MediaCo’s HOT 97’s “Mornings with Mero” Rises to #3 in New York

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Key Terms

nielsen ppm technical

Nielsen PPM is a portable electronic device and the measurement system that tracks what radio or TV audiences are actually exposed to by detecting encoded signals in broadcasts; think of it as a wearable diary that logs what people hear or watch. For investors, PPM data shows audience size and listening/viewing habits, which directly influence advertising rates, revenue forecasts and the perceived value of media assets and content strategies.

aqh persons technical

AQH persons is a radio and audio audience metric that measures the average number of people tuned in to a station or program during any 15-minute period. Think of it like counting how many people are in a coffee shop at a typical quarter-hour snapshot; it shows how many listeners are engaged at the same moment. Investors use AQH persons to gauge a broadcaster’s reach and likely advertising revenue, and to compare audience trends across stations or time periods.

02/23/2026 - 02:16 PM

WQHT-FM Posts Strong Year-Over-Year Growth in Key Buying Demos

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) today announced that WQHT-FM (HOT 97) has climbed to #3 among Adults 25–54 and Adults 18–49 in AM Drive (Mon–Fri 6a–10a) in the January 2026 Nielsen PPM ratings book (New York Metro).

According to Nielsen:

Adults 25–54: Ranked #3 in market; AQH Persons increased +18.5% year-over-year (19,900 vs. 16,800 in January 2025)
Adults 18–49: Ranked #3 in market; AQH Persons increased +30.7% year-over-year (19,600 vs. 15,000 in January 2025)

WQHT’s morning drive delivered meaningful year-over-year audience gains in both key buying demos, strengthening its competitive position in New York radio. During a period when overall market listening declined, HOT 97 posted solid growth and moved into the top tier of ranked stations.

“These results demonstrate the continued power of culturally relevant, live morning programming,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo. “Climbing to #3 in both Adults 25–54 and Adults 18–49 reflects the momentum behind Mornings with Mero and our ability to engage audiences where it matters most.”

Maire Mason, Vice President and General Manager of Local Markets, added: “New York is the most competitive radio market in the country. Achieving top-three rank in both major buying demos underscores the strength of the HOT 97 brand and our commitment to delivering consistent audience growth.”

Katrina B, Assistant Program Director of HOT 97, commented: “We’re focused on building connection and consistency every single morning. The audience response and growth we’re seeing is a direct reflection of that work.”

As New York’s premier hip hop station, HOT 97 continues to deliver influential, culturally driven programming that resonates with listeners and advertisers alike.

About MediaCo

MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences nationwide. Its powerhouse brands—including HOT 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles, and the Don Cheto Radio Network—reach more than 20 million people each month across television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. Its Sigma Audio Networks LLC, a groundbreaking national multicultural audio network, is modernizing how advertisers reach America’s growing multicultural audiences. Learn more at https://mediaco.now.