Townsquare Media will present at Noble Capital Markets’ Consumer, Communications, Media, and Technology Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on June 26. The presentation will be held at 11:00 am ET and will feature a fireside style Q&A session with questions welcome from the live virtual audience.
On Monday (6/17), WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” morning drive host Bill Spadea announced his candidacy for governor of New Jersey as a Republican. Townsquare Media stated that regarding Spadea continuing to do his radio show “we have taken steps and imposed guidelines to ensure that Bill’s on-air
presence over the coming months and until he becomes a legally qualified candidate are in accordance with New Jersey election law, applicable FCC guidance, and industry standards and best practices for such circumstances.” The question that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has is because a gubernatorial candidate in the 2025 primary election must not knowingly accept a contribution in excess of $5,800 from a single source, is Spadea’s radio show – a valuable medium through which to campaign – an in-kind contribution that surpasses that monetary threshold? The Commission is requesting that Spadea appear before it at a hearing on June 26. The Commission has issued an Order to Show Cause at which time “Spadea for Governor, Candidate Spadea, and Townsquare Media shall appear and show cause before the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for consideration by the Commission as to why a determination should not be made that the candidate’s radio airtime is an in-kind contribution from NJ 101.5 or Townsquare Media and therefore subject to the contribution limit.” The same parties are ordered to file written responses by Monday (6/24).
Townsquare Media promotes PM drive producer and fill-in host Kylie Moore to co-host of the afternoon show alongside Jeff Deminski. This move comes shortly after the company cut Deminski’s longtime partner
Bill Doyle from the co-host role. The new “Deminski & Moore” show airs from 2:00pm to 7:00 pm. Deminski states, “The stupid robots in grocery aisles, your phone that fell in a toilet, the governor’s hairstylist somehow avoiding charges, the fact that Kylie still doesn’t understand how to eat M&Ms, the neurosis we all have and never dare talk about. Kylie is fun, smart, and unique. I love the wide range of topics we’ll be able to cover.” Moore says, “I’m excited to partner with Jeff Deminski. He’s one of the hardest-working and most genuine people I know, and you can hear his passion through the airwaves. He can make me laugh, think critically, and argue with him all before we hit our first traffic break!”
TALKERS has learned that talk radio host Bill Doyle is no longer co-host of the afternoon drive show
alongside Jeff Deminski on Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” It’s unclear whether this move was budget related or precipitated by something else, but Doyle’s info has been scrubbed from the “New Jersey 101.5” website and Deminski is listed as solo host in afternoons. Deminski and Doyle had been on-air partners since 1994, serving two stints with NJ101.5 from 1994 – 1999 and from 2011 to the present. TALKERS’ attempts to contact management at the Townsquare Trenton offices were unsuccessful.
Tomorrow (5/30), Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” will present a town hall titled, “Locked Down: Defending Your Car and Home from Theft.” This comes after the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office reported that more than 16,000 vehicles were stolen in 2023, a 4% increase
over 2022, and that home break-ins to get key fobs are on the rise. New Jersey 101.5 senior political director Eric Scott says, “These are not teens looking for a joyride. Sophisticated criminal enterprises are behind the majority of car thefts in New Jersey with proceeds being used to fund international crime and terrorism.” The program’s panel will include New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Christine O’Brien, president of the Insurance Council of New Jersey.
First quarter 2024 net revenue for Townsquare Media was $99.6 million, down 3.4% from the same period in 2023. The company posted net income of $1.55 million in Q1, compared to the net loss of $1.94 million it reported in the first quarter of 2023. Townsquare’s Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions net revenue was $18.2 million, down 15.3% from a year ago. Digital Advertising net revenue
was $34.1 million, up 1.3% over Q1 of 2023. Broadcast Advertising net revenue was $45.5 million, down just 1% from a year ago. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s first quarter results met our previously issued guidance, and that we are building momentum and gaining market share, primarily due to our local focus and our unique and differentiated digital platform… Our first 
quarter performance improved over the fourth quarter across each of our segments. Importantly, our Digital Advertising segment returned to revenue growth in the first quarter (+1.3% year-over-year), and our Townsquare Interactive segment achieved net subscriber growth and month-over-month revenue growth in March, a meaningful turning point for the business. In total, Digital represented 53% of Townsquare’s first quarter 2024 net revenue and Adjusted Operating Income. The strong cash generation characteristics of our assets provided us the ability to execute two attractive equity transactions in April using cash on hand: the accretive share repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at an 11% discount to the pre-announcement share price, and an option buyout at an attractive price point, thereby avoiding shareholder dilution. In addition, during the quarter we repurchased $4 million of our common stock and paid a high-yielding dividend while also investing in our business. We ended the quarter with a strong cash balance of $57 million, and following the April equity transactions, maintained a cash balance of $28 million at the end of April, retaining financial flexibility moving forward.”
Townsquare Media announces that it has bought and retired 3 million options held by certain members of the management team and board of directors for a net purchase price of $3.62 per option. The purchase price reflects the spread between the closing price on April 3, 2024, of $12.36 and the option strike price of $8.74. The options, all of which were set to expire in July 2024, were granted to members of management and the board at the company’s initial public offering in July 2014. This transaction
follows last week’s repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.76 per share, the June 2023 repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.70 per share, and the March 2021 repurchase of 12.6 million shares and warrants from Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. at $6.40 per share. Like last week’s 1.5 million share repurchase from MSG, the purchase price of $10.8 million will be funded entirely with cash on hand. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “We are very pleased to share that we were able to buy the IPO options at a net purchase price of $3.62 per option, eliminating the overhang and the shareholder dilution that would have occurred had these in-the-money options been exercised in the open market before they expired this July. The members of management and the board that were involved in this transaction have been with Townsquare for over a decade, demonstrating that our longterm incentive plan was, and continues to be, effective in retaining top talent. In total, our management team owns approximately 11% of shares outstanding today and are well aligned with the company’s investors to build shareholder value.”
Townsquare Media announces that it is repurchasing and retiring 1.5 million shares of Class A common stock held by MSG National Properties, LLC, for $9.76 per share. The purchase price reflects an 11% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on March 28, 2024. This transaction follows Townsquare’s June 2023 repurchase of 1.5 million shares from MSG at $9.70 per share, and March 2021 repurchase of 12.6 million shares and warrants from Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. at $6.40 per share. The purchase price of $14.6 million was funded entirely with cash on hand. In 2023,
Townsquare’s Cash Flow from Operations increased 35% year-over-year to $68 million, or approximately $4.07 per basic share based on shares outstanding as of March 28, 2024. Pro forma for this transaction, Cash Flow from Operations per basic share increased to approximately $4.47, representing accretion of approximately 10%. Following the transaction, the Company has 15.2 million shares outstanding. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says, “We are very pleased to share that we have repurchased just under 10% of our total shares outstanding in an immediately accretive transaction for our shareholders. Since 2021, we have repurchased 16.2 million shares at an average price of $7.19, while simultaneously reducing leverage. The strong cash generation characteristics of our business model, which produced $68 million of cash flow from operations in 2023, has afforded us the opportunity to accretively repurchase equity and debt, while also investing internally in our digital growth engine. In addition, we introduced a high-yielding dividend in 2023, and recently increased it by 5%. Our dividend has a yield of 7% as of March 28, 2024. With a strong cash balance of $40 million following this transaction, we will retain financial flexibility moving forward and we are confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, future dividend payments, and potential future share repurchases.”
This Thursday (3/28) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a town hall titled, “Don’t be a Bad Sport,” that looks at problems facing youth sports, including parents behaving badly on the sidelines and kids feeling pressured to play through injuries.
Station senior political director Eric Scott will moderate the town hall and he says, “Participating in youth sports can benefit our kids in so many ways. Unfortunately, the actions of just a few parents can spoil the experience for everyone.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Dr. Jason Krystofiak, division chief of sports medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; Colleen Maguire, executive director of New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association; Dr. Mike Gross, a clinical and sport psychologist and head of sport psychology at Princeton University; and Robert Everett, a former president of Berkeley Little League.
STC Media, LLC’s “Sports Talk Chicago” adds new affiliate WROK-AM, Rockford, Illinois, bringing the Jon Zaghloul-hosted show’s roster to nine stations. Zaghloul says, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring ‘Sports Talk Chicago’ to Rockford. I want to thank Townsquare Media, and, specifically, Chuck Armstrong and Johnny Vincent, for helping to make this new partnership happen. We are thrilled to bring our patented blend of opinionated, unfiltered sports talk to such a great city. And we continue to thank our affiliates and supporters for helping us to expand across the region!”
Multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that it finished February 2024 with 24 million total multiplatform views – up 4% versus February 2023 – and delivered 22 million total multiplatform minutes and 20.2 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors, according to data from Comscore. Outkick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “OutKick continues its great start to 2024 with growth across the platform and remains the destination for all the news where sports and culture intersect.”
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation will present its third annual Insight Award to Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, author, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien during the NAB Show Welcome on April 15. The Insight Award recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Previous recipients include LeVar Burton and “60 Minutes.”
Reporting its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2023 and for the full year of 2023, Townsquare Media posts Q4 net revenue of $114.8 million, down 4.6% from the same period in 2022. For the quarter it reports a net loss of $1.9 million. Net revenue for the full year of 2023 was $454.2 million, a decrease of 1.9% from the full year of 2022. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson says, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s fourth quarter results met or exceeded our previously issued guidance, and our full year results met the guidance that we issued at the start of 2023… Our Digital Advertising segment delivered net revenue and Adjusted Operating Income growth this year (each +7% year-over-year), offsetting
weakness in the national and network marketplace, and first-time hurdles in our Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions segment. In total, Digital now represents 51% of Townsquare’s 2023 net revenue and 55% of our 2023 Adjusted Operating Income, and maintained a 30% Adjusted Operating Income margin, consistent with 2022’s margin. The strong cash generation characteristics of our assets allowed us to produce $68 million of cash flow from operations in 2023, an increase of $18 million, or +35%, as compared to the prior year. We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase and retire approximately $27 million of our Unsecured Senior Notes at a discount during the year. In addition, we repurchased $17 million of our common stock, and paid a high-yielding dividend while also investing in our business. We also ended the year with a strong cash balance of $61 million and net leverage of 4.43x, retaining financial flexibility moving forward. Despite the lack of tailwinds at our back in 2023, I am very pleased with how the Townsquare team navigated the progressively challenging economic landscape. We outperformed competitors and gained market share due to our local focus and our digital platform. I believe that our performance over the past several years has demonstrated the efficacy of our Digital First Local Media strategy and validated our focus on local markets outside of the Top 50 U.S. cities, reinvigorating my confidence in our business model and our path moving forward.”
FOX News Channel chief political anchor and executive editor of “Special Report” Bret Baier will present an exclusive interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tonight (2/22) at 6:00 pm ET from Ukraine. FNC says, “Taking place less than a mile and a half from Russian positions, Baier will speak with the president about the two-year anniversary of the war, the debate in Congress on additional funding to Ukraine and the latest developments in the ongoing conflict. He will also travel with the president as he receives a military briefing, presents medals to some of his troops and visits wounded soldiers in the hospital.”
Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes tells TALKERS that the company’s IP attorney and friend David Perry has filed a petition with the state of Pennsylvania in connection to the high-profile case of Tyree Wallace, who has been in prison for the last 26 years due to his alleged connection to a murder and robbery. He notes that Perry has been interviewed by CBS, FOX, and ABC in Philadelphia and if your station is interested in speaking with him, contact Chachi directly at chachi@benztown.com.
Townsquare Media, Inc will release fourth quarter 2023 financial results before the market opens on Friday, March 15. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2023 financial results on March 15 at 8:00 am ET.
Videographer and radio history buff Art Vuolo, a.k.a. Radio’s Best Friend, chats about historical aspects of the radio biz with WLW, Cincinnati talk host Gary Jeff Walker. Listen to the segment here.
Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting the latest in its town hall series this Thursday (1/25) titled, “Securing Your Financial Future,” that will address issues from saving for retirement to purchasing a home. “New Jersey 101.5” VP, head of news and digital content Eric
Scott will lead a discussion with analysts, financial planning experts, real estate specialists, and college planners. He adds, “So many New Jersey residents fear they will never be able to afford to retire. This program will help New Jersey residents make smart decisions and ask the right questions as they plan for their future.” The station will broadcast online streamed live available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live as well as via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the New Jersey 101.5 app.
Townsquare Media enters into a Consent Decree to resolve the FCC’s investigation into “willful and repeated violations of sections 317(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and 73.1212(a) of the Commission’s rules, relating to on-air sponsorship identification announcements.” The FCC states, “Townsquare agrees, among other things, to implement a comprehensive plan to ensure its future compliance with its sponsorship identification and online political file obligations, submit annual
compliance reports to the Bureau through the remainder of the current license terms of the two stations, and pay a Civil Penalty to the United States Treasury in the total amount of $500,000.” The violations in question center on a program that aired on Townsquare’s news/talk outlets KIDO-AM, Boise and KLIX-AM, Idaho Falls from October 2021 through March 2023 in which they “broadcast a one-hour episode of, and 30-second advertisements promoting, the Program. The format of each episode nominally resembled a news interview/public affairs program produced and presented by the Stations. In fact, however, all episodes of the Program were paid political presentations. Townsquare was paid to broadcast episodes of the Program and related advertisements initially by and on behalf of the Idaho Republican Party, and later by Tom Luna on behalf of a company doing business as Tom Luna and Associates. The hosts of each episode (Tom Luna and Victor Miller, chairman of the Ada County (Idaho) Republican Party) were solely responsible for producing the Program, including selecting guests and determining program content. Neither station provided any on-air Sponsorship ID announcements for the vast majority of the episodes or promotional advertisements that they aired revealing to listeners the true nature of the broadcasts and the identity of those who paid for them. In addition, multiple episodes of the Program contained appearances that constituted uses by legally qualified candidates for public office and communicated messages relating to political matters of national importance. Neither station uploaded records of any such candidate uses or messages to their respective online political files.”
Townsquare Media promotes Mike Pettis to market president/chief revenue officer for its Sedalia, Missouri media cluster that serves West Central Missouri. That office operates news/talk KSIS-AM
“News Talk 1050” and two music brands. Townsquare regional vice president Robert Wawrzyniec says, “Mike is the ideal executive to lead Townsquare’s broadcast and digital operations in West Central Missouri. Most important, he knows the Sedalia market and what resonates with its listeners and advertisers. His expertise in creating, developing and executing exceptional local multi-platform solutions for advertising and marketing clients, as well as driving new business opportunities and forging important community partnerships, has resulted in deep client relationships and a strong commitment to listeners. I am looking forward to working with him in his new role.”
Townsquare Media officially announces the promotion of Sam Gagliardi to vice president of content for the Monmouth-Ocean and Trenton-Princeton markets. In this new role, Gagliardi has oversight of all brands in the two markets, including news/talk WKXW-FM “New Jersey 101.5” and five music brands.
Gagliardi, who goes by Sam Elliot on the air, most recently served as the director of content for Townsquare’s Monmouth-Ocean market. Gagliardi says, “I sincerely thank the leadership at Townsquare – Bill Wilson, Erik Hellum, Jared Willig, and Brian Lang — for this incredible opportunity. Collaborating with the skilled professionals at the iconic brands of ‘New Jersey 101.5’ and PST presents an amazing opportunity. I am excited about working with such a highly talented group and look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts with the fantastic on-air and online creators at the Jersey Shore.”
Programmer Anne Gress – who was responsible for news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5 and CHR WPST-FM – exits her position as director of content for the two stations. Townsquare Media
issued the following statement: “Regional VP Brian Lang, who manages all of Townsquare’s stations in New Jersey, explains that the company earlier consolidated leadership in sales, promotions, finance, and engineering for the Trenton-Princeton and Monmouth-Ocean markets. Now it has also aligned content for those markets under Sam Gagliardi as VP of content. Gagliardi, who goes by the name Sam Elliot on the air, earlier served as general manager of Northern Lights Broadcasting in Minneapolis-St. Paul.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc introduces the MIW Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’s Class of 2023. Now in its 22nd year, this enriching opportunity matches up-and-coming
women in radio with female professionals recognized as leaders in all aspects of the industry. The 2023 class is comprised of broadcast professionals Rosanna Cole, regional traffic manager, Townsquare Media; Caleigh Fisher, director of teammate experience, Good Karma Brands; Kristi Nguyen, director, digital sales & campaign management, Audacy; and Jade Springart, WRIF-FM program director, Beasley Media Group.
Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” and morning drive host Bill Spadea announce a new partnership that will allow the “Common Ground with Bill Spadea” podcast to reach more viewers throughout the state. The new program will be titled “New Jersey 101.5 presents
Common Ground with Bill Spadea” and will feature live episodes of the podcast on location from towns, landmarks and businesses across New Jersey. The station says the deal will give Spadea the resources to focus on hard-hitting conversation and longer form interviews with leaders from New Jersey (and beyond). Spadea adds, “This partnership is the next step in the great success of our morning show, which has seen ratings skyrocket in recent years. We’re excited to be bringing multiple remote podcasts to our audience every month and look forward to seeing everyone on the trail!”
Tomorrow evening (11/15) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a town hall titled, “Safe and Sound: Confronting Terrorism in New Jesey.” The station says it will explore the domestic and foreign terrorist threats facing New Jersey. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott
will lead a discussion aimed at helping residents understand the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones. He says, “The war between Israel and Hamas has created heightened tensions in New Jersey. But even before the war began, New Jersey was dealing with multiple threats from foreign actors and extremist groups operating in the Garden State.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Daniel Engelhardt, deputy director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Nelson Delgado, assistant special agent-in-charge of counterterrorism for the Newark FBI office; Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane; and security representatives from various New Jersey state agencies and authorities.
Townsquare Media reports its financial data for the third quarter of 2023 and says net revenue for the period was $115 million, a decrease of 5% compared to the third quarter of 2022. The company reports a net loss of $36.5 million, compared to the net income of $2.8 million it reported in the third quarter of 2022. Townsquare reports operating results by segment. It’s Broadcast Advertising segment reports
revenue of $54 million, a decline of 8.6% year-over-year. It’s Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions segment revenue was $20 million, down 12.6% from Q3 of 2022, and its Digital Advertising segment revenue was $39 million, up 5.5% year-over-year. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “The strong cash generation characteristics of our assets allowed us to produce $39 million of cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2023, an increase of $7 million as compared to the prior year. We could not be more pleased to share that given our strong cash position, we were able to repurchase and retire approximately $14 million of our Unsecured Senior Notes at a discount during the third quarter, bringing our year-to-date total bond repurchases to $27 million. In addition, we repurchased approximately 94,000 Class A shares in the third quarter (in total, we’ve repurchased 1.7 million shares in 2023), and continue to pay a high-yielding dividend while also investing in our business. We also ended the quarter with a strong cash balance of $38 million and net leverage of 4.49x, retaining financial flexibility moving forward.”
Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is recognized by the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists for its service to the community with three first-place awards in its 2023 Excellence in Journalism Contest. In the category of Best Public Affairs Show (TV and Radio), the station’s town hall special, “Class Disrupted – Pandemic Learning Loss,” which brought
together a panel of educators, behavioral specialists and policymakers to examine how best to deal with pandemic learning loss won first place and will be received by the leading team members behind the town halls: anchor Eric Scott, director of content Anne Gress, news director Annette Petriccione, managing editor Sergio Bichao, and operations specialist Dan Alexander. The station also won in the Broadcast – Best Breaking News Coverage category for its coverage of the mayhem that erupted in Long Branch at the start of the summer season at the Jersey Shore. Managing editor Sergio Bichao, reporter Dan Alexander and then-producer and weekend host Jordan Jansson worked late into the night to chronicle a developing story that had far-reaching impacts on public opinion and policy relating to law and order. Finally, the station won in the Best Use of Sound for Radio News Story for reporter Dino Flammia’s series of on-air and online reports marking the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy.
Townsquare Media announces it will release third quarter 2023 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, November 9. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain third quarter 2023 financial results at 8:00 am ET that morning.
The NHL’s Minnesota Wild and iHeartMedia Minneapolis announces a five-year partnership extension through the 2027-28 season to broadcast all preseason, regular season and Stanley Cup Playoff games on KFXN-FM “KFAN 100.3 FM.” KFAN 100.3 is currently in its 13th season as the official radio flagship home of the Minnesota Wild.
Salem Media Group announces that WWFE-AM “La Nueva Poderosa 670 AM” and The Weather Channel en Español have entered into a strategic partnership that will enhance weather coverage and climate reporting in Spanish, specifically curated for South Florida.
One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – took place Friday evening (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel’s iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 paid guests attended including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade was this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade autographed copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) received the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature voted to officially make this past Friday “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Adding a dramatic note to the event, Kilmeade’s appearance was jeopardized at the last minute by the terrible flooding that took place in New York City that day. Hurley tells TALKERS, “The effort that Brian made to be our guest of honor and keynote speaker in the face of severe weather obstacles was truly extraordinary.” Hurley wrote the details of this experience dealing with the official state of emergency declared in New York City due to a second strike by tropical storm Ophelia in his WPG blog that you can read here. Hurley says, “Brian has materially and directly helped me to raise more than $100,000 for the Harry Hurley in the Morning Charity.”
One of the most respected and impactful local talk radio-related charities in America – Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City, NJ host Harry Hurley’s “Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner & Silent Auction” – is set for tonight (9/29) at the Resorts Casino Hotel in its iconic Ocean Ballroom. This marks the 15th installment of one of the Garden State’s most important annual civic events. More than 263 guests are expected to attend including a who’s who of elected officials, business leaders and broadcast industry luminaries as well as various members of the community. FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade will be this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker. Kilmeade will be signing copies of his soon-to-be released historical book, Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality (Sentinel, 2023). Former State Senator Bill Gormley (R-NJ) will receive the event’s first-ever lifetime achievement award. Since its establishment, the Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million to help non-profit public service organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond including the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Both houses of the legislature have voted to officially make today “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic County, New Jersey.
August 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are July 2023 – August 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #10
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, locked at #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, anchored at #12
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.1, -.6, remains in tenth-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, tenth month in a row, 7.7 – 8.1, +.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.9)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.2 – 4.8, +.6, fifth to third
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #11 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, sixth month in succession, 6.8 – 6.4, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFI and regional Mexican KBUE (+.6)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.9)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #10 to #11
News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, repeats in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #14 to #11
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #12 to #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eleventh straight month, 7.0 – 7.7, +.7
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-.7)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, tenth to eighth
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, fourth to third
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fifth month in succession, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED; sports talk KNBR; and CHR KMVQ (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-.9)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to fourth
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third
Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #16 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, repeats at #15
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, third month in a row, 5.3 – 4.9, -.4 and country KSCS, first month, 4.5 – 4.9, +.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KDMX and news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.2)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #9 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #21 to #18
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA first month, 6.9 – 7.5, +.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: urban AC KMJQ (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KKBQ and regional Mexican KQQK (-.6)
Note: KODA was #1 28 straight months before slipping to second in July 2023 and returns to the top spot.
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, ensconced in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #15
Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.7)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WWSZ (-.9)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, fourth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, ninth to fourth
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, repeats in tenth-place
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.5, -.3
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.9)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news KYW (-1.0)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #18
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #21 to #20
News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, seventh to third
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.2 – 2.3, -.9, #9 to #17
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady in eighth-place
Good Karma Brands-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in a row, 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news WINS-FM (+1.0)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB (-1.4)
*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
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, .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #18
Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .0 – .2, +.2, #20
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.9, +1.0
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.0)*
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.3)
*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to fourth
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.2 – 1.7, +.5, #22 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 6.3 – 6.5, +.2 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.4)
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, continues in third-place
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #13 to #12
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.2 – 3.3, -.9, eighth to ninth
WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.2, +.5, #23 to #18
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, second straight month, 7.8 – 6.7, -1.1
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN’s internet stream and contemporary Christian WAWZ (+.5)
Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.5)**
**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: August 2023 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.