The latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings for May 2026 reveal some interesting shifts in the radio landscape, particularly in Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Columbus, and Cleveland. The data, which covers the period from April 30 to May 27, 2026, provides a snapshot of listener preferences and the competitive environment in these markets. Here's a breakdown of the key findings and my analysis.
Charlotte: WFAE Sets Record High, WTVN Falls to Low
Public News/Talk 90.7 WFAE has climbed 6.5 points to reach a share of 7.6, marking the largest share in the station's history, according to Ratings Expert Chris Huff. This is a significant achievement, especially given the competitive nature of the market. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia Variety Hits "102.9 The Lake" WLKO has rebounded 6.5 points to 6.9, while sister Country station "96.9 The Kat" WKKT has dipped 6.4 points to 5.8. The rise of WFAE and the slight decline of WKKT suggest a shift in listener preferences towards more news and talk programming.
Portland: iHeartMedia Dominates, Public News/Talk Struggles
iHeartMedia Classic Hits "106.7 The Eagle" KLTH has reclaimed the lead in Portland with a swing of 8.8 to 9.0 points. This is a notable comeback for the station, which had been facing competition from Public News/Talk 91.5 KOPB-FM, which has dropped 8.7 points to 7.7. iHeartMedia's dominance in the market is further evident with the rise of "K103" KKCW and the steady climb of "All Classical Radio" 89.9 KQAC. However, the decline of Public News/Talk stations highlights the challenges they face in maintaining listener engagement.
San Antonio: Cox Media Group's Dominance, Variety Hits' Rise
Cox Media Group continues to dominate the top three spots in San Antonio, with a slight change in order. Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM has risen 6.2 to 6.8 points, Country "Y100" KCYY has leaped 5.3 points to 6.6, and Classic Rock "106.7 The Eagle" KTKX has slipped 7.7 to 6.2 points. iHeartMedia AC "Q101.9" KQXT has dropped 5.3 points to 5.2, while Univision Regional Mexican "Que Buena 92.9" KROM has jumped up 3.4 points to 4.5. The rise of Variety Hits and the steady performance of Cox Media Group's stations underscore the market's preference for a mix of classic and contemporary music.
Salt Lake City: Bonneville's Comeback, News/Talk's Struggles
Bonneville Classic Rock "103.5 The Arrow" KRSP has come down 9.4 points to 8.7, while Capitol Broadcasting Hot AC "Now 97.9" KBZN has inched up 6.7 points to 6.8. Bonneville AC "FM 100" KSFI has ended its slide with a 5.6-point gain to 6.4. However, Bonneville News/Talk 1160 KSL/102.7 KSL-FM has dropped 5.8 points to 5.1, and iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 570 KNRS/105.9 KNRS-FM has slid 5.2 to 4.1 points. The market's preference for classic rock and hot AC is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations suggest a need for innovation and engagement.
Orlando: iHeartMedia's Lead, Sports' Struggles
iHeartMedia AC "Magic 107.7" WMGF has maintained its big lead with a 11.0-point drop to 10.3, while Cox Adult R&B "Star 94.5" WCFB has inched up 7.1 points to 7.2. However, Audacy Classic Hits "105.9 Sunny-FM" WOCL has dropped 8.2 points to 7.1, and Cox Classic Rock 98.9 WMMO has gained 6.1 points to 6.5. The market's preference for AC and classic hits is clear, but the struggles of sports stations like Public News/Talk 90.7 WMFE and Audacy Sports "92.3 The Fan" WKRK-FM indicate a need for better programming and engagement.
Sacramento: Audacy's Comeback, News/Talk's Struggles
Audacy Classic Rock "Eagle 96.9" KSEG has swung 8.4 to 8.2 points to move back into the lead, while Bonneville AC "Mix 96" KYMX has dropped 7.6 points to 6.9. iHeartMedia News/Talk 1530 KFBK/93.1 KFBK-FM has dipped 7.0 points to 6.6, and Audacy CHR "106.5 The End" KUDL has jumped 4.2 points to 5.4 for its best share since August 2019. The market's preference for classic rock and AC is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations like Public News/Talk "Cap Radio" 90.9 KXJZ suggest a need for better programming and engagement.
Las Vegas: iHeartMedia's Dominance, Variety Hits' Rise
iHeartMedia AC "Sunny 106.5" KSNE has jumped up 5.5 points to 7.2, while Audacy Rhythmic Throwbacks "Q100.5" KXQQ has continued to climb with a 5.8-point gain to 6.6, marking its best share since the station was Easy Listening KMZQ in Winter 1994. Beasley Classic Hits 96.3 KKLZ has dropped 5.8 points to 5.7, and iHeartMedia Country "95.5 The Bull" KWNR has trended up 3.7 to 5.0 points. The market's preference for AC and rhythmic throwbacks is clear, with iHeartMedia dominating the landscape.
Pittsburgh: iHeartMedia's Comeback, Sports' Struggles
iHeartMedia Classic Hits "94.5 3WS" WWSW has regained the lead with a 10.3-point gain to 10.0, while Audacy Sports "93.7 The Fan" KDKA-FM has dropped 11.2 points to 9.8. Steel City Media Variety Hits "96.9 Bob-FM" WRRK has held at a 9.3 share to tie for third with iHeartMedia Classic Rock 102.5 WDVE, which has risen 8.4 points to 9.3. The market's preference for classic hits and rock is evident, but the struggles of sports stations like Audacy Sports "93.7 The Fan" KDKA-FM indicate a need for better programming and engagement.
Cincinnati: Country's Rise, News/Talk's Struggles
Hubbard Country "B105" WUBE has risen 9.2 points to 9.7, while iHeartMedia News/Talk 700 WLW has dropped 11.2 points to 9.6. Hubbard Hot AC "Q102" WKRQ has slipped 7.2 to 6.0 points, and Public News/Talk 91.7 WVXU has continued its slide with a 5.0-point drop to 4.6. Classical 90.9 WGUC has risen 3.9 points to 4.4. The market's preference for country music is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations like iHeartMedia News/Talk 700 WLW suggest a need for better programming and engagement.
Kansas City: CHR's Rise, News/Talk's Struggles
Steel City Media CHR "Mix 93.3" KMXV has inched up 6.6 points to 6.7, while Northwestern Media Christian AC "Life 88.5" KJNW has dropped 6.5 points to 5.8. Audacy Rock "98.9 The Rock" KQRC has risen 4.9 points to 5.0, tying with Steel City Media Variety Hits "102.1 Bob-FM" KCKC, which has climbed 3.4 to 5.0 points. Audacy News/Talk 98.1 KMBZ-FM has dropped 5.3 points to 4.8. The market's preference for CHR and rock is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations like Audacy News/Talk 98.1 KMBZ-FM suggest a need for better programming and engagement.
Columbus: Country's Rise, News/Talk's Struggles
iHeartMedia Country 92.3 WCOL has risen 7.4 points to 7.7, while Saga Classic Rock "QFM 96" WLVQ has gained 6.1 points to 6.4. iHeart CHR 97.9 WNCI has ended its skid with a 5.6-point gain to 6.3, and sister Classic Hits "93.3 The Bus" WODC has rebounded 5.4 points to 6.0. TEGNA Sports "97.1 The Fan" WBNS-FM has slipped 6.3 to 5.5 points. The market's preference for country and classic rock is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations like iHeartMedia News/Talk 610 WTVN, which has dropped 4.3 points to 3.2, suggest a need for better programming and engagement.
Cleveland: Classic Hits' Rise, News/Talk's Struggles
iHeartMedia News/Talk 1100/106.9 WTAM has maintained its lead with a 10.2 share, while iHeart Classic Hits "Majic 105.7" WMJI has risen 8.0 points to 8.3. Audacy Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX has inched up 7.3 points to 7.5, and Radio One Adult R&B 93.1 WZAK has dropped 7.5 points to 6.7. iHeartMedia Rock 100.7 WMMS has gained 5.8 points to 6.2, tying with sister Country 99.5 WGAR, which has risen 5.2 points to 6.2. The market's preference for classic hits and rock is evident, but the struggles of news/talk stations like iHeartMedia News/Talk 1100/106.9 WTAM suggest a need for better programming and engagement.
In conclusion, the latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings reveal a dynamic and competitive radio landscape, with shifts in listener preferences and market dynamics. While some stations have seen significant gains, others have struggled to maintain their shares. The data underscores the need for innovation, engagement, and a deep understanding of listener preferences to thrive in the ever-evolving world of radio.
