The latest Nielsen Audio PPM ratings for the period of May 28th to June 24th, 2026, reveal some interesting trends and shifts in the radio landscape. Here's a breakdown of the key findings, with a focus on the continued rise of WXRV in Boston, the dominance of iHeartMedia in various markets, and the impact of the Cumulus Media-Nielsen lawsuit.
Boston's Rising Star: WXRV
One of the most notable stories comes from Boston, where Northeast Digital & Wireless AAA station WXRV continues to set new station record highs. With a 3.8-4.3-4.8 share, it's clear that WXRV is on a winning streak. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the competition in the Boston market. What makes this particularly fascinating is the station's ability to consistently grow its audience, even in the face of established competitors.
iHeartMedia's Dominance
IHeartMedia is a force to be reckoned with across multiple markets. In Miami/Fort Lauderdale, they hold the lead with their bilingual AC station, Magic 93.9. Similarly, in San Diego, iHeartMedia's Sunny 98.1 maintains its lead. The company's dominance is further evident in Denver, where they have multiple stations in the top spots, including KOSI and KTCL.
The Cumulus Media-Nielsen Lawsuit
The ongoing lawsuit between Cumulus Media and Nielsen has had a significant impact on the ratings. As a result, Cumulus Media's stations are no longer publicly listed in the ratings. This means that we can no longer track their performance directly. However, it's worth noting that the lawsuit has likely affected the overall ratings landscape, as Cumulus Media is a major player in the industry.
Local Favorites and Community Engagement
In markets like Washington DC, Boston, and San Diego, local stations continue to thrive. For example, in Washington DC, Public News/Talk station WAMU expands its lead, while in San Diego, Audacy's Sunny 98.1 maintains its dominance. These stations often cater to specific community needs and interests, which is a key factor in their success.
The Power of Sports and News
Sports and news programming continue to be popular across various markets. In Detroit, sports station 97.1 The Ticket maintains its lead, while in St. Louis, Audacy's News/Talk station KMOX continues to rise. These stations provide real-time information and entertainment, which is crucial in today's fast-paced world.
Conclusion
The Nielsen Audio PPM ratings offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of radio. With WXRV's continued success in Boston, iHeartMedia's dominance across multiple markets, and the impact of the Cumulus Media-Nielsen lawsuit, the radio industry is far from static. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and how stations adapt to changing listener preferences.
