Bits & Pieces: SiriusXM has launched the Luke Combs Radio pop-up channel ahead of his new album The Way I Am. The Combs-curated channel is available in cars on ch. 79 until March 20, then on ch. 57 from March 20-27, and on the SiriusXM app through April 5. See Combs talk about it here; listen here.

Skyview Networks' B-Dub Radio has added Connoisseur WWWF/Nassau as a weekend affiliate, bringing the show's station count to 70.

MCA has aligned with Island Records to support Wyatt Flores’ upcoming releases as he enters his next album cycle. 

Louisiana State University Athletics has extended its flagship radio partnership with Guaranty Media/Baton Rouge, including WTGE.

Shea Better: Connoisseur/Long Island, NY OM Patrick Shea has been promoted to Dir./Technical Systems for both the Long Island and Connecticut clusters. Shea has been with Connoisseur since 2014. Additionally, Darren DiPrima has been promoted from Dir./Sales to Station Manager for the Long Island cluster, which includes WWWF. DiPrima has been with the company since 2006. Connoisseur is seeking a new Dir./Sales for Long Island. Find the job posting here.

January 2026 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's January 2026 (1/8-2/4) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

With the two companies in ongoing litigation (CAT 10/17/25), Cumulus has ceased subscribing to Nielsen and its stations are no longer visible in PPM markets.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.3 (17) to 2.4 (17)
Cume: +15,700 to 621,600

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
3.3 (8t) to 4.0 (7)
Cume: +3,800 to 746,500

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.5 (29t) and 0.2 (32t) respectively, with cumes of 126,800 and 66,200 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.3 (2) to N/A
Cume: N/A

KSCS Cumulus
4.8 (3) to N/A
Cume: N/A

 Houston (5)
KKBQ Radio One
5.3 (4) to 5.8 (3)
Cume: +122,100 to 943,200 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KILT Audacy
4.8 (7) to 4.1 (9t)
Cume: +19,200 to 754,000

San Francisco (6)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.1 (27) to 1.4 (20t)
Cume: -21,700 to 195,100

Atlanta (7)
WUBL iHeartMedia 
2.4 (15t) to 2.6 (13t)
Cume: -23,200 to 267,200

WKHX Cumulus
5.1 (7) to N/A
Cume: N/A

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
3.8 (8) to 4.4 (9)
Cume: +25,200 to 437,600

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.4 (17t) to 1.6 (16)
Cume: -4,100 to 125,700

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe.

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.4 (4) to 2.9 (5)
Cume: -14,200 to 206,800

San Jose (39)
KBAY Connoisseur
2.8 (11) to 3.2 (10)
Cume: +11,000 to 120,200

Middlesex (41)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.1 (17t) to 0.9 (17)
Cume: -1,200 to 52,200

 

Holiday 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's Holiday 2025 (12/11/25-1/7/26) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Significant all-Christmas stations are also noted in each market.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.5 (17) to 2.3 (17)
Cume: -42,300 to 605,900

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia KOST - 13.3 (1) 

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
3.6 (8) to 3.3 (8t)
Cume: -20,700 to 742,700

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.5 (32t) and 0.2 (38t) respectively, with cumes of 122,400 and 65,500 respectively.

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia WLIT - 12.4 (1) 

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.5 (3) to 5.3 (2)
Cume: -5,600 to 812,400

KSCS Cumulus
5.3 (4) to 4.8 (3)
Cume: +49,300 to 721,600

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia KDGE - 10.1 (1) 

 Houston (5)
KKBQ Radio One
5.7 (3) to 5.3 (4)
Cume: +14,200 to 821,100 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KILT Audacy
3.4 (10) to 4.8 (7)
Largest share since March 2024.
Cume: +22,600 to 734,800

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia KODA - 13.3 (1), Hope Media KSBJ - 5.6 (3) 

San Francisco (6)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.3 (22t) to 1.1 (27)
Cume: -21,200 to 216,800

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia KOIT - 9.9 (1) 

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.7 (10) to 5.1 (7)
Largest share since Sept. 2016.
Cume: +44,000 to 349,400

WUBL iHeartMedia 
2.4 (19) to 2.4 (15t)
Cume: -21,200 to 290,400

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: Audacy WSTR - 6.3 (3) 

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
3.7 (10t) to 3.8 (8)
Cume: -70,900 to 412,400

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: Audacy WBEB - 17.0 (1) 

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.7 (15t) to 1.4 (17t)
Cume: -21,400 to 129,800

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe.

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia WLTW - 8.5 (1), Connoisseur WALK - 7.6 (2)  

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
2.4 (6t) to 3.4 (4)
Cume: +19,000 to 221,000

San Jose (39)
KBAY Connoisseur
3.3 (8) to 2.8 (11)
Cume: -30,600 to 109,200

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia KOIT - 11.6 (1) 

Middlesex (41)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.7 (16) to 1.1 (17t)
Cume: -6,500 to 53,400

 CHRISTMAS MUSIC: iHeartMedia WLTW - 10.9 (1), Beasley WMGQ - 5.1 (4) 

 

December 2025 PPM Ratings: Days one and two of Nielsen Audio's December 2025 (11/13-12/10) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.4 (18t) to 2.5 (17)
Cume: -108,900 to 648,200

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.8 (5) to 3.6 (8)
Cume: -80,800 to 763,400

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.3 (36t) and 0.2 (38t) respectively, with cumes of 109,100 and 65,400 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.1 (2) to 5.5 (3)
Cume: -68,400 to 818,000 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KSCS Cumulus
5.0 (3) to 5.3 (4)
Cume: -87,700 to 672,300

 Houston (5)
KKBQ Radio One
6.0 (3) to 5.7 (3)
Cume: -77,400 to 806,900 

KILT Audacy
3.7 (13) to 3.4 (10)
Cume: +10,800 to 712,200

San Francisco (6)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.2 (24) to 1.3 (22t)
Cume: +8,500 to 238,000

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.4 (12) to 3.7 (10)
Cume: -1,800 to 305,400

WUBL iHeartMedia 
3.0 (15t) to 2.4 (19)
Cume: +1,500 to 311,600

Washington (8)
WMZQ iHeartMedia
3.0 (10t) to 2.6 (11t)
Cume: -44,400 to 268,900

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.4 (7t) to 3.7 (10t)
Cume: -68,500 to 483,300

Boston (10)
WKLB Beasley
3.5 (14) to 3.4 (12)
Cume: -16,100 to 334,100

WBWL iHeartMedia
2.0 (18) to 1.7 (18)
Cume: -4,500 to 250,400

Miami (11)
WKIS Audacy 
3.4 (11t) to 3.4 (12)
Cume: -43,600 to 299,800

Seattle (12)
KKWF Audacy 
3.5 (11t) to 3.6 (9)
Cume: -21,200 to 287,900

KPLZ Lotus Classic Country 
2.9 (17) to 2.9 (15)
Cume: -18,400 to 221,300

KPNW Hubbard 
2.1 (20) to 2.0 (20)
Cume: -21,300 to 197,800

Phoenix (13)
KNIX iHeartMedia
4.3 (5) to 4.0 (5t)
Cume: -63,800 to 410,300 

KMLE Audacy 
3.4 (10) to 2.4 (18)
Cume: -85,700 to 352,400

Detroit (14)
WYCD Audacy 
5.4 (5) to 4.7 (5)
Cume: -118,400 to 464,700

Minneapolis (15)
KEEY iHeartMedia 
4.9 (6) to 4.9 (8)
Cume: -22,500 to 372,500

KMNB Audacy 
2.0 (16t) to 2.0 (17)
Cume: -30,500 to 273,200

KLCI Milestone Classic Country 
1.2 (21t) to 1.1 (23)
Cume: -18,900 to 106,300
Did not subscribe in Holiday 2024 and January 2025.

Tampa (16)
WFUS iHeartMedia 
5.3 (4t) to 4.2 (7t)
Cume: -400 to 302,600

WQYK Beasley 
4.2 (8t) to 3.6 (9t)
Cume: -24,400 to 254,300

Denver (18)
KYGO Bonneville 
5.4 (4) to 4.5 (7)
Cume: -19,300 to 286,100

KWBL iHeartMedia 
3.1 (16t) to 4.2 (9t)
Largest share in station's eight years in the format.
Cume: +3,400 to 167,600

KQKS-HD2 Audacy Classic Country 
0.8 (27) to 0.7 (27)
Cume: -7,600 to 58,700

San Diego (19)
KSON Audacy 
5.1 (5t) to 4.9 (5)
Cume: -5,700 to 234,500

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
2.0 (14t) to 1.7 (15t)
Cume: -6,900 to 151,200

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Baltimore (23)
WPOC iHeartMedia 
6.3 (3) to 5.0 (5)
Cume: -3,300 to 213,900
 

St. Louis (25)
KSD iHeartMedia 
5.5 (7t) to 5.1 (6)
Cume: -45,400 to 327,100

WIL Hubbard 
3.8 (12) to 3.5 (13)
Cume: -42,500 to 293,100
 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.0 (5) to 2.4 (6t)
Cume: -31,100 to 202,000

San Jose (39)
KBAY Connoisseur
2.8 (12) to 3.3 (8)
Cume: +29,500 to 139,800

Middlesex (41)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.4 (16t) to 1.7 (16)
Cume: -6,500 to 59,900

 

November 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's November 2025 (10/16-11/12) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.4 (18) to 2.4 (18t)
Cume: +40,500 to 757,100 
Largest cume since Feb. 2020.

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.2 (4t) to 4.8 (5)
Cume: -18,800 to 844,200

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.4 (36) and 0.2 (40t) respectively, with cumes of 99,700 and 72,100 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.4 (1) to 5.1 (2)
Cume: -44,600 to 886,400 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KSCS Cumulus
4.6 (5) to 5.0 (3)
Cume: +36,700 to 760,000

 Houston (5)
KKBQ Radio One
5.7 (3t) to 6.0 (3)
Cume: -55,400 to 884,300 

KILT Audacy
3.2 (14) to 3.7 (13)
Cume: -99,300 to 701,400

San Francisco (6)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.3 (24t) to 1.2 (24)
Cume: -20,100 to 229,500

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.4 (12) to 3.4 (12)
Cume: -15,900 to 307,200

WUBL iHeartMedia 
3.0 (15t) to 3.0 (15t)
Cume: -23,000 to 310,100

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.3 (7) to 4.4 (7t)
Cume: -18,500 to 551,800

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
2.1 (14) to 2.0 (14t)
Cume: -10,100 to 158,100

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.3 (3t) to 3.0 (5)
Cume: -1,300 to 233,100

San Jose (39)
KBAY Connoisseur
3.4 (10) to 2.8 (12)
Cume: -29,100 to 110,300

Middlesex (41)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.7 (16) to 1.4 (16t)
Cume: -2,600 to 66,400

 

Portlandia: Connoisseur KUPL/Portland, OR is seeking a live and local morning show to succeed Premiere's The Bobby Bones Show, which has aired on KUPL since 2020 (CAT 4/23/20). Additionally, sister WWWF/Nassau-Suffolk personality Kelly Ford is now tracking KUPL nights in place of YEA Media Group's The Greg Beharrell Show, which was added in mid-August (CAT 8/4).

"In a perfect world, we will find a show that already exists that is interested in moving to Portland and being a part of what we are building," says Connoisseur SVPP Keith Dakin of the morning opening. "Small market, medium market, out of work shows – tell them to send their stuff!" Apply here.

October 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's October 2025 (9/18-10/15) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.1 (18) to 2.4 (18) 
Cume: +74,300 to 716,600 

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
3.7 (10) to 4.2 (4t)
Cume: +60,200 to 863,000

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.4 (33t) and 0.3 (36t) respectively, with cumes of 92,400 and 98,400 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
4.7 (4) to 5.4 (1)
Cume: +137,700 to 931,000

KSCS Cumulus
5.0 (3) to 4.6 (5)
Cume: +48,500 to 723,300

 Houston (5)
KKBQ Radio One
5.1 (6) to 5.7 (3t)
Cume: +61,500 to 939,700 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KILT Audacy
3.0 (16) to 3.2 (14)
Cume: +95,600 to 800,700

San Francisco (6)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.4 (22t) to 1.3 (24t)
Cume: -12,200 to 249,600

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.3 (12t) to 3.4 (12)
Cume: +11,600 to 323,100

WUBL iHeartMedia 
2.8 (15) to 3.0 (15t)
Cume: -25,400 to 333,100

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.0 (9) to 4.3 (7)
Cume: +13,100 to 570,300

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.8 (15) to 2.1 (14)
Cume: +18,000 to 168,200

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.4 (5) to 3.3 (3t)
Cume: +11,100 to 234,400

San Jose (39)
KBAY Connoisseur
3.8 (7) to 3.4 (10)
Cume: +15,400 to 139,400

Middlesex (41)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.5 (16) to 1.7 (16)
Cume: +100 to 69,000

 

Bits & Pieces: Townsquare Media/Texas Broadcast OM Eunice McNally has been chosen as Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation's 2026 LAUNCH Program mentee. The program aims to empower the next generation of women in broadcast engineering. Dallas-based McNally joined Townsquare in 2024 after seven years with iHeartMedia.

Connoisseur WWWF/Nassau-Suffolk, NY's recent "Riley Green's Machine" promotion awarded one listener a Green-autographed motorcycle from a local dealership. The station qualified listeners by giving out “I ride with The Wolf" t-shirts on the air during August and September, then randomly selected the winner from the pool of qualifiers.

September 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's September 2025 (8/21-9/17) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.2 (17t) to 2.1 (18) 
Cume: -56,400 to 642,300 

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.1 (7) to 3.7 (10)
Cume: -58,000 to 802,800

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.4 (33t) and 0.3 (36t) respectively, with cumes of 119,800 and 107,200 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KSCS Cumulus
5.0 (4) to 5.0 (3)
Cume: -96,600 to 674,800

KPLX Cumulus 
5.4 (2) to 4.7 (4)
Cume: -137,600 to 793,300 

San Francisco (5)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.3 (22t) to 1.4 (22t)
Cume: +20,500 to 261,800
Largest cume since Aug. 2022.

Houston (6)
KKBQ Radio One
5.5 (4) to 5.1 (6)
Cume: +8,500 to 878,200 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KILT Audacy
3.2 (14) to 3.0 (16)
Cume: -55,100 to 705,100

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.0 (13) to 3.3 (12t)
Cume: -7,500 to 311,500

WUBL iHeartMedia 
2.8 (14) to 2.8 (15)
Cume: -5,600 to 358,500

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.3 (8) to 4.0 (9)
Cume: -26,200 to 557,200

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.9 (16t) to 1.8 (15)
Cume: -20,100 to 150,200

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.0 (4) to 3.4 (5)
Cume: -5,400 to 223,300

San Jose (40)
KBAY Connoisseur
2.5 (12) to 3.8 (7)
Cume: +1,300 to 124,000

Middlesex (42)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.3 (15t) to 1.5 (16)
Cume: -900 to 68,900

 

Connoisseur Du Jour: Connoisseur Media Dir./Sales-Connecticut Stu Gorlick has been promoted to VP/Sales for Connecticut and Long Island, the latter including WWWF. He has been with the company since 2014. Additionally, Long Island Dir./Regional Sales Todd Moskowitz expands his responsibilities to include Connecticut, and Connecticut Mgr./Revenue Development Andy Alcosser extends his duties to encompass Long Island. Mgr./Digital Sales Shannon Begley has been promoted to GSM for Connecticut. Darren DiPrima continues as Dir./Sales for Long Island.

August 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's August 2025 (7/24-8/20) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.5 (17) to 2.2 (17t) 
Cume: +57,500 to 698,700 

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.5 (6) to 4.1 (7)
Cume: -40,600 to 860,800

Connoisseur's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.4 (33t) and 0.3 (37t) respectively, with cumes of 138,400 and 127,900 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.4 (1) to 5.4 (2)
Cume: +64,100 to 930,900 (Largest cume in the format this month.)

KSCS Cumulus
5.2 (2) to 5.0 (4)
Cume: +102,200 to 771,400

San Francisco (5)
KBAY/San Jose Connoisseur
1.3 (24) to 1.3 (22t)
Cume: +4,700 to 241,300
Largest cume since Aug. 2022.

Houston (6)
KKBQ Radio One
5.2 (5) to 5.5 (4)
Cume: +8,800 to 869,700

KILT Audacy
2.9 (16t) to 3.2 (14)
Cume: +111,400 to 760,200

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
2.9 (14t) to 3.0 (13)
Cume: -57,100 to 319,000

WUBL iHeartMedia 
3.6 (10) to 2.8 (14)
Cume: -64,900 to 364,100

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.2 (9) to 4.3 (8)
Cume: -14,500 to 583,400

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
2.2 (13t) to 1.9 (16t)
Cume: -16,700 to 130,100

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
2.9 (5) to 3.0 (4)
Cume: +18,000 to 228,700

San Jose (40)
KBAY Connoisseur
2.7 (12t) to 2.5 (12)
Cume: -11,800 to 122,700

Middlesex (42)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.8 (15t) to 1.3 (15t)
Cume: +2,000 to 69,800

 

Building Bridges: With former Press Communications VP/Programming and Classic Rock WWZY & WBHX/Monmouth-Ocean, NJ PD Robby Bridges set to join Connoisseur Sept. 22 as PD/midday personality for WWWF/Nassau-Suffolk and PD of AC WEBE/Bridgeport, CT (Breaking News 9/8), WWWF midday host Alexa Neo has left the station. Neo joined WWWF last year as the station's first air personality following its flip to Country (CAT 4/15/24). Reach her here. Also at Connoisseur, Dir./Digital & Design/Connecticut Meghan Boyd adds Long Island to her purview. She has been with the company for 14 years. Bridges, who will work with Long Island cluster OM Patrick Shea, last did Country as VP/Programming for MacDonald Garber/Traverse City & Cadillac, MI (including WLXV/Cadillac) from 2020-2021. Previous stops include Townsquare/Portsmouth, NH; Townsquare/Portland, ME; and Cumulus/Detroit.

Former MacDonald Garber/Traverse City & Cadillac, MI VP/Programming Robby Bridges will join Connoisseur as PD and midday personality of Country Nassau-Suffolk/WWWF and PD of AC WEBE/Bridgeport, CT on Sept. 22. Additionally, Dir./Traffic & Creative Services Ed Oliveira has been elevated to OM/Connecticut, and Dir./Digital & Design, Connecticut Meghan Boyd has added Long Island to her purview. “I’m absolutely thrilled to join the team at Connoisseur Media during this exciting time," says Bridges. "I’m looking forward to working with [OM] Patrick Shea on Long Island to grow 103.1 The Wolf/WWWF into one of the biggest country stations in America and also to return to guide the iconic WEBE 108 in Connecticut."

Shake & Dakin: In the wake of its acquisition of Alpha Media (CAT 9/4/25), Connoisseur Media has promoted Keith Dakin from VP to SVP/Programming, as reported this morning (9/5) via Breaking News. "His passion for music, content, and his commitment to local communities will ensure that our stations continue to succeed," says CEO Jeff Warshaw, to whom Dakin reports. In addition to WWWF/Nassau-Suffolk, Dakin's oversight now includes Country outlets KUPL/Portland, OR; KBAY/San Jose and the WCCQ & WXLC simulcast in suburban Chicago. Based in Hartford, CT, Dakin joined the company in 2013, rising to VPP in 2019. Prior to that, he programmed Alternative WFNX/Boston and was MD at similarly-formatted WDYL/Richmond, VA. Reach him here.

Deal Closes: Connoisseur Media has closed on its acquisition of Alpha Media (Breaking News 5/5). The company will retain the Connoisseur name and be led by Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw, who says, "This acquisition is about assembling the scale and resources to keep radio strong, serve our communities, empower our employees and create even more value for advertisers.” Connoisseur mushrooms from 11 stations in New York and Connecticut to 216 stations in 47 markets (more than 100 of which have footprints in rated markets) placing it in the top 10 in station count and revenue.

Connoisseur's sole Country outlet, WWWF/Nassau-Suffolk, is now joined by KUPL/Portland, OR; KBAY/San Jose and the WCCQ & WXLC simulcast in suburban Chicago, among many others. The deal received FCC approval Aug. 13. As previously reported (CAT 9/3), in the wake of the merger Alpha EVP/Content Phil Becker has left the company after more than a decade. Reach him here.

July 2025 PPM Ratings: Due to a data processing error which delayed yesterday's release, both days one and two of Nielsen Audio's July 2025 (6/26-7/23) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.5 (17) to 2.5 (17) 
Cume: -105,100 to 641,200 

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
5.0 (2) to 4.5 (6)
Cume: -20,500 to 904,400 (Largest cume in the format for the first time since last July)

Alpha's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.3 (37t) and 0.4 (33t) respectively, with cumes of 119,700 and 132,800 respectively. The stations' sale to Connoisseur is pending.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
5.3 (1) to 5.4 (1)
Cume: -59,900 to 866,800 

KSCS Cumulus
5.0 (3) to 5.2 (2)
Cume: -62,900 to 669,200

San Francisco (5)
KBAY/San Jose Alpha (sale pending to Connoisseur)
1.2 (24) to 1.3 (24)
Cume: +1,000 to 236,600
Largest cume since Aug. 2022.

Houston (6)
KKBQ Radio One
5.2 (5) to 5.2 (5)
Cume: -21,300 to 860,900

KILT Audacy
3.2 (16) to 2.9 (16t)
Cume: -77,700 to 648,800

Atlanta (7)
WUBL iHeartMedia 
3.5 (9t) to 3.6 (10)
Cume: +32,800 to 429,000

WKHX Cumulus
3.5 (9t) to 2.9 (14t)
Cume: +10,600 to 376,100
Largest cume since Nov. 2023.

Washington (8)
WMZQ iHeartMedia
3.2 (11) to 3.0 (13t)
Cume: -56,400 to 293,200

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
5.0 (7) to 4.2 (9)
Cume: -38,700 to 597,900

Boston (10)
WKLB Beasley 
3.6 (13) to 3.2 (14)
Cume: -47,500 to 353,500

WBWL iHeartMedia
2.1 (17) to 2.5 (17t)
Largest share since Oct. 2023.
Cume: +2,800 to 302,200

Seattle (11)
KKWF Audacy 
3.3 (14t) to 3.1 (14t)
Cume: -23,500 to 285,400

KPLZ Lotus Classic Country 
3.2 (16) to 3.0 (16t)
Cume: +27,400 to 257,500

KPNW Hubbard 
2.0 (22) to 2.6 (19)
Cume: -30,100 to 212,200

Miami (12)
WKIS Audacy 
3.1 (13) to 3.2 (13)
Cume: -26,800 to 317,900

Phoenix (13)
KNIX iHeartMedia
4.1 (6) to 4.3 (4)
Cume: -24,600 to 464,200

KMLE Audacy 
3.7 (7) to 3.7 (7t)
Cume: +900 to 428,300

Detroit (14)
WYCD Audacy 
5.6 (5) to 5.3 (5)
Cume: -53,600 to 506,700

Minneapolis (15)
KEEY iHeartMedia 
5.8 (6) to 5.5 (7)
Cume: -50,500 to 497,000

KMNB Audacy
2.2 (14t) to 2.0 (15t)
Cume: -34,400 to 290,600

KLCI Milestone Classic Country
1.1 (23t) to 1.4 (20)
Largest share since April 2024.
Cume: +17,800 to 117,500
Did not subscribe in Holiday 2024 and January 2025.

Tampa (16)
WFUS iHeartMedia
4.3 (9) to 5.3 (3t)
Cume: +5,000 to 366,800

WQYK Beasley 
5.6 (4) to 5.0 (5t)
Cume: +20,700 to 334,400
Largest cume since last July.

Denver (18)
KYGO Bonneville 
5.9 (2) to 6.2 (2)
Cume: -6,400 to 308,500

KWBL iHeartMedia
3.0 (14t) to 3.6 (12t)
Largest share since July 2019.
Cume: -17,900 to 189,800

KQKS-HD2 Audacy Classic Country 
1.0 (25t) to 0.8 (27t)
Cume: -3,900 to 69,800

San Diego (19)
KSON Audacy 
4.6 (6) to 4.3 (7t)
Cume: -6,700 to 248,500

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.7 (17t) to 2.2 (13t)
Cume: +800 to 146,800

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Baltimore (22)
WPOC iHeartMedia 
6.7 (3) to 6.5 (2t)
Cume: +17,300 to 268,800
Largest cume since Dec. 2023.

St. Louis (24)
KSD iHeartMedia 
4.8 (8t) to 5.0 (8)
Cume: -9,400 to 345,100

WIL Hubbard 
4.3 (11) to 4.4 (11)
Cume: -16,300 to 324,100
 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
2.9 (6) to 2.9 (5)
Cume: -15,900 to 210,700

San Jose (40)
KBAY Alpha (sale pending to Connoisseur)
2.4 (15t) to 2.7 (12t)
Cume: +8,500 to 134,500

Middlesex (42)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
1.6 (17) to 1.8 (15t)
Cume: +3,600 to 67,800
Did not subscribe in July 2024. 

 

June 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's June 2025 (5/29-6/25) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.3 (17) to 2.5 (17) 
Cume: +39,200 to 746,300 
Largest cume since March 2021.

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.6 (4) to 5.0 (2)
Cume: +29,400 to 921,900
Largest cume since Aug. 2022.

Alpha's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," pulled a 0.3 (39t) and 0.4 (33t) respectively, with cumes of 110,300 and 138,500 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KPLX Cumulus 
4.8 (4) to 5.3 (1)
Cume: -21,900 to 926,700 (Largest cume in the format for the first time since Sept. 2023).
KPLX also finished No. 1 in P25-54 for the first time since Oct. 2017.

KSCS Cumulus
5.7 (2) to 5.0 (3)
Cume: -127,000 to 732,100

San Francisco (5)
KBAY/San Jose Alpha
1.2 (25) to 1.2 (24)
Cume: +9,700 to 235,600
Largest cume since Aug. 2023.

Houston (6)
KKBQ Radio One
5.3 (4) to 5.2 (5)
Cume: -86,500 to 882,200

KILT Audacy
3.5 (15) to 3.2 (16)
Cume: -166,800 to 726,500

Atlanta (7)
WKHX Cumulus
3.6 (10) to 3.5 (9t)
Cume: +5,300 to 365,500
Largest cume since May 2024.

WUBL iHeartMedia 
4.7 (7) to 3.5 (9t)
Cume: -37,200 to 396,200

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
4.9 (6t) to 5.0 (7)
Cume: -33,500 to 636,600

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.8 (17) to 1.7 (17t)
Cume: -17,400 to 146,000

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.7 (5) to 2.9 (6)
Cume: -36,000 to 226,600

San Jose (40)
KBAY Alpha
2.3 (17t) to 2.4 (15t)
Cume: +2,300 to 126,000

Middlesex (42)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
2.1 (15) to 1.6 (17)
Cume: -13,400 to 64,200
Did not subscribe in July 2024. 

 

May 2025 PPM Ratings: Day one of Nielsen Audio's May 2025 (5/1-28) PPM ratings are below. Ranks (in parentheses) are among subscribers. All graphs indicate Average Share Mon-Sun 6am-Midnight Persons 6+.

Los Angeles (Market 2)
KKGO Mt. Wilson
2.5 (16) to 2.3 (17) 
Cume: +15,200 to 707,100 
Largest cume since Holiday 2023.

Chicago (3)
WUSN Audacy
4.3 (6) to 4.6 (4)
Cume: +19,000 to 892,500

Alpha's suburban WCCQ and WXLC, which simulcast as "Free Country," each pulled a 0.3 (36t), with cumes of 98,000 and 89,200 respectively.

Dallas (4)
KSCS Cumulus
5.4 (2) to 5.7 (2)
Largest share since Winter 1998.
Cume: +76,400 to 859,100

KPLX Cumulus 
5.1 (3) to 4.8 (4)
Cume: +88,400 to 948,600
Largest cume since Oct. 2020.
 

San Francisco (5)
KBAY/San Jose Alpha
1.4 (22) to 1.2 (25)
Cume: +9,400 to 225,900

Houston (6)
KKBQ Radio One
5.1 (6t) to 5.3 (4)
Cume: +12,400 to 968,700 (Largest cume in the format this month).

KILT Audacy
3.7 (11) to 3.5 (15)
Cume: +66,100 to 893,300

Atlanta (7)
WUBL iHeartMedia 
4.0 (8) to 4.7 (7)
Largest share since Sept. 2019.
Cume: +9,900 to 433,400

WKHX Cumulus
3.8 (10) to 3.6 (10)
Cume: -600 to 360,200

Philadelphia (9)
WXTU Beasley
5.4 (5) to 4.9 (6t)
Cume: +40,100 to 670,100
Largest cume since Oct. 2023.

Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) (21)
WWWF Connoisseur 
1.8 (17) to 1.8 (17)
Cume: +4,900 to 163,400

WJVC JVC
Does not subscribe. 

Riverside (28)
KFRG Audacy 
3.7 (6) to 3.7 (5)
Cume: +24,800 to 262,600
Largest cume since April 2024.

San Jose (40)
KBAY Alpha
2.7 (11t) to 2.3 (17t)
Cume: +2,100 to 123,700

Middlesex (42)
WKMK/Monmouth Press
2.0 (13t) to 2.1 (15)
Cume: +6,700 to 77,600
Did not subscribe in July 2024. 

 

She Wolf: Connoisseur SVP/GM for Connecticut Kristin Okesson has added those duties for the company's Nassau-Suffolk, NY stations, including WWWF, effective June 9. She assumes those responsibilities from company COO David Bevins, who will focus on his corporate role. Okesson has been with the company since 2013, and previously was with Cox Media Group. Bevins has been with the company since 2006, overseeing the Long Island stations for five years.