Hubbard’s all-news WTOP in Washington, D.C. was the top-billing radio station in 2013, according to BIA/Kelsey. Excluding digital revenue, WTOP took in $63.5 million in 2013, $1.1 million less than 2012, but still enough to beat out the second-highest biller, Clear Channel’s KIIS-FM in Los Angeles ($61.6 million). KIIS-FM had a very nice 2013, adding $4.8 million in billing over 2012.
Rounding out the top 10 billers, according to the new BIA report were: WHTZ-FM in New York (Clear Channel) at #3 with $51 million, WCBS-AM in New York (CBS) came in at #4 at $50.5 million, WLTW in New York (Clear Channel) was 5th with $45.5 million, WINS-AM in New York (CBS) was 6th at $45 million, Clear Channel’s KBIG-FM in L.A. jumped from #13 in 2012 to #7 in 2013 with $44.5 million, WFAN-AM in New York (CBS) was #8 at $43 million, at #9, KROQ-FM in L.A. (CBS) with $42.8 million, and at #10 WBBM in Chicago (CBS) with $42 million.
BIA Kelsey released the numbers last night in its first edition of the BIA/Kelsey Investing in Radio Market Report. BIA/Kelsey Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Mark Fratrik said, “WTOP is morphing into a digital media company by providing access to its audience in many different ways beyond over-the-air. Their approach is serving them well and their model demonstrates that as the industry continues to adopt a multi-platform approach, it will engage audiences and sustain growth.
