Nielsen has started releasing the January 2026 PPM radio ratings for New York. These figures represent a return to a typical "normal" rating period after the holiday-inflated December results.
NEW YORK: News Takes the Lead
Audacy's all-news station 1010 WINS (simulcast on 92.3 WINS-FM) surged to the top spot with its highest share in over a year, climbing from 6.2 to 7.5. This ended the long-running streak of iHeartMedia's adult contemporary WLTW (106.7 Lite FM) at #1, as Lite FM dropped sharply from 12.5 to 7.0 and settled into #2—still holding the market's largest cume audience (down from 4,571,200 to 3,387,600). SBS's Spanish Tropical WSKQ (Mega 97.9) held steady at #3 with a minor dip from 5.6 to 5.4, while also gaining an additional 1.5 share from online streaming.Audacy's classic hits WCBS-FM climbed to #4 (up from 4.6 to 5.3). iHeartMedia's pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) eased to #5 (down from 5.3 to 5.1). New York Public Radio's news/talk WNYC advanced one position with its strongest performance in a year (up from 4.4 to 5.1).
In the key 25-54 demographic: WSKQ rose to #1 for the first time since June, despite a small overall share decline. WLTW fell to its lowest share since June, landing at #2. iHeartMedia's urban contemporary WWPR (Power 105.1) advanced to #3, posting its highest mark in over a year. WHTZ continued its downward trend for the third consecutive book, slipping to #4. In the prior period, MediaCo's rhythmic CHR WQHT (Hot 97) and WCBS-FM had been tied at #5; both saw positive gains this time, finishing at #5 and #6 respectively with differing increases.
With the holiday boost fading, iHeartMedia's adult contemporary KOST (103.5) remained #1 overall (6+) despite a steep drop from 13.3 to 6.3. Audacy's classic hits KRTH (K-Earth 101) held steady at #2 with a slight uptick (5.6 to 5.7).
iHeartMedia's hot AC KBIG (104.3 MyFM) returned to #3 (up from 5.1 to 5.3). Audacy's adult hits/variety KCBS-FM (93.1 Jack FM) made a strong move, jumping from #6 to #4 with its highest share in over a year (3.9 to 4.4).
Audacy's news/talk KNX (1070 AM/97.1 FM) climbed back to #5 (up from 4.1 to 4.3), while Audacy's urban AC KTWV (94.7 The Wave) slipped three spots to #7 (down from 4.3 to 4.1).
KOST continued as the market's cume leader despite a 31.9% decline (from 3,459,000 to 2,354,800).
In the competitive 25-54 demographic: The top six stations were separated by less than a full share point in a tight race. KBIG stayed flat but advanced to #1. Audacy's alternative KROQ held flat and rose to #2. KRTH also landed at #2 (tied), climbing from #4 and snapping a three-book decline. iHeartMedia's alternative KYSR (Alt 98.7) surged from #8 to #4 with its strongest performance in over a year. KCBS-FM repeated at #5 but posted a solid share gain. KOST fell from #1 to #6 after losing more than half its holiday-fueled share.
CHICAGO: Have You Heard the News?
AUDACY News WBBM-A moved up to #1 6+ with its highest mark since MARCH (5.1-5.9). HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) was happy Santa skipped town as it rose from #5 to #2 with its best book in over a year (4.2-5.5).
AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) also landed its largest share in over a year as it stepped up to #3 (4.5-5.4).
iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.3 LITE FM) fell from first to fourth (12.4 -5.2). NEXTSTAR N/T WGN-A (RADIO 720) slipped to #5 (4.6-4.8). One benefit of PPM technology is you can really see market influenced audience movement.
WLIT still had the most cume despite a 42.9% drop (2,102,400-1,200,200).
WTMX had its best 25-54 outing in over a year as it rose to #1. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) stepped up to #2 with its best book since OCTOBER. WLIT went from first to third as it ended a five-book surge. WXRT advanced from #7 to #4 with its highest mark since JULY. WBEZ ALLIANCE N/T WBEZ repeated at #5 with a modest share gain. HUBBARD Adult Hits WTBC (THROWBACK 100.3) slipped to #6 with a slight increase.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Almost A Tie
The top of the 6+ leaderboard had all the stations closely bunched together. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) moved up to #1 (4.4-4.5), while Santa’s chosen station—iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1)— dipped to #2 (10.1-4.4).
iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) was up to #3 (4.2-4.2), while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) advanced two squares to #4 (3.6-3.9). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) leapt from #8 to #5 as it halted a four-book slide (3.4-3.8). While KDGE shed 34.9% of its cume, the station was still #1 in that category (1,789,000-1,165,500).
25-54: TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) landed its largest 25-54 share in over a year as it climbed up to #1. KDMX made the move to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KDGE went from first to third, while KHKS held steady at #4 with a small share loss. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) advanced two spaces to #5 with a slight increase.
Urban One's country KKBQ (93Q Country) advanced to #3 (up from 5.3 to 5.8). Hope Media's contemporary Christian KSBJ (89.3) slipped to #4 (down from 5.6 to 5.3). Audacy's hot AC KHMX (Mix 96.5) stayed at #5 (slightly down from 5.2 to 5.1).KODA shed 19.2% of its cume audience but remained the market leader (down from 2,387,500 to 1,928,000).
In the key 25-54 demographic: KODA extended its impressive run of consecutive #1 finishes in the demo, maintaining roughly a full-share lead over iHeartMedia's alternative KTBZ (94.5 The Buzz), which climbed to #2 with a strong gain. KHMX rose to #3, delivering its best book in over a year.
KMJQ fell to #4 with its lowest share since September. It tied at #4 with KSBJ, which jumped from #8 and posted its third straight increase. KKBQ sat just behind at #6 after rebounding from a prior down book. SBS's Mexican Regional KROI (La Ley 92.1) dropped from #5 to #9.
Nielsen continues releasing the January 2026 PPM radio ratings with the figures representing a return to a typical "normal" rating period after the holiday-inflated December results.
San Francisco: Santa Had His Moment
The top music station was USC Classical KDFC (Classical California), which climbed to #3 with a slight dip to 4.9 (from 5.0). Bonneville AC KOIT (96.5) shed its holiday programming boost and fell from #1 to #4, dropping sharply to 4.7 (from 9.9).
Bonneville Hot AC KMVQ (99.7 NOW) held steady at #5 but posted its strongest share in over a year, rising to 4.6 (from 3.8). iHeartMedia AC KIOI (Star 101.3) delivered its largest share since May, jumping from #10 to #6 with a solid increase to 3.7 (from 2.7).
KOIT continued to lead in cume (total weekly listeners) despite a 27.1% decline to 985,900 (from 1,353,000); it remained below the million-listener mark, unlike last year at this time. Overall market listening was down 1.7%.
In the key 25-54 demographic, KQED returned to #1 after holiday-related dips. KMVQ advanced to #2 with its best book since August. Audacy Alternative KITS (Live 105) rose to #3 on a healthy gain. KOIT slipped from #1 to #4, while iHeartMedia Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) stayed flat at #5.
ATLANTA: Santa Was Not A Big Deal
In the latest Nielsen Audio PPM survey for Atlanta (January 2026, covering roughly early January to early February), Cox Media News/Talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM (WSB-A) held firm at #1 for the sixth consecutive book, climbing from 6.7 to 7.8.Cox Media Urban AC WALR (Kiss 104.1) stayed steady at #2, edging up from 6.4 to 6.7.
Cox Media Classic Hits/Classic Rock WSRV (97.1 The River) jumped three positions to #3—its strongest performance since September—with a solid gain from 5.7 to 6.4.Audacy Urban AC WVEE (V103) held #4 with a minor uptick from 6.1 to 6.2, while Urban One Urban AC WAMJ (Majic 107.5/97.5) climbed one spot to tie at #4 (also 6.0 to 6.2). Cox Media AC WSB-FM (B98.5) rebounded nicely to #6 after a softer prior book, rising from 4.8 to 5.8.
This survey marked the first holiday/seasonal transition for Audacy Rhythmic AC/Hot AC WSTR (Star 94), which had flipped to Christmas programming (filling in post the former "The Fish" Christian AC era). It had reached #3 last time with a 6.3 but settled at #11 this round after dropping to 3.8. Despite the 3.7-point decline in share, WSB-FM remained the overall cume leader (down slightly from 699,900 to 673,700).
In the key 25-54 demographic, WVEE continued its dominance, topping the category for the fifth straight survey. Audacy Sports WZGC (92.9 The Game) advanced to #2 with its best performance in over a year, though it still trailed its cluster mate WVEE by about 1.5 shares. WSB-FM surged from #6 to #3, recovering much of its previous book's sizable loss. WAMJ moved up to #4 with a modest gain, while WALR slipped from #2 to #5 after giving back a chunk of its prior increase. WSTR fell from #3 to #9 in the demo.
WASHINGTON D-C TOP Is Tops
iHeartMedia Alternative WWDC (DC101) edged up to #4 (4.8 to 5.4). It tied with Atlantic Gateway Contemporary Christian WGTS, which jumped from #6 to post its strongest performance in over a year (4.5 to 5.4). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia AC WASH—often dubbed Santa's favorite—tumbled from #2 to #6 (10.1 to 4.9), matching its November share.
WTOP also seized the top spot in cume, surging 4.5% (814,600 to 851,200 listeners).
In the key 25-54 demographic, WAMU reclaimed #1 after sitting out the prior two books, holding a roughly half-share lead over WTOP (which climbed two spots to #2 with its best showing in over a year). WWDC held steady at #3, delivering its largest share in over a year. WGTS advanced two positions to #4—yes, again its best book in over a year. WASH slipped from first to fifth with its smallest share since September, while WHUR eased to #6 with a minor dip.
Audacy Sports WIP (94WIP SportsRadio) rocketed from #4 to #1 in 6+ (5.5 to 8.5), surging post-holidays with strong momentum (including its stream contribution last book). Beasley Active Rock WMMR and Beasley Classic Rock WMGK tied at #2, WMMR reclaimed that position by snapping a two-book decline (5.9 to 7.1), while WMGK eased slightly (5.9 to 6.6).
Audacy News KYW charged from #9 to tie for #3 (3.6 to 6.6), delivering its strongest performance in over a year.
iHeartMedia Urban AC WDAS held steady at #5 (5.3 to 5.7). Holiday powerhouse Audacy AC WBEB (B101) tumbled from #1 to #6 (17.0 to 5.4) after the seasonal reset, yet it retained the market's #1 cume spot despite a steep 39.5% drop (1,699,900 to 1,028,800).
In the 25-54 demo, Beasley Rock WMMR shook off the holiday dip to reclaim #1 after a two-book absence. Audacy Sports WIP leaped from #5 to #2 with its sharpest showing since February. WBEB slid from first to #3, while WHYY Inc. News/Talk WHYY climbed two spots to #4, posting its highest share in over a year. WDAS edged down to #5 with a modest gain, and EMF Contemporary Christian WKVP (K-LOVE 106.9) slipped from #3 to #6 amid a small share loss.
Boston: Patriot Wins For the Hub
Audacy AC WMJX (Magic 106.7) dropped sharply from #1 to #2 (13.5 to 6.2), as it returned to its regular adult contemporary format after a temporary shift. Beasley Classic Hits WROR (105.7) halted a three-book decline, climbing from #6 to #3 (4.6 to 5.5). iHeartMedia Pop CHR WXKS (Kiss 108) advanced from #7 to #4 (4.5 to 5.1).
iHeartMedia News/Talk WBZ-AM edged up slightly to #5 (4.8 to 5.0). Audacy Sports WEEI slipped to #6 (4.7 to 4.8), while Audacy Hot AC WWBX (Mix 104.1) fell to #7 (4.7 to 4.5). They were previously tied at #4 in the prior book. Joining the top ranks was Boston University News/Talk WBUR, which rose to tie or share the #7 spot (4.0 to 4.5).Despite its large decline (down 36.5%), WMJX retained the highest cume listeners (1,228,400 to 779,800).
In the key 25-54 demographic, WBZ-FM reclaimed #1 and returned to double-digit shares for the fourth time in the last 14 surveys. WWBX moved up to #2 with a modest gain, tying WXKS there—the latter posting its first increase since November (rising from #4). WMJX fell from #1 to #4 overall in the demo, while iHeartMedia Classic Rock WZLX held at #5 but posted its smallest share in a year.
Nielsen again has released more results for markets with January PPMs
MIAMI: An Easy Win
Cox Media Group's Easy 93.1 (WFEZ) remains dominant in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood market, holding the No. 1 spot for persons 6+ for the third consecutive Nielsen Audio January 2026 PPM survey with a slight uptick from 7.4 to 7.5 share.
Hot 105 (WHQT), the Cox Media Urban AC, stayed strong at No. 2 (6.6 to 6.7). Amor 107.5 (WAMR), TelevisaUnivision's Spanish Hot AC, jumped to No. 3 with its strongest performance since March (5.0 to 6.0). 102.7 The Beach (WMXJ), Audacy's Classic Hits, rebounded to No. 4 (4.6 to 5.4), while Zeta 92.3 (WCMQ), SBS Spanish Contemporary, climbed to No. 5 with its best book in over a year (4.4 to 5.0), including a 0.5 share gain from online listening.Lite FM (WLYF), Audacy's AC, fell three spots to No. 6 with its lowest share in a year (5.6 to 4.9). Magic 93.9 (WMIA), iHeartMedia's Spanish Adult Hits, slipped to No. 7 (4.8 to 4.2).WFEZ continued as the market's cume leader despite a minor 0.5% dip (750,500 to 746,900), while overall market listening declined 0.6%.
In the key 25-54 demographic, WFEZ extended its unbroken streak of No. 1 finishes with its highest share since August. WLYF surged to No. 2 but trailed by more than two shares. WHQT edged to No. 3 with a small dip, WMXJ vaulted from No. 10 to No. 4 on its rebound, Power 96 (WPOW), Audacy's Classic Hip Hop, fell to No. 5 after giving back last book's gains, and WMIA dropped from No. 2 to tie at No. 7 with rising WCMQ (from No. 13).
SEATTLE: The News Is all Over Town
iHeartMedia Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 The Jet) rebounded sharply from a down book, jumping from No. 5 to No. 3 (4.1 to 5.5). Hubbard AC KRWM (Warm 106.9), the other all-Christmas outlet, tumbled from No. 1 to No. 4 with a steep decline (11.1 to 5.3).Bonneville Sports KIRO-AM (Seattle Sports 710) surged to No. 5 (3.8 to 5.1), fueled by Seahawks playoff success. Audacy Active Rock KISW (The Rock) edged down to No. 6 (5.2 to 5.0).Despite a 32.8% share drop, KRWM retained the market's top cume (963,800 to 648,000), while overall market listening rose 0.6%.
In the key 25-54 demographic, Friends of KEXP Alternative KEXP achieved its largest share in over a year to claim No. 1, moving up from No. 3. KISW returned to No. 2 but posted its smallest share since July, trailing the leader by nearly two shares. KUOW advanced to No. 3 with a modest gain, while KJEB halted a four-book slide by leaping from No. 10 to No. 4. KCMS rose to No. 5 with its highest 25-54 mark in over a year. Audacy Alternative KNDD (107.7 The End) fell to No. 7, and KRWM dropped from No. 1 to No. 8.
PHOENIX: Also Easy
iHeartMedia AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) retained the No. 1 spot for persons 6+ in the Phoenix market in the January 2026 Nielsen Audio PPM survey, posting a 7.5 share after dropping from its holiday-boosted 16.8. This marks the station's fourth consecutive month at the top, even with a 30.6% cume decline (1,504,000 to 1,044,300), as it retained strong post-Christmas listenership.
Hubbard Classic Rock KSLX (100.7) climbed to No. 2 (5.1 to 6.2), halting a four-book downward trend. iHeartMedia Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 The Mountain) rebounded to No. 3 (3.6 to 5.2), shaking off holiday-format competition. Maricopa Community College Classical KBAQ (KBACH 89.5) slipped to No. 4 (5.6 to 4.9), giving back some of last book's big holiday gain. iHeartMedia News/Talk KFYI-AM edged up to No. 5 with its best share since October (3.5 to 4.6), while Audacy Classic Hits KOOL (Big 94.5) fell to No. 6 (4.0 to 4.4).
KESZ remained the market's cume leader despite the sharp drop from its holiday peak.
In the key 25-54 demographic, KESZ extended its No. 1 streak to five straight surveys. TelevisaUnivision Mexican Regional KHOT (Qué Buena 105.1) held at No. 2 with its highest share in over a year, trailing the leader by just over one share. KYOT surged from No. 7 to No. 3 with its strongest performance since March. KOOL repeated at No. 4 with a slight dip. KSLX rose two places to No. 5 on its rebound. iHeartMedia Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 Kiss FM) slipped to No. 6 despite its largest share in over a year. KBAQ tumbled from No. 3 to No. 10, tying with Hubbard Active Rock KUPD, which fell from No. 5 with only a minor decrease.
DETROIT: The Sporting Life
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It was a good month to be AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) as the station moved back up to #1 6+ for the first time since OCTOBER (7.6-8.9). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC landed its largest share in over a year as it moved from #4 to #2 (6.0-7.4).
iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) repeated at #3 (7.0-6.4), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC went from first to fourth with its smallest share in over a year (14.7-6.3). AUDACY News WWJ-A stepped up to #5 with its best book since MARCH (4.3-5.5), while AUDACY Country WYCD dipped to #6 (4.7-5.4). WNIC stayed on top of the cume chart despite a 29.8% decline (1,316,700-924,200).
WXYT crashed through the double-digit barrier as it made its way up to #1 25-54. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF had its best showing since NOVEMBER as it moved up to #2, while WOMC advanced to #3 with its highest mark since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) was up three places to #4 with its largest number since JULY. WMXD slipped to #5, while WNIC dropped from #1 to #6.
MINNEAPOLIS: The Fan Is Cool
Hubbard Hot AC KSTP (KS95) posted its first increase since September, climbing to No. 3 (5.6 to 6.9).
Holiday holdovers fell sharply: iHeartMedia Classic Hits KQQL (Kool 108) dropped from No. 1 to No. 4 (13.1 to 6.2), while University of Northwestern-St. Paul Contemporary Christian KTIS (98.5) slipped from No. 3 to No. 5 with its lowest share since February (7.7 to 5.7). MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 The Current) held steady at No. 6 (5.6 flat).
KQQL retained the market's top cume despite a 33.8% decline (924,500 to 612,400).
In the key 25-54 demographic, KFXN rose to No. 1, extending its double-digit share streak to seven books. KCMP rebounded to No. 2 after a down book. iHeartMedia Pop CHR KDWB (101.3) and KNOW each achieved their largest shares in over a year, jumping to No. 3 and No. 4, respectively (from No. 5 ties previously). KQQL slid from No. 1 to No. 5, tying with Audacy Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 Jack FM), which dipped from No. 4 and ended a five-book upward run. KTIS fell from No. 8 to No. 12.