Monday, July 16, 2018

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Has ‘Serious Concerns’ About Tribune/Sinclair Merger.  Releasing a statement today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai says he’s sharing with fellow commissioners a “draft order that would designate issues involving certain proposed divestitures for a hearing in front of an administrative judge.”  Pai’s sticking point is an aspect of the proposed merger that would allow Sinclair to control stations it doesn’t technically own.  “When the FCC confronts disputed issues like these, the Communications Act does not allow it to approve a transaction.”  The proposed sale of Tribune Broadcasting’s assets to Sinclair Broadcast Group includes Tribune’s lone radio property – news/talk WGN-AM, Chicago.  Sinclair currently owns three other radio stations in the Seattle market: news/talk KVI, all-news KOMO-AM/FM, and hot AC KPLZ.  Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy comments on Pai’s decision, saying, “I applaud Chairman Pai’s decision today to designate the Sinclair-Tribune transaction for further review and hearings.  Clearly this decision is based on the facts and law — specifically that Sinclair has not complied with requirements set forth by the FCC to promote diversity, localism and competition.  After a lengthy and fair process, Chairman Pai acted in a non-partisan manner in making this decision – a marked departure from the Commission’s partisan actions during the Obama administration.

iHeartMedia Elevates Four to Division Presidents. Four iHeartMedia region presidents are being promoted to division presidents of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.  Linda Byrd, Scott Hopeck, Brian Olson, and Jeff Tyler are expanding their current region president roles to include division president responsibilities — joining current division presidents Kevin LeGrett and Tom McConnell — and will report to Greg Ashlock, president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

ESPN Extends Contract with Paul Finebaum. Sports media personality Paul Finebaum and ESPN announce they’ve inked a new multi-year contract that will keep Finebaum with ESPN and SEC Network.  Finebaum will continue to host his eponymous radio program and continue to serve as an analyst on “SEC Nation.”  Finebaum comments, “I’m thrilled to be a member of the ESPN family and look forward to continuing our show on SEC Network.  I consider myself incredibly blessed to do this every day and I’d like to thank everyone at ESPN, as well as all of our loyal listeners and viewers, for their support.”  Finebaum is also featured on a variety of additional ESPN programming, including “Get Up!,” “First Take,” “SportsCenter,” “College Football Live,” “Finebaum Film Room” and “College GameDay.”

Boomer Esiason Leaves Westwood One ‘Monday Night Football’ Radio Booth. No one can accuse Boomer Esiason of being a slacker.  His numerous media gigs make him one of the busiest sports media figures working today.  But now, he’s saying ‘good-bye’ to one of the roles he’s held for the past 18 years – color analyst for Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football” radio broadcasts.  Esiason also co-hosts the WFAN-AM/FM, New York morning show with Gregg Gionnatti; he’s a lead studio analyst for CBS Television’s pregame, halftime and post-game program, “The NFL Today”; and is a member of Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” team.  Esiason says, “It has been an honor to be a member of the Westwood One NFL broadcast team for the last 18 years.  I am proud to have delivered the calls for some of the most iconic Monday Night and Super Bowl moments in the history of the NFL.  With my continuing busy schedule during the NFL season, including my daily NYC-based morning drive radio show, ‘The NFL Today’ and ‘Inside the NFL,’ I thought the timing was right for me to step away.  I would like to thank my broadcast partners in the booth who have made the job enjoyable and fulfilling.  Also, I would like to thank Westwood One’s senior management and sales force, who, over the years, were instrumental in providing on-air support for the Boomer Esiason Foundation.”

Forbes: Hannity’s Rise ‘Inextricably Tied’ to Trump Friendship. In a piece in Forbes written by Hayley Cuccinello, some experts are quoted saying that Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel star Sean Hannity’s “rise is inextricably tied to his close friendship and access to President Donald Trump.”  The piece goes on to note that Hannity is the only cable news/talk host to make the Forbes world’s 100 highest-paid celebrities list this year.   TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison is also quoted in the piece explaining Sean Hannity’s eclipsing fellow Premiere Networks star Rush Limbaugh on TALKERS’ 2018 Heavy Hundred list of the most important radio talk show hosts.  Harrison says, “Sean Hannity’s prominence as a news-making, frontline player in presidential politics, coupled with being a double threat as a radio and TV star, rank him this past year as one of, if not the, most influential radio and TV talk show hosts of all time.”  Harrison adds in a statement to the TALKERS editors, “It is important to point out that even before Trump came on the scene as a political player, Hannity was a major force in talk media nipping at the heels of Rush for years.”  See the Forbes piece here.

Third Annual Hubbard Radio Talent Institute Gets Underway at Central Washington U. The third annual Hubbard Radio Talent Institute begins this afternoon on the campus of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington with Hubbard chair and CEO Ginny Morris.  She says, “Compelling and relatable on-air talent is what separates local radio from all other audio entertainment services.  Our investment in the National Radio Talent System at Central Washington University is an extension of Hubbard Radio’s commitment to do our part to nurture and grow the talent pipeline for the industry.  We are proud to partner with Dan Vallie and his team in this important initiative.”  Hubbard president of radio Drew Horowitz, Hubbard Seattle VP/market manager Marc Kaye, and more than 35 other radio pros from Hubbard, Entercom, Bonneville, Townsquare, Alpha Media, the Seattle Seahawks and others will lead sessions during the 10-day institute.  The Hubbard Radio Talent Institute at Central Washington is the sixth institute of the summer and will be followed by the KBA Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute in Kentucky and the MBA Radio Talent Institute at Northwest Missouri State.

TALKERS Continues Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – Today’s Post: Panel Discussion, “Talk Media: The Big Picture.”  Today (7/16), TALKERS magazine continues posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8.  Each business day, another session or activity will be posted in the order that they originally took place.  Today’s 14th installment is the panel discussion titled, “Talk Media: The Big Picture.”  It is moderated by ABC News Radio VP/GM, Steve Jones; introduced by “The Cats Roundtable” host, John Catsimatidis; and featuring panelists iHeartMedia SVP news/talk/sports programming Chris Berry; Beasley Media Group EVP programming, Justin Chase; Weiss Agency EVP, Heather Cohen; Cumulus Media EVP content & programming Mike McVay; and Premiere Networks president, Julie Talbott.  Already posted: the panel discussion titled “Hosting a Talk Show in 2018.”  It is moderated by Cumulus Media VP of news/talk and PD of WMAL, Washington, DC, Bill Hess; introduced by iHeartMedia VP programming/national news/talk brand coordinator and PD KOA, Denver, Greg Foster; and featuring panelists Howie Carr Radio Network host, Howie Carr; WPGG, Atlantic City host, Harry Hurley; Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel host, Brian Kilmeade; Westwood One host Chris Plante; Talk Media Network host Tom Sullivan; WPRO, Providence host, Dan Yorke; and KTSA, San Antonio host, Jack Riccardi; the panel discussion titled “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio.”  It is moderated by Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; introduced by WPHT, Philadelphia host Rich Zeoli; and featuring panelists Armstrong & Getty Show co-hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty; WRKO, Boston PD, Michael Czarnecki; WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University OM, John T. Mullen; WABC, New York host Sid Rosenberg; and Compass MediaNetworks/Newsmax host, Todd Schnitt;  a video of the donation given by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley to the Broadcasters Foundation of America and accepted by its president Jim Thompson;  convention luncheon greetings by WNYM “970 AM The Answer,” New York morning host Joe Piscopo with an introduction by Salem SVP Phil Boyce along with the posthumous presentation of the “Humanitarian of the Year” award to the late Texas and Ohio radio talk show host Matt Patrick by Michael Harrison with an acceptance by his widow and show producer, Paula Ryan;  the panel discussion titled “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” moderated by Livestream head of news, Clayton Rose and featuring panelists Krantz Media Group CEO, Gary Krantz and KTRS, St Louis host, McGraw Milhaven; the panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2018” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey; introduced by Crossover Media Group managing member, Ron Hartenbaum; and featuring panelists Asa RX host, Asa; Bold Gold Media Group CEO, Vince Benedetto; Howie Carr Radio Network president, Kathy Carr; Westwood One president, Suzanne Grimes; WBAL, Baltimore president/GM, Cary Pahigian; and KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz owner, Michael Zwerling;  the special presentation by Amplifi Media CEO, Steven Goldstein titled “Radio Broadcasters and Smart Speakers with an introduction by GCN personality, Dr. Daliah Wachs ;  a special presentation by PodcastOne chairman and CEO, Norm Pattiz titled “Radio Broadcasters and Podcasting” with an introduction by Voice of America and National Public Radio anchor/reporter, Lori Lundin;  a special presentation by WFAN personality, Mike Francesa titled “Sports Talk’s Role in Media and Popular Culture” with an introduction by author and former radio producer, Bernadette Duncan;  Salem SVP, Phil Boyce’s address titled “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio?”; the fireside chat between TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison and Beasley Media Group CEO, Caroline Beasley including Harrison’s presentation of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award to Beasley; Harrison’s fireside chat with FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel mega-star, Brian Kilmeade with an introduction by Westwood One syndicated host, Walter Sterling and special remarks by Sean Hannity; opening remarks by the convention’s co-emcees, TalkersRadio GM, David Bernstein and Good Day Networks/DJV Show CEO/host, Doug Stephan; KGO, San Francisco host, Ethan Bearman delivering the event’s welcoming remarks and Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host, Brad Shepard introduction of Bearman; and the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor, Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter.  To view the page, please click here.

Trump-Putin Meeting, Trump-Russia Investigation/Indictments, NATO Meeting Aftermath, Trump Flouts Royalty Protocol, Illegal Immigration Policy, U.S.-China Trade War, Chicago Police Shooting Protests/KC Cop Attacks, Brexit Controversy, France Wins World Cup, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Today’s meeting between President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the ongoing investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents and Friday’s indictment of 12 Russians on hacking charges; President Trump’s meeting with NATO leaders and his statement that the European Union is America’s foe; chatter about Trump’s failure to observe royalty protocol when meeting Queen Elizabeth; the Trump administration’s illegal immigration and asylum policies; the trade war brewing between the U.S. and China; protests in Chicago after police kill an armed black man and the attack in Kansas City that wounded three police officers; British Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU exit woes; France wins the World Cup; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Hubbard’s Triple A WWFD, Frederick, Maryland First Full-Time, All-Digital AM Station. Frederick, Maryland triple A WWFD-AM “The Gamut” (also heard on translator W232DG at 94.3 FM) is making history as the “first full-time, all-digital AM radio station in the U.S.” Hubbard Radio says, “In an effort to keep up with the ever-evolving demand for digital, ‘The Gamut’ will be turning off its analog signal and will no longer be accessible through regular AM radio beginning today (7/16) at 12:00 noon.  This announcement comes as a result of a collaborative effort between ‘The Gamut’ and HD Radio, an Xperi Corporation brand, to give AM broadcasters parity in the car dashboard with FM HD Radio, satellite and internet streaming, among others.”  The conversion to all-digital is primarily expected to provide listeners with better sound quality and include new display features such as artist name, song title and even album artwork.  WWFD engineer and program director Dave Kolesar states, “My belief is that AM needs to start trending in this direction. We’re excited to be doing this extremely innovative project that has tremendous potential to make AM much more viable to distribute all formats.”

Indianapolis Radio Personality Bernie Eagan Retires. WYXB, Indianapolis afternoon personality Bernie Eagan is retiring from the business on July 20 after almost four decades on the radio.  Eagan – who is blind – got his start on radio while in college at the former Indiana Central College.  He studied broadcasting at Ball State and joined Emmis’ WENS, Indianapolis “Lite Rock 97.1” in 1981.  In 2002, he became morning host on Emmis’ adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B105.7,” and later transitioned to afternoons.  Eagan was recently selected by the Indiana Broadcasters Association to be inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame. He will receive that honor this November.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. New York hot AC WNEW-FM re-brands from the “Fresh 102.7” moniker to “NEW 102.7.”  Entercom New York region president and market manager Susan Larkin states, “This is an exciting move that underscores our commitment to offer listeners in New York a top-rated content and music experience.  Feedback tells us that New Yorkers are looking for a hot AC station that can take them through their workday and we know ‘NEW 102.7’ will deliver.” Additional announcements regarding the new programming lineup will be made shortly…..After cutting loose longtime syndicated morning show “Bubba The Love Sponge” from rock WRXK, Fort Myers, Beasley Media Group announces it is piping in the “Dave & Chuck the Freak Morning Show” that emanates from its Detroit classic rock WRIF.   Beasley EVP of programming Justin Chase states, “We are pleased to have some of the finest personalities in the rock format within our company and Dave and Chuck are among the best of the best.  The type of content that they deliver has proven success in this market and I have no doubt this show will be a winner in Fort Myers.”…..Saga Communications classic hits KIOA, Des Moines announces Luke Matthews is the new morning drive co-host, alongside Amy on the “Luke & Amy” show. Matthews takes over for Maxwell Schaffer, who recently departed to take on the director of promotions and marketing at iHeartMedia’s Des Moines station group.

Round Four of June PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s June 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s June 2018 survey period covered May 24 – June 20. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – It is a quick one-month stay at #1 for University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talker KUT (8.2 – 7.8, -.4, 6+), which shifts to the runner-up slot. May’s 8.2 is its highest 6+-share since 9.0 in November 2016. A combined +1.0 in January and February (6.5 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+), KUT previously was -1.4 as the result of three straight decreases (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Its November loss of three-tenths ended three successive gains that netted +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+). Off one-half share in April but up one-tenth in May, Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” now falters by four-tenths in June (4.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), exiting the top ten (#10 to #11). Three straight increases by KLBJ-AM prior to April’s -.5 resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+). Immediately in advance of that streak, “News Radio 590 AM” was -1.3 in four straight decreases (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). A one-tenth gain in May by Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -.3 (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Now, “The Horn” adds one-half share (1.8 – 2.3, #18 to #16, 6+). Anchored at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” posts a +.2 to .5 (6+), suspending four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3, 6+).

Austin Music Formats – On top four months in a row, Emmis adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob FM” plummeted -1.4 in May (8.9 – 7.5, 6+), segueing to #2. Wiping away nearly half of May’s deficit, “Bob” – which was +1.0 in April – posts a June improvement of six-tenths to 8.1 (6+) and returns to #1. A November gain of one-half share halted three successive down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). Prior to picking up one-tenth in March (2018), “Bob” was -.6 (February); +1.7 (January); and -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017). In addition to moving from sixth to fifth, Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” is up for the third straight time for a collective +1.1 (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat (5.8) in nearly seven years (6.1, August 2011). Off one-half share in May, iHeartMedia-owned KASE erases that loss completely with June’s +.5 (5.6 – 5.1 – 5.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). Immediately before May’s one-half share decline, “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was +1.7 in four straight upticks (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). When KASE racked up a +.7 in January, it ended three consecutive decreases for an overall -1.2 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+). It now trails co-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-FM “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original” (6.1 – 6.0, -.1, third to fourth, 6+) by four-tenths. April’s +1.1 enabled KVET-FM to notch its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2; “The Austin Texas Original” was -.9 in February. KVET-FM and KASE were tied for fifth place in March (5.3, 6+). Meanwhile, Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” is down slightly in back-to-back sweeps (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, #21 to #22, 6+). Locked on 1.8 (6+) in March and April, University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” improves by a cumulative six-tenths in May and June to 2.4 (#17 to #14, 6+). At the same time that Emmis regional Mexican KLZT-FM “La Z 107.1” falters by one full-share following a May increase of six-tenths (5.3 – 4.3, fifth to ninth, 6+), co-owned Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 returns in its entirety the six-tenths it picked up in May (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, #12 to #13, 6+). The 5.3 for KLZT-FM in May is its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 5.4.

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Powered by a robust +.9 (7.8 – 8.7, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC progresses from third to first; “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” was -1.0 in April. January 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-share since January 2014’s 9.4. WUNC fell to third-place in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months in the runner-up slot. In addition to dropping from seventh to eighth, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” is down (slightly) or flat for the third time in a row for a -.3 (5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). An April loss of two-tenths curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). Just before that, WTKK was -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+). After four successive times of posting a 1.0 (6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF gains two-tenths to 1.2 (6+) yet backslides from #18 to #19. Ironically, prior to May, “News Radio 680” occupied the #19 slot for nine straight sweeps. The rollercoaster ride continues for Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan,” which was -1.3 in January; +.5 in March; -.5 in April; +.5 in May; and now -1.3 in June (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 2.6, #11 to #14, 6+). This (2.6) is its softest 6+-stat since July 2017’s 2.4. Following eight straight up or flat moves that produced an overall +.3 (.2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+), co-owned sports talk WDNC “620 The Ticket” was off four-tenths in May to .1 (#25, 6+) and now disappears from print.

Raleigh Music Formats – Three major improvements in a row by Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL (5.1 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 7.7, March – April – May – June, 6+) net a collective +2.6, propelling “Mix 101.5” from fifth to third with its strongest 6+-showing (7.7) since 10.4 in “Holiday” 2017. This streak was immediately preceded by three negative moves in succession that accounted for a roughly 50% decline (-5.3) in its 6+-share (10.4 – 6.1 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+). With its 6+ AQH share cut exactly in half as a result of four straight negative moves (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.0, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” bounces back with a +.6 to 1.6 (#19 to #17, 6+). Knocked out of the top spot following 12 straight months there and slipping to second is Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” (9.3 – 8.4, -.9, 6+). Its +.4 in May pulled the plug on three dips in a row that accounted for a combined -1.8 (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 8.9, 6+). This past January’s 10.7 is its best-ever (6+) PPM stat. Immediately prior to February, “Foxy” was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive gains (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+). Its loss of one-half share last October halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). Within 6.0 – 6.7 range (6+) in each of the last five survey periods (6.0 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WDCG  drops six-tenths to 5.7, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 5.3, but “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” remains at #6.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – The market’s largest (6+) May 2018 – June 2018 increase is made by Emmis news/talk WIBC (5.6 – 6.7, +1.1, 6+), which jumps from seventh to fourth. Prior to May’s -.3, “93.1 Indy’s News Center” was a combined +2.5 via four straight positive spikes (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), preceded by an overall -1.8 in four straight downward moves (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Having forfeited seven-tenths in April, Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI erases it with a combined +.7 in May and June (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3, #13 to #14, 6+); WFYI was +1.1 in January. Frozen on 2.3 in March, April, and May, Emmis-owned sports talk WFNI is off one-tenth to 2.2 (flat at #16, 6+); “The Fan” was stymied at 2.1 (6+) in January and February. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is without an increase for the third time in succession for a loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, #17 to #18, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – A collective -2.3 as the result of three downward trends in succession (5.4 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+), WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” hangs out a +.6 to 3.7 (6+) but remains at #13. The Radio One CHR was a combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+). Its rhythmic CHR sibling WHHH “Hot 96.3” advances from eighth to seventh with its third consecutive increase for a collective +.9 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+). Notching May 2018 – June 2018 increases of one-half share as well are Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” (6.6, sixth to fifth, 6+), which was a combined -1.3 in April and May (7.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 6+), and Cumulus Media’s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” (6.8 – 7.3, fourth to second, 6+). Winning ways continue for co-owned WFMS, which is not only #1 for the third month in a row but “95.5 The Country Station” is an overall +2.3 in four straight upticks (5.9 – 6.2 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Prior to April, the last time WFMS reached #1 was November 2013; June 2018’s 8.2 is its highest 6+-stat since 8.3 in October 2013. WFMS was -.9 (July 2017); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); +1.0 in April; and +.5 in May. Meanwhile, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM,” which was +1.6 in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), spirals by nine-tenths to 6.2 (second to sixth, 6+). On the strength of a +.7 in January, “Hank” ended three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+). May 2018’s 7.1 is the strongest 6+-showing for WLHK since 7.6 in September 2015. Including June’s -1.1, Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL – Indy’s #1 Hit Music Station” is now an overall -2.0 via three straight negative moves (7.5 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 5.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). After trending 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 (March – April – May, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WOLT “Alt 103.3 – Indy’s Alternative” sputters by seven-tenths to 3.8 (its lowest 6+-share since May 2017’s 3.8) but stays at #11. Substituting May’s +.6 with a June -.6, Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday” carries on at #9. Its gain of six-tenths this time last month halted three downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.2 (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Displaying an identical May 2018 – June 2018 profile as “The Mix” is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (4.9 – 4.3, -.6, flat at #9, 6+), which has its lowest 6+-stat since re-appearing in print in December 2016. In four downward trends in a row, Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” is -1.4 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+) but actually improves from #12 to #11 – where it is tied with WOLT.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – At the same time that Scripps news/talk (and Milwaukee Brewers flagship) WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” virtually eliminates May’s -.6 with a +.5 (7.3 – 7.8, third to second, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WISN “News/Talk 1130” surrenders eight-tenths of May’s +.9 (7.7 – 6.9, second to fourth, 6+). In April (2018), WTMJ matched February’s +.9. Before that particular February gain, “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was without an increase the previous four sweeps for a -2.0 (7.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). With downward trends in three straight sweeps (8.4 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 6.8, January through April, 6+), WISN was an overall –1.6. Finishing second in six successive survey periods, “News/Talk 1130,” which was a combined -.9 in February and March, fell to fourth in April; it was +1.0 in January. When WISN dropped one-half share in “Holiday” 2017, it ended five straight gains that yielded a +1.9 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to January, the last time it reached the eight-share level (6+) was just over five years ago (8.1, April 2013). An overall +.8 in five sweeps in a row without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), WUWM has a one-tenth setback to 2.7 (6+) yet climbs from #15 to #13; the University of Wisconsin news/talk outlet is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 14^th consecutive sweep. The March 2018 – June 2018 topline trending for Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” is 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 (#16 to #17, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Significant ups/downs continue for Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock,” which was -.9 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2008); -.9 (February); +1.1 (March); -.5 (April); -.5 (May); and now +.9 in June (6.4 – 7.3, fourth to third, 6+). “Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was an overall +3.0 in four consecutive August through December increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.6, 6+). A May uptick of three-tenths by Entercom hot AC WMYX halted five successive sweeps without an increase which accounted for a -1.2 (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+). By adding one-half share (4.8 – 5.3, 6+), “99.1 The Mix” climbs from seventh to sixth. April’s 4.5 marked the first time “Mix” slipped below a five-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.9. In addition to being +1.7 in four straight increases (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 40^th consecutive ratings period. Prior to January 2018, “Big FM” had been in double-digits (6+) in six of the previous 12 ratings periods; 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 14.4 in “Holiday” 2015. A cumulative +2.5 in five straight increases (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), co-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” forfeits 40% of that increase (5.1, -1.0, 6+), dropping from fifth to seventh. In advance of registering a +.9 in January, “FM 106.1” was a combined -3.2 in five successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Eight-tenths behind it is format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” which loses one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). Its +.6 in February interrupted six successive down or flat survey periods for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately prior to that trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Having recorded a +.7 in April and then a -.1 in May (1.9 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” (#15 to #20, 6+) spirals by -1.6 to .9, its lowest 6+-performance since October 2017’s .8. In five consecutive losses, Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX  is -3.5 (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, #13 to #12, 6+); “104.5 The Zone” followed “Holiday” 2017’s loss of six-tenths with a January gain of nine-tenths. Anchored at #9, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is a combined -.5 in four straight sweeps without an increase, (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). January’s full-share gain ended three decreases in succession that resulted in a -2.4 (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). WPLN-FM was +1.2 in October to 6.4, its best 6+-share in the PPM-era. For the third straight sweep, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN has a (6+) fluctuation of two-tenths (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+) with “Super Talk 99.7” remaining at #11. January’s half-share improvement halted three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). With a (6+) high of 1.4 and low of .9, the topline May 2017 – June 2018 trending for iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” is 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 (#19 to #11, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Roaring back from May’s -.5 with a gain twice that margin (8.2 – 9.2, +1.0, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA  is #1 for the fifth month in a row. “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” ranked first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February. Prior to January’s -6.7, “Mix” was +8.0 in six straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9 – 14.4, 6+). Adult hits cluster-mate WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM Playing What We Want,” which had been (slightly) down or flat the past four ratings periods for an overall loss of six-tenths (7.4 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+), dials up a one-half share gain to 7.3 (6+) and continues in third-place. Adding seven-tenths to May’s +.4 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+) Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” advances from eighth to fifth. “Nash Icon” faltered by one-half share in April following March’s -.3; a January and February +1.9 (4.2 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+) wiped out its -1.7 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.2, 6+). Off a collective -1.5 (5.0 – 4.7 – 3.5, January – February – March, 6+) and then stuck on 4.0 (6+) in April and May, similarly-formatted sibling WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” breaks out a +.6 to 4.6 and remains at #10. Immediately in advance of the aforementioned -1.5, “Nash Icon” was an overall +1.8 via four straight gains (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+). A loss of three-tenths by iHeartMedia’s WSIX (5.9 – 5.6, 6+) shifts “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” from sixth to seventh. “The Big 98” registered a +.6 in February, -.5 in March, and +.6 in April. Its +1.1 in January ended three straight setbacks that accounted for a -1.4 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+). The market’s two mainstream CHRs are a combined -1.1 (May 2018 – June 2018, 6+) as iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” erodes by seven-tenths (5.9 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+), while Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” drops four-tenths (2.6 – 2.2, #14 to #15, 6+). WRVW and WNFN were a cumulative -1.4 in April and teamed for a +.5 in May. By dropping one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz – Nashville’s Rock Station” slips from #11 to #12. Four successive up or flat trends by co-owned WQZQ more than doubled (+.7) its 6+-share, but “Classic Hits 93.3” (.5 – .6 – .7 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), hands over-one-tenth to 1.1 (6+) yet proceeds from #18 to a four-way tie at #16; May’s 1.2 is its best 6+-stat since November 2017 (1.2, as well). Also included in that logjam at #16 is TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL, which is off three-tenths to 1.1 (#17 to #16, 6+). Having reached the top twenty for the first time in March, “Activa” concludes three straight up or flat moves that produced a 6+ AQH stat seven times greater than it was in February (.2 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit that it remains at #7, Entercom sports talk WVEI posts its third positive spike in succession for a collective +1.2 (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+). Leading up to the February sweep, the Boston Red Sox Radio Network affiliate was an overall +1.8 via three consecutive up or flat trends (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 5.0, 6+) but then was a cumulative -2.2 in February and March (5.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+). One-tenth behind is Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” (flat at 3.9, seventh to eighth, 6+). May’s setback of eight-tenths essentially negated the eight-tenths it collected via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). When WPRO-AM lost one-tenth in January, it curtailed four straight upward moves of two-tenths each for a collective +.8 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). The January 2018 – June 2018 (6+) topline for co-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” is a steady .4 – .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .6 (unchanged at #15). Down an overall seven-tenths in four straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ slips from #12 to #13; “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” gained six-tenths in February. Off one-tenth (2.2 – 2.1, 6+), The Wheeler School’s WELH is unchanged in its market rank (#10); WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH falters by three-tenths (2.2 – 1.9, #11, 6+); these two public news/talk facilities were tied in May at #10. Immediately prior to the May sweep, WELH and WGBH finished back-to-back four straight times.

Providence Music Formats – Owing to six straight sweeps without a decrease (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 8.8 – 9.8, third to second, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +2.6. Moreover, this (9.8) is its strongest 6+-performance in three years (9.9, June 2015). Tacking on nine-tenths to May’s increase of eight-tenths (8.6 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” repeats at #1. This (10.3) is the highest 6+-stat for “Lite” since 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to this past October, “Lite Rock” (-1.1 in March) was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+). Erasing May’s -.4 with an increase twice that margin, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY (9.0 – 9.8, +.8, 6+) remains at #2, where it is tied with WCTK. On top in March and April, “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” slipped to the runner-up slot in May. June 2018’s 9.8 is its best 6+-stat since January 2012’s 10.0. Following three upticks in a row that netted seven-tenths (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” erodes by -1.2 to 4.2 but continues in sixth-place. In three straight monthlies without an increase (2.8 – 2.3 – 1.4 – 1.4, #13 to #12, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB loses exactly half its 6+-share (-1.4); “Latina 100.3” was a cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018.

Norfolk – Huge winning ways continue for Entercom urban AC WVKL which is #1 for the 19^th time in a row and a collective +2.2 in three straight increases (12.1 – 12.3 – 13.2 – 14.3, 6+). Moreover, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 27^th time in the last 28 sweeps. When it logged a 14.6 in November 2017, WVKL set the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, breaking the old mark of 14.3 (6+) it set two months earlier. Before slipping by one-half share in October, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” – which earlier was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods – posted three straight improvements accounting for a +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2, 6+). Having faltered by three-tenths May, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT displays an increase twice that size (1.9 – 2.5, +.6, 6+) and is anchored at #8. In five successive (slightly) up or flat trends, “92.1 The Beat” gained three-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Bouncing back from May’s -1.1, Entercom adult contemporary WWDE logs a one-half share increase (5.0 – 5.5, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Just prior to May’s loss, “101.3 2WD” strung together three upticks in succession that generated a +1.8 (4.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+). Three straight declines by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI accounted for a –1.3 (8.6 – 8.1 – 7.7 – 7.3, 6+), but “103 Jamz” is now +.6 in May and June (7.3 – 7.4 – 7.9, 6+) to advance from third to second. In a somewhat similar vein, Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB was without a gain for seven successive ratings periods for a -.8 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), but “Hot 91.1” is up a combined six-tenths in the last two sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.5, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #9). In the  Saga Communications cluster, WNOR “99 Rocks” erodes by -1.0 (8.3 – 7.3, second to third, 6+), while classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” is a cumulative -1.1 in May and June (7.1 – 6.7 – 6.0, 6+) and remains in fourth-place. This (7.3) is the lowest 6+-showing for WNOR since its 6.0 in “Holiday” 2017. When “The Fox” dropped four-tenths in May, it halted three upticks in a row that netted +2.4 (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+). As the result of six successive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV spirals by roughly 80% (-3.9) of its 6+ AQH share (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9) with “Movin’ 107.7” falling from #11 to #12.

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” posts a gain of two-tenths (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, flat at #9, 6+). Its +.2 in May ended three decreases in succession that produced a cumulative -2.1 (5.9 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+); WPTI was +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+). An overall +2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), it relinquished more than half that total in December (4.3, -1.2, 6+). Once again finishing at #13 and #14, respectively, are Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0, for an overall -.5 the past three sweeps, 6+) and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC (1.1 – 1.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WFDD returned in its entirety the +.6 it gained in November and December (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.7, 6+). Prior to April, WUNC registered a .9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). Unchanged at #16, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS is off 50% (-.4) in three straight dips (.8 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+). Immediately before that, owing to three straight (slight) increases, “Triad Sports” quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Resurfacing in April following a long absence of being unlisted, Dick Broadcasting CHR WKZL 107.5 KZL – The #1 Hit Music Station” posts its five latest 6+-stats – including May 2018 – June 2018’s +1.1 (4.0 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 5.4 (eighth to seventh). Coinciding with iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” posting a +1.0, Entercom’s similarly-programmed WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” spirals by -1.5 (6.2 – 4.7, sixth to eighth, 6+). This marks the third uptick in a row by “Q-104” for an overall +2.3 (4.9 – 5.0 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+) as it jumps from sixth to fifth. When WTQR, which logs its highest 6+-share (7.2) since October 2017’s 7.3, registered a +1.2 in May, it drew even with WPAW. Immediately prior to June’s -1.5, “The Wolf was +1.1 (May) and -.9 (April). Its April decrease curtailed three successive upticks that accounted for an overall gain of seven-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Similar to WTQR, May’s 6.2 is the highest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since 7.1 in October 2017. After both stations sputtered by six-tenths in May, Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jams” (7.9 – 7.3 – 8.2, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “The Triad’s Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” (7.5 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+) roar back with matching leaps of nine-tenths; they remain at #3 and #4, respectively. WJMH was a combined +1.1 (7.3 – 8.0 – 8.4, January – February – March, 6+), but off one-half share in April. Entering the May sweep, WMAG netted +1.4 as the result of three positive or flat trends in a row (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5, 6+). Notwithstanding a loss of eight-tenths (12.0 – 11.2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” is #1 for the sixth straight sweep and notches double-digits (6+) for the 20^th time in succession. WQMG was -1.1 in March but then +1.2 in April. Before slipping to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 with a -1.2, “97.1 QMG” spent seven straight survey periods on top. While anchored in the runner-up slot for the sixth straight sweep, adult hits sibling WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” is -2.5 in five consecutive decreases (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+). As the result of six successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS was +1.5; however, “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” is now a collective -.9 in May and June (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+). Up nine-tenths via three consecutive gains (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned WVBZ “105.7 Man Up!” returns four-tenths to 3.4 (6+) but stays at #10.

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the third straight up or flat trend by iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” for a collective gain of seven-tenths (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7, tenth to ninth, 6+). Before posting a +.3 in April, WJNO was a collective -1.3 via four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+). Without a loss the past five months for a +1.2 (2.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is off four-tenths to 3.1 (6+) but stays in eighth-place. While flat at #11, Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” gains two-tenths (1.7 – 1.9, 6+). Three-tenths behind “News Talk 850” is iHeartMedia news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches,” which is steady at 1.6 (#13 to #12, 6+). WFTL had been +1.0 in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+). Similar to WJNO, “Real Radio” posted a +.3 in April, stopping four consecutive down or flat trends that resulted in a -.9 (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1- 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). The five 6+-stats for WSWN, which debuted in print in January 2018, are .5 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 (#17, 6+); “The Talk of the Palm Beaches,” however, is unlisted in June 2018.

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Locked on 5.9 (6+) in April and May, after having climbed to 6.9 in March, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” picks up six-tenths to 6.5 (6+), advancing from third to second. Prior to April, “Kool” was +2.0 in three consecutive upticks (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+) and had been +.8 (December 2017); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 (February); +.5 (March); and -1.0 (April). Down one full-share in September to 4.2 – its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011 – “KOOL” regained six-tenths of that decline in October; 6.9 in March was the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016. A gain of three-tenths to 9.3 (6+) by WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” applies the brakes to three straight decreases that produced a collective -1.2 (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2 – 9.0, 6+). Over and above that, the Alpha Media hot AC is on top for the sixth month in a row. Prior to January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for an overall -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). It spent 12 ratings periods in a row on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September setback ended four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). Co-owned urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” regresses by six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+) to slide from second to third.

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite gaining one-tenth for its third increase in succession for a +2.1 (7.3 – 8.2 – 9.3 – 9.4, 6+), news/talk WOKV falls to #2 after a one-month stay at #1. This (9.4) is the strongest 6+-showing since September 2017’s 9.7 for “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic,” which was -.9 in March. Four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+) accounted for a -2.8 but WOKV wiped out nearly half that margin in January and February (6.9 – 8.1 – 8.2, +1.2, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, the Cox Media Group outlet recorded its softest 6+-stat since 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016; the station was +1.3 in September. Having dropped one-tenth in each of the last three survey periods (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), public news/talk WJCT gains one-tenth in June to 3.3 (6+) and carries on at #12. WJCT was a combined +.9 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) with January’s +.4 halting five straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -.7 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – When WEJZ lost two-tenths in May, it bumped the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary property from first after just a one-month stay on top. Powered by a June +1.4, however, “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” returns to #1 (9.0 – 10.4, 6+). WEJZ was #1 in “Holiday” 2017 and February 2018. Before sputtering by -4.3 in January, “Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” was an overall +5.8 in four straight uptrends, practically doubling its 6+ AQH share (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0 – 11.9, September 2017 through “Holiday” 2017, 6+). This (10.4, June 2018) is its highest 6+-stat since 11.9 in “Holiday” 2017. After being a collective -2.3 in April and May (9.0 – 8.2 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” bounces back with a one-half share increase to 7.2 (steady at #4, 6+). Its +1.1 in March pulled the plug on four straight decreases that accounted for an overall -5.7 (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). On top for 12 straight ratings periods, “Jacksonville’s Country” shifted to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 but returned to #1 in January 2018 and March; October 2017’s 13.6 is its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Conversely, with a one full-share loss, Spanish contemporary WQIK-HD2 virtually disappears from print (1.1 – .1, #18 to #21, 6+). In October 2017, WQIK “Jacksonville’s Country” had a 10.3-share advantage (13.6 – 3.3, 6+) over Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-programmed WGNE but that lead is now 1.5 as “Gator Country 99.9” is steady at #5 with a 5.8 (-.1, 6+). WGNE bounced back from a -.6 in March with a +1.1 in April. Without a decrease in each of the past five sweeps for a combined +1.8 (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL surrenders one-half share to 7.9 (flat at #3, 6+); “96.9 The Eagle” was -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+). Off a cumulative -1.0 in March and April (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat” erased 80% of that margin with a +.8 in April to 5.0 (6+), but forfeits one-half share in June (4.5, flat at #7, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Tied at #11 in June are Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” which gains one-tenth (2.8 – 2.9, #12 to #11 6+) and iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” – down one-tenth (flat at #11, 6+). Immediately prior to dropping one-tenth in April, WMFS was up or flat three monthlies in a row for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Following four straight increases that accounted for a +1.3 through November (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), “ESPN Sports Radio” was a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.5, 6+). Meanwhile, WREC is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep for an overall deficit of six-tenths (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Its eight-tenths’ setback in “Holiday” 2017 brought to a close five consecutive up or flat moves for a collective +.7 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+); January’s 3.5 is the best 6+-share for WREC, -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January, since 3.6 in February 2017. Having logged a .1 (6+) three consecutive times, Entercom sports talk WMC-AM “Sports 790 AM” adds two-tenths to .3 (#18).

Memphis Music Formats – In addition to climbing from sixth to fifth, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM  registers its fourth straight uptick for an overall +2.3 (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.8, 6+). Moreover, “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” has its strongest 6+-showing (6.8) since May 2017’s 7.0. Piling on a +1.0 in June to May’s +.7 (9.4 – 10.1 – 11.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” solidifies its hold on #1. On top for three months in a row, KJMS slipped to second in April. “V-101” departed the top spot in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months there and rebounded from January’s -.6 with a +.7 in February. Following three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), “V-101” was -1.0 in December. While anchored at #8, co-owned WEGR “Rock 102.7 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” is a collective +1.5 in three straight positive spikes (3.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+). A one-half share May 2018 – June 2018 improvement to 3.9 (tenth to ninth, 6+) by Cumulus Media-owned WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” curtails four decreases in a row that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). This is the fourth time in a row that iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” sputters for a collective -2.5 (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1 – 4.8, fifth to sixth, 6+); June 2018’s 4.8 is its softest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 4.6. A combined -1.3 in May and June (9.8 – 9.4 – 8.5, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” repeats at #3. By gaining six-tenths in April (following a +1.0 in March), “K-97.1” succeeded urban AC sibling “V-101” at #1. As a result of three straight upticks (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2 – 10.0, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO was +2.3 but “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” forfeits seven-tenths in June to 9.3 (flat at #2, 6+). May’s 10.0 is its finest 6+-performance since October 2017’s 10.2.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – While unchanged in tenth-place, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” records its sixth down or flat trend in succession for a -2.4 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). WNPR followed “Holiday” 2017’s -1.3 with a +.9 in January. Prior to May, the last time it was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). This represents the third straight (modestly) down or flat trend in succession by Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” for a -.2 (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.7, unchanged at #7, 6+). An April loss of one-tenth halted three increases in a row that netted +1.5 (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9). Just prior to that, WTIC-AM was a collective -1.4 in three straight dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). Off two-tenths (1.2 – 1.0, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” remains at #13, but has its consecutive streak of up or flat trends which produced a +.4 end at five (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Immediately after being a cumulative +1.1 in three straight gains (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” is -1.1 in four successive down or flat trends (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, unchanged at #12, 6+). Entering the January 2018 sweep, WFCR was within 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 21 ratings periods.

Hartford Music Formats – A one-half share increase by Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” (4.3, unchanged at #8, 6+) erases a combined setback of four-tenths in three consecutive down or flat trends (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+). Even though Entercom adult contemporary WRCH is an overall -1.9 in three straight downward moves (14.3 – 13.2 – 13.1 – 12.4, 6+), “Lite 100.5” is #1 for the 23^rd consecutive ratings period and in double-digits (6+) for the 20^th time in the last 22 sweeps. WRCH was +1.1 in March but then -1.1 in April. January’s -4.9 halted at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +8.4 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0 – 18.3, 6+). Having posted five successive improvements for an overall +2.9 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” surrenders eight-tenths to 7.0 (third to fifth, 6+); May’s 7.8 is its best 6+-showing since last October (also 7.8). Off eight-tenths as well in June is classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WHCN “105.9 The River” (7.7 – 6.9, fifth to sixth, 6+), which is below a seven-share (6.9, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2017’s 6.0. A collective +1.1 in April and May ( 6.7 – 7.5 – 7.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 ‘TIC – Today’s Best Variety” falters by seven-tenths in June to 7.1 (third to fourth, 6+).

Friday, July 13, 2018

WGAC, Augusta Talk Host Austin Rhodes Fooled by Sacha Baron Cohen.  Former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin wasn’t the only high-profile conservative to fall prey to actor Sacha Baron Cohen for his new television show, “Who Is America?” that debuts on Sunday on Showtime.  WGAC-AM, Augusta, Georgia afternoon drive host Austin Rhodes  entertained a Cohen character in his studio for 90 minutes last summer, unaware until after it had taken place that “Dr. Nira Cain” – supposedly a gender and women’s studies professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon – was actually Cohen.  Rhodes – who says he’s actually a big fan of Cohen’s – shared his story with The Hollywood Reporter.  Read it here.

New Deals for ESPN New York’s Michael Kay and Don La Greca. New York City sports media personalities Michael Kay (right) and Don La Greca (left) – host and co-host of “The Michael Kay Show” on WEPN – have both inked new, multi-year contracts to remain with the station hosting the afternoon drive program.  They will continue to work alongside Peter Rosenberg.  Kay states, “There isn’t another place I would want to do radio than at ESPN.  I love the people I work with and the people I work for.  I also think we do the best, most entertaining radio show in the country and I want to continue to make our listeners laugh and learn every day.”  La Greca adds, “As the first voice of this station, I could not be prouder to sign a contract that will take me through two decades with the ESPN family.”  Kay is also the voice of the New York Yankees on the YES network.  He also hosts YES’ “CenterStage” series and various other programming specials.  WEPN program director Ryan Hurley says, “Having produced ‘The Michael Kay Show’ and having worked with both Michael and Don for close to 15 years, I learned quickly these are two of the hardest-working and entertaining people in our industry.  It has been a great pleasure and to have them with the ESPN family for years to come is something I look forward to.”

iHeartMedia Names Detroit and Philly Region Presidents. Moving from the region president position in Detroit to Philadelphia is Nick Gnau and taking over in the Motor City as region president is Paul Corvino.  In these positions Gnau and Corvino will report to Tom McConnell, president of iHeartMedia’s East Division, who says, “Nick and Paul are great leaders with successful track records and who have done an extraordinary job for us across multiple markets and platforms.  Their vast experience and proven leadership and performance results have shown that they are the perfect candidates to continue to further accelerate growth and innovation across these regions.”  Corvino was most recently with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas where he was president for its Midwest Region.

TALKERS Continues Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – Today’s Post: Panel Discussion, “Hosting a Talk Show in 2018.”  Today (7/13), TALKERS magazine continues posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8.  Each business day, another session or activity will be posted in the order that they originally took place.  Today’s 13th installment is the panel discussion titled “Hosting a Talk Show in 2018.”  It is moderated by Cumulus Media VP of news/talk and PD of WMAL, Washington, DC, Bill Hess; introduced by iHeartMedia VP programming/national news/talk brand coordinator and PD KOA, Denver, Greg Foster; and featuring panelists Howie Carr Radio Network host, Howie Carr; WPGG, Atlantic City host, Harry Hurley; Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel host, Brian Kilmeade; Westwood One host Chris Plante; Talk Media Network host Tom Sullivan; WPRO, Providence host, Dan Yorke; and KTSA, San Antonio host, Jack Riccardi.  Already posted: the panel discussion titled “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio.”  It is moderated by Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; introduced by WPHT, Philadelphia host Rich Zeoli; and featuring panelists Armstrong & Getty Show co-hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty; WRKO, Boston PD, Michael Czarnecki; WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University OM, John T. Mullen; WABC, New York host Sid Rosenberg; and Compass MediaNetworks/Newsmax host, Todd Schnitt;  a video of the donation given by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley to the Broadcasters Foundation of America and accepted by its president Jim Thompson;  convention luncheon greetings by WNYM “970 AM The Answer,” New York morning host Joe Piscopo with an introduction by Salem SVP Phil Boyce along with the posthumous presentation of the “Humanitarian of the Year” award to the late Texas and Ohio radio talk show host Matt Patrick by Michael Harrison with an acceptance by his widow and show producer, Paula Ryan;  the panel discussion titled “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” moderated by Livestream head of news, Clayton Rose and featuring panelists Krantz Media Group CEO, Gary Krantz and KTRS, St Louis host, McGraw Milhaven; the panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2018” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey; introduced by Crossover Media Group managing member, Ron Hartenbaum; and featuring panelists Asa RX host, Asa; Bold Gold Media Group CEO, Vince Benedetto; Howie Carr Radio Network president, Kathy Carr; Westwood One president, Suzanne Grimes; WBAL, Baltimore president/GM, Cary Pahigian; and KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz owner, Michael Zwerling;  the special presentation by Amplifi Media CEO, Steven Goldstein titled “Radio Broadcasters and Smart Speakers with an introduction by GCN personality, Dr. Daliah Wachs ;  a special presentation by PodcastOne chairman and CEO, Norm Pattiz titled “Radio Broadcasters and Podcasting” with an introduction by Voice of America and National Public Radio anchor/reporter, Lori Lundin;  a special presentation by WFAN personality, Mike Francesa titled “Sports Talk’s Role in Media and Popular Culture” with an introduction by author and former radio producer, Bernadette Duncan;  Salem SVP, Phil Boyce’s address titled “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio?”; the fireside chat between TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison and Beasley Media Group CEO, Caroline Beasley including Harrison’s presentation of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award to Beasley; Harrison’s fireside chat with FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel mega-star, Brian Kilmeade with an introduction by Westwood One syndicated host, Walter Sterling and special remarks by Sean Hannity; opening remarks by the convention’s co-emcees, TalkersRadio GM, David Bernstein and Good Day Networks/DJV Show CEO/host, Doug Stephan; KGO, San Francisco host, Ethan Bearman delivering the event’s welcoming remarks and Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host, Brad Shepard introduction of Bearman; and the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor, Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter.  To view the page, please click here.

Best-Selling Sci-Fi Author Steve Alten Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  The world-famous sci-fi writer Steve Alten, whose novel Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror (Bantam Doubleday, 1996) inspired the forthcoming summer action film, “The Meg,” is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  The flick depicts the heart pounding story of a vicious megalodon – thought to be a long-extinct, extremely fierce ancestor of the great white shark that is discovered by a research team in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench (the deepest place on Earth) and unleashed upon humanity.  The movie, which can be described as “Jaws on steroids,” is scheduled for general release on August 10.  Following that first book, Alten went on to pen a whole “Meg Series” of best-selling sequels involving the megalodon, in addition to a wide variety of other creatures and fantastic adventures.  Harrison and Alten take a deep dive (if you’ll pardon the expression) into a wide variety of fascinating subjects including the state of science fiction, independent publishing in the digital era, the movie business, and new discoveries in science about life in unexpected places including the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.  They also talk about Alten’s struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and the extremely close relationship he has forged over the years with his loyal fan base.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Cool Talk Show Host Opportunity in Twin Cities. With the retirement of late morning talk host John Hines, Entercom’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis/St. Paul is searching for an experienced on-air news/talk talent.  Candidate must have ability to make an emotional connection with and build listener loyalty on-air, conduct entertaining interviews, and interact with callers.  Must exude personality and not be afraid to have strong opinions as well as possess the ability to entertain in person.  A strong command of current affairs, news, pop culture, and sports are a must.  Candidate is required to have strong social media connections and ability to engage listeners in a digital setting. Must have major market experience along with a proven track record.  Operations manager Andy Bloom says, “What I find is that too many talk show hosts know the talking points or can recite what FOX/CNN/MSNBC say.  I’m looking for somebody who actually read the Supreme Court decision on the travel ban, somebody who has read some of the writings of the four finalists to replace Kennedy, somebody who reads the bills Congress votes on, etc.”  See more about this position here.  Reach out to Andy Bloom via andy.bloom@entercom.com.

Trump at NATO Meeting Top News/Talk Story for Week of July 9-13. This week’s meeting between President Trump and other leaders of NATO countries was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the Trump-Russia investigation and the related, impending meeting between Vladimir Putin and President Trump.  Coming in at #3 was the Trump administration’s illegal immigration and asylum policies, followed by the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  See this week’s entire chart here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Lexington, Kentucky, Karl Shannon is announcing his retirement from Clarity Communications’ country WLXO. Shannon has been with the station for four years and has been working in radio for more that 40 years.  He’ll sign off in September and is spending the rest of the summer hosting local events using the moniker the “Karl Shannon Retirement Roadshow & Revival.”…..On-air pro Vicki Ochoa, a.k.a. Vicki Oh, is the new midday personality at Bonneville International’s hot AC KZZO, Sacramento “NOW 100.5,” effective July 23.  She had most recently been hosting weekend shifts at Cumulus Media’s CHR KLIF-FM, Dallas “HOT 93.3.”

Round Three of June PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s June 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s June 2018 survey period covered May 24 – June 20. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Over and above logging a four-tenths’ gain (8.0 – 8.4, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB repeats at #1. After three straight months in sole possession of first-place, KOPB shared the top spot in April with iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103 Portland’s Best Variety.” Twelve recent trends for KOPB include +.9 (March 2017); -.8 (May); +.6 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (August); +1.4 (September); -1.1 (October); +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 in March; -1.0 (April); and -.5 (May). Entering the September 2017 sweep, KOPB occupied the runner-up position 21 successive times; however, it finally reached #1 in that report. Off a combined one-half share in May and June (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+) after a +.6 in April, Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” slips from fourth to fifth. When KXL faltered by four-tenths in March, it ended three consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.7. Prior to January, the last time KXL reached the five-share level (6+) was in October 2013 (5.3). Stuck on 1.6 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” adds one-tenth to 1.7 (flat at 1.9, 6+). An April improvement of two-tenths stopped three straight up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (1.2 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Meanwhile, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” posts a 1.0 (6+) for the fourth time in a row, but drops from #23 to #24. Among the market’s sports talkers, Entercom’s KFXX “1080 The Fan” is flat at 1.5 and is unchanged at #21 (6+); Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” repeats May’s 1.3, again finishing at #22 (6+); and iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” completes the lack of May 2018 – June 2018 movement by remaining steady at .9/#25 (6+).

Portland Music Formats – At least for the time being, the market’s two classic rockers are going in opposite directions. Specifically, Entercom’s KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” is a collective +1.4 in three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew” is an overall -1.5 in its fourth decrease in succession (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+), drifting from the top ten (#7 to #12). This (5.4) is the first time that KGON has reached the five-share level (6+) since September 2017’s 5.2; “The Brew” hadn’t been below a four-share (6+) since November 2017 (3.9, as well). In addition to progressing from ninth to sixth, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” notches a +.2 to 4.6 (6+) to snap three negative moves in succession that accounted for a -1.4 (5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+). Off one-tenth in May (3.9 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf, Great Country for the Great Northwest” answers with a +.8 in June to 4.6 (6+), zooming from #12 to #6 with its finest 6+-showing since September 2017 (4.6, as well). Its format foe – Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” – is flat at 4.0 (6+) but climbs from #11 to #10. “The Bull” had been without an increase in three successive sweeps for a -1.6 (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) before wiping out nearly half that deficit in May with a +.7. There is no May 2018 – June 2018 change in the (6+) AQH share (7.3) or rank (#3) of iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle,” which had been -.6 in March; +.6 in April; and +1.2 in May (6.1 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 7.3, 6+). An overall +1.6 as the result of five consecutive upticks (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6), Entercom alternative KNRK “94.7 – It’s Different Here” falters by four-tenths to 4.0 (ninth to tenth, 6+). May’s 4.4 marked the first time KNRK reached the four-share level (6+) since February 2014 (4.2).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does University Radio Foundation news talk WFAE break out a one-half share increase to 4.1 (6+), “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Prior to June, WFAE featured a very consistent January 2018 – May 2018 topline trending of 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6 (6+). It was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to 2.8 (steady at #17, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT applies the brakes to three straight losses that accounted for a -1.7 (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). Immediately prior to this streak, WBT was a collective +1.2 in three increases in succession  (3.1 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” is down or flat for the third successive sweep for a total loss of one full-share (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7, #18 – #19, 6+); “The Fan” bounced back from February’s -.7 with a one-half share gain in March.

Charlotte Music Formats – Not since September 2017/October/November has the same Charlotte station repeated at #1; iHeartMedia classic rocker WRFX “The Fox” accomplished the feat back then. In the meantime, it has been a revolving door for the top spot which has been held (in chronological order) by iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO (December 2017); Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC (“Holiday” 2017); iHeartMedia country WKKT (January 2018); Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV (February); WRFX (March); WKKT (April); and WBAV (May). Bragging rights in June go to Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” (6.2 – 6.9, +.7, fourth to first, 6+). Moreover, WSOC has its best 6+-performance (6.9) since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.0. Its format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” follows May’s -.6 with a June loss of four-tenths (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.0, third to fourth, 6+). “The Kat” was +1.9 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 in March; and -.6 (May). Prior to January 2018, the last time WKKT was #1 was August 2017 – WSOC was #1 the previous month (July 2017). Exiting the penthouse and shifting to second is Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9,” which surrenders all but two-tenths of May’s impressive +1.4 (7.9 – 6.7, -1.2, 6+). Ups and downs continue for its CHR sibling WNKS “Kiss 95.1,” which was without an increase in three straight sweeps for a -.4 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+); +.8 in May; and now -.9 in June (5.0 – 4.1, sixth to tenth, 6+). May’s 5.0 is the best 6+-stat for “Kiss” since July 2017’s 5.1. Still in that Beasley Media Group cluster, adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 More Music – Better Variety” is a collective -1.7 in May and June following April’s +1.2 (6.4 – 5.4 – 4.7, fifth to sixth, 6+). In February, WKQC rebounded from January’s -5.0 with a gain of three-tenths; “K-104.7” was -1.1 in March. A one-tenth spike to 3.3 (#15 to #13, 6+) by Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” concludes four straight decreases that resulted in a collective -1.6 (4.8 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Off by one-half share are iHeartMedia alternative and CHR siblings WEND “106.5 The End – Charlotte’s Alternative Rock” (#12 to #14, 6+) and WHQC “Channel 96.1 All The Hits” (3.6 – 3.1, #13 to #15, 6+). “The End” has its third decrease in a row for a -1.1 (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), while “Channel 96.1” logs its softest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017 (3.1, as well).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit that the 6+ topline January 2018 – June 2018 trending for iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI is a consistent 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.0, “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” nonetheless slips from sixth to tenth. A January +1.6 took WOAI to its best 6+-showing since last May (4.4, as well). Prior to that, “News Radio 1200” was -.9 as the result of four straight sweeps without an increase (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Up or flat the past five reports for a collective +.6 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” returns one-tenth in June to 1.8 and is flat at #21 (6+). Without a loss for the third straight time for a +.5 (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX carries on at #14. Immediately before April’s +1, KSTX was a combined -1.9 through three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). With a +1.0 to 4.7 in “Holiday” 2017, KSTX crossed the four-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Off one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (.7 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” falls from #27 to #30.

San Antonio Music Formats – An eight-tenths’ uptick  (2.7 – 3.5, 6+) enables Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” to jump from #17 to #13 with its best 6+-showing since September 2017’s 4.2. Having more than doubled (+1.3) its 6+ AQH share through four increases in a row (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.4, 6+), co-owned contemporary Christian KZAR returns one-half share to 1.9 (6+) as San Antonio’s version of “Air 1 Positive Hits” dips from #19 to #20. After three downward moves in succession for an overall -.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+), KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” dials up a +.4 to 7.0 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth sweep in a row. The Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet spent ten straight months at #1 before shifting to #2 in December 2017 and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. Recent (6+) fluctuations for KONO-FM include +1.1 (January 2017); +.8 (April); -.6 (May); -.5 (August); +.7 (October); -.9 (December); -.9 “Holiday” 2017; +1.8 (January 2018); and +.5 (February). Below a three-share (6+) for the first time since November 2017’s 2.7, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” drops seven-tenths (3.5 – 2.8, #13 to #17, 6+). Co-owned regional Mexican KROM forfeits all of its combined April and May +.5 and one-tenth more (5.5 -.6, 6+) as “Que Buena 92.9” slips from second to fourth. Four positive spikes in succession by iHeartMedia CHR KXXM netted a +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+), but “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” is an overall -.6 in May and June (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4, fifth to sixth, 6+). The combination of iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” regressing by four-tenths (6.1 – 5.7, flat at #2, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” adding four-tenths (5.3 – 5.7, fourth to second, 6+) finds the two country rivals locked together in the runner-up slot. The overall +2.7 that KAJA racked up in January and February (4.1 – 5.2 – 6.8, 6+) was cut virtually in half in March and April with a collective -1.3; however, “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Prior to January, “KJ-97” was -.9 in four successive down or flat sweeps (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). When “Y-100” slipped one-tenth in May, it halted four straight up or flat trends for an overall +1.3 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8), Entercom sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” is -1.3 in May and June (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+), skidding from third to fifth. April’s 7.8 is the strongest 6+-showing for the Pittsburgh Pirates flagship since October 2015 when it scored a 10.1. “The Fan” was a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 but then -.9 in February. Meanwhile, co-owned news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” improves by two-tenths to 4.4 (tenth to ninth, 6+), thus curtailing four sweeps in a row without an increase that produced a -1.1 (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+). A +1.3 in January halted four down or flat trends in succession that eventuated in a loss of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). Up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA carries on at #13. Before dropping one-half share in April, “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” was an overall +.8 as a result of three consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). January’s +.6 halted three successive downward trends that resulted in a -1.1 (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Format rivals WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (4.4 – 4.9, 6+) and WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” (2.7 – 3.2, 6+) each enjoy one-half share gains. Entercom’s “Y-108 advances from ninth to seventh with its best 6+-stat (4.9) since November 2017’s 5.0, while “Big 104.7” shifts  from #12 to #11, logging its strongest 6+ AQH share since October 2017 (3.3). Registering a May 2018 – June 2018 +.5 as well – both in the iHeartMedia cluster – are classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” (9.9 – 10.4, #1 for the 16^th consecutive time) and rock WDVE (8.2 – 8.7, in the runner-up slot for the sixth successive sweep, 6+). A combined +.9 in March and April (10.3 – 11.1 – 11.2, 6+), WWSW forfeited -1.3 in May; “3WS” lost seven full-shares in January (16.4 – 9.4, 6+). WDVE was +1.6 (October 2017); -1.0 (November); -.8 (“Holiday 2017”); +.8 (January 2018); -.9 (February); and -.5 in March. October’s 10.2 marked the first time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) since March 2017 (10.4). Surrendering in its entirety the +1.2 it garnered through four successive sweeps without a decrease (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “105.9 The X” drops from seventh to tenth (5.4 – 4.2, -1.2, 6+). Even though Steel City Media adult hits WRRK posts its fourth straight down or flat trend for an overall loss of nine-tenths (7.9 – 7.8 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+), “96.9 Bob FM” manages to climb from fifth to third.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat for the fifth straight sweep, iHeartMedia-owned KFBK is an overall -2.3 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” was third in December 2017; second in “Holiday” 2017; up to first in January 2018; back to second in February; up again to first (tied with KSEG) in March; and back to second in April and May. KFBK was down or flat in October – November – December for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). It logged a +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and followed with a +.2 in January 2018 to 8.6 – its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 8.7. Flat at #14, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is trending 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 (6+). KSTE was +.6 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2017; and +.6 in January to 2.7, its highest 6+-share since June 2017’s 2.8. Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ is up a collective seven-tenths in May and June (4.3 – 4.7 – 5.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). KXJZ posted a one-half share gain in January but was a combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.3 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is trending 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 (#19 to #22, 6+), while co-owned KHTK “Sports 1140” is without an increase for the seventh time in a row for a -1.7 (2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9, flat at #25, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Not only is Entercom-owned KSEG #1 for the fifth time in a row, “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is a robust +1.9 in May and June (8.0 – 9.0 – 9.9, 6+). A January gain of +2.0 by “The Eagle” essentially erased a combined -2.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; KSEG was an overall -1.6 in September and October (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.1, 6+). In the first four ratings reports of the year, “The Eagle” had a (6+) topline of 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 8.0; June 2018’s 9.9 is its strongest 6+-showing in nearly two years (10.3, July 2016). Co-owned KKDO “Alt 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” dials up a +.6 (3.4 – 4.0, 6+) and continues at #11. Its CHR cluster-mate KUDL, however, returns in its entirety the +1.0 it achieved in May (4.6 – 5.6 – 4.6, fourth to fifth, 6+). As a result of its May increase, “106.5 The End” ended three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a setback of eight-tenths (5.4 -5.2 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+). In five straight up or flat trends, Entravision-owned KXSE bettered its 6+ AQH share by two and a half times (1.0 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+), but “La Suavecita 107.1” stumbles in June by three-tenths to 2.2 (6+), falling from #13 to #17. This is the 14^th ratings period in succession that Entercom’s KRXQ has recorded a 6+-share between 4.0 – 4.9 (4.0 – 4.1, tenth to eighth, 6+). In May, “98 Rock” returned the six-tenths it gained in April. The market’s 6+ country share improves by six-tenths, completely erasing May’s -.6. Specifically, Entercom’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” adds two-tenths (4.1 – 4.3, ninth to sixth, 6+); Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” regains the one-tenth it lost in May (2.4 – 2.5, #15 to #13, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is up three-tenths (2.1 – 2.4, #17 to #14, 6+). “New Country” was an overall +.9 in three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), before surrendering two-tenths in April. As a result of three successive increases, “The Wolf” gained seven-tenths (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), but was -.5 in April. Immediately prior to May’s -.4, “The Bull” was up or flat the previous four reports for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being up a collective one-half share in three consecutive progressive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). Off three-tenths (5.2 – 4.9, 6+) after May’s whopping -2.9, Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” repeats at #6. Immediately prior to the May sweep, KSL (#1 in April) was +3.0 as a result of four consecutive increases (5.1 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 8.1, 6+) and a combined -3.2 just before that in three straight negative moves (8.3 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). A +.3 to 4.1 (6+) in May by iHeartMedia’s KNRS ended three successive down or flat moves that accounted for a -.2 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+) but “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” returns one-tenth to 4.0 (flat at #9). KNRS was +.8 in November; a combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017; and +.7 in January. An overall -1.3 as the result of not logging an increase for three successive sweeps (4.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER is now a combined +.3 in May and June (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, steady at #15, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Stuck on 3.9 (6+) in March and April before slipping to 3.7 in May, Broadway Media-owned KXRK “X-96 Utah’s Original Alternative” erupts with a +.7 (3.7 – 4.4, 6+) as it advances from tenth to eighth. The last time “X-96” crossed the four-share level (6+) was October 2017 (4.1). Down (slightly) in each of the past three sweeps for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), Brigham Young University’s KBYU “Classical 89” erases the deficit with a +.6 to 3.0 (#18 to #16, 6+). At the same time that independent KSOP-AM “Classic Country AM 1370” improves by one-half share (.4 – .9, #25, 6+), co-owned KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” sputters by seven-tenths (4.6 – 3.9, eighth to tenth, 6+). It is a brief one-month run at #1 for Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day,” which erodes by one full-share (7.3 – 6.3, 6+) and segues to the runner-up slot. Up nine-tenths in March – only to lose nine-tenths in April – “FM 100.3” had been on top for six straight ratings periods (November 2017 through March 2018). While it doesn’t inherit any of KSFI’s -1.0, Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (flat at 3.3, 6+) improves from #12 to #11. This (3.3) is the best 6+-stat for “B-98.7” (which was +.6 in May) since September 2017’s 3.5. Succeeding KSFI at the top is KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits,” which actually loses one-tenth (6.9 – 6.8, second to first, 6+). Prior to June’s -.1, the iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet nearly doubled (+3.4) its 6+ AQH share through five successive up or flat trends (3.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.9, 6+). May 2018 marked the first time KODJ reached the six-share level (6+) since its 6.6 in June 2016. Noteworthy ups and downs continue for Capitol hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music,” which was -.5 (March); then -.6 (April); +.6 (May); and now -.9 in June (5.7 – 4.8, fourth to seventh, 6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – A positive spike of four-tenths (2.0 – 2.4, 6+) by Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR enables the news/talker to progress from #20 to #14. Three consecutive improvements that accounted for a +1.0 (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+) were directly followed with a -.9 in April and May (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s (6+) commercial news/talk share decreases by four-tenths as Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” drops three-tenths (2.0 – 1.7, #20 to #21, 6+), while Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” is down one-tenth (1.1 – 1.0, #24 to #25, 6+). Before dropping one-tenth in March, KXNT was up or flat in three successive sweeps for a +.2 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). A one-half share decrease in March concluded five straight positive or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) that doubled KDWN’s 6+-share. Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” drops two-tenths (.8 – .6, flat at #27, 6+), while KRLV “Fox Sports Radio Las Vegas” is flat at .5 (#29, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – In each of the last 18 ratings periods, Lotus Communications Spanish adult hits KWID was within three-share range, but that streak concludes as “La Buena 101.9” registers a gain of six-tenths to 4.4 (ninth to eighth, 6+), its strongest 6+-showing since 4.5 in “Holiday” 2016. Without an increase the past four sweeps for an overall -1.1 (3.7 – 3.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” carves the deficit roughly in half with a +.6 to 3.2 (#13 to #12, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is down one-tenth (7.0 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” repeats at #1. In May, “Sunny” succeeded Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” at #1. It is a familiar pattern between the two stations as “Sunny” was off six-tenths in April and replaced by KKLZ at #1. The two swapped places at the top in March as well. In December, KKLZ was ousted from the penthouse by “Sunny” after five straight months there. In addition to holding the lead in December 2017 and March 2018, “Sunny” was #1 in “Holiday” 2017 (12.5, 6+). Meanwhile, KKLZ is off four-tenths in June (6.2 – 5.8, 6+) and continues in second-place. Included in a five-way logjam at #14 is Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station,” which posts a +.2 to 2.4 (6+), snapping at three a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for a -1.3 (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.2, flat at #18, 6+). That streak followed three upticks in a row that netted six-tenths (2.9- 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are Entercom hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” (unchanged at #3, 6+) and Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” (4.2 – 3.7, eighth to ninth, 6+). Prior to June’s -.5, “Mix” was a collective +.7 in three straight up or flat trends (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+).

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – The rollercoaster ride definitely continues for iHeartMedia news/talker WLW, which was a combined +2.0 in January and February; -1.0 in March; +1.6 in April; -1.2 in May; and now +1.4 in June (7.7 – 9.1, 6+). Moreover, the Cincinnati Reds flagship marches from fourth to first. June’s 9.1 is its highest 6+-share since last October’s 9.2. Prior to January, WLW was a collective -3.3 as the result of five straight negative trends (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WKRC is down a combined full-share in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) as “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” slides from #11 to #14. WKRC’s +.3 in January ended three downward moves in a row that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Four-tenths ahead of WKRC is Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU, which is up three-tenths (2.9 – 3.2, 6+) advancing from #13 to #11; WVXU was a collective +.7 in January and February. Off two-tenths (1.4 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” slips from #17 to #18.

Cincinnati Music Formats – The 6+ topline January 2018 – May 2018 trending for Radio One urban AC WOSL is 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5. In June, however, “100.3 R&B + Old School” breaks out a +.7 to 3.2 – its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.4 – to progress from #14 to #11. New to the top twenty (at #16) is Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN “Classic Country” (1.5 – 2.0, +.5, 6+). Not only does Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR exit the top spot after five straight months at #1 and shift to #2, “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is down for the third consecutive sweep for a collective -2.2 (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.2, 6+). Its -.6 in April curtailed three consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a cumulative +2.9 (7.5 – 9.6 – 9.6 – 10.4, 6+). WGRR rebounded from a -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.1 – 8.5 – 7.5, 6+) with a January +2.1. Eroding by nine-tenths each are Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” (7.7, second to fourth, 6+) and Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WDBZ “Soul 101.5” (1.6 – .7, #16 to #24). The June loss by “B-105.1” pulls the plug on five consecutive upticks that netted +2.8 (5.8 – 6.3 – 7.8 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 8.6, 6+); WUBE was -1.4 in December. An overall +.9 in three successive increases (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), “Soul 101.5” faltered by seven-tenths in May. April’s 2.3 is the best 6+-showing for WDBZ since November 2017 (2.3, as well). After registering a 6+-share between 4.1 – 4.9 ten straight times, iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107.1 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops three-tenths to 3.9 (6+) but continues in tenth-place.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Having dropped two-tenths in May (3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” answers with a one-half share gain to 3.8 (#13 to #12, 6+). WMFE was off one full-share in February and March (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+). With its lowest 6+-showing since January’s 3.9, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” (5.3 – 4.0, -1.3, 6+) tumbles from seventh to tenth. A combined +3.0 in January and February (2.2 – 3.9 – 5.2, 6+), WTKS dropped three-tenths in March and was +.6 in April. January’s +1.7 ended three straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -.7 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). In five straight sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM is -1.4 as “News 96.5” slumps from #11 to #13. Entering the January sweep (in which it notched a +1.3), WDBO-FM was a collective -2.7 via four straight decreases (6.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+); “News 96.5” was +2.0 in September 2017. Sputtering by three-tenths (1.8 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF is flat at #16. Immediately before gaining seven-tenths in January, WFLF was without an increase in five straight ratings periods for a -.7 (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Tied at #19 are iHeartMedia sports talk WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” (flat at 1.0, 6+) and Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” (.9 – 1.0, +.1, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia’s WRUM on top for the sixth consecutive sweep, “Rumba 100” adds seven-tenths (10.5 – 11.2, 6+). In advance of the May sweep, WRUM was +1.8 in four upticks in succession (8.9 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+). Following 11 consecutive months at #1, WRUM dropped to the runner-up slot in December and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. Its +.4 in January 2018 ended four negative sweeps in a row that generated a collective -2.7 (11.6 – 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.3 – 8.9, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Cox Media Group country WWKA “K-92.3” and WRUM adult contemporary cluster-mate WMGF “Magic” (6.2 – 6.7, fourth to third, 6+) each gain one-half share. “K-92.3” is now +1.6 through four successive positive spikes (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 5.6, ninth to sixth, 6+). Following three upticks in a row – each by two tenths – that generated a +.6 (8.3 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” relinquishes all but one-tenth of that increase (8.4, -.5, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Five successive up or flat sweeps by Entercom’s WKRK netted a +1.2 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+) but “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is now a combined -1.8 in three straight setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, #11 to #12, 6+). Owing to three consecutive increases, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM was +1.3 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+); however, “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” slips in June by one-tenth to 6.5 (6+). Even so, WTAM actually improves from seventh to fifth. May’s 6.6 is the best 6+-stat for the Cleveland Indians flagship since October 2017’s 8.3. January’s one-half share gain halted three straight declines for a -3.5 (8.5 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Ideastream-owned WCPN is unchanged at 2.6 (6+) and flat at #13. The public news/talk outlet was a combined -2.5 in February and March (5.3 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+) after a cumulative +3.2 in six straight improvements (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Tacking on nine-tenths to May’s +1.1 (7.1 – 8.0, 6+), Entercom’s WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” jumps from fourth to second and has its finest 6+-performance (8.0) in exactly one year (8.4, June 2017). Immediately in advance of the May ratings period, WNCX was a cumulative -.3 as the result of three straight sweeps without an increase (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). Roaring back from May’s -1.5 with a +.6 (9.3 – 7.8 – 8.4, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” rises from second to first. This now makes nine dramatic up/down shifts in succession for WMJI: +.8 (November); -.9 (December); +2.5 (Holiday” 2017); -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); and now +.6 in June. When “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” reached double-digits (6+) in “Holiday” 2017, it was the first time WMJI accomplished that feat since September 2016’s 10.8. November’s +.8 stopped three straight declines that resulted in a -1.3 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+). In 2017, WMJI occupied the top spot from January through April; July through September; and in November. It succeeds Radio One urban AC WZAK, which is -3.3 in three hefty losses in a row (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8, first to fourth, 6+). After three consecutive increases for an overall +1.5 (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+), WZAK faltered by one-half share in April. Having reached the top spot in December with a +.9, WZAK fell to third in “Holiday” 2017. A loss of four-tenths in October ended three consecutive positive moves for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). When iHeartMedia’s WGAR posted a +.8 in May, it thwarted three straight negative moves that resulted in a -1.0 (7.2 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+), but “99.5 – Cleveland’s #1 for New Country” flounders by six-tenths in June and dips from fifth to sixth (7.0 – 6.4, 6+). It is tied with Entercom adult contemporary WDOK, which surrenders three-tenths to 6.4, curtailing three increases in a row for an overall +1.8 (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). A combined +5.5 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 7.2 – 10.4, 6+), “Cleveland’s Star 102” lost more than 50% (-5.6) of its 6+-share in January and February (10.4 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Three decreases in a row by Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM accounted for a -.5 (1.1 – 1.0 – .7 -.6, 6+), but “Talk Radio 710” picks up one-tenth to .7 (6+) and remains at #23. A combined +1.9 in April and May (1.8 – 3.1 3.7, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” forfeits eight-tenths to 2.9 (#12 to #14, 6+). The Kansas City Royals flagship erased February’s -.4 with a +.4 in March. Meanwhile, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” an overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+), notches a +.1 to 2.1 (#20 to #18, 6+). WHB was a combined +1.4 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018; -.9 in February; and +.9 in March. When “Sports Radio 810” dipped by four-tenths in December, it halted at five a successive string of positive trends that doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). It is tied at #18 with Entercom’s KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which was locked on 2.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) in June. After registering six successive increases for a +1.9 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), news/talk sibling KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” follows with four straight decreases for a -1.5 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1, eighth to tenth, 6+). Regaining the one-tenth it lost in May (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR progresses from #17 to #15. Prior to May, it was up nine-tenths as a result of six straight up or flat trends (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – On the heels of May’s +.7, Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary WPRS “Hot 103” adds a full-share in June (5.9 – 6.9, 6+) and climbs from fourth to third. It previously was off nine-tenths as the result of three straight downward trends (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+). Through five successive decreases (8.1 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC witnessed its 6+-share spiral by more than 55% (-4.6) but “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” rebounds with a +.6 to 4.1 and is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). In six consecutive monthlies without a loss, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” is a combined +1.7 (4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.2, fifth to fourth, 6+). One Cumulus Media outlet leaves the top spot and another replaces it. In June, KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” improves by two-tenths to 7.2 (6+) and proceeds from second to first. Last on top in February, “The Fox” had been -1.6 via through three decreases in succession (8.6 – 8.0 – 7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Displaced from the lead position and falling to second is cluster-mate KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” which had been #1 the past three sweeps. The classic hits-oldies outlet is now a combined -1.0 in three successive dips (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+). It faltered by six-tenths in February (8.4 – 7.8, 6+) but regained half that loss (+.3) in March. Owing to a -2.0 in January, “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” curtailed four straight positive spikes that netted +2.7 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+). Alternative sibling KCJK “X-105.1” returns all of May’s +.5 and two-tenths more (2.7 – 2.0, -.7, #17 to #20, 6+). Establishing a down/up pattern, co-owned urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3” is trending 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.4 (#11 to #12, 6+). Notwithstanding that it remains in fifth-place, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” is without a loss in each sweep since December 2017 for an overall +2.0 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). It is tied with co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” (6.0 – 5.9, -.1, third to fifth, 6+), which was up one-half share in May, thus wiping away the -.5 it recorded through three decreases in a row (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). The market’s other country FM – Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” – drops two-tenths (4.8 – 4.6, 6+) but carries on in eighth-place.

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN’s 6+ March 2018 – June 2018 topline is 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3. “News Radio 610” was -.7 in March; -1.0 in February; +1.5 in January; and -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to January 2018, the last time WTVN reached the seven-share level (6+) was February 2016 (7.3). A December decrease of three-tenths halted three straight uptrends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). A collective +.7 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU dropped six-tenths in April; rebounded in May with a +.5; but surrenders three-tenths in June (4.2 – 3.9, flat at #7, 6+). WOSU’s 4.3 in March was the station’s best 6+-showing since 4.7 in August 2017. Following four reports in a row without an increase for a -.2 (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX was +.3 in April and May, but “105.7 The Zone” drops one-tenth in June (1.0 – .9, flat at #15, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Slightly up or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for an overall gain of six-tenths (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+), Saga Communications’ WLVQ “FM 96 Iconic Rock” remains in third-place. In the runner-up slot for the sixth time in a row, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WNCI hauls out a +1.3 and is up or flat for the third successive sweep (9.0 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 10.7, 6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” since October 2017 (10.7, as well). WNCI was a combined +1.5 in January and February (8.0 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+). Despite that stellar profile, WNCI is still five full shares behind cluster-mate WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country,” which not only finishes at #1 for the sixth consecutive sweep but logs its third increase in a row for an overall +3.4 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7, 6+). In double-digits (6+) each sweep since June 2017, WCOL registers perhaps the largest 6+-stat (15.7) in PPM-history in a sweep that did not include all-Christmas music. Accustomed to major fluctuations, “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was +2.2 (January 2017); -1.2 (February); +.8 (March); -1.3 (May); +1.4 (June); +2.1 (July); -.9 (August); -.6 (September); +.7 (October); -.5 (December); +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 in March; +1.0 in April; and now +1.2 in June. After spending six months on top, WCOL shifted to second in “Holiday” 2017 but regained the lead in January 2018. Frozen on 3.0 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.4 (6+) in April and May, co-owned urban contemporary WZCB falters by seven-tenths to 2.7 as “106.7 The Beat” departs the top ten (#10 to #11, 6+). A collective +.5 in three straight up or flat trends (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WCKX “Power 107.5” returns all of that increase and extra one-tenth (3.1, -.6, eighth to ninth, 6+). Despite dropping one-half share (3.7 – 3.2, 6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” continues in eighth-place.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Emmis Fiscal Q1 Net Revenue Down 4%. Reporting financial data for the fiscal first quarter that ended on May 31, Emmis Communications states net revenue for the radio division was $26.4 million, down from $38.7 million during the same period a year ago.  That percentage figure of -4% is pro forma, taking into account the recent sales of stations, including the St. Louis cluster that it sold to Entercom that closed on April 30. The report notes that Emmis’ net revenue was down 4% “in markets that were down 6%.”  Emmis used the net proceeds to repay credit facility debt, resulting in approximately $20 million of net credit facility debt outstanding. Chief executive officer and chairman of the board Jeff Smulyan says, “Emmis has made tremendous strides in paying down our debt and giving ourselves the financial flexibility to pursue new areas of growth.  We see opportunities both inside and outside of traditional media as we look to transform the company in the coming months and years.”

Two News Pros Return to KIRO-FM, Seattle.  At Bonneville International’s Seattle news/talker KIRO-FM, director of news and programming Ryan Maguire announces that Jillian Raftery is returning to the station as midday news editor and Heather Bosch is joining the station to serve as afternoon news anchor.  Raferty has been working as a sales and marketing consultant in Vancouver, BC for the past two years.  She says, “I fell in love with radio and storytelling listening to KIRO Radio growing up.  I started my career at the station in 2011 as an intern and after graduating from college returned and worked my way through many roles on the digital and news teams, serving as digital editor, social media manager, midday and morning editor, reporter, as well as filling in on anchor shifts…I am thrilled to come home and get to know the ever-changing Seattle landscape all over again.”  Bosch has been serving with CBS Radio News in New York as a national correspondent for the past five years.  She comments, “I’m thrilled to be back at KIRO Radio – my broadcast home for 10 years!  After five years as a Manhattan-based CBS Network News correspondent, I’m eager to share what I’ve learned while covering big, breaking news stories like the Boston Marathon bombing, and investigating more complex issues, such as the experience of women serving in the US military.”  Maguire adds, “Heather and Jillian are great additions to our award-winning and diverse news team.  I want to thank our managing editor Colleen O’Brien for her work in these very thorough job searches.  We’re proud that KIRO continues to attract the best and brightest in the industry.”

Graham to Host Afternoons on WSJS, Greensboro.  Sports talk personality Josh Graham is the new afternoon drive host on Curtis Media’s WSJS, Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, effective July 23.  Curtis Media says that “The Drive with Josh Graham” will air on WSJS-AM; WPCM-AM, Burlington-Graham and six of the company’s other AM and FM signals, as well as via the WSJS Sports app.  Curtis Media Group Triad GM Al Bunch says, “Local sports fans are in for a treat.  After a nationwide search that generated hundreds of applicants, Josh stood above the rest.  Josh is passionate about ACC and North Carolina sports, has strong opinions and boundless energy.  You may not always agree with him, but you will always be entertained and informed with Josh’s inside information and deep knowledge of sports.”

Iowa Radio Pro Maxwell Schaeffer Joins iHM Des Moines. On-air pro Maxwell Schaeffer is named director of promotions and marketing for iHeartMedia’s Des Moines cluster, effective August 10. In addition to his day-to-day promotional and marketing operations duties, Schaeffer will also make on-air appearances on cluster stations, including on news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040.”  Area market president Joel McCrea says, “Everyone in Des Moines knows Maxwell.  He is a friend to many charitable organizations as well as the arts and the business community, giving him a solid understanding and connection to the market.”  Schaeffer joins iHeartMedia Des Moines from Saga Communications where he served 23 years as a morning show host on classic hits KIOA-FM, Des Moines.  Schaeffer is a member of the Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk media superstar Sean Hannity is hosting his Premiere Networks radio program and his FOX News Channel show from London through tomorrow as he covers President Trump’s trip to the UK.  Then, he heads to Helsinki on Monday (7/16) to cover the summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin…..CNN announces that Brianna Keilar will begin anchoring the 1:00 pm ET hour, effective this fall.  She’ll take over for Wolf Blitzer, who will continue to host “The Situation Room” from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET. TVNewser reports that a name for the program has not been announced but that Keilar will begin the program after returning from maternity leave.  She has been the primary fill-in anchor for “The Situation Room,” was the lead reporter covering 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic field in 2016, and previously served as CNN’s senior White House correspondent covering the Obama administration…..As part of SiriusXM’s coverage of Major League Baseball’s 2018 All-Star Week (in addition to play-by-play of the All-Star Game), Chris “Mad Dog” Russo will sit down with MLB commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. before a live audience at the Library of Congress for a Town Hall broadcast.  It will be taped and air on Monday (7/16) at 1:00 pm ET on the MLB Channel…..Cumulus Media‘s news/talk KLIF-AM, Dallas adds Radio America‘s “The Dana Show” with host Dana Loesch to the programming schedule.

TALKERS Continues Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – Today’s Post: Panel Discussion, “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio.”  Today (7/12), TALKERS magazine continues posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8.  Each business day, another session or activity will be posted in the order that they originally took place.  Today’s 12th installment is the panel discussion titled “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio.”  It is moderated by Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; introduced by WPHT, Philadelphia host Rich Zeoli; and featuring panelists Armstrong & Getty Show co-hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty; WRKO, Boston PD, Michael Czarnecki; WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University OM, John T. Mullen; WABC, New York host Sid Rosenberg; and Compass MediaNetworks/Newsmax host, Todd Schnitt;  Already posted: a video of the donation given by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley to the Broadcasters Foundation of America and accepted by its president Jim Thompson;  convention luncheon greetings by WNYM “970 AM The Answer,” New York morning host Joe Piscopo with an introduction by Salem SVP Phil Boyce along with the posthumous presentation of the “Humanitarian of the Year” award to the late Texas and Ohio radio talk show host Matt Patrick by Michael Harrison with an acceptance by his widow and show producer, Paula Ryan;  the panel discussion titled “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” moderated by Livestream head of news, Clayton Rose and featuring panelists Krantz Media Group CEO, Gary Krantz and KTRS, St Louis host, McGraw Milhaven; the panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2018” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey; introduced by Crossover Media Group managing member, Ron Hartenbaum; and featuring panelists Asa RX host, Asa; Bold Gold Media Group CEO, Vince Benedetto; Howie Carr Radio Network president, Kathy Carr; Westwood One president, Suzanne Grimes; WBAL, Baltimore president/GM, Cary Pahigian; and KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz owner, Michael Zwerling;  the special presentation by Amplifi Media CEO, Steven Goldstein titled “Radio Broadcasters and Smart Speakers with an introduction by GCN personality, Dr. Daliah Wachs ;  a special presentation by PodcastOne chairman and CEO, Norm Pattiz titled “Radio Broadcasters and Podcasting” with an introduction by Voice of America and National Public Radio anchor/reporter, Lori Lundin;  a special presentation by WFAN personality, Mike Francesa titled “Sports Talk’s Role in Media and Popular Culture” with an introduction by author and former radio producer, Bernadette Duncan;  Salem SVP, Phil Boyce’s address titled “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio?”; the fireside chat between TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison and Beasley Media Group CEO, Caroline Beasley including Harrison’s presentation of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award to Beasley; Harrison’s fireside chat with FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel mega-star, Brian Kilmeade with an introduction by Westwood One syndicated host, Walter Sterling and special remarks by Sean Hannity; opening remarks by the convention’s co-emcees, TalkersRadio GM, David Bernstein and Good Day Networks/DJV Show CEO/host, Doug Stephan; KGO, San Francisco host, Ethan Bearman delivering the event’s welcoming remarks and Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host, Brad Shepard introduction of Bearman; and the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor, Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter.  To view the page, please click here.

Trump at NATO Meeting, Trump-Russia Investigation/Trump-Putin Meeting, Illegal Immigration-Asylum Policies, Kavanaugh Confirmation Process, Page/Strzok Testimony, Papa John’s Founder Resigns, Stormy Daniels Arrest, World Cup, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/11). Reaction to President Trump’s demanding NATO member nations pay their dues; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and Trump’s impending meeting with Vladimir Putin; the Trump administration’s illegal immigration and asylum policies; the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; former FBI attorney Lisa Page’s refusal to testify before a congressional committee and former lover Peter Strzok’s intent to appear before the same panel; Papa John’s founder John Schnatter resigns from chairman of board position after use of “n-word”; Stormy Daniels is arrested in Ohio after strip club appearance; soccer’s World Cup tournament; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Highway Radio Network Establishes Remote Studio at Pawn Plaza in Las Vegas. This deal between Highway Radio Network and Heftel Broadcast Company brings about the launch of a new remote satellite broadcast studio at Pawn Plaza (725 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas) owned by Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner Rick Harrison, star of History’s “Pawn Stars.”  Highway Radio Network co-founder and COO Sean O’Neill states, “We are very excited to be part of this endeavor.  The Pawn Plaza attracts thousands of customers thanks to the huge success of ‘Pawn Stars.’  To be able to launch a broadcast studio at a must-see Las Vegas destination for tourists is a perfect scenario for us.”  Rick Harrison adds, “Having Highway Radio’s live studio is an awesome addition to Pawn Plaza and will mean our fans will not only get a chance to see our ‘Pawn Stars’ team and experts do interviews, but also many other famous Las Vegas celebrities.”

Radio Networks Deal with Skyview and ABC Radio to Expand 24/7 Music Format Distribution and Sales. This deal between the three players is designed to “change the paradigm of the 24/7 music format business for small and medium market stations by expanding distribution and driving network sales revenue and power additional content.”  Local Radio Networks, Skyview Networks, and ABC Radio will work together to expand distribution for LRN’s 24/7 music formats, heighten network sales and create new content when the agreement becomes effective on January 1, 2019.    LRN CEO Steve Swick says, “This is really an exciting time for Local Radio Networks.  Launching this relationship with ABC Radio and Skyview Networks allows us to expand our 24/7 programming footprint and distribute our music formats with dual delivery platforms of cloud-based and now satellite delivery via XDS smart receivers to potentially thousands of stations, effortlessly and efficiently.  Steve Jones and ABC Radio bring some very special content opportunities to the table, as well.  With the addition of Skyview Networks’ distribution and network sales expertise, we’re able to elevate our business across radio dials.  This transition reflects our commitment to deliver superior 24/7 music programming to small and medium market stations every day, while increasing the power and flexibility affiliates have locally.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Tulsa, iHeartMedia brings Jadd Naamani in from the company’s CHR WERZ, Portsmouth, New Hampshire to program CHR KTBT “92.1 The Beat.” Naamani takes over for Trevor Morini, who’s moved to the company’s CHR KHFI, Austin…..Radio management pro Jack Taddeo announces he’s exiting NGR Media Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids clusters for a new opportunity yet-to-be-announced…..Adams Radio Group is jumping from Eastlan Ratings to Nielsen Audio in its Las Cruces, New Mexico and Tallahassee, Florida markets.  Adams entered into a new, five-year agreement with Nielsen for its Fort Wayne, Indiana and Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland markets and added Las Cruces and Tallahassee to the deal…..Cumulus Media begins celebrating the 50th anniversary of rock KQRS-FM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, one of the nation’s original progressive/AOR radio stations.  In recognition of the anniversary, the station has events scheduled through year-end. KQRS program director and Cumulus Media VP of classic rock Scott Jameson says, “We’re celebrating 50 incredible years of loyal listeners by thanking them with exciting events and premium experiences, and by broadcasting classic KQ moments throughout the year. In tandem with KQ’s 50 years on-air in the Twin Cities, we’re partnering with Bob Seger and Punch Andrews to celebrate “50 Years of Bob Seger,” highlighting his amazing career that also began in 1968.  This terrific opportunity to recognize Bob’s contribution to Rock radio will be shared across other Cumulus classic rock stations nationwide and through our national network, Westwood One.”…..Radio sales pro Dave Cooper has been named general sales manager for Curtis Media’s country WQDR, Raleigh.  He was most recently with Entercom’s KYKY and KEZK in St. Louis.

Round Two of June PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s June 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis.  Nielsen’s June 2018 survey period covered May 24 – June 20.  See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Off two-tenths (9.7 – 9.5, 6+), Hubbard all-news WTOP nonetheless is #1 in the Nation’s Capital for the sixth time in a row. It rebounded from April’s -.8 with a +.1 in May (10.4 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Following four consecutive months at #1, WTOP shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, it reclaimed the top spot with its best 6+-stat since March 2011’s 10.6. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). Prior to November, WTOP was +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). This is the sixth successive sweep that American University-owned news/talk WAMU (flat at 8.3, 6+) is anchored in the runner-up slot; “The Mind Is Our Medium” was -1.1 in March. A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), WAMU gained back 85% of that loss in January with a +1.7. It exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history first reached in December 2016. Three upticks in succession by Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” yield a +1.3 (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), as the Washington Nationals flagship moves from #13 to #11. Before notching a +.6 in January, “The Fan” was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). Conversely, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is a combined -1.5 via three consecutive downward moves (5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Back in March, WMAL reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the PPM-era (5.0). It was without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+) before dialing up a +1.1 in January. Since surfacing in May 2017, Entercom business news WDCH is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .3 (flat at #23, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Just as WTOP and WAMU dominate this market’s spoken-word conversation month after month, D.C. urban AC rivals WMMJ “Majic” and WHUR generally do the same in the music-intensive genre. Such is the case again in June, as after four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4  (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Howard University’s WHUR erases nearly half the deficit with a +.6 to 6.3  – its best 6+-showing since January’s 7.1. In April, Radio One-owned “Majic” pulled ahead of WHUR for the first time since November 2015, which was when the two rivals were tied at 4.7 (6+). In each sweep since then, WHUR had been on top until WMMJ picked up two-tenths to 5.8, while WHUR faltered by four-tenths to 5.7. The momentum continues for “Majic,” which is without a loss for the fifth straight monthly report for a collective +1.5 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1, 6+) and registers the highest 6+-stat (7.1) in its PPM history. The two foes carry on at #3 (WMMJ) and #4 (WHUR). While unchanged at #7, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3,” an overall +1.7 in six consecutive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), falters in June by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+). Meanwhile, its format rival – Entercom’s WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” – is trending 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.5 (6+) and climbs from #14 to #13. Steady the past five survey periods (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5 – D.C.’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Despite not showing an increase in each of the last five surveys, Radio One urban contemporary WKYS is down a modest two-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and remains at #12. Following a May debut to the top twenty (at #20), Hubbard regional Mexican WBQH “La Mera Mera 1050,” whose only trending thus far is .3 – .3 – .3 – .6 – .4 (6+), drops to #21.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – A June gain of one-tenth (5.3 – 5.4, 6+) enables iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM to climb from sixth to fifth. After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), “News Radio 1030” was -.9 in April; 6.4 in March is its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 6.6. News/talk sibling WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” posts its third downward move in a row for a collective setback of seven-tenths (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, #14 to #15, 6+). Separated by 1.7 (6+) in May, Beantown’s two FM sports talkers are now within two-tenths of each other as Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” erodes by -1.4 (5.7 – 4.3, fifth to eighth, 6+), while Entercom’s WEEI-FM picks up one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, steady at #9, 6+). WBZ-FM was -1.5 in February. Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM was +1.0 in April, rebounding from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three decreases in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Following eight straight sweeps without an increase (.2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WEEI-AM disappears from print in June. Boston University news/talk WBUR surrenders half of May’s +.6 (6.2 – 5.9, -.3, 6+) segueing from third to fourth, while WGBH Educational Foundation’s similarly-programmed WGBH falters by six-tenths in consecutive sweeps (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.5, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). WBUR was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. WGBH was off two-tenths in both February and March and (as was the case with WBUR) improved by seven-tenths in January.

Boston Music Formats – Following three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of one full-share (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” recaptures 70% of that loss with a +.7 to 4.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 for New Hit Country,” logs a month-to-month fluctuation of one-tenth for the fourth sweep in a row, (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, #16 to #17, 6+). Improving by six-tenths each are Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), which enters the top ten (#12 to #10), and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” (2.3 – 2.9, #15 to #13, 6+). This (4.0) is the highest 6+-share for “Hot” since January 2017’s 4.4; WJMN is within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 12^th successive sweep. Flat at 7.3 (6+), mainstream CHR sibling WXKS-FM is on top for the sixth straight ratings period. “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+) and was off by one-half share in April. It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. In five consecutive increases prior to the August 2017 report, WXKS-FM was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). The “Holiday” 2017 – June 2018 topline trending for its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio,” is 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 (#17 to #15, 6+). A combined +.8 in April and May (2.2 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” relinquishes one-half share to 2.5 (#13 to #14, 6+). After being up nine-tenths in four successive positive spikes (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” slips by two-tenths to 6.1 (second to third, 6+).

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Tied at #20 are iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” (1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20, 6+) and Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN (2.1 – 2.0, flat at #20, 6+). A one-half share loss in May by WIOD pulled the plug on seven straight positive or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). In advance of a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). Locked together as well (as they were in May) are Entercom sports talk siblings WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (.9 – .8, flat at #25, 6+) and WQAM “Sports Radio 560” (.9 – .8, -.1, also flat at #25, 6+). June’s .8 (6+) by “the Ticket” halts five consecutive .9 postings (6+); a May gain of two-tenths by WQAM applies the brakes to five sweeps in succession without an increase for a collective -.8 (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Without an increase the past nine reports for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WFLC makes up nearly half the deficit with a +.6 to 3.7 (#14 to #11, 6+). By doing so, “Hits 97.3” overtakes its rival, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which is off one-tenth (3.2 – 3.1, unchanged at #13, 6+). Stuck on 4.0 (6+) in January and February, “Y-100” eroded by eight-tenths in March. Prior to a setback of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were separated by one-tenth in April and May. Answering May’s -1.1 with a one-half share June increase (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ continues at #9. Immediately before May’s -1.1, “106.7 El Zol” was an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Previous to the March sweep, “El Zol” last reached the four-share level (6+) in February 2017 (4.1). The game of musical chairs atop the leader board between two Cox Media Group siblings continues. Urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” held the lead in February (7.3, 6+) and March (6.8, 6+); co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” took over in April (7.3, 6+); “Hot” returned in May (7.5, 6+); and now “Easy” is June’s pacesetter (7.3 – 7.5, +.2, 6+) with “Hot” segueing to second (7.5 – 7.1, -.4, 6+). A February +1.1 by “Hot” suspended four decreases in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+). WHQT spent seven consecutive months at #1 before being ousted in December. Prior to April, “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. The nine-tenths advantage it had in May over fellow AC – Entercom’s WLYF  – nearly doubles as “101.5 Lite FM” falters by six-tenths (6.4 – 5.8, third to fourth, 6+). Up (slightly) or flat the past three survey periods for an overall +.4 (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+), co-owned WSFS “104.3 The Shark – South Florida’s Alternative” forfeits seven-tenths to 2.2 (#15 to #19, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Finishing at #4 and #5, respectively, are Entercom cluster-mates WWJ “News Radio 950” (flat at 5.8, third to fourth, 6+) and sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (5.3 – 5.6, +.3, steady at #5, 6+). Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0, WWJ was -.8 in April. “News Radio 950” was within 5.2 – 5.9 territory (6+) between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017. A combined -.6 in February and March, “97.1 The Ticket” was up nine-tenths in April. Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was a collective -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. A setback of one-half share (4.2 – 3.7, 6+) knocks Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” out of the top ten (#10 to #11). Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). While it remains at #19, Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is down or flat for the sixth straight survey period but has lost just two-tenths in that timeframe (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Meanwhile, Wayne State University news/talk WDET is down or flat for the third successive time for a -.2 (.9 – .9 – .7 -.7, 6+) and remains at #22.

Detroit Music Formats – Three (modest) or flat moves in succession by Entercom’s WYCD accounted for a cumulative loss of one-half share (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), but “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” erases all of it in June (5.6, +.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Cumulus Media-owned WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” slips by two-tenths to 2.8 (flat at #16, 6+), thus suspending five consecutive up or flat moves that netted nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Halted at five straight as well is the progressive streak fashioned by Beasley Media Group’s WCSX which generated a +2.5 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+) but “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” (7.7, -.2, 6+) repeats at #1. After four straight months at #1, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC fell to #2 in May. That was when it lost eight-tenths, ending four consecutive up or flat sweeps that netted an overall +1.8 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.9, 6+). Now in June, “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” declines by another six-tenths (7.1 – 6.5, unchanged at #2, 6+). Not only does Beasley Media Group’s WRIF inch up from fourth to third with its fourth consecutive positive spike for a combined +1.1 (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.9, 6+), “Everything That Rocks” logs its strongest 6+-stat (5.9) since January 2017 (5.9, as well). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep for an overall -.7 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+) but re-enters the top ten (#11 to #10). At the same time, Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 Amp Radio” applies the brakes to three straight setbacks of one-tenth each (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+) with a +.3 to 2.7 (#18 to #17, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – The ten most recent (6+) trends for KIRO-FM are 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8 and while the Bonneville news/talker is even at 5.8 (6+), it progresses from fourth to second. On the heels of May’s -.5, Northwest Public Radio news/talker KUOW regresses by an additional six-tenths in June (6.0 – 5.4, 6+), shifting from second to fifth. It took over the runner-up slot in May after a one-month stay at #1. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). As a result of four positive spikes in succession (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), co-owned sports talk KIRO-AM is a combined +1.9 as “ESPN 710” (eighth to ninth) nearly doubles its 6+ AQH share. Prior to May, the Seattle Mariners flagship last reached the four-share level (6+) in October 2015 (4.3). Returning two-tenths of May’s +.3 (2.6 – 2.4, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO slips from #19 to #20. This is the third report in a row that Bonneville’s KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” has recorded a 2.0 (#22 to #21, 6+). As a result of four losses in a row, KTTH was -.8 (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, October 2017 – January 2018, 6+). The (6+) topline February 2018 – June 2018 trending for Sinclair’s KVI “Talk Radio 570” is 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 (flat at #24, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” repeats June’s .6 and stays at #27 (6+).

Seattle Music Formats – Having faltered by seven-tenths in May to 3.0 – its lowest 6+-share since January 2017’s 3.0 – public KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz and Blues” answers in June with a +.6 to 3.6, jumping from #17 to #12 (6+). Prior to May, KNKX was consistently within 3.6 – 3.9 territory in each of the previous nine sweeps (3.8 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+). There is a tie at #14 between the market’s two country FMs – Hubbard’s KNUC “98.9 The Bull” (formerly KVRQ) and Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” (3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #12 to #14, 6+). In six straight survey periods without a loss, “The Bull” has more than tripled (+2.4) its 6+-stat (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.4, #18 to #14, 6+) and reaches the three-share level (3.4) for the first time since September 2017’s 3.1. An increase of two-tenths (5.9 – 6.1, 6+) is enough to lift its CHR sibling KQMV “MOViN 92.5” from third to first. Ousted from the top spot after just one month and drifting to fifth is Entercom’s KISW “99.9 The Rock of Seattle” (5.4, -.8, 6+), which had notched an increase six times in the previous seven sweeps for an overall +2.5 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 – 100% Throwbacks” (2.8, #13 to #17, 6+) returns in its entirety the six-tenths it gained in three straight (modest) increases (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+). Still in that Hubbard cluster, adult contemporary KRWM adds three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and is anchored at #7. In advance of June’s improvement, “Warm 106.9” was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” – which was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 – halted three straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Format challenger, Entercom’s KSWD, is an overall -.8 in three straight down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3, #14 to #16, 6+); “The Sound” posted a one-half share gain in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Without an improvement for the fifth time in a row for a cumulative -1.3 (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – Seattle’s New Hit Music” dips from #16 to #17. At the same time, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly-programmed KPLZ “Star” picks up three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3, ninth to eighth, 6+). Crista Media religious teaching KCIS – which notched a .5 (6+) in May – disappears from print in June.

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of two-tenths (2.5 – 2.7, 6+) enables iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” to advance from #17 to #14. When KFYI lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Remaining at #11, KTAR-FM is a combined -.5 in May and June, after April’s +.3 (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). The Bonneville news/talker was +.8 in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+) but an overall -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Sports talk sibling KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports,” a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), slips by one-tenth to 2.5 (6+) yet advances from #16 to #15. Prior to the just-concluded positive streak, the Arizona Diamondbacks flagship registered four consecutive down or flat trends in which it lost 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). KMVP-FM faltered by one-half share in August 2017 and was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). In three consecutive negative moves, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ is a combined -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, #14 to #17, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Owing to three straight upticks, Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” is a combined +1.3 (3.0 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, ninth to eighth 6+). By posting a +.8 to 5.3 (seventh to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” regains 80% of the collective one full-share it lost in April and May (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Co-owned adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” logs a June improvement of eight-tenths as well (3.5 – 4.3, 6+) bumping up from tenth to ninth. As a result of its +.7, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVK “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” doubles its 6+ AQH share (.7 – 1.4, #26, 6+). Anchored in the runner-up slot for the eighth consecutive sweep, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is without a loss for the sixth time in succession for a +1.1 (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). On top for the eighth time in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ follows May’s mammoth +1.7 with a -.3 (9.0 – 8.7, 6+). A combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), KESZ was up seven-tenths in April; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. KESZ was an overall +10.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017. Via five straight improvements, mainstream CHR sibling KZZP precisely doubled (+3.0) its 6+-share (3.0 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+), but “104.7 Kiss FM – The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix” relinquishes seven-tenths to 5.3 (third to fourth, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths as well is Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 Campesina,” which was -.8 in May (4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5, #12 to #15, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being flat at 2.7 (6+), Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” progresses from #16 to #15. Its loss of three-tenths in March stopped four straight up or flat moves that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). This marks the third negative move in a row for Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW for a collective -1.5 (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). Its recent fluctuations include -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.5 (April) and +.7 (May). Until it reached 5.9 (6+) in January, KNOW’s September 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 topline 6+ trending was 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2. Finishing at #11 and #12, respectively, are iHeartMedia-owned sports talk KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” and Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830”; both were tied for eighth-place in May. A collective -1.8 in three decreases in a row (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+), “K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Frozen on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February, Minnesota Twins flagship WCCO was +.8 (April); -.8 (May); and -.8 again in June (4.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.9, 6+). Following five successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +1.4 (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” sputters by six-tenths to 3.3 (#12 to #14, 6+). Trending 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” moves from #21 to #22.

Minneapolis Music Formats – A gain of eight-tenths to 4.9 (6+) by University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM more than wipes out an overall loss of six-tenths that resulted in three straight down or flat moves (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+) as “98.8 Twin Cities Christian Radio” returns to the top ten (#11 to #8). This (4.9) is its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 5.3. In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, American Public Media Group classical KSJN is up a collective nine-tenths (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7, #17 to #15, 6+). Within 3.4 – 3.9 range (6+) between January and May (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom’s KMNB notches a one-half share improvement to 4.2, its strongest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 4.4, as “BUZ’N @ 102.9” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10, 6+). Meanwhile, flat at #5, iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is +2.3 via six successive sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). January’s +1.1 halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). Off a cumulative eight-tenths in May and June (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8, 6+), Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is nonetheless #1 for the sixth sweep in a row. Its -.7 in May pulled the plug on four successive progressive moves that netted a +2.8 (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following three straight up or flat trends that accounted for a one-half share increase (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Progressing from #14  to #13, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KTCZ “The Cities” is up a collective six-tenths in three consecutive (modest) upticks (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” falters by four-tenths to 7.3 (6+), snapping three straight improvements for a combined +1.4 (6.3 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.7, second to third, 6+); 7.7 in May is the station’s best 6+-stat since 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a +.1 to 1.6 (flat at #22, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760 Talk & Breaking News” halts three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). Earlier, it netted one half-share in three straight up or flat trends (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+). It is another round of musical chairs for San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS, which shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; and drops from first to third in June (6.4 – 5.5, -.9, 6+). December’s four-tenths increase curtailed three straight down or flat monthlies that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. It is four-tenths ahead of iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” (5.3 – 5.1, -.2, third to fourth, 6+), which more than compensated with April’s -.4 by adding six-tenths in May. KOGO was -3.0 in three successive major declines (7.2 – 6.6 – 5.4 – 4.2, 6+). It was +.8 in January; -.7 in February; +.8 in March; and +.6 in May. When KOGO lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. The market’s three main sports talk competitors are bunched together. Specifically, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” is up one-tenth (1.0 – 1.1, #24 to #23, 6+); Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” improves by three-tenths (.7 – 1.0, #27 to #25, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” drops one-tenth (1.0 – .9, #24 to #26, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which registered a -1.6 in March, all but obliterating its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). “Sunny” rebounded in April with a +.5; was -.7 in May; and now answers with a +.8 in June (4.9 – 5.7, 6+), jumping from sixth to second. Co-owned KBZT “Alt 94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” breaks out a +.8 as well (2.6 – 3.4, #16 to #12, 6+). Posting gains of one-half share each are Local Media San Diego-operated Comunicación XERSA XHRM “Magic 92.5” (4.5 – 5.0, seventh to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary KSSX “JAM’N 95.7,” which completely wipes away May’s -.5 (3.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, #16 to #15, 6+). After three upticks in a row that produced a +1.1 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), “Magic 92.5” sputtered by four-tenths in May. A gain of two-tenths (6.1 – 6.3, 6+) is enough to push Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” from second to first. Its -.1 in April ended three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+). On top in April as well, KSON was -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths are Local Media San Diego-operated CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (4.5 – 3.9, seventh to ninth, 6+) and Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” (4.0 – 3.4, #11 to #12, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s a brief one-month stay at #1 for Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR, which tumbles to fifth (6.0 – 5.3, -.7, 6+). In addition to being on top in May, KCFR was #1 in January and March, as well. When it lost six-tenths in February, the station’s consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. It is overtaken by iHeartMedia news/talk KOA which regains half the eight-tenths it lost in May (5.0 – 5.4, +.4, fifth to fourth, 6+); KOA exited the top spot in May after a one-month run. Following January’s one-half share loss, the flagship of the Colorado Rockies picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) and posted a +1.4 in April to zoom from ninth to first. Prior to April, “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” last reached the five-share level (6+) in October (5.2). January’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March 2017. Down or flat the past four sweeps for an overall setback of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 -1.9, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” picks up three-tenths to 2.2 (#20 to #19, 6+). Off by four-tenths in April but then up two-tenths in May, Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” regresses by one-half share in June (3.5 – 3.0, #13 to #15,  6+). KKFN was +1.0 in March; its +.4 in January curtailed three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). Having recorded a .7 (6+) in each of the last three sweeps, Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC logs a three-tenths boost to 1.0 (#27 to #26, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Classic rock is the huge market headline this month as Entercom’s KQMT “99.5 The Mountain – A Mountain of Classics” hangs out a +1.2 (4.9 – 6.1, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KRFX “103.5 The Fox” erodes by nearly that same margin (4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, 6+). “The Mountain” elevates from sixth to first with its best 6+-performance (6.1) since July 2017’s 6.4. At the same time, “The Fox” drifts out of the top ten (#7 to #11), falling below a four-share (3.7, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2015’s 3.9. This is the fourth month in a row that Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI is up or flat for a full-share gain (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+) – “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” progresses from fourth to third. Following back-to-back gains of one-tenth (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPTT erupts with a +.9 to 4.4, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2017 (4.4, as well) as “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” crashes the top ten (#14 to #8). Three consecutive up or flat trends by KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL net one full-share  (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+) but “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” surrenders 60% of that increase with a -.6 to 5.0 (third to sixth, 6+). May’s 5.6 is its most potent 6+-stat since December 2016’s 5.7. In the market’s hot AC contest, Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” is flat at 3.9 (#11 to #10, 6+) yet overtakes KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” (4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #10 to #12, 6+). Ever since appearing in print, iHeartMedia’s KBWL racked up three straight increases for a collective +.7 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0, February – March – April – May, 6+), but “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” forfeits three-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #16, 6+). A combined -1.6 in four straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” remains at #16 where it is part of a three-way logjam. Following five successive sweeps without an increase for a cumulative loss of nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+), Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD logged a +.5 in May to 2.2 (6+). That, however, is erased in its entirety in June (1.7, -.5, 6+) as KVOD departs the top twenty (#19 to #21).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite dropping one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” climbs from tenth to ninth. The +.1 pulls the plug on five sweeps in a row in which WFLA had a (6+) fluctuation of at least four-tenths. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); -.5 in March (3.7 – 3.2, 6+); +.8 in April (3.2 – 4.0, 6+); and +.4 in May (4.0 – 4.4, 6+). Having notched a 2.7 in three of the past four ratings periods (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” gains two-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #15, 6+). A one-tenth setback in April ended three straight (modest) increases that produced a +.5 (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), while a January gain of three-tenths curtailed four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Unchanged at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Tampa Bay Rays flagship), which had been up or flat in each of the last five survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), drops one-tenth to 2.2 (6+). Conversely, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF adds two-tenths to 1.9 (flat at #20, 6+), thus ending six successive ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – It’s a solid month in this Florida market for the various shades of adult contemporary, led by Cox Media Group’s WDUV “Lite Favorites,” which is not only on top for a staggering 70^th successive ratings period, but posts its fourth straight up or flat trend (8.4 – 8.9 -9.0 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+) and is +.7 in that timeframe. “Lite Favorites” was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). Moving up from sixth to fifth, co-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” gains four-tenths (5.0 – 5.4, 6+). Thus far this calendar year (January 2018 – May 2018), Beasley Media Group’s WPBB has a topline of 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 (6+), but AC “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” registers a June +.6 to 2.5 (#19 to #17), its best (6+) showing since 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017. Displaying a +.6 as well is co-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” (6.1 – 6.7, third to second, 6+). After four straight sweeps without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” falters by four-tenths to 4.9 (fifth to sixth, 6+). May’s 5.3 is the strongest 6+-stat for WFUS since 6.0 in December 2017. Repeating in the runner-up slot, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” posts a one-half share improvement (6.2 – 6.7, 6+), while Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WRBQ “Q-105” regains the three-tenths it lost in May (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+) and carries on at #4. As the result of four straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 4.7, unchanged at #7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WXTB is a combined +.8 as “98 Rock” has its best 6+-showing since October 2017 (4.7, as well). Finishing back-to-back are its CHR cluster-mate WFLZ “93.3 – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” (4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #11 to #12, 6+) and format rival – Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5” (3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady at #13, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Slipping from seventh to ninth, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); and is now a combined -1.0 in May and June (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it brought to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). For the fourth consecutive time, WAMU records a 1.1 (6+) in Baltimore – the American University-owned news/talker is flat at #15. This is the fifth decrease in a row by Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” for a cumulative -1.7 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5, #11 to #14, 6+). Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” is up one-tenth (2.8 – 2.9, #12 to #11, 6+), while Hearst Television news/talker WBAL registers a 2.8 (6+) for the third straight month and carries on at #12. Immediately prior to January 2018, WBAL’s (6+) topline included five successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.4. Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February in March; resurfaced in April with a .2 (#22, 6+); but disappears in May and June.

Baltimore Music Formats – Without a loss for the sixth consecutive ratings period for an overall +1.8 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” carries on at #6. Trending 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 (6+) since January, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” hangs out a +.8 to 5.2 (eighth to sixth, 6+). This (5.2) is the best 6+-showing for Baltimore’s version of “Jack” since August 2017’s 5.7. A one-half share gain by co-owned WPOC (5.5 – 6.0, 6+) takes “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” from fifth to fourth (6+). WPOC was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; -.9 in February, -1.5 in April; +.6 in May; and now +.5 in June. Jumping by one-half share as well is Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” (6.6 – 7.1, repeating at #2, 6+). This (7.1) represents the best 6+-share for WERQ since September 2017’s 7.8. In three successive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), urban AC sibling WWIN was an overall -2.2 but “Magic 95.9” bounces back with a +.3 to 9.7 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth month in a row. It occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. After going eight straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +3.8 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), “Magic” lost one-tenth in March. Entering the November 2017 ratings period, WWIN-FM was down or flat in each of the previous four monthlies for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Unchanged at #10, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” hasn’t had an increase the past four sweeps and is down one-half share in that timeframe (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of May’s +.2, Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” forfeits three-tenths (8.3 – 8.0, 6+) but the St. Louis Cardinals flagship – which was a whopping +2.3 in April – repeats at #1. May’s 8.3 represents the highest 6+-stat for KMOX since September 2017’s 8.4. Following a January +1.0, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. As a result of four decreases in succession (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), “The Voice of St. Louis” was a cumulative -3.0 and had its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. An October loss of four-tenths ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). Finishing back-to-back are co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” (2.8 – 3.3, +.5, #15 to #14, 6+) and University of Missouri news/talk KWMU (2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #14 to #15, 6+). Owing to May’s +.3, KFTK ended three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to a January gain of seven-tenths, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), it added one-tenth in April. As a result of three straight negative moves, Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” is down eight-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, #15 to #17, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), “101 Sports” posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; +.1 in March; and -.6 in April.

St. Louis Music Formats – A sizeable January 2018 drop-off followed its “Holiday” 2017 10.1 (6+), but Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” (steady at #7) is an overall +1.7 in five consecutive up or flat trends (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.9 –      4.9 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+). Unlisted fin each of the last 18 survey periods, Gateway Creative contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM” returns with a +.7 (5.9 – 6.6, 6+) and finishes in fourth-place. Notching a +.7 as well is Hubbard rocker KSHE (6.2 – 6.9, fourth to second, 6+). By logging a one-half share increase in May, KSHE stymied three consecutive downward trends that accounted for a -1.2 (6.9 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+). Co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country,” which had been without a loss the past six sweeps for a +1.9 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+), erodes by -1.1 to 6.1 (third to sixth, 6+). Following a one-half share May increase, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” relinquishes twice that margin (3.9 – 2.9, -1.0, #12 to #16, 6+). May’s 3.9 is its best 6+-showing since 4.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Regressing by one full-share as well is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU  (7.9 – 6.9, 6+) but “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” remains in the runner-up slot; KLOU sputtered by one-half share in May (8.4 – 7.9, 6+). After being #1 for four consecutive months, “St Louis’ Greatest Hits” shifted to #2. A combined -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), KLOU made up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). It rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to November, when it gained nine-tenths, KLOU was down or flat the previous three monthlies for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). This marks the fifth successive negative move by Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3, fifth to eighth, 6+).

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Entercom Ups Kauffman and Spacciapolli to Market Managers. Two radio management pros are being promoted to SVP/market manager positions within Entercom.  Stacey Kauffman will lead the Sacramento station group and Michael Spacciapolli will head up the Pittsburgh cluster.  In Sacramento, Entercom operates sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320.”  The Pittsburgh cluster includes news/talk KDKA-AM and sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan.”  Entercom COO Weezie Kramer says, “Nothing makes me happier than promoting from within.  I am thrilled that we offer career paths and can elevate deserving people to new leadership roles.  Both Michael and Stacey have earned these opportunities.”  Kauffman most recently served as director of sales in Sacramento. Spacciapolli has been leading the sales effort as director of sales in Pittsburgh for more than 10 years.

Jeanne Smith to Lead iHeartMedia Quad Cities. Moving from iHeartMedia’s Cedar Rapids cluster to the Quad Cities station group to assume the market president role is Jeanne Smith.  She was most recently SVP of sales.  The Quad Cities cluster includes heritage news/talk WOC-AM.  Area president for iHeartMedia Des Moines Joel  McCrae, “Jeanne’s strong performance in Cedar Rapids earned her this promotion.  She is a strong, innovative leader who has worked closely with our Quad Cities team in the past, giving her a genuine connection and solid understanding of our market.”

TALKERS News Notes. Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown is joining the game day broadcast team at Cumulus Media’s news/talk 760 WJR.  He’ll provide commentary and analysis beside play-by-play voice Dan Miller.  WJR VP/GM Tom O’Brien says, “Jim Brandstatter did an excellent job for the past two years on WJR and for many years prior and we’re proud of the work we did together.  The addition of Lomas Brown, a former All-Pro Lion, will bring a unique perspective to the game day broadcast.”…..Sun Broadcast Group announces that Michelle Grubshtein has joined the company as national account manager.  In this role, she’ll work with the sales department focused on products including: Shazam For Radio, The Hit List with Fitz, Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister, Sun Select RADAR, Sun Latino Networks, and many others.  Michelle comes to Sun with more than eight years of experience in the industry working with Orion Worldwide as a broadcast negotiator and, most recently, as an account manager at Shareablee…..Westwood One News White House correspondent Bob Costantini (pictured at right) files a report from outside NATO headquarters in Brussels as the network covers President Trump’s meetings with European leaders at the NATO summit.

TALKERS Continues Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – Today’s Post: Special Luncheon Donation by WPGG, Atlantic City Morning Host Harry Hurley to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.  Today (7/11), TALKERS magazine continues posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8.  Each business day, another session or activity will be posted in the order that they originally took place.  Today’s 11th installment is a video of the donation given by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley to the Broadcasters Foundation of America and accepted by its president Jim Thompson.  Already posted:  convention luncheon greetings by WNYM “970 AM The Answer,” New York morning host Joe Piscopo with an introduction by Salem SVP Phil Boyce along with the posthumous presentation of the “Humanitarian of the Year” award to the late Texas and Ohio radio talk show host Matt Patrick by Michael Harrison with an acceptance by his widow and show producer, Paula Ryan;  the panel discussion titled “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” moderated by Livestream head of news, Clayton Rose and featuring panelists Krantz Media Group CEO, Gary Krantz and KTRS, St Louis host, McGraw Milhaven; the panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2018” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey; introduced by Crossover Media Group managing member, Ron Hartenbaum; and featuring panelists Asa RX host, Asa; Bold Gold Media Group CEO, Vince Benedetto; Howie Carr Radio Network president, Kathy Carr; Westwood One president, Suzanne Grimes; WBAL, Baltimore president/GM, Cary Pahigian; and KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz owner, Michael Zwerling;  the special presentation by Amplifi Media CEO, Steven Goldstein titled “Radio Broadcasters and Smart Speakers with an introduction by GCN personality, Dr. Daliah Wachs ;  a special presentation by PodcastOne chairman and CEO, Norm Pattiz titled “Radio Broadcasters and Podcasting” with an introduction by Voice of America and National Public Radio anchor/reporter, Lori Lundin;  a special presentation by WFAN personality, Mike Francesa titled “Sports Talk’s Role in Media and Popular Culture” with an introduction by author and former radio producer, Bernadette Duncan;  Salem SVP, Phil Boyce’s address titled “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio?”; the fireside chat between TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison and Beasley Media Group CEO, Caroline Beasley including Harrison’s presentation of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award to Beasley; Harrison’s fireside chat with FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel mega-star, Brian Kilmeade with an introduction by Westwood One syndicated host, Walter Sterling and special remarks by Sean Hannity; opening remarks by the convention’s co-emcees, TalkersRadio GM, David Bernstein and Good Day Networks/DJV Show CEO/host, Doug Stephan; KGO, San Francisco host, Ethan Bearman delivering the event’s welcoming remarks and Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host, Brad Shepard introduction of Bearman; and the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor, Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter.  To view the page, please click here.

TALKERS London Correspondent Graham Mack Moves from ‘Bob FM’ to ‘Fix Radio.’  British award-winning broadcaster Graham Mack – host of the popular TalkersRadio program “London Calling” – has been named the new program director of Fix Radio.  For the past four years, Mack has been the morning chat show host/PD of the music/talk outlet, “Bob FM,” Hertfordshire (London) and has also been heard regularly on the BBC.  Mack has worked at a number of stations in Australia and the UK and is one of Michael Harrison’s primary radio “go-to” sources to discuss issues pertaining to US-British relations.  Harrison describes Mack as “an international radio treasure.”   Fix Radio is a radio station aimed at blue collar tradespeople and builders. It’s on DAB digital radio throughout London. Digital radio listening in the UK now accounts for almost 51% of all radio listening.  Mack tells TALKERS, “I was a pipefitter on a construction site in New Zealand and air conditioning mechanic in Sydney, Australia so this is the perfect fit for me.”  Fix Radio CEO Louis Timpany tells TALKERS, “We are pleased to welcome Graham to Fix Radio as he brings so much experience and creativity. Our team is really excited to start working with him.”   Mack takes over as program director on July 23 from Paul Chantler, who has been running the station on a part-time basis since November and will remain with the organization as a consultant.

Trump Blasts NATO, Trump-Russia Investigation/Impending Putin Meeting/Lisa Page Testimony, U.S.-China Trade War, Pompeo Visits North Korea, Kavanaugh SCOTUS Confirmation, Sacha Baron Cohen Show, Illegal Immigration Policy, U.K Brexit Complications, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). Criticism of NATO countries’ financial commitment and Germany’s reliance on Russian gas by President Trump; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, Trump’s impending meeting with Vladimir Putin, and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page’s refusal to testify before a congressional committee; more Chinese goods targeted by Trump tariffs; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s trip to North Korea; the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; criticism of Sacha Baron Cohen’s new TV show, “Who Is America?”; the Trump administration’s illegal immigration policy; Theresa May’s attempts to broker the UK’s exit from the EU; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s CHR KNOU, St. Louis “NOW 96.3,” Scott Ellisis named program director and midday personality, effective July 30.   Entercom St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyanstates, “Scott’s level of talent, strong leadership, and passion for the format will help take ‘NOW 96.3’ to high levels of success.”  Ellis was most recently programming ScrippsKSPW, Springfield, Missouri.  At the same time, the station announces it has signed afternoon personality HaZeto a new, long-term deal.…..On Long Island, David Cole is promoted to assistant program director at Connoisseur Media’s hot AC WALK-FM.  Cole has served with the station for the past five years after starting as an intern 2013.  Connoisseur SVP regional strategy/market manager Jim Condron comments, “It’s an honor and privilege to see David continue to grow with us.  People of David’s caliber are few and far between.”…..Add Childish Gambino to the list of performers at this September’s iHeartRadio Music Festival that takes place on the 21^stand 22^ndat T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  Premiere Networks syndicated personality Ryan Seacrest is hosting the event.

Round One of June PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s June 2018 PPM survey ratings has been released for 12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s June 2018 survey period covered May 24 – June 20.  See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

TAKEAWAYS

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Under the all-news umbrella, Entercom’s WINS is a combined -1.4 in three slips in a row (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 4.8, fourth to fifth, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is off for the third successive sweep as well (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, flat at #14, 6+). Prior to March, WCBS-AM was stuck on 2.8 (6+) the previous three survey periods. After back-to-back gains of +.8 (3.1 – 3.9 – 4.7, March – April – May, 6+), sports talk sibling WFAN “Sports Radio” drops three-tenths to 4.4 (fifth to seventh, 6+). The 4.7 in May is its best 6+-showing since 5.2 in November 2017. Following five survey periods in a row without an increase resulting in a nearly 50% loss (-2.5) of its 6+-share (5.2 – 5.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), the Yankees’ flagship picked up four-tenths in March. Prior to February, the last time WFAN dropped below a three-share (6+) was March 2017 (2.9). Meanwhile, the key station of the Mets – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR – is off one-tenth (2.1 – 2.0, #18 to #19, 6+); “710 The Voice of New York” was +.6 in April. A March gain of one-tenth ended five straight down or flat reports for a -.4 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). Following three months in succession at 1.3 (6+), Emmis-owned/ESPN-operated WEPN is now 1.7 in consecutive reports as “98.7 ESPN New York” remains at #21. When WEPN picked up two-tenths in February, it halted three downward moves in succession that produced a loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). The last 14 New York City (6+) trends for Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (flat at #23) are: 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1. It pulls ahead of Cumulus Media news/talk WABC, which is without an increase for the fourth consecutive sweep (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, #23 to #24, 6+). In the public news/talk arena, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is a combined -.7 in May and June (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, flat at #12, 6+), while co-owned WNYC-AM is down one-tenth (.6 -.5, #27 to #30, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – On the heels of a May loss of eight-tenths (8.5 – 7.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW regresses by half that margin in June (-.4) to 7.3, its lowest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 7.0. Nevertheless, “106.7 Lite FM” remains at #1 for the 11^th successive sweep. A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) but rebounded in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). Shifting from 6.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 (March – April – May, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” takes a one-half share slide to 5.8 (second to third, 6+). It is overtaken by Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 for R&B” (6.1, +.4, third to second, 6+), which had posted a 5.7 (6+) in four of the last six survey periods (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). Rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WQHT “Hot 97 – #1 for Hip-Hop” posts its fourth straight (modest) gain (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.0, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKTU “103.5 The Beat of New York” is up or flat for the third time in succession (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6, unchanged at #10, 6+). Steady at #8, iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” is off a collective eight-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Urban contemporary sibling WWPR continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) as “Power 105.1” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). At the same time that Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X-96.3” is without a loss for the fourth sweep in a row for a +.3 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #20, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” is off four-tenths to 2.6 (6+), snapping at three its consecutive string of up or flat trends that produced a +.3 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0, #12 to #13, 6+). Entercom hot AC WNEW “Fresh 102.7” is down or flat for the fourth straight time (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, #15 to #16, 6+), whereas Cumulus country WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” marks its third uptick in a row for an overall +.6 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, #16 to #14, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Returning the three-tenths it picked up in May, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI continues a down/up pattern that commenced in December (4.1 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), as “AM 640” continues in sixth-place. When KFI dipped by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it ended at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a collective eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Similarly, Entercom’s KNX surrenders the one-tenth it notched in May (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), but “1070 News Radio” again exits the top ten (#10 to #12); KNX was -.6 in April. February’s 3.3 is its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (3.3, as well). Unchanged at #10, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is trending 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 (6+). Clumped together are sports talk KSPN “710 ESPN,” up by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1, flat at #29); Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” (.9 – 1.1, +.2, #29, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned Los Angeles Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (.9 – 1.0, +.1, #31, 6+); and co-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” (.8 – .9, +.1, #32 to #3, 6+). Elsewhere in the news/talk format, Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is flat at .4 but dips from #40 to #41 (6+).

Los Angeles Music Formats – It’s once again a razor-thin finish at the top between iHeartMedia siblings. Specifically, hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” adds one-tenth (5.7 – 5.8, 6+) to remain on top, where it is two-tenths ahead of adult contemporary cluster-mate KOST “Coast 103.5” (flat at 5.6, steady at #2, 6+). Having lost more than half (-6.6) of its 6+-share in consecutive surveys since the “Holiday” 2017 report (11.9 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), KOST bounced back in March and April with a combined +.7 (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). Over the past 34 Los Angeles sweeps dating back to December 2015, KOST and KBIG have had a stranglehold on the #1 position. “Coast 103.5” has been on top 20 times (December 2015 through January 2017; December 2017; “Holiday” 2017; March 2018; and April 2018), while “My-FM” has set the pace on 14 occasions (February 2017 through November 2017; January 2018; February 2018; May 2018; and June 2018. This is the 17^th ratings period in a row that Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA is within 2.1 – 2.8 range (6+), but “Zona Mx 101.9” is off by one-half share (2.6 – 2.1, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#17 to #22). Unchanged at #4, Entercom smooth AC KTWV was a collective +.7 in five straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” surrenders three-tenths in June to 4.5 (6+). Co-owned alternative KROQ is a combined +.3 in four straight up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, #19 to #17, 6+), whereas format foe, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” returns May’s +.4 (2.8 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+) and carries on at #9. Those same two group owners are involved in the market’s CHR battle in which iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” (flat at #5) is an overall -.6 in five consecutive down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), while Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” repeats May’s 2.7 and remains at #10 (6+). In addition to returning to the top twenty, Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 32^nd time in succession, (2.1 – 2.3, +.2, #21 to #20, 6+); March 2018’s 2.0 is its lowest 6+-stat since January 2016 (2.0, as well). After debuting at #40 in May, Entravision regional Mexican KDLD “La Tricolor 103.1” moves up to #38 (.4 – .6, +.2, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective -.5 in four straight sweeps without a gain (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom’s WBBM-AM drops from second to third. The all-news outlet was up by an overall eight-tenths in January and February (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+); February’s 5.3 is its finest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 5.4. After being off two-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate WSCR “670 The Score” rebounded with a +1.3 in April and May (2.3 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), but the Chicago Cubs flagship slips by one-tenth in June to 3.5 (seventh to ninth, 6+). “The Score” posted a full-share gain in October (3.9 – 4.9, 6+); was a combined -2.8 between October 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 3.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+); and improved by six-tenths in January. Its rival, ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000,” is without an increase for the fifth sweep in a row (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, flat at #25, 6+). As the result of a +.2 in May, Tribune Media news/talk WGN curtailed three successive decreases that produced a collective -1.3 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). In June, the key station of the Chicago White Sox tacks on two-tenths to 2.4 and is flat at #21 (6+). A March gain of three-tenths by WGN ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a collective -.7 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Format rival – Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM – is off one-half share in four consecutive down or flat moves (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, #23 to #24, 6+). Immediately prior to this, WLS-AM registered seven straight up or flat ratings periods and was +.7 in that stretch (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). An overall +.8 in March and April (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is -.5 in May and June (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.5, #16 to #20, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – A combined -.5 in April and May (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+) Entercom’s WBBM-FM “Chicago’s B-96” recaptures all of it with a +.5 in June (2.9, #20 to #17, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by one-tenth to 3.5 (6+), ending three straight (modest) upticks in a row that netted six-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). Not only does its urban AC sibling WVAZ pick up one-tenth to 6.0 (6+), thus snapping four straight down or flat trends that produced a -.9 (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+), “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is on top for the sixth month in a row. WVAZ ranked first from February 2017 through September 2017, as well. In six straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Hubbard’s WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” nearly doubles its 6+-stat (a combined +2.3) and remains at #3. Anchored at #6, Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits,” which was an overall +1.6 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), forfeits one-tenth in June to 4.2 (6+). After three times in succession of posting a 3.5 (6+), Venture Technologies Group adult contemporary WRME-LP “FM 87.7 Me TV” dips to 3.3 and exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Its lead over Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE shrinks to three-tenths as “100.3 SHE” improves by three-tenths (2.7 – 3.0, #17 to #15, 6+); WSHE was off one-half share in April. In the market’s hot AC contest, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” notches its third (slight) increase in succession (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+) and re-enters the top ten (#11 to a four-way tie at #9), while Hubbard-owned WTMX “101.9 The Mix” regains two-tenths of the three-tenths it lost in May (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), elevating from fourth to second.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – While #1 for the sixth time in succession, KQED is a combined -1.8 as the result of three downward moves in succession (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1, 6+). The Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talker was a combined +1.3 via three straight positive spikes (7.6 – 8.1 – 8.8 – 8.9, 6+) and had been on top 12 consecutive times before “Holiday” 2017. A gain of four-tenths in July 2017 halted at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). KQED added one-half share in August (7.1 – 7.6, 6+); relinquished 60% of that increase in September (7.3, -.3, 6+); and was +1.3 in November (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), KCBS-AM posts a one-tenth gain to 5.5 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. Up eight-tenths in October, the Entercom all-news facility was a combined -1.2 via three straight drops in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.6, 6+). October’s 6.8 was its strongest 6+-performance since February 2017 (6.8, as well). Owing to three successive positive spikes, Cumulus Media news/talker KSFO is an overall +.9 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0, #13 to #12, 6+). Prior to gaining two-tenths in March, KSFO was a combined -1.3 in five straight decreases, (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). Off by one-tenth in May and June (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), co-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR dips from sixth to seventh; “The Sports Leader” gained nine-tenths in April. Off one-tenth as well is Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (2.6, #13 to #15, 6+). The key station of the Oakland A’s had been without a loss the past nine ratings periods, nearly tripling (+1.7) its 6+-stat in that timeframe (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+). Albeit down or flat for the third successive sweep (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk KGO manages to climb from #23 to #21.

San Francisco Music Formats – As it carries on in third-place, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” is an overall +.6 via four straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Steady at #4, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” has put up a February to June 6+ topline of 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.8. In four successive (modest) declines (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KLLC was off by eight-tenths, but “Alice @ 97.3” notches a +.3 in June to 3.6 (seventh, 6+). One-tenth behind is its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” (3.3 – 3.5, +.2, ninth, 6+); the two hot ACs were tied at #8 in May. Repetitive March 2018 – June 2018 trending for iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” is 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 (flat at #10, 6+), while the past six stats for co-owned 1980’s-based KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” are 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 (#15 to #14, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the 35^th time in a row that North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA registers a 6+-share in the two-share range (2.5 – 2.8, +.3, #18 to #17, 6+). Not only is the +1.2 that Cumulus Media’s KTCK racked up in April and May (2.9 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+) wiped out in June (2.9, -1.2, 6+), “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” plummets from #6 to #14. KTCK was stuck on 3.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017 and registered a +.5 in January before dropping three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.5 – 3.2 – 2.9, January – February – March, 6+). Despite forfeiting one-tenth (2.2 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” advances from #21 to #19. In advance of a +.5 in April, the Texas Rangers flagship posted five straight negative trends that resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+). Elsewhere in the sports talk format, the seven most recent 6+-stats for ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” are 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1    – 1.1 – 1.0 (#30 to #32, 6+). Although flat at #20, Entercom news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM is an overall -.7 through four straight down or flat trends (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0. A loss of two-tenths in March ended at seven a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). It is tied at #20 with Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” (2.2 – 2.1, -.1, #22 in May, 6+). Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is down one-tenth (.8 – .7, unchanged at #34, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” records a .6 for the third time in a row and is flat at #35 (6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) are erased with a +.9 to 4.7 (6+) as iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9” vaults from eighth to third. In six straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, steady at #3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KSCS “96.3 New Country” is a +.8. It now leads co-owned/similarly-programmed KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” by one-half share (flat at 4.2, fifth to sixth, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to May’s +.2 (1.2 – 1.4 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Positive Hits” reaches the two-share level for the first time since March 2017’s 2.0 and cracks the top twenty (four-way tie at #20). An overall +1.5 in three positive spikes in a row (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS regresses by six-tenths to 6.6 (6+), but  “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is #1 for the sixth straight month. When “Kiss” reached #1 in January, it was the first time the mainstream CHR held the lead position since March 2017. Off by six-tenths as well and part of the aforementioned four-way logjam at #20 is Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.7 – 2.1, #15 to #20, 6+). Up or flat the past five sweeps for an overall +.6 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” slips two-tenths to 3.8 (6+) but remains at #7.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of May’s +.6 (3.3 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH returns one-tenth to 3.8 (#11 to #13, 6+); “News Radio 740” improved by six-tenths in January. In advance of its January +.6, KTRH was without an increase in the previous four monthlies for an overall -1.4 (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+). Having recorded a 3.6 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (3.6 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF regresses by four-tenths to 3.2 (#15 to #16, 6+). As was the case with KTRH, KUHF was +.6 in January. In the market’s sports talk field, iHeartMedia-owned Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” is flat at 1.2 (unchanged at #22, 6+); Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” adds two-tenths (.8 – 1.0, #25, 6+); and Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” forfeits two-tenths (.8 – .6, #27, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Significant ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia’s KTBZ, which was +1.7 in five straight sweeps without a loss (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+) and then -1.1 in April and May (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+). Now, “94.5 The Buzz – Houston’s Rock and Alternative” improves by six-tenths to 5.0, jumping from ninth to fifth. Following three straight (modest) declines for a cumulative -.6 (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s KILT-FM not only regains the entire deficit (4.1, +.6, 6+), “New Country 100.3 The Bull” charges into the top ten (#16 to #10). Even though it surrenders May’s +.4 (7.0 – 7.4 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” repeats at #1. Having finished first in four successive sweeps, “Sunny” segued to second in March. It answered March’s -1.1 with an April +.8 to return to the top spot. KODA, which finished second in October and November, was -5.4 in January but gained two-tenths in February. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. Immediately prior to September’s -.8, KODA was a collective +1.7 via four straight up or flat monthlies (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+). After improving by two-tenths in May (7.0 – 7.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” stumbles by seven-tenths to 6.5 (6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. Stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, “Majic” dropped to 6.8 (6+) in March; “Sunny” and “Majic” were tied for #1 in April. A combined +1.5 in March and April (4.9 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KKBQ is now -1.2 in May and June (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.2, 6+) although “Country 93-Q” carries on at #3. As the result of five straight sweeps without an increase (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6, #14 to #15, 6+), KSBJ Educational Foundation’s KSBJ “89.3 Contemporary Christian Music – God Listens” tumbles by a cumulative -1.6. Disappearing from print is iHeartMedia urban AC KQBT-HD2 (.8 – .0, -.8, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Setting the pace for the 31^st successive ratings period, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM adds three-tenths to 7.8 (6+), thus suspending three consecutive negative moves that accounted for a -2.7 (10.2 – 9.4 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). WSB-AM, which was +1.6 in January, notched three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+) but then was a combined -1.6 in three consecutive drops (10.2 – 10.0 – 9.1 – 8.6, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). January 2017’s 10.7 represents its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. After logging a +.7 in April, Entercom sports talk WZGC is -1.1 in May and June (3.3 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+) yet climbs from #18 to #17; “92.9 The Game” was -1.1 in February. In advance of February’s loss, “The Game” was a combined +.7 in three straight gains (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). Seven successive sweeps without a decrease (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) nets Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” eight-tenths as the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves inches up from #20 to #19. Not only is City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE without an increase for the fourth sweep in succession for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+), it exits the top ten (#8 to #11). A gain of three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, 6+) takes Cumulus Media’s WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” to its best 6+-stat in exactly one year (2.1 as well in June 2017) and back into the top twenty (#21 to #18). Prior to April’s 2.0, WYAY recorded a 1.8 (6+) in January, February, and March. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS returns May’s +.1 (.6 – .7 – .6, #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Owing to five negative moves in a row, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” was -4.5 (8.5 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+) for a more than 50% loss. Answering with a +.8 in June to 4.8 (6+), “The Fish” progresses from eighth to sixth. WFSH was a combined +2.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.6 – 7.2 – 8.5, 6+). Three consecutive positive spikes by Radio Training Network’s similarly-programmed WVFJ accounted for a +1.1 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.9, 6+) but “The Joy FM” relinquishes more than 80% of that increase (2.0, -.9, #16 to #19, 6+). After three negative trends in succession for an overall -.9 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “Kiss 104.1 – Atlanta’s R&B” erases all but two-tenths of the loss with a +.7 to 4.3 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #8). In a somewhat similar scenario, Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 – Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” improves by six-tenths to 3.4 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three successive decreases that accounted for a -.8 (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, #17 to #15, 6+). With a one-half share gain (6.1 – 6.6, steady at #3, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV “97.1 The River” registers its best 6+-stat (6.6) in exactly one year (6.6 as well in June 2017). Segueing from sixth to tenth, iHeartMedia’s country WUBL “94.9 The Bull” drops seven-tenths to 3.9 (6+). A one-tenth setback in May ended four increases in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). Without a decrease in each of the last five sweeps for an overall +1.2 (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus-owned WNNX “Rock 100.5 – Atlanta’s Rock Station” surrenders exactly half that bounty (3.0, -.6, #11 to #16, 6+). Four sweeps in a row without a loss by Entercom urban contemporary WVEE generated a combined +1.3 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.1, 6+), but “V-103 The People’s Station” dips by one-tenth to 7.0 (6+). Nonetheless, WVEE remains in the runner-up slot. May’s 7.1 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (7.3, April 2016). Ranked #19 in May, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WSTR-HD3 vanishes from print after seven straight up or flat moves (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a -.8 in May (6.9 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom’s WIP erodes by another one-half share to 5.6 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Large monthly shifts have been common lately for the Phillies flagship, including an overall -1.1 (December and “Holiday” 2017); +2.6 (January 2018); -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); and now -.5 (June). Its format foe, Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic,” which was +.9 in January, is a combined -.8 in May and June (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0, #17 to #18, 6+). Although unchanged at #8, Entercom all-news outlet KYW is -1.5 via three negative moves in a row (6.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). An increase of nine-tenths in March (5.1 – 6.0, 6+) gave KYW its strongest 6+-showing in three years (6.1, March 2015), but it then surrendered one full-share in April; KYW improved by +1.0 in January. Off one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, 6+), public news/talk WHYY – which was -.7 in May – drops from ninth to tenth. WHYY chalked up a +1.0 in January and was -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” gains one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, steady at #20, 6+), while Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” regains the one-tenth it lost in May (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6, flat at #21, 6+). WPHT was stuck on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and then on 1.9 (6+) in February and March before dropping to 1.5 in April. Meanwhile, WKXW was a collective +.6 in six straight up or flat Philadelphia sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+) but lost two-tenths in April.

Philadelphia Music Formats – Five positive spikes in a row by Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” account for a combined +1.9 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.7, third to second, 6+). Eight-tenths ahead of WOGL is Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM,” which is #1 for the fourth straight month. Its January 2018 – June 2018 topline is an ultra-consistent 8.3 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.3 – 8.4 – 8.5 (6+). WBEB was -8.7 in January, but in five straight increases before that, “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was a collective +10.3 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 12.8 – 17.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. An overall +.8 in three straight positive spikes (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” surrenders one-half share to 5.8 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Without a loss for the sixth straight month for an overall +2.1 (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom’s WXTU advances from seventh to sixth. Prior to May, the last time “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” reached the five-share level (6+) was in August 2016 (5.3). Stuck on 1.7 (6+) in April and May, Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WPHI “Boom 103.9” breaks out a one-half share increase to 2.2 (#19 to #18, 6+). After posting eight consecutive up or flat trends in which it nearly doubled (+.6) its 6+-share (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 -1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WPST “94.5 PST” falters by two-tenths to 1.1 (#24 to #25, 6+). While flat at #26, Radio One gospel WPPZ “Praise 107.9 – Philadelphia’s Inspiration Station” is down one full-share in 15 straight down or flat sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective +1.8 in April and May (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio” follows with a one-half share loss in June to 4.2, falling from third to sixth (6+). The New York Yankees’ flagship was -1.1 in February. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is -1.2 in May and June (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+) as the key station of the New York Mets departs the top twenty (#17 to #21). WOR was an overall +.8 in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), before returning three-tenths in March. After five consecutive upticks for a +1.2, which more than doubled its 6+-share (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), Emmis-owned WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” slips three-tenths to 2.0 (#17 to #19, 6+). Trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 (6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM moves from #23 to #24, while Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is without an increase for the third consecutive month (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, #26 to #25, 6+). Entercom all-news WINS, which bounced back from April’s -.5 with a May gain of three-tenths, drops three-tenths in June (3.1 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM adds one-tenth (2.4 – 2.5, #17 to 16, 6+). WCBS-AM gained two-tenths in January, halting four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). In March, it recaptured the four-tenths it dropped in February. Without an increase in Long Island for six successive survey periods for a -1.3 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), WINS was +.4 in March.

Long Island Music Formats – As a result of three straight upticks (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” is a collective +1.3 and surges from fourth to second. This (5.0) is the strongest 6+-performance for WBLI since September 2017’s 5.2. Improving by six-tenths as well is Connoisseur Media’s WWSK “94.3 The Shark – Everything That Rocks” (#15 to #12), which is up or flat for the third straight month for a +.7 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are its classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO “103.1 Max FM” (4.2 – 4.7, eighth to fifth, 6+) and Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (1.5 – 2.0, #19, 6+); WNYL was formerly mainstream CHR WBMP “Amp Radio.” On top for the ninth consecutive time, Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” is a whopping -7.5 (or roughly -60%) in six successive sweeps without an increase (12.6 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+). “Real Variety” was an overall +7.2 in October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017 (5.4 – 6.7 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+). Off nine-tenths in October, WALK-FM was on top between June 2017 and September 2017. After three consecutive increases that generated a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), it dropped one-tenth in July; rebounded with a +.7 in August; but surrendered six-tenths in September. It is now just one-tenth ahead of aforementioned Cox Media Group CHR WBLI and iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100,” which is flat at 5.0 (6+). Within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 44^th consecutive ratings period, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” bumps up two-tenths (2.6 – 2.8, #14 to #13, 6+). Ping-ponging 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.3 (March – April – May, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY “Long Island’s K-98.3” stumbles by six-tenths to 3.7 (sixth to ninth, 6+). As the result of four straight down or flat Nassau-Suffolk trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is a collective -1.1 (sixth to eighth).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #13, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is up two-tenths (.9 – 1.1, 6+). Immediately prior to February, KVCR was +.4 via three minor upticks in a row (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+). With a very consistent Inland Empire November 2017 – June 2018 topline of .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .5 (6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” repeats at #17. Part of a four-way logjam at #20 in May with a .3 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappears from print in June.

Riverside Music Formats – A gain of seven-tenths (3.4 – 4.1, 6+) enables iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” to climb from fifth to fourth. Owing to a one-half share uptick (2.5 – 3.0, ninth to sixth, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since November 2017’s 3.9. Following five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+), Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” is now +1.9 in May and June (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+) and marches from #2 to #1. This is the first time in the lead position for “Jose” since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). Displaced from the penthouse after a five-month run and dropping to second is Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, which is -2.1 via four downward trends in succession (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). January’s +1.8 applied the brakes to three straight decreases that accounted for a -2.0 (7.5 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). Prior to January 2018, KOLA last occupied the #1 slot in January 2016 with a 6.9 (6+). Following four straight sweeps without an increase for a one-half share loss in that timeframe (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, 6+), All-Pro Broadcasting’s KHTI “Hot 103.9 – Move to the Music” picks up one-tenth to .9 (flat at #14, 6+). On the heels of May’s -.4 (5.3 – 4.9, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” erodes by one full-share to 3.9 (fourth to fifth, 6+), its lowest 6+-stat in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario since February 2017 (3.9, as well). Co-owned regional Mexican KSCA “Zona Mx 101.9” is a collective -1.2 via three negative moves in a row (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). Steady at #3, Entercom country outlet KFRG “K-Frog” falters by four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of increases that netted an overall +1.3 (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). A cumulative +.5 in three (modest) gains in a row (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” slips by two-tenths to 1.5 and is unchanged at #12 (6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being in the runner-up slot for the fifth time in a row, Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM is without a loss for the fourth consecutive time for a combined +1.4 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and has its strongest 6+ (San Jose) showing since November 2017 (7.2, as well). KCBS-AM was -.8 in February and up one-half share in April. Rebounding from a combined -1.9 in April and May (8.8 – 8.2 – 6.9, 6+) with a June +.6 to 7.5 (6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED is #1 for the sixth straight month. When KQED lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it shifted to #2, following five successive sweeps on top; it was +1.0 in January. A setback of one-tenth in December halted three consecutive gains that produced an overall +1.3 (6.9 – 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+). Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and it stayed on top through April 2017. After posting a +1.6 in April, Cumulus Media sports talk and San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” falters by a collective seven-tenths in May and June (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.9, seventh to eighth, 6+). In April, KNBR reached the four-share level in San Jose (6+) for the first time since May 2017’s 4.2. Co-owned news/talk KSFO is without a loss for the fifth month in a row for an overall +1.0 (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, #17 to #19, 6+). Conversely, cluster-mate KGO is down for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, #20 to #22, 6+); KGO was a combined +.7 in January and February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+). Tacking on three-tenths to May’s +.1 (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” improves from  #29 to #27. Frozen on 1.0 (6+) in December, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018, the key station of the Oakland A’s gained two-tenths in February but dropped one-tenth in March and April.

San Jose Music Formats – In addition to dialing up a +.9 (1.9 – 2.8, 6+) that catapults it into the top twenty (#21 to #14), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” records its best 6+ (San Jose) stat (2.8) in nearly two years (2.9, August 2016). Off by a cumulative eight-tenths in April and May (2.6 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” responds with a June gain of one-half share to 2.3 (6+) and enters the top twenty at #17. In three straight positive spikes, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” (steady at #3) is an overall +1.9 (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). Frozen on 4.2 (6+) in April and May, Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” ties Dallas sports talker KTCK (see above) for largest (6+) May 2018 – June 2018 decrease among all stations in the 12 PPM-markets noted here (4.2 – 3.0, -1.2, 6+), fading from #8 to #12. Trending 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.8 (February – March – April – May, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” regresses by six-tenths to 1.2 (#28, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – On top four ratings periods in succession before segueing to #2 in May, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is up four-tenths to 6.4 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. “New Jersey 101.5” was a combined -2.1 in April and May (8.1 – 7.3 – 6.0, 6+) and posted a +.9 in January to advance from second to first with its strongest 6+-stat since April 2016’s 8.5. WKXW held the lead position from January 2017 through November 2017. Even though Entercom sports talk WFAN slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+), it manages to climb from eighth to fifth. June’s one-tenth setback curtails three straight upticks that netted +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Four successive losses by WFAN accounted for a -1.9 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), but immediately prior to that, the New York Yankees flagship was +1.4 via three straight increases (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is now -1.5 in four straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9, #19 to #20, 6+). The seven most recent topline 6+ stats for sports talk WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” are 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.7 (#20 to #21, 6+). It is tied at #21 with iHeartMedia news/talk and New York Mets flagship WOR (1.8 – 1.7, -.1, 6+); Entercom all-news WINS (flat at 1.7, after a +.6 in May, 6+); and Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (1.4 – 1.7, +.3, 6+). Prior to a one-half share dip in May, WOR had been without a loss the previous four Middlesex sweeps for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom all-news WCBS-AM posts its third decrease in a row for a roughly 50% erosion (-1.4) of its 6+-share (2.9 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, #22 to #25, 6+). Following three consecutive downward moves for a regression of six-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), WCBS-AM answered with a +.7 in March.

Middlesex Music Formats – Not only does WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” register its third consecutive up or flat monthly for a +1.2 (5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.8, 6+), the Emmis urban AC marches from third to first. It succeeds iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” (first to third), which actually gains one-tenth to 6.3 (6+), pulling the plug on five straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -5.3 (11.5 – 7.4 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). On a bit of a rollercoaster ride, Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (formerly mainstream CHR WBMP “Amp Radio”) was +.5 in April; -.5 in May; and now +.6 in June (2.9 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 3.5, #15 to #12, 6+). Duplicating its May increase of one-half share (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ enters the top ten (#12 to #8). After trending 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 (6+), “Mega 97.9” regressed by one-half share in April. Drifting from sixth to tenth, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” records its third drop in a row for a -1.7 (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+). Surrendering its May +.7 and another one-tenth (4.9 – 4.1, -.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ slips from fifth to sixth; May’s 4.9 is the best 6+-stat for “Q-104.3” – New York’s Classic Rock” since 5.3 in November 2017. A decline of six-tenths (4.6 – 4.0, steady at #7, 6+) takes Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” to its lowest 6+-stat (4.0) since 3.7 in “Holiday” 2017. Three consecutive Middlesex-Somerset-Union increases by Cumulus Media country outlet WNSH combined for a +1.8 (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 4.0, 6+), but “94.7 Nash FM” is off three-tenths in June to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #11). May’s 4.0 is the strongest 6+-showing for WNSH in this New Jersey market since June 2016 (4.0, as well).

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

WSJ: Liberty Still Interested in iHeartMedia.  After taking its offer of $1.2 billion for 40% of iHeartMedia off the table a couple of weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that now Liberty Media is “working on revamping its original offer.”  The story goes on to say that Liberty’s return to the table could signal a bidding war between it and private equity firm Silver Lake.  Last week, the New York Post reported that Silver Lake is in talks with iHM.  The Wall Street Journal story says Silver Lake has made an offer for 20% of the reorganized iHeart, though a dollar figure is not being reported.  Both Liberty – owner of a controlling interest in SiriusXM and a minority interest in Pandora – and Silver Lake are also said to be in talks with iHeartMedia creditors Franklin Advisors Inc. and Pacific Investment Management Co., both of which are expected to control the post-reorganization iHeartMedia.  For Liberty, the obvious synergies make it an attractive suitor with iHeart itself stating in a recent filing that Liberty’s original offer didn’t take into account some $500 million in annual synergies.

TALKERS News Notes. A Louisburg, Kansas woman prevailed at the U.S. Supreme Court when it ruled a lower court should not have dismissed her civil rights complaint against local police officers who ordered her to stop praying in her own home. The case developed after neighbors called police on Mary Anne Sause because she was listening to Michael Savage too loudly.   She claims police didn’t tell her why they were there, and she became frightened and asked to pray.  She says the officers then attempted to stop her from praying.  Read the account in The Hutchinson News here…..At the Podcast Movement event in Philadelphia on July 24, Edison Research will present the results of its latest podcasting study.  Titled, “Podcasting’s Next Frontier: 100 Million Listeners,” the address promises to “provide a research-based road map for the podcasting industry to grow audience and increase exposure to podcasts.”  It will provide “attendees with a look at the tens of millions of Americans who say they know what podcasting is but haven’t (yet) become regular listeners to the medium.”…..Fort Myers rock outlet WRXK “96 K-Rock” drops the Bubba the Love Sponge program from the morning drive daypart.  The Beasley Media Group station had Bubba’s show in morning drive there for the past 10 years and says an announcement about the new morning show is forthcoming. Beasley’s decision comes just days after Bubba Clem and Nielsen settled their lawsuits against each other…..Entercom Atlanta inks a deal with Georgia State University for sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” and sister news/talk WAOK to broadcast the school’s football and men’s and women’s basketball games, beginning with the 2018-19 season.   Entercom Atlanta SVP and market manager Rick Caffey says, “Expanding our sports content is an important part of our strategy to remain the leaders in sports radio.  We remain strong advocates of our local community and of delivering quality content to our city and beyond.  This agreement with Georgia State University is another step in that direction and we look forward to an exciting season with an excellent sports program.”  As part of the partnership, “92.9 The Game” will also host weekly interviews with Georgia State football coach Shawn Elliott on “Mornings with John and Hugh.”  Men’s basketball coach Ron Hunter will join “Dukes and Bell” for a weekly interview.

TALKERS Continues Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – Today’s Post: Special Luncheon Greetings by WNYM (AM 970 The Answer), New York Morning Host Joe Piscopo and “Humanitarian of the Year” Award Presentation to the Late Matt Patrick.  Today (7/10), TALKERS magazine continues posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8.  Each business day, another session will be posted in the order that they originally took place.  Today’s 11th installment is a video of convention luncheon greetings by WNYM (970 AM The Answer), New York morning host Joe Piscopo with an introduction by Salem SVP Phil Boyce; and the posthumous presentation of the “Humanitarian of the Year” award to the late Texas and Ohio radio talk show host Matt Patrick by Michael Harrison with an acceptance by his widow and show producer, Paula Ryan.   Already posted: the panel discussion titled “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” moderated by Livestream head of news, Clayton Rose and featuring panelists Krantz Media Group CEO, Gary Krantz and KTRS, St Louis host, McGraw Milhaven; the panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2018” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor, Kevin Casey; introduced by Crossover Media Group managing member, Ron Hartenbaum; and featuring panelists Asa RX host, Asa; Bold Gold Media Group CEO, Vince Benedetto; Howie Carr Radio Network president, Kathy Carr; Westwood One president, Suzanne Grimes; WBAL, Baltimore president/GM, Cary Pahigian; and KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz owner, Michael Zwerling.  Other videos already posted include the special presentation by Amplifi Media CEO, Steven Goldstein titled “Radio Broadcasters and Smart Speakers with an introduction by GCN personality, Dr. Daliah Wachs ;  a special presentation by PodcastOne chairman and CEO, Norm Pattiz titled “Radio Broadcasters and Podcasting” with an introduction by Voice of America and National Public Radio anchor/reporter, Lori Lundin;  a special presentation by WFAN personality, Mike Francesa titled “Sports Talk’s Role in Media and Popular Culture” with an introduction by author and former radio producer, Bernadette Duncan;  Salem SVP, Phil Boyce’s address titled “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio?”; the fireside chat between TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison and Beasley Media Group CEO, Caroline Beasley including Harrison’s presentation of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award to Beasley; Harrison’s fireside chat with FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel mega-star, Brian Kilmeade with an introduction by Westwood One syndicated host, Walter Sterling and special remarks by Sean Hannity; opening remarks by the convention’s co-emcees, TalkersRadio GM, David Bernstein and Good Day Networks/DJV Show CEO/host, Doug Stephan; KGO, San Francisco host, Ethan Bearman delivering the event’s welcoming remarks and Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host, Brad Shepard introduction of Bearman.  Also posted: the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor, Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter.  To view the page, please click here.

Former KSTP, Minneapolis Talk Host Barbara Carlson Dies at 80.  Twin Cities talk radio fans are remembering Barbara Carlson, the former KSTP-AM, Minneapolis talk show host who died yesterday (7/9) at age 80 after a battle with lung cancer.  Carlson was a two-term Minneapolis city councilor during the 1980s. Prior to that, she was married for more than 10 years to former Minnesota Republican Governor Arne Carlson.  She hosted her talk show at KSTP from 1990 to 2002. See the Twin Cities Pioneer Press obit here.

Trump Supreme Court Nomination, Illegal Immigration Policy-Judge Rejects Trump Request, Trump-Russia Investigation/Impending Putin Meeting, U.S.-China Trade War, U.K Brexit Complications, Thailand Cave Rescues, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/9).  The anticipation and announcement of Brett Kavanaugh as nominee for Supreme Court Justice; the Trump administration’s illegal immigration policies and a federal judge’s rejection of administration’s bid to modify child detention policy; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the planned meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin; new tariffs and concerns over a U.S.-China trade war; the challenges facing British Prime Minister Theresa May in executing the British exit from the EU; the rescue of the boys’ soccer team from flooded caves in Thailand; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  Programmer and air personality Eliseo “Short-E” Cierra joins iHeartMedia’s Fort Myers station group to serve as program director for hip hop WBTT “105.5 The Beat” and hot AC WZJZ “Y100.1.”  He was most recently music director and an air personality at Entercom’s hip hop KSFM, Sacramento.  iHeartMedia Fort Myers SVP of programming Louis Kaplan states, “I’m thrilled to welcome Short-E to iHeartMedia Fort Myers. He genuinely understands our market and brings adept format experience and lively energy to our team.  He’ll be leading two of our most popular brands, ‘105.5 The Beat,’ which has been a huge success for over 15 years, and ‘Y100,’ the area’s home for the Elvis Duran show, and I know his vast industry knowledge and creativity will take our stations to even higher levels.”…..iHeartMedia Los Angeles names Tamo Sein midday personality at alternative KYSR “ALT 98.7,” effective July 16.  KYSR program director Lisa Worden says, “We believe the ‘ALT 98.7’ audience will immediately take to Tamo’s relatable and down-to-earth approach.  Plus, she loves alternative music and is a food and wine enthusiast!  She’ll fit right in with LA.”  Sein comes to LA from iHeartMedia Charlotte where she was APD and music director at alternative WEND “105.5 The End.”.….Hubbard Radio’s country WIL-FM, St. Louis officially welcomed Mason and Remy to their new gig as afternoon drive team on the station. They take over for Stacey and Jonah, who move over to the company’s adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” for afternoons.  The changes took effect yesterday (7/9)…..S-R Broadcasting flips KRKO-AM/K237GN from sports talk to classic hits. General manager Chuck Maylin says the new station is “custom designed to meet the musical appetites of local listeners, with a strong focus on information and activities of importance and interest in the greater Snohomish County area.”