As promised, more fun with Portable People Meter numbers ....

This morning, I made a big hairy deal out of talk stations getting creamed by the new ratings technology. But which talkers are faring well?

I have kind of a high bar here: programs must demonstrate share growth in April and May '09, compared to the April-May-June 2008 ratings book. (Again, "share" is the percentage of radio listeners tuned to any given station or program.)

I'm using the male 25-54 demographic, not because I'm sexist, but because that's the talk-radio sweet spot (FM107 excluded). And I only have breakouts for morning drive (6-10 a.m.) and evening drive (3-7 p.m.).

♦ Two morning drive winners: AM1500 and WCCO, who saw their shares grow 25-40 percent.

AM1500 was the biggest winner; credit Pat Reusse replacing the unlamented Willie and Jay, with a perhaps a hat tip to Prebil & Murphy, who took over the time period's final hour for Bob Davis. However, KSTP-AM's lineup still doesn't consistently crack the top 10.

The morning hires helped overcome evening-drive cratering; overall, AM1500 demonstrated slight all-day share growth in the prime male demo.

If you look at the broader 12-plus demo (male and female), KTLK-FM's morning share nearly doubled — credit right-wingers Chris Baker and, in the final hour, Glenn Beck. Unlike many stations, KTLK's share grew from April to May. Obama outrage?
 
* In afternoon drive, KTLK and WCCO were winners, up around 20 percent. On KTLK, Sean Hannity and Jason Lewis split the time slot. WCCO's gains came under Don Shelby; Michele Tafoya didn't start until June.

* I'm sure some of you are wondering about perennial ratings supremo KQRS. Down a bit in the mornings among listeners 12-plus, but still doubling all but number two WCCO (where it's almost double). Among 25-54-year-old males, KQ trebles runner-up 93X, and it gets even more Lesnar-like from there.

KQ has gained share in afternoon drive, but fallen a titch behind K102 among listeners 12-plus. Bottom line: they're still killers.

Coming next: a look at public radio.