The latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings reveal a dynamic landscape in the radio industry, with several stations making significant strides and others facing challenges. In Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeartMedia's bilingual AC station, 'Magic 93.9' (WMIA-FM), has soared to the top, marking a historic moment in the frequency's history. This surge is particularly notable, as it matches the station's largest PPM share. Meanwhile, Audacy's AC station, '101.5 Lite-FM' (WLYF), has also made a strong showing, climbing to the top spot. However, Cox's Soft AC station, 'Easy 93.1' (WFEZ), and Univision's Spanish AC station, 'Amor 107.5' (WAMR), have tied for third place, indicating a competitive market.
In Boston, Beasley's Classic Hits station, 'WROR', has risen to the top spot, while Audacy's AC station, 'Magic 106.7' (WMJX), has also made significant gains. However, iHeartMedia's CHR station, 'Kiss 108' (WXKS-FM), has faced a slight decline, tying with its sister Classic Rock station, 'WZLX'. Northeast Broadcasting's AAA station, '92.5 The River' (WXRV), has achieved a new all-time high, showcasing the station's resilience and appeal to listeners.
Seattle/Tacoma's radio market has seen a shift in leadership, with Public News/Talk station 'KUOW-FM' maintaining its lead, while Bonneville's 'Seattle Sports 710' (KIRO) has climbed to the top spot. iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, '95.7 The Jet' (KJEB), and Classic Rock station, '102.5 KZOK', have also made notable gains. However, CRISTA Media's Christian AC station, 'Spirit 105.3' (KCMS-FM), has faced a decline, while iHeart CHR station 'Hits 106.1' (KBKS-FM) has tied with Hubbard CHR station 'Movin 92.5' (KQMV).
Phoenix's radio market has seen a change in the top spot, with Hubbard Classic Rock station 'KSLX' reclaiming the lead, while iHeartMedia AC station 'KESZ' has faced a decline. iHeart Conservative Talk station 'KFYI' has made significant gains, while iHeart Country station 'KNIX' has held its ground. Public News/Talk station 'KJZZ-FM' has also maintained its share.
In Detroit, Audacy Sports station '97.1 The Ticket' (WXYT-FM) has faced a decline, while Audacy Classic Hits station 'WOMC' has dipped. However, iHeartMedia AC station 'WNIC' has made a comeback, and Audacy Country station 'WYCD' has gained traction. iHeart Hip Hop station 'WJLB' has also made a strong showing, while Beasley Rock station 'WRIF' has trended up.
Minneapolis/St. Paul's radio market has seen a shift in leadership, with three iHeartMedia stations tying for first place. Classic Hits station 'Kool 108' (KQQL), Country station 'K102' (KEEY), and Sports station '100.3 KFAN' (KFXN-FM) have all made gains, while Public News/Talk station 'MPR News' (KNOW-FM) has faced a decline. Audacy Variety Hits station '104.1 Jack-FM' (KZJK) has also made significant strides.
Tampa/St. Petersburg's radio market has seen a decline in Cox Soft AC station '105.5 The Dove' (WDUV), while Radio Training Network's Christian AC station 'The Joy FM' (WCIE) has made a small gain. Cox Classic Rock station '107.3 The Eagle' (WXGL) and Hot AC station 'Magic 94.9' (WWRM) have both made notable gains, while Beasley Classic Hits station 'Q105' (WRBQ) has faced a slight decline. iHeartMedia Country station 'US 103.5' (WFUS) has also declined, while Beasley Country station 'WQYK' has made a strong showing.
Denver's radio market has seen a shift in leadership, with Bonneville AC station 'KOSI' returning to the top spot, while Audacy Classic Rock station '99.5 The Mountain' (KQMT) has faced a decline. Bonneville Country station 'KYGO' and iHeartMedia Alternative station 'Channel 93.3' (KTCL) have tied for third place, while KSE Media Classic Hits station 'Kool 105' (KXKL) has dipped. iHeartMedia AAA station 'KBCO' has also faced a decline, while iHeart CHR station 'Hits 95.7' (KDHT) has made a strong showing.
San Diego's radio market has seen a shift in leadership, with Audacy Classic Hits station 'Sunny 98.1' (KXSN) rising to the top spot, while Public News/Talk station 'KPBS-FM' has followed closely behind. Audacy Sports station '97.3 The Fan' (KWFN) has made a small gain, while Local Media San Diego's rhythmic AC station 'Magic 92.5' (XHRM) has faced a decline. iHeartMedia Hot AC station 'Star 94.1' (KMYI) has also declined, while Co-owned 'Rock 105.3' (KIOZ) has made a strong showing.
In Baltimore, Radio One's Adult R&B station 'Magic 95.9' (WWIN-FM) has grown its lead, while Audacy AC station 'Today's 101.9' (WLIF) has faced a decline. However, sister Hot AC station 'Mix 106.5' (WWMX) has made a strong showing, while iHeartMedia Country station 'WPOC' has dipped. Brighter Media Group's Christian AC station '95.1 Bright-FM' (WRBS-FM) has also faced a decline.
St. Louis's radio market has seen a shift in leadership, with Hubbard Classic Rock station 'KSHE 95' reclaiming the top spot, while iHeartMedia Classic Hits station 'KLOU' has made significant gains. Audacy News/Talk station 'KMOX/104.1 KMOX-FM' has also made a strong showing, while Gateway Creative Broadcasting's Christian AC station '99.1 Joy-FM' (KLJY) has made a small gain. iHeartMedia Country station '93.7 The Bull' (KSD-FM) has rebounded, while iHeart CHR station 'Z107.7' (KSLZ) has made a strong showing.
Overall, the latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings reveal a dynamic and competitive radio landscape, with several stations making significant strides and others facing challenges. The ongoing lawsuit between Cumulus Media and Nielsen has also impacted the ratings, with Cumulus Media's stations no longer being publicly listed. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact listener preferences and the overall radio landscape.
