September 2020 PPM Data – Information for the September 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s September 2020 survey period covered August 13 – September 9.

Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” for spoken-word formats from these 12 PPM-markets.

AUSTIN

News/Talk

• Instantly after regressing in August by seven-tenths to 5.0 (6+), Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” responds with a half-share September pickup to 5.5 (6+) and elevates from fourth to third.
• Over the course of the last eight sweeps (February 2020 through September 2020), Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” has logged either a .3 or a .2 (6+): .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .3 (#27 to #25).

Sports Talk

• While unchanged at #24, Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” has roughly half its 6+ AQH share eroded (-.7) through four successive decreases, including three straight drops of two-tenths (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .8 – .6, 6+).
• Despite losing a total of two-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” advances from #26 to #25.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Not only does University of Texas at Austin-owned KUT tack on a whopping +1.9 to August’s +.9, it marches from second to first. Entering the August sweep, KUT was an overall -3.0 in four straight downturns (10.3 – 9.8 – 8.5 – 7.8 – 7.3, 6+). It was the market leader five times in a row before segueing to the runner-up slot in June. Recent (6+) fluctuations include: +2.0 (October 2019); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +.8 (March); -1.3 (May); -.7 (June); +.9 (August); and +1.9 (September).

RALEIGH

News/Talk

• Up three-tenths (6.7 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” is ensconced in third-place. Its July gain of six-tenths suspended four consecutive decreases that resulted in an overall -1.4 (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+).
• When Curtis Media Group’s WPTF improved by three-tenths to 1.8 (6+) this time last month, it halted three straight drops that accounted for a collective -1.2 (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). In September though, “News Radio 680” drops one-tenth to 1.7 (#16 to #18, 6+).

 Sports Talk

• Having logged a 1.1 (6+) in three of four sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1, April – May – June – July, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC “99.9 The Fan” (Carolina Hurricanes) is a combined +1.4 in August/September (1.1 – 1.3 – 2.5, #18 to #14, 6+).
• Co-owned WDNC “620 The Ticket” is trending: .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .3 (#25 to #23, 6+).
• Unlisted in June, cluster-mate WCMC-HD2 resurfaced with a .2 (July, 6+); it has a .1 (6+) in August and September (#25 to #26).

 Public Radio News/Talk

• Registering its fifth straight positive spike for a collective +2.0 (6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 7.6 – 8.1, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” is steady in the runner-up slot. This (8.1) is the first time WUNC reaches the eight-share level since August 2019’s5.
• Stuck on .3 (6+) in June and July, co-owned WRQM is locked on .1 (6+) in August and September (#25 to #26).

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

• In addition to being an overall +1.7 via three bumps in a row (7.4 – 7.5 – 8.0 – 9.1, 6+), Emmis-owned WIBC rises from third to second.  “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” has is its best 6+-showing (9.1) since April (10.3). WIBC was -2.9 in May/June (10.3 – 8.9 – 7.4, 6+), directly after notching four straight increases for a +4.9 (5.4 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 10.3, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Following three drops in a row in which it lost six-tenths (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” (Pacers) picks up one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) and remains at #15.
• Up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.7 – .8 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNDE carries on at #19. In June/July, “Indy’s Sports Station” had its 6+ AQH share sliced by 50% (1.4 – 1.1 – .7, 6+).
• Unlisted the fourth sweep in a row is Emmis’ WIBC-HD3, which logged a .1 (6+) in May.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Three gains in a row netted Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting’s WFYI a +1.6 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+); however, six consecutive setbacks account for an overall -1.9 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, flat at #11, 6+).

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk

• September’s +1.6 (8.6 – 10.2, 6+) by iHeartMedia’s WISN nearly matches its +1.8 this time last month as “News/Talk 1130” repeats at #1. Furthermore, this (10.2) marks the first time in its PPM-history that WISN has recorded double-digits (6+). WISN was on top in April and May, as well. Entering the August ratings period, “News/Talk 1130” was a collective -2.4 as a result of three declines in succession (9.3 – 8.6 – 7.2 – 6.8, 6+).
• After being down or flat three times in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ (Brewers and Bucks) is a combined +1.7 in August/September (5.5 – 6.7 – 7.2, fifth to fourth, 6+). “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was +1.2 in March/April (5.1 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+).
• Following back-to-back postings of .3 (6+), WTMJ’s internet stream is unlisted the third month in a row.
• Alpha Media-owned WLIP had a repetitive March 2020 through July 2020 topline of: .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 (#18, 6+), but “AM 1050 Kenosha’s News & Talk” is a no-show the second consecutive sweep.

Sports Talk

• Four Milwaukee sports talk outlets are found in September 2020’s top twenty, including iHeartMedia-owned WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks,” which has a March 2020 through September 2020 topline of: 6 – .7 – .6 – .6 -.6 – .6 – .7 (#17 to #16, 6+).
• Repeating August’s .6 (6+) and up two-tenths in August/September (.4 – .6 – .6, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” nonetheless slips from #17 to #18.
• Albeit flat at .4 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). It’s increase of two-tenths this time last month suspended ten straight sweeps without an increase that led to a net loss of one-half share (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2, 6+).
• Off one-tenth (.5 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” echoes August’s #20 ranking.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Flat at #10, University of Wisconsin-owned WUWM is down one-half share in August/September (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+).
• As a result of three bumps in a row, Wisconsin Public Radio’s WHAD nets one-half share (.9 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.4, #12 to #13, 6+), completely erasing that exact deficit in three straight down or flat reports (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.0 – .9, 6+).
• WHAD’s internet stream regresses by two-tenths (.3 – .1, #23 to #25, 6+).

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

• A combined +1.1 in July/August (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WWTN forfeits one-tenth to 5.6 (6+) and falls from fifth to seventh. Following March/April’s +.7 (4.7 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+), “Super Talk 99.7” was -.8 in May/June (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+).
• On the heels of August’s +.5 to 2.2 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC sputters by one-tenth and one ranker (2.1, #16 to #17, 6+). “Talk Radio 1510” was a combined +.5 in March/April (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+), but then -1.0 in three downturns in succession (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Albeit off three-tenths to 2.9 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WGFX advances from #14 to #12; “104.5 The Zone” was up eight-tenths in July/August (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).
• Down two-tenths (.6 – .4, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned WPRT slips from #21 to #22. An August gain of three-tenths by “102.5 The Game” (Predators) suspended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a 70% loss (-.7) of its 6+ AQH share (1.0 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+).
• Despite being without an increase the fourth time in a row for a loss of one-tenth (2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1, 6+), co-owned WBUZ-HD3 climbs from #24 to #23.

News

• Contemporary Christian-turned-Black Information Network affiliate/iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ-HD2 logs a .1 (6+) in back-to-back reports (#24 to #23).

Public Radio News/Talk

• In addition to being up one-half share in August/September (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” enters the top ten (#11 to #10).

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

• Dipping from sixth to seventh, Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM is a collective -2.1 in five consecutive downturns (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+). Immediately prior, “News Talk 630” more than doubled (+3.6) its 6+ AQH share in four straight positive or neutral trends (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 6.1, 6+).
• Up one-half share in August/September (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WHJJ climbs from #14 to #13. This is the best 6+-performance by “News Radio 920” since April 2019 (1.7, as well).
• Trending .5 – .4 – .6 (July – August – September, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” cracks the top twenty (#22 to #20).

 Sports Talk

• Immediately after dialing up a half-share increase to 2.5 (6+), Entercom’s WVEI surrenders 60% of that windfall (2.2, -.3, eighth to ninth, 6+). “Sports Radio 103.7” basically lost half its 6+ AQH share (-2.1) in six straight down or flat survey periods (1 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+).

News-Talk

• The April 2020 through September 2020 topline for iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” is: 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.3 (#14 to #15, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• Following four straight sweeps without an increase for a net loss of -1.3 (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston’s WGBH is up a combined seven-tenths in August/September (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+) and repeats at #8.
• Even though Rhode Island Public Radio’s WNPN follows August’s +.5 with a loss of one-tenth (2.1 – 2.0, 6+), it progresses into the top ten (#11 to #10). WNPN had been off one-half share in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 , 6+).
• The Wheeler School-owned WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio” has lost a total of one-tenth via four straight down of flat trends (.4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+) yet proceeds from #23 to #22.

NORFOLK

Sports Talk

• Following July/August’s +.5 (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+), Max Broadcast Group’s WVSP regresses by one-tenth to 1.4 (6+) but repeats at #11. May’s increase of two tenths curtailed seven straight down or flat reports that accounted for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+); however, “ESPN Radio 94.1” then lost one-half share in June.

News

• Down one-tenth in August/September (.7 – .6 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/Black Information Network affiliate WNOH remains at #14. Prior to flipping from alternative to news, WNOH was in a rotating down/up pattern that included July’s -.8: 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 – .7 (6+).

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

• On the heels of August’s +.9 to 10.4 (6+), Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM surrenders two-tenths to 10.2 (6+) but continues at #2. Just prior to the August report, “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” was an overall -3.9 via three drops in a row (13.4 – 10.4 – 9.9 – 9.5, 6+).

Sports Talk

• The repetitive June 2020 through September 2020 topline for iHeartMedia-owned WFXJ is: .9 – .6 – .9 – .6 (6+), as “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” departs the top twenty (#18 to #21). “The Game” was a combined +.6 in March/April (.8 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+) but surrendered that entire increase in May.
• Returning the two-tenths it picked up this time last month (.1 – .3 – .1, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WOKV-AM “ESPN Jacksonville 690 AM” slips from #22 to #24.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Bouncing back from August’s loss of four-tenths with a September increase twice that magnitude (3.6 – 4.4, +.8, 6+), WJCT returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). Just after logging back-to-back losses of seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.2 – 2.5, 6+), WJCT was a combined +1.5 in June/July (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+).

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

• Four consecutive down or flat reports by iHeartMedia-owned WJNO accounted for a net decrease of -1.1 (4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), but “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” ends the slide by adding three-tenths (3.9, steady at #7, 6+). WJNO netted an overall +1.9 via four consecutive reports without a decrease (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.7, 6+).
• Despite gaining one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), co-owned WZZR exits the top ten (#10 to #12). August’s increase by “Real Radio 94.3” suspended three consecutive down or flat sweeps that produced a net loss of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+).
• As a result of four straight sweeps without a loss, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” has more than doubled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.7 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6, steady at #14, 6+).
• This is the fifth straight down or flat trend for iHeartMedia Miami’s WIOD “610 News Radio” which has lost three-tenths in that April 2020 through September 2020 stretch (.7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .4, #21 to #22, 6+).

Sports Talk

• For the fifth time in the last six sweeps (and fourth time in a row), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” logs a .2 (.2 – .7 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, flat at #24, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• Off three-tenths in July/August (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Dade County School Board’s WLRN erases that shortfall (3.5, +.3, 6+) and continues in eighth-place. Prior to May’s loss of one-tenth, WLRN was an overall +.9 in four straight up or flat reports (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).
• Unlisted in June and July, WLRN-HD2 resurfaced in August with a .2 (6+) and repeats that AQH share and #24 ranking.

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

• Adding two-tenths to August’s +.8 (4.2 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” continues at #7. A collective +2.6 via four consecutive gains (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), WPTI then followed with three straight drops that accounted for a -1.4 (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+).

 Sports Talk

• Nearly doubling (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in three straight reports without a loss (.4 – .6 – .6 – .7, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned WSJS “Triad Sports” is steady at #15.

Public Radio News/Talk

• In addition to being +1.3 through four successive spikes, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD crosses the four-share level (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1, unchanged at #10, 6+).
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC repeats August’s AQH share and market rank (1.7, #13, 6+); 1.7 is its best 6+-stat since March (1.7, as well).

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

• An overall -1.4 in three consecutive drops (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” falls from eighth to ninth. In May, WREC plummeted by -1.5.

Sports Talk

• Following July/August’s net increase of seven-tenths (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom’s WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” relinquishes one-half share to 2.0 (#13 to #14, 6+). August’s 2.5 was its best 6+-stat since February (3.1).
• After recording a .3 (6+) four times in a row and five times in the last six sweeps (.3 – .6 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), WMFS’ internet stream dials up a gain of four-tenths to .7 (#18 to #17, 6+).
• Entercom-owned WMC-AM “680 AM ESPN Sports Radio,” which notched a .2 (6+) four times in the last five survey periods (.2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+), is up one-tenth to .3 (flat at #19, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• After logging a 1.5 (6+) three times in the last six sweeps and a 1.0 (6+) the other three reports (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.5, 6+), Mid-South Public Communications Foundation-owned WKNO “91.1 NPR For The Mid-South” erupts with a +1.1 (#15 to #12, 6+). Furthermore, WKNO crosses the two-share level (2.6, 6+) for the first time since February’s 2.0.   

HARTFORD

News/Talk

• A combined +1.2 in August/September (6.1- 6.9 – 7.3, 6+), Entercom-owned WTIC-AM elevates from a three-way tie at #3 to the runner-up slot. “News Talk 1080” was +2.1 via six successive up or flat moves (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+) but was then -1.7 in July.
• Regaining the three-tenths it lost in August (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” progresses from #14 to #13.
• Notching a gain of one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.2 – .3 – .4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” continues at #16.

Sports Talk

• Down one-half share in June/July (1.4 – 1.1 – .9, 6+) and then up one-tenth this time last month, co-owned WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” forfeits one-half share to .7 (#13 to #15, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• Four successive reports without an increase resulted in a -2.0 (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+); however, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network-owned WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” is now an overall +1.0 via three straight upticks (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.6, tenth to ninth, 6+).
• Returning August’s improvement of one-tenth (.2 – .3 – .2, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” falls from #16 to #17. Prior to August, WFCR lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH share through six consecutive down or flat sweeps (.4 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+).

Category: Industry News, Ratings Takeaways