HOT 97's "Mornings with Mero" surges to No. 3 in New York City's fiercely competitive morning radio ratings, according to the latest January 2026 Nielsen PPM data released today by MediaCo Holding Inc.
The show, airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the iconic hip-hop station WQHT-FM (HOT 97), achieved the No. 3 ranking among both Adults 25–54 and Adults 18–49 in the New York Metro market's AM Drive slot—one of the most lucrative and hotly contested dayparts in U.S. radio.
Key metrics show robust year-over-year growth:This climb marks a significant milestone for the program, hosted by Bronx native comedian and cultural commentator The Kid Mero (Jose Rivera), who took over the morning slot in January 2026 following the departure of longtime host Ebro Darden. Mero brings his signature irreverent humor, sharp New York sensibility, and authentic voice—honed through podcasts like Victory Light and 7PM in Brooklyn, late-night TV, and stand-up—to the airwaves, alongside co-hosts including Shani Kulture, Miabelle, Kazeem Famuyide, and DJ Kast One.
- Adults 25–54: Average Quarterly Hour (AQH) persons rose +18.5% to 19,900 (from 16,800 in January 2025).
- Adults 18–49: AQH persons jumped +30.7% to 19,600 (from 15,000 in January 2025).
Station executives highlighted the results as evidence of "the momentum behind Mornings with Mero and our ability to engage audiences where it matters most."