HOT 97 Delivers Highest Adult 18-49 Audience Levels in Station History

MediaCo Holding Inc. announced a historic milestone for its flagship hip hop station, WQHT-FM (HOT 97), which achieved record audience levels among Adults 18-49 during September 2025. This significant accomplishment marked the highest monthly ratings in the station's history, with 17,300 Adult listeners per quarter-hour—a 68% increase compared to September 2024. As a result, HOT 97 ascended from #9 to #4 in the market among 27 reportable stations in New York.

The performance was robust across all major weekday segments. In the Morning Drive slot (6 am–10 am), the station reached 17,000 Adult listeners per quarter-hour, reflecting a 55% year-over-year growth. The Daytime segment (10 am–3 pm) also showed remarkable strength, with a 66% increase compared to the previous year. The Afternoon Drive (3 pm–7 pm) saw HOT 97 rank #3, recording its peak audience of 20,800 Adult listeners per quarter-hour, an impressive 82% growth from September 2024.

Weekend ratings were strong, too, with HOT 97 coming in at #4 among Adults 18-49 from 6 am to midnight, averaging 12,200 listeners per quarter-hour—a 61% increase year-over-year. Over the entire week, the station ranked #3 among Adults 18-49, averaging 14,400 listeners per quarter-hour, underscoring its strong audience performance.

Katrina B, Assistant Program Director of HOT 97, highlighted that these ratings reflect the station’s energy, creativity, and cultural resonance. Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing HOT 97's ongoing influence and relevance in the hip hop landscape.

The recent announcement by MediaCo Holding Inc. regarding HOT 97's record audience levels among Adults 18-49 signals a significant opportunity for both media investors and advertisers. The substantial growth experienced by WQHT-FM, achieving a 68% year-over-year increase, reflects not only the station's cultural relevance but also its ability to engage a crucial demographic.

From a market analysis perspective, HOT 97's rise in ratings—from #9 to #4 among all reportable New York stations—illustrates an aggressive competitiveness in a saturated media landscape. The increase in average quarterly audience levels, particularly during prime listening hours, highlights the station's effective programming and connection to contemporary hip-hop culture. This correlation between audience engagement and advertising potential cannot be underestimated; advertisers targeting the 18-49 demographic may find HOT 97 an attractive platform given its ability to deliver significant reach.

For investors, the growth trajectory shown here could forecast future profitability for MediaCo. The enhanced listener engagement across all dayparts indicates increased advertising revenue potential, as businesses look to capitalize on this newfound access to a desirable audience. Given that HOT 97 is performing well not just in weekdays but also during weekends, the diversified offerings enhance its value proposition.

In conclusion, the robust performance of HOT 97 presents an appealing case for advertisers, while also signaling win potential for investors in MediaCo. Stakeholders should closely monitor the station's programming developments and partnerships as it continues to heighten its influence in the hip-hop music industry, ultimately influencing its financial success. As hip-hop culture continues to thrive, so too does the potential for revenue growth associated with platforms like HOT 97.