Thursday, July 20, 2017

Cumulus San Francisco Promotes Programmers at KNBR and KTCT. Sports talk PD Lee Hammer is elevated to the newly created position vice president, sports play-by-play programming at Cumulus Media San Francisco.  At the same time, the company ups Jeremiah Crowe to program director for both KNBR and sister sports talker KTCT.  Hammer has been KNBR program director for the past 12 years. Crowe joined Cumulus last year as KNBR APD and KTCT PD.  He’s previously served at crosstown KGMZ-FM in addition to serving as producer of “Mike and Mike in the Morning,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “SportsNation,” “NFL Countdown to Kickoff,” “College Gameday,” “RaceDay,” and “Fantasy Focus” on ESPN Radio. Cumulus San Francisco VP/market manager Justin Wittmayer comments, “Jeremiah Crowe and Lee Hammer are the ‘Dream Team’ for outstanding sports radio programming and together, will continue to drive the growth of these powerhouse sports stations. Jeremiah has done a remarkable job leading the re-launch of KNBR 1050 over the past year, while expanding our high-engagement social media platforms for Bay Area sports fans.  In this new role as program director of both KNBR 680 and KNBR 1050, he will focus his considerable expertise and efforts into growing these stations and the KNBR brand as the Bay Area’s most powerful name in sports programming.”

WRRD, Milwaukee Owner Challenging WTMJ Translator Deal. Saying that WTMJ and Scripps have “picked a fight with the wrong guy and the wrong radio station,” WRRD-AM, Waukesha owner Michael Crute announces he’s hired Rebecca E. Jacobs of the law firm Womble Caryle Sandridge & Rice LLP to file an Objection to the Amendment to the Construction Permit for moving FM translator W277CV from Waukegan, Illinois into the Milwaukee metro at a site owned by Scripps.  Crute says this move violates the original CP that would have put WRRD’s programming on the translator.  TALKERS reported yesterday that Scripps and translator owner Frank McCoy have filed applications with the FCC to move the translator to a tower owned by Scripps and to carry WTMJ programming.  In that story, TALKERS speculated that McCoy was offered a better deal by Scripps than he had with Crute, and that turns out to be true, as Crute states in a press release.  Crute is co-host of “The Devil’s Advocates” program syndicated by WYD Media Management and distributed by Westwood One.  After years of working on air in Madison and other markets via syndication, he purchased WRRD to launch a progressive talk station in the Milwaukee market.  His show airs on the station.  In his press release, Crute paints this conflict as a David vs Goliath-type battle and says his efforts operating WRRD are designed to “level the broadcast playing field” in the market.  The FCC, however, will rule only on whether or not the Construction Permit was violated.

George Plaster to Return to Airwaves in Nashville.  The Tennessean is reporting that Nashville market sports talk radio pro George Plaster will be back on the air talking sports in some capacity on classic country WSM-AM.  The story notes that the Grand Ole Opry LLC-owned station is not specific about when or how often the new program would air, just that WSM program director Jon Shaffer will co-host the program.  Last August, Plaster left sports talker WPRT “The Game 102.5 FM” to become athletic director at Belmont University.  He will remain in the position.  Plaster tells the paper, “What this is doing is allowing me to dip my toe back in a little bit, to have some fun with something I love so much and at the same time continue to work at a great school in a great situation with great people.”  Read the Tennessean piece here.

CBS RADIO Unveils KDKA-Branded Traffic and Weather Service.  The new CBS RADIO “KDKA Traffic & Weather Together” service will be available to listeners via WDSY-HD3, the online streaming app Radio.com, Wi-Fi connected cars, and Amazon Echo or Alexa-enabled devices through the TuneIn app.  CBS RADIO says the station “will provide reliable, up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information for the Pittsburgh, PA area.  CBS RADIO Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Young comments, “Radio listeners in Western Pennsylvania have long relied on accurate and timely local updates from NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.  By utilizing the station’s trusted resources, we have produced a product that is solely dedicated to providing continuous traffic and weather updates to the local communities we serve.”

TALKERS News Notes. The Fox Sports Radio show “Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis” is being added to the program schedule at Genesis Communications’ sports talk duo WHBO, Tampa and WHOO, Orlando – branded “Sports Talk Florida.”  The show is airing in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart starting on Monday (7/24)…..Also on Monday, a new edition of “The Regular Guys” – led by Larry Wachs – will start airing on Dickey Broadcasting’s sports talk WFOM-AM, Atlanta/W292EV “1230 The Fan 2 106.3 FM.”  The program will air at 2:00 pm.  In a video posted to Twitter by Wachs, he’s seen at the Atlanta Braves’ new Suntrust Park looking for “new regular guys.”  The original “Regular Guys” consisted of Wachs and Eric Von Haessler.  Tim Andrews and “Southside” Steve Rickman later joined the show.  It was airing at rock WNNX, Atlanta when it disintegrated on 2014.  Rickman is co-host of the “Bailey and Southside” show with Jason Bailey on WNNX.  Von Haessler and Andrews work at Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM…..Former Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney is back with the NFL club as interim GM after the team fired Dave Gettleman.  Hurney is a partner in HRN Broadcasting and owns and manages sports talk WZGV, Charlotte “ESPN Charlotte.”  Hurney previously spent 14 years with the Panthers, exiting the GM position in 2012…..The FCC sides with Media-Com in its battle with Salem Media Group over two FM translators – W260CY and W262CY – that would have simulcast news/talk WHK-AM and Christian talk WHKW-AM, respectively.  Media-Com successfully argued that the moves overlapped the signal of its news/talk WNIR-FM, Kent.

Fate of ObamaCare, McCain Cancer Diagnosis, Trump-Russia Investigation, O.J. Prison Release Hearing, USPS Clinton Campaign Scandal, U.S. Ends Syrian Arms Program, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/19).  The status of the Affordable Care Act as President Trump presses Congress to repeal the law, as well as the state of a GOP-authored health care plan; Senator John McCain reveals brain cancer diagnosis; the investigation into Trump campaign operatives’ connections with Russian agents; today’s prison release hearing for O.J. Simpson; the investigation concluding that the United States Postal Service violated the Hatch Act in allowing union workers to take paid time off to campaign for Hillary Clinton; the CIA’s end to supplying anti-Assad forces in Syria with arms, 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.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/20) with Grace Blazer, Chris Stigall and Steve Jones.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are:

–          The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).

–          The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).

–          The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).

–          The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).

–          The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.

–          A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).

–          The first three in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.”  They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri, a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA  Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young and a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

–          TODAY (7/20), the fourth and final dialogue in the above series is posted featuring a conversation between iHeartMedia national brand coordinator, news-talk-sports programming/director of AM programming, Miami/Fort Lauderdale market Grace Blazer and WPHT, Philadelphia morning host Chris Stigall (also facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Denver adult contemporary KOSI, Denver announces it is naming Sean Henry as the new morning drive personality.  Henry comes to Bonneville International from his most recent gig at Radioworks’ AC WGFB, Rockford, Illinois.  KOSI program director Andy Holt says, “We were looking for a very specific skill set for KOSI mornings and we checked every box with Sean.  His in-depth understanding of the AC target audience, engaging content, and superior social media skills were all key factors in our choice.”…..At All Pro Broadcasting’s hot AC KHTI Riverside-San Bernardino “HOT 103.9,” Sabrina Ruiz is named the new midday personality.  Ruiz, who takes over for the recently departed Christen Limon, was most recently afternoon host at Kemp Communications’ hot AC KVGQ, Las Vegas “Q106.9.”…..Cumulus Media names Roderick Grover, a.k.a. DJ Hot Sauce program director for hip hop WYNN, Florence, South Carolina.  He was most recently mix show coordinator and air personality at iHeartMedia’s hip hop WGCI, Chicago…..Programmer and jock Shadow Williams is leaving her PD/on-air gig at Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s rock KQRA, Springfield, Missouri to return to college.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Eyes on iHeartMedia as Debt Restructuring Attempts Continue.  Industry watchers continue to observe and report on the possible debt restructuring of iHeartMedia that would prevent the company’s bankruptcy.  The New York Post is reporting that a group of lenders led by Symphony Asset Management has a proposal offered to iHM that would to just that.  But the group won’t give final approval unless Franklin Advisers – which owns $2.3 billion of iHM debt – agrees to the package as well.  The Post story indicates that Franklin is reviewing the offer.  This proposal from the lender group would have them trade their debt for 49% of iHeartMedia.  Read it here.

Final RTDNA Newsroom Research Project: Salary Survey.  The ninth of nine reports for 2017 as part of Hofstra professor emeritus Bob Papper’s Newsroom Research Project focuses on the salaries of those working in the television and radio industries.  How did radio newsroom salaries compare to last year’s?  Tepid increases at best, writes Papper.  “Radio salaries rose 2.3% from last year.  That’s less than last year’s 3.1% increase… but far better than the two previous years.  Factor in low inflation of 2.1%, and radio salaries barely budged in the last year.”  Looking at median newsroom salaries, Papper notes, “Five- and 10-year salary comparisons show two entirely different pictures.  Again.  The last five years have been tough, overall, in radio news.  Half the positions saw salary increases above the rate of inflation, but half were below. The 10-year picture shows mostly strong growth based on some very low salaries reported in 2007.  We’ll see how these numbers hold up over time.”  Read the RTDNA report here.

Translator Deal to Give WTMJ, Milwaukee FM Presence. The FCC filing indicates that translator W277CV at 103.3 FM – owned by Frank Glass McCoy – will soon move to Scripps’ tower that hosts transmitters for WTMJ-TV and WKTI-FM and will become an FM translator for news/talk WTJM-AM.  The translator is currently licensed to Waukegan, Illinois with a construction permit to move it to Milwaukee.  McCoy originally had talks with WRRD, Waukesha owner Michael Crute about leasing the translator to his station.  It sounds as though Scripps offered more money for the signal.  Vice president & general manager of WTMJ/WKTI-Milwaukee and VP, news/talk & sports Tom Langmyer tells TALKERS magazine, “WTMJ is ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and Milwaukee’s leading news, talk and sports brand.  We’re also the flagship for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks.  It’s important to make the station’s services available to listeners on additional platforms.  The exclusive FM radio cume will now be especially well-served by our commitment to live and local talk – and our 24-hour newsroom.”

Media Equality Project to Hold Rally at CNN Headquarters.  The Media Equality Project – an organization led by talk radio pros Melanie Morgan and Brian Maloney – is organizing a rally at the Atlanta headquarters of CNN this Saturday (7/22) from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm.  The organization says that Morgan and Maloney “will be joined by their volunteer leaders, local political activists and Atlanta talk show host Bryan Crabtree of ‘Biz1190’ and ‘AM920 The Answer’ to call for unbiased, balanced coverage of national issues that people care about.”  Maloney adds, “For too long, CNN has been allowed to warp, misrepresent and outright manufacture news events out of thin air.  Real damage has been done to the targets of CNN’s misreporting, not to mention the country as a whole.”  Crabtree comments, “If there’s one anti-Trump protester standing in Times Square with a sign, CNN will rush a camera to the scene seizing the opportunity to make our president look defeated.  It will be interesting to see if CNN will notice that real news is happening outside their front door as Americans gather to protest the hysteria and fake news being peddled by their network every day.  Americans want real, truthful news and that’s why CNN is not even in the top 10 – even trailing Nick at Nite.”

TALKERS News Notes. The price Townsquare Media is paying for Berkshire Broadcasting’s and Gamma Broadcasting’s Western Massachusetts stations is $3.35 million.  The deal, announced back on July 7, is for the six stations/translators: hot AC WBEC-FM, news/talk WBEC-AM, classic hits WUPE-AM/FM (and an FM translator at 94.1 FM), adult contemporary WNAW-AM, adult contemporary WSBS-AM (and translator W277CJ at 103.3 FM)…..Digital media pro Mike Orth joins Adams Radio as VP of sales for Adams Digital Media.  Orth previously served with the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  He comments, “I am very excited to bring to Adams Radio the knowledge base I have gained while working with one of the premier newspapers that has been a pioneer in developing digital assets for traditional media.  Adams has wonderful radio assets and I believe we can leverage those into some amazing complementary digital tools that will assist our clients in further growing their businesses.  At the end of the day that’s all that matters – when our clients grow, we grow.”  Adams CEO Ron Stone adds, “Mike’s consultative sales approach and ability to partner with clients to bring them into the process goes beyond selling…Mike has developed exceptional interpersonal communication skills resulting in trusted relationships with his clients and peers.”  Adams operates radio clusters in Fort Wayne; suburban Chicago/Northwest Indiana; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland…..SB Nation Radio announces the addition of a new weekend program to its schedule.  “Realtree Radio” with host O‘Neill Williams will air live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.  SB Nation Radio program director Craig Larson comments, “O’Neill Williams is a true pioneer and master of his craft.  With a brilliant combination of humor and insight, ‘Realtree Radio’ will not only appeal to outdoor enthusiasts but any fans of great sports talk.”…..iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s six-station cluster – including news/talk WISN – held a water drive to benefit victims of Southeast Wisconsin’s recent flood.  The cluster, with the help of generous listeners filled five large semi-trucks with bottled water for those whose wells were tainted by the floodwaters.  iHeartMedia operations manager Kerry Wolfe states, “The iHeartMedia Milwaukee team and our listeners are committed to the people in the Milwaukee community.  They saw their neighbors in need and jumped to action in a matter of hours.”…..Back on June 13, WBUR, Boston launched “Freak Out and Carry On,” a new politics and history podcast designed to address the “urgent issues of our time through a historical lens.”  The program is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Ron Suskind and Boston College historian Heather Cox Richardson and examines the national political landscape and explores the historical context for today’s events…..On Friday (7/21), XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” morning personality Dan Sileo will host CBS Corp. chairman Les Moonves.  Sileo says that topic of discussion will be the Entercom-CBS merger.

GOP’s Health Care Reform Failure, Undisclosed Trump-Putin Meeting, Huntsman Nominated for Russian Ambassador Post, Woman Slain by Minnesota Cop, Saudi Miniskirt Controversy, ‘Game of Thrones’ New Season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/18).  Analysis of the GOP’s failure to vote on its health care reform package and President Trump’s comments about letting ObamaCare fail; reports of a previously undisclosed 60-minute meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin at the recent G20 summit; President Trump nominates Jon Huntsman for Ambassador to Russia post; the investigation into the shooting death of a woman in Minnesota by a police officer; the arrest of a woman in Saudi Arabia for posting a video of herself wearing a miniskirt; Sunday’s season premiere of “Game of Thrones” including the cameo appearance of singer Ed Sheeran; 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.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/19) with Mike McVay, Julie Talbott and Steve Jones.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are:

–          The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).

–          The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).

–          The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).

–          The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).

–          The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.

–          A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).

–          The first two in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.”  They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA  Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

–          TODAY (7/19), the third in the above series is posted featuring a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (also facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Todd Feinburg of WTIC, Hartford Guests on Harrison Podcast.  The newest full-time member of the air staff of heritage talker WTIC, Hartford – Todd Feinburg – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne media series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Feinburg, a veteran New England radio talk show host whose decades-long broadcasting career included a five-year stint as morning co-host on WRKO, Boston, joined the legendary Connecticut CBS O&O in April hosting afternoon drive, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Feinberg talks to Harrison about his method balancing local and national stories in a way that is constantly relevant to the station’s geographical community as well as recognizing that the conservative “choir” to whom news/talk has traditionally been preaching can no longer be considered homogeneous since the political ascendancy of Donald Trump.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Personality Marley Sherwood officially joins Premiere Networks and CMT as a part of the “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan” shows.  She will serve as a correspondent – bringing pop culture and lifestyle stories to the country radio programs.  She will continue in her role as associate producer of CMT’s signature music show “Hot 20 Countdown” with Cody Alan and Katie Cook.  Alan states, “Radio is all about connecting with the audience and I’m looking forward to our listeners getting to know Marley.  She’s genuine, magnetic, and fearless, so we’re going to have a lot of fun with our listeners every night!”.…..Cox Media Group appoints Christy Lendry to the general sales manager position for its seven-station Jacksonville cluster.  Lendry – who was most recently with Cox as new business sales manager for WFOX-TV and WJAX-TV – will also serve as brand manager for CHR WAPE and adult contemporary WEZI “EASY 106.5.”…..Beasley Media Group’s alternative WBOS, Boston “ALT 92.9” announces the lineup for its “ALT Rocks Boston 2017” free summer concert series that will be headlined by: The Revivalists, American Authors and New Politics.  The shows will take place at Copley Square Park on August 17, 31, and on September 9 at the SoWa Art & Design District Market.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

‘Our American Stories’ Acquires Three Big, New Affiliates.  Executive producer and host Lee Habeeb announces that the “Our American Stories” nightly program is added to new affiliate stations East Bay Broadcasting‘s KTRB, San Francisco; iHeartMedia‘s WBZT, West Palm Beach; and CBS RADIO‘s KMOX, St. Louis.  The program is syndicated by American Private Radio.  Habeeb states that the growth in these new top markets proves that radio “can embrace non-political programming that appeals to listeners across all demographic spectrums.  ‘Our American Stories’ reminds us that listeners still enjoy good, old-fashioned storytelling, and boy, do we need stories that make us feel good amidst all of the bad news that fills the airwaves.”  The show is currently airing in more than 50 U.S. markets.  For more information, visit OurAmericanNetwork.org.

Phil Valentine’s Latest Novel Published.  Nashville-based, Westwood One-syndicated talk show host Phil Valentine has published his most recent novel titled, The First Face of Janus (Oxley Durchville Publishing, 2017).  Valentine tells TALKERS that the publisher is offering the Kindle edition for free through the end of today (7/18).  The hard-cover edition is out August 15.  The Amazon description of this new thriller teases, “This is the story of a secret society dedicated to making sure Nostradamus’ predictions come true.  And a counterforce inside the Catholic Church that’s been trying to stop them for 500 years.  A sci-fi writer at a low point in his career comes across some odd quatrains that seem to predict another disaster.  He races against the clock to decipher the lines and stop the prophecy.  But both sides will murder anyone who gets in their way.  If you like The Da Vinci Code, you’re going to love The First Face of Janus.”

TALKERS News Notes. Author, life coach, relationship expert and co-host on the brand-new TLC series “The Spouse House,” Christine Hassler, is launching a new podcast called “Over It & On With It” on the PodcastOne platform.  PodcastOne says Hassler provides “inspiration and guidance for callers and listeners to heal their past, change their present and create what they really want. Topics covered on the show include: relationships, career, health, life transitions, entrepreneurship, parenting, finances, life purpose, spirituality and more.”…..CBS RADIO’s KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan” announces the return of the “Ben Roethlisberger Show” airing Tuesday’s at 11:00 am within the “Cook & Poni” show this fall.  This will be the fifth year Roethlisberger has appeared on the station.

The GOP Health Care Bill, the Trump Jr-Russia Investigation, Trump Approval Rating, White House ‘Made in USA’ Event, Minn. Cop Kills Woman, Ann Coulter-Delta Spat, Hannity-Scarborough Tiff, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/17).  The GOP’s failure to vote on its health care plan and the future of health care reform; the investigation into Donald Trump Jr’s meeting with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya; the recent poll indicating President Trump’s low approval rating; the White House’s pro-manufacturing “Made in USA” event; the unexplained shooting of a woman by a Minneapolis police officer; the social media spat between Ann Coulter and Delta Airlines after the writer was forced to move from her pre-paid seat; the social tiff between Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough; 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.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/18) with Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Larry Young and Steve Jones.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.  Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).  Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).  On Friday (7/14) TALKERS posted a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Yesterday 7/17), we kicked off the new week with the first in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.”  It features a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones.  Today (7/18) the second in that series is posted featuring a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA  Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Curtis Sliwa Throws First Pitch at Brooklyn Cyclones Game.  WABC, New York personality Curtis Sliwa – co-host of the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm “Curtis & Eboni” show – is pictured here (left) with the Brooklyn Cyclones’ community outreach and promotions ace Guy Zoda, a.k.a. King Henry (right).  Sliwa — who attended the game to throw out the first pitch — says his ceremonial first pitch was pretty good.  “Better than 50 Cent, a.k.a. Curtis Jackson, did at a Mets game at Citi Field a few years ago, but not as good as Bush 43 did at the old Yankee Stadium right after the attack on 9/11.”

iHeartRadio Music Festival Lineup Announced. The lineup for the seventh annual 2017 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 22 and 23 will include performances by Coldplay, The Weeknd, DJ Khaled, Chris Stapleton, Lorde, Kings of Leon, Big Sean, P!NK, Miley Cyrus, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Niall Horan, David Guetta, Thomas Rhett, Harry Styles, special guest Ke$ha and more.  Ryan Seacrest returns as host for the entire weekend.  The event will also feature The Daytime Village at the Las Vegas Village across from the Luxor Hotel and Casino on Saturday, September 23 with performances by Migos, Halsey, Flume, Little Mix, French Montana, Niall Horan, Bleachers, Kelsea Ballerini, Judah & The Lion, Bebe Rexha, Noah Cyrus, Hey Violet, Cheat Codes, All Time Low, Khalid and Julia Michaels.  The CW Network will exclusively livestream both nights of the festival via CWTV.com and The CW App, and then broadcast a two-night television special on October 4 and 5 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves.  On-air pro Shila Nathan is now with iHeartMedia in Philadelphia serving as the new co-host for “Chio in the Morning” on the classic hip hop and R&B WISX “Real 106.1.”  The Scranton, PA native was most recently with Cumulus Media at country WNSH, New York “NASH FM.”  She’s also served with CBS RADIO in Chicago at country WUSN.  She’s worked with Chio in the past.  She states, “It’s awesome to reconnect with my great friend and mentor Chio.  I look forward to coming back to Philly and I’m so excited to be playing the ‘throwback’ hip-hop I truly love at ‘Real 106.1.’ I’m excited to join the talented family at iHeartMedia Philadelphia and I can’t wait to start this new and exciting chapter in my life.”…..Cumulus Media Lafayette announces the promotion of  Robin Chapman to general sales manager of its four stations: urban contemporary KNEK “Magic 104.7,” hip hop KRRQ “Q95.5,” CHR KSMB-FM, and country KXKC “NASH FM 99.1.”  Chapman rises from her role as senior account executive for the stations.  Vice president/market manager Scott Chiasson comments, “I am very excited to elevate Robin to this position.  She is passionate about our business, our company, and will be a great asset to the leadership team.  Additionally, this will provide her a larger footprint in providing solutions for clients and the community we serve using our powerful brands.”.…..KLIF-FM, Dallas morning show personalities Scotty and Bret of the “Scotty K and Bret Mega Mornings” program are helping the family of a fallen police officer via the station’s “93 Days of Kindness” promotion. Southern Methodist University police officer Mark McCullers – a father of six children – lost his life during last August’s flash floods.  The morning show teamed with the Dallas Fallen Officers Fund to honor McCullers.  Joined by Bill Dickason from Southwest Kia, Scotty and Bret shopped for thousands of dollars in groceries and gift cards that they hand delivered to McCullers’ family…..United Stations Radio Networks announces that the Dee Snider-hosted “House of Hair” program returns to its fold.  USRN is now handling advertising sales for the show…..Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery partners with Milwaukee Public Schools-owned non-comm triple A WYMS “88Nine Radio Milwaukee” to produce the limited-release “88Nine Amplified Pale Ale.”   The station says that the beer is a “crisp session ale available now on draft at dozens of area taverns, restaurants and stores.”  It was created in recognition of Radio Milwaukee’s 10th anniversary.  It also coincides with Lakefront Brewery’s 30th birthday.

Round Four of June PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio 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 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View all of the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Austin – Via six straight up or flat trends (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM gains a cumulative +1.1 and inches up from tenth to ninth. Bouncing back from May 2017’s 7.4 – its softest 6+-stat in two years (7.4, as well, in June 2015, 6+), adult hits cluster-mate KBPA “Bob” trots out a +1.1 to erase all but six-tenths of April and May’s combined -1.7 (9.1 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 8.5, +1.1, 6+). Moreover, “Bob,” which returned to the top spot in January after being ousted in “Holiday” 2016, is #1 for the fifth successive sweep. Other than October and the “Holiday” 2016 report, KBPA held the lead each month in calendar year 2016. Still in that Emmis cluster, triple A KGSR “93.3 Radio Austin” (#17 to #16) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 16^th time in succession (2.2 – 2.4, +.2, 6+). Locked on 7.6 (6+) in January, February, and March, KUT followed with a 5.8 (April, 6+) and 6.2 (May, 6+). The University of Texas-owned outlet improves by six-tenths in June (6.2 – 6.8, 6+) and climbs from third to second. Off by nine-tenths and one-half-share, respectively, are Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ-FM “Majic 95.5” (6.3 – 5.4, second to fourth, 6+) and its urban AC HD3 side channel (#17 to #20). It is the lowest 6+share for “Majic” since last October’s 5.1, while KKMJ-HD3 is without an increase for the fourth straight time for a -.7 (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+). Consistently registering a 6+-share between 4.1 – 4.6 in each of the last 11 sweeps, hot AC sibling KAMX “Mix 94.7 – Today’s Best Mix” sputters by seven-tenths (4.5 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Following three straight 4.6-showings (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” drops one-tenth to 4.5 (seventh to eighth, 6+), while similarly-programmed sibling KVET-FM “98.1 All Time Country Favorites” adds one-tenth (6.1 – 6.2, 6+), inching up from fourth to third. Having logged three consecutive increases for a combined +1.3 (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+), KVET-FM was -.6 in May. The five most recent 6+-stats for the market’s other country FM – Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” – are 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 (#20 to #19, 6+).

2) Raleigh – A +.6 in May by Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB halted three consecutive (modest) downward trends that accounted for a six-tenths’ loss (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Nearly doubling that May increase with a +1.1 (4.9 – 6.0, 6+), “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music” zooms from ninth to sixth. It is tied there with Radio One urban contemporary WQOK, which had been without an increase in each of the past four sweeps for a loss of one full-share (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), but “K-97.5” answers with a +.9 (6.0, eighth to sixth, 6+). Not only is urban AC sibling WFXC +1.3 in three straight improvements (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+), “Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” progressives from third to first. Dislodged from the penthouse (and dropping to third) is Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which had finished first the past four sweeps. Off by -1.3 in June, “Mix” is now without an increase for the fourth month in a row (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1, 6+) for a combined -1.6. It shifted from first in January to #2, but bounced back in February to reclaim the top spot. Spiking by one-half share each are Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “The Pulse,” which boasts its sixth straight gain for an overall +2.1 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+) and regional Mexican sibling WYMY “La Ley 101.1,” wiping out May’s half-share loss (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). “The Pulse” cracks the top ten (#11 to #8), while “La Ley,” which had been trending 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, remains at #15. As it extends its consecutive streak of up or flat trends to six, Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP “HIS Radio” (#18 to #16) more than quintuples its 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (.4 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – 1.5 – 2.2, 6+). This is the strongest 6+-share for “HIS Radio” since May 2016’s 2.2. Even though it’s down a collective eight-tenths in three straight dips (8.0 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” continues at #2. After posting three straight increases for a combined +1.2 (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” plummets by -1.7 to 4.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#6 to #12); 6.0 was the finest 6+-share for “The Light” since its 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016. Stuck on 6.0 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKK falters by six-tenths (each) in back-to-back sweeps (6.0 – 5.4 – 4.8, seventh to ninth, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths as well is Capitol Broadcasting sports/talk WCMC “ESPN 99.9 – The Fan” (3.5 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+), which has its lowest 6+-share since a 2.6 last August. Unchanged at #4, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC is -1.5 in three straight negative trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+). WUNC notched a +1.9 in January to assume the lead, and it caught WRAL “Mix” at #1 in March.

3) Indianapolis – Advancing from sixth to third, iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” posts its sixth successive improvement that accounts for an aggregated uptick of +2.1 (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). By replicating May’s seven-tenths’ increase (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time since February 2016’s 5.0 – “Indy’s News Center” carries on at #8. Right behind it unchanged at #9 is Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday,” up or flat for the fifth straight sweep for a collective +1.5 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 5.0, +). As the result of adding one-tenth to May’s +.4, co-owned CHR WZPL matches its highest 6+-stat since December 2015 and is #1 for the sixth consecutive sweep. Having notched three straight upward moves for a combined +1.7 (6.2 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+), WZPL was off two-tenths in April; -1.1 in “Holiday” 2016; and then +1.3 in January (7.3 – 6.2 – 7.5, 6+). As the result of three straight January through April downward trends (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU was off by one full-share. “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” bounced back with a +1.1 in May only to falter by -1.2 in June (6.3 – 7.4 – 6.2, 6+) as it slides from second to sixth. Sputtering by -2.8 as the result of five consecutive down or flat trends (7.1 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “Indy’s R&B Leader” slips from ninth to tenth.

4) Milwaukee – Putting up an alternating (6+) line of 6.5 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.2 since February, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 – Milwaukee’s Only Hip-Hop and R&B” explodes with a +1.2 to 7.4 (6+), jumping from fourth to second. In addition to posting a gain of seven-tenths (4.4 – 5.1, 6+), Saga Communications urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3 – Today’s R&B and Old School” enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Even though it is off by a combined -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 10.3 – 9.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 27^th consecutive time. It had been in double-digits (6+) in four of the last six ratings periods, including each of the last three. On the heels of chalking up a May gain of eight-tenths to stay at #2 (6.7 – 7.5, 6+), co-owned news/talk WISN surrenders -1.1 to 6.4 (6+), dropping from second to fourth. Trailing WISN in May by 1.2-shares (6+), Scripps Broadcasting’s similarly-programmed WTMJ “Newsradio 620 – Wisconsin’s Radio Station” picks up three-tenths (6.3 – 6.6, 6+) and now has a two-tenths advantage over WISN. After floundering by -1.4 in February – Milwaukee Brewers’ flagship WTMJ recovered all of it in March and April (6.4 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+). Prior to February, WTMJ had been within 6.0 – 6.9 range (6+) the previous 15 ratings periods. With a loss of seven tenths (5.3 – 4.6, 6+), Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 – Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” drifts from fifth to tenth and is under a five-share (6+) for the first time since February 2015’s 4.9. Not higher than 1.5 (6+) or lower than 1.1 (6+), the line for public triple A WYMS (steady at #17) over the course of the last 17 sweeps – which covers March 2016 through June 2017 – is 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.4 (6+).

5) Nashville – Down in each of the last three survey periods for an overall -1.3 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), Nashville Public Radio-owned WPLN recaptures approximately half the loss (4.8, +.7, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). It is tied with Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7,” which led WPLN in May by six-tenths (4.7 – 4.8, +.1, flat at #8 and -.6 in May, 6+). As part of a three-way logjam for the runner-up slot, Midwest Communications’ adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” (up from fifth in May) regains all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it squandered this time last month (7.1, +.6, 6+). Prior to the May 2017 ratings period, Nashville’s “Jack” was up or flat the previous four months gaining +1.9 (5.3 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+). In addition to registering its third straight improvement for a collective +1.4 (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.3 – 7.8), iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 – Nashville’s Classic Rock” proceeds from second to first. The station “Nashville’s Classic Rock” supplants at #1 – CHR sibling WRVW “107.5 The River” – falls to second. With a -.6, “The River” halts at three its consecutive string of increases which netted a +1.8 (5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+). The 5.9 it registered in February was the first time “The River” had been below a six-share (6+) since June 2011 (5.9, as well). Contrasted to the -.6 by “The River,” Midwest Communications’ similarly-formatted WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” records a gain of one-half share (2.8 – 3.3, #14 to #13, 6+). The market’s (6+) share for the sports talk format decreases by -1.1 as Cromwell Group’s WPRT “The Game,” which had been up or flat the previous four sweeps more than doubling its 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 2.4, 6+), drops six-tenths to 1.8 but stays at #16 (6+), while Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” returns May’s +.5 (3.3 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+) and is flat at #13 (6+). Prior to May’s +.5, “The Zone” plummeted by more than four full-shares in six successive decreases (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). When WGFX lost two-tenths in November, it ended a string of three consecutive improvements which resulted in a +4.1 since July (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.4 – 7.8, 6+). Logging a 1.6 (6+) in three of the last five monthlies, Cromwell Group’s WQZQ “93.3 Classic Hits” flounders by six-tenths (1.6 – 1.0, 6+) and moves from #17 to #20. After notching three consecutive progressive trends for an overall +1.0 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s “Nash FM 103.3” forfeits half of it (3.8, 6+) and drops out of the top ten (#10 to #11). Elsewhere in the mainstream country format, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98” bounces back from May’s -.8 with a +.2 (5.3 – 5.5, 6+) and stays at #7, while Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” dips from ninth to tenth (4.6 – 4.4, -.2, 6+).

6) Providence – Within 7.0 – 7.8 range (6+) in ten of the last eleven survey periods, Hall Communications’ WCTK (unchanged at #4) flashes a gain of eight-tenths to 8.4, the first time “Cat Country 98.1” reaches the eight-share level (6+) since July 2016’s 8.2. Showing an overall increase of seven-tenths since January, Boston public news/talk WGBH-FM (steady at #10) is up or flat for the fifth month in a row (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+). Stymied at 7.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016 and January, and then on 8.2 (6+) in February and March, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” (third to second) picks up a combined nine-tenths in three consecutive progressive trends (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 9.1, 6+). This represents the highest 6+-share for WHJY in just over one year (9.2, May 2016). It is tied in the runner-up slot with Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music,” which follows May’s massive +1.5 with a loss of seven-tenths (8.3 – 9.8 – 9.1, 6+). In advance of the May ratings period, WPRO-FM had been trending 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 8.3 (6+); 9.8 was its highest 6+-share since February 2015 (also 9.8). Seven-tenths ahead of “Today’s Hit Music” is adult contemporary sibling WWLI “Lite Rock 105,” which – despite dropping six-tenths in both May and June (11.0 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+) – is #1 for the 21^st successive ratings period. Having eroded by more than seven full-shares in January to 10.7 (6+), WWLI was a combined -.4 in February and March (10.7 – 10.6 – 10.3, 6+). “Lite Rock” was a collective +8.5 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (9.5 – 10.6 – 18.0, 6+), following a cumulative -.4 in October and November (9.9 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+); it was up by seven-tenths in April. After four consecutive positive or flat trends that netted +1.1 (.5 – .5 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH is now off by a combined full-share in May and June (1.6 – 1.4 – .6, 6+), slipping from #11 to #12. With a net loss of just three-tenths, WELH was without an increase between August and the “Holiday” 2016 report (.8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+).

7) Norfolk – Either up or flat for the sixth time in a row for an overall increase of +1.2 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” continues in seventh-place. Bouncing back from a loss of seven-tenths in May with a gain of two-tenths in June (12.5 – 11.8 – 12.0, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WVKL is in 11.0 – 12.7-territory for the 14^th time in the last 15 ratings periods. Furthermore, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the sixth successive sweep; it earlier had a stint of 55 consecutive ratings periods on top. For the third straight month, co-owned adult contemporary WWDE “2WD” (fifth to sixth) registers a decrease and is -1.7 since March (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.3, 6+). In the runner-up slot for the fifth month in a row, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz – Norfolk’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” is trending 8.1 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.3 (6+). Owing to a +.1 to 1.7 (6+), CHR sibling WNOH “Now 105 – Hampton Roads’ #1 Hit Music Station” (flat at #10) snaps at four its consecutive skein of negative trends that yielded a loss of six-tenths (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Coming off its strongest 6+-share since last December (1.1, as well), Saga Communications adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs, Great Memories” falters by one-half share to .6 (#12 to #13).

8) Greensboro – Five of the top ten June 2017 finishers are iHeartMedia properties; four are owned by Entercom; and Curtis Media Group owns the other. Unchanged at #7, iHeartMedia rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” is an overall +1.7 via six consecutive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+). Over and above achieving double-digits (6+) for the seventh straight sweep, Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” hauls out a mammoth +1.5 (10.1 – 11.6, 6+) and marches from second to first, a position it occupied in January, February, and March, as well. Up or flat in four consecutive ratings periods accounting for a +1.2 (9.7 – 9.7 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 10.9, 6+), WQMG surrendered six-tenths in March. This is its most potent 6+-share in over three years (11.9, March 2014). After three straight improvements for a combined +1.2 (9.5 – 9.9 – 10.1 – 10.7, 6+) rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WJMH dips by three-tenths (each) in May and June (10.7 – 10.4 – 10.1, 6+), as “102 Jamz” swaps places with WQMG at #2. Despite the downward move, “Jamz” is in double-digits (6+) for the tenth time in the last twelve survey periods. Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia’s WTQR “New Country Q-104.1,” which is without a decrease for the sixth sweep in succession for a +2.5 (4.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.2, 6+) and climbs from fifth to fourth. When it picked up three-tenths in November, WTQR ended three successive down-trending monthlies that produced a collective loss of more than two shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). A cumulative +1.5 in January and February (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” eroded by seven-tenths in March, but bounced back with a combined +1.0 in April and May (5.6 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), only to lose three-tenths in June (6.3, fourth to sixth, 6+). Back in September, WTQR “Q-104.1” enjoyed a 1.9-share lead over WPAW “The Wolf.” A gain of eight-tenths to 6.5 (sixth to fifth, 6+) by iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Mix” pulls the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (6.8 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+). Locked on 4.7 (6+) in March and April, after notching a 4.6 (6+) in February, co-owned FM news/talk WPTI is a combined -1.4 in May and June (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.3, eighth to tenth, 6+).

9) West Palm Beach – Down six-tenths since March (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 – The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” improves by twice that margin (1.6 – 2.8, +1.2, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). It is more rollercoaster action for WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (#8 to a three-way tie at #5) which – in the last seven survey periods – is +.5 (“Holiday” 2016); -1.1 (January); +.5 in February; -.7 (March); +1.4 in April; -.5 in May; and now +.7 in June (4.3 – 4.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 5.1, 6+). The overall result is a net gain of eight-tenths. Under a one-share (6+) since the first of the year, Moody Bible religious teaching WRMB “Moody Radio South Florida” notches a one-half share increase to 1.1 (6+) and climbs from #16 to #14. Gaining one-tenth (each) in back-to-back sweeps (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF ranks first for the sixth consecutive month. Having improved by six-tenths in January, WRMF more than tripled that gain in February with a +1.9 to 10.2, its best 6+-performance since December 2015 (10.2 as well). Prior to “Holiday” 2016, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. It fell to second in July 2016, after 23 successive sweeps at #1. The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share spirals by over two full-shares, as WRMF cluster-mate WEAT “Sunny 107.9” erodes by -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4, second to third, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is off by eight-tenths to 4.3 (seventh to eighth, 6+); and JVC Media’s WSVU “South Florida’s 95.9 – The Palm,” which was trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 (6+), drops three-tenths to .9 (#13 to #16, 6+). This is the softest 6+-share for “Sunny” since November 2015 (4.6). Following three successive months without a gain in which it lost more than two full-shares (6.6 – 5.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), “Today’s Kool 105.5” was a combined +.6 in April and May (4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Prior to January, “Kool” had been up the previous three ratings periods for a +1.8 (4.8 – 5.7 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+). In addition to WOLL, Alpha Media-owned WIRK “103.1 – South Florida’s Country Music” stumbles by eight-tenths as well (5.9 – 5.1, third to fifth, 6+). A collective +1.3 in three straight gains (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5 – The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” falters by one-half share to 5.1 (6+) and is part of that three-way tie-up at #5 (with WIRK and WAYF).

10) Jacksonville – While Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “96.9 The Eagle” registers a gain of nine-tenths (8.7 – 9.6, steady at #2, 6+), its urban contemporary HD2 side channel flounders by one-half share for the second consecutive month (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.9, flat at #14, 6+). After recording a -.6 in May, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” responds with a gain of three-tenths (12.5 – 11.9 – 12.3, 6+) and is the market pacesetter for the sixth straight time. A January +2.1 to 12.8 produced its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Owing to December’s +4.5 (6.8 – 11.3, 6+), “Jacksonville’s Country” jumped from fifth to first, but with a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016, it fell to second. Prior to November’s one-tenth gain, WQIK was down two full-shares as a result of being without an increase since February 2016 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.7, 6+). Owing to May’s +.9 to 7.2 (6+), urban contemporary sibling WJBT “93.3 The Beat” halted three straight sweeps without an increase (6.6 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), but “The Beat” plummets in June by -1.6 to 5.6, slipping from fifth to sixth (6+). Prior to May, “The Beat” last reached the seven-share level (6+) in October (7.0). Ups and downs continue for co-owned urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL, whose April loss of six-tenths put an end to its 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.9 (6+) sequence. “V-101.5,” bounced back with a +.8 in May, only to surrender all but one-tenth of that gain in June (5.1 – 4.4, -.7, flat at #7, 6+). Faltering by two-tenths to 3.9 (6+), adult hits sibling WWJK “107.3 The River – We Play Anything” (unchanged at #10) curtails at five its consecutive string of positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Off by one-half share each are Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” (4.4, eighth to seventh, 6+) and Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-102.9 Jacksonville’s New Alternative (unchanged at #11, 6+). “X-102.9” had been up or flat in each of the last five sweeps netting seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), while “Gator Country” had displayed a 4.9 (6+) in three of the previous four ratings periods.

11) Memphis – This Tennessee market’s (6+) country share enjoys a boost of +1.5 as Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Kix 106 – Today’s Best Country” improves by seven-tenths (5.2 – 5.9, steady at #7, 6+) and Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” gains eight-tenths (2.4 – 3.2, #13, to #11, 6+). As the result of three straight increases (6.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK is a collective +1.8 and “K-97 Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” carries on in third-place. Trending 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 (6+) since March, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WKIM “98.9 The Vibe” adds one-half share to 3.7 and cracks the top ten (#11 to #9, 6+). Over and above being without a loss for the sixth straight time for a collective gain of +1.1 (8.8 – 9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” is #1 as it has been since February. At #1 for ten consecutive monthlies before sliding to #2 in “Holiday” 2016, “V-101” was up by two-tenths in February to halt nine consecutive down or flat trends that yielded a -3.7 since May 2016 (12.5 – 11.6 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 10.2 – 9.9 – 9.9 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 8.8, 6+). In April, “V-101” was tied at #1 with Cumulus Media’s WRBO “Soul Classic and Today’s R&B.” After logging back-to-back increases totaling two full-shares (1.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), co-owned WEGR “Rock 103” returns 65% of that increase (2.4, -1.3, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Unchanged at #4, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 – Today’s Best Mix” regresses by eight-tenths to 6.2, its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 2.0. Slipping by seven-tenths and six-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia gospel and urban-rhythmic oldies siblings WHAL “Halleluiah 95.7” (6.2, 6+) and WDIA “1070 – The Heart and Soul of Memphis” (4.3 – 3.6, ninth to tenth, 6+). The loss of seven-tenths ends at three WHAL’s consecutive string of increases that produced a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.8, 6+), but “Halleluiah 95.7” actually improves from fifth to fourth. In seven straight down or flat sweeps, CHR cluster-mate KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM – All the Hits” (flat at #17) has lost one full-share (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+).

12) Hartford – A combined +1.7 in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (7.1 – 76 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ reaches the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last December’s 8.2; “Country 92-5” advances from third to second. By adding three-tenths in May, Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s WNPR curtailed three successive downward moves that accounted for a -1.4 (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 4.3, 6+). Steady at #9, WNPR follows with a +.6 in June (4.6 – 5.2, 6+). Owing to a +.3 (to 10.0, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WRCH returns to double-digits (6+) for the eighth time in the last nine sweeps. Moreover, “Lite 100.5” is #1 for the tenth successive ratings period. It was up by a cumulative nine-tenths in February and March (10.2 – 10.5 – 11.1, 6+) and down by an overall -1.4 in April and May (11.1 – 10.0 – 9.7, 6+). Entering the September sweep, WRCH was on top for 15 straight ratings periods and 23 of the previous 24; however, it decreased by -1.1 and dropped to second-place. Its online stream remains at .5 (6+) and continues at #15. Up exactly three full-shares in four successive improvements (4.6 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 7.6, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling WZMX “Hot 93.7” slips by three-tenths to 7.3 but remains at #4; 7.6 in May marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since last September’s 7.4. Eroding by eight-tenths (8.6 – 7.8, 6+), co-owned hot AC WTIC-FM “Hartford’s Best Variety” segues from second to third. When “Hartford’s Best Variety” was off by four-tenths in May, it stopped at six its consecutive string of positive or flat trends that produced a cumulative +2.1 (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 9.0, 6+). News/talk cluster-mate WTIC-AM (flat at #5) drops two-tenths and has its fifth consecutive decline for a collective loss of over two full-shares (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+). This is its lowest 6+-share since last April’s 6.5. Similarly-formatted/Connoisseur Media-owned WDRC-AM, which had been without an increase in each of the past six sweeps for a -1.0 (1.3 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .6 -.6 -.3, 6+), gains three-tenths to .6 (#15 to #14, 6+).

Monday, July 17, 2017

Georgia Beasley Named Director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives.  Digital and broadcast media pro Georgia Beasley joins Futuri Media as director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives.  The company says that Beasley will partner with the TopicPulse product development team, led by product manager and veteran TV executive Jill Manuel, to lead strategic initiatives to bring its data-driven story discovery capabilities to media industry partners.  Beasley was most recently director of digital sales at Beasley Media Group.  Futuri Media CEO Daniel Anstandig states, “Georgia is an innovator with a passion for technology, which makes her a perfect fit for the Futuri Media team.  She has a proven track record of delivering creative solutions and results for her client partners, using technology to solve problems, and she deeply understands how TopicPulse’s real-time, targeted social insights can drive ratings and digital audience growth.”

Rob Ellis Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Philadelphia sports media personality Rob Ellis announced at the end of Friday’s program that he’s leaving the late-morning show he’s been co-hosting with Harry Mayes at Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM.  Ellis’ contract with the station is over and he told listeners he’s leaving WPEN-FM on good terms.  Ellis also serves with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.  Meanwhile, Mayes was hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program solo today (7/17).

J.T. The Brick’s Late Morning KGMZ, San Francisco Show Ends. Nationally syndicated sports talk host J.T. The Brick has been hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show on Entercom’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” since last September.  Now, he leaves that gig, messaging, “Thanks for an EPIC run at @957thegame it was awesome and I loved every minute!  More news to come and big things ahead.”  He continues the evening show he co-hosts with Tomm Looney on Fox Sports Radio.

ESPN Radio Sets November 27 for Launch of Golic & Wingo.  After the 18-year Mike & Mike program is dismantled on November 17, longtime ESPN personality Trey Wingo will co-host the morning drive show with Mike Golic beginning November 27.  But, ESPN is giving listeners a taste of the show when Golic and Wingo co-host mornings tomorrow through Thursday (7/18-20).  Mike Greenberg will be guest hosting WEPN, New York’s afternoon drive show for Michael Kay on those three days.  Mike Golic Jr. will be part of the program joining Golic and Wingo for the 6:00 am hour after wrapping his “ESPN Radio’s First & Last” program from 4:00 am to 6:00 am.  When the Golic & Wingo show officially launches on November 27, it will initially be simulcast on ESPN2 before moving to its simulcast home on ESPNU in early January.

TALKERS News Notes. Denver media pro Steve Kelley exits the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show at Salem Media Group’s news/talk KNUS after six years with the station.   Kelley has also worked in the market at iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KOA and in TV at KDRV-TV “FOX 31.”  Salem fills the afternoon slot with the “Chuck & Julie” show featuring Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden…..Benztown’s Remote News Service signs the Maryland News Network to a deal to deliver news content to 14 stations in markets that include: Frederick, Myersville and Salisbury.  This pact brings RNS’ affiliate count to 62 stations across the U.S.  RNS president Lesley Lotto says, “I’m thrilled to work with a fledgling network that Remote News Service will have a chance to watch grow and grow with.  I see great things for the Maryland News Network!”…..Regional Reps Corp. announces a formal partnership with In-Language Radio, a consultant to radio and television stations across the U.S. and Canada.  In-Language Radio provides ethnic market research, format and content development, and full production facilities in every major European and Asian language…..The Radio Advertising Bureau is launching its newly designed Why Radio micro-site.  It includes the RAB’s extensive marketing and research guide and complete Radio Facts library.  RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “Refreshing and relaunching a website is always a heavy task, but it was time to showcase radio’s best attributes in a new and creative spotlight, and this updated micro-site does just that.  Most importantly, all of the research and data the RAB is known for providing is still available — radio landscape presentations, radio facts, the most current listener insights, case studies, FAQs, creative, ad spending, 10 Reasons to Advertise, etc. are all right there at RAB users’ fingertips and ready to help drive home radio’s effectiveness to clients big and small.”

Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute Begins Today. Today (7/17), the fifth annual Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute begins.  The WKU campus is welcoming students from Valparaiso University and Middle Tennessee State University as well as WKU to the institute.  The “Ben Davis and Kelly K” morning show from Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville broadcast live from the Radio Talent Institute with the students as the live studio audience.   During the 10-day intensive, students will learn from radio pros from all areas of the business, including on-air, music radio, sports and news, production, promotions, digital/social media, and engineering.  All students become certified by the RAB as Radio Marketing Professionals.  The Kentucky Broadcasters Association underwrites the KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute.  The National Radio Talent System is a system of Radio Talent Institutes on college campuses across America.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/17) with Thom Hartmann, Bill Hess, Steve Jones and Greg Moceri.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.  Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).  Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).  On Friday (7/14) TALKERS posted a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Today 7/17), we kick off the new week with the first in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.”  It features a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones.  Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

GOP Health Care Bill, Trump Jr-Russia Issue, Trump Approval Poll, Trump’s France Visit, Martin Landau Dies, George Romero Passes, Wimbledon Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The status of the GOP health care bill; the controversy over Donald Trump Jr’s meeting with Kremlin-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya; the recent Washington Post/ABC News poll that shows President Trump’s approval rating at 36%; Trump’s visit with French President Emmanuel Macron; actor Martin Landau dies at 89; director George Romero passes at 77; Roger Federer and Garbine Muguruza win at Wimbledon; 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.

Pattie Moreno Sues Entercom for Dismissal from WMXJ, Miami. Programmer Pattie Moreno (Guadamuz) was PD at Entercom’s classic hits WMXJ, Miami “102.7 The Beach” from November 2, 2015 to April 26, 2016 at which time she was let go from her position.  She is claiming – in a suit filed in United States District Court in Southern Florida – that general manager Doug Abernathy and the company violated the American Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when she was fired for having anxiety/depression disorder and for being female.  Moreno alleges that Abernathy told her she embarrassed the company after requiring medical attention at a station event.  She also claims Abernathy belittled her by making comments about her gender and being a mother, telling her she wasn’t suited for the job.  She’s seeking employment benefits, front pay, unpaid wages, attorneys’ fees, and damages.

Shotgun Tom Kelly Visits Kid Kelly.  Legendary Southern California disc jockey Shotgun Tom Kelly (second from left) visits the SoCal studios of SiriusXM and the staff of the Kid Kelly (far right) show.

Round Three of June PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio 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’s June 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia’s KFBW, which was +1.0 in April; -.6 in May; and now +1.1 in June (3.5 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+). In addition to returning to the top ten (#11 to #6), “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” has its highest 6+-share since September 2015’s 5.5. Steady at #4, Entercom classic rocker KGON is without a loss for the fifth straight time for a collective +2.4, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to June 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Progressing by six-tenths each are Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB (7.4 – 8.0, steady at #2, 6+); Alpha Media triple A KINK “Uniquely Portland” (3.8, #15 to #11, 6+); and Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” (1.9 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+). Having sputtered by eight-tenths in May, KOPB was +.9 in March. It declined by one full-share in February, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. Entering the June 2017 sweep, KINK was without an increase since January and was a collective -.7 in that stretch (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Up or flat January through April for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), KFIS returned the entire seven-tenths in May. Just as they did in May, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (4.9, +.3, 6+) and Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” finish back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively. Prior to June’s +.3, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), while “The Bull” is down in consecutive sweeps for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). With its strongest 6+-share since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” (8.7 – 9.1, +.4, 6+) is #1 for the 37^th time in the last 39 ratings periods. As the result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH gained one full-share, but “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” surrenders 70% of that increase (4.3, -.7, 6+) and drops from sixth to ninth.

2) Charlotte – With its fourth successive increase for a net +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” advances from third to second and matches the 6.3 it recorded last October. Powered by a gain of nine-tenths (4.0 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” notches its strongest 6+-share since last November’s 5.0 and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Without a decrease for four straight sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” lost two-tenths in May but rebounds in June with a gain four times that margin (4.6 – 5.4, +.8, 6+), climbing from ninth to seventh. Steady at #10, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHQC “Channel 96.1” is down for the third straight time for a net loss of seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). In March, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+). Four-tenths of a share separates Charlotte’s top four June 2017 finishers. Having logged a very consistent (6+) January 2017 through May 2017 line of 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.8, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” busts out a +.6 to 6.4 (6+), with the country outlet marching from fourth to first. As a result, “The Kat” bypasses Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which relinquishes the six-tenths it gained in May (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+) and shifts from second to fourth. Prior to April (when it was +.8), “Country’s Hottest Hits” was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed “Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot and segueing to third is WKKT classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which had been #1 in each of the past five survey periods. “The Fox,” however, is -1.5 since March via three straight decreases (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Within 4.9 – 5.3 territory (6+) in the last five sweeps, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 – More Music, Better Variety” spirals by -1.3 (5.1 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #12). As the result of five straight down or flat trends, Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” (#15 to #16) is a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+)

3) San Antonio – More wild ups/downs for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); regressed by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+); and now regains May’s loss in its entirety (5.6, +1.0, 6+), zooming from seventh back to second. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Improving by seven-tenths each are Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” (5.6, fourth to second, 6+) and hot AC sibling KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” (4.4, #14 to #8, 6+). Immediately prior to April, KISS had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+); it dropped six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). The +.7 halts at three a successive string by “Magic” that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+). Flat at 7.0 (6+), co-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fifth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for KONO-FM are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and May’s -.6. This marks the fifth time in a row that WOAI is without an increase for a -1.4 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), as the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet spirals from #9 to #14. The last time WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7). Surrendering the six-tenths it gained in May (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM falls from #12 to #16; “Las Estacion de la Raza” has now registered a 3.2 (6+) in four of the last six sweeps. Despite losing three-tenths to 3.4 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” advances from #14 to #13. Its successive string of positive trends that netted one full-share, however, ends at three (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Owing to three straight increases, including May’s +1.3, KSTX nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+). The Texas Public Radio news/talk outlet returns one-half share in June though and slips from #12 to #14 (3.3 – 3.8, 6+). It had been almost two years since KSTX reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+). Regressing by one-half share as well is Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM (5.2 – 4.7, third to seventh, 6+). By gaining two-tenths in May, KROM halted at three its consecutive streak of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); it was a combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+).

4) Pittsburgh – Down or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for a -.4 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), WESA bounces back in grand fashion with a gain of one full-share to 2.9. Although “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station” remains at #13, this is its strongest 6+-performance since September 2014 (2.9 as well). Gaining six-tenths each are Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” (7.3, unchanged at #4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” (2.9 – 3.6, steady at #11, 6+). Prior to June’s +.6, “Bob” had faltered by -1.8 in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+). As for “Big,” it was -.9 in May and – by adding two-tenths in April – it halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” forfeits eight-tenths to 9.6 (6+), but is #1 for the third straight month. In fact, it is tied for #1 with rock cluster-mate WDVE, which regains the three-tenths it lost in May (9.6 – 9.3 – 9.6, 6+) to return to the top from the runner-up slot. Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). Flat at #7, co-owned alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” is +1.8 via three straight months without a decrease. Trending 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 (6+) since February, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” sputters by one full-share to 5.3 (6+) and drops from fifth to sixth. It is the lowest 6+-share for “Wish” since it returned in print as a Nielsen Audio subscriber in April 2016. Co-owned WHJB “Classic Hits 107.1” is down or flat for the fourth consecutive time and is -1.0 in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), but actually improves from #16 to a tie at #15.

5) Sacramento – Down or flat for the past seven ratings periods for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom’s KRXQ “98 Rock” roars back by making up more than half the deficit (4.6, +1.4, 6+) and re-enters the top ten (#13 to #6). Up four-tenths to 2.8 (#15, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE snaps at four its successive streak of downward trends that yielded a -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 –  2.4, 6+). A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX recaptured all of it in May only to drop one-half share in June (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Even so, “Mix 96” is #1 for the fifth successive month. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After being a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. A loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+) takes Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ to its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2015’s 3.3. A recap of the market’s three country FMs finds KNCI “New Country 105.1” up two-tenths (5.6 – 5.8, 6+) and steady in fourth-place. As a result of a -.1 in May to 3.3 (6+), Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” had its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. “The Wolf” now regresses by another half-share (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+) to drift from #11 to #15. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Directly ahead of it at #14 but off two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) is iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KBEB “The Bull,” which concludes three straight improvements that netted eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to May, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Continuing an up/down pattern that began last November, Entravision regional Mexican KRCX “La Tricolor 99.9” (#17 to #18) drops one-half share (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 2.0 –  1.9 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+).

6) Salt Lake City – At this time last month, Broadway Media CHR KUDD relinquished 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), but “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” more than makes up for it in June with a whopping +1.6 (4.1 – 5.7, 6+) to rocket from tenth to fifth. Moreover, June’s 5.7 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+). An April loss of eight-tenths by iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT pulled the plug on three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). The roller coaster ride continues as “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regained 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), only to return one-half share in June (5.0, 6+), skidding from a three-way tie at #3 to #7. As independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” posts its second consecutive gain of eight-tenths to jump from sixth to second, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” falters by that same margin (to 4.7, -.8, 6+) and stumbles from third to eighth. Not only is it the fourth straight improvement for “Z-104” for a combined +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), like KUDD (above), it represents the strongest 6+-stat for KSOP-FM since PPM became Salt Lake City’s ratings currency. When “K-Bull” dropped four-tenths in May, it curtailed four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). The market’s other FM country outlet – Broadway Media’s KEGA “101.5 The Eagle – Utah’s Best Country” – drops four-tenths to 1.6 (6+), thus ending four straight sweeps without a loss that netted a +.7 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), yet actually enters the top twenty (#21 to a three-way tie at #20). In addition to cracking the top ten (#14 to #10), Cumulus-owned KBER “101 Utah’s Rock Station” is a cumulative +1.4 via its third straight increase (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+). Matching the 5.5 (6+) it posted in December and advancing from seventh to sixth, Bonneville-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” is up nine-tenths as the result of three successive monthlies without a loss (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+). Recovering the four-tenths it lost in May (6.9 – 6.5 – 6.9, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” repeats at #1. Following three straight sweeps on top, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in January (20.6 – 8.3, 6+). Until that massive January spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a decrease since April 2016 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3. By dropping nine-tenths (4.3 -3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS drifts from #8 to #13. After being either up or flat the past five ratings periods, more than doubling its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Broadway Media adult hits KYMV “Rewind 100.7” surrenders seven-tenths to 1.6 (#18 to #20, 6+). In May, “Rewind” reached a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0. Rhythmic CHR sibling KUUU “U-92” is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 13^th straight time (2.4 – 2.8, +.4, #16 to #15, 6+).

7) Las Vegas – The two-tenths of a share lead iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” held in May over Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ widens by seven times as much in June, as “Sunny” – on top for the eighth consecutive monthly – dials up a +1.2 to 7.4, while KKLZ (flat at 6.1, 6+) remains at #2. The four most recent “Sunny” fluctuations are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; and now +1.4 in June (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3 – 7.4, 6+). Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” to 7.5 (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 successive ratings periods. In addition to recapturing the six-tenths it squandered in May, Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (2.6, #20 to #15, 6+) applies the brakes to three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one full-share (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). In a somewhat similar scenario, a six-tenths increase by Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Radio for Life” (#12 to #9) curtails three straight monthlies without an increase (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Having notched three straight gains for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country” is off by two-tenths to 4.7 (6+), segueing from fifth to sixth. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” rebounds from May’s -.6 with a +.2 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, seventh to fifth, 6+) and leapfrogs “The Coyote.” Trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+) since January 2017, University of Nevada – Las Vegas’ KUNV “91.5 The Source” posts a one-half share increase to 2.1 (#18). Following a consecutive quartet of progressive trends netting a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” is a combined -1.3 in May and June (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio’s KISF registered a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). While it added two-tenths in May, the regional Mexican outlet regresses by six-tenths in June (2.5 – 1.9, 6+) to slip from #17 to #20. Catching it there with a gain of three-tenths (1.9, #20, 6+) is Entravision’s similarly-programmed KQRT “La Tricolor 105.1,” which had been down or flat in each of the last three sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+).

8) Cincinnati – The market’s three country FMs elevate the format’s 6+-share from 11.1 (May 2017) to 12.7 (June 2017). Specifically, owing to a +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, steady at #3, 6+), Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105, Get Your Country On” reaches the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last October’s 8.5. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” duplicates May’s one-half share increase (1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #21, 6+) to climb from #17 to #16; The May increase by “The Wolf” curtailed three straight downward trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). Making it a clean sweep for the format in terms of month-to-month (6+) increases, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” (unchanged at #15) is +.4 (2.3 – 2.7, 6+) for its best 6+-showing since last September (2.7 as well). The tie that existed in May for the top spot is broken as “Nash FM” classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WGRR, which has been #1 each month since January, picks up three-tenths (9.0 – 9.3, +.3, 6+) and remains in the penthouse. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One” drops one-tenth (9.0 – 8.9, 6+) and moves to #2. Following a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+), WGRR posted a full-share gain in April. Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, it occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. When WLW reached #1 in May, it was the first time there for the Cincinnati Reds flagship since last August, although it backed into the top spot as it was down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Down by seven-tenths each are Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8 – 6.1, flat at #4, 6+); Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX “The Fox” (6.0 – 5.3, fifth to sixth, 6+); and iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.6 – 3.9, #7 to #11, 6+). Prior to logging a +.5 in May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+). A gain of eight-tenths in May took “The Fox” to 6.0, its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). In back-to-back sweeps, “Kiss” had gained eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, March-April-May, 6+). Off for the third straight time for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” drops from #13 to #14.

9) Orlando – There is considerable activity among the top five June 2017 finishers, including iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” racking up a +.9 (6.9 – 7.8, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. Although displaying modest (6+) moves in March (+.2); April (-.4); and May (+.1), “Magic” has been accustomed to recording big swings. Such examples include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January 2016); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016); -7.6 (January 2017); -1.5 (February 2017); and now a +.9 in June 2017. Co-owned WJRR shows a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7, but “Orlando’s Rock Station” follows with three straight increases accounting for a +1.8 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) to move from eighth to seventh. The last time WJRR reached the five-share level (6+) was September 2016 (5.1). Bouncing back from May’s -.9 with a +.6, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” returns to the top five (6.4 – 5.5 – 6.1, sixth to fifth, 6+). Conversely, its (Spanish contemporary) HD2 channel – returns the one-half share it gained in May (1.2 – 1.7 -1.2, #17 to #18, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia’s Spanish tropical WRUM #1 for the sixth consecutive month, “Rumba 100.3” erases one-half share of May’s -.6 (12.2 – 12.7, +.5, 6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. Off by seven-tenths each are CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” (unchanged at #2); Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” (7.5, third to fourth, 6+); and CBS Radio-owned WOMX “Mix 105.1” (4.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), “XL-106.7” is now -1.8 in May and June (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1, 6+); April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As for WMMO, the -.7 stymies three successive increases that generated a +1.6 (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). This represents the fourth straight down or flat sweep for “Mix” for a -1.4 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+). Owing to four consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKS (flat at #15) is a collective -1.6. Steady at #13, Community Communications’ similarly-programmed WMFE is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 33^rd straight time, (2.5 – 2.7, +.2, 6+). Right behind it at #14 is Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE, which drops two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), thus ending at six its successive string of increases that netted seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+).

10) Cleveland – Nine-tenths of a share separates this Ohio market’s top four June 2017 finishers. Up or flat for the sixth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM improves by nearly two full-shares in that timeframe; the Cleveland Indians’ flagship progresses from sixth to fifth. Trending 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (February through May, 6+), CHR sibling WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” dials up a +1.0 to 5.5, its strongest 6+-share since December’s 5.9, and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). A combined +1.1 via three straight increases (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” advances from eighth to seventh. After “backing into” the top spot in May with a -.2, CBS Radio-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” logs a one-half share gain (7.9 – 8.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. This is the second time in the last three sweeps that WNCX has reached the eight-share level (6+) – it was 8.1 in April (6+). Locked at #12 in each of the last 17 sweeps, co-owned WKRK erodes by -1.2 (3.9 – 2.7, 6+) and falls to #13. Moreover, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” has its lowest 6+-share since last August (2.7 as well). Taking its place at #12 is Ideastream’s WCPN – which ironically was at #13 the past 14 sweeps; it advances despite losing two-tenths to 2.9 (6+). Before a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+). Off by more than one full-share in back-to-back declines (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

11) Kansas City – Steady at #8, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.8 Kansas City’s Rock Station” is up or flat for the sixth straight time for a +1.1 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), while co-owned hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” (fifth to sixth) is without a loss for the third time in a row for a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). Within 7.3 – 7.8 range (6+) since January, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM displays an impressive +1.5 (7.4 – 8.9, 6+) and carries on at #2. It is the strongest 6+-stat for “94.9 – Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” since the “Holiday” 2016 report (10.8). One-half share ahead of KCMO-FM – and #1 for the sixth consecutive time – is classic rock cluster-mate KCFX “The Fox,” which posts its third straight increase for a cumulative +1.9 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+). “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before its +1.0 in April, KCFX registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, it had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). Still in that Cumulus Media cluster, KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” (#18 to #17) is up or flat for the fifth straight time for a +.6 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), while urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” (unchanged at #7) is without a loss for the third consecutive sweep and is up nine-tenths in that stretch (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Following four straight improvements for a cumulative +1.9 (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” faltered by seven-tenths in May but answers with a +.8 (5.0 – 5.8, 6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed KCHZ, bounces back from a loss of one-half share in May with a +.8 as well (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), with “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” cracking the top ten (#14 to #10). Prior to May’s -.5, “The Vibe” had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Thus, after eroding by -1.2 in May, the market’s (6+) CHR share improves by +1.6, equally divided between “Mix” and “The Vibe.” As far as the three-way country scrum is concerned, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which in May forfeited half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), sputters by an additional nine-tenths (3.5, 6+) to spiral from #10 to #14. A combined +.9 in April and May (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom’s WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” returns seven-tenths in June (3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). On the format’s plus side though, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” notches consecutive (modest) increases (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9, 6+) and remains at #3. As the result of three consecutive gains before April’s -.1, “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four up or flat trends in succession that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth successive time, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR is -1.7 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+) and drifts from #15 to #18. Although down by -.5 (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) and below a four-share (6+) for the first time since last October’s 3.9, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMBZ-FM actually improves from #12 to a tie at #11. Also in the spoken-word arena, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” falters for the third straight time for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (3.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), but remains at #20; Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” bumps up from #17 to #15 with its third consecutive up or flat trend more than doubling its 6+-share (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+).

12) Columbus – Not only does it boast the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 improvement (+1.8) by any other station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released since last Wednesday, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WNCI is a whopping +2.8 via three successive upticks (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 11.7, 6+). Furthermore, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” repeats at #1 and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September’s 11.1. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” outlet was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). It has a 1.1-share (6+) advantage over co-owned country facility WCOL, which dusts itself off from May’s -1.3 with a +1.4 to remain at #2. WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; and now +1.4 in June (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2 – 10.6, 6+). In another stunning one-month market turnaround, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (fifth back to third) answers May’s -1.2 with a +1.1 (7.3 – 6.1 – 7.2, 6+); 6.1 was its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. In addition to the three aforementioned Columbus outlets improving by at least one full-share (May 2017 – June 2017, 6+), two stations there erode by -1.5 each. Not only does Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” end its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by plummeting to 2.6 (-1.5, 6+), it exits the top ten (#7 to #11). It is a similar fate for One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO (#9 to #13), whose -1.5 (3.9 – 2.4 6+) drops “104.9 The River – Uplifting & Encouraging” to its softest 6+-share since last December’s 2.0. After back-to-back upticks (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny” (third to fifth) stumbles by seven-tenths to 6.0, its lowest 6+-share in just over two years (5.5, May 2015). Locked on 5.2 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” is off by one-half share to 4.7, but it remains at #6.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Nielsen Releases Total Audience Report for First Quarter of 2017.  The new edition of Nielsen’s Total Audience Report for the first quarter of 2017 compares the consumer media habits of Americans to the same period in 2016 based on their age and inclusion in one of four generational groupings – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.  As expected, the measure of daily time spent with AM/FM radio is shrinking among the younger generations.  During the first quarter of 2017, both Baby Boomers and Generation Xers spent about two hours a day with the medium, while Millennials averaged 1:37.  Both figures are steady from Q1 2016 to Q1 2017.  Generation Z’s use of AM//FM was steady from quarter to quarter at 1:08 (only ages 12-20 were included in the radio figure).  The use of an app or web service via smartphone has shot up across the three older generations (Gen Z is not included due to privacy regs for minors) from quarter to quarter.  Baby Boomers’ use rose from 1:20 to 2:29 from Q1 2016 to Q1 2017; Gen Xers’ use went from 1:40 to 2:36; and Millennials’ use spiked from 2:01 to 2:51.  Breaking the age groups down even further, the report indicates that adult AM/FM radio monthly reach during Q1 of 2017 was as follows: 50-64 – 62.5 million; 35-49 – 59.8 million; 25-34 – 42.5 million; 18-24 – 29.7 million; and 12-17 – 23.8 million.   See more about the report here.

Dana Loesch NRA Ad Spurs Protest at DC Headquarters.  Today (7/14) at 1:00 pm ET, a Women’s March will convene at the Washington, DC headquarters of the National Rifle Association to protest the organization’s recent ad announcing its intent to fight back against political opponents with the “clenched fist of truth.”  Radio America talk show host and author (and unabashed gun rights advocate) Dana Loesch is the spokeswoman in the video ad.  Critics of the ad object to the language used, saying it’s “irresponsible and dangerous” and “suggests armed violence against communities of color.”  Loesch says that in response, during her special program today she’ll focus on “Second Amendment rights, examples of peaceful rallies, a history of violent leftist protests, and discussion of a Women’s Rights organizer recently calling for jihad.”

Santoro Named Director of Marketing for iHM Boston. This promotion boosts Shaileen Santoro from marketing manager to director of marketing for iHeartMedia’s Boston Region, effective immediately.  Santoro’s duties include overseeing all aspects of iHeartMedia Boston’s marketing and promotions department and working closely with the sales and programming teams to promote and market concerts, broadcast shows, on-air talent, local community events and partnerships on air and online.  Stations in the region include: news/talk WKOX “Talk 1430,” business news WXKS “Bloomberg Radio,” CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108,” hip hop WJMN “JAM’N 94.5,” and country WBWL “101.7 The Bull.”  iHM SVP of programming for the Boston Region Dylan Sprague comments, “Shaileen’s combination of passion, creativity, meticulous attention to detail and years of experience made her the obvious choice for this role.  Our marketing team is the best in the business and Shaileen’s leadership will elevate it further.”

TALKERS News Notes. The new editorial and newsgathering partnership between CBS News and BBC News fills the needs for both.  For CBS, BBC News replaces the partnership it had with Sky – which is in the process of being acquired by 21^st Century Fox.  The BBC is looking to CBS to take the place of former partner ABC News.  CBS News president David Rhodes says, “CBS News is completely committed to original reporting around the world – a commitment clearly shared by the BBC.  There’s no better partner to strengthen and extend our global coverage than BBC News.”…..The Kevin McCullough-hosted “Radio Night LIVE” radio and TV “SuperCast” adds affiliate stations WGCH-AM, Greenwich/Stamford, Connecticut and WANN-TV, Atlanta…..Former NBC News personality Tamron Hall, who left the organization in February after it was announced that Megyn Kelly would take over the third hour of the “Today” show, is developing a daytime talk show in conjunction with Weinstein Television.  Variety reports that the program will be shot in front of a live audience and feature discussion of current events, human-interest stories and celebrity interviews.

Trump Jr-Russia Story Tops the Talkers Ten^TM This Week.  The controversy surrounding Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya during the 2016 campaign was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of July 10-14, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was GOP health care plan and the push to vote on a package before the August break.  Coming in at #3 was President Trump’s trip to France, followed by the two environmental stories – the new Antarctic iceberg and the talk of a sixth mass extinction – 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. View this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/14) with Jeff Smulyan, Kevin Casey and Steve Weisman.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.  Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).  Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).  Today (7/14) TALKERS is posting a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. There are three changes at iHeartMedia’s Boston station group to announce: First, Michael “Mikey V” Vinci is named the assistant program director and music director for CHR WXKS-FM “KISS 108” in addition to his current evening show hosting role.  At country WBWL “101.7 The Bull,” Lance Houston signs a new, long-term agreement to continue his role as the station’s program director and evening personality.  And at hip hop WJMN “JAM’N 94-5,” DJ Pup Dawg signs a new deal to continue as APD and music director at the station…..Stephens Media Group brings Premiere Networks’ Delilah back to adult contemporary WVLF, Norwood, New York (Watertown market) for the evening daypart.

Round Two of June PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio 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 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Climbing from ninth to eighth, Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS has its fourth straight up or flat trend that accounts for a +1.6 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+). Moreover, “91.9 Christian Music Radio” reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2013’s 4.1. Stuck on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” is a combined  +.6 in May and June (2.9 – 3.4, 6+) and rises from #16 to #13. This represents the highest 6+-share for “Mix” since it returned to hot AC (from CHR) in mid-November 2013. As far as 6+-share is concerned for WAMU, it continues to be a rollercoaster ride. A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but “The Mind Is Our Medium” forfeits exactly twice that increase in June (9.3, -1.4, 6+). Even though -1.4 is the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released yesterday, WAMU is the market leader for the sixth consecutive time. Off by -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, the American University-owned station recaptured all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Holding down the runner-up slot in each of the six successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first is Hubbard all-news operation WTOP, which is off for the third consecutive time (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7, 6+) for a collective -1.2. Following five straight sweeps without a decrease that generated a +1.5 (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” stumbles by six-tenths to 4.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Having doubled its 6+-stat since February with three straight gains (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), CBS Radio’s sports/talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is flat at 3.0 (6+), but the Washington Nationals’ flagship dips from #14 to #17. This is the sixth straight month that its main competitor, Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 2016, 6+), does not appear in print. Finishing back-to-back in June 2017 are urban AC rivals, Howard University-owned WHUR, up or flat for the fourth consecutive sweep for a +1.8 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5, #3 for the sixth time in a row, 6+) and Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic 102.3” (5.3 – 5.7, +.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March.

2) Boston – The two-share lead (6+) Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” enjoyed in May over adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” has been sliced to just three-tenths as “Magic 106.7” logs a +1.1 (7.0, third to second, 6+), while “Boston’s Classic Hits” falters by six-tenths (7.9 – 7.3, 6+). Even so, WROR remains at #1 for the sixth successive sweep. As far as “Magic” is concerned, the 7.0 (6+) it displays in June 2017 ends a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+) and is its strongest 6+-share since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016. The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by “Magic,” WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; and -.8 in April. Two stations on opposite ends of the music spectrum – classical WCRB (2.1 – 2.8, #17 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” – each pick up seven-tenths. This is the fourth successive increase for “Kiss” netting a cumulative +1.3 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), but it moves from second to third. Meanwhile, WCRB notches its best 6+-stat since last November’s 3.2. Unchanged at #13, 6+), WXKS-FM’s direct competitor – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – loses one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), immediately after posting four successive positive monthlies which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). After losing a cumulative nine-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk WRKO gains two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), but actually backslides from a tie at #17 to #18. It is linked there with urban AC cluster-mate WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B,” which is up or flat for the fifth consecutive time (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, #19 to #18, 6+). Not only is CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM without an increase for the fifth straight time for a combined loss of over two full-shares (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+), “The Sports Hub” drops from eighth to tenth and is below a four-share (6+) for the first time in exactly two years (3.6, June 2015). Bouncing back from May’s -.1 with a gain of three-tenths (4.7 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom owned/Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM shifts from seventh back to fifth. Trending 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.8 (6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” sputters by eight-tenths to 3.0, sliding from #11 to #12. After three straight improvements that netted a +1.1 since February (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+), co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” regresses by six-tenths to 4.5 (6+), falling from fifth to seventh. In May, “Country 102.5” crossed the five-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last September’s 5.0. Cross-town format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull,” picks up two-tenths to 2.4 (6+), yet slips from #15 to #17. With a February 2017 to May 2017 6+-line of 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6, WBZ-AM is off by one-half share to 5.1 (6+), however, the CBS Radio news/talk hybrid carries on in fourth-place.

3) Miami – As Cox Media Group mainstream CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” loses two-tenths in successive sweeps (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+) dropping from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia-owned and similarly-programmed WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” erases May’s -.4 with a +.4 (3.7 – 4.1, 6+) to climb from tenth to eighth. The four-tenths decrease in May halted at four WHYI’s successive string of up or flat trends that netted an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), while April’s 4.7 was the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since 4.9 last September. Having wiped out April’s one-half share loss with a +.7 in May to advance from second to first (7.2 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” adds three-tenths to 7.7 (6+) and repeats at #1; 7.7 is the station’s strongest 6+-stat since last July’s 8.0. Down or flat in six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. For the fifth time in the last nine survey periods, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Donde Viven Tus Hits” puts up a 3.6 (6+) as it climbs from #12 to #11. Meanwhile, Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-programmed WRMA “Ritmo 95.7 – Cubatón y Más” has lost one full-share via three straight declines (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+) and tumbles from #13 to #16. Within 3.7 – 4.0 range (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, co-owned WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” falters by six-tenths to 3.2 and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). It is the lowest 6+-share for “Big” since May 2016 (3.2 as well). After picking up nine-tenths via three upticks in succession (3.3 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96 – Miami’s Party Station” is off by three-tenths to 3.9 (6+), slipping from eighth to tenth. Tied at #14, each with 3.0 (6+), are Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” (-.1, #15 in May, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System counterpart WXDJ “106.6 El Zol” (+.1, #16 in May, 6+); “El Zol” pulls the plug on three straight decreases that yielded a -1.2 (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Either flat or (modestly) up in each of the last seven sweeps for a gain of seven-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom’s WSFS “104.3 The Shark – South Florida’s Alternative” falters by three-tenths to 1.9, moving from #19 to #20. Without an increase since last November (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9, 6+), Spanish news/talk WWFE “670 AM – La Ponderosa” finishes at #26.

4) Detroit – Immediately after flaunting a substantial +1.5 in May, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD tacks on another nine-tenths (4.0 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+) as “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” rockets from #6 all the way to #1 with its most potent 6+-showing since a 6.5 in “Holiday” 2014. Steady at #15, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM,” is a collective -.7 in May and June (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). Knocked out of the top spot following five successive months there is CBS Radio all-news WWJ, off for the third straight time for a combined -1.8 (7.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.6, 6+) and trading places with “Mix” at #6. The 7.4 that WWJ garnered in March through a +.9 marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since February 2016, when it reached 7.5 (6+). Without an increase in each of the last three survey periods for a -.7 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” answers with a one-half share increase to 5.3, inching up from eighth to seventh. Up three-tenths to 5.0 (6+), cluster-mate WRIF “Rocks Detroit” (tenth to eighth) applies the brakes to four consecutive decreases that accounted for a -1.2 (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Locked on 3.3 in February, March, and April, CBS Radio CHR WDZH “Amp 98.7” posted a +.6 in May, but coughs up nearly twice that margin in June (3.3 – 3.9 – 2.8, -1.1, 6+), freefalling from #11 to #17. In May, WDRQ regained one-tenth of April’s -.5, but “93.1 Nash FM” sputters by one-half share (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+); the Cumulus Media country outlet nonetheless carries on at #18.

5) Seattle – The winning ways continue for KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues and NPR News,” which is without a decrease for the sixth successive sweep. Nearly doubling its 6+-share in that period (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.9, 6+), KNKX cruises from #9 to a three-way tie at #5. Within 2.1 – 2.5 range (6+) in each of the last eight ratings periods, Hubbard’s KVRQ “Rock 98.9 – Everything That Rocks” hauls out a +.7 to 2.8 (6+) and cracks the top twenty at #17. Following three straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), mainstream CHR sibling KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits” returned 90% of that increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+). Having bounced back in May with a +.5 to 7.4 (6+), KQMV is steady at 7.4 (6+) and finishes at #1 for the sixth consecutive time. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, “MOViN 92.5” was on top for 12 straight sweeps but gave way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9” and regained the lead in January. As for “Warm,” it surrenders May’s half-share increase – and one-tenth more – (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.0, -.6, 6+) but continues at #4. May’s +.5 stymied four successive sweeps without an increase that nearly sliced KRWM’s 6+-share in half since the “Holiday” report (10.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR KPWK “Power 93.3 – Seattle’s New #1 for Hit Music,” which had recorded three straight positive trends netting nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). At 2.8 (6+), “Power” slumps from #13 to #17. Unchanged at #11, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM adds one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), thus halting at four its successive streak of losses that produced a -2.2 (5.7 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.5, 6+). May’s 3.5 was the lowest 6+-share for KIRO-FM in nearly three years (3.8, 6+, July 2014). A gain of one-half share lifts similarly-formatted cluster-mate KTTH (#20 to #19) to 2.7, its strongest 6+-performance since last August (2.9). Returning from eighth back to ninth, CBS Radio adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” has its consecutive string of up or flat trends that generated a +1.5 in that stretch (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+) end at five as Seattle’s version of “Jack” drops four-tenths to 4.0 (6+).

6) Phoenix – A combined +1.4 via four straight progressive trends (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music Mix” climbs from fourth to third and notches its highest 6+-share in exactly three years (5.8, June 2014). Owing to seven straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), Hubbard-owned KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” is a cumulative +1.4 and enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Trending 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.7 (6+) since January, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL improves by six-tenths to 5.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Even though Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ is without a loss for the fifth time in a row for a +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), “La Tricolor 103.5” backslides from a four-way logjam at #13 to #14. Dipping four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Hubbard’s KSLX shifted from a one-month stay at #1 to #2. By hanging out a +1.2 in May (6.1 – 7.3, 6+), “Classic Rock 100.7” returned to the top spot and – albeit down three-tenths to 7.0 (6+) – it repeats at #1. When “Classic Rock 100.7” gained seven-tenths in March (5.8 – 6.5, 6+), and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ faltered by one-half share (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), the impressive streak of KESZ reigning at #1 for 30 successive ratings periods concluded. Once again in the runner-up slot, KESZ is off four-tenths (7.2 – 6.8, 6+) and trails KSLX by two-tenths. Ups and downs continue for Hubbard-owned KUPD. In April, following three straight gains netting a +1.3 (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), “Arizona’s Real Rock” returned in full the one-half share it picked up in March; was +.8 in May; but surrenders six-tenths in June (4.8 – 5.6 – 5.0, 6+) to segue from third to fifth.

7) Minneapolis – The (6+) country share in the Twin Cities enjoys a +1.4 spike, thanks in equal part to iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” (5.6 – 6.3, +.7, seventh to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio–owned KMNB “Buz’n” @ 102.9” (+.7, #12 to #9, 6+). This is the third straight gain for KMNB (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), yielding a +1.1. Stuck on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” dials up a +.6 to 7.4 and finishes first for the third time in a row. The station it succeeded at #1 – Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” – is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+) and stays in the runner-up slot. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a lengthy dry spell in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (steady at #12) – was +1.3 in January; followed with four consecutive negative trends that produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+); but adds four-tenths in June (4.3, 6+). “Cities 97” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Flat and up (slightly) in each of the past three ratings periods (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk WCCO erodes by -1.3 to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). The last time WCCO fell below a four-share (6+) was exactly two years ago (3.8, June 2015). Regressing by one-half share each are adult hits sibling KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” (5.7 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+) and University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Twin Cities’ Christian Radio” (5.3 – 4.8, flat at #9, 6+).

8) San Diego – Advancing from #15 to #13, Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” is +1.3 as the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). At this time last month, Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday” forfeited April’s +.7 in its entirety (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+), causing it to exit the top spot which it held for the first time since December. A June spike of +.9 though returns “Sunny” from second to first (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), with 6.2 its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6. Prior to April, “Sunny” had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the previous 11 sweeps. Powered by an April increase of seven-tenths, KOGO rocketed from eighth to second and, with a +.3 to 5.6 (6+), it advanced to #1 in May. The iHeartMedia news/talk outlet, however, returns May’s +.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+) and shifts from first to fourth. Notching gains of one-half share each are “Sunny” cluster-mate KSON “New Country,” up for the third time in a row (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, fourth to second, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1 – San Diego’s Best Music Variety” (4.8 – 5.3, sixth to fourth, 6+); and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.5, tenth to sixth, 6+), which ends three straight down or flat trends that yielded a -.7 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). Conversely, sputtering by one-half share is urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5” (5.0 – 4.5, 6+), which slides from fifth to sixth. In a recap of San Diego-area outlets with similar call letters and formats, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined -1.2 in three successive decreases (5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.2, sixth to eighth, 6+), while XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” is right behind “Channel 93.3” (4.2 – 4.1, -.1, eighth to ninth, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight ratings period, Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” is -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) but remains at #22.

9) Denver – Logging its seventh successive increase accounting for a +2.3 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+) iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” (steady at #3) has its best 6+-showing since 6.1 in September 2015. Within 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 19^th successive survey period (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+), co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” inches up from #15 to #14. After being down in each of the last four sweeps for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” adds one-tenth to 3.3 (#16 to #15, 6+). In addition to rebounding from May’s -.4 with a +.6 (6.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), KYGO returns to #1. In May, the Bonneville country outlet shifted from the top spot after three straight months there and slipped to #2. It has a seven-tenths advantage over Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (6.2 – 5.9, -.3, first to second, 6+), which progressed from third to first in May by recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+). Posting improvements of one-half share each are KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105” (4.1 – 4.6, ninth to seventh, 6+) and hot AC sibling KIMN (3.8 – 4.3, #12 to #9 6+). The wild ride continues for Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” whose seven most recent fluctuations are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 in April; +.5 in May; and now -.7 in June (3.9 – 3.2, #11 to #16, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). This past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Without an increase for the fifth straight time accounting for a -2.4 (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” slides from fifth to sixth. Regressing by one-half share as well is Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR (4.5 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+).

10) Tampa – Answering March’s -1.0 with a modest +.2 in April (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV replicates May’s +.6, thus “Lite Favorites” is up for the third straight sweep (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1). Not only does WDUV return to double-digits (6+) for the first time since its 12.7 in “Holiday” 2016, it finishes first for the 57^th successive ratings period. The 8.7 “Lite Favorites” recorded in March was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2015’s 8.5. By hanging out a one-half share increase to 4.0 (6+), University of South Florida news/talk WUSF applies the breaks to three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+) and progresses from #13 to #10. Boasting five straight increases for a cumulative +1.7 (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” now erodes by one full-share to 7.1 (6+) but is in the runner-up slot for the eighth straight time. Following five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. A collective +1.7 in three successive positive trends (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” lost two-tenths in April and drops one half-share for the second consecutive sweep (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), slipping from fifth to seventh; 5.6 in March was the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” since last September (5.6, as well). Unchanged at #6, co-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits,” which had been without a loss in each of the past three monthlies for a +.6 (4.2 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), drops two-tenths to 4.6 (6+). Off by one-half share as well is adult contemporary cluster-mate WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (1.4 – .9, #22, 6+).

11) Baltimore – Having finished second for four consecutive ratings periods, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ shifted to third in April, but with a gain of one-half share in May (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) “Q-92 Jams” caught co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” at #1. The tie is broken in June though as “Q-92 Jams” flashes a +.6 to 8.6, while “Magic” improves by four-tenths to 8.4, settling for second-place. Notwithstanding the downward move, “Magic” curtails at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). It had been on top the past five monthlies. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June 2016 (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. Prior to gaining four-tenths in March, WERQ was down or flat since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+); February 2017’s 7.3 was its lowest 6+-share since the 7.3 it recorded in March 2016. Sputtering by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.7, 6+), CBS Radio sports/talk and Baltimore Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” slips from sixth to eighth. Following an impressive April 2017 – May 2017 gain of +1.2, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” returns one-half share (4.4 – 5.6 – 5.1, 6+) to fall from fifth to sixth; 5.6 was the best 6+-performance for “Jack” in more than two years (6.1, 6+, March 2015). Without a loss in each of the past five survey periods including a similar (to WQSR) April 2017 – May 2017 gain of +1.2 (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.0, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC-turned-CHR WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” dips by two-tenths to 4.8 (6+) yet improves from eighth to seventh.

12) St. Louis – An increase of +1.2 propels Emmis’ KSHE (third to second) from 6.7 to 7.9, its strongest 6+-stat since last November’s 8.6. Despite a decrease of two-tenths (8.4 – 8.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU advances from second to first. After three successive sweeps as the market’s pacesetter, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April. A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), it floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. It supplants CBS Radio news/talk KMOX, which jumped from fifth to first in April. The St. Louis Cardinals flagship more than doubled its 6+-share in five straight increases (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+), before eroding in June by -1.2 to 7.3 (6+) and segueing to #3. Five straight declines by KEZK accounted for a cumulative loss of over seven full-shares (11.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+) but KMOX’ adult contemporary sibling picks up one-tenth to 4.1 (6+) and climbs from #12 to #10. Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1) and it was #1 in “Holiday” 2016. Following a May increase of six-tenths, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” surrenders nine-tenths (4.4 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+) to slide from eighth to tenth. May’s +.6 nearly erased WHHL’s collective -.7 since February (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). Unlisted for the sixth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).