Thursday, August 17, 2017

Hotchkiss Named to North Ohio Region President for iHeartMedia. This promotion takes Keith Hotchkiss from his regional SVP of sales for the company’s Virginia/Carolina region back to Northern Ohio to take on the region president role.  Hotchkiss started his radio career as an intern on rock WMMS, Cleveland more than 20 years ago.  Now, he’ll oversee iHeartMedia’s Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Lima, Ashland, Mansfield, Marion and Defiance markets. iHeartMedia president Midwest/Southeast division Tom McConnell states, “Keith is a natural leader and has a proven track record of success.  His experience as a market president and as a regional senior vice president of sales in iHeartMedia’s Virginia/Carolina Region, combined with his first-hand knowledge of the Northern Ohio markets makes him the perfect choice for this important role.”

KXTG, Portland Parts Ways with Dino Costa. Some two months after he made comments on his afternoon drive show on Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG, Portland “750/102.9 The Game” suggesting motorists should hit Black Lives Matter protestors who block roadways, Dino Costa has been let go by the company, according to The Oregonian.  Earlier this week, the MLS’ Portland Timbers (whose games are carried on KXTG) issued a press statement distancing itself from Costa and his comments.  This drew renewed attention to the incident.  For its part, KXTG says at the time of Costa’s remarks, it took “immediate and aggressive action” against Costa.  But, the delayed blowback apparently forced Alpha Media’s hand and it has fired Costa.

WHLM, Bloomsberg Host David Reilly Resigns.  Embattled WHLM, Bloomsberg, Pennsylvania talk show host David Reilly resigned from the Columbia Broadcasting Corporation-owned news/talk station yesterday (8/16).  Reilly – whose father Joe Reilly serves as general manager for the station – had posted a video of the “UnitetheRight” march on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville that critics say had all the trappings of a Klan rally.  When the video got attention in Bloomsberg, the station endured protests and a number of advertisers reportedly cancelled their buys.  Reilly was suspended without pay earlier this week.  Now, Reilly has tendered his resignation and his father has accepted it.  In the resignation letter, David Reilly disavows any sympathy for neo-Nazis or white supremacists.

CBS Las Vegas Has Change of Heart; Will Cover New NHL Franchise. It appears a case of sour grapes caused CBS RADIO Las Vegas operations manager J.B. King to memo the staff that it was to cease all coverage – including reporting scores – of the market’s new NHL franchise, the Las Vegas Knights.  Several companies bid for the rights to be radio partners with the NHL expansion club but Lotus Communications won.  CBS RADIO Las Vegas market manager Tony Perlongo told the Washington Post, “With six radio stations in Las Vegas we have always prided ourselves on informing, educating and entertaining listeners and supporting the local communities we serve. However, we missed the mark in an internal email that instructed our stations to no longer report on certain aspects of the Golden Knights, the city’s first and only major league sports team. This was an error in judgment on our part and we deeply regret it. We will of course cover the team, first and foremost on Sports Radio 1140 and on our music and news/talk stations as it makes sense for those formats and audiences. We apologize to the Golden Knights, their fans and our listeners and look forward to rooting the team on when the puck drops in a few weeks.”

Beasley Partners with SonicAi for Alexa Skills.  The goal of this partnership is to make it easier for listeners using Amazon Echo to bring Beasley Media Group content into their homes.  Beasley is partnering with SonicAi – a partnership between mobile developer jācapps and Amplifi Media – to design the skills that represent more than just a way to play the station stream, highlighting specific station features.  Beasley says they will be heard across most of its 63 stations over the upcoming months.  Beasley Media Group executive vice president of digital Steve Meyers says, “Innovation in the smart speaker device space is critical for Beasley and our industry as a whole.  I’m excited to be partnering with SonicAi to extend the reach of our brands across the company and open up new opportunities in this space.”

TALKERS News Notes.  The board of directors of the New York State Broadcasters Association announces iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman is being honored as its “Broadcaster of the Year.”  He’ll be honored at the New York Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame Luncheon on October 19, at the Javits Center in New York City.  NYSBA president David Donovan says, “Bob Pittman is a true industry leader and perhaps the most creative, visionary and dynamic executive in broadcasting.  His views not only shape the radio industry, but the future of all media in this country.  We are deeply honored to recognize him as the “New York Broadcaster of the Year.”…..Rising from general sales manager to general manager of the Omaha cluster for Salem Media Group is Sue Garrett.  She’s been with the station group for the past seven years.  During her career, she’s been a market manager and sales manager for Cumulus Media and was a sales manager for iHeartMedia.  In Omaha, Salem operates news/talk KOTK “The Answer,” Christian teaching KCRO, and Christian contemporary KGBI-FM…..Today is the 19^th annual Kicks 4 Guns event – a collaborative effort by iHeartMedia Orlando’s WTKS-FM “Real Radio 104.1” and non-profit organization Crimeline.  The program allows anyone to anonymously trade in unwanted firearms in exchange for a gift card.  Kicks 4 Guns is the brainchild of “The Monsters” ringleader Russ Rollins who got the idea for the event after he saw a news item about a boy who was murdered for his shoes.  Rollins hoped to create a gun buyback program that offers brand-new shoes in exchange for guns.  Over the past 19 years, Kicks 4 Guns has collected more than 10,000 unwanted guns, including illegal and stolen guns, pipe bombs, grenades, and a missile launcher…..Cumulus Media inks a renewal with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for KESN-FM “ESPN 103.3 FM” to continue serving as the team’s flagship radio station through the 2022-2023 season.  The ESPN O&O is operated by Cumulus.  Chuck Cooperstein continues as play-by-play voice and Mike Peasley hosts the “Dallas Mavericks Insider” pre-game show as well as the “Mavs Postgame Show.”…..PodcastOne promotes Jim Ballas to vice president, technology and operations.  Ballas now oversees network digital initiatives and sales operations, including the website, app, dynamic insertion, virtual reality and reporting metrics.  PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz states, “Jim Ballas has been with PodcastOne since its earliest days and his leadership in technology and sales operations has well-earned him a place on our executive team.”…..The Weekly Standard announces the re-launch of Tuesday Morning Quarterback – the celebrated weekly NFL column by Gregg Easterbrook.  It will debut on The Weekly Standard website on August 22.  Easterbrook says, “There will be a total eclipse of the sun, and the next day the football gods will smile as Tuesday Morning Quarterback returns.  I am very excited about TMQ on TWS.”  In addition to the column, TMQ will be featured on a weekly podcast starring Easterbrook and occasional guests, hosted by TWS editor-in-chief, Steve Hayes.

Harrison Podcast Examines Charlottesville from a Talk Radio Perspective.  Charlottesville, VA was the home of two early U.S. presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.  It is also the home of two talented radio talk show hosts heard on two significant, separately owned news/talk stations.  Joe Thomas is the PD and morning host at Monticello Media’s WCHV.  Rob Schilling is the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm host on Saga Communications’ WINA.  Both are guests on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.”   They discuss, in great detail, the talk radio perspective on the tragic and troubling events that took place in their city this past weekend, and then some.  Don’t miss this.  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.

Hyper-Local Pioneer Valley Radio Making Gains in Western Massachusetts.  Launched by Springfield radio legend Brad Shepard, hyper-local online station, Pioneer Valley Radio (www.PioneerValleyRadio.com) celebrated the beginning of its third year of service by making a splashy presence at the annual Hampden County, MA Sheriff’s Picnic – the preeminent regional political/social event in Western Massachusetts (8/16).  The station’s format consists of 100% “personality-oriented public affairs programming” offering a growing menu of on-demand talk shows covering local politics, civics, education, public safety, business, health, dining, recreation, and arts & entertainment as well as live streaming remote coverage of news events, public forums and school sports.  The picnic hosted this year by the newly elected Sheriff Nick Cocchi drew several thousand local political, civic and business figures to the Elks Lodge in Springfield.  Pioneer Valley Radio provided seven hours of uninterrupted broadcast coverage from a prominent table-display at the event interviewing a parade of more than 35 public officials and figures.  Pictured, Pioneer Valley Radio GM/morning host Brad Shepard (l) interviewing recently retired Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe (r) who founded the annual picnic decades ago during his 42-year run as sheriff.

Charlottesville Aftermath, Confederate Statue Removals, Manufacturing Council Shuttered, Google Firing Protests Canceled, Sessions Addresses Sanctuary Cities, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/16).  The criticism of President Trump’s Charlottesville analysis and the conservative media’s suggestion the “alt-left” is to blame for the violence; the movement to take down monuments celebrating Confederate leaders; President Trump disbands the American Manufacturing Council after numerous CEOs quit; the cancelling of planned protests at Google offices over the firing of an engineer who questioned the company’s diversity policy; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ address in Chicago criticizing sanctuary city policies; the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; Major League Baseball action; and pre-season NFL activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder – morning radio personality Kathy Hart has broken her four-month silence about her absence from WTMX’s highly rated “Eric & Kathy” program.  Hart wasn’t forthcoming about why she’s been gone and why she’s been silent, but she did say in a statement to the media, in part, “It has been challenging, mentally and physically, to be away for this long, especially on days like Friday for the live broadcast from Lurie Children’s for “Eric & Kathy’s Kids.”…I have always considered the ‘Mix’ and our listeners as family, and want to express my infinite gratitude to everyone who has reached out to me personally and supported me publicly. Please stay tuned as I fully intend to be back on the air!”  Read Feder’s piece here…..Cumulus Media promotes programming pro Danni Bruns to the operations manager post at its four-station Memphis cluster.  Bruns has been serving as program director and afternoon personality for rock WXMX “98.1 The Max.”  Now, she’ll also handle operations for sister stations country WGKX “KIX 106,” rhythmic oldies WRBO, and hip hop WKIM “98.9 The Vibe.”…..YEA Networks brings Scott Kerr aboard as director of affiliate sales and content.  He’s responsible for servicing and growing affiliates for “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” “The Bert Show,” “The Hollywood 5,” “Love Letters with Kellie & Matthew” and the socially connected Simple Booth…..SiriusXM is bringing two shows from its streaming platform to the satellite radio service. Turbo showcases hard rock from the 1990s and early 2000s from artists such as Linkin Park, Korn, Papa Roach, Godsmack, System Of A Down, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Limp Bizkit and Disturbed.  PopRocks presents pop rock from the ’90s and 2000s, including The Killers, Coldplay, Sheryl Crow, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, No Doubt and Matchbox 20.

July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week.  The 12 markets addressed today are: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19.  You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Austin – As a result of making up in totality the seven-tenths it lost via four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Emmis-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” elevates from #12 to a three-way tie at #8 (4.3, +.7, 6+). In the process, it happens to leapfrog co-owned KLBJ-AM, which extends to seven its string of consecutive up or flat trends that has accounted for a cumulative +1.1 (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+); the news/talk property, however, drops out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Another player in that three-way logjam at #8 is Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7 – Today’s Best Mix,” which regains all but two-tenths of the -.7 it squandered this time last month (4.3, +.5, (up from #11, 6+). Entering the June sweep, “Mix” consistently registered a 6+-share between 4.1 – 4.6 in each of the previous 11 sweeps but fell to 3.8 (6+). Up a combined seven-tenths in June and July (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” climbs from #14 to #12. In addition to “Mix” and “Que Buena,” iHeartMedia-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” picks up one-half share as well (4.5 – 5.0, eighth to sixth, 6+). Following three straight 4.6-showings (6+), KASE dropped one-tenth in June. On top for the sixth successive month, Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” adds two-tenths to June’s +1.1 (7.4 – 8.5 – 8.7, 6+). “Bob” was a combined -1.7 in April and May, with May’s 7.4 its lowest 6+-stat since June 2015’s 7.4. With the exception of October and the “Holiday” 2016 report, KBPA held the lead each month in calendar year 2016. Its regional Mexican cluster-mate KLZT “107.1 La Z” though forfeits all of June’s half-share increase and three-tenths more (5.4 – 4.6, -.8, 6+), sliding from fourth to seventh. Faltering by seven-tenths each are co-owned KROX “101-X Alternative Austin,” which falls out of the top ten with its third straight decrease (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.2, #10 to #14, 6+) and The University of Texas-owned KUT (6.8 – 6.1, flat at #2, 6+). Locked on 7.6 (6+) in January, February, and March, KUT followed with a 5.8 (April, 6+); 6.2 (May, 6+); and improved by six-tenths in June to 6.8 (6+). Flat at #16, Emmis triple A KGSR “93.3 Radio Austin” is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 17^th time in a row (2.4 – 2.7, +.3, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight time for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom urban AC KKMJ-HD3 exits the top twenty (#20 to #21).

2) Raleigh – Granted, it might be a bit of a technicality, but the entry making the largest 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 increase in all 48 PPM-markets is the stream of Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music,” which debuts at #14 with a 2.4 (6+). The actual FM signal of “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music” registers its third successive increase for an overall gain of two full-shares and inches up from sixth to fifth (4.3 – 4.9 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). A gain of six-tenths in May halted three consecutive (modest) downward trends that accounted for a six-tenths’ loss (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Down a collective eight-tenths in three straight dips (8.0 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), co-owned WQDR “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” recaptures more than half that loss with a +.5 to 7.7 (6+) and is in the runner-up slot for the third month in a row. In addition to repeating as the market’s pacesetter, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is +1.4 in four straight improvements (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+) and matches the 8.2 (6+) it posted last October. Following six straight gains that netted a +2.1 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “The Pulse” surrenders nine-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and drops out of the top ten (#8 to #12). At the same time, a loss of seven-tenths takes iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” (fifth to sixth) to 6.2, its lowest 6+-share in exactly two years (6.2, as well, in July 2015). Thus, the market’s (6+) CHR erodes by -1.6 to 10.2. Dislodged from the penthouse in June (after four consecutive months there) and remaining in third-place in July is Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which is without an increase for the fifth sweep in a row for a combined -1.8 (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+). While it remains at #4, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC is -1.8 in four straight negative trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). A quartet of Raleigh outlets have decreases of one-half share: iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKK (#9 to #10, 6+); Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” WNNL (3.8, #12 to #13, 6+); Capitol Broadcasting sports/talk WCMC “ESPN 99.9 – The Fan” (flat at #14, 6+); and Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” (#15 to #16, 6+). This is WTKK’s fourth straight down or flat monthly for an overall -1.7 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). After posting three straight increases for a combined +1.2 (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), “The Light” spiraled by -1.7 in June. In back-to-back sweeps (June 2017 and July 2017), “The Fan” is a combined -1.1 (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). This is the third straight half-share fluctuation for “La Ley 101.1,” which wiped out May’s half-share loss in June only to forfeit it in July (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+). Off by three-tenths to 1.9 (6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP “HIS Radio” (#16 to #17) halts at six its consecutive streak of up or flat trends that more than quintupled its 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (.4 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – 1.5 – 2.2, 6+).

3) Indianapolis – Off by a combined nine-tenths in May and June (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH roars back with a +1.1 to 4.4 – its strongest 6+-share since last November’s 5.0; “Hot 96.3” climbs from #13 to #11. In a somewhat similar scenario, Emmis’ WLHK wipes out an overall -.6 in May and June (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+) with a July improvement of seven-tenths to 6.1, its highest 6+-share since May 2016, as “Country 97.1 Hank FM” progresses from seventh to fifth. Having plummeted 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” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 4.9 (6+) and moves from tenth to eighth. Advancing from third to second, iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” registers its seventh successive improvement for an overall +2.4 (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+). Major ups and downs continue for WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” As the result of three straight January through April downward trends (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), the Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian station was off by one full-share. It bounced back with a +1.1 in May only to falter by -1.2 in June (6.3 – 7.4 – 6.2, 6+); however, “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” adds six-tenths in July to 6.8 (6+), marching from sixth to third. Despite being off by one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom CHR WZPL is #1 for the seventh consecutive sweep; June’s 8.2 matches its highest 6+-stat since December 2015. By dropping one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), hot AC cluster-mate WNTR has its string of up or flat trends that netted a collective +1.5 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+) halted at five; nonetheless, “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday” actually improves from ninth to eighth. Eroding by nine-tenths each are Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (5.8, third to seventh, 6+) and Emmis sports talk WFNI “The Fan” (1.7, #14 to #16, 6+). WFMS was a combined +.8 in May and June (5.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), while “The Fan” picked up a collective half-share via four straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Slipping by six-tenths each are its adult contemporary and news/talk siblings WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” (6.5, second to fourth, 6+) and WIBC “Indy’s News Center” (4.7, eighth to tenth, 6+). By replicating May’s seven-tenths’ increase in June (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), WIBC reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since February 2016’s 5.0; “B-105.7” is below a seven-share (6+) for the first time since January’s 6.7.

4) Milwaukee – Notwithstanding that a wide ranker and AQH share gap currently exists between them, both iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” (9.9 – 10.7, #1 for the 28^th consecutive time, 6+) and Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s WZTI “Milwaukee’s True Oldies Channel” (#18 to #14, 6+) register spikes of eight-tenths. It is the fourth straight gain for WZTI, which has more than tripled its 6+-share since March (.6 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.9, 6+). As for “Big FM,” is rebounds from a combined -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 10.3 – 9.9, 6+) and returns to double-digits (6+) for the fourth time in the last five sweeps. Recent “Big” month-to-month moves include +1.7 (October 2015); -.7 (November 2015); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2015); -5.7 (January 2016); +1.3 (February); +1.1 (April); -.6 (May); -1.1 (August); -.6 (September) +1.2 (November); -.5 (December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2016); -2.4 (January 2017); +2.5 (March); -1.2 (May); and now +.8 (July). An interesting development has occurred in the CHR scrum, following a June increase of three-tenths (6+) by both iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97-3 Now – Milwaukee’s #1 For All The Hits” and Entercom-owned WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM.” Via four straight improvements, “Now” is up by an overall full-share (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+) and shifts from #14 to #12, but “Kiss” – which was 4.9 and ninth in June (6+) disappears from print. Advancing from seventh to fifth, co-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” is up or flat for the third time in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+), while Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” posts its second straight (modest) gain (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+) and matches its 4.0 in March to climb from #13 to #11. Having notched a 5.5 (6+) in three of the last four survey periods, Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks” regresses by six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9, 6+), slipping from sixth to seventh. The down/up pattern that Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB began in January (4.6 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+) ends in July as “B-93.3” is off by one-half share to 4.1 (6+), but remains at #10. Not higher than 1.5 or lower than 1.1 over the course of the last 18 sweeps – which covers March 2016 through July 2017, public triple A WYMS (#17 to #15) has a 6+-line of: 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 – 1.4.

5) Nashville – Part of a three-way June logjam for the runner-up slot, Midwest Communications’ adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” doubles June’s gain of six-tenths with a +1.2 (7.1 – 8.3, 6+) and marches to #1. Prior to a -.7 in May, 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+). Not only does the station that “Jack” dislodges at #1 (after a brief one-month run) – iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ – segue to #2, “105.9 Nashville’s Classic Rock” drops four-tenths to 7.4 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight improvements that netted a collective +1.4 (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.3 – 7.8). Owing to a spike of nine-tenths to 2.5 (6+), Nashville Public Radio classical WFCL ends at four its skein of down or flat monthlies that generated an overall loss of one-half share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+) and progresses from #18 to #15. Entering the June sweep, co-owned WPLN was down in each of the previous three survey periods for an overall -1.3 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), but “News 90.3” is a combined +1.5 in June and July (4.1 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), climbing from eighth to seventh. Simultaneous with Cromwell Group urban AC WPRT-HD2 improving by one-half share (.6 – 1.1, #18, 6+), co-owned WPRT-FM “The Game” spirals by nine-tenths to .9 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#16 to #22). When “The Game” dropped six-tenths in June, it curtailed at four a successive string of up or flat trends that more than doubled its 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 2.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the sports talk arena, Cumulus Media’s WGFX regresses by six-tenths (3.3 – 2.7, 6+) to slide from #13 to #14. In June, “104.5 The Zone” returned in its entirety May’s one-half share increase. 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+). Meanwhile, the market’s (6+) share for CHR erodes by -1.5 as Midwest Communications-owned WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” forfeits twice as much of its one-half share gain in June (3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #13 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” (second to third) follows up June’s -.6 with a -.5 (7.7 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+). The loss of six-tenths in June ended at three WRVW’s consecutive string of increases which netted a +1.8 (5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+). February’s 5.9 was the first time “The River” had been below a six-share (6+) since June 2011 (5.9, as well). Off by an overall nine-tenths in three successive downward moves (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WUBT “101.1 The Beat Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B” has an identical 6+ profile as “The River”: 7.1 – 6.6, second to third. Nine-tenths is the collective margin of decline as well for Cromwell alternative WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz,” which dips in back-to-back sweeps (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+).

6) Providence –  Owing to four (modest) increases in a row (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” gains a cumulative one-half share and carries on in sixth-place. After dropping six-tenths in both May and June (11.0 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” bounces back with a gain of two-tenths to an even 10.0 (6+) and is #1 for the 22^nd consecutive 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+) and then up seven-tenths in April. Frozen on 7.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016 and January 2017, and then on 8.2 (6+) in February and March, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY picked up a combined nine-tenths in three consecutive progressive trends (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 9.1, 6+). “Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” though surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase in July (8.3, -.8, 6+) and falls from second to fourth. June’s 9.1 represents the highest 6+-share for WHJY in just over one year (9.2, May 2016). As a result of replicating June’s -.7 for a combined -1.4 (9.8 – 9.1 – 8.4, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music” all but wipes out May’s +1.5. 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). For the fifth time in the last ten survey periods and second time in a row, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WWKX notches a 2.5 (6+) as “Hot 106.3” continues at #9. While steady in fifth-place, iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” has its third straight decrease for an overall loss of -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+) and its lowest 6+-share since 4.6 in “Holiday” 2016. Up or flat in each of the last five survey periods for an overall increase of seven-tenths since January (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Boston public news/talk WGBH-FM drops six-tenths to 1.6 (6+), but remains at #10.

7) Norfolk – Without a loss for the seventh time in a row for an overall increase of +1.4 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” continues in seventh-place. In a classic case of the rich get richer, Entercom urban AC WVKL “95-7 Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” trots out a +1.4 (12.0 – 13.4, 6+) and is #1 for the seventh successive sweep, after an earlier tenure of 55 consecutive ratings periods on top. It has registered a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 15^th time in the last 16 ratings periods. Furthermore, 13.4 is the highest 6+-stat reached by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, with WVKL accomplishing the feat several times, the most recent in January 2015. The only other station in the market to do so is co-owned adult contemporary WWDE “2WD,” which logged 13.4 (6+) once. There is a little more history from this Virginia metro in the July 2017 sweep: Over and above marching from third to second by notching a gain of six-tenths, Saga Communications’ WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” hits 7.4, the highest 6+ share in its history as a PPM subscriber. Meanwhile, following its 7.4 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV has recorded a 6+-share within 2.2 – 2.8 range, but “Movin’ 107.7 The Rhythm of Hampton Roads” drops six-tenths to 2.1 (6+) as it segues from eighth to ninth. After being in the runner-up slot the past five sweeps (the last three with a 7.3, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WOWI “103 Jamz – Norfolk’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” trades places with WNOR by slipping to #3 (7.0, -.3, 6+). For the fourth straight month, aforementioned WWDE “2WD” (flat at #6) fails to make an increase and is -1.7 since March (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+).

8) Greensboro – Continuing on a seesaw, Entercom’s country-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” adds seven-tenths (6.3 – 7.0, 6+) to advance from sixth to fifth. It was a cumulative +1.5 in January and February (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+); eroded by seven-tenths in March; bounced back with a combined +1.0 in April and May; and lost three-tenths in June. This is the highest 6+-share for Greensboro’s “Wolf” since its 7.1 in January 2015. It helps enable WPAW to pull ahead of iHeartMedia’s WTQR “New Country Q-104.1,” which is off three-tenths (7.3 – 6.9, fourth to sixth, 6+), snapping at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +2.5 (4.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.2, 6+). On the heels of three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (6.8 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WMAG answers with a combined June and July +1.4 (5.7 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+), allowing “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Mix” to inch up from fifth to fourth. Ahead of it (continuing) at #3 is Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon (says) We Play Everything,” which wipes out June’s -.4 with a gain of one-half share (8.8 – 9.3, 6+). While it repeats at #1 and achieves double-digits (6+) for the eighth straight sweep, urban AC cluster-mate WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” hands over roughly half of the whopping +1.5 it notched in June (11.6 – 10.9, -.7, 6+); 11.6 is its most potent 6+-share in over three years (11.9, March 2014). In addition to placing first in June and July, WQMG occupied the top spot 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. Spiraling by seven-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM,” which has its third decrease in a row for an overall loss of -1.2 (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+) and its softest 6+-share since January 2014’s 2.9. Unchanged at #7, rock sibling WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” sputters by four-tenths to 4.3 (6+), thus pulling the plug on six consecutive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+) that netted a +1.7. Having strung together three straight improvements for a combined +1.2 (9.5 – 9.9 – 10.1 – 10.7, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” (flat at #2) follows with an equal number of consecutive losses that has accounted for a collective -1.1 (10.7 – 10.4 – 10.1 – 9.6, 6+). “Jamz” had been in double-digits (6+) 10 times in the previous 12 survey periods.

9) West Palm Beach – In addition to posting its third straight increase for an overall +1.1 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” ranks first for the seventh consecutive month and has its strongest 6+-share since November 2015’s 11.3. 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. A collective +1.3 in three straight gains entering the June sweep (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WLDI is now an overall -1.6 in back-to-back monthlies (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.0, 6+) as “Wild 95.5 – The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” drifts from fifth to eighth. Having posted a 3.1 (6+) in three of the past four ratings periods, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN sputters by seven-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and segues from ninth to tenth. Over the last two sweeps, Alpha Media-owned WIRK “103.1 – South Florida’s Country Music” is a combined -1.4 (5.9 – 5.1 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Surrendering one-half share is WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (flat at #5) which – in the last eight survey periods – is +.5 (“Holiday” 2016); -1.1 (January); +.5 in February; -.7 (March); +1.4 in April; -.5 in May; +.7 in June; and now -.5 in July (4.3 – 4.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+). Off by one-half share as well is Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” (#13 to #15), which is down or flat for the fourth straight time for a roughly 50% loss of its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .7, 6+). Simultaneous with co-owned adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9” losing three tenths after June’s -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.1, flat at #3, 6+, iHeartMedia-owned and similarly-programmed WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” rebounds from June’s loss of eight-tenths by adding three-tenths (5.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+) to jump from eighth to fifth. This is the lowest 6+-share for “Sunny” since its 4.6 in November 2015. 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+). The market’s other AC – JVC Media’s WSVU “South Florida’s 95.9 – The Palm,” is without an increase for the fourth time in a row and down approximately 50% in that timeframe (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .9 – .7, 6+), yet actually improves from #16 to a tie at #15.

10) Jacksonville – Wild fluctuations continue for iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL, whose April -.6 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 -.7 in June; and now erupts with a massive +1.7 in July (4.4 – 6.1, seventh to sixth, 6+). This is its highest 6+-performance since 6.3 in May 2016. In recapturing in totality the one-half share it lost in June, Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-102.9 Jacksonville’s New Alternative” moves into the top ten (4.0 – 3.5 – 4.0, #11 to #9, 6+). Prior to June’s -.5, “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+). Albeit down by six-tenths (12.2 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” is nonetheless the market pacesetter for the seventh straight time. A January +2.1 to 12.8 produced its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. The five most recent stats for Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” are 7.6 – 7.9 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 7.9 (March 2017 through July 2017, steady from June at #4, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 106.5” (#13 to #12) is trending 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 (6+) since April. Within 4.1 – 4.5 (6+) territory the past five sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WKSL plummets by nine-tenths (4.3 – 3.4, 6+) and not only exits the top ten (#9 to #11), “97.9 Kiss FM” has its weakest 6+-showing since November 2013’s 3.3. Faltering by one-half share each are Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “96.9 The Eagle” (9.6 – 9.1, unchanged at #2, 6+) and public news/talk WJCT (3.1 – 2.6, #12 to #13, 6+). “The Eagle” was up nine-tenths in June and while its urban contemporary HD2 side channel floundered by one-half share in May and June (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+), it picks up three-tenths to 2.2, but stays at #14 (6+).

11) Memphis – Adding nine-tenths onto the three-tenths it picked up in June, Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River Continuous Soft Rock” registers a 6.9, its best 6+-stat since 7.4 in March, to jump from sixth to fourth. As the result of three straight sweeps without a decrease (6.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK is a collective +1.8 and “K-97 Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” is in third-place for the fourth month in a row. Not only is urban AC cluster-mate KJMS up or flat for the seventh straight time for a collective gain of +1.4 (8.8 – 9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 10.2, 6+), “V-101” is #1 for the sixth successive time. It held that same position 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+). The last time it was in double-digits (6+) was in September 2016 (10.2, as well). Up (modestly) or flat the last three survey periods for a net gain of three-tenths (4.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+) – and with a 6+-share consistently between 4.2 and 4.8 since last December – Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max, Maximum Rock” freefalls by one full-share to 3.8, but carries on in eighth-place. In eight straight down or flat sweeps, iHeartMedia CHR KWNW has lost one full-share (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+) but “101.9 Kiss FM – All The Hits” manages to move from #17 to #15. It is a mixed-bag for the market’s country outlets as Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Kix 106 – Today’s Best Country” is off by four-tenths to 5.5 (flat at #7, 6+) after back-to-back increases produced a +1.0 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), while Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” adds two-tenths to June’s +.8 and continues at #11 (2.4 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+).

12) Hartford – By dialing up a gain of seven-tenths (5.7 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” climbs from seventh to sixth with its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 6.5. At the same time that co-owned hot AC WTIC-FM “Hartford’s Best Variety” (off eight-tenths in June) improves by one-half share (7.8 – 8.3 third to second, 6+), its news/talk sibling WTIC-AM plummets by -1.6 (fifth to eighth, 6+). When “Hartford’s Best Variety” lost 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+). In what is now WTIC-AM’s sixth consecutive decline, it has spiraled by a collective -3.7 (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 5.1, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share in nearly two years (4.8, 6+, August 2015). Down one tick (10.0 – 9.9, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WRCH “Lite 100.5” remains at #1 for the 11^th successive ratings period. It had been in double-digits (6+) eight times in the previous nine sweeps. “Lite” was up by a cumulative nine-tenths in February and March (10.2 – 10.5 – 11.1, 6+), but then 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+) although it rises from #15 to #14. A combined +1.7 in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (7.1 – 76 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in June for the first time since last December’s 8.2, but “Country 92-5” returns one-half share (8.8 – 8.3, 6+) and is in a second-place tie with WTIC-FM. Fading by one-half share as well (to its lowest 6+-share since February’s 4.9) is Connoisseur Media-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale Hartford’s Classic Rock” (5.7 – 5.2, 6+), which carries on in seventh-place.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Harrison Podcast Examines Charlottesville from a Talk Radio Perspective.  Charlottesville, VA was the home of two early U.S. presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.  It is also the home of two talented radio talk show hosts heard on two significant, separately owned news/talk stations.  Joe Thomas is the PD and morning host at Monticello Media’s WCHV.  Rob Schilling is the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm host on Saga Communications’ WINA.  Both are guests on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.”   They discuss, in great detail, the talk radio perspective on the tragic and troubling events that took place in their city this past weekend, and then some.  Don’t miss this.  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.

Lundberg: New Tech Gives Hosts Control and Breeds Engagement.  Sports talk radio and TV personality Robin Lundberg writes today about a new technology for videocasting that puts control of video callers, images and more right in his hands while he hosts his Internet show, “Stick to Sports.”  He says, “Having video callers on air knocks down the wall between me and my audience.  The experience is a blast for everyone…what’s amazing is that I feel the same way, every show.  I’ve had the good fortune to be on some of the biggest sports networks and ‘Stick-to-Sports’ is like no hosting experience I’ve had before.  Putting a couple of people on air via Skype or FaceTime is not new, but the VCC platform is the first time I’ve seen it done reliably with many callers in each show.”  See more of what Lundberg has to say about this here.

Pennsylvania Host Suspended for Participation in White Nationalist Rally.  The son of WHLM, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania general manager is on suspension from his evening talk show at the station after he posted video of himself joining the white nationalists at the rally in Charlottesville. Dave Reilly is the son of Joe Reilly, who manages the Columbia Broadcasting Company talk station.  Joe Reilly said in a statement, “WHLM and the Columbia Broadcasting Company denounces, detests, disavows, condemns and has never condoned any form of racism, white supremacism, bigotry or political violence towards anyone or any group.  WHLM is currently conducting a full, internal investigation regarding allegations brought against David Reilly…We are taking this matter seriously and since it will take time to investigate this situation, we, the Columbia Broadcasting Company, have suspended David Reilly without pay until further notice.”  WNEP-TV, Scranton reports that several advertisers cancelled their buys and protests took place outside the station on Monday and Tuesday prior to the announcement of the suspension.

TALKERS News Notes. In Albany, the Daily Gazette reports that WOFX “FOX Sports 980” afternoon drive host Tred Hulse has exited the iHeartMedia station.  The piece notes that Hulse had been a DJ on the company’s hot AC WRVE “99.5 The River” prior to joining WOFX in June of 2016 after Rodger Wyland left the daypart to go across the street to host a show at Townsquare Media’s sports talk WTMM “ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team.”  WOFX is now airing FOX Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb show in the afternoon slot…..Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers have moved to distance the team – whose matches are heard on Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG, Portland “750/102.9 The Game” – from comments made in June by new afternoon personality Dino Costa.  The sports talk personality made comments suggesting that drivers should run over Black Lives Matter protestors blocking traffic.  Alpha Media issued a statement to KOIN-TV, Portland saying, “Alpha Media holds the relationships with the Portland Timbers and the University of Oregon in high regard.  The ‘750/102.9 The Game’ management team took immediate and aggressive action with Dino Costa regarding the comment made during his June 7 broadcast.”  The soccer club said it would not take any action regarding its relationship with the station but wanted to clarify its stance on the matter…..Former Washington State and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf is joining the roster of college football experts appearing on SiriusXM.  Leaf makes his debut today, alongside co-host Jason Horowitz and will be heard multiple times each week on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel.

Trump’s Charlottesville Response, CEOs Exit Trump Manufacturing Council, Confederate Statues Removed, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, Iran Nuclear Deal Threatened, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/15).  Analysis of President Trump’s responses to the Charlottesville rally violence; the numerous business leaders who’ve resigned from President Trump’s manufacturing council in response to his comments on the Charlottesville violence; the destruction of a Confederate memorial in Durham, NC and the plans for removal of similar monuments in other cities; threats against the U.S. by North Korea and Kim Jong Un’s nuclear weapons program; Iran’s threat to ignore the nuclear pact if it is slapped with more sanctions; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Beasley Launches ‘Community of Caring’ Initiative. The new company-wide “Community of Caring” public service initiative will run across Beasley Media Group’s 63 radio stations.  It will consist of a rotating PSA series aimed at shining a spotlight on important issues impacting our communities, including the on-going opioid epidemic, bullying, racism and mental health awareness. The PSAs will also be supported via social media campaigns. Beasley will also host specific “Day of Caring” events throughout the year in which teams, made up of employees from each market, will adopt specific non-profit organizations within the communities they serve and volunteer during company supported work hours over the course of the year in an effort to make a difference for those in need.  Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “As a company, we take all of these issues very seriously.  The rotating PSA and social media campaigns, combined with our ‘Day of Caring’ events across all of our markets, underscores our company’s strong commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  New York air personality Jay Dabhi adds music director duties at CBS RADIO‘s CHR WBMP “92.3 AMP Radio” where he also hosts the afternoon mix show.  Dabhi states, “As a born and raised New Yorker, I used to run home from elementary school to record mix shows by the Latin Rascals and Red Alert,” said Dabhi. “I get that same feeling of excitement walking through the doors of 92.3 AMP Radio every day. AMP breaks new music in NYC and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of it. Thank you Michael Martin and Jim Ryan for this amazing opportunity.”…..Urban One’s Radio One division announces two programming promotions.  First, Bill Black, the current OM for the Cleveland and Cincinnati markets adds responsibility for the Columbus market.  Also, Theodore ‘Big Bink’ moves from his OM post at the Columbus cluster to Indianapolis in the same position…..The 17^th annual Power of Urban Radio Forum takes place on October 11 and 12 in Washington, DC hosted by Kizart Media Partners in association with the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.  Kizart Media Partners founder and managing director Sherman Kizart says “The 17th annual forum offers attendees the opportunity to hear from and interact with an exceptionally powerful group of national leading advertisers, media agencies, broadcast owners and executives. Each year the Power of Urban Radio Forum is referred to as best-in-class and this year is expected to be tremendously impactful.”  Companies and organizations attending will include:  Procter and Gamble, the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Toyota USA, AARP, Burrell Communications Group, Carol H. Williams Advertising, Hearts & Science Marketing Agency, Grow Now Social Media Agency, and Uniworld Group Advertising.

July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week.  The 12 markets addressed today are: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19.  You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – Nearly equally divided between Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (4.9 – 5.6, +.7, seventh to fourth, 6+) and Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth, 6+), the market’s (6+) country swells by +1.2. Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), while “The Bull” was down in consecutive sweeps (April – May – June) for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). The two country rivals finished back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively, in both May and June. Recapturing all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it lost in June, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” (4.3 – 4.9, +6, 6+) advances from ninth to a sixth-place tie with KUPL “The Bull.” As the result of four straight up or flat trends between January and May (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Charlie” gained one full-share. Co-owned KNRK “94/7 Alternative Portland” progresses by six-tenths as well (3.3 – 3.9, #15 to #12, 6+) and posts its highest 6+-share since 4.6 in February 2014. Unchanged at #3, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH gains one-half share (6.1 – 6.6, 6+) as “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” has its strongest 6+-showing since January 2016’s 7.0. Although down by one-half share (9.1 – 8.6, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW “K-103” is #1 for the 38^th time in the last 40 ratings periods. June’s 9.1 was its highest 6+-share since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016. After progressing by six-tenths in June, Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB surrenders nine-tenths in July but remains at #2 (8.0 – 7.1, 6+). Down eight-tenths in May, KOPB was +.9 in March. As the result of six negative trends in a row (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM (#13 to #15) erodes by more than two full-shares. After gaining six-tenths in June, triple A sibling KINK “Uniquely Portland” forfeits one-half share (3.8 – 3.3, 6+) and slips from #11 to #13. Entering the June sweep, KINK didn’t have an increase since January and was a collective -.7 in that stretch (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Moving from fourth to fifth, Entercom classic rocker KGON is off three-tenths (5.6 – 5.3, 6+), thus ending at five its string of successive sweeps without a loss 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+).

2) Charlotte – Whereas four-tenths of a share separated Charlotte’s top four June 2017 finishers, a mere three-tenths of a share is the difference for its first six July 2017 finishers. As was the case in June, a country station is Charlotte’s pacesetter, but in July, it’s Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC. While flat at 6.0 (6+), “Country’s Hottest Hits” leapfrogs from fourth to first, supplanting iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 For New Country” (6.4 – 5.7, -.7, 6+), which trades places with WSOC at #4. Having logged a very consistent (6+) January 2017 through May 2017 line of 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.8, “The Kat” was up six-tenths in June to 6.4 (6+). Consequently, “The Kat” bypassed “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which (in June) relinquished the six-tenths it gained in May (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), shifting from second to fourth. Prior to April (when it was +.8), WSOC 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+). After a lengthy absence and under several different formats, the call letters of Radio One’s WQNC reappeared in November 2016. Urban contemporary “92.7 The Block” hangs out a whopping +1.2 to 3.4, its highest 6+-stat since again being listed and advances from #17 to #14. In addition to having its fourth successive downward trend for a collective -1.3 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHQC “Channel 96.1” departs the top ten (#10 to #13). 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+). While down three-tenths (5.4 – 5.1, 6+), its format foe – Beasley Media Group-owned WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” – remains at #7. Without a decrease for four straight sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), “Kiss” lost two-tenths in May but rebounded in June with a gain four times that margin, +.8. Following four straight increases for a net +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WBAV “V-101.9” falters by one-half share to 5.8 (6+), slipping from second back to third. Regressing by one-half share as well and tied at #4 with WKKT is its classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which has lost two full-shares since March via four straight decreases (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2 – 5.7, 6+). Ousted from the top spot in June and moving to third, “The Fox” had been #1 in each of the past five survey periods. Immediately in advance of its current string of four straight declines, WRFX 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+). Down or flat for the sixth straight time, Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” (#16 to #18) is a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).

3) San Antonio – The rollercoaster ride keeps on going for KQXT. Specifically, the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property (steady at #2) 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+); regained May’s loss in its entirety in June (5.6, +1.0, 6+); and is now +.5 in July to 6.1. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. The six-tenths of a share advantage in June that Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” had over iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” is down to two-tenths. Stuck on 5.4 (6+) for the third month in a row, “Y-100” nonetheless inches up from fourth to a third-place tie, while “KJ-97” posts its third consecutive gain for a collective +.8 (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+) and carries on at #5. Stymied at 7.0 (6+) in May and June, KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” adds one-tenth in July to 7.1 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth successive time. The Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” include 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. Displaying identical 3.2 – 2.7 (-.5, #16 to #17) 6+-profiles are Alpha Media CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1” and iHeartMedia’s KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits.” It is the softest 6+-showing for “Energy” since its 2.6 in November 2016. 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 though regresses by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 3.3 – 2.8, May – June – July, 6+) and slips from #14 to #16 It had been almost two years since KSTX reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+). For the sixth time in a row, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI (unchanged at #4) is without an increase for a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to June, the last time WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7).

4) Pittsburgh – Following a June improvement of six-tenths, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob FM” tacks on an additional half-share (7.3 – 7.8, 6+), inching up from fourth to third. 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+). Without a decrease for the third consecutive time for a gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” advances from tenth to ninth, while iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is up a combined nine-tenths in June and July to progress from #11 to #10 (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+). Down or flat the past four months and off one full-share in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), Renda Broadcasting-owned WHJB “Classic Hits 107.1” adds two-tenths to 1.3 (6+), climbing from #15 to #14. June’s penthouse deadlock between iHeartMedia siblings WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” and WDVE is broken as classic hits-oldies “94.5 – 3WS” repeats its 9.6 (6+) and remains on top for the fourth straight month; however, rock WDVE drops four-tenths to 9.2 (6+), shifting to the runner-up slot. After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), WWSW forfeited eight-tenths in June. This time last month, WDVE regained the three-tenths it lost in May (9.6 – 9.3 – 9.6, 6+) to return to #1 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+). A collective +1.8 as the result of four successive up or flat trends between February and June (3.3 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), alternative sibling WXDX “The X at 105.9” amazingly plummets by -1.8 in July and is back at 3.3 (6+), spiraling from the top ten (#7 to #11). Co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Music Station” erodes by -1.1 to 7.6, its lowest 6+-share since January’s 7.3, and falls from third to fourth. After logging a combined +2.1 in three straight increases (4.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio sports talk/Pittsburgh Pirates flagship KDKA-FM stumbles by nine-tenths to 5.5 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place.

5) Sacramento – This marks the third consecutive up or flat trend for CBS Radio hot AC KZZO for a combined gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+) as “Now 100.5 – Today’s Best Hits Without the Rap” advances from seventh to sixth. Swapping places at #1 and #2 are its adult contemporary cluster-mate KYMX “Mix 96” (8.7 – 7.8, -.9, first to second, 6+) and Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock (second to first), which is actually down two-tenths and posting an 8.3 for the third time in the last four ratings periods (8.3 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 8.3, 6+). “Mix 96” had been #1 in each of the previous five sweeps. A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), KYMX recaptured all of it in May only to drop one-half share in June (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, “Mix” rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). In addition to “Mix,” iHeartMedia-owned KSTE is off by nine-tenths (2.8 – 1.9, #15 to #16, 6+). When it gained four-tenths in June, “650 – Sacramento’s Talk Station” snapped 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+). Two-tenths is the common thread in July for the market’s three FM country signals, with CBS Radio’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+) and steady in fourth-place, while iHeartMedia’s KBEB “The Bull” regains the two-tenths it lost in June (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.1, #14 to #12, 6+). Conversely, Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” drops two-tenths (2.8 – 2.6, 6+) but remains at #15. As a result of a -.1 in May, “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. June’s -.2 by “The Bull” concluded three straight improvements that netted eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Down or flat for seven ratings periods in a row 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 answered back in June by making up more than half the deficit with a resounding +1.4, but “98 Rock” regresses by one-half share in July to 4.1 (6+) and slides from sixth to seventh.

6) Salt Lake City – Over and above occupying the #1 slot for the third straight month, Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” boasts a +1.1 to 8.0, matching its February 6+-stat. 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 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. On a roll as well is co-owned KRSP, which displays its strongest 6+-share (6.2) since last November’s 6.8. Not only is it a combined +1.6 as the result of four successive monthlies without a loss (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+), “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” vaults from sixth to second behind “FM 100.3.” It is a different story though for news/talk cluster-mate KSL, which spirals by nine-tenths (6.1 – 5.2, 6+), leaving the runner-up slot and falling to fifth. Nine recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January 2017); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); -1.1 (May); and now -.9 in July. Locked on 2.7 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY improves by one-half share to 3.2 (6+) as “My 99.5 More Music, More Variety” bumps up from #16 to #14. Declining by six-tenths are Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (5.9 – 5.3, flat at #4, 6+); University of Utah news/talk KUER, down for the third straight time for a -1.2 (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+); and Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92,” which is within 2.0 – 2.8 range for the 14^th consecutive sweep (2.8 – 2.2, #15 to #18, 6+). Major ups/downs continue for its CHR sibling KUDD, which was a combined +1.5 in March and April; -.9 in May; +1.6 in June; and now -.5 in July (5.7 – 5.2, 6+). “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” proceeds at #5 – June’s 5.7 was the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+). With an extremely steady January through June line of 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 (6+), Cumulus Media alternative KHTB “Alt 101.9’ regresses by one-half share as well and exits the top twenty (1.7, #18 to #21). Owing to a -.1 to 6.0, 6+), independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” halts at four its skein of consecutive improvements that netted a +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+) and shifts from second to third; June’s 6.1 represents KSOP-FM’s strongest ever 6+ PPM share. Similarly, a loss of two-tenths to 3.6 (6+) by Cumulus Media-owned KBER “101 Utah’s Rock Station” (#10 to #11) ends three straight increases that accounted for a cumulative +1.4 (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+).

7) Las Vegas – In tandem with Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ gaining one full-share (6.1 – 7.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” sputtering by eight-tenths (7.5 – 6.7, 6+), the two exchange places with KKLZ moving from second to first. This is the strongest 6+-share for KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” since last November’s 7.2. The five most recent fluctuations (since February 2017) for “Sunny,” which had been on top in each of the last eight ratings periods, are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; +1.4 in June; and now -.8 in July (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3 – 7.5 – 6.7, 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. Improving by one-half share (2.4 – 2.9, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” advances from #17 to #14. 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 a combined -1.2 in June and July (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7, 6+), drifting from sixth to tenth. A loss of nine-tenths (5.6 – 4.7, 6+) takes co-owned KOAS “Old School 105.7” from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.3. Regressing by six-tenths each are Lotus classic rock and Spanish adult hits siblings KXPT “97.1 The Point” (5.4 – 4.8, flat at #4, 6+) and KWID “La Buena 101.9” (3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #13, 6+). After being down or flat in each of the three previous sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KQRT gained three-tenths in June, but “La Tricolor 105.1” relinquishes one-half share in July (1.9 – 1.4, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

8) Cincinnati – Two stations representing opposite ends of the music spectrum hang out increases of eight-tenths each: Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” moves from seventh to sixth (4.4 – 5.2, 6+), while Cincinnati Public Radio classical WGUC “Music For Your Heart, Mind, and Spirit” climbs from #18 to #16 (1.3 – 2.1, 6+). Meanwhile, a boost of seven-tenths (3.1 – 3.8, 6+) enables Cumulus Media’s WFTK “96 Rock” to crack the top ten (#13 to #10). In the lead each month this calendar year, its classic hits-oldies sibling WGRR remains at #1 and is a combined +.7 in June and July (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.7, 6+); 9.7 is the station’s best 6+-performance since last October’s 9.8. Following a -.7 in March, WGRR posted a full-share gain in April (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). 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. Not only has WKRC lost two full-shares in three straight declines (5.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.3, 6+), the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet leaves the top ten (#9 to #12). With similar call letters, Hubbard hot AC WKRQ follows June’s -.7 with a -.6 (6.8 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+) but “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” continues in fourth-place. 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+). Dropping six-tenths as well (5.0, fifth to seventh, 6+) is rhythmic hot AC sibling WREW “Mix 94.9,” which had been a combined +1.3 in May and June (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). Still in that Hubbard cluster, WUBE “B-105, Get Your Country On” is off by one-half share (8.1 – 7.6, 6+) but remains in third-place. June’s +.7 to 8.1 enabled WUBE to reach the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last October’s 8.5. Off for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” slides from #14 to #15.

9) Orlando – Although it remains at #8, CBS Radio-owned WOMX recaptures in its entirety the seven-tenths it squandered in June (5.4 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+). Furthermore, “Mix 105.1” applies the brakes to four straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.4 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+). With four straight increases accounting for a +1.9 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “Orlando’s Rock Station” moves from seventh to sixth. It previously showed a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. Nearly doubling its 6+ share (.7 – 1.3, +.6, 6+), University of Central Florida’s WUCF “89.9 Jazz and More” climbs from #20 to #18. In a genuine statistical (if not technological) noteworthy oddity, Cox Media Group’s WCFB-HD2 (Spanish contemporary) channel regains the one-half share it lost in June (1.2 – 1.7, #18 to #16, 6+); the stream of urban AC WCFB debuts with a one-half share (.0 – .5, #22); but the primary FM signal of urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” is down by … one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). In June, WCFB-FM bounced back from May’s -.9 with a +.6. Co-owned WMMO “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” regains all but two-tenths of May’s -.7 (7.5 – 8.0, +.5, 6+), shifting from fourth to a second-place tie. The loss of seven-tenths in June halted at three WMMO’s successive increases that generated a +1.6 (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). In a similar scenario, WNUE “98.1 Salsa y Mas” dropped two-tenths in June, 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+), but the Entravision-owned Spanish tropical answers with a +.5 (2.3 – 2.8, 6+) and moves from #14 to #13. Nearly eight full-shares ahead of “98.1 Salsa y Mas” is its direct competitor – iHeartMedia’s WRUM and, while “Rumba 100” is #1 for the seventh consecutive month, it is the only station in the 36 PPM-markets we have analyzed so far to have a 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 erosion of at least two full-shares (12.7 – 10.7, -2.0, 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. Slipping from second to fourth, co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” is -2.1 in three straight dips (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.8, 6+), following a +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+). April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, as the result of five consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), FM talk WTKS (flat at #15) has lost exactly 50% of its 6+-share. Within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 34^th straight time, Community Communications’ similarly-programmed WMFE (2.7 – 2.4, -.3, 6+) drops from #13 to #14. A collective -1.6 in four straight negative trends (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+), Cox Media Group country WWKA “K-92.3,” departs the top ten (#10 to #11).

10) Cleveland – In addition to enjoying a spike of +1.1 to 9.1, its strongest 6+-share since 9.8 in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI progresses from second to first. “Majic 105.7 Cleveland’s Greatest Hits had been at #1 from January through April and in the runner-up slot May and June. Displaced at #1 after back-to-back months there is CBS Radio-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock,” which returns the half-share it picked up in June (7.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+) and takes over in second-place. Following a 6+-trending of 5.9 – 6.0 – 5.9, co-owned hot AC WQAL “Q-104” zooms from ninth to fifth, exploding by +1.1 to 7.0, its finest 6+-showing since December 2013’s 7.1. A combined +1.3 via four straight increases (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” carries on in seventh-place. Having notched six successive sweeps without a loss that netted a +1.9 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and Cleveland Indians’ flagship WTAM relinquishes six-tenths to 6.7 (6+) and slips from fifth to sixth. The last six (6+) trends for adult hits sibling WHLK “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” (unchanged at #3) are 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7. Trending 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (February through May, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WAKS flashed a full-share increase to 5.5, its strongest 6+-share since December’s 5.9. Even though it returns half of it (5.4, -.5, 6+), “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” nonetheless continues at #10. Cluster-mate WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s Country” (sixth to seventh) is off seven-tenths in three consecutive decreases (7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). Flat at #11, co-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” is -1.4 in three successive declines (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+), while its alternative HD2 channel (flat at #15) is down or flat for the tenth straight time (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+) yet is only off four-tenths in the period that began last October. Continuing in that same vein, Ideastream news/talk WCPN (#12 to #13) loses nine-tenths in three negative trends in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+), while Moody Bible Institute’s WCRF “Moody Radio Cleveland” (#15 to #16) is without an increase for the fifth straight sweep for an overall -1.4 (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .7, 6+).

11) Kansas City – In what proves to be a highly-memorable sweep for Cumulus Media classic rocker KCFX, “The Fox” posts its fifth straight increase for a whopping cumulative +2.8 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+); is #1 for the seventh consecutive time; and reaches double-digits 6+ (10.3) – only the fifth time a Kansas City station has done that since PPM became the market’s ratings currency. In that regard, “The Fox” joins KFKF (11.4 and 11.0, 6+); KCMO-FM (10.8, 6+); and KCSP (10.6, 6+). “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before that, KCFX registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth consecutive sweep and up one full-share in that stretch (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” elevates from seventh to sixth, while sibling KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” (#17 to #16) is up or flat for the sixth straight time for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Aforementioned KCSP posts its fourth consecutive up or flat trend more than tripling its 6+-share in that stretch (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+) as Entercom’s “610 Sports Radio” inches up from #15 to #13 with its highest 6+-share since last September’s 4.3. After faltering the past three sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (3.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), its format rival – Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” – adds one-tenth to 1.6 (6+) and remains at #20. More than making up for a one-half share loss in May, Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ is an overall +1.3 in June and July (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+) with “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” cruising from tenth to seventh. 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+). Picking up one-half share as well is Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC 102.1 Today’s Best Variety,” which enters the top ten (3.7 – 4.2, #13 to #9, 6+). Up or flat the previous three ratings periods for a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” flounders by twice that increase (5.2 – 4.4, -.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). Within 7.3 – 7.8 range (6+) since January, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM boasted a +1.5 in June to 8.9, the strongest 6+-stat for “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.8. Surrendering roughly half of that gain in July (8.9 – 8.1, -.8, 6+), “KC’s Greatest Hits” is nevertheless steady in the runner-up slot. Owing to a loss of three-tenths to 4.2 (6+), Entercom-owned KQRC “98.8 Kansas City’s Rock Station” (eighth to ninth) halts at six its successive string of up or flat trends that generated a +1.1 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Without an increase for the sixth successive time, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR is down by two full-shares (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), but stays at #18.

12) Columbus – In just two back-to-back ratings periods, iHeartMedia country property WCOL rather remarkably produces a whopping +3.5 (9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+), as it easily grabs honors for largest 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 increase (+2.1) in the 36 PPM-markets we have summarized thus far in our three “Takeaway” overviews. Moreover, WCOL advances from second to first, succeeding CHR sibling WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” (10.6, -1.1, first to second, 6+), and boasting the highest 6+-share by any Columbus station in exactly two years – when WCOL reached 12.9 in July 2015. It was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; +1.4 in June; and now +2.1 in July (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+). As for WNCI, its July -1.1 curtails at three a consecutive skein of upticks that yielded a +2.8 (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 11.7, 6+). With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, WNCI 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+). From January through June, Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND has been trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2, (6+), but a spike of six-tenths takes “Rewind” to 2.8, its best 6+-performance since June 2016’s 2.9, and into the top ten (#14 to #10). Climbing from ninth to eighth, Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is up a combined seven-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+). Spiraling by seven-tenths each are Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny” (5.3, unchanged at #5, 6+) and Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” (1.9, #11 to #14, 6+). After back-to-back upticks in April and May (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), “Sunny” was off by seven-tenths in June, while “The Fan” ended its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by plummeting -1.5 (to 2.6, 6+) in June. Without an increase in each of the last four sweeps for a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat – Columbus Real Hip-Hop and R&B” slips from eighth to ninth.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Cumulus Media’s Second Quarter Net Revenue Up 1.2%.  The upshot from the Q2 financial report from Cumulus Media is that on the radio station side net revenue was basically flat at $208.6 million (-0.7%), while the network side – Westwood One – was $81.2 million (+6.1%).  Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner says, “Our second quarter results provide further evidence of the success of our turnaround strategies as we posted a year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA for the first time in over three years despite what continues to be a tough market environment.”  For the first six months of 2017 the radio division was down 1.1% and Westwood One was up 1.8%.  During yesterday’s investor conference call, Berner stated that the third quarter is pacing down or basically flat, ex political.  She reported positive stations ratings growth in PPM markets.  “We maintained our ratings share outperformance in PPM markets through the quarter even though we are now lapping some considerable share growth in Q2 2016.  Nonetheless, we were up again this quarter and Q2 2017 marks seven straight quarters of PPM ratings share growth which we converted to revenue share growth of 3% in PPM markets in Q2.  On the diary side, after two consecutive quarters of share growth, we gave back ratings share in the spring 2017 books for our four-book markets, driven by some fairly isolated challenges. Six markets out of 27 drove the entirety of the decline with two markets representing nearly half of the impact and, of course, we are very focused on righting the ship in those situations.”

New TV Gig for Laura Ingraham?  That’s what Matt Drudge is hinting at in a tweet yesterday (8/14).  The Hill reports the tweet — “FALL PREVIEW: Laura Ingraham’s prime time to shine! After years in the trenches, much deserved.” – and notes that Drudge has credibility in this area having broken the stories of Bill O’Reilly’s departure from Fox News Channel and the death of former FNC chief Roger Ailes.  Now, the speculation includes theories that Ingraham will get a prime time show on Fox News Channel, but there are differing thoughts on at what time the show would air and what current shows would move to accommodate the Ingraham program.  Stay tuned!

Rinker to Lead Cumulus Pensacola.  Media management pro Jackie Rinker is joining Cumulus Media as vice president and market manager for the company’s Pensacola station group that includes: news/talk WCOA-AM, urban contemporary WRRX “Magic 106.1,” country WXBM “NASH FM 102.7,” classic hits WJTQ “Jet 100.7,” and adult contemporary WMEZ.  She comes to Cumulus from her most recent position as market president for iHeartMedia’s Panama City and Tallahassee, Florida clusters.  Cumulus RVP Pete DeSimone comments, “Jackie is a great addition to our management team.  We have very talented people in Pensacola and I’m confident Jackie’s leadership will help develop each to help the market reach its full potential.”

It’s Official: Westwood One to Syndicate Sunday Evening Sabo Show.  Several weeks ago, TALKERS magazine reported that media consultant Walter Sabo – under the stage name Walter Sterling – is joining Westwood One for national syndication of his WPHT, Philadelphia-based talk radio program titled, “Sterling on Sunday.”  Now, WW1 officially announces the deal.  The program airs live from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am and presents “a mix of lifestyle, entertainment, and social conversation.”  Stations already signed on to carry the program include: WLS-AM, Chicago; WMAL-AM/FM, Washington DC; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and KMOX, St. Louis.  Sabo says in a press release, “What two best friends talk about is not trivial, it’s a very big deal. That’s why ‘Sterling on Sundays’ transitions the listener into the week with conversation about troubles at work, celebrity gossip, and why the engine light never goes out.  The audience is highly engaged and very diverse – from young parents who only have alone time later in the day, to medical professionals on their way to work and other shift workers and late-nighters.”  In addition to the Sunday night program, Westwood One represents Sterling’s podcast, “Old Dad,” that “reveals the secret powers of the oldest Dad in three different public schools.”  See TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian’s recent profile piece on Walter Sabo here.

TALKERS News Notes.  Emmy Award-winning legal correspondent Amy Dash begins serving as a legal analyst contributor to CBS Sports Radio and WFAN, New York.  CBS RADIO says that Dash will be a featured guest across the shows on CBS Sports Radio as well as “The Fan” to “offer her expert legal opinion and analysis of news stories at the intersection of sports and the law.”…..CBS RADIO Dallas-Fort Worth SVP and market manager Brian Purdy was recently honored with the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ “Broadcaster of the Year” award.  In accepting the award, Purdy said, “Every day is a terrific adventure working with our outstanding team, who responsibly inform, entertain, serve and protect Texans throughout the state.  I wish they all could be standing up here with me right now.”…..Digital audio service TuneIn is offering its users the opportunity to listen to a free, live audiocast from the Houston Texans and New England Patriots joint practice at Texans training camp today and tomorrow from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Fans will be able to get coverage and expert analysis from Texans Radio, Patriots.com Radio and TuneIn’s “NFL No Huddle” broadcast teams, as well as special guest interviews.

Christopher Borelli Named Manager of New Business Development at Urban One.  Sales pro Christopher Borelli joins Urban One and syndication division Reach Media to serve as manager, new business development.  He was most recently a GSM with Emmis Communications.  Urban One says Borelli will help develop “incremental business growth in its radio assets, ranging from local (Urban One) and syndicated (Reach Media) radio, to its robust radio digital products (R1 Digital).”

Charlottesville Aftermath, Confederate Monuments Battle, CEOs Quit Trump Council, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, Iran Sanctions, Taylor Swift Case, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/14).  The aftermath of Saturday’s deadly clash between white supremacists and protestors in Charlottesville and criticism of President Trump’s response; protestors bring down a Confederate monument in Durham, North Carolina in response to the Charlottesville violence; three CEOs quit President Trump’s American Manufacturing Council after the president’s response to the Charlottesville violence; the saber-rattling between North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and President Trump; Iran threatens to violate nuclear deal if more sanctions are imposed on it; a jury finds DJ groped Taylor Swift; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activities were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, media writer Robert Feder reports that Kathy Hart – who’s been missing without explanation from the Eric & Kathy show on Hubbard Radio’s hot AC WTMX since April – has changed agents and is now represented by attorney Steve Mandell.  It’s unclear if this change is part of an effort to resolve issues causing her absence from the highly rated morning show…..Alpha Media Portland’s CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” names Amanda “ICE” Habrowski assistant program director for the station.  She currently serves as music director and midday personality, duties she will maintain. Alpha Media VP of programming Phil Becker says, “Over the last three years, ICE has been a vital part of our success and I’m thrilled to be able to offer her this opportunity.”…..Beasley Media Group’s classic hits KKLZ, Las Vegas morning personalities Mike & Carla recently collected more than 1,200 cases of bottled water to benefit the Salvation Army of Las Vegas.  The station says that what began as a simple idea by the morning duo of putting the word out via the airwaves that the Salvation Army was in dire need of bottled water turned into a massive bottled water collection to benefit the non-profit.  Individuals who dropped off a case of water received a family four-pack of tickets to attend the station’s “Raider’s Pre-season Viewing Party” at the Thomas & Mack Center…..Westwood One and Billboard announce that the former’s nationally syndicated country radio program “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks” will begin using the latter’s country airplay chart upon which to base the week’s top songs for the program, effective the weekend of September 9-10.  Westwood One notes that this is a return to the show’s roots as Billboard served as the chart source for the program for more than 35 years, beginning with the program’s inception in 1973.

July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week.  The 12 markets addressed today are: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19.  You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – It is quite a momentous ratings period for WHUR, which not only is up or flat for the fifth consecutive time for a cumulative +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+), the Howard University-owned urban AC crosses the eight-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM history. Moreover, WHUR is in third-place for the seventh time in a row and has a 2.1-share advantage (6+) over Radio One’s similarly-programmed WMMJ “Majic 102.3,” up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.0, steady at #4, 6+). A combined -2.3 as the result of five consecutive negative sweeps (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. After posting five straight sweeps without a decrease that netted a +1.5 (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBIG stumbled by six-tenths in June; however, “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” recaptures all of it in July (4.8 – 5.4, 6+), inching up from sixth to fifth. Improving by one-half share (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), CBS Radio tropical WLZL has its highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 1.9 and “El Zol 107.9” continues at #19. Inching up from eighth to sixth, Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” has its fifth straight up or flat trend that has generated a +1.9 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+). The market leader for the seventh consecutive time is American University-owned WAMU, which adds one-tenth from June (9.3 – 9.4, 6+). 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” forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. While it holds down the runner-up slot in each of the seven successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first, Hubbard all-news operation WTOP is off for the fourth consecutive time for a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+) and has its softest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2015’s 7.5. A loss of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.1, 6+) takes iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH (fifth to eighth) to the lowest 6+-showing in its PPM-history. The market’s (6+) hot AC share declines by one full-share as both Cumulus Media’s WRQX “Mix 107.3” (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” (3.1 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+) are off by one-half share. Stuck on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, “Mix” was a combined +.6 in May and June; 3.4 in June represented the highest 6+-share for “Mix” since it returned to hot AC (from CHR) in mid-November 2013. Having doubled its 6+-stat since February with four straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), CBS Radio sports/talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is off three-tenths to 2.7 (6+) but the Washington Nationals’ flagship moves from #17 to #16.

2) Boston – Owing to a gain of seven-tenths (4.9 – 5.6, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” advances from sixth to fourth. In addition to adding six-tenths to June’s +.7, iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM enjoys its fifth successive increase netting a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+); “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” marches from third to second. Slipping from #13 to #14, WXKS-FM’s direct competitor – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – is without an increase for the third straight time (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 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+). Breaking into the top twenty (#21 to #19), Northeast Broadcasting Company triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” hasn’t had a decrease in the last four sweeps (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+) for a +.4. Rebounding from June’s -.6, Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” picks up four-tenths (7.3 – 7.4, 6+) and is on top for the seventh time in a row. The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December, WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; -.8 in April; and -.6 in June. On the heels of adding seven-tenths in June to notch its best 6+-stat since last November’s 3.2, WGBH Educational Foundation classical WCRB spirals by one full-share (2.1 – 2.8 – 1.8, 6+), drifting from #14 to #19. Having bounced back from May’s -.1 with a June gain of three-tenths, Entercom owned/Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM drops seven-tenths in July (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) and returns to #7 from #5. While remaining at #10, its sports talk rival – CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” – is without an increase for the sixth straight time for a combined loss of -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). In four successive dips (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), news-talk sibling WBZ-AM is off by eight-tenths and slips from fourth to fifth. Following a massive +1.1 (to 7.0, 6+) in June, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” returns roughly half of that increase (7.0 – 6.4, -.6, 6+), backsliding from second to third. The 7.0 (6+) “Magic” displayed in June ended a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+) and was its strongest 6+-share since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016. Flat at #18, Entercom urban AC WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” drops three-tenths to 2.0 (6+), thus ending at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.4 (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).

3) Miami – Within 3.7 – 4.0 range (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, iHeartMedia-owned WBGG faltered by six-tenths in June to 3.2 (6+), but “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” regains all but one-tenth of that loss (3.7, +.5, 6+) and climbs from #12 to #11. The 3.2 in June was the lowest 6+-share for “Big” since May 2016 (3.2 as well). In addition to “Big,” Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ gains one-half share as well as it tacks onto June’s +.4 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6), with “102.7 The Beach – More Music, More Fun” inching up from eighth to seventh. Without an increase between November 2016 and June 2017 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9, 6+), Fenix Broadcasting Spanish news/talk WWFE “670 AM – La Ponderosa” adds one-tenth to 1.0 and moves from #26 to #24. Having erased 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 added three-tenths in June only to drop four-tenths in July (7.7 – 7.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “Hot 105” is #1 for the third straight time; 7.7 was 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” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Having posted a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of the last six ratings periods, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR sputters by six tenths (7.2 – 6.6, 6+), but “Amor 107.5” occupies the runner-up slot for the third successive time. Simultaneously, Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WRMA “Ritmo 95.7 – Cubatón y Más” has lost one full-share via four straight down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), yet actually improves from #16 to #15. As Cox Media Group mainstream CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” loses two-tenths in each of the last three sweeps (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+) dropping from seventh to eighth, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (steady at 4.1 and unchanged at #8) catches its format rival. “Y-100” wiped out May’s -.4 with a +.4 in June. May’s -.4 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. Meanwhile in the market’s adult contemporary tussle, Entercom’s WLYF “Lite FM” is off a collective seven-tenths in four straight downward trends (5.9 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+) but stays at #4, while Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93” – up a combined full-share in back-to-back sweeps (5.8 – 6.6 – 6.8, April – May – June, 6+) – remains at #3, despite losing three tenths in July to 6.5 (6+).

4) Detroit – The Motor City is the only PPM-market among the 12 listed here that has two stations making (6+) June 2017 – July 2017 gains of at least one full-share and it proves historic for one of them. Without an increase in three straight survey periods for a -.7 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), WCSX responded in June with a one-half share increase. Now, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock Station” not only piles on an additional +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, 6+), the Beasley Media Group-owned property vaults from #7 to #1 – the first time reaching the penthouse in its PPM-history. Locked on 3.6 in three of the last five survey periods (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” breaks out a full-share increase to 4.6 (6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #10) with its best 6+-showing in exactly one year (4.6, as well, 6+, July 2016). In the runner-up slot (up from #3 in June) is CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOMC, which posts its third straight gain for a collective +.8 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+). Actually, “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” is tied for second-place with iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which – like WOMC – posts its third straight gain but with a full-share improvement in that timeframe (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+) and moves up from fourth in June. Cracking the top ten (#11 to #10), WNIC’s urban contemporary cluster-mate WJLB “FM 98 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” also registers its third consecutive gain for a collective +.6 (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). The station WCSX displaced at #1 – iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD – was a combined +2.4 in May and June (4.0 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+); however, “Mix 92.3 Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” relinquishes exactly half that gain (5.2, -1.2, 6+) to tumble from first to sixth. It is tied there with CBS Radio all-news WWJ, off for the fourth straight time for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (7.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+). Owing to a decrease of seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.5, 6+), co-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” falls from second to fourth. Unchanged at #5, sports talk cluster-mate WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is off one full-share via three straight downward moves (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.3, 6+). At #22, Wayne State University news/talk WDET is without an increase for the sixth successive sweep for a cumulative loss of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9 -.9, 6+).

5) Seattle – The rollercoaster ride continues for Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9,” which was +.5 in May; -.6 in June; and +.9 in July (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), leaping from fourth to second. 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+). It is now just one-tenth behind CHR sibling KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits,” which plummets by -1.2 (7.4 – 6.2, 6+); nevertheless, KQMV is #1 for the seventh consecutive time. This is the softest 6+-showing for “MOViN 92.5” since last August (5.7). Following three straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), KQMV returned 90% of that increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+) and bounced back in May with a +.5. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, “MOViN 92.5” was on top for 12 straight sweeps but gave way to “Warm 106.9” before regaining the lead in January. Knocked off the top twenty in June, Entercom-owned KKWF “100.7 Seattle’s Fresh Country The Wolf” gains six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, 6+) and returns in a three-way tie at #18; July’s 2.7 is its highest 6+-share since last December’s 2.8. Advancing from eighth to sixth is its format rival, CBS Radio’s KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (4.5 – 4.9, +.4, 6+). Gaining one-half share (1.3 – 1.8, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checks in at #22. Off by eight-tenths, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” matches its 5.0 (6+) in April and drops from a second-place tie in June to fourth. Co-owned sports talk KJR-AM “Seattle Sports Radio 950” (#31) has its 6+-share sliced by more than 50% via four straight decreases (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .7 – .5, 6+). A +.8 in four consecutive up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), format foe – Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” – is down one-tenth yet moves from #15 to #14. Without a decrease in each of the last six sweeps and nearly doubling its 6+-share in that period (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.9, 6+), public KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues and NPR News” is off by four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), dipping from fifth to eighth. Stuck on 2.1 (6+) in March and April and then on 1.9 (6+) in May and June, Sinclair Broadcast Group news/talk KVI falters by three-tenths in July to 1.6 (#23, 6+). Off one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), Entercom’s KNDD ends at four its consecutive streak of up or flat trends that netted one-half share (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), as “Alternative Seattle – 107.7 The End” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

6) Phoenix – With a 6+ January 2017 through May 2017 trend of 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.7, KOOL is a combined +1.7 in June and July (5.3 – 6.4, 6+). As a result, the CBS Radio classic hits-oldies facility jumps from fourth to second and reaches the six-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0. The give and take yoyo effect carries on for Hubbard-owned KUPD, which has been +.5 in March (as part of three straight gains netting a +1.3, 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+); -.5 in April; +.8 in May; -.6 in June; and is now +.6 in July (4.8 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+). After the dust settles, “Arizona’s Real Rock” is up eight-tenths in that stretch and advances from fifth in June to a fourth-place tie. Putting an end to a 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.2 (6+) line, iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (steady at #6) progresses by six-tenths as well to 4.8, its highest 6+-share in exactly one year (5.0, 6+, July 2016). In a similar vein, a gain of one-half share by CHR sibling KZZP (3.9 – 4.4, eighth to seventh, 6+) takes “104.7 Kiss FM The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix” to its strongest 6+-performance since June 2016’s 4.6. The winning streak continues for Hubbard-owned KDKB, which is a cumulative +1.5 in eight straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+); “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” inches up from tenth to ninth. Even though it is a collective +1.4 via four straight progressive or flat trends (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music Mix” reverts to #4 from #3; 5.6 is its highest 6+-share since June 2014’s 5.8. In five straight (modest) increases, Maricopa County Community College classical KBAQ “K-Bach” is up one full-share (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+) and elevates from #13 to #11. Down a combined one-half share in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is nonetheless #1 for the third straight time. Dipping four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), KSLX shifted from a one-month stay at #1 to #2. By hanging out a +1.2 in May (6.1 – 7.3, 6+), it returned to the top spot. This marks the fifth straight decrease for Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (eighth to tenth) for a collective -1.2 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, +).  Without a loss in each of the past five ratings periods for a +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” slips by two-tenths to 2.8 (#14 to #15, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – It’s a mixed bag for hot AC in July 2017 as Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” gains one full-share, while iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (flat at #12) falters by one-half share. Without an increase the past five sweeps for a -1.1 (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), KSTP-FM not only recaptures all but one-tenth of that cumulative loss (7.6, +1.0, 6+), “KS-95 Today’s Variety” advances from second to first. 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. A cumulative -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+), “Cities 97” was +1.3 in January, but followed it with four consecutive negative trends that produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+) until adding four-tenths in June. Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB dials up back-to-back increases totaling seven-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+) but – after finishing at #1 the past three ratings periods – “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” segues to #2. Notwithstanding that classic hits-oldies cluster-mate KQQL cobbles together five successive up or flat trends in which it is +1.4 (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 –  6.8, 6+), “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” must settle for moving from a second-place tie to third. Back in the top ten (#11 to #9) after halting three straight downward sequences (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+), sports talk sibling KFXN “100.3 KFAN – The Sports Leader” regains three-tenths of that cumulative -1.6 (4.9, 6+). After regressing by one-half share in June, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Twin Cities’ Christian Radio” bounces back with a gain of seven-tenths (4.8 – 5.5, 6+) to climb from ninth to seventh; 5.5 is its highest 6+-stat since February’s 5.6. Conversely, a decrease of nine-tenths by KNOW (sixth to tenth) takes the American Public Media Group news/talk outlet to 4.7, its softest 6+-stat since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 4.6. Regressing by seven-tenths each are Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” (6.3 – 5.6, fourth to sixth, 6+) and CBS Radio’s KMNB “Buz’n” @ 102.9” which curtails at three a string of consecutive gains that yielded a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+) and falls out of the top ten (#9 to #11).

8) San Diego – By adding seven-tenths to June’s one-half share increase (4.8 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1 – San Diego’s Best Music Variety” progresses from fourth to first. Moreover, this is the strongest 6+-stat for “Star” since last August when it reached 6.3 and first time hitting #1 since last October. Slipping from #1 to #2 is Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” which is off by four-tenths (6.2 – 5.8, 6+). In May, “Sunny” surrendered April’s +.7 in its entirety, causing KXSN to exit the top spot, a position it held for the first time since December. A June spike of +.9 though returned “Sunny” from second to first, 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. After posting three increases in a row netting eight-tenths (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), co-owned KSON “New Country” drops three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) and slides from second to fourth. A combined -1.2 in three successive decreases (5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds fourth-tenths to 4.6 (6+) and inches up from eighth to seventh. Owing to a +.3 to 1.8 (6+), Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” (#22 to #21) pulls the plug on five straight ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). Down for the third successive month for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned-hot AC KYXY exits the top ten (#10 to #11). One-tenth behind KYXY at 3.3 (6+, flat at #12) is iHeartMedia-owned KSSX “San Diego’s Hip-Hop and R&B Radio Station” which hasn’t had a decrease in the past four sweeps and is up one-half share in that stretch (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). When Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” notched a gain of one-half share in June, it ended three straight down or flat trends that yielded a loss of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+), but “Que Buena 106.5” surrenders seven-tenths in July (4.5 – 3.8, 6+) to tumble from sixth to ninth. As the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM was +1.3, but “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” hands back approximately half that gain with a -.6 to 2.5 (#13 to #16, 6+).

9) Denver – Having regressed by one-half share in June, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR makes up nearly twice that much (4.0 – 4.9, +.9, 6+), zooming from tenth to sixth with its strongest 6+-stat in nearly a year (4.9, as well, 6+, August 2016). Within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the past eight survey periods, iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” breaks out a +.7 to 5.2 to progress from eighth to fifth; 5.2 matches its 6+-share in August 2016. Applying the brakes to three straight downward moves that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+) co-owned CHR KPTT recoups it all with a +.6 to 4.4 (6+) as “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). Registering its eighth successive increase netting a collective +2.6 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+) triple A cluster-mate KBCO “World Class Rock” carries on at #3 and has its best 6+-showing since 6.1 in September 2015. Improving by one-half share each are Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (5.9 – 6.4, unchanged at #2, 6+) and Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 – Real, Music, Variety” (5.0 – 5.5, steady at #4, 6+). By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May; KOSI snaps at three a successive streak of decreases that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+). One-tenth of a share ahead of “The Mountain” is KYGO, which repeats at #1, although it is down one-tenth to 6.5 (6+). The Bonneville country outlet rebounded from May’s -.4 with a +.6 in June (6.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+). After three straight months at #1, KYGO slipped to #2 in May. There’s a tie at #12 between the market’s two hot ACs: KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” is off by four-tenths (#9 in June, 6+) and is caught by Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.8 – 3.9, +.1, 6+), which is unchanged at #12. From “Holiday” 2016 through July 2017, “Mix” has had an alternating up/down 6+-pattern: 3.9 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 3.9 and it is right where it was when the sequence began. Huge fluctuations are seemingly commonplace at Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” as its eight most recent shifts are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); and now -.9 in July (3.2 – 2.3, #16 to #18, 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+). By way of context, this past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Within 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 20^th successive survey period (3.6 – 3.1, -.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” remains at #14. Without an increase for the sixth straight time for a collective loss of over two full-shares (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), co-owned KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” drifts from sixth to eighth.

10) Tampa – Without an increase the last four rating periods – including being stuck on 3.8 (6+) in April, May and June – (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE not only trots out an increase of one full-share to 4.8 (6+), “The Joy FM” rockets from #12 all the way to #4. This is the highest 6+-share for “Joy FM” since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 5.1. Displaying its strongest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 5.4, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat Tampa Bay’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is up or flat for the third straight time (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+) for a +.4, elevating from fourth to third. Flat at 7.1 (6+) after June’s -1.0, Cox Media Group classic hits oldies WXGL is in the runner-up slot for the ninth 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. Format rival – Beasley Media Group’s WRBQ “Q-105” slips from seventh to ninth and is a collective -1.5 via four consecutive negative trends (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). Recapturing the one-half share that it lost in June (1.4 – .9 -1.4, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits – Yesterday’s Favorites” enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). Elsewhere in the adult contemporary arena, Cox Media Group’s WDUV adds four-tenths to register its most potent 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. In addition to finishing at #1 for the 58^th successive ratings period, “Lite Favorites” is a collective +1.8 via four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). Conversely, its adult contemporary sibling – WWRM “My Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” (drifting from third to sixth) – ends its 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 (6+) trending by sputtering -1.1 to 4.6, its weakest 6+-showing since 4.6 in September 2015. Eroding by six-tenths each are its CHR sibling WPOI “Hot 101.5 – All The Hits,” down for the third straight time for a collective -1.2 (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.5, #9 to #12, 6+), and Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” off for the third successive sweep as well for a cumulative -1.3 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8, #13 to #17, 6+). With a 6+-trend of 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6, sibling WXTB “98 Rock – Tampa Bay’s Rock Station” backslides from fifth to sixth. Unchanged at #14, iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is without an increase for the fourth month in a row and has been stuck on 3.3 (6+) in May, June, and July (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) For the fifth time in the last six sweeps, The Diocese of St. Petersburg-owned contemporary Christian WBVM posts a 1.0  as “90.5 My Spirit FM” departs the top twenty (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, #20 to #21, 6+).

11) Baltimore –The May – June – July up/down/up sequence at iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR consists of an impressive +1.2 in May; -.5 in June; and now a +.9 in July (4.4 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+) with “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” climbing from sixth to fifth; 6.0 is the best 6+-performance for “Jack” since 6.1 in March 2015. Powered by a +.7 (3.0 – 3.7), Shamrock Communications’ WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” cracks the top ten (#12 to a three-way tie at #9) and has its highest 6+-share in exactly one year (4.0, 6+, July 2016). Without an increase in each of the last four ratings periods for a collective loss of (just) four-tenths (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” picks up one-half share to 5.7 (6+) yet must backslide from fifth to sixth. Each of Baltimore’s top four July 2017 finishers are down from June 2016 (6+), including Radio One urban contemporary WERQ, which forfeits its +.7 in June (8.0 – 8.7 – 8.0, 6+); even so, it is #1 for the third straight month. Having finished second for four consecutive ratings periods, “Q-92 Jams” shifted to third in April. With a gain of one-half share in May though (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) it caught co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” at #1. The tie was broken in June as “Q-92 Jams” gained seven-tenths to 8.7 (6+). Despite losing six-tenths in July (8.4 – 7.8, 6+), “Magic” carries on at #2. A +.4 in June by “Magic” curtailed 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+). Prior to June, it had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. Remaining at #3, and #4, respectively, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” is down or flat for the third consecutive month for a -.6 (8.0 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4, 6+), while CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” returns the two-tenths it picked up in June (6.4 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). Sputtering by seven-tenths in back-to-back months (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned sports/talk and Baltimore Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” remains in eighth-place. Flat at #15, American University’s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” is off by one-half share in Baltimore (1.6 – 1.1, 6+).

12) St. Louis – Following four down or flat trends that produced a loss of eight-tenths (7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School for The Lou” picks up three-tenths to 6.5 (6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. The eight-tenths advantage iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” held in June over Emmis Communications’ similarly-formatted KNOU “Now 96.3” is down to one-tenth as “Z-107.7” falters by six-tenths to 3.7 (6+, #9 to #13), while “Now” adds one-tenth (3.5 – 3.6, unchanged at #14, 6+). In three of its last four sweeps, “Z-107.7” had notched a 4.3 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). A one-tenth improvement by co-owned KLLT “Alt 104.9 – St. Louis’ Alternative Rock” to 1.3 (flat at #18, 6+) ends at five a consecutive string of down or flat trends that resulted in a one-half share decline (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+). Up three-tenths to 8.5 (6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KLOU repeats at #1. 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 for a net loss of one full-share (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+). A decrease of seven-tenths by KPNT not only forces the Emmis property from the top ten (#8 to #11), “105.7 The Point Everything Alternative” drops to 4.0, its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2014’s 3.8. Regressing by one-half share each are co-owned KSHE (7.9 – 7.4, second to third, 6+) and Hubbard’s WIL-FM “St. Louis’ Country Music Radio” (fourth to fifth, 6+). A June increase of +1.2 propelled KSHE from 6.7 to 7.9, its strongest 6+-stat since last November’s 8.6. The one-half share loss halts at four WIL-FM’s consecutive string of increases that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in June (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+), its direct competitor, iHeartMedia’s KSD-FM “The Bull – #1 For New Country,” charges into the top ten (#12 to #9). While it remains in seventh-place, CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” is without an increase for the sixth month in a row for a collective -1.4 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+). Segueing from #14 to #15, Emmis news/talk KFTK registers its fourth successive (slight) downward trend for a collective loss of six-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Unlisted for the eighth 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+).

Monday, August 14, 2017

Report: iHeartMedia Creditor May Submit Plan to Avoid Bankruptcy This Week.  According to a story in the New York Post, Franklin Resources – holder of $2.3 billion of iHeartMedia’s $20 billion of debt – may propose a restructuring plan for iHM that may require controlling equity in the company and more cash guarantees.  Franklin Resources had been holding firm against any refinancing, possibly with the hope that the company would be forced into bankruptcy and Franklin could then “cash out” after the sale of iHM assets.  But the Post story indicates that Franklin adviser PJT Partners is recommending that Franklin not push iHM into bankruptcy, hence the report of a possible debt-for-equity deal.  The report also hints that current CEO Bob Pittman will remain in his position.  Read the Post story here.

Cash Infusion for TuneIn.  According to Bloomberg, digital audio aggregator TuneIn has just raised another $50 million in investment, reportedly from Marker LLC, IVP and Comcast Ventures – which led the funding – plus Sequoia Capital, Causeway Media Partners LLC and General Catalyst Partners LLC.  Bloomberg writes that so far TuneIn has raised $140 million.  Chief executive officer John Donham says, “Two years ago we launched a premium subscription with a play by play of every game from every league, home and away, with worldwide rights for every connected device.  It turns out those deals are not cheap.  We’re excited about building a subscription base. But in the meantime, we’re paying for that content.”  Donham declined to tell Bloomberg how many paying subscribers the service has but stated that “the model under which we operate has a very clear path to profitability versus most in [the] streaming audio space.”  The 15-year-old service has yet to turn a profit.   Read the Bloomberg piece here.

Connolly New Head of Advertising Sales for SiriusXM.  Moving from ESPN where he was VP of advertising sales and affiliates sales for the ESPN Audio Network to SiriusXM is Mike Connolly.  He is the satcaster’s new head of advertising sales, taking over for Bette Rockmore who is taking a teaching position at Pace University.  A press release states that Connolly “brings broad experience working with varied on-air audio content in his three decades in media sales.”  SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “Mike is a proven ad industry executive and we are excited to have him lead SiriusXM’s ad sales team and continue its strong sustained growth.  Mike’s extensive experience in audio entertainment will be of crucial importance to SiriusXM as our programming depth and variety expand and the national audience of subscribers and listeners continues to rise.”

TALKERS News Notes.  All this week, David van Camp will broadcast live from Guam on the “Markley and van Camp” show based at Alpha Media’s news/talk WMBD, Peoria, and heard on KXL, Portland; KFQD, Anchorage; as well as Tyler Media’s KOKC, Oklahoma City.  Speaking about broadcasting from Guam, van Camp says, “What I’m most interested in is talking to everyday people.  What do they think about when they see all of this coverage when they see how much focus there is on their home?  And, really, just tell their story.”…..This Sunday (8/20), CBS Sports Radio will broadcast a live, special edition of “The Taz Show” from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET following the WWE Summer Slam at the Barclays Center earlier that evening.  Former pro wrestler Taz will talk about “the results of the night’s championship matches, including the winners, losers and biggest surprises.”  CBS RADIO stations carrying the program will include WFAN, New York; WSCR, Chicago; KRLD, Dallas; and more…..College football legend Steve Spurrier joins SiriusXM as a college football analyst.  Beginning August 15, Spurrier will appear three times per week on the SiriusXM College Sports Nation channel.

Charlottesville Violence/Trump Response, Bannon’s White House Status, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, NFL Players Sit During Anthem, Taylor Swift Suit, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Sequel Film, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-season Games Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The death and injuries at the Charlottesville white supremacist rally and criticism of President Trump’s response; speculation about the future of White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon and reports that Trump believes Bannon may be involved in leaks; the ongoing threats by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Trump’s responses; the failure to stand during the National Anthem by Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett prior to pre-season games; a judge’s decision to throw out David Mueller’s suit against Taylor Swift and the remaining aspects of the legal battle; Al Gore’s new global warming film An Inconvenient Sequel debuts; Major League Baseball action, and the weekend’s pre-season NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.

Longtime WBZ, Boston/CBS RADIO Personality Neil Chayet Passes.  Talk and news radio listeners across the country knew attorney Neil Chayet as host of the long-running legal feature “Looking at the Law,” that was heard on CBS RADIO’s WBZ, Boston and on CBS stations across the country.  Chayet passed away on Friday (8/11) after a nine-month battle with small cell cancer.  He was 78.  He retired from the radio program in June due to his illness.

Tubbs Exits KOA, Denver.  According to KCNC-TV, Denver, morning personality Steffan Tubbs has been let go by iHeartMedia and will “no longer be part of ‘Colorado’s Morning News on KOA.”  Tubbs was arrested on July 30 on a domestic violence charge after authorities suspected him of harassing and threatening his ex-girlfriend.  He has pleaded not guilty and will be back in court for a trial on October 18.  The station issued a memo stating, “The morning show will continue on schedule with April Zesbaugh and guest host (KCNC-TV weatherman) Ed Greene beginning the week of 8/14.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. WQDR, Raleigh morning personality Mike Wheless celebrates 25 years with the Curtis Media Group country station.  “The Q Morning Crew” consists of Wheless, Janie Carothers, and Marty “The One-Man Party.”  The program has won industry awards, including the Country Music Association “Personality of the Year” and Academy of Country Music “Personality of the Year” honors.  Curtis Media Group president and COO Trip Savery comments, “Mike Wheless is a tremendous contributor to WQDR’s ongoing success.  Mike has grown from overnight jock to the foundation of the most successful morning show in the region and as he celebrates a quarter century in that role, we all acknowledge his passion, talent, and success.”…..iHeartMedia’s rock KBRQ, Waco, Texas “102.5 The Bear” names Aaron Zytle host of the “AZ in the Morning Rumble” program.  He takes over for Keith Junker, a.k.a. Fish, who exited the radio biz.  Zytle’s program will be simulcast to iHM’s Killeen active rocker KLFX “107.3 The Fox.”  Zytle was most recently with Bahakel Communications in Colorado Springs programming alternative KRXP and serving as afternoon personality…..Mark Shepperd is the new afternoon drive host at Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB, Philadelphia “Today’s 101.1 More FM.”  Shepperd assumes the daypart previously held by Logan, now with Fort Myers Broadcasting Company handling mornings at adult contemporary WINK-FM.

July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week.  The 12 markets addressed today are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19.  Meanwhile, you can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) New York – Albeit the net gain is just two-tenths, this nonetheless represents the fourth successive sweep in which WPLJ “95.5 PLJ” has not had a decrease (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). As a result, the Cumulus Media hot AC climbs from #15 to #13, catching its format rival – CBS Radio’s WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” – which is off one-tenth (2.7 – 2.6, flat at #13). “Fresh” had held the advantage over WPLJ in each of the last seven ratings periods. Steady at #8, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1 New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is without a decrease for the sixth successive sweep (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+) and is up six-tenths in that stretch. Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary cluster-mate WLTW register its third straight gain for a cumulative +.7 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), “106.7 Lite FM” finishes at #1 for the third consecutive time. A one-tenth increase by “Lite” in May halted four straight declines that produced a collective -7.3 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). One-tenth off the top and repeating in the runner-up slot is CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits,” which posts its fourth successive up or flat trend for a combined +.7 (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). After logging three straight increases for a collective gain of eight-tenths since March (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR regresses by one-half share to 2.0 (6+), tumbling from #15 to #19. June 2017’s 2.5 was the highest 6+-stat for the New York Mets flagship in nearly seven years when it reached 2.6 (#19) in November 2010. Having gained nine-tenths in June to 3.0 (6+), WYNC-FM put an end to four straight downward trends that produced a -.6 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+); however, like WOR – the public news/talk station drops one-half share (3.0 – 2.5, 6+) and shifts from #12 to #15. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is down or flat for the sixth straight time yet the net loss is just two-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) and it is unchanged at #22. Following back-to-back 2.4 showings (6+) in April and May, CBS Radio all-news WCBS-AM registers a 2.7 (6+) in June and July, moving up from #13 in June to #12. Flat at #6, co-owned and similarly formatted WINS is a collective -1.1 in four straight dips (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), while iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (ninth to tenth) is -.2 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+).

2) Los Angeles – The 12 stations ranking between #9 and #20 in July 2017 are separated by just eight-tenths of a share Within those rankers, there are ties at #11, #13, #15, and #17. Jumping from #18 to #11, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL “Mega 96.3 – LA’s #1 Party Station” cobbles together five gains in succession for a +.9 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+). Three straight increases by regional Mexican cluster-mate KLAX have yielded a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.7, 6+), with “97.9 La Raza” notching its strongest 6+-share since February 2016’s 2.9 and reentering the top twenty at #15. Down or flat in each of the past four months for a -.4 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” (unchanged at #6) busts out a July 2017 gain more than twice that margin (+.9, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share since last October’s 4.5. Climbing back into the top ten (#11 to #9), Meruelo Media Holdings rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” gains a collective half-share in four successive up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Unchanged at #10, CBS Radio CHR KAMP “Amp” hasn’t had a decrease in the past five sweeps (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Co-owned alternative KROQ moves from #19 to #17 and is up or flat for the seventh consecutive monthly for a +.7 in that period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). Conversely, its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “ALT 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” is down or flat for the fifth time in a row for a collective loss of one-half share (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+) and slips from #11 to #15. As a result, the 1.5-share (6+) advantage KYSR held over KROQ in December is now down to two-tenths. This is the fifth successive ratings period without erosion for Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” (#14 to #13) which has generated a cumulative gain of six-tenths since January (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Stuck on 5.8 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia hot AC “My-FM” picks up three-tenths to 6.1 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth consecutive time. When “My-FM” dropped one-tenth in April, it ended three straight uptrends (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), which netted a combined full-share gain. February’s +.1 (5.1 – 5.2, 6+) was enough for it to depart the runner-up slot it held the previous three sweeps and take over at #1. Trending a very consistent 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.3 (6+) March 2017 to July 2017, CBS Radio smooth AC KTWV “The Wave” occupies the runner-up position for the fifth straight sweep. Similarly, the January 2017 through July 2017 6+-trending for iHeartMedia news/talk KFI (eighth to seventh) is 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4. Owing to six straight decreases (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Taxi Productions urban AC KJLH (#25 to #24) is a collective -.9.  Not only is KNX without an increase for the fifth straight time for a loss of nine-tenths (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), the CBS Radio all-news property exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

3) Chicago – It’s a strong “Windy City” sweep for the market’s two country stations as each improve by seven-tenths. In the case of CBS Radio-owned WUSN, adds a +.7 in July to June’s half share increase as “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” zooms from ninth to fifth. In addition to notching its fourth straight up or flat trend (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 4.1, 6+), WUSN has its best 6+-showing since the 4.1 it recorded in November 2014. Meanwhile, dating back to the first of the year, its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” – was trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.1 (January 2017 – June 2017, 6+), but jumps to 2.8, catapulting from #22 to #14. This represents the fourth consecutive time urban AC sibling WVAZ is without a decrease for a +1.1 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.1 – 6.7, 6+). Moreover, “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is #1 for the sixth successive month. In the runner-up slot from February through June, CBS Radio all-news operation WBBM-AM slips to third and is down or flat for the sixth straight sweep for a collective -1.9 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). Jumping over it is Hubbard hot AC WTMX “Mix,” which picks up one-tenth to 4.7 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Similarly-formatted, iHeartMedia-owned WLIT “93.9 My-FM The Best Variety” is -1.3 via four successive declines (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.4, 6+), spiraling from #15 to #20. For the fourth successive time, its urban contemporary sibling WGCI-FM “Chicago’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” gains two-tenths (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+) and advances from tenth to ninth. Unchanged at #4, Hubbard-owned WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” registers its fifth consecutive up or flat trend (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+) and is up eight-tenths since February. Following five straight (modest) increases that netted a full-share (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “105.1 Que Buena” drops three-tenths to 3.4 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Tied at #18 doing various shades of adult contemporary are WRME-LP (2.9 – 2.7, down from #14 in June, 6+) and Hubbard’s WSHE, #17 in June and down or flat for the fourth straight month for a net loss of one half-share (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9- 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Slipping from sixth to eighth, CBS Radio sports talk WSCR “The Score” notches a 3.7 for the third time in the last four sweeps. Down or flat for the fifth straight ratings period for a collective -1.4 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), after three consecutive sweeps without a loss for a +.5 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Tribune Media Company news/talk WGN drops from #11 to #14. The 15 stations occupying rankers 9 through 23 in July 2017 are separated by 1.2 shares (2.2 – 3.4, 6+). Trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, April – May – June (6+), Window to the World classical WFMT is unlisted in July.

4) San Francisco – Having registered a 2.5 (6+) in four of the previous five ratings periods, Entercom urban AC KBLX added two-tenths in June; “102.9 The Bay’s R&B” follows in July with a gain of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). The last time KBLX reached the three-share level (6+) was in April 2016 with a 3.0. Its sports talk sibling KGMZ “95.7 The Game” though falters by one-full share (2.1 – 1.1, 6+) as the Oakland A’s flagship disappears from the top twenty (#18 to #25). May’s +.3 by “The Game” put an end to its 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+) trending. At the same time, Entercom-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader,” off for the third time in a row (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+) for a cumulative -1.0, slips from eighth to tenth. Notwithstanding that Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” remains at #14, its string of consecutive ratings periods without a decrease extends to seven (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). The October 2016 through July 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B in the Bay Area” is 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 (#11 to #12). Finishing first and second (6+) are stations in the news/talk (KQED-FM) and news genres (CBS Radio-owned KCBS-AM, down for the third straight time, 6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+), while adult contemporary is at #3 and #4 with Entercom’s KOIT-FM, off for the third consecutive time, 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+ and iHeartMedia-owned KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (4.1, -.2, 6+) Hot AC is represented at #5 and #6 with iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3” (4.0, -.3, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (3.7, -.2, 6+), while contemporary hit radio occupies #7 and #8 with KMVQ and iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.4, +.2, 6+). Frozen on 3.8 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, CBS Radio’s KMVQ slipped to 3.0 in June but “99.7 – New Hit Music Now” bounces back with a one-half share gain to 3.5 (6+), leaping from tenth to seventh. With a spike of four-tenths to 7.1 (6+), KQED-FM halts at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). Moreover, just as it has been every month this calendar year, the Northern California Public Broadcasting facility is on top in San Francisco. Slipping from seventh to tenth, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad” forfeits four-tenths to 3.2 (6+), ending three straight increases that netted nine-tenths (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+). While it remains at #21, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is without an increase for the sixth time in a row for a loss of more than one-full share (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). This is the fourth straight month that Entercom-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is unlisted in San Francisco, but it still appears in print in San Jose (see below). The station’s March 2017 6+-San Francisco stat was 1.5.

5) Dallas – Over and above halting three straight negative trends that yielded a loss of eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+) CBS Radio adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (tenth to sixth) recaptures that loss in its entirety – and two-tenths to spare- with a +1.0 to 4.1. This is the strongest 6+-performance for Dallas’ version of “Jack” since last December’s 4.2. In what we believe are the first trends in the PPM-era for The City of Dallas’ WRR, the classical facility checks in at #21 with a 2.1 (6+), which represents a one-half share increase over June’s (unlisted) 1.6 (6+). Up two-tenths to 2.3 (#20 to #18, 6+), Northwest Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA curtails at four a successive string of down or flat trends that produced a loss of one-half share (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). A mere two-tenths of a share separates the top three July 2017 finishers, which includes Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX, while down one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, 6+), is #1 for the seventh successive time. This, however, is the lowest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 4.7. Right on its heels and remaining at #2 and #3, respectively, are iHeartMedia CHR and classic rock siblings KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” (surrendering half of June’s +.6, 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, 6+) and KZPS “Lone Star 92.5.” After four straight increases that netted nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), “Lone Star 92.5” lost one-tenth in June and is flat in July at 5.4 (6+). On hiatus from the KHKS-originated, syndicated “Kidd Kraddick Show,” Elena Davies remains one of the Season 19 houseguests on CBS-TV’s “Big Brother,” which premiered June 28; “Kiss” was tied for the top spot with KPLX in March. Following June 2017’s +1.1, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 – Your Life … Inspired” relinquishes roughly one-half of it (4.3 – 3.7, -.6, 6+), slipping from fifth to eighth; June 2017’s 4.3 was its strongest 6+-stat since 4.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Without an increase for the sixth time in a row for a collective -1.6 since January (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WBAP fades from #22 to #24. Three stations are flat at 3.0 and continue to be linked at #11: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK “The Ticket”; iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks”; and Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “105.7 Smooth R&B.” Progressing from #17 to join them at #11 is Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KDXX “Latino Mix,” which registers its fifth consecutive up or flat trend for a +1.1 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+). From the first of the year through July 2017, the 6+-line for Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” (steady at #16) is 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7.

6) Houston – Not only does CBS Radio country KILT-FM end at four its string of down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), by posting a +.9 (to 3.9, 6+) “100.3 The Bull” rockets from #16 to a four-way tie at #10. This is the best 6+-showing for “The Bull” since last December’s 4.0. Although it remains at #3, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA picks up six-tenths to 6.4 (6+), its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016 (10.3). Between March 2017 and June 2017, “Sunny 99.1” had a 6+-pattern of 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8. A +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” inches up from sixth to fifth with its highest 6+-share since December 2015 (4.8, as well). One-half share away from the top is Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle,” which hasn’t had a decrease since February and is +1.2 in that timeframe (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is #1 for the sixth consecutive ratings period, Radio One-owned urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” continues its wild ride as its last three trends have been +1.4 (May 2017); -.6 (June); and now -.7 in July (8.3 – 7.7 – 7.0, 6+). Up a combined +1.0 in back-to-back monthlies (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.9, January-February-March, 6+), “Majic” returned all of it in April (6.9, 6+) before notching May’s +1.4. It is a bit of a similar scenario for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN, which is also down seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) and slips from fifth to seventh. Following three straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.5 (8.0 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), KLTN brought back 60% of that deficit in January (+.9), jumping from third to first. It was a very quick stay there though as KLTN surrendered -1.3 in February (7.4 – 6.1, 6+) and dropped to third. In March, KLTN was -.5; +.7 in April; -.2 in May; -1.1 in June; and now -.7 in July. The last time KLTN fell below a five-share (6+) was March 2016 (4.9). Similarly-formatted, Liberman Broadcasting-owned KTJM “La Raza,” which had been up or flat the past five sweeps for a cumulative gain of one full-share (1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), is off four-tenths to 1.9 (#19 to #20, 6+). Surrendering in its entirety the six-tenths it gained in June (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC KHMX “Houston’s Mix 96-5” segues from #12 to #15. Following four straight gains that yielded a cumulative +1.3 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), “Mix” lost four-tenths in May.

7) Atlanta – Following four successive sweeps without an increase for a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” breaks out a gain of eight-tenths to 4.7 (6+) and zooms back into the top ten (#11 to #6). Simultaneous with Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WKHX “Kicks 101.5” improving by seven-tenths to advance from ninth to fifth, Woman’s World Broadcasting’s WTSH “Your Georgia Country” falters by one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, #21 to #23, 6+). This is the third straight increase for “Kicks” for a cumulative +1.2 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s other country player – iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” – is a collective +1.9 via seven successive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+) and carries on at #7 with its best 6+-showing in exactly one year (4.6, 6+, July 2016). Continuing at #15, Cumulus Media’s WNNX “100.5 – Atlanta’s Rock Station” is without a loss for the seventh time in a row as well and is a combined +1.6 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). With a gain of one-half share, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE (unchanged at #16) continues its up/down pattern that it began last October (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). Four consecutive positive trends by Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Best Mix” (steady at #13) have produced a gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Returning the two-tenths it garnered in June, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is nonetheless #1 for the 19^th straight ratings period (8.6 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to June’s +.2, WSB-AM had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+). January 2017’s 10.7 represents the station’s best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. With a loss of one-tenth in June, co-owned WSRV concluded at five its streak of consecutive gains that netted a +2.3 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). Now, “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” sputters by seven-tenths to 5.9 (6+), slipping from second to third. The market’s (6+) urban AC share erodes by seven tenths. Specifically: Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1” is off three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+) and remains at #3, where it is tied with classic rock sibling WSRV, while Radio One-owned WAMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” regresses by four-tenths (4.8 – 4.4, 6+), dipping from fifth to eighth. Even though Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” picks up two-tenths (4.2 – 4.4, 6+), it drops from seventh to eighth; similarly-programmed, iHeartMedia-owned WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is flat at 4.1, but departs the top ten (#9 to #11). A combined -1.5 in four straight down or flat trends (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” moves from #11 to #12.

8) Philadelphia – In the last ten ratings periods, ever-consistent WUSL “Power 99” has ranged from a low of 4.0 to a high of 4.4 (4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+). The iHeartMedia urban contemporary facility though busts out a +1.2 to 5.6, the first time it crosses the five-share level (6+) in nearly three years (5.2, 6+, August 2014) and progresses from ninth to fifth. At least in terms of 6+-share, the steady upward pattern continues for Radio One’s WPHI, which registers its ninth successive sweep without a decrease that has resulted in a net gain of nine-tenths (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+); “Boom 103.9” carries on at #19. Having logged a 3.0 (6+) in March, CBS Radio’s WTDY followed with a 2.9 (6+) in April, May, and June but “Today’s 96.5” adds two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and climbs from #15 to #13. Up three-tenths (7.2 – 7.5, 6+) and repeating at #1 is classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL, which returned to the top spot in June after transitioning from first to third in May. Off by one full-share (3.1 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has its softest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016 (2.1, as well) and slips from #14 to #18. Locked on 3.3 (6+) in May and June, public news/talk WHYY (#13 to #15) spirals by eight-tenths to 2.5 – and like WKVP – this is WHYY’s lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 when it recorded a 2.3. A decrease of seven-tenths by Beasley Media Group’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” (4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+) curtails at six a successive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+). As the result of three straight downward moves, co-owned WMMR is -1.2 (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+) and “93.3 Everything That Rocks” drops from fifth to seventh. A combined -.8 since May when it was #1 (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” slides from third in June to fourth. This marks the fifth straight month that Connoisseur Media hot AC WPST “94.5 PST” is either down or flat (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 -.9 – .8 – .8, #25, 6+).

9) Long Island – It isn’t often that a station’s “stream” is the lead item in these market “Takeaways,” but such is the case with CBS Radio hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” – and there’s an added twist. From a “no show” in June (.4 in May, 6+), the station’s “stream” bounces back with a +.5 (to .5, #32, 6+); however, the actual FM signal is off by seven-tenths to 1.7, thus ending three straight 2.3-showings (6+). Furthermore, “Fresh” exits the top twenty (#17 to #21, 6+) and ends at ten its successive string of being within 2.0 – 2.5 range (6+). Over and above extending to seven its consecutive string of up or flat trends for a +2.2 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” climbs from #2 to #1, which is where it was in May. It is tied there with Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5,” which after three consecutive gains that netted a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), drops one-tenth to 6.2 (6+). A full-share loss in March (5.2 – 4.2, 6+) resulted in “Real Variety” tumbling from fourth to seventh, but it jumped from seventh to first in April with a gain of nine-tenths. Albeit off by six-tenths (3.4 – 2.8, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WKJY “Long Island’s K-98.3” remains at #12. Having sandwiched a 3.3 (6+) in May between 3.5 (6+) in April and another 3.5 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR erodes by nine-tenths to 2.6 as the New York Mets flagship skids from #11 to #15. Steady at #5, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” posts a 4.5 (6+) for the third time in the last four ratings periods. In five consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+) Cumulus Media’s WNSH is a combined -.9 yet “94.7 Nash FM” actually improves from #23 to #22, while CBS Radio sports talk WFAN (sixth to seventh) is down or flat for the fourth time in a row for a -.8 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). In 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 32^nd straight sweep, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” picks up one-tenth (2.3 – 2.4, 6+), but backslides from #15 to #16. In three straight (modest) losses (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media classic hits oldies WBZO is down four-tenths but “103.1 Max FM” remains at #6.

10) Riverside – Following five straight up or flat trends which netted one full-share (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), CBS Radio’s KFRG forfeited 70% of that increase in June with a -.7; however, “New Country K-Frog” leaps back with a full-share gain in July (4.0 – 5.0, 6+) to progress from fifth to third. Posting an increase half that much (3.5 – 4.0, +.5, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” jumps from seventh to fifth. In the runner-up slot for the seventh successive ratings period, KOLA was a combined +1.0 in April and May (5.2 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), but the Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet repeat’s June’s -.2 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). A four-tenths loss in March ended at five KOLA’s string of consecutive fluctuations by one-half share (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+) for a collective -1.5; KOLA was at #2 six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to November, it was up or flat the previous six times for a net gain of +2.2 (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). On the plus side regarding Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY – it is #1 for the 21^st consecutive ratings period and leads KOLA by nine-tenths. Conversely though, “Jose” registers its sixth consecutive decrease for a net loss of nearly three full-shares (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 6.7, 6+) and is below a seven-share for the first time since May 2016’s 6.5. After five consecutive sweeps without a decrease which produced a +2.2 (7.2 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+), “Jose” lost two-tenths in February. Going back to the “Holiday” 2016 report, Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KRCD has been trending a very consistent 1.4 -1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+), but “Recuerado” falters by one-half share to .6, slipping from #13 to #14. The five most recent trends for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI are 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 (third back to fourth, 6+), while Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 Family Friendly” is trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 (flat at #9, 6+).

11) San Jose – Over and above recapturing 80% of the cumulative -1.5 it has lost in four straight downward sweeps (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED-FM (6.1 – 7.3, +1.2, 6+) advances from third to first. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED-FM returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been on top through April. The +1.2 ties KQED-FM with Philadelphia’s WUSL (see above) for the largest (6+) June 2017 – July 2017 gain by any station in these particular 12 PPM-markets. Dislodged from #1 after back-to-back months there and segueing to #2 is CBS Radio all-news operation KCBS-AM (6.5 – 6.2, -.3, 6+). When KCBS-AM added three-tenths in May, it ended a string of three consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). Steady in its trending since March (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom classic rock KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” dials up a +.7 to 4.3 (6+) to advance from ninth to seventh. Improving by seven-tenths as well and entering the top ten is iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (2.9 – 3.6, #13 to #10, 6+).  Picking up one-half share each are adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ “98.1 Breeze” (3.9 – 4.4, unchanged at #6, 6+) and KGO (2.6, 6+), which not only ends at five its string of successive sweeps without an increase that generated a -1.2 (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talk stations jumps back into San Jose’s top twenty (#21 to #15). Steady at #14, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” picks up two-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight downward or negative trends that produced a loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+). Declining for the third month in a row (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .4, 6+), Entercom sports talk and Oakland A’s flagship KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (#31) is a collective -1.2 since April.

12) Middlesex – Owing to a gain of six-tenths (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), CBS Radio New York City sports talk WFAN-FM “The Fan” is back in the Middlesex-Somerset-Union top ten (#13 to #9). Without a decrease for the seventh straight sweep for a net improvement of +2.4 (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Emmis New York City rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” carries on at #5. Picking up one half share (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has its highest 6+-share in this New Jersey market since January’s 5.3 and progresses from sixth to third. In its fourth consecutive increase (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), Cumulus Media New York City hot AC WPLJ is a collective +1.4 and progresses from #14 to #12. At the same time, following three straight gains netting nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), CBS Radio’s similarly-programmed WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” relinquishes all but one-tenth of it (2.7, -.8, 6+) and drifts from #11 to #16. Despite ceding June’s +.3 (6.8 – 7.1 – 6.8, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is #1 for the seventh consecutive ratings period. As a result of a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” returned to #1 following one month in the runner-up slot. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, when it was -.7 (6+), WKXW spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top. A combined +.7 in back-to-back sweeps (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8), iHeartMedia news/talk and New York Mets flagship WOR surrenders nine-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#17 to #21). Entering the June 2017 sweep, CBS Radio-owned WBMP was down or flat the previous nine times and -1.6 since September (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). The CHR bounced back in June by registering a +.6, but “Amp” returns all of it in July (3.5 – 2.9, -.6, 6+), dipping from #11 to #14. Sputtering by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” (second to third), which curtails at six a successive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +.9 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.6, 6+). The nine-tenths lead that iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “Lite FM” (4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fourth to seventh, 6+) held over Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ (3.9 – 4.2, +.3, steady at #8, 6+) is down to one-tenth.

Friday, August 11, 2017

WGFX Lineup Modifications Debut Next Monday. Among the changes going into effect (8/14) at Cumulus Media Nashville sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” is former Tennessee Titans safety and “Zone” host Blaine Bishop moving to 6:00 am – 10:00 am, co-hosting with Mark Howard and Kevin Ingram; Bishop had hosted the station’s “3HL” show since its debut in January 2010. Bishop emphasizes that next Monday is “not just another day – it’s a new opportunity and a new beginning. I’ve worked closely with Mark over the last 10 years with my involvement with the Titans and am looking forward to working with him and the ‘Wake Up Zone’ team. I can’t wait to break down the games with our fans every morning.” Former Titans tight end Frank Wycheck moves from “Wake Up Zone” co-host to analysis throughout the day. Wycheck joined the “Wake Up Zone” shortly after his retirement from the NFL in 2004 and he notes, “I am thrilled to continue playing a role on the ‘Wake Up Zone’ and look forward to providing analysis throughout the day.” Becoming Nashville radio’s first full-time female sports anchor, Dawn Davenport, who has covered sports in Nashville since 2008, will co-host the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm “3HL” show with Brent Dougherty and Mickey Ryan. Davenport comments, “I am fortunate to jump back into sports in Nashville with such an amazing station full of talented and kind people. I’ve come to know and like Brent and Mickey over the last few years and cannot wait to join a team that works so hard every day to create an entertaining show for our great city.” Program director Brad Willis reasons, “Much like the sports teams we cover, we are always looking to put the best lineup on the field. These moves reflect our continued dedication to our position as Nashville’s top sports station, providing our listeners with the most in-depth coverage of their favorite teams. Blaine and Frank are cornerstone pieces of the Titans franchise during their time in Nashville. Their intimate knowledge of the Titans and the Nashville sports landscape is unparalleled. Dawn Davenport has immersed herself in the Nashville sports community. As someone who has covered every team in this town, and as a former SEC athlete, we are excited to have her join Brent and Mickey.”

Westwood One “Summer of Love” Retrospective Revisits Counterculture Revolution. Airing next weekend (8/18 – 8/20), Westwood One News’ half-hour “Summer of Love” special looks back at the counterculture revolution that defined the summer of 1967 from a 50-year perspective. Hosted by Westwood One News correspondents Jim Roope (Los Angeles) and Steve Kastenbaum (New York), the program features iconic pop and rock music from that summer, along with use of Westwood One News archives, including interviews with pop culture figures of the time such as Abbie Hoffman, professor Timothy Leary, rock manager Bill Graham, and singer Scott McKenzie. Regarding the latter, Westwood One producer George Achaves, who produced the 1987 “Summer of Love” 20^th anniversary special, recalls that he had read a Washington Post interview with McKenzie’s mother. “She happened to live in an apartment building a block away from our office at the time. I looked her up in the phone book, called her out of the blue, and she put me in touch with her son, who was living in Lake Tahoe. Before she hung up, she said to me, ‘If you speak with him, please tell him to call his mother once in a while.’ McKenzie gave me great stories about the Monterey Pop Festival and his hit song ‘San Francisco: Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair.’”

CBS Sports Radio Tweaks Weekend Programming. The one-word reason for the adjustments is “football” and as CBS Sports Radio director of programming Eric Spitz confirms, “Our listeners love football season so we’re excited to bring them another dedicated weekend schedule around one of their all-time favorite sports. This year’s lineup includes both CBS Sports Radio and CBSSports.com hosts and analysts, experts on the game and true fans themselves.” In three weeks (Saturday, 9/2), CBS Sports Radio anchor Rich Ackerman begins hosting “Eye on College Football,” which extends from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. On a rotating basis, CBSSports.com senior fantasy football writers Adam Aizer, Jamey Eisenberg, and Dave Richard oversee “Eye on Fantasy Football” (10:00 pm -12:00 midnight). Co-hosted by Nick Costos, Heath Cummings, Jamey Eisenberg, Pete Prisco and Dave Richard, a simulcast of CBSSports.com‘s “Fantasy Football Today” will air Sundays 11:00 am -12:00 noon. The following Sunday (9/10), CBS Sports Radio’s Damon “DA” Amendolara hosts “Sunday Morning Football” (9:00 am -11:00am), and for the first time, this program will be simulcast on watchDA.com. Rich Ackerman returns for “Eye on Football” from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.

PPM Data – Part Four. July 2017 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

Nielsen Audio To Revise Austin and Fargo Data. Audience estimates for Entercom Austin urban AC KKMJ-HD3 were inadvertently omitted from that market’s July 2017 PPM report which Nielsen Audio released yesterday (Thursday, 8/10); see above. A revised Austin report will be made available next Wednesday (8/16) in which audience estimates will be reported for KKMJ-FM HD3. Audience estimates for other Austin stations will not be affected. Some select Nielsen services will report KKMJ-FM HD3 as KKMJ-F3. KKMJ-FM HD3’s status as a subscribing HD-Multicast station eligible for reporting apparently had not been entered into one of the ratings company’s internal systems. Likewise, a revision to the company’s just issued spring 2017 Fargo-Moorhead book will be released next Wednesday (8/16) as well. In this case, Brooke Ingstad (Radio Wahpeton Breckenridge) classic hits-oldies KEGK “106.9 The Eagle” was incorrectly reported as a “non-metro” station. The updated report for that market will indicate KEGK as home to the metro. While audience estimates for all stations listed will remain the same, KEGK will be included with “metro” stations, as well as the “in the book” and “all stations” sections.

“Score” Seeking Chicago’s Next Fantasy Football Expert. The search begins next Thursday (8/17) through a series of live auditions where listeners of CBS Radio Chicago sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” will have the opportunity to showcase their writing and broadcasting talents on-site at various local venues. Program and operations director Mitch Rosen comments, “This is an amazing opportunity for a diehard fan to participate in the action on-air and online. With fantasy football continuing to grab our listeners’ attention, I look forward to finding the right candidate who can provide an exceptional perspective in a highly visible role with the station.” The “expert” will contribute to the station’s on-air and online fantasy football content by offering tips and strategies for anyone managing their own fantasy football team throughout the 2017 NFL regular season. The winner will appear every Sunday between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm on the Joe Ostrowski show and write a weekly column for CBSChicago.com.

WBUR Opens Dorchester Bureau. A partnership that began this week in The Hub’s largest and mostpopulous neighborhood finds Boston University-owned WBUR “Boston’s NPR News Station” opening a bureau inside the newsroom of The Dorchester Reporter. WBUR’s bureau includes a fully-functioning radio studio, allowing WBUR reporters and Dorchester Reporter journalists to broadcast live. On its own, Boston suburb Dorchester would qualify as Massachusetts’ fifth-largest city.

U.S.-North Korea Tensions Story Tops the Talkers Ten^TM This Week.  Intensifying rhetoric between President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jon Un was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of August 7 – August 11, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 was the ongoing investigation in the president’s relationship with Russia.  Coming in at #3 are the continuing feuds between West Wing advisors – focusing on the current tensions between Stephen K. Bannon and H.R. McMaster.  #4 were stories mounting up about claims of sexism and sexual harassment aimed at women by the prevailing culture in Silicon Valley focusing on the recent Google memo. 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.

Gaines Grabs Afternoons at Atlanta’s “Kicks 101.5.” It will be easy for Scott Gaines to remember the “Kicks” handle in his new job: The Southeastern Oklahoma State University grad is transferring from afternoon drive duty at Cumulus Media Memphis country outlet WGKX “Kix 106” to co-owned/similarly-formatted WKHX “Kicks 101.5,” Atlanta. In addition to doing afternoons (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) at WKHX, Gaines will be the station’s assistant program director. Cumulus Media Atlanta vice president/market manager Sean Shannon states, “It is exciting to see a person of Scott’s caliber join ‘Kicks 101.5.’ Our listeners, clients, partners, and staff all win with this move.” Program Director Scott Lindy remarks, “The high level of Scott’s talent, experience, and dedication to the craft of creating great radio is a perfect fit for ‘Kicks 101.5.’ Our listeners are in for a treat – we’re gaining a very strong internal player.” Gaines notes, “I have only met Sean Shannon once and can already see why his leadership has created a winning team. I’ve been a huge fan of Scott Lindy’s and am honored to join his team.” Gaines – who begins his new assignment in just over three weeks (9/5) – previously was assistant program director/music director/afternoon drive talent at iHeartMedia Detroit’s WDTW (when it was “106.7 The Fox”), and afternoon personality for Cumulus Media Nashville country outlet WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon.”

Radio Show to Feature Lovato Performance. The headliner in the annual “Music and Mimosas” event for next month’s NAB and RAB Radio Show is Demi Lovato. RAB president and chief executive officer Erica Farber comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Demi Lovato and the extraordinary talent represented by some of the industry’s most influential record labels to ‘Music & Mimosas.’ This must-attend session provides attendees with exclusive ‘listens’ to music from a variety of genres and serves as the perfect bookend to the radio industry’s hottest event.” The Radio Show will be held September 5 – 8 in Austin at the JW Marriott, with Lovato’s performance scheduled for (Friday) September 8. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) produce “Music & Mimosas.”

Cumulus Media Flint Designates Dymond VP/MM. Most recently market manager for Community Broadcasters’ five-station Watertown, New York cluster, Nancy Dymond is appointed vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media Flint, Michigan, which consists of five stations as well. Regional vice president/market manager of Cumulus Media Saginaw-Flint-Ann Arbor Chris Monk remarks, “It is great to have Nancy back in Flint. This is a market she knows and it is an area she loves. Nancy is the perfect person to lead our Flint team.” Dymond comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to be home and work with such a great community and stations.” Dymond was Cumulus Media Flint’s market manager from 2000 – 2004. Prior to that, she was general manager for Max Media of Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley stations and general manager of Connoisseur Media-owned stations in Erie, Pennsylvania. The five Cumulus Media Flint properties are urban AC WDZZ “Z-92.7”; country WFBE “95.1 Nash FM”; sports talk WTRX “Xtra 1330”; news/talk WWCK-AM “SuperTalk 1570”; and CHR WWCK-FM “CK 105.5.”

WMYX Teams Kay and Hess in Morning Drive. The 5:00 am – 9:00 am on-air partnership of Elizabeth Kay and Tony “Radar” Hess (“Elizabeth & Radar”) starts next Monday (8/14) on Entercom Milwaukee hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix.” Entercom Milwaukee vice president of operations Brian Kelly comments, “I am excited for the new morning show and I am confident that ‘Elizabeth & Radar’ will bring the energy our listeners crave in the morning. ‘Radar’ has been part of waking up Milwaukee for the past 17 years and is extremely embedded in the community. I can’t think of a better match to join Elizabeth Kay.” Regarding Hess, Kay notes, “I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with him again. Our paths crossed early on in my career, and I have always had great respect for him as a radio host, and who he is as a person. ‘Mix’ listeners will have a show they’ll be able to relate to and enjoy for many years to come.” Hess adds, “I am so very grateful for the opportunity at ‘The Mix.’ I stay in radio, and stay local – this only happens in dreams.” From January 2000 to March 2017, Hess was at cross-town iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country,” where he was morning drive co-host; Kay has been part of “Mix” AM drive shows since 2009.

Seacrest Signs Overall Pact with ABC Studios. A multi-year overall deal is in-place between iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” morning talent Ryan Seacrest’s Ryan Seacrest Productionsand ABC Studios. RSP’s scripted division will develop scripted projects exclusively for ABC Studios at all television networks and platforms, including broadcast, basic and premium cable, and on-demand services. Nina Wass is president of RSP’s scripted programming and Seacrest remarks that, “Under Nina’s leadership, our scripted team has achieved great success. Her creativity, hard work, and key talent relationships have helped us achieve an impressive slate in a short period of time. We have worked with ABC Studios in the past, and we hope our partnership will serve to further our collective success. It is an honor for us to now call ABC Studios home for our scripted division.” The arrangement comes following Seacrest joining Kelly Ripa as co-host and fellow executive producer on Disney/ABC’s “Live with Kelly & Ryan.” ABC/Fremantle recently announced that Seacrest will rejoin “American Idol” for its first season on the network. Seacrest hosts and executive produces ABC’s annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Ryan Seacrest Productions’ scripted division previously had an overall deal at CBS TV Studios. Ryan Seacrest photo by Sara Jaye Weiss/REX/Shutterstock (8827927a) – KIIS-FM Wango Tango Concert, May 22, 2017.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Nighttime talent Ashley Z leaves Cumulus Media Atlanta CHR WWWQ “Q-100” ….. To a morning show lineup which already includes Tracy Dixon and Guy David, Bonneville Denver country outlet KYGO adds Aaron “Goose” Seller, who for the past ten years, has done morning drive on Cumulus Media Colorado Springs adult contemporary KKPK “92.9 Peak FM.” KYGO program director John E. Kage states that with the addition of Seller, “We now have all the pieces of what will be a great morning show for the Denver audience for years to come.” ….. Adult contemporary WXLY “Y-102.5,” Charleston, South Carolina program director and morning drive talent Brian Cleary tacks on PD responsibilities at iHeartMedia country cluster-mate WEZL “103.5 Charleston’s #1 for New Country.” He succeeds Tyler Reese, who exited earlier this month. Cleary has spent nine of his 15 years with iHeartMedia in Charleston; he programmed WEZL for three years (2012 – 2015) prior to Reese’s arrival ….. After approximately 17 months as midday host of WGNA “107.7 Today’s Country,” Marissa Lanchak leaves the Townsquare Media Albany, New York station. Lanchak previously worked at cross-town Pamal CHR WFLY “Fly 92.3” ….. One week from Monday (8/21), Hannah Damas inherits the 11:00 am – 3:00 pm shift at Midwest Communications Green Bay-Appleton-Oshkosh (Wisconsin) country outlet WNCY “Y-100.” Damas succeeds Randy “Shotgun” Shannon, who now co-hosts morning drive with Charli McKenzie (“Shotgun & Charli”) ….. A flurry of activity within New South Radio Jackson, Mississippi finds the midday host of country WUSJ “US-96” – Nikki Brown – elevated to program director, succeeding Nate West, who remains in-place as morning drive co-host. Scott Steele, West’s on-air wakeup teammate at “US-96,” adds programming duties at classic country sibling WHJT “93.5 The Legend.” Over at CHR WYOY “Y-101,” music director/midday personality Charlie Buchwald replaces the exiting Carson Case as program director. Meanwhile, adult contemporary WJKK “Mix 98.7” morning co-host Brian Staufffer takes on added “director of digital” responsibilities for the entire cluster.