Rating Miller.

WYD Media Management LLC has consolidated its ownership position in Stephanie Miller's Los Angeles-based progressive talk show by acquiring a stake previously held by Democracy Radio.

WYD, based in Westport, Conn. now controls the 14-month-old radio program heard on nearly 40 stations, including 10 of the nation's top 20 markets, according Henry Kavett, a spokesman for WYD.

Founded last year by radio executive Ron Hartenbaum, WYD plans to more heavily promote the show in each of its markets, as well as to continue to expand venues beyond over-the-air broadcasts. Listeners can subscribe to podcasts of the three-hour show for around $60 a year, as well as listen live via the Internet or Sirius satellite radio.

In Los Angeles, Miller has tripled the morning drive-time ratings at KTLK-AM (1150) since the station added her show in May. "We basically give KTLK a live national drive time show that feels like an L.A. show since Steph has lived there for years and is known in that market," Kavett said.

Daughter of William E. Miller, Republican Barry Goldwater's running mate in 1964, Miller's previous L.A. radio experience includes evening talk show stints at KFI-AM (640) and KABC-AM (790). The morning show includes a snarky Hollywood segment called "Tinsel Talk," in addition to political commentary and parody.

"I'm really more of a comedienne than a political commentator, and I think that's why I get conservatives listening to me too," Miller said. "If I could count the calls I get that start, 'I don't agree with a thing you said, but you're funny as hell ..."

After airing the show, KTLK, which had been repeating Air America's "Morning Sedition," saw a noticeable jump in Arbitron ratings. Among adults in the 25-54 age range, the show registered 0.7 in the Summer 2005 ratings period, compared with from 0.1 in Winter 2005 period.

Orange County staff reporter Michael Lyster contributed to this column. Staff reporter Deborah Crowe can be reached at [phone], ext. 232, or at [e-mail].