” looks back at this past week of 8/15 to 8/19. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Pat Fant, commentator, The Otis Advisory; Chris X, talk show host, KSEV, Houston; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Claire Carter, founder/host, Good For You Radio. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Ken Charles to Lead Programming at CMG’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. News and talk programming pro Ken Charles is named the new director of branding and programming at Cox Media Group’s Atlanta news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM “95.5 WSB,” effective September 12. Charles, who most recently was programming Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles, takes over the role at WSB that opened when Drew Anderssen left to take the brand manager role at Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM, Dallas/Fort Worth and the Texas State Networks. This is a return to Atlanta for Charles who programmed iHeartMedia’s news/talk WGST-AM from 1998 – 2000. CMG Atlanta VP and market manager Jaleigh Long says, “Ken has an impressive track record for growing top talent and exceptional content. It’s exciting to add Ken’s experience and passion to the WSB legacy and top performance in Atlanta.” Charles comments, “I’m excited to join the amazingly talented team at 95.5 WSB. Thanks to Jaleigh Long, Rob Babin and Chris Eagan for giving me the chance to be a part of one of America’s top brands. I can’t wait to get back to Atlanta and build on WSB’s 100-year commitment to local news and community service.”

RI Talk Host John DePetro Attacked by Man with Lawnmower. According to a report by WLNE-TV, Providence, WNRI, Woonsocket talk host John DePetro was assaulted on Wednesday night (8/17) by a man outside the same home in Warwick, Rhode Island where DePetro was arrested for willful trespassing the night before. For the second night in a row, DePetro was doing a Facebook Live stream outside the house that authorities investigating the disappearance of Charlotte Lester say she frequented. This time, DePetro was allegedly assaulted by Mark Perkins with a lawnmower. In the video that you can see here, Perkins charges DePetro with the mower before the video cuts out. Police charged him with assault with a deadly weapon, first degree robbery, malicious damage to property and disorderly conduct. DePetro tells WLNE-TV, “Tonight while doing a follow up on the Charlotte Lester missing person case, I was violently attacked by Mark Perkins with a lawn mower and punched and kicked me to the ground on Staples Avenue. He smashed my equipment and threatened to kill me. I am cooperating fully with Warwick police.” DePetro has a September 1 court date for the willful trespassing charge.

WWJ-AM, Detroit News Anchor Roberta Jasina Victim of Audacy Cuts. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, Roberta Jasina, morning drive news anchor at Audacy’s all-news WWJ-AM, Detroit was let go on Tuesday (8/16) as part of the company’s ongoing staff reduction at its radio stations. The 68-year-old Jasina had been with WWJ for the past 34 years and told the paper she’s sad about losing her job. In an audio message she posted on Facebook, Jasina says she was told this was about budget cuts and not about her performance but adds, “My heart was broken. I loved WWJ. I had the best job in the world.” Jasina also said that the day after she was let go, she learned that her husband Alan has been diagnosed with cancer and asked for prayers for her family. She tells the Free Press that she’s been heartened by the well-wishes she’s received from listeners and the community.

Mike Max Cut from Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. A report from BringMeTheNews indicates that evening sports talk personality Mike Max is out at Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis as part of the company’s staff reductions. Max hosted “Sports to the Max” weeknights from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. He also serves as sports director at CBS Broadcasting’s WCCO-TV. The report says WCCO-AM will move Henry Lake from late nights to the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot and will fill the late night daypart with CBS Audio’s “Eye on the World with John Batchelor.” Also exiting WCCO-AM with the departure of Max is his show’s producer Craig “Hammer” Schroepfer.

Audacy Eliminates Bob Salter’s New York Public Affairs Position. Twenty-eight-year Audacy on-air staffer Bob Salter is exiting the company after his final show on Sunday, August 21 as his public affairs position is being eliminated. Salter’s work was heard on Audacy’s New York stations that include WFAN-AM/FM, WCBS-FM, WNEW-FM, and WNYL-FM. Salter says, “It was nice to put some life into Sunday morning radio in NYC.”

Salem to Launch New Podcast Starring Sekulow Brothers. The latest podcast to debut on Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network is the “Sekulow Brothers Podcast with Jordan and Logan Sekulow,” set to start on September 12. Jordan and Logan Sekulow are sons of Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice and a member of the Donald Trump legal team during the first impeachment trial. Salem Media SVP spoken word format Phil Boyce says, “Salem is so excited to launch this podcast with the Sekulow Brothers. Logan and Jordan are at the tip of the spear in this culture war we are fighting, and they know the issues better than anybody. This is going to be a ‘must-listen’ podcast.” Jordan Sekulow (left) is the executive director of the ACLJ and Logan Sekulow (right) is the director of media for the organization. Jordan Sekulow says, “Our family is known for our intensity. Through the work of the ACLJ, we always showcase hard-hitting analysis and legal work. But with this new podcast, you’ll see us in a casual environment three times a week. You’ll learn about our lives, our unique perspectives, where we agree and where we differ. And we will break down our views on news, politics, family, and culture.”

TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk program that emanates from Good Karma Brands’ Madison and Milwaukee stations are being added to the company’s Beaver Dam, Wisconsin station WBEV-AM “1430 ESPN.” The company says “Wilde and Tausch” – starring Jason Wilde and Mark Tauscher – and “Scalzo and Brust” – featuring Greg Scalzo and Ben Brust – will be heard on “1430 ESPN” beginning Monday (8/22). Good Karma Beaver Dam general manager Ryan Gabel says, “We are excited to integrate ESPN Wisconsin programming into our lineup with the launch of ‘1430 ESPN.’ Every morning, fans in Dodge County will hear from Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher and award-winning Packers reporter Jason Wilde. In the afternoon, they can tune into former Wisconsin Badger basketball star Ben Brust and longtime ESPN Radio host Greg Scalzo. The versatility and analysis from each of the shows will make ‘1430 ESPN’ a one-stop sports station for our listeners.”…..Voiceover artist Cayman Kelly is celebrating his third year on ESPN as he renews his contract before the start of the 2022 fall sports season. Kelly says, “Working with ESPN has been a dream come true and I remain just as excited now as I was three years ago when I first became the national voice of ESPN Audio.”

Liz Cheney’s Loss, Partisan Politics and Elections Tie for Top News/Talk Story This Week. U.S. Rep Liz Cheney’s loss in the Wyoming primary, the partisan politics, and the primaries leading up to the November midterms combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio for the week of August 15-19 and landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the tie between FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s legal issues, and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani being investigated, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the electric car incentive at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

WSVA Radio Has A Rare Opportunity For You To Join Our News Staff. Live and work in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. WSVA has been covering Virginia news since 1935 and in these days of cutbacks and consolidation in the radio industry, WSVA continues its commitment to local news. We’re looking for a full-time news reporter/anchor who can be a storyteller with a news mindset. If you’re charismatic and have a sense of humor; if you’re active in your community; if you’re interesting; if you’re an elite communicator, we’re looking for you. We want someone who understands how to reach the local listeners and make a story interesting. We want an individual who loves to connect with listeners and community leaders. Duties include gathering and reporting news for our news/talk station, delivering updates on our music stations and keeping our digital site up-to-date. If you enjoy doing play by play sports, there’s opportunities to help our sports department too. Local radio news is alive and well on WSVA! To apply, send your resume, on air demo and references to Frank Wilt at fwilt@hrgradio.com. Saga Communications is an equal opportunity employer and a long-term radio only company dedicated to the principles of excellence in radio.

Salem Media Group Seeks Producers. Attention producers! Salem Media Group is looking for producers. Salem has great radio stations, the Salem Radio Network, the Salem Podcast Network, and the Salem News Channel, and we always need producers to help us create our great products. If you have experience producing radio or TV shows, please send your resume and keep ‘em coming to: Phil Boyce, Senior VP of Spoken Word Formats, Salem Media Group Philip.boyce@salemmedia.com. Salem is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, August 12, 2022

By Editor | August 12, 2022 by Editor

Pioneering Broadcaster, Anti-Ageism Activist and TALKERS Principal Carole Marks Dies at 86. The longtime host of the groundbreaking, upper-demo syndicated radio talk show, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups,” Carole Marks Scott of Mystic, CT passed away this past Sunday (8/7) at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. She was 86. Ms. Marks was the host and founder of the groundbreaking and long-running upper-demo-targeted radio talk show, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups” and a principal in Talk Media, Inc., the parent company of TALKERS – a partner in both ventures with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison and radio executive Shelley McBreairty. Ms. Marks graduated from Oxford School and attended Connecticut College. She had four children. As a newly single mature woman, she went back to school and earned her college degree from the University of New Haven when three of her four children were adults. She found her passion as director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of New London. In that position, Ms. Marks was interviewed in the media about issues concerning senior citizens on WSUB, New London and was invited to start her own radio show, “Senior Focus with Carole Marks” in the mid-nineties. The idea of a radio show aimed at an older demographic was unique at the time, and upon joining forces with Michael Harrison as her partner and co-host, her show was syndicated nationally with a new name, “A Touch of Grey: The Talk Show for Grownups.” The show ran for two decades accruing thousands of listeners and establishing Ms. Marks as one of America’s leading experts on upper demographic issues as well as a champion in the battle against ageism. She waged a relentless campaign on a number of media fronts to make, as she put it, “the lives of the 50-plus generation as meaningful, fulfilling and as productive as possible.” Her mission was to counter negative senior stereotypes and she spoke before civic groups, professional associations, and industry conventions all across the country as a supporter of the group she liked to call “seasoned citizens.” At its peak, “A Touch of Grey” was heard on more than 50 stations across America, including at different times, New York City’s WOR, WABC and WNYM. Her guests included the biggest names in health care, politics, sports and the arts, including presidents of the United States. She boldly tackled such problems as the rising cost of prescription drugs, the future of Social Security and Medicare, challenges facing the “sandwich generation” who must take care of young adult children on one side and elderly parents on the other, planning retirement during difficult economic times, the best ways to choose a nursing home, safe and effective ways to diet and exercise, understanding leading edge technology, and countless other subjects. Ms. Marks would often take her show on the road and broadcast live from such diverse places as the United States Senate Office Building, the jungles of Africa, the Taj Mahal, the North American Orient Express, or a glacier in Antarctica. She was proudest of being in the White House press room and on Air Force One with President Obama. She said, “I want people to know that just because you’ve put on a few years doesn’t mean you can’t go out and explore the world and life, and, most importantly, continue to learn and grow.” Travel became a second passion, as she went on worldwide trips to all seven continents and had a map in her kitchen showing all of the places she had visited, including Dharamshala, India where she met the Dalai Lama. In 2004, Ms. Marks found love again and was married for the second time, to J Irving Bird Scott. In 2005. She wrote the book Modern Aging: A Guide for Seasoned Citizens to Achieve Health, Happiness and Purpose (Talkers Books 2005). TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Carole was one of the finest human beings I have had the privilege to know in my life. Her role as my friend and business partner were invaluable in contributing to the longevity and success of our media enterprises. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a consequential thought-leader, businesswoman, humanitarian and philanthropist who supported numerous public service organizations and non-profits.” Her business partner Shelley McBreairty adds, “Carole was more than a beloved colleague and source of guidance and inspiration. She treated me and my daughters as a mother and a grandmother. We all love her dearly.” A public celebration of life for Carole Marks Scott will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to The Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street New London, CT 06320, or Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, 365 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT 06320.

NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Vic or Perp?” looks back at this past week of 8/8 to 8/12. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dr. Murray Sabrin, emeritus professor of finance, Ramapo College, NJ; Steve Weisman, professor of law, Bentley University, Boston/founder, Scamicide.com; Greta Van Susteren, talk show host, Newsmax TV; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; and Holland Cooke, media consultant. The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Round Four of July PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM is steady with an 8.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while Curtis Media Group’s crosstown news/talk WPTF is up one-tenth for a 1.8 share good for the #15 rank. Although it sheds 1.5 shares, Emmis’ news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis remains ranked #2 after posting a 7.9 share. The news/talk battle in Milwaukee flips as iHeartMedia’s WISN leaps into the #1 rank after adding nine-tenths for a 9.9 share finish, while Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ drops 1.8 shares, finishes with a 9.6 share and falls to #2. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM, Nashville dips seven-tenths for a 6.2 share finish that drags it from #4 to #6, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WLAC rises eight-tenths to a 2.5 share good for the #13 rank. In West Palm Beach, Hubbard Broadcasting’s news/talk WFTL spikes by 2.4 shares for a 3.4 share finish that moves it from #13 to #7, while iHeartMedia’s talk WZZR dips three-tenths to a 2.1 share good for the #10 rank and sister news/talk WJNO rises three-tenths to a 1.7 share and the #11 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as the first three rounds) here.

RTDNA Announces 2022 National Edward R. Murrow Award Winners. The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the national winners of the 2022 Edward R. Murrow Awards in recognition of outstanding work in digital, radio and television journalism in technical and editorial categories. RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley says, “The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in journalism. More than 750 Regional Murrow winners advanced to the national competition, and over the past few months, an expert panel of journalists has meticulously reviewed and deliberated over every entry. That’s why I’m confident in saying today’s winners represent the absolute best of the best. So, let me be the first to say congratulations to our newest National Edward R. Murrow Award winners.” RTDNA chair Allison McGinley adds, “Thank you to every journalist who played a role in the pieces that were submitted. Not everyone can be a Murrow Award winner, but all of you make a difference in your communities. Thank you for the work you do.” See all the winners here.

LATimes: No One Listens to Sports Talk Radio in L.A. Why the People in Charge Aren’t Worried. Los Angeles Times writer Bill Shaikin looks at the question of why Los Angeles – of all the major markets – has the lowest listenership to sports talk radio, according to Nielsen Audio ratings. In the piece, Shaikin talks to WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” afternoon drive hosts Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti – and others – about why East Coast cities like Boston and Philadelphia have huge sports talk listener audiences while Los Angeles pales in comparison. Read his story here.

TALKERS News Notes. The new permanent host of FOX News Channel’s “FOX News Sunday” program is Shannon Bream. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says Bream – the first woman to host the 26-year-old program – will start on September 11. She will continue as the network’s chief legal correspondent. Scott says, “Shannon is an outstanding journalist, reporter and anchor who has cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with the FOX News Media audience.”…..The National Sports Network is partnering with in USA Radio Network to offer a slate of NCAAfootball games for radio stations. Beginning the schedule this season is the September 3 game Alabama vs Utah State. Other September games include Tennessee at Pitt and Oklahoma at Nebraska. See the whole schedule here…..iHeartMedia Nashville is presenting the 20th annual Wine on the River event on September 10. This year, the funds raised will go to The DISTRICT’s initiative 2ndavestrong, which helps restore the vitally important historic district of 2nd Avenue. The initiative was created in response to the damage resulting from the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville in 2020. News/talk WLAC and its sister stations are promoting the event…..WBUR, Boston unveils its fall season for CitySpace at The Lavine Broadcast Center, “a state-of-the-art live event venue for cutting-edge conversations, adventurous art and innovative ideas. Bringing WBUR’s journalism alive on stage, CitySpace conversations feature some of the nation’s leading thinkers on timely topics such as the changing media landscape, the state of national politics, climate change and the challenges of American motherhood.”

FBI Raid/Trump Legal Issues Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 8-12. The FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago as well as his legal battle with the State of New York combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was partisan politics and the week’s primary elections, followed by urban crime, gun control, and policing issues at #3. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By Editor | August 12, 2022 by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 survey period has been released for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

AUSTIN

News/Talk: Waterloo Media-operated KLBJ-AM “News Radio” 5.2 – 3.2, -2.0, #7 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Texas-owned KUT 5.9 – 5.8, -.1, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Waterloo Media-operated adult hits KBPA, seventh month in a row, 8.7 – 10.1, +1.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult hits KBPA (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk KLBJ-AM (-2.0)*

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RALEIGH

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” flat at 8.0, repeats in third-place

Curtis Media Group-owned WPTF “News Radio 680” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #17 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM “99.9 FM The Fan” 1.9 – 1.2, -.7, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 7.7 – 8.1, +.4, fourth to second

Number One 6+: Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL, fifth successive month 9.4 – 10.2, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock WRDU and regional Mexican WYMY (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban AC WFXC (-1.1)

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk: Emmis’ WIBC “93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News” 9.4 – 7.9, -1.5, locked in second-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Emmis-owned WIBC-HD2 “The Fan” 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #12 to #14

iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Fox Sports 1260” flat at .3, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting-owned WFYI 4.0 – 4.2, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, seventh successive month, 12.6 – 11.4, -1.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WFMS (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WIBC (-1.5)

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WISN “News Talk 1130” 9.0 – 9.9, +.9, third to first

Good Karma Brands-owned WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers) 11.4 – 9.6, -1.8, first to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Good Karma Brands-owned WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee” steady at .9, #17 to #15

iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game” .8 – .9, +.1, #18 to #15

Audacy’s WSSP “1250 AM The Fan” .8 – .7, -.1, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in ninth-place

Number One 6+: news/talk WISN, first month, 9.0 – 9.9, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WKLH (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WTMJ (-1.8)

NASHVILLE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” 6.9 – 6.2, -.7, fourth to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #16 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” flat at 2.1, #13 to #15

Cromwell Radio Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” .9 – .8, -.1, remains at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM 5.4 – 5.1, -.3, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK, seventh month in a row, 9.8 – 10.4, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WNRQ (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: country WKDF (-1.5)

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & WEAN “News Talk 630 AM & 99.7 FM” 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, sixth to seventh

iHeartMedia-owned WHJJ “News Radio 920” .6 – .7, +.1, #17 to #16

Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790” .2, #20 (unlisted in June 2022)

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WVEI “Sports Radio 103.7” 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, locked in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 3.3 – 2.8, -.5, ninth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, tenth to ninth

Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN 2.3 – 2.5, +.2, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia rock WHJY, sixth straight month, 11.5 – 10.0, -1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WWBB (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WHJY (-1.5)

NORFOLK

News/Talk: Sinclair’s WNIS “News Talk AM 790” 3.3 – 3.4, +.1, locked in tenth-place

News: iHeartMedia-owned WNOH “BIN 105.3 Because Truth Matters” .3 – .4, +.1, stays at #20

Sports Talk: Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP “94.1 ESPN” 1.2 – 1.6, +.4, repeats at #18

Sinclair’s WTAR “Sports Radio 850” .3 – .4, +.1, continues at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WVKL, seventh month in succession, 10.0 – 9.7, -.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary WWDE and hot AC WPTE (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WNOR (-.7)

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News & Talk” 9.2 – 8.1 -1.1, second to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” .6 – .5, -.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WJCT, Inc.’s WJCT 3.1 – 2.8, -.3, flat at #11

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia country WQIK, first month, 8.7 – 10.2, +1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WQIK (+1.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk WOKV-FM (-1.1)

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WFTL “News Talk 850” 1.0 – 3.4, +2.4, #13 to #7

iHeartMedia’s WZZR “92.1 Real Radio” 2.4 – 2.1 -.3, eighth to tenth and cluster-mate WJNO “News Radio 1290” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #12 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” .6 – .4, -.2, #15 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board’s WLRN 3.0 – 2.4, -.6, seventh to eighth

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF, seventh month in succession, 8.9 – 9.7, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WFTL (+2.4)**

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): adult contemporary WOLL; urban AC WMBX; and public radio news/talk WLRN (-.6)

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

GREENSBORO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WPTI “News Talk 94.5” flat at 5.8, seventh to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Wake Forest University’s WFDD 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, repeats at #12

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-owned WUNC 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, stays at #14

Number One 6+: Audacy urban AC WQMG, seventh month in a row, 11.0 – 10.2, -.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WPAW (+1.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic rock WKRR (-.9)

MEMPHIS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WREC “News Talk 600 AM” 3.0 – 4.0, +1.0, #11 to #8

Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “News/Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis” unchanged at .7, remains at #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WMFS “Sports Radio 92.9” 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, repeats at #11 and WMFS’ internet stream .6 – .5, -.1, stays at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Mid-South Public Communications-owned WKNO 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, seventh successive month, 13.4 – 12.5, -.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: urban AC KJMS (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: gospel WHAL (-1.5)

HARTFORD

News/Talk: Audacy’s WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” 5.3 – 4.9, -.4, repeats in eighth-place and WTIC-AM’s internet stream .2 – .6, +.4, #21 to #17

Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-AM “The Talk of Connecticut” .6 – .4, -.2, #18 to #19

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia’s WUCS “97.9 ESPN” .8 – .7, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Connecticut Educational Communications-owned WNPR 7.5 – 7.9, +.4, second to fourth

New England Public Media’s WFCR .4 – .2, -.2, flat at #20

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WRCH, 29^th month in a row, 12.0 – 11.0, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: hot AC WTIC-FM (+2.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative WMRQ (-1.1)

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

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

By Editor | August 11, 2022 by Editor

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

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk: Alpha Media’s KXL “FM 101 News” 8.2 – 8.0, -.2, locked in fourth-place

iHeartMedia-owned KEX “News Radio 1190” 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #19 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB 9.5 – 9.4, -.1, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KOPB, first month, 9.5 – 9.4, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KWJJ (+1.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KLTH (-1.8)

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk: Radio One-owned WBT AM & WBT-FM “Charlotte’s News Talk” 5.0 – 5.5, +.5, seventh to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Radio One’s WFNZ-FM “Sports Radio 92.7” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #17

Public Radio News/Talk: University Radio Foundation’s WFAE flat at 4.6, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV, first month, 6.1 – 7.9, +1.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: urban AC WBAV (+1.8)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative WEND (-1.0)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WOAI “News Radio 1200” 4.2 – 3.9, -.3, eighth to ninth

Alpha Media-owned KTSA “Stay Connected” 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #15 to #11

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Texas Public Radio’s KSTX 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #16

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM, sixth straight month, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KISS (+1.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rhythmic hot AC KVBH (-.9)

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” flat at 7.5, repeats in third-place and cluster-mate KSTE-AM “Talk 650” 4.0 – 4.9, +.9, seventh to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ 3.3 – 3.5, +.2, continues at #9

Number One 6+: Audacy classic rock KSEG, seventh month in a row, unchanged at 9.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KNCI (+1.4)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): rock KRXQ and regional Mexican KVMX-FM (-.4)

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk: Audacy’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020 AM” 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, continues at #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan All Sports All The Time” (Pirates) 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, repeats in fifth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, remains at #13

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW, first month, 9.5 – 10.1, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classical WQED (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WKPL (-.7)

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” 10.2 – 9.6, -.6, #1

Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” 6.8 – 5.6, -1.2, second to sixth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Utah’s KUER 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: news/talk KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM, sixth month in succession, 10.2 – 9.6, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock KBER (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: news/talk KSL (-1.2)

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk: Beasley Media Group-owned KDWN “The Talk Of Las Vegas” flat at 2.1, #15 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ, first month, 6.3 – 7.5, +1.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KKLZ (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC KVGS (-.7)

ORLANDO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” 5.9 – 6.1, +.2, seventh to sixth

Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” 1.4 – 2.0, +.6, #18 to #15

iHeartMedia-owned WFLF “Orlando News Radio” 1.3 – 1.0, -.3, #19 to #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Community Connections-owned WMFE 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #16 to #15

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia CHR WXXL, second straight month, 7.9 – 8.5, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WRUM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGF (-2.2)**

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

CINCINNATI

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” (Reds) 11.4 – 12.3, +.9, #1 and cluster-mate WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” 5.0 – 4.3, -.7, sixth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU 4.5 – 4.7, +.2, eighth to seventh

Number One 6+: news/talk WLW, fifth month in a row, 11.4 – 12.3, +.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WLW (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rock WEBN (-.8)

CLEVELAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WTAM “News Radio 1100” (Guardians) 6.7 – 7.4, +.7, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #12 to #11 and WKRK’s internet stream 1.3 – 1.5, +.2, remains at #14

Public Radio News/Talk: Kent State University-owned WKSU 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #11 to #12

Number One 6+: Radio One urban AC WZAK, seventh month in a row, 10.4 – 9.4, -1.0

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WMMS (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WENZ (-1.5)

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMBZ-FM “98.1 FM News, Traffic, Weather” 4.1 – 3.9, -.2, repeats at #11 and cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980 AM” 1.1 – .9, -.2, flat at #20

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s KCSP “Sports Radio 610 Our Teams, Our Town” (Royals) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #15 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KCUR 4.5 – 4.1, -.4, seventh to tenth

Number One 6+: Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, fourth straight month, 7.7 – 8.3, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WDAF (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: alternative KRBZ (-1.6)

COLUMBUS

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WTVN “News Radio 610” 9.1 – 8.2, -.9, #1

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Tegna-owned WBNS-FM “97.1 FM The Fan” 5.7 – 5.9, +.2, seventh to sixth and co-owned WBNS-AM “ESPN 1460 AM” .2 – .3, +.1, #21 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Ohio State University’s WOSU 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3, fourth to second

Number One 6+: news/talk WTVN, sixth straight month, 9.1 – 8.2, -.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk WOSU (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: hot AC WVMX (-1.2)

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

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

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

By Editor | August 10, 2022 by Editor

Urban One Second Quarter Net Revenue Rises 10.4%. Reporting financial data for the second quarter of 2022, Urban One – parent company of Radio One – reveals net revenue of $118.8 million, an increase of 10.4 percent over the same period in 2021. Consolidated net income for Q2 of 2022 was $15.8 million, a decline of 14.4% from the same period in 2021. Urban One reports financial data for six separate segments including Radio Advertising ($44.5 million, up 4.5%), Digital Advertising ($17.8 million, up 19.1%), and Event Revenue ($1.1 million, up 2.3%). Urban One CEO and president Alfred Liggins III says, “We had a strong finish to Q2, driven by continued robust growth in digital and cable television advertising, both of which were up double digits. Our spot radio business outperformed the markets in which we operate by 230 Bps, and I was pleased with our overall 10.4% revenue growth, as a result of which we were able to post adjusted EBITDA growth of 6.1% y-o-y. Like other media businesses, we have experienced a slow-down in Q3, particularly in core radio which is currently pacing down low-to-mid single-digits. Given our diversified mix of assets, I still anticipate consolidated net revenues to grow in Q3, and we remain well positioned for political advertising later in the year. We will continue to be disciplined with capital allocation decisions and our cash position remains strong. We finished the quarter with net leverage below 4.0x, in line with our goal to continue to reduce leverage over time.”

Round Two of July PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 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 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, DC, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM adds six-tenths for a 7.4 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) finish but still falls back to the #8 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is flat at a 4.1 share and recedes to the #8 rank. Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM remains in first place in Seattle even after dropping six-tenths for a 6.7 share finish, while Lotus Communications’ crosstown all-news KNWN-AM/FM dips two-tenths to finish with a 3.1 share but stays locked in the #14 spot. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, Audacy’s news/talk WCCO adds three-tenths for a 4.4 share finish that boosts it to the #10 rank. Across town, Hubbard’s talk KTMY-FM falls two-tenths for a 3.3 share finish but stays ranked #13, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTLK-AM adds three-tenths to wrap with a 3.2 share good for the #14 rank. Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL-AM leaps to the #10 rank after a 1.1 share increase gives it a 3.4 share finish as WCBM Maryland’s news/talk WCBM-AM sheds half a share for a 2.0 share finish good for the #15 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets (as well as yesterday’s round one) here.

Premiere Networks Talk Hosts Front and Center at CPAC 2022. Pictured above (from l-r) at last weekend’s CPAC 2022 conference in Dallas are Premiere Networks talk radio hosts Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, and Jesse Kelly. Hannity’s address to the attendees covered election integrity, the upcoming midterm elections, the importance of conservative principles and more. Shortly before former President Donald Trump closed out the convention with his keynote address, Glenn Beck took to the stage with a presentation titled, “American History: What You Don’t Know,” and Jesse Kelly entertained the crowd with a satirical skit in which he posed as a news anchor covering the latest headlines at a faux network.

‘ESPN Chicago’ to Present Inaugural ‘Football Fest.’ Sports talk outlet WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” is presenting its first-ever “ESPN Chicago Football Fest” that will bring together the station’s personalities and special guests ESPN senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter and ESPN Fantasy Football expert Field Yates at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Saturday, August 20. Local personalities Tom Waddle, Marc Silverman, David Kaplan, Carmen DeFalco, Peggy Kusinski, Dionne Miller, Jonathan Hood, Chris Bleck, Adam Abdalla, and Jeff Meller will be at the event. Danny Zederman is content director for the Good Karma Brands station. He says, “Football Fest will be an amazing opportunity for ‘ESPN 1000’ fans to connect with our content team to kick off the 2022-2023 football season. Peggy and Dionne will be broadcasting live from the event, giving fans a front row seat to one of the station’s newest duos.”

Comscore Q2 2022 Net Revenue Up 4.3%. The second quarter financial report from digital media firm Comscore states net revenue for the period was $91.4 million, an increase of 4.3% over Q2 of 2021. The company reduced its net loss from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022 from $18.5 million to $5.1 million. Comscore CEO Jon Carpenter states, “I was honored to step into the CEO role in July and remain excited about the opportunity ahead for Comscore. This is a critical time for the industry, and we are committed and focused on delivering innovative products and solutions that our customers want and driving the growth and profitability our shareholders expect. The quarter highlights the momentum in our business, particularly in Cross Platform Solutions, which includes our growing local and national television businesses. While there is still work to be done, I am excited and energized about the opportunity ahead.”

TALKERS News Notes. Urban radio personality Angela Yee is leaving the WWPR, New York-based morning show “The Breakfast Club” after 12 years to launch her own midday program titled, “Way Up with Angela Yee” that will be syndicated via Premiere Networks. It will launch this fall and debut on more than 30 iHeartMedia stations. The company says the show “will feature the iconic personality in a fast-paced, listener interactive show, as she connects directly with listeners on the kinds of hot and timely topics in which she’s garnered trust over her decades on air – from relationships to Hip-Hop and R&B, headline news topics, and overall culture, both in and out of the music industry.”…..Audacy-owned podcast company C13Originals is partnering with Team Downey and Wink Pictures for “The Sunshine Place,” an investigative documentary podcast series examining Synanon, a former California-based experimental drug rehab facility and community that morphed into a dangerous and violent cult, led by its messianic founder Charles E. Diedrich. Cadence13 chief content officer Chris Corcoran states, “This is a story we were immediately drawn to and wanted to tell. It’s an honor to be able to tell incredible stories like this with such a great team in Susan, Robert, Emily, and Josh in collaboration with our brilliant C13Orginals creative team.”…..American Public Media Group announces that Barry Gisser is the organization’s new senior vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Morris Goodwin who after eight years significantly increased the value of APMG’s endowment and led its investment strategy. Gisser’s first day at APMG will be September 6.

FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago/NYC Deposition, Primaries/2024 Race, The Economy, Biden Health & Climate Bill, China’s Taiwan Threats, Russia-Ukraine War, and Serena Williams Announces Retirement Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/9). The FBI’s raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago offices and his scheduled deposition by New York AG Letitia James; Tuesday’s primary races for the November midterms and speculation about the nominees for the 2024 presidential race; the high rate of inflation and concerns about a recession; the Inflation Reduction Act that affects health care, taxes, and climate incentives; China’s ramped-up military exercises around Taiwan; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; and tennis great Serena Williams announces her plans to retire from the sport were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two

By Editor | August 10, 2022 by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” flat at 4.1, seventh to eighth

News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.9 – 7.5, +.6, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 3.7 – 2.6, -1.1, #10 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.2 – 10.1, -.1, #1

Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .6, -.1, #19 to #20

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, seventh month in succession, 10.2 – 10.1, -.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WJFK-FM (-1.1)

BOSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10

News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 7.3 – 5.8, -1.5, second to fourth

Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, #13 to #8

WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 to #17

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: CHR WXKS-FM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-1.5)

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 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, steady at #15

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.7 – 9.3, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMXJ (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.9)

SEATTLE

News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, #1

News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, repeats at #14

Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, seventh to second

Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, third straight month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.2)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: jazz KNKX (-1.0)

DETROIT

News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, locked at #13

News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) unchanged at 4.5, tenth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 5.9 – 5.5, -.4, fourth to fifth

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM steady at 2.1, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, seventh consecutive month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WCSX (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.0)

PHOENIX

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, fourth to fifth

Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #15 to #17

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.8 – 5.4, -.4, repeats in third-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fourth month in a row, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KMLE (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-1.5)

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #12 to #10

Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, continues at #13

iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, remains at #14

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, stays in ninth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.3, +.4, seventh to fifth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, first month, 7.3 – 7.6, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WGVX (+.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic rock KQRS (-.8)

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #12 to #10

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.8, -.5, #16 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.0 – 5.4, -.6, third to fourth

Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, fourth consecutive month, 6.6 – 9.8, +3.2

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult hits KFBG KYXY (+3.2)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-.8)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets

TAMPA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth

iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.2 – 2.9, -.3, #12 to #13

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, locked at #19

Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #12 to #14

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, eleventh month in succession, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WXTB (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WXGL and adult contemporary WWRM (-1.1)

DENVER

News/Talk: KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16 and iHeartMedia cluster-mate KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #16

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth

Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second month in a row, 5.7 – 7.6, +1.9

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KYGO (+1.9)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-.9)

BALTIMORE

News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 2.3 – 3.4, +1.1, #14 to #10

WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, #12 to #15

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, remains at #10

Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.4 – 3.6, +.2, continues in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.6 – 8.7, +.1

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WBAL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.0)

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.7 – 5.3, +.6, repeats at #10 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17

iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #18

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, continues at #11

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, locked at #14

Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 9.3, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: country KSD-FM (-1.9)**

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: July 2022 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

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

By Editor | August 9, 2022 by Editor

Round One of July PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Rating Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC adds a full share to finish with a 4.1 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and rises to the #7 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR loses one-tenth for a 1.9 share finish good for the #19 rank. Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN, Chicago adds seven-tenths to wrap the survey with a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. Audacy’s crosstown all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM sheds four-tenths to post a 4.6 share and falls from #2 to #4. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP continues its upward trajectory adding a half share for a 4.5 share finish that pushes it to the #4 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta is steady with a 5.7 share and remains locked in the #4 spot. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

AM 790 in Providence Returns to Sports Talk as ‘790 The Score.’ Heritage Providence station WPRV-AM completes its previously announced flip from business news to sports talk as Cumulus Media launches “790 The Score.” The station – originally WEAN-AM when it debuted in 1922 – broadcast a sports talk format for about 10 years from 1998 through 2008 as WSKO “The Score.” That was replaced by oldies for about a year before flipping to business talk in 2009. Cumulus says the new station “brings sports and sports betting news, information, and insights to the burgeoning and underserved sports betting audience in the Providence area. ‘790 The Score’ delivers behind-the-book perspectives from experts in a highly entertaining and engaging format.” Cumulus Providence VP and market manager Holly Paras says, “It’s official: ‘790 The Score’ is now Providence’s best bet for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, and we couldn’t be more excited! The station features a lineup of expert personalities that deliver unique sports talk and sports betting insights that entertain, inform, and engage, along with New England Patriots football, New York Yankees baseball, Boston Celtics basketball, and Brown University football and basketball play-by-play. We think Providence sports and sports betting fans will love ‘790 The Score!’” The program lineup includes: Bet MGM, Bet QL, Jim Rome, local host Kevin McNamara, and more.

KHOW, Denver’s Michael Brown Named New Host of ‘The Weekend.’ Former Under Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of FEMA, Michael Brown – host of “The Situation with Michael Brown” on iHeartMedia’s KHOW, Denver – is named the full-time host of the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio program, “The Weekend.” The three-hour show is heard on more than 300 stations nationwide. Brown takes over for Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo as the regular host of the show. Brown says, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to take the reins of ‘The Weekend.’ When Premiere asked me to sign on full-time, it was a no brainer. I’m looking forward to furthering my connection with this nationwide audience each week. We’re going to have a great time together as we go beyond the headlines to tackle the stories that matter most with honesty, smarts and a dose of fun.”

Westwood One Audio Active Group: Only Half of NFL Fans Are Aware Thursday Night Games Are Only on Amazon Prime. This week’s blog from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group includes data from a national study from MARU/Matchbox of 1,000 Americans over the age of 18 that indicates half of frequent NFL viewers and only 30% of occasional NFL viewers are aware that “Thursday Night Football” will only be available on Amazon Prime Video. Although the majority of football fans with Amazon Prime say they’ll watch NFL “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon Prime Video, about half of “Thursday Night Football” viewers are not Amazon Prime members. This presents opportunity for Westwood One as after a decade behind a paywall, the audio stream of its national broadcasts will now be available for local radio station affiliates. The Westwood One national audio stream will also be available on the free NFL app. For years WFAN listeners in the New York market could hear the game over the air but not on WFAN’s audio stream. Now listeners will have the option to listen to Westwood One’s Monday night, Thursday night, and Sunday night broadcasts on their smart speakers, smartphones, and laptops. See the blog post here.

Three Executive Promotions at Triton Digital. The company announces that three executives are being promoted within the company. Oscar Sermeno is upped to vice president of market strategy, Americas; Daniel Karlsson is promoted to vice president, market development and global strategy; and Michael Chien is elevated to vice president of advertising product strategy. Triton Digital president and CEO John Rosso comments, “Triton Digital continues on a trajectory of rapid growth and global expansion. These recent promotions within our leadership team will play an instrumental role in furthering Triton’s innovative spirit while maintaining operational excellence and expanding the company’s presence around the world. All while continuing to provide best-in-class audio streaming, podcasting, audience measurement, and advertising technology on a global scale.”

TALKERS News Notes. The nationally syndicated program, “The Dana Show” – starring Dana Loesch, adds new affiliate WFLF-AM, Orlando “WFLA.” The iHeartMedia station is picking up the Radio America-syndicated show for the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm daypart…..The National Association of Broadcasters announces the availability of the 2022 Election Toolkit – an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with ideas and information to cover the 2022 local, state and federal elections. The 2022 Election Toolkit provides assets to help broadcasters serve their communities in the lead-up to Election Day on November 8. It includes information on identifying false statements online, suggested tactics for hosting debates, voter registration resources and guides for finding local polling places. Broadcast-ready public service announcements encouraging voter participation are also available in both English and Spanish through the toolkit. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Local broadcasters are a trusted and reliable source of news and information, which takes on heightened importance in combatting disinformation as Americans exercise their right to vote. The toolkit will equip radio and television stations in helping voters make informed decisions at the polls – an essential component in ensuring the vitality of our democracy.” Find it here…..Two podcasts – “Smart Talks with IBM,” an iHeartRadio show produced in collaboration with Pushkin and IBM, and “Bridgerton: The Official Podcast,” a Shondaland Audio and iHeartRadio program, are receiving a 2022 Adweek Podcast of the Year Award. Adweek’s annual Podcast of the Year Awards recognizes the best podcasts, featuring shows across 28 categories aimed at all sorts of audiences.

FBI Searches Mar-a-Lago, The Economy, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Taiwan/U.S.-China Relations, Russia-Ukraine War, and Olivia Newton-John Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/8). The FBI executes a search warrant at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club as part of an investigation into presidential documents; the still-high price of gasoline and food and concerns about a recession; November’s midterm elections and speculation about the nominees in the 2024 presidential race; China’s ramped up military exercises around Taiwan and the tenuous relations between the U.S. and China; Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the global economy; and Olivia Newton-John dies at 73 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | August 9, 2022 by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.

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

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

All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #11 to #7

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, flat at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.7 – 3.2 +.5, #14 to #11 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 6.4 – 6.0, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, flat at #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #14 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, unchanged at 5.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase (Tie): Spanish contemporary KLVE; alternative KROQ; classical KUSC; and jazz KKJZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-.6)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past twelve months

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #15 to #10

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, second to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.6 – 5.1, +.5, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, third month in a row, 6.8 – 6.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic rock WDRV and classical WFMT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 1.9, #18 to #17

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, third to second

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.3 – 3.3, -1.0, fourth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.4 – 8.0, +1.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED first month, 6.4 – 8.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): sports talk KNBR and similarly-formatted KGMZ (-1.0)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.0 – 4.5, +.5, sixth to fourth

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #18 to #17

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 3.7, -.7, fourth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA steady at 3.2, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, sixth month in a row, 7.4 – 5.9, -1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KMVK (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLNO (-1.5)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 4.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, anchored at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, sixteenth consecutive month, 7.7 – 8.0, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KKBQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-1.5)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” unchanged at 5.7, continues at #4

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) steady at 2.3, #17 to #16

WZGC “92.9 The Game” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, seventh successive month, 9.7 – 11.0, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WVFJ (-1.1)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #22 to #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, seventh to sixth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, continues in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.4- 4.3, -1.1, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 8.0 – 8.5, +.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country WUSL (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WHYY (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #18 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.5 – 2.4, -1.1, #8 to #16

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, #12 to #11 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #15 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #11 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in succession, 5.5 – 6.3, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult standards WHLI (-1.3)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .3, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, seventh consecutive month, 7.5 – 7.1, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian KSGN (+1.8)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: rhythmic CHR KGGI (-.9)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #16 to #18 and cluster-mate KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.3 – 5.7, +.4, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire Audacy adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month 6.4 – 7.1, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KBAY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLRK (-2.4)**

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.7 – 5.0, -.7, first to third

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #16 to #15 and co-owned WINS 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, locked at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) flat at 3.1, continues in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, first month, 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary WWPR (-.7)

Up next: July 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

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

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network

Share this with your network