I think the sample size in embedded markets around NYC is small. Ratings for Middlesex-Somerset-Union (Market #41), Monmouth-Ocean (#54), Hudson Valley (#42), etc. are all over the place. It is also determined by whether an owner buys the ratings service in each sub-market.
In the Monmouth-Ocean market WINS-AM-FM is not seen. Why would NYC's top station in the latest ratings have no listeners in this suburb? Same for Hudson Valley. Same for WFAN and WCBS-FM. It seems Audacy doesn't pay for those ratings. But iHeart stations such as WLTW, WHTZ and WAXQ are seen.
I guess Audacy does pay for Middlesex-Somerset-Union even if it skips those other embedded markets. Another reason WXBK is so high in Middlesex-Somerset-Union is that its tower is about 15-20 miles west of Manhattan in New Jersey. So it has a bit better signal west of NYC than in other suburbs.