HOT 97's Morning Show Climbs to #3 in New York Amid Market Decline

Event summary

  • MediaCo’s HOT 97 (WQHT-FM) rose to #3 in AM drive ratings for Adults 25–54 and 18–49 in January 2026 Nielsen PPM data.
  • AQH Persons increased +18.5% YoY for Adults 25–54 (19,900 vs. 16,800) and +30.7% YoY for Adults 18–49 (19,600 vs. 15,000).
  • Growth occurred despite an overall decline in New York radio market listening.
  • The 'Mornings with Mero' show drove the gains in competitive NYC radio landscape.

The big picture

HOT 97’s rise reflects the enduring value of live, culturally relevant programming in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. The gains come as traditional radio faces declining overall listenership, highlighting the station’s ability to engage key demographics. MediaCo’s focus on multicultural audiences positions it well in a market where demographic shifts are reshaping media consumption patterns.

What we're watching

Sustainability of Growth
Whether HOT 97 can maintain its upward trajectory amid broader industry challenges.
Advertiser Appeal
How the #3 ranking will impact ad revenue and partnerships in a competitive market.
Programming Strategy
The pace at which MediaCo scales this success to other markets or formats.