We asked the folks at BIA/Kelsey if they would gig deep into their archives to find one of their first Top Billing Radio station lists. It was from 1996 when CBS Sports Talker WFAN lead the field with $45.2 million in revenue. WGN in Chicago was next with $35.8 million. KGO in San Francisco was 3rd at $33 million, followed by WINS in New York at $31.6 million and KRTH in L.A. at $31 million. Here’s a look at the top ten from BIA/Kelsey from 1996.
1996 Top Billing Radio Stations (Source-BIA/Kelsey)
Station Rev (millions) Format
WFAN AM $45,200 Sprts/Talk
WGN AM $35,800 News/Talk
KGO AM $33,000 News/Talk
WINS AM $31,600 News
KRTH FM $31,000 Oldies
WCBS-FM $30,700 Oldies
KVIL-FM $30,600 Lite Rock
WXRK FM $30,500 Alternative
WLTW FM $30,300 Lite AC
KIIS-FM $28,950 Top 40