Nielsen has started the rollout of the PPM results for the month of April. It covers the period from April 2nd through the 29th. It featured the Easter. Let's start at the largest market...
NEW YORK: Status Quo
Another quiet book with very little movement among the major players. In the 6+ rankings, iHeartMedia AC WLTW (106.7 Lite FM) remained #1 for another month, posting its strongest non-holiday share since September — climbing from 7.4 to 8.1.
Audacy News WINS (1010) held steady at #2 (7.2-7.1), while Audacy Classic Hits WCBS-FM inched up to #3 (5.4-5.4).iHeartMedia Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) slipped one spot to #4 (5.6-5.2), New York Public Radio N/T WNYC stayed at #5 (4.9-4.7), and Mediabase Urban AC WBLS rounded out the top six at #6 (4.8-4.6).
WLTW further extended its cume lead, growing +3.7% (3,758,200 → 3,898,300). Overall market listening was up a modest 0.8%. Easter is not a major ratings driver but acts as a mild seasonal modifier. It favors stations with broad, positive appeal (AC) or event-driven content (Sports, News, Christian) while potentially softening total market numbers due to disrupted routines.
25-54 Demo: WLTW held onto the #1 position for the third consecutive book despite a small dip. WHTZ repeated at #2, ending its two-book run of gains and finishing roughly half a share behind the leader.iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary WWPR (Power 105.1) rebounded nicely, jumping from #5 to #3. Audacy Hot AC WNEW (New 102.7) eased to #4 and WCBS-FM slipped to #5, both with minor declines.Overall, a very stable April book in New York with familiar stations occupying their usual spots.
For the sixth consecutive book, iHeartMedia AC KOST remained #1 6+, delivering its strongest Frosty-free share in over a year (6.5-7.1).iHeartMedia Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYfm) climbed back to #2 with its highest share in over a year (5.9-6.2). Audacy Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101.1) held steady at #3 (5.0-5.0), while Audacy Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) stayed at #4 (4.9-4.6). Audacy News KNX moved up one spot to #5 (4.1-4.1).
On the downside, SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) took a big tumble — falling from #5 to #13 with its lowest share since December (4.4-3.2). Its partner, TelevisaUnivision Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5), edged up slightly (3.1-3.2), while iHeartMedia Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) dropped to a 3.2 share, its lowest in over a year.
KOST significantly grew its market-leading cume, jumping +12.5% (2,280,500 → 2,566,700). Overall market listening increased by 0.5%. Target: Primary: Women 35–54 (and extending into 55+), skewing female overall. AC formats classically target this group with relatable, low-conflict content. Secondary/Extended: Broader 25-54 adults (key ad demo) and total 6+ audience. KOST consistently leads or places high in 6+ (e.g., #1 in April 2025 with a 7.1 share, its strongest non-holiday in over a year) and shows strength in 25-54, where it moved up to #2 in the recent book.
25-54 Demo: Last month’s co-leaders KBIG and Audacy Alternative KROQ went their separate ways. KBIG held onto the #1 spot with a small gain, while KROQ fell sharply to #5 with its lowest 25-54 share since September.
KOST moved up to #2 with a slight increase. A flat KCBS rose to #3, KRTH held #4 with a minor dip, and iHeartMedia Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) remained at #6, finishing just a tenth behind its rival KROQ.A strong month for KOST and a relatively stable top tier in Los Angeles.
For the second consecutive book, Audacy AAA WXRT (93XRT) held the #1 position 6+ with a solid 6.3 share (up from 6.1).
Audacy News WBBM-AM slipped back to a tie for #2 (6.0-5.7), sharing the spot with Hubbard Hot AC WTMX (101.9 The Mix), which climbed from #3 (5.6-5.7). Hubbard Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 The Drive) had a strong month, jumping to #4 with its best share since June (4.3-5.1).
Audacy Country WUSN (US 99) held steady at #5 (4.4-4.4).Two stations tied at #6: iHeartMedia AC WLIT (93.9 Lite FM) dropped from #4 to its lowest share in over a year (5.0-4.0), while iHeartMedia Urban AC WVAZ (V103) moved up one spot to join it (4.0-4.0).
WLIT maintained the market’s largest cume despite a 4.1% decline (1,370,200 → 1,314,100). Overall market listening rose 1.0%. Target...Primary: Adults 25-54, with strong appeal to men 35-54 (core rock enthusiasts) and educated, culturally engaged listeners who value discovery and authenticity.
Secondary: Extends into 55+ for heritage rock and broader 6+ reach through wide musical variety.Audience Profile: Sophisticated, influential “music lifers” who attend concerts, support local scenes, and have higher disposable income — attractive to certain advertisers despite not always topping pure 25-54 demos.
25-54 Demo: WTMX (The Mix) delivered its largest 25-54 share in over a year and remained #1 for the fourth straight book. iHeartMedia Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 Kiss FM) climbed to #2 with its strongest performance since July, though it still trailed the leader by roughly three shares.
WXRT eased to #3 despite rebounding from the previous book. Audacy Pop CHR WBBM-F (B96) rose from #6 to #4, and iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary WGCI advanced from #7 to #5 — both with modest gains.
Audacy Country WUSN and iHeartMedia AC WLIT both fell: WUSN into a tie for #5, while WLIT slid to #8. A competitive but relatively stable April in Chicago, with strong showings from AAA, Hot AC, and Classic Rock.
The top of the 6+ chart remained highly competitive. iHeartMedia Hot AC KDMX (Mix 102.9) held the #1 spot alone this month with a 4.3 share (down from 4.5). It was closely chased by sister station iHeartMedia AC KDGE (Star 102.1), which rose to #2 (4.3-4.2).
Audacy Sports KRLD (105.3 The Fan) made a big leap, jumping from #9 to #3 with its strongest share in over a year (3.6-4.0). North Texas Public Broadcasting N/T KERA climbed from #7 to #4 (3.8-3.9), posting its highest rating since June.
TelevisaUnivision Mexican Regional KLNO (Qué Buena 94.1) slipped to #5 (4.2-3.7), while Audacy Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 Jack FM) landed at #6 (4.2-3.6). Both had been tied for #4 last month.
K-LOVE, Inc. Contemporary Christian KLTY fell sharply from a tie for #1 last book all the way to #11 (4.5-3.2).
KDGE remained the cume leader despite a double-digit decline of -12.0% (1,312,500 → 1,155,400). Overall market listening was down 2.0%.
25-54 Demo: KLNO (Qué Buena) continued its strong run, holding the #1 position for the fourth consecutive book despite posting its smallest share since October. KDMX (Mix 102.9) returned to #2 after ending a solid two-book run. Audacy Sports KRLD rose from #5 to #3 with another strong performance (its best in over a year).
KDGE eased to #4 with a slight dip, while Service Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) held at #5 with a small gain. Audacy KJKK dropped from #3 to #6, ending a three-book surge.
A tight and unpredictable April in Dallas-Ft. Worth, with Sports, Public Radio, and Mexican Regional all making notable moves in a softening market.
iHeartMedia AC KODA (Sunny 99.1) remained perfectly flat at a 9.0 share for the third straight book and extended its #1 6+ streak to nine consecutive surveys.
Urban One Urban AC KMJQ (Majic 102.1) returned to #2 with a slight gain (6.9-7.1). iHeartMedia Alternative KTBZ (94.5 The Buzz) made a big jump, climbing from #7 to #3 with its strongest share in over a year (4.4-5.6). Urban One Classic Rock KGLK (106.9/107.5 The Eagle) held at #4 (5.4-5.5), while Hope Media Contemporary Christian KSBJ rose to #5 (4.6-5.3).
Urban One Country KKBQ (93Q) had a tough book, sliding from #3 to #6 with its smallest share since September (6.6-5.2). University of Houston N/T KUHF (News 88.7) eased from #5 to #7 (4.9-4.8).
KODA continued to lead the market in cume listeners despite a -7.7% drop (1,914,200 → 1,766,700). Overall market listening declined 3.4%.
25-54 Demo: Last month’s co-leaders split. KTBZ (The Buzz) stood alone at #1 with its best 25-54 book in over a year. KODA slipped to #2 with a small increase. KSBJ rebounded sharply, moving from #6 to #3. KMJQ repeated at #4 with a slight decline. Audacy Hot AC KHMX (Mix 96.5) returned to #5 with a modest decrease, while KKBQ fell from #3 all the way to #9.
A relatively stable April for the market leader in Houston, even as the overall numbers softened and Alternative showed notable strength.
Nielsen continues rollout of the PPM results for the month of April. It covers the period from April 2nd through the 29th. It featured the Easter.
KQED and KCBS once again dominated the San Francisco 6+ ratings, continuing their stronghold on the market, 6+ Rankings
- KQED (N/T) remained #1 for the fourth consecutive book, rising from 8.6 to 9.2.
- KCBS (All News) slipped slightly from 8.6 to 8.7, taking second place.
The music stations battled for third. KOIT (Bonneville AC) claimed the spot with a 4.8–4.6 share. KMVQ (99.7 NOW Hot AC) held steady at 4.4 (down from 4.5) and tied for fourth with surging KIOI (Star 101.3 Hot AC), which climbed from 4.1 to 4.4. KISQ (98.1 The Breeze Soft AC) eased from 4.5 to 4.3, landing at #6.
KOIT remained the cume leader despite a 10.7% drop (1,145,600 → 1,022,900). Overall market listening was down 1.6%.
25-54 Demo: KQED and KIOI emerged as the new co-#1 stations. KQED posted a slight gain.
KIOI delivered its fifth straight up book.
KMVQ fell from #1 to #3 with a modest share loss.KYLD (WiLD 94.9 Pop CHR) jumped from #6 to #4, posting its strongest performance in over a year. KRZZ (La Raza 93.3 Regional Mexican) also delivered its best share in over a year, rising from #7 to #5.
KITS (Live 105 Alternative) and KOIT dropped out of the top five, sliding to #6 and #7 respectively after tying for #4 last month.
Urban One Urban AC WAMJ (Majic 107.5/97.5) roared back to the top of the Atlanta 6+ ratings with its highest share in over a year.6+ Rankings
- WAMJ jumped from 6.9 to 7.5, reclaiming the #1 spot.
- Cox Media Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 The River) held strong at #2, rising from 7.0 to 7.4.
- N/T WSB-AM fell from #1 to #3, sliding from 8.5 to 7.0.
- Audacy Urban AC WVEE (V-103) remained steady at #4 with a 6.7 share.
- Cox' Urban AC WALR (Kiss 104.1) rounded out the top five at 6.3 (down from 6.4).
AC WSB-FM (B98.5) continued to lead in cume listeners, growing 2.2% from 770,600 to 787,500. The overall market was up 0.4%.
25-54 Demo: WAMJ and WSB-FM both delivered their best performances in over a year, rising together to become the new co-#1 stations.WVEE slipped from #1 to #3 with a modest share loss.
WSRV held at #4 with a slight dip. Audacy's Sports WZGC (92.9 The Game) climbed from #8 to #5 in a strong rebound. WSB-AM and WALR tied for #6.
WASHINGTON DC - It's A News Town
Hubbard's News WTOP extended its remarkable dominance, claiming the #1 spot in the Washington, DC 6+ ratings for the eleventh consecutive survey — all of them in double digits.6+ Rankings
WTOP stayed firmly at #1, moving from 14.3 to 12.9.
25-54 Demo
Sports radio is riding high in Philadelphia. The early-season struggles of the Phillies helped push Audacy Sports WIP (94WIP) all the way to the top of the 6+ ratings. 6+ Rankings
25-54 Demo:
- American University N/T WAMU held steady at #2, slipping slightly from 10.8 to 10.4 (its fourth straight double-digit book).
- Atlantic Gateway Contemporary Christian WGTS jumped from #6 to #3, posting its best share in over a year (4.6–5.7).
- Howard University Urban AC WHUR fell to #4 with its lowest share in exactly one year (5.8–5.4).
- iHeartMedia AC WASH eased to #5 (5.1–5.0).
- Alternative WWDC (DC101) slipped to #6 (4.8–4.9).
WASH strengthened its cume lead with a solid 9.1% gain (795,700 → 868,200). The overall market rose 0.5%.
25-54 Demo
WAMU remained #1 for the fourth straight book, the last three of which have been in double digits.
- WTOP held at #2, trailing by roughly one share point.
- WWDC rebounded nicely to #3.
- WASH dipped to #4 with a small decline.
- WGTS climbed one spot to #5, ending a two-book slide.
Pop CHR WIHT (Hot 99.5) tumbled from #5 to #8, posting its lowest score in a long time.
PHILADELPHIA: Sports Wins
Sports radio is riding high in Philadelphia. The early-season struggles of the Phillies helped push Audacy Sports WIP (94WIP) all the way to the top of the 6+ ratings. 6+ Rankings
- WIP stormed into first place, climbing from 6.6 to 7.4.
- Beasley Active Rock WMMR bounced back strongly, reclaiming most of last month’s big loss and jumping from #5 to #2 (5.8–6.9).
- Classic Rock WMGK saw its two-book winning streak end, sliding from #2 to #3 (7.1–6.3).
- Audacy AC WBEB (B101) eased from a tie for second to #4 (6.6–6.1).
- iHeartMedia Urban AC WDAS rounded out the top five at #5 (6.5–5.9).
WBEB remained the cume leader despite a slight 0.8% dip (1,168,000 → 1,158,500). The overall market grew by 1.0%.
25-54 Demo:
It was a tale of two very different paths in the key adult demo.WMMR roared back to #1, not only recovering all of last month’s share loss but adding even more.
WBEB gave back most of its big gain from the previous book and slipped to #2.WIP and WDAS swapped places: WIP climbed to #3 with a healthy gain, while WDAS settled at #4 with a small decline.
iHeartMedia's Urban Contemporary WUSL (Power 99) edged up one spot to #5 despite a slight dip. That pushed WHYY Inc. N/T WHYY and iHM Pop CHR WIOQ (Q102) down to a tie for #6.
iHeartMedia's Urban Contemporary WUSL (Power 99) edged up one spot to #5 despite a slight dip. That pushed WHYY Inc. N/T WHYY and iHM Pop CHR WIOQ (Q102) down to a tie for #6.
BOSTON: Big News
Boston University's N/T WBUR has taken over the #1 position in the 6+ ratings with its best performance in over a year. 6+ Rankings:
- WBUR climbed to #1, rising from 5.6 to 6.6.
- Two stations tied for #2: iHeaertMedia's Pop CHR WXKS (Kiss 108) jumped from #4 to 5.9, posting its fourth consecutive gain.
- Beasley Sports WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub) advanced from #5 to 5.9.This ended the two-book run at the top for Audacy AC WMJX (Magic 106.7), which slipped to #4 (6.2–5.8), its lowest share since July.
- Beasley Classic Hits WROR eased from #3 to #5 (5.3–5.6).
WMJX continued to lead the market in cume listeners, growing 3.4% (832,200 → 860,900). Overall market listening was up 2.1%.
25-54 Demo: WXKS soared from #3 to a clear #1 with its highest share in over a year.
- WBZ-FM held at #2 with a small increase, trailing the leader by a full share point.
- Hot AC WBMX (Mix 104.1) saw its two-book winning streak snapped, sliding to #3 with a slight decline.
- WBUR moved up to #4, posting its fourth straight gain.
- iHM's Classic Rock WZLX rebounded from #7 to #5.
- WMJX gave back all of last month’s gain and dropped two spots to #6.
Nielsen has release the third barch of April PPMs Rating For Secverwl Markets"
MIAMI: Market Shakeup
This ratings period brought more movement than usual in a market that tends to be fairly stable, with familiar stations dominating the leaderboard. The biggest story was Audacy AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM), which surged from second to #1 6+ for the first time since July, jumping 6.0 to 7.1.SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) made a major leap, climbing from #5 to #2 with its strongest book in over a year (5.5–6.1).
Cox Media AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) slipped to #3, posting its lowest rank since June (6.3–5.8).CMG's Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) fell from first to fourth, delivering its lowest share and rank in more than a year (6.7–5.7).
iHeartMedia Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) continued its upward trend, rising two spots to #5 with its third consecutive gain (4.9–5.3). TelevisaUnivision Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) eased to #6 (5.7–5.2), tying AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH), which held steady at 5.4–5.2.
WLYF remained the dominant cume leader, growing 3.1% from 800,000 to 824,600 listeners. Overall market listening was up slightly (+0.1).
In the 25-54 Demo: WLYF posted its best 25-54 book in over a year, rocketing from #4 to #1.
- WMIA moved up to #2 with a modest gain but trailed the leader by a full share.
- WFEZ dropped to #3, hitting its lowest score in over a year. It tied COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3), which rose from #5 despite a slight dip.
- WCMQ edged up to #5 with a small increase, while WHQT slid from first place to tie for the position. A notable shift in what has been a relatively predictable market.
For the fourth consecutive book, University pf Washington N/T KUOW cruised to a dominant #1 6+ finish, widening its lead with a strong jump from 8.4 to 10.6. However, the real story this period was Bonnville Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM), which surged from a tie for #6 all the way to #2 — its best book since October — leaping 4.7 to 6.4 as baseball season kicked off.
Three stations battled for the #3 position: iHeartMedia Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) held at 5.6–5.3. Crista Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) climbed one spot to 5.0–5.3.
Audacy Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) rose from a tie for #6 to tie for #3, posting its highest share since December (4.7–5.3). Hubbard AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) tumbled from #5 to #9 with its lowest share since October (4.9–4.0). Friends of KEXP Alternative KEXP saw its four-book hot streak end abruptly, plunging from #2 to #11 (6.3–3.6).
KRWM remained the cume leader with 618,800 listeners, up 1.8% from 607,800. Overall market listening rose a healthy 4.5%.
In the 25-54 Demo: KISW delivered a massive share gain to take #1 25-54.
- KUOW climbed to #2 with a solid increase, finishing roughly one share behind the leader.
- KEXP saw its three-book winning streak snapped, dropping to #3.
- KIRO-A jumped from #7 to #4.
- Audacy Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) returned to #5 with a slight uptick.
- KJEB fell from #3 to #6, tying KCMS and Hubbard Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5).
Two stations moving in opposite directions collided at #5: Audacy Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) slid from #3, giving back all of last month’s gains (5.9–4.5). Maricopa Community College N/T KJZZ jumped from #7 to tie for #5 with its strongest share in over a year (3.9–4.5).
KESZ continued to lead in cume despite a 1.6% dip (966,500–950,600). The overall market was down slightly (–0.5%).
In the 25-54 Demo: KESZ made it eight straight wins, ending a three-book slide.
- iHM Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) rose from #4 to #2 with a modest gain.
- TelevasuaUnivision Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.9) fell to #3 with its lowest share since October.
- Entravision Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5) dropped to #4, giving back most of last month’s increase.
- KOOL held at #5 with a small decline.
- Steady leadership for KESZ in a relatively quiet Phoenix book.
DETROIT: Big Jump
For the fourth consecutive book, Audacy Sports WXYT (97.1 The Ticket) cruised to a commanding #1 6+ victory, delivering its largest share in over a year with a big jump from 9.0 to 11.3.
iHeartMedia AC WNIC climbed to #2, posting its best non-holiday share since September (7.0–7.5). Audacy Classic Hits WOMC slipped to #3 (7.3–7.3), while Country WYCD held at #4 with its first down book since December (6.3–6.0). iHM Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) returned to #5 (5.9–6.0).
WNIC strengthened its cume leadership with a solid 5.6% increase (983,400–1,038,400). The overall market was up 2.1%
In the 25-54 Demo: WXYT made it four straight wins at #1 25-54, with every book landing in double digits.
- iHM Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) repeated at #2 with a slight decline, trailing the leader by six full shares.
- iHM Urban Contemporary WJLB held steady at #3 with a small dip.
- Beaslewy Active Rock WRIF moved up to #4 with a modest gain.
- WOMC fell to #5 and found itself closely pressured by WNIC, which stayed at #6. A strong ride for The Ticket in Motown this book.
MINNEAPOLIS: Nail-Biter
iHearetMedia Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) reclaimed the #1 6+ spot, but it was a nail-biter — rising from 7.3 to 8.2. Hot on its heels was MPR N/T KNOW at #2 (7.2–8.1), boosted by an additional 1.1 share from digital listening.
iHM Country KEEY (K102) jumped from #5 to #3 with its strongest book in over a year (6.3–7.2). Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) slipped to #4 (6.9–7.0), while Hubbar Hot AC KSTP (KS95) eased to #5 (6.7–6.8).
KQQL maintained its lead in cume, growing 4.6% (674,200–705,500). The overall market was down slightly (–0.4%).
In the 25-54 Demo: KFXN extended its impressive double-digit streak to ten books while securing its fourth straight #1 finish.
- KQQL climbed to #2 with its largest non-holiday share in over a year.
- MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 The Current) dropped one position to #3 with a modest gain.
- KEEY rose from #6 to #4, posting its fourth consecutive up book.
- iHM Pop CHR KDWB and Audacy Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) tied at #5.