The latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings for various radio stations across the United States have been released, offering a comprehensive look at listener preferences and station performance. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and trends observed in the data for the period of May 2026.
Charlotte, North Carolina
WFAE's Public News/Talk format has seen a significant boost in ratings, climbing 6.5 points to 7.6, marking the highest share in the station's history. This surge in popularity is notable, especially given the ongoing lawsuit between Cumulus Media and Nielsen, which has led to Cumulus Media's stations being excluded from the ratings.
Portland, Oregon
The battle for the top spot in Portland continues. iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 106.7 The Eagle, reclaimed the lead with a swing of 8.8 points, showcasing the station's enduring appeal. Meanwhile, Public News/Talk 91.5 KOPB-FM saw a decline, falling 8.7 points, while iHeart AC K103 gained ground.
San Antonio, Texas
Cox Media Group's dominance in San Antonio remains intact, but with a slight shift in the order of their stations. Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM and Country Y100 KCYY both saw increases in their ratings, while Classic Rock 106.7 The Eagle KTKX slipped slightly.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Bonneville's Classic Rock station, 103.5 The Arrow, experienced a decline, while Capitol Broadcasting's Hot AC station, Now 97.9, made a modest gain. iHeartMedia's Conservative Talk stations also saw fluctuations, with KNRS/105.9 KNRS-FM sliding and KSL/102.7 KSL-FM holding its ground.
Orlando, Florida
iHeartMedia's AC station, Magic 107.7, maintained its lead despite a slight decline. Cox's Adult R&B station, Star 94.5, made a small gain, while Audacy's Classic Hits station, Sunny-FM, saw a drop. Cox's Classic Rock station, WMMO, gained ground, and iHeart CHR WXXL continued its upward trend.
Sacramento, California
Audacy's Classic Rock station, Eagle 96.9, reclaimed the top spot with a swing of 8.4 points. Bonneville's AC station, Mix 96 KYMX, declined, while iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, KFBK/93.1 KFBK-FM, saw a dip. iHeart CHR KUDL made a significant jump, and Public News/Talk Cap Radio KXJZ saw a steady decline.
Las Vegas, Nevada
iHeartMedia's AC station, Sunny 106.5, saw a boost in ratings, while Audacy's Rhythmic Throwbacks station, Q100.5, continued its upward trajectory. Beasley's Classic Hits station, KKLZ, slipped, and iHeartMedia's Country station, KWNR, gained ground. Audacy's Hot AC station, KMXB, tied for fifth place.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 94.5 3WS, regained the lead, while Audacy's Sports station, 93.7 The Fan, saw a decline. Steel City Media's Variety Hits station, WRRK, held its ground, and iHeartMedia's Classic Rock station, WDVE, made a notable gain. Renda's AC station, Wish 99.7, slipped, and Audacy's Country station, Y108, gained.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hubbard's Country station, B105, saw a significant increase, while iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, WLW, declined. Hubbard's Hot AC station, Q102, slipped, and Public News/Talk station, WVXU, continued its downward trend. Classical station WGUC rose, and Grant County Broadcasters' Oldies station, WNKR/97.7 WKRP-FM, made a small gain.
Kansas City, Missouri
Steel City Media's CHR station, Mix 93.3, gained ground, while Northwestern Media's Christian AC station, Life 88.5, saw a decline. Audacy's Rock station, KQRC, tied with Steel City Media's Variety Hits station, KCKC. Audacy's News/Talk station, KMBZ-FM, slipped, and Carter Broadcast Group's Hip Hop station, KPRS-FM, saw a slight dip.
Columbus, Ohio
iHeartMedia's Country station, WCOL, rose, while Saga's Classic Rock station, QFM 96, gained. iHeart CHR station WNCI ended its skid, and sister station WODC rebounded. TEGNA Sports' station, The Fan, slipped, and Saga's AC station, Sunny 95, declined. iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, WTVN, hit a new low.
Cleveland, Ohio
iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, WTAM, maintained its lead, while Classic Hits station WMJI saw a boost. Audacy's Classic Rock station, WNCX, gained, and Radio One's Adult R&B station, WZAK, declined. iHeartMedia's Rock station, WMMS, tied with sister station WGAR, and Sports station WKRK-FM slipped. Hot AC station WQAL and Variety Hits station WHLK both saw declines.
These ratings provide valuable insights into the radio landscape, reflecting listener preferences and the competitive dynamics between stations. As the industry continues to evolve, these fluctuations offer a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing media environment.
