Nielsen Audio has released Day 2 of its monthly ratings for PPM markets. The January 2025 ratings, covering Jan. 9 to Feb.
5, reflect the first survey period under Nielsen’s new methodology. The listening credit threshold has been reduced from five minutes to three minutes within a quarter-hour. This change is expected to increase the CUME for many stations.
In Washington, DC, public news/talk station WAMU 88.5 rose from 12.3 to 13.4, matching its record high from January 2021. Hubbard’s WTOP 103.5 increased from 10.1 to 11.4, its best share since February 2010. Boston saw Beasley Media’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” surge from 7.8 to 9.0. Public news/talk station WBUR 90.9 grew from 3.9 to 5.6, while Audacy’s sports station WEEI-FM 93.7 jumped from 2.3 to 4.7, its best share since December 2022.
Seattle’s public news/talk station KUOW-FM 94.9 took the market lead, rising from 6.3 to 7.6. Classical station KING-FM 98.1 trended up from 3.5 to 4.4, noted as its best share since July 2020.
Nielsen’s impact on major markets
In Miami, Cox Media Group’s adult R&B station WHQT maintained its lead for the 25th consecutive month with a slight dip from 9.1 to 8.9. Audacy’s classic hits station WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” and Univision’s Spanish AC station WAMR remained stable.
Phoenix saw iHeartMedia’s AC station KESZ maintain its lead, dropping from 16.4 to 8.1 post-holidays. Hubbard’s classic rock station KSLX 100.7 rose slightly, while iHeartMedia’s country station KNIX 102.5 and Hubbard’s rock station KUPD 97.9 tied for fourth. In Detroit, iHeartMedia’s AC station WNIC 100.3 maintained its lead, dipping from 18.6 to 9.2. Audacy’s classic hits station WOMC 104.3 rose from 5.7 to 6.6.
Minneapolis-St.
Paul’s iHeartMedia sports station KFXN-FM took the lead, dropping slightly from 11.9 to 11.1. Public news/talk station KNOW-FM 91.1 and Hubbard’s hot AC station KSTP-FM saw gains. Tampa-St. Petersburg’s Cox Media Group soft AC station WDUV 105.5 retained its lead, while Audacy’s sports station KWFN “97.3 The Fan” jumped from 1.7 to 2.9.
In Denver, KSE Media’s classic hits station KXKL and Bonneville’s country station KYGO 98.5 saw increases.
Public news/talk station KCFR 90.1 tied for fourth. San Diego’s Audacy classic hits station KXSN “98.1 Sunny-FM” reclaimed the market lead, rising from 6.4 to 7.4. Public news/talk station KPBS-FM 89.5 inched up from 5.9 to 6.0.
Baltimore saw Audacy’s AC station WLIF “Today’s 101.9” rise significantly, while Hearst’s rock station WIYY benefited from the Ravens’ playoff run. These ratings provide insights into station performance and listener preferences across major markets, reflecting the impact of Nielsen’s new methodology.