The latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings for May 2026 offer a fascinating glimpse into the radio landscape, with some stations soaring to new heights while others face a decline. In Charlotte, WFAE's Public News/Talk format has seen a significant boost, climbing 6.5 points to claim the top spot with a 7.6 share. This is a remarkable achievement, as Chris Huff, a Ratings Expert, notes that it marks the highest share in the station's history. Meanwhile, WTVN has fallen to a new low, dropping 4.3 points to 3.2, which Huff describes as a record-breaking low for the station. This contrast between the two stations is striking and highlights the dynamic nature of the radio industry.
In Portland, iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 106.7 The Eagle, has reclaimed the top spot with a 9.0 share, a significant rebound from its previous 7.8 share. This is in stark contrast to Public News/Talk 91.5 KOPB-FM, which has dropped 8.7 points to 7.7. The rise and fall of these stations demonstrate the competitive nature of the market and the constant need for stations to adapt and evolve.
San Antonio's radio scene is also witnessing a shift, with Cox Media Group's Classic Hits station, 101.1 KONO-FM, rising 6.2 points to 6.8, and Country station KCYY jumping 5.3 points to 6.6. This is a positive trend for Cox, as it continues to dominate the top three spots in the market. However, iHeartMedia's AC station, Q101.9, has slipped 5.3 points to 5.2, indicating a potential shift in listener preferences.
In Salt Lake City, Bonneville's Classic Rock station, 103.5 The Arrow, has seen a decline of 9.4 points to 8.7, while Capitol Broadcasting's Hot AC station, Now 97.9, has inched up 6.7 points to 6.8. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot. iHeartMedia's Conservative Talk station, 570 KNRS/105.9 KNRS-FM, has also seen a decline, dropping 5.2 points to 4.1.
Orlando's radio market is witnessing a battle for dominance, with iHeartMedia's AC station, Magic 107.7, maintaining its lead despite a drop of 11.0 points to 9.3. Cox's Adult R&B station, Star 94.5, has seen a slight increase of 7.1 points to 7.2. However, Audacy's Classic Hits station, 105.9 Sunny-FM, has fallen 8.2 points to 7.1, indicating a potential shift in listener preferences.
Sacramento's radio scene is also witnessing a shift, with Audacy's Classic Rock station, Eagle 96.9, reclaiming the lead with a 8.2 share, up from its previous 7.3 share. Bonneville's AC station, Mix 96, has dropped 7.6 points to 6.9, while iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, KFBK, has dipped 7.0 points to 6.6. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot.
Las Vegas' radio market is witnessing a battle for dominance, with iHeartMedia's AC station, Sunny 106.5, jumping 5.5 points to 7.2. Audacy's Rhythmic Throwbacks station, Q100.5, has continued its upward trajectory, climbing 5.8 points to 6.6. However, Beasley's Classic Hits station, KKLZ, has slipped 5.8 points to 5.7, indicating a potential shift in listener preferences.
In Pittsburgh, iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 94.5 3WS, has regained the lead with a 10.0 share, up from its previous 10.3 share. Audacy's Sports station, 93.7 The Fan, has dropped 11.2 points to 9.8, while Steel City Media's Variety Hits station, 96.9 Bob-FM, has held its ground with a 9.3 share. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot.
Cincinnati's radio market is witnessing a shift, with Hubbard Country station B105 rising 9.2 points to 9.7, while iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, WLW, has dropped 11.2 points to 9.6. Hubbard Hot AC station Q102 has slipped 7.2 points to 6.0, while Public News/Talk station WVXU has continued its slide, dropping 5.0 points to 4.6. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot.
Kansas City's radio market is witnessing a battle for dominance, with Steel City Media's CHR station, Mix 93.3, inching up 6.6 points to 6.7. Audacy's Rock station, 98.9 The Rock, has seen a slight increase of 4.9 points to 5.0, while Steel City Media's Variety Hits station, 102.1 Bob-FM, has climbed 3.4 points to 5.0. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot.
In Columbus, iHeartMedia's Country station, WCOL, has risen 7.4 points to 7.7, while Saga Classic Rock station WLVQ has climbed 6.1 points to 6.4. iHeart CHR station WNCI has ended its skid with a 5.6 point increase to 6.3, while sister station Classic Hits WODC has rebounded 5.4 points to 6.0. This is a positive trend for iHeartMedia, as it continues to dominate the market.
Finally, Cleveland's radio market is witnessing a shift, with iHeartMedia's News/Talk station, WTAM, maintaining its lead with a 10.2 share. iHeart Classic Hits station WMJI has seen an 8.0 point increase to 8.3, while Audacy's Classic Rock station, WNCX, has inched up 7.3 points to 7.5. This is a subtle shift in the market, with stations vying for the top spot.
