Sports Talk – Page 9 – TALKERS magazine

Changes at WEEI, Boston

By TALKERS | January 13, 2023 by TALKERS

Audacy brings Boston sports radio personality Adam Jones aboard to co-host the afternoon drive program on WEEI-FM. The new show is called “Jones & Mego” featuring Jones, Meghan Ottolini, and Christian Arcand and debuts on January 30. Jones was most recently evening host at Beasley Media Group’s crosstown WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “This is the third run for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment.” At the same time, Thomas announces that Ken Laird is being promoted from operations manager for the station to brand manager. He says, “Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Laird comments, “Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002. To take on a brand manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”

Industry News

Cumulus Dallas Raises $2.3 Million for DFW Charities in 2022

By TALKERS | January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 by TALKERS

The Dallas cluster of radio stations owned by Cumulus Media grew their charitable efforts by close to 30% from 2021 to 2022, raising almost $2.3 million for Dallas-Fort Worth charities during 2022. One of the numerous events during the year was the “Normathon” month-long campaign by sports talk KTCK and air personality Norm Hitzges. The November 28-December 27 event raised $619,456 for the Austin Street Center for the homeless. This year’s 20th annual fundraising campaign included 12 days of on-air auctions, a car raffle, and a full-day broadcast featuring major guests and major auction items. 2022’s “Normathon” brings Norm’s total raised to $8.9 million raised for the shelter. Pictured here are (l-r) KTCK host Donovan Lewis, Daniel Roby (CEO of the Austin Street Center), and Hitzges.

Industry News

Radio Programmer Jeremiah Crowe Joins Blue Wire Podcasts

By TALKERS | January 12, 2023 by TALKERS

Longtime radio programmer Jeremiah Crowe joins Blue Wire as director of operations. Crowe has served with ESPN Radio, Audacy, Cumulus, and his own company Green Roll Media. In his new role at Blue Wire, Crowe will play an integral role in the company’s in-person studio partnership with Wynn Resorts. Crowe will manage production, sales, promotions, events & marketing related to the Blue Wire Studios. This move reunites Crowe and Blue Wire founder Kevin Jones, who worked with Crowe at sports talk outlet KNBR, San Francisco. Jones says, “Jeremiah is a problem solver, a connector and an experienced executive playing a big role growing Blue Wire. Throughout his career he’s worked well with talent and can be a major contributor on the business side for us. We’re thrilled to add Jeremiah to our team.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media Shuts Down Sports Talk WYOS, Binghamton

By TALKERS | January 11, 2023January 11, 2023 by TALKERS

Townsquare Media turned off the transmitter for WYOS-AM, Binghamton on December 28, apparently ending the station’s carriage of the sports talk format branded as “CBS Sports 1360.”According to a report by WITV-TV, Townsquare Binghamton general manager Mary Beth Walsh says “the CBS Sports Radio format was not supported by local advertising.” Townsquare submitted a special temporary authority filing with the FCC to be off air indicating an auxiliary transmitter failure. It says the company is working to return the signal to the air and will notify the FCC when it’s able to do so.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, November 14, 2022

By Editor | November 14, 2022 by Editor

Industry Mourns Jim Bohannon. Veteran talk radio host Jim Bohannon has died at age 78, at the Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House in South Carolina after losing a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer. He was born January 7, 1944 in Corvallis, OR, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, the family moved back to their home town to Lebanon, MO, where Jim grew up and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1962. He attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, before joining the military. His service in the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 199^th Light Infantry Brigade included a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967-68. Jim’s radio career began in high school working at KLWT, and in college at KICK, and KWTO. After his return stateside, Jim was stationed at Vint Hill Farms Station, VA, and worked at radio stations WGAY, WTOP, and WRC in the Washington, DC market. He joined the Mutual Network in 1983, which later became Westwood One Radio. He began anchoring America in the Morning news magazine, hosting the Saturday night Jim Bohannon Show, and filling in on the Larry King Show. In 1993, Larry King moved to CNN, and the radio show became the Jim Bohannon Show, which Jim hosted until shortly before his death. His distinctive voice, wit and wisdom was aired on some 500 radio stations nationwide. Jim has been honored to be the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his talent and contributions to the radio industry. This includes his induction into the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, the Radio Hall of Fame of the Museum of Broadcast Communication, and the Society of Professional Journalists, DC Chapter Hall of Fame. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from TALKERS magazine, and the First Amendment Award from the Radio and Television Digital News Foundation. He was especially pleased to receive the Gold Award from the International Radio Festival of New York for his documentary, “Pain and Pride- Remembering Vietnam,” and to be a 2003 inductee to the Wall of Honor in his hometown of Lebanon, MO. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jim is survived by his wife, Annabelle Bohannon, of Westminster, SC, and daughter, Elizabeth Smith of Janesville, WI. Per Jim’s wishes no formal services will be held at this time. The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory are suggested to any organization of your choice that serves to support the needs of veterans. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states: “Jim Bohannon was one of the greatest radio broadcasters of all time, plain and simple. His talent was only surpassed by the personal esteem in which his fellow broadcasters held him. He was the very definition of a ‘good guy’ through and through.” Harrison recently recorded the last official interview with Jim Bohannon that is posted on PodcastOne click here.

Remembering Overnight Sensation Jim Bohannon. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Bohannon a number of times over the years for personality profile pieces in the radio trade press. He says, “‘Class act’ epitomized peerless communicator Bohannon, who – while enjoying the luxury of a national Westwood One platform – possessed a palpably authentic on-air style that enamored him to a huge, loyal following. Always remarkably accessible, ‘Jimbo’ was unfailing in offering his vast expertise to the industry as a whole and to aspiring broadcasters. Moreover, he exuded a truly unique warmth that will be missed beyond measure.” Read Mike Kinosian’s piece here.

Monday Memo: Your Podcast “Bones,” Part Deux. In last week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke recommended to podcasters that shorter-is-better. This week, HC recommends a format for longer-form episodes. Read his column here.

Pending Business: When the Crystal Ball Is Foggy. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column that “the current economic cycle is being driven by a sweeping round of cutbacks and strategic business re-focus.” He says that as a result, “the clock is ticking on the adjustments you should consider to jump-start 2023.” He offers a quick checklist to consider as you deal with a changing economic climate. Read it here.

Urban One’s Sports Talk WFNZ, Charlotte Names New Midday Shows. Today (11/14) marks the launch of new midday programming on Urban One’s Charlotte sports talk WFNZ-AM/FM “Sports Radio 92.7.” The station introduces the new 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show “Wes & Walker” starring Wes Bryant (left) and Walker Mehl (right). Bryant is a host, producer, editor and voice-over artist for the ACC Digital Network in Charlotte. He’s hosted ACC Digital Network’s “Kickoff Live,” a college football pregame show and “Wes Got Range,” a lifestyle show joining food and local area athletes together. Most recently he was the 2021-2022 season pre- and post-game host for the Charlotte Hornets broadcasts on Bally Sports South. Mehl hosts the “Locked on Hornets” podcast and has served as a guest host on WFNZ. Station PD Jeff Rickard says, “I’m excited to hear from two talented young men who are not only entertaining and engaging, but true native sons of the Queen City. I’m looking forward to hearing their hometown takes on all things Charlotte sports. I can’t wait for our listeners to learn more about them and enjoy the upcoming ride.” Rickard is also debuting his new late morning show titled, “Charlotte Sports Today,” that airs from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The “Mac & Bone” show continues is morning drive and Kyle Bailey remains the PM drive personality.

Audacy Names Seema Kumar SVP of Advertising Platforms. Advertising pro Seema Kumar joins Audacy as SVP of advertising platforms for the company. In this role, she’ll lead the team members responsible for the technology platforms for Audacy’s revenue organization, “ensuring that roadmaps and requirements are prioritized for vendors and IT ad tech engineers, aligned with ad product strategy and revenue goals, and optimized to meet business operational needs.” Kumar comes to Audacy from her most recent position as VP of advertising technology for WarnerMedia. Audacy EVP of advertising technology, products and platforms Terri Gunnell states, “We’re thrilled to welcome Seema to the team as we elevate our strategy and focus on the interoperability of our ad platforms to support growing our revenue in partnership with sales and creating efficiencies for sales operations. Her deep ad tech platform experience and forward-thinking business acumen will ensure we improve service to our internal and external clients and partners as well as enhance our ability to innovate in 2023 and beyond.”

WRKO, Boston’s Radiothon Raises $86,000 for Disabled Veterans. On Thursday and Friday of last week (11/10 & 11) iHeartMedia news/tak outlet WRKO, Boston produced its seventh annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts and raised $86,000. Over the two days, WRKO on-air personalities Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston VP of news, talk, sports Rob Sanchez says, “Every year the WRKO listeners amaze me with their generosity. Once again, they have helped to raise $86,883 for the DAV of Massachusetts. We’re proud to be able to support the DAV of Massachusetts and show that WRKO, our listeners and our sponsors are always willing to help the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our great country.” Since 2016, DAV Radiothon has raised more than $886,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Midterm Results, Trump in ’24, Biden Meets Xi, G-20 Summit, The Economy/Crypto Meltdown, Deadly Virginia and Idaho Shootings, Russia-Ukraine War, and Social Media Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The aftermath of last week’s midterm elections including the Democrats’ hold on the U.S. Senate and the still-unknown status of the U.S. House; former President Donald Trump’s expected run for president in 2024; President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping over tense issues including Taiwan; the meeting of G-20 leaders in Bali; U.S. inflation, job reports and concerns about a recession, combined with the freefall of crypto-currency; the fatal shooting of three at the University of Virginia and the deaths of four University of Idaho students; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its exit from Kherson; and the troubles at Elon Musk’s Twitter, Meta’s Facebook, and the future of social media were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, November 14, 2022

By Editor | November 14, 2022 by Editor

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, October 27, 2022

By Editor | October 27, 2022 by Editor

Mark Davis is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Today is the 40^th anniversary of Dallas radio legend Mark Davis’ career as a professional broadcaster. What better way to celebrate it than being a guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview?” Davis is one of the most successful and respected local news/talk radio hosts in America. For the past decade, this self-described libertarian-conservative has hosted the 7:00 am – 10:00 am CT morning show on Salem’s AM 660, The Answer – KSKY-AM – in the vibrant Dallas/Fort Worth market. Prior to that, he did a long stint at WBAP – also in the Dallas Metroplex. Along the way, he’s served as a regular fill-in for the late Rush Limbaugh and other national hosts in addition to having written two well-received books about politics published by Regnery. Harrison and Davis engage in a lively chat about the radio veteran’s career including changes over the past four decades in journalism, broadcasting technology, radio localism, the military (Davis grew up in a U.S. Air Force family) and partisanship in the national conversation. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

WIP-FM, Philadelphia Names Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie New Morning Hosts. The Audacy sports talk station reveals that it will move the current midday team of Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie to morning drive early next year when Angelo Cataldi retires from his historic run as SportsRadio 94WIP’s morning drive host. The new show will continue to feature longtime WIP morning anchor Rhea Hughes and producer James Seltzer. Audacy says it will name a new midday show in the coming months. WIP-FM brand manager Rod Lakin says, “We are very excited to announce Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie will be leading the WIP morning show. For the last three decades Angelo Cataldi set the standard for morning drive in Philadelphia and helped define the sports narrative of this great city. Joe and Jon, along with Rhea Hughes and the other talented members of the WIP morning show, will adhere to the standard that Angelo created and develop a connection with the Philadelphia sports audience for years to come.” DeCamara comments, “I am ecstatic for the opportunity to host mornings on WIP. There is a remarkable tradition of success long established by the legend, Angelo, and the entire current morning team, and my aim is to continue to uphold that level of excellence. I feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to WIP and Audacy management, to Angelo, and to WIP listeners and callers whose intense passion drives the heartbeat of Philly sports. We look forward to assembling the full team that will comprise our show as we move to mornings. And I look forward to multiple parades down Broad Street over the next four months!” Ritchie adds, “I’m grateful and honored that Joe and I have the opportunity to follow in Angelo Cataldi’s footsteps on WIP’s morning show. We’ll work hard to uphold the station’s tradition of emotional connection with the greatest sports fans in the world.”

Radio Observers Reminisce and Analyze as Rock Gives Way to All-News on 92.3 FM in New York. Today’s move by Audacy that begins the simulcast of all-news WINS-AM on WNYL-FM (soon to become WINS-FM) was preceded by coverage of the change in the New York media that included reminiscing about the old “K-Rock” – for 20 years the flagship station of Howard Stern’s program – as well as the rock music and talk shows that also occupied the frequency over the years. In Verne Gay’s story on the change in Newsday, Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero is quoted saying, “Why now? That question has been bandied about for many years, but one of the major issues is that we’re still governed by FCC cap rules. Any time we wanted to add something to FM, we had to take something away. We had to make a choice [and] news and sports is what we do really well.” This change also comes at the same time as Audacy finalizes the newsroom merger of WINS and WCBS-AM. Audacy New York VP of news Ben Mevorach is quoted in the Newsday piece saying that “both stations will retain their separate identities, but that the merger ‘removes the redundancy of coverage’ and frees reporters up at each station to cover different stories. Mevorach added that there will be no layoffs but ‘actually the opposite: This is an all-out assault on becoming the dominant [radio] news leader here.’” Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison was asked about the changes and replied, “As natives of the 20th century, you and I still think there’s a difference between AM and FM but to natives of the 21st century, these are irrelevant facts. The flip doesn’t mean anything other than Audacy is doing the best it can to keep up with the times.” Regarding the end of rock music on 92.3 FM, Harrison adds, “It’s sad to see it go on a certain level, but radio gave up ownership of music years ago. It’s been a slow fade and this is another one of the lights going out. It doesn’t indicate anything beyond that.”

Alpha Media Names Tim Spence Director of Sports Operations in San Antonio. Radio programming pro Tim Spence joins Alpha Media San Antonio as the new director of sports operations for KTFM-FM/KZDC-AM, San Antonio “Sports Star, 94.1 FM, 1250 AM.” Spence comes to Alpha from iHeartMedia Denver where he most recently served as program director for KHOW and KCOL and as APD for KOA. He was also affiliate relations manager for the 140-station radio network for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. Spence says, “I’d like to thank Lance Hawkins, Dax Davis and Greg Martin along with the entire Alpha Media family for this opportunity in San Antonio. This is a tremendous group of stations with a great staff, and I’m ready to get to work.”

WABC, New York Names Studios in Honor or Bernard McGuirk. Yesterday (10/26), Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC, New York dedicated its main studio to the late Bernard McGuirk, who died earlier this month after a battle with prostate cancer. Yesterday would have been McGuirk’s 65^th birthday. Pictured above are (from l-r): Sid Rosenberg, on-air morning show co-host of “Bernie & Sid in The Morning”; Margo and John Catsimatidis, owners of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC; Carol McGuirk, Bernie’s wife; and their two children, Brendan and Melanie.

KFBK, Sacramento Celebrates 100 Years on the Air. News/talk KFBK-AM/FM, Sacramento recently celebrated 100 years since its first on-air broadcast on September 17, 1922 with a Centennial Celebration. Hosted by sister iHeartMedia station Talk 650 KSTE morning show and former KFBK staff “Armstrong and Getty,” KFBK’s Centennial Celebration featured appearances by many former staff along with current personalities Cristina Mendonsa and Sam Shane of the “KFBK Morning News,” nationally syndicated and 12:00 noon-3:00 pm host Tom Sullivan, John McGinness and Kitty O’Neal of the “KFBK Afternoon News” and night host Pat Walsh. KFBK program director Bill White says, “The founding principle of KFBK News Radio remains the same today as it did in 1922, to provide relevant local news and information. Through the generations, KFBK’s team of talented news anchors, reporters, and talk hosts continues to proudly uphold that mission, to serve the listeners of Sacramento and Northern California.” Pictured above at the celebration are: Back row (l-r): Gregg Fishman (former anchor, now at City of Sacramento and SMUD Board), Rick Eytcheson (former GM), Dave Williams (former PD and anchor, now anchor at KLIF, Dallas), Beth Duncan (former anchor, now singer), Andy Friedman (former reporter, now CMO at Specifi), John Butler (former ND, now digital PD at Salem Media Group), David G. Hall (former reporter, now media specialist/consultant). Front row (l-r): Roger Hamlyn (former editor, now retired), Steve Telliano (former reporter/anchor, now with UC Davis Health), Don Andrews (former reporter/anchor, now with CA State Assembly), Vicky Moore (now with KNX-FM, Los Angeles), Mike Sicilia (former reporter, now deputy press secretary, CA Dept of Corrections and Rehabilitation).

FOX News Audio to Launch Bret Baier’s ‘Common Ground’ Podcast. This new podcast from FOX News Audio titled, “Common Ground,” – hosted by Bret Baier, FOX News Channel chief political anchor and executive editor and anchor of “Special Report” – will feature Baier speaking with lawmakers, business leaders and public figures from different perspectives coming together to discuss issues of the day and how Americans can find common ground in a polarized world. FOX News Audio says the new podcast will drop two episodes weekly.

SRN’s Tom Tradup Honored by Christian Relief Agency. The Christian non-profit international relief agency Food for the Poor this week honored Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup for “10 years of dedicated passion and partnership through radio fundraising” which the agency says has resulted in 67-million meals for families in 17 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as SRN’s October campaign raising funds for survivors of Hurricane Ian in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Pictured above are (from l-r): KSKY, Dallas morning host Mark Davis, Tradup, Diana Corrales and Paul Jacobs of Food for the Poor.

Debates/Midterm Elections, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Immigration-Border Security, January 6/Trump Legal Issues, Iran Protests, British Politics, Musk-Twitter Deal, and Ye Controversies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/26). The numerous debates ahead of the November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control the House and Senate beginning in January; Vladimir Putin’s attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure as winter looms; the battle against inflation and the up-and-down financial markets; the migrant and illegal drug issues plaguing the U.S.-Mexico border; the subpoenas issued to former President Donald Trump’s attorneys relative to the January 6 investigation and Trump’s other legal battles; the ongoing protests in Iran; Britain’s newest Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assumes his role; the fate of Twitter and Elon Musk’s bid for the social media giant; and the crumbling business empire of Ye in the aftermath of his anti-Semitic rants 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

Monday, October 24, 2022

By Editor | October 24, 2022 by Editor

Monday Memo: #NABShowNY. Consultant Holland Cooke reports “many long-time-no-see hugs among 9,500 of us at the Javits Center” as the National Association of Broadcasters rebooted the October event interrupted, “like much of life” by COVID. In this week’s column, HC offers “numbers for radio broadcasters fretting that listeners have wandered-off.” And about podcasting: Winners’ tips, and well-intended mistakes to avoid. Read it here.

Pending Business: The ‘Who Cares?’ Test. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says it’s always a good idea to review your sales proposal strategies to make sure they are as effective as they can be. How you pitch your talent’s host read spots is important because the host read spot is so important to news/talk stations. He says, “Radio advertising is still a real-time, single-digit growth business and competitive change is an important daily dynamic that’s out of your control. In plain English, if you are to grow your income through ad sales it will come to you through one of two obvious sources: new business or your competition.” He offers a four-point checklist for assessing your basic pitch features here.

WDAE, Tampa Announces New Program Schedule. Tampa sports talk outlet WDAE-AM/W237CW is beginning this week with a new program lineup. The iHeartMedia station says the “Pat and Aaron Show” – starring Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson – is the new morning drive program. They are followed by Premiere Networks’ “The Dan Patrick Show” in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot. The early afternoon program is the new “Jay And Z Show” featuring Jay Recher and Zac Blobner, followed by the “Ronnie & TKras Show” with Ronnie Lane and Tom Krasniqi now in the afternoon drive daypart. FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” airs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with ESPN Radio airing overnight.

Radio America Unveils New Sara Carter Podcast ‘Darkwars: The Border.’ Tomorrow (10/25), Radio America releases its new podcast, “Dark Wars: The Border,” hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Sara Carter as she “shares her perilous journey to expose how the porous U.S.-Mexico border has facilitated a deadly trail from China to your home town, with cartels, slavery, and death in between.” Carter is an investigative reporter, host of “The Sara Carter Show” on Radio America and a FOX News contributor. She says, “I am excited to release this podcast, which is a culmination of my on-the-ground investigative reporting of our border crisis. I embedded with border patrol agents via foot, horseback, car and helicopter – talking to coyotes and migrants alike – to reveal chilling stories about the opioid crisis and human trafficking that you haven’t read about in the news. I traveled to the native countries of these migrants to understand how cartels use social media to recruit migrants under the guise of easy passage and a better life. But in reality, they encounter abuse, rape, and death. ’m telling the stories of those being ignored by the media.” Radio America says, “The premiere episode features a wide range of perspectives, from U.S. Senators such as Rand Paul and Marsha Blackburn to Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei to coyotes that work for the cartel among others, all to reveal a border crisis that is more serious and disturbing than what is reported in media. It’s a shocking portrayal of money and power that connects the Chinese government and Mexican cartels to the neighborhoods of everyday Americans.”

WGN, Chicago Schedules ‘Spook-tacular’ on Halloween. On Halloween, Nexstar Media’s WGN Radio in Chicago will air the “WGN Radio Theatre Spook-tacular with Carl Amari” from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am. The six-hour special will feature classic Halloween shows including “My Favorite Husband” starring Lucille Ball, “The Whistler,” “Our Miss Brooks,” starring Eve Arden, “Suspense,” starring Ronald Colman and more. WGN says that host Carl Amari has spent decades licensing and preserving original radio broadcasts and is the curator of the Classic Radio Club and board member of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.

Midterm Elections, Trump Legal Issues, Russia-Ukraine War, British Politics, U.S. Math Scores, RSV/COVID-19, and World Series Matchup Set Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The November midterm elections, speculation about control of Congress, and voter fraud issues; the several legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; Vladimir Putin’s continuing invasion of Ukraine and the attacks on its infrastructure; Rishi Sunak emerges as the next prime minister of the United Kingdom; the report indicating that math scores for U.S. students plummeted after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; the soaring rate of respiratory syncytial virus cases among young children in the U.S. and concerns about new COVID-19 variants; and the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros win their league championships to face off in the World Series were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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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

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

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

Monday, September 26, 2022

By Editor | September 26, 2022 by Editor

Monday Memo: You Don’t Say. Are you speaking the way listeners hear? In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke – a “recovering English teacher” – flags five common faux pas. Read it here.

Pending Business: The Assumptive Renewal. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says the client you currently have is the most efficient next sale you will make. So, don’t assume you’ll get that renewal and work to make it more beneficial for the client and for the station. He offers eight steps to servicing that relationship here.

Report: KEGL-FM, Dallas to Flip to Sports Talk as ‘The Freak.’ As reported by Richie Whitt at SI’s Cowboys Country site, iHeartMedia’s classic rock KEGL-FM, Dallas “97.1 The Eagle” will flip to sports talk as “97.1 The Freak” and former crosstown KTCK personality Mike Rhyner is coming out of retirement to host a show on the station. The story indicates that “Ben and Skin” – Ben Rogers and Jeff “Skin” Wade – will remain on the new station and will be joined by Dallas sports talk personalities including Jeff Cavanaugh, Julie Dobbs, and Mike Sirois. Whitt says the station should debut this week. Rhyner retired from KTCK “The Ticket” in January of 2020. It also notes that iHeartMedia acquired the domain 971TheFreak.com on September 9.

Report: Changes at Miami Sports Talkers WQAM and WAXY. The Miami Herald reports that Audacy is making lineup changes at its Miami sports talkers WQAM and WAXY “790 The Ticket.” The company dropped Jonathan Zaslow’s “Zaslow Show” on Friday (9/23) and moved WAXY morning personalities Brendan Tobin and Leroy Hoard to the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. Zaslow tweeted: “Today was the last day for the ‘Zaslow Show’ on local Miami radio. 18 years, very good run. Thanks to all my listeners!!!” The story also indicates that “The Joe Rose Show” morning show on WQAM will now be simulcast on “790 The Ticket” to replace the Tobin and Hoard show. Changes are expected to take place on October 3.

WWJ, Detroit’s Jim Matthews Victim of Attempted Murder-Suicide. According to a report by NBC News, WWJ-AM, Detroit overnight news anchor Jim Matthews died at his home in Chesterfield Township, Michigan on Friday in what is being described as an attempted murder-suicide. The report says that three other victims, including Matthews’ two children, were involved and have been hospitalized. The authorities say a 35-year-old woman escaped the scene with her 5-year-old daughter, flagged down a driver who called police. The police found Matthews and a 10-year old boy who was bound and in a closet. The boy is in critical condition. The police also found the 54-year-old suspect who was suffering from a self-inflicted wound and is in stable condition. Police say the suspect was known to the victims and frequently visited the home. The Audacy all-news station tweeted: “He would often speak with his co-workers about his love for his two children, and their adventures at school. He loved delivering the latest news to his listeners, and was incredibly dedicated to WWJ and the broadcasting industry. There have been many tears shed in our newsroom today and Jim will be greatly missed.”

TALKERS News Notes. Numerous media outlets, including Midwest Communications’ news/talk WSAU-AM, Wausau, Wisconsin are reporting that Brett Favre’s sports talk appearances are being suspended as the investigation into a welfare scandal in Mississippi that allegedly involves him has come to light. SiriusXM announced that Favre’s program on the satellite service is “on hold” as are Favre’s appearances on Good Karma Brands’ WKTI-FM “ESPN Milwaukee.” As the story unfolds, it appears Favre was aware that the money he was paid for speeches was actually meant for low-income families. Favre’s attorney has said that Favre did not knowingly take money meant for welfare recipients…..Former WHO, Des Moines personality Justin Brady launches “The Iowa Podcast.” The new, weekly show includes a 30-minute discussion with “Iowans who are at the forefront of business, culture or news.”

The Economy/Fed Raises Rates, Trump Legal Issues, Immigration, Russia-Ukraine War, Urban Crime, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Italy Elections, Iran Protests, and Hurricanes Fiona and Ian Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The record high inflation in the U.S. and abroad, the sell-off on the world’s financial markets, and the Fed’s raising interest rates; former President Donald Trump’s New York civil suit and the DOJ’s documents investigation; the Biden administration’s immigration policy and the transporting of migrants; Vladimir Putin’s threat of nuclear force in the Ukraine war; the rate of violent crime in America’s urban centers; the November midterm elections and the potential nominees for president in 2024; Giorgia Meloni leads the conservative alliance to victory in Italian elections; Iranians continue protests after death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police; and Hurricane Fiona hits Canada as Hurricane Ian threatens Cuba and Florida 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.

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

Thursday, September 1, 2022

By Editor | September 1, 2022 by Editor

KOGO, San Diego Launches ‘Slater & Lou’ Show. As part of a realignment of programming and a frequency swap in San Diego, iHeartMedia announces the launch of the new “Slater & Lou” program on news/talk KOGO-AM. Starring Mike Slater and Lou Penrose, the program will air daily from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm beginning today (9/1). Penrose had been hosting a one-hour show on KOGO and Slater had been hosting on co-owned KGB-AM “The Patriot.” iHeartMedia says, “The duo will join forces for a fast-paced, news-driven talk program for San Diegans that will focus on the day’s top stories both local and national. Slater’s extensive knowledge of history combined with Lou’s background in politics will provide listeners with an accurate understanding of topics and the impact they may have on people’s lives.” iHeartMedia San Diego director of news and programming Brian Long says, “Mike and Lou represent a fresh approach to talk radio. Joining KOGO’s lineup on the drive home next to ‘champion of government reform’ Carl DeMaio will provide the show with a great forum to deliver their unique perspectives to the KOGO audience.”

iHeartMedia San Diego Flips Frequencies; Adjusts Programming on News/Talk and Sports Outlets. Today (9/1), the frequency swap of iHeartMedia San Diego AM stations takes effect as the sports talk format heard on KLSD-AM “XTRA 1360” moves to KGB-AM where it will become “San Diego Sports 760” and conservative news/talk “The Patriot” moves to KLSD-AM’s 1360 signal as “The Patriot 1360 AM.” iHeartMedia president San Diego/Riverside region Noreen Ippolito states, “We are committed to delivering an audio sports platform with massive reach for our listeners and partners. Our goal is to reach fans wherever they are through the iHeartRadio App, KGB-FM HD2 simulcast, and on 760 AM’s massive day and nighttime signal which can be heard all over the West Coast.” The lineup on “San Diego Sports 760” remains the same, while the show lineup on “The Patriot 1360 AM” is now all syndicated with the move of Mike Slater to KOGO as noted in the story above. Talk host Mark Larson tweets that he also moves from KGB-AM to KOGO-AM to host the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm “KOGO at Night” program.

Salem Appoints Tara Loring Eastern Regional Digital Sales Director. Audio sales pro Tara Loring is named Eastern regional digital sales director for Salem Media Group, effective September 12. Loring most recently served with Hubbard Broadcasting as general sales manager and director of digital media for the company’s West Palm Beach cluster. Salem VP and general manager Jon Latzer says, “Tara has been an active hands-on leader in both the broadcast and digital media industries for several years and her wealth of experiences will provide tremendous growth to our digital marketing firm – Salem Surround. In Tara, we have an individual who has experience working with multiple sales staffs and managing high-performance individuals. We are thrilled that Tara is joining our growing sales and operational efforts and will lead a team who is dedicated to helping Salem and our advertisers grow and thrive.” Loring comments, “I am thrilled to be joining the Salem Media team, one that truly embraces forward-thinking initiatives to produce real results for clients and partners. A big thank you to Jon Latzer, Jamie Cohen, and Dave Santrella for welcoming me with open arms. I look forward to taking my passion for building winning teams to Salem Surround and working with Jon to help continue their incredible revenue and operational growth.”

Edison Research: Top Podcast Genre is Comedy. Based on Edison Research’s data collected continuously from Q3 2021 through Q2 2022 by surveying weekly podcast consumers ages 18 and older in the U.S., the company reveals its list of the Top Podcast Genres in the U.S. and comedy once again takes the top spot as the genre consumed by most weekly podcast listeners. Here’s the updated Top 10 Genres for Q2 2022 in full: 1) Comedy, 2) News, 3) Society and Culture, 4) True Crime, 5) Sports, 6) Business, 7) Arts, 8) TV and Film, 9) Education, and 10) Religion and Spirituality.

TALKERS News Notes. Journalist Greta Van Susteren – host of the nightly Newsmax TV program “The Record with Greta Van Susteren” – has been honored by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who awarded her the Order of Merit, III Degree for her in-depth and hard-hitting project, “Putin’s Atrocities: Horror in Ukraine.” Newsmax says, “Much of the mainstream media has focused on weapons and the billions in financial aid given to Ukraine by the global community to fend off Moscow’s aggression. Van Susteren’s series, though, took a different tack, exploring the savagery displayed by Putin’s forces. Intriguing segments looked at reports of POWs being tortured and executed, alleged war crimes by Moscow, and the Kremlin’s campaign of terror against Ukraine’s women and children. Van Susteren says, “I have been on the ground in Ukraine and seen this war with my own eyes. Once you see it with your own eyes, you can’t turn your back. The world needs to know what is going on… especially the atrocities. This is why I am at Newsmax — the opportunity to do these important stories with great colleagues.”…..The WSB-AM, Atlanta-based, nationally syndicated Erick Erickson show adds new affiliate stations as KJJR, Kalispell, Montana and WETR, Knoxville add the program on weekends; WMAY, Springfield, Illinois puts the show on weekday evenings; and WDBO, Orlando moves the program into the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart…..The Milwaukee Business Journal reports that Colleen Valkoun has exited her role as market president for iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee radio station operations that includes news/talk WISN, sports talkers WRNW-FM and WOKY-AM, plus four music brands. The Journal reports that Valkoun’s duties will be absorbed by iHeartMedia Area president Jeff Tyler…..Nielsen Holdings plc announces that at a court meeting and special meeting of its shareholders, its shareholders have approved the previously announced definitive agreement for Nielsen to be acquired by a private equity consortium composed of Evergreen Coast Capital Corp., an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with institutional partners. Shareholders approved the $28.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $16 billion, including the assumption of debt. The transaction, which is expected to close in October 2022, remains subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Nielsen will become a private company, and its shares will no longer be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

FBI Documents Investigation, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Biden Philly Speech, Student Loan Forgiveness, China COVID Lockdown, Migrant Busing, Russia-Ukraine War, and Jackson Water Woes Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/31). The FBI and Department of Justice investigation into the documents retrieved from former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago; the midterm elections, Sarah Palin’s special election loss, and speculation about the nominees for the 2024 presidential race; President Joe Biden’s planned prime-time speech tonight in Philadelphia; criticism of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan; China’s COVID lockdown of 21 million in Chengdu; Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s busing of migrants to New York, Washington, and Chicago; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the attempt to inspect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; and Jackson, Mississippi’s water system failure 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

Monday, August 29, 2022

By Editor | August 29, 2022 by Editor

Monday Memo: Promoting Your Podcast with Email. Few opportunities to engage are more powerful than the ongoing conversation you have with followers. Consultant Holland Cooke calls it “a relationship that Pandora and Spotify and SiriusXM can’t emulate and smart radio hosts exploit well.” In this week’s column, HC lists tips from email experts. Read it here.

Pending Business: Electric Rapport. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about the electric vehicle legislation passed in California and what the future of electric vehicle sales may mean for marketing via radio. He says, “Although the timing on this potential marketing tidal wave is a few years away, it is worth noting early stage marketing has indeed begun. Should you sharpen the relationships and trust-building skills that will improve your chances of being on the inside track of the planning? There is always room to improve those skills.” Read his column here.

Annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon Raises $3.5 Million. Pictured above is Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (left) on WEEI, Boston’s “Greg Hill Show” (l-r Courtney Cox, Jermaine Wiggins, Greg Hill) as the Audacy sports talk station teamed with regional sport net NESN to raise more than $3.5 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during the 20^th annual “WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon.” Since its inception, the two-day event has raised more than $65 million. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Mike Thomas says, “This was the 20th anniversary of the Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, and our listeners and sponsors came through like never before. To hear the doctors talk about the progress that is being made, the clinical trials that are ongoing, and to hear from patients about how Dana-Farber saved their life will forever be in our hearts and minds. There really is nothing like the two days of this fundraiser.” (Photo: 13 Photography)

Broadcasters Foundation of America Establishes Frank Boyle Memorial Fund. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the creation of The Frank Boyle Memorial Fund to honor the respected broadcaster and media broker who passed away Tuesday at the age of 96. Boyle began his radio career in 1953 at WJR, Detroit before joining Eastman National Radio Sales as Detroit office manager. He was soon promoted to New York office manager and continued to rise steadily, eventually becoming Eastman’s chairman of the board and CEO. Boyle founded Eastman Cable Representatives, the first national sales rep in the cable TV business and the largest for many years. He left Eastman Radio in 1979 to found Frank Boyle & Co., a well-regarded independent station brokerage and consultation company. The firm acquired radio stations in Albany, NY and Peterborough/ Keene, NH, along with a cable system outside of Binghamton, NY. Boyle served on the board of the Radio Advertising Bureau, was inducted in the Hall Fame of Broadcasting in 2006, and awarded the Giants of Broadcasting honor in 2021. He may be the only non-air talent and non-network executive or station group owner to be selected for both significant industry awards. His surviving family encourages donations to The Frank Boyle Memorial Fund by clicking here.

KJCE-AM, Austin to Co-Produce Pregame Show for Friday Night Football. Austin news/talk outlet KJCE-AM “Talk Radio 1370” is partnering with the Westlake High School football program to co-produce a pregame show prior to every Chaparrals football game this season. “Talk Radio 1370” serves as the flagship station of the team’s play-by-play broadcasts and the new show is being hosted by Joe Taylor, who serves as executive producer of the program and voice of the Chaparrals, and KJCE assistant brand manager Kasey Johns. Dubbed “ATX Kickoff, driven by Capitol Chevrolet,” the show will also feature Texas A&M play-by-play voice Andrew Monaco, University of Texas color analyst Roger Wallace and Austin American-Statesman community sports editor Thomas Jones. Audacy Austin SVP and market manager Bob MacKay says, “We’re excited to embark on this partnership with the Chaps and help bring the action home for Westlake Nation. This partnership aligns well with our expanded coverage of high school and college football each week.”

VSiN Announces New Programming; Brent Musburger to Host Weekly Show. The VSiN sports betting network announces its fall programming schedule that includes “Countdown to Kickoff with Brent Musburger,” the new show hosted by the Hall of Fame broadcaster and regular VSiN contributor since the network’s debut in 2017. The program will air Sundays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm ET. VSiN general manager Len Mead says, “The addition of this new programming and its industry leading talent will position VSiN to provide the growing number of sports bettors in the U.S. with expert betting insights and premium content. Led by a team of sports betting experts, including the legendary Brent Musburger, we look forward to serving sports bettors by expanding our primetime programming and producing new weekend specials highlighting the week’s biggest games.”

SiriusXM’s Tom Brady Show Returns for Second Season. The program “Let’s Go!” starring Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, NFL All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald, and Hall of Fame Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray begins its second season on September 5. Sirius XM says, “In its first season, ‘Let’s Go!’ reached the top of the charts among sports podcasts and Gray, Brady and Fitzgerald will continue their compelling and candid conversations every week this fall. Brady begins his historic 23rd season in the NFL when he takes the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 and Fitzgerald is one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game. Gray has known and interviewed these two future Hall of Famers since they came into the league. Listeners will hear their thoughts on the latest news around the league, as well as their lives away from the football field. The show will also feature appearances by high-profile guests.”

Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, FBI Raid/Documents Investigation, Biden Student Loan Plan, The Economy, Oregon Shooting, Russia-Ukraine War, and Artemis Launch Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The November midterm elections 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 classified documents investigation; criticism of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan; inflation and concerns about a recession; the deadly shooting at a grocery store in Oregon; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; and the scheduled launch of NASA’s Artemis rocket were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, August 25, 2022

By Editor | August 25, 2022 by Editor

WPHT, Philadelphia Midday Icon Dom Giordano is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The dean of Philadelphia radio talk show hosts, Dom Giordano, heard daily 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm on WPHT, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Giordano is a former public school teacher now nationally recognized as one of broadcasting’s leading experts on education and advocates for its improvement in America. He also hosts a popular podcast series titled, “Readin’ Writin’ and Reason,” that tackles the most challenging issues facing education today. Harrison and Giordano discuss the decline of attention spans and general literacy induced by digital technology, the political weaponization of basic historical concepts and traditions due to radical “wokeness,” and the shift from academic discipline to the “touchy feely coddling” of students by many of today’s public schools and institutions of higher learning. Harrison says, “The subject of education is on my mind with the release this week of the Gunhill Road music video ‘Idiots’ (www.idiotsvideo.com) and the growing negative impact ignorance and illiteracy are having on the healthy functioning of American democracy. I know of no one better to turn to in discussing these matters than our learning go-to guy – Dom Giordano.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

KIRO-AM, Seattle Brings Brock & Salk Back for Morning Drive. The sports talk duo of Brock Huard and Mike Salk is getting back together as Bonneville’s sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle “Seattle Sports” announces the return of the “Brock & Salk” show to morning drive on September 6. “Brock & Salk” previously aired on “Seattle Sports” from April 2009 through September 2019 and transitioned to a weekly podcast shortly thereafter. Salk has been hosting the morning show solo. Huard says, “I am thrilled to come back on the air with Mike Salk, though I feel like I never left. My heart and passion are for the Pacific Northwest community, its teams, and its fans. On September 6, that daily connection begins again.” Station program director Kyle Brown comments, “At ‘Seattle Sports’ we aim to be the preeminent voice for sports fans in the region. The return of Brock Huard to an already strong weekday lineup helps cement our status as the go-to destination for sports coverage in the Pacific Northwest.”

KBLA, Los Angeles to Present Live Election Forums. Los Angeles talk station KBLA-AM “Talk 1580” announces it is presenting election coverage of heated races with its Public Safety Forum that it says is “designed to provide a place to discuss politics for Black voters.” The first live broadcast will feature incumbent Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva facing off against challenger, former Long Beach chief of police Robert Luna on September 12 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The forum will be moderated by KBLA owner and media personality Tavis Smiley, who will be joined by radio hosts Dominique DiPrima, Angela Reddock-Wright, and KBLA chief national political affairs analyst Nii-Quartelai Quartey. The forum will be livestreamed via KBLA1580.com, KBLA’s YouTube channel, and Facebook with an encore broadcast to air on KBLA Talk 1580. Smiley says, “We intend for KBLA Talk 1580 to be the election information station for our audience. We will be covering all of the local, state and national elections that matter to our listeners. This particular sheriff’s race is perhaps the most hotly contested in some time, and we are appreciative that the candidates have agreed to speak to our audience directly.”

TALKERS News Notes. This Labor Day weekend, news/talk ABC News Radio affiliates have two special programs available to them. “Impact: Climate & Sustainability” is hosted by correspondent Aaron Katersky and explores the recent surge in wildfires, the effort to bring alternative power to communities nationwide, the jobs created by the clean energy industry, and a look at why there is an increase in shark sightings on Long Island. “Your Voice, Your Vote 2022” is a one-hour preview of the upcoming midterm elections hosted by ABC News White House correspondent Karen Travers and political director Rick Klein. They will be joined by reporters, analysts and experts to discuss what’s at stake in the election, voting rights and more…..Audacy and Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres announce an extension to their broadcast partnership agreement today that keeps KWFN-FM “97.3 The Fan” the flagship station for Padres baseball through 2027. The station has served as the radio home of the team since 2018. As part of the extended partnership, “97.3 The Fan” will continue to serve as the radio home of Padres baseball, broadcasting all of the team’s regular season and postseason games. Audacy San Diego SVP and market manager Michael Valenzuela says, “As one of the most exciting teams in Major League Baseball, the Padres have brought championship aspirations back to San Diego, and we’re delighted to deliver every minute of the action to our listeners for the foreseeable future.”…..SiriusXM kicks off the 2022 college football season with play-by-play of 95 live games from August 27 through September 5. The opening week schedule on SiriusXM features games from every team from the Associated Press Top 25 poll, including #1 Alabama vs. Utah State, the season’s first Top 5 matchup of #5 Notre Dame at #2 Ohio State and the Top 25 matchups of #11 Oregon at #3 Georgia and #23 Cincinnati at #19 Arkansas.

Biden’s Student Loan Relief, Abortion Bans, FBI Raid/Documents Investigation, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Uvalde Police Chief Fired, and Vanessa Bryant Lawsuit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/24). The student loan debt cancellation executive order announced by President Joe Biden; bans on abortion go into effect in three states; the aftermath of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago and the documents investigation; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the deadly strike on a civilian train; the high price of food and consumer goods and concerns about a recession; the Uvalde, Texas school board fires police chief Pete Arredondo; and Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa wins a $16 million judgement against Los Angeles County 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 23, 2022

By Editor | August 23, 2022 by Editor

WGR, Buffalo Morning Host Howard Simon Pares Back Work Schedule. As reported in the Buffalo News, WGR-AM morning drive sports talk personality Howard Simon is cutting his work schedule back from five to three mornings per week. Simon – who’s co-hosted the morning show with Jeremy White for the past 18 years – tells the paper there are a couple reasons for the change: “He turned 60 in June, has been in sports radio for 30 years and the job isn’t as easy as many listeners believe it is to talk about sports for four hours daily.” Simon adds, “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. It has been difficult to live up to the demands of the job. It’s a lot of work, a lot of preparation.” The News reports that WGR personality Joe DiBiase is expected to co-host with White on Wednesday and Thursday, with Simon on the air on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. As far as his future plans, Simon says he and the station will address the situation after the football season.

Brian Kelly Exits Audacy St. Louis. According to a report from KSDK-TV, St. Louis, the staff cuts taking place across the country at Audacy-owned radio stations have hit the company’s St. Louis cluster and among those let go is Brian Kelly, a reporter and weekend host of “Total Information AM” for news/talk KMOX-AM. The report notes that Kelly first served with KMOX from 1997 to 2002. He returned to the station in 2009.

FOX News Digital Leads News Brands in July Tally of Multiplatform Minutes and Views. According to data from Comscore’s July 2022 ratings, FOX News Digital wrapped the month as the top-performing news organization in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes and views. FOX News Digital says it closed out the month reaching over 2.8 billion total multiplatform minutes (topping CNN’s 2.2 billion total platform minutes), 1.4 billion total multiplatform views (beating CNN’s 1.25 billion total platform views) but was far behind CNN’s 113 million multiplatform unique visitors with its 81 million multiplatform unique visitors. FOX News Digital also says it topped The NewYorkTimes.com with multiplatform unique visitors for the first time since January 2022.

Diversion Audio Partners with Gemini XIII for Talk and Fiction Podcasts. This partnership between podcast creator Diversion Audio and Gemini XIII brings new shows in the talk and fiction genres to podcast platforms. New programs being readied for this fall include: “The Shows We Watched,” hosted by TV/film critic and author James King and lifestyle influencer Emily Johnston; “War Queens,” featuring “Game of Thrones” and “Fast & Furious” actress Nathalie Emmanuel; “The Ali Rogin Show,” hosted by the PBS “NewsHour” correspondent and author; and the romantic fiction podcast, “The Royals of Malibu” based on the popular romance book series, The Royals by Erin Watt.

FBI Raid/Documents Investigation, Primaries/2024 Presidential Race, Migrant Busing, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Extreme Weather, and Tony Fauci to Leave NIAID Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/22). The aftermath of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago and documents investigation; the primary races for the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees for the 2024 presidential race; the immigration troubles at the U.S.-Mexico border and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s busing migrants to Washington, DC; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the assassination of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Alexander Dugin, the “spiritual guide” to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the inflation making food and consumer goods expensive and activity on the world’s financial markets; the drought affecting much of the U.S., Europe & China and the flooding in Texas; and Dr. Tony Fauci’s December exit from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 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 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.

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

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.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, August 8, 2022

By Editor | August 8, 2022 by Editor

Pending Business: When Controversy Strikes. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says, “If you’ve been selling or managing talk radio for a longer than you would like to admit, there is a good chance you’ve experienced the pushback when a talent inadvertently steps over a line. When it becomes a deal breaker or a cancellation, you’re not alone. Sometimes a talent will make an honest mistake and your management will step in to right the ship. Sometimes not, and we all know how that ends.” Read more here.

Monday Memo: The Resourceful Podcaster, Parked. The pandemic shutdown forced radio and TV broadcasters into working remotely. Many in radio continue to. “They’re podcasters with transmitters” consultant Holland Cooke quips. In this week’s column, his scrappy tip for giving podcasts the polish that broadcast listeners expect. Read it here.

iHeartRadio Tops Podtrac’s July 2022 Top Podcast Publishers Chart. The Top Podcast Publishers chart for the month of July has been published by Podtrac. The chart, based on unique monthly audience (United States), places iHeartRadio in the #1 spot with a UMA of 29.5 million. Wondery comes in second place with a UMA of 21.2 million, followed by NPR at #3 with a UMA of 17 million. Other podcast publishers of note making the Top 20 chart include: PodcastOne at #8 (UMA 6.1 million), FOX Audio Network at #11 (UMA 4.4 million), and Cumulus Podcast Network at #15 (UMA 3.6 million). See the complete chart here.

Joe Benigno Returning to WFAN, New York in Part-Time Capacity. During an appearance on the afternoon drive “Carton & Roberts” show on WFAN, New York on Friday (8/5), former midday talk host Joe Benigno revealed he’s going to be returning to WFAN to host a regular Saturday morning show on the station as well as a Monday segment with midday hosts Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney. He says he’ll also do some fill-in work on “The Fan.” Benigno, who co-hosted the midday show with Evan Roberts, retired from the Audacy sports talk station last November.

Inflation Reduction Act, CPAC 2022, China’s Taiwan Threats, Alex Jones Trial, Gaza Fighting, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19/Monkey Pox Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Senate’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that moves to the House this week and President Joe Biden’s claim of victory for American families should it become law; the CPAC 2022 weekend convention highlighted by a keynote speech by former President Donald Trump; China ramps up military exercises near Taiwan in the aftermath of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to the island; the Texas jury in the Alex Jones defamation case levies $45.2 million in punitive damages against him; the fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; the rate of COVID cases in the U.S. and the global spread of Monkey Pox were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, August 1, 2022

By Editor | August 1, 2022 by Editor

Beasley Broadcast Group 2022 Q2 Net Revenue Rises 8.8%. The first radio-based audio firm to report 2022 second quarter financial data is Beasley Broadcast Group, which reveals net revenue of $64.8 million, an increase of 8.8% over the same period in 2021. The company also reports an operating loss of $5.4 million and a net loss of $14.5 million and explains the losses saying, “The operating loss in the second quarter of 2022 primarily reflects an $8.6 million non-cash impairment loss due to an increase in the discount rate used in the analyses to estimate the fair value of FCC licenses and goodwill in a rising interest rate environment. For the comparable three months ended June 30, 2021, the company recorded $1.5 million of other operating income, net from life insurance proceeds related to the death of George Beasley, the company’s former chairman. As a result of these factors, Beasley reported a net loss of $14.5 million, or a negative $0.48 per diluted share, in the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to net income of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the three months ended June 30, 2021.” Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley delivered another period of strong top-line results in the second quarter, reflecting solid year-over-year growth across all of our revenue sources. Net revenue increased 8.8%, inclusive of a 4.3% rise in audio revenue and a 34.3% rise in digital revenue, with digital accounting for 16.5% of second quarter net revenue. Digital remains a central component of our revenue diversification strategy, and the momentum we are seeing in our digital business is further underpinned by our ability to grow digital revenue 37% on a quarterly sequential basis, while also improving our digital margin. Our new business performance was robust this quarter, as we recorded $7.8 million in new business revenue, representing a 60% increase from the first quarter of 2022 and 16% growth over the comparable prior year period. In addition, we acquired a small white label digital agency at the end of June, which will immediately contribute positive cash flow and synergies. We believe these results continue to demonstrate the inaccuracy of the perception that radio is more challenged than other segments of the technology, media, and telecom sectors… We are keeping a close eye on the declining economic environment and initiated cost reductions beginning in the second quarter. Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on controlling what we can control, maximizing our growth opportunities, managing our expenses and capital structure, serving our audiences and advertisers and delivering results for our stockholders.”

Monday Memo: Review Airchecks…Later. As “automation and syndication have made radio less-local,” consultant Holland Cooke calls talent coaching “a lost art”; and he uses this week’s column to offer tips “for hosts and DJs who feel neglected.” Read more here.

Pending Business: The One Thing Every Advertiser Should Know. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa says that any radio seller who wants to be successful has to answer the following question: “What is the one ‘thing’ every advertiser should know about my on-air talent?” In other words, what is the unique selling point that can be connected to your on-air talent and only the talent you represent. Read his column here.

Alex Silverman to Lead Programming at All-News KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles. News radio programming pro Alex Silverman is moving to Audacy’s KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles to serve as director of news and programming, effective September 19. He’s been serving with the company as brand manager for the company’s all-news KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia since 2018. Prior to that, he was assistant director of news and programming at Audacy’s WCBS-AM, New York. In his new role at KNX, Silverman will “oversee the station’s editorial strategy and newsroom, including broadcast and digital operations, with an eye towards audience and revenue growth and engagement on all platforms.” Silverman states, “KNX News is iconic. I can’t wait to work with the amazing team to build the future of the brand and set the agenda for news coverage in Southern California. Thank you to Jeff Federman, Chris Ebbott, Jeff Sottolano and Bill Smee for their confidence in me and commitment to impactful local journalism.” Silverman is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. He serves on the board of directors of the Radio Television Digital News Association and has been an adjunct instructor at Fordham University, where he designed a course titled, “Social Media for Journalists.” Silverman takes over the role from Ken Charles, who did not renew his contract with the company.

Dwight Jaynes Joins Afternoon Show on ‘Rip City Sports Radio 620.’ Sports talk host Dwight Jaynes is joining Chad Doing at iHeartMedia’s KPOJ, Portland “Rip City Radio 620” as co-host of the “Rip City Drive” program that airs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Jaynes, also known as “The Godfather,” spent 25 years as a sports columnist for the Oregon Journal and The Oregonian covering the NBA’s Trail Blazers and has co-written two books about the team. He also spent 11 years at NBC Sports Northwest, hosting “Talkin’ Ball” and “Posting Up.” Prior to that, Jaynes hosted the “Morning Sports Page” show alongside Doing on KXTG-FM, Portland. Doing says, “I am thrilled to be reunited with my former partner. Dwight is a Hall of Famer for good reason – no one has more experience covering Oregon sports. I look forward to making compelling radio with him every day. His sports knowledge and storytelling are unmatched.” Jaynes comments, “I am beyond excited to return to sports talk radio – especially with my old partner Chad Doing – who I believe to be one of the best in the country. The best part of our shows has always been our willingness to take on the tough issues – sports or otherwise – and find creative ways to shape discussion and opinion. At the same time, you never quite know what we’re going to do next… because we don’t!”

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Interview Trump at LIV Golf Tourney in Bedminster, New Jersey. Pictured above with former President Donald Trump are Premiere Networks syndicated talk hosts Clay Travis (left) and Buck Sexton (right) at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the site of the LIV Golf tournament. Trump joined the duo live on their show discussing such topics as recession, China and Taiwan, and whether he’ll run for president in 2024, about which he said, “Very hard for me not to run to be honest. And also the polls indicate from the Republican standpoint it would be easy. And I think I was up 11 points on Biden the other day… I don’t know why 11… If you guys ran, you’d be up more than 11… In my mind, I’ve already made the decision.”

Stacey Thomas Named Director of Marketing for iHeartMedia Philly. Eighteen-year iHeartMedia Philadelphia staffer Stacey Thomas is promoted to director of marketing and promotions for the cluster that includes sports talk WDAS-AM “The Gambler” and WTEL “BIN: Black Information Network.” In this role, Thomas will oversee the Philadelphia brand portfolio and will be responsible for developing, planning, and directing all marketing and promotions efforts. She previously served the cluster as media integration director. iHeartMedia Philadelphia market president Jeff Moore says, “It has been remarkable working alongside Stacey and watching her persevere through numerous changes and challenges. A tireless worker who puts the needs of iHeart Philly above all else will now get the chance to put her stamp on the promotions department in a time when making deep and meaningful relationships with our audiences and partners couldn’t be more important.”

Ava Lynn LaRue Named Inaugural MIW Mentee in Minnesota. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc and the Minnesota Broadcasters Association announce that Ava Lynn LaRue is named the inaugural mentee for the “MIW Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Minnesota” program. This partnership between the two organizations is led by MBA president Wendy Paulson and is MIW’s newest mentoring opportunity and the start of its three-to-five year strategic plan to partner with state broadcast associations across the United States and assist in building in-house, ongoing programs devoted to coaching and guiding the next generation of radio professionals. LaRue is the station manager for Q-Media Group, LLC in Red Wing, Minnesota. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “Lightning struck twice! Partnering with Wendy has been positive, productive, and way fun. And then to meet the powerhouse Ava LaRue and have the opportunity to work with her is what the MIWs are all about. Thanks MBA, Wendy, and Ava!” Paulson adds, “A huge ‘thank you’ to all of the incredible women who applied to participate in the 2022 ‘MIW Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Minnesota’ program! The judging committee was blown away by the depth of talented women that applied to be part of this pilot mentorship program!”

Biden’s Energy & Health Bill, Inflation Reduction Act, November Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, COVID-19/Biden Positive Again, Pelosi’s Asia Trip, Russia-Ukraine War/Global Food Crisis, Deadly Kentucky Floods/Western Wildfires, Monkeypox, and Nichelle Nichols & Bill Russell Die Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The fate of President Joe Biden’s energy & healthcare bill; debate over the Schumer–Manchin authored Inflation Reduction Act; November’s midterm elections and the 2024 presidential race; the rate of BA.5 subvariant infections in the U.S. and Biden’s testing positive again; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Asia and China’s threats if she visits Taiwan; the Russia-Ukraine war and its effects on the global food supply; the continuing threats of flooding in Eastern Kentucky and the Western wildfires; the growing monkeypox epidemic; and actress Nichelle Nichols and basketball legend Bill Russell pass away were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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