Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Scripps Cashes Out; Sells Remaining 19 Radio Stations to SummitMedia for $47 Million. The 19 stations E.W. Scripps still owns after previously announcing the sale of its Tulsa cluster to Griffin Communications, the Milwaukee duo to Good Karma, and the Boise and Tucson signals to Lotus Communications are going to SummitMedia for $47 million.  Altogether, Scripps will have netted $83.5 million for its radio division. The stations SummitMedia will acquire are in four markets: Wichita; Springfield, Missouri; Omaha; and Knoxville.  The Wichita stations are: KFDI-FM, KICT-FM, KFXJ-FM, KYQQ-FM, and KFTI-AM.  Springfield stations are: KTTS-FM, KSPW-FM, KSGF-AM/FM, and KRVI-FM.  Omaha stations are: KEZO-FM, KSRZ-FM, KQCH-FM, KKCD-FM, and KXSP-AM. The Knoxville signals are WWST-FM, WCYQ-FM, WKHT-FM, and WNOX-FM.  Scripps president and CEO Adam Symson comments, “SummitMedia’s focus on growth in the radio industry make it a good home for these stations.  With Summit, these stations will be able to fully live out their mission of informing and entertaining local audiences.  With our sale of these 19 stations, Scripps has completed the sale of our entire radio station group.  This is a significant milestone toward executing our strategy to divest of non-core assets, improve near-term operating performance and focus on the growth ahead.”  Birmingham, Alabama-based SummitMedia owns 31 stations in Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Virginia.  This sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.  Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for this transaction.

Twitter Suspends Alex Jones for a Week.  Stating in a letter to radio personality and InfoWars chief Alex Jones that he’d violated Twitter’s conduct policy, he’ll be blocked from using his Twitter account for seven days.  According to the Wall Street Journal’s report, while Twitter wouldn’t go into detail about the violation, it said Jones’ tweet was “about taking action against web censorship included a link to a video that violated the company’s policy against targeted harassment of someone or inciting others to intimidate or harass someone.”  Jones has been in the news recently after other social media – including Apple, Facebook and YouTube – had also banned some of the InfoWars content from their platforms citing violations of policy.

TRN Files Motion to Dismiss Appeal of Suit Against Cumulus/Westwood One and Others. The attorney representing Talk Radio Network in its suits against Cumulus Media, Westwood One and other defendants is claiming they engaged in business practices that violated anti-trust laws.  It was the second such suit and it was initially dismissed because the court ruled the claims were essentially the same as the previous suit.  TRN appealed but Cumulus et al were granted stays due to Cumulus’ bankruptcy reorganization status.  Now, TRN attorney Joseph Alioto moves “to dismiss the appeal in this matter with prejudice, with an order that each party bear its own costs and attorney’s fees.  Defendants-Appellees have authorized us to represent that they consent to this Motion.”

WGOW-FM, Chattanooga’s Jeff Styles Launches Website to Tell His Side of Road Rage Case. Last week Chattanooga talk show host Jeff Styles was in court for a preliminary hearing on the road rage charges filed against him after an incident that took place in June.  Styles was charged with aggravated assault for attacking a fellow motorist with a tomahawk.  During the incident, Styles was shot in the arm by motorist Nickolas Bullington.  Styles’ attorney argued there is no probable cause to charge Styles, but the judge ultimately bound the case over to the grand jury. Styles has launched JeffStylesAmerica.com and lays out his explanation of what happened during the confrontation with Bullington and displays Bullington’s history of court appearances and motor vehicle violations.

New Appointments at Entercom Las Vegas; Massenzi to Director of Sales. At the Las Vegas station group that includes news/talk KXNT and sports talk KXST-AM, Entercom appoints Gina Massenzi director of sales.  She was previously general sales manager for the cluster’s FM stations.  In addition to Massenzi’s promotion, Entercom Las Vegas announces three additional promotions: Holmes Pooser succeeds Massenzi as the cluster’s new general sales manager.  He was previously director of integrated marketing, events and experiences. Kyle Helmick is named director of live events and experiences and Katrina Llapitan becomes director of promotions for the cluster.

TALKERS News Notes.  Still feeling the effects of its Chapter 11 reorganization, Cumulus Media notifies the Securities Exchange Commission that it will be late filing its quarterly report and that it will file by Monday (8/20) and has scheduled a conference call for that afternoon at 4:30 pm ET…..PodcastOne is launching a new, true crime show called “First Degree” that presents the stories through the eyes of someone who has just one degree of separation from the tragedy itself.  True crime television producer Alexis Linkletter (“Unmasking A Killer,” “Pink Collar Crimes with Marcia Clark”) and investigative journalist Billy Jensen (“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark,” LA Weekly) join forces with Jac Vanek, co-host of the “Ladygang” podcast, to delve into murders, serial killings, cults, conspiracies and more.  Guests will include victims, witnesses, neighbors, and anyone else directly connected to the crime. PodcastOne chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz says, “We’ve had such a great experience working with Jac on ‘Ladygang’ that when she came to us with this idea, we were more than receptive. Now that I’ve heard the first episode, I’m absolutely convinced that greenlighting ‘The First Degree’ was a no-brainer.”…..Telling fans via Monday’s Twitter Q&A at the social media giant’s New York City offices that “apps are the future,” WFAN, New York afternoon star Mike Francesa promised his followers that he’ll be on the “Mike’s On” app that launches next Friday (8/24) so often “I promise you, you’ll get sick of me.”  The New York Post reports Francesa says it’s the reason he came back [on the radio], “It’s going to be me on it all the time.  It eventually will be my broadcast home.  I will be on it, I will be on it all the time, I will be on it at crazy hours, I might be on it at 7 in the morning and I might be on it at 2 a.m. after a big game. So yes, I will be on the app all the time.”…..As reported by Current.org, Public Radio International and PRX are merging, though the two companies will maintain separate identities.  PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman will be the chief of the new company and PRI CEO Alisa Miller will assume the role of executive chair of the board.  WGBH, Boston acquired PRI back in 2012 and its CEO – Jon Abbott – will have a seat on the new organization’s board. The story says WGBH will invest $10 million into the new company and part of that money will go toward enhancing PRI’s “The World” news magazine.

Omarosa Recording/Book Tour, Tuesday’s Primary Elections/Midterms, Trump-Russia Investigation, Turkish Lira Woes, Italian Bridge Collapse, PA Priest Sexual Abuse Scandal, Paul Manafort Trial, Western Wildfires, NFL Pre-season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/14).  The secret White House recording made by Omarosa Manigault Newman and the release of her book; primary elections in several states and talk about the midterms in November; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents; U.S.-Turkey relations as sanctions drag down the value of the lira; the deadly collapse of a major highway bridge in Genoa, Italy; more than 300 priests and Catholic laymen accused of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania; the trial of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort; the deadly wildfires affecting the U.S. West; NFL pre-season activity; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Nationally syndicated radio legend Rick Dees (through his company Dees Entertainment) inks a deal with Benztown for the latter to provide Dees Entertainment with production services for its portfolio of programs including: “The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown,” “Countdown Of The 90s,” “Countdown Of The 80s” and “Dees 2K,” plus “The Daily Dees Show.”  Dees says, “Benztown is a perfect production partner for our shows and other entertainment offerings.  Dave ‘Chachi’ Denes is the consummate professional and audio production superstar.  I was impressed in our first meeting when he said, ‘In 15 minutes I can save you 15% or more on your auto insurance.’ ”…..Last week, country star Jason Aldean kicked off CMT Radio’s all-new multiplatform live event series, “CMT Headliners with Cody Alan,” the show that gives fans the opportunity to submit questions and get an inside look at how some of country music’s most influential artists rise to the top.  The inaugural Q&A and performance event welcomed a packed crowd and was webcast live from Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar in downtown Nashville on CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan’s Facebook page on August 9.  In addition to chatting about Aldean’s favorite menu items from his new restaurant and how he likes to spend time with his family, the superstar also performed songs from his catalogue of #1 hits including, “My Kinda Party,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and his latest single, “Drowns the Whiskey.”  Highlights from “CMT Headliners with Cody Alan” will be featured on “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan” on Friday, August 17.

Takeaways from July PPM – Part Three. Below are managing editor Mike Kinosian‘s Twelve Takeaways from from Nielsen Audio‘s July 2018 PPM survey.  This third report includes the 12 markets of Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – On top each month this calendar year (including sharing April’s lead with iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103”) Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB returns 75% of June’s +.4 (8.4 – 8.1, -.3, #1, 6+). KOPB was +1.4 (September 2017); -1.1 (October); +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 in March; -1.0 (April); and -.5 (May). Entering the September 2017 sweep, KOPB occupied the runner-up position 21 successive times; however, it finally reached #1 in that report. Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” picks up one-tenth (4.9 – 5.0, 6+) and is steady at #5. KXL was up six-tenths in April and was then off a combined one-half share in May and June (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+).  When KXL faltered by four-tenths in March, it ended three consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.7. Prior to January, the last time KXL reached the five-share level (6+) was in October 2013 (5.3). For the third time in the last four sweeps, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” (#19 to #20) logs a 1.6 (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). An April improvement of two-tenths stopped three straight up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (1.2 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). After posting a 1.0 (6+) four times in a row, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” drops three-tenths to .7 (#24 to #27). Among the market’s sports talkers, Entercom’s KFXX “1080 The Fan” (unchanged at #21) is down or flat for the sixth successive time for a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+); Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” has its third straight up or flat trend (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) and ties “The Fan” at #21; and after being locked on .9 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” adds two-tenths to 1.1 (#25 to #23, 6+).

Portland Music Formats – Four decreases in succession by iHeartMedia classic rocker KFBW accounted for an overall -1.5 (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+), but “105.9 The Brew” slices that deficit roughly in half with a gain of eight-tenths (4.7, 6+) and steams back into the top ten (#12 to #6). Prior to posting June’s 3.9, “The Brew” hadn’t been below a four-share (6+) since November 2017 (3.9, as well). Meanwhile, the market’s other classic rocker – Entercom’s KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” (steady at #4) – is a collective +1.6 in four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). This (5.6) is the highest 6+-showing for KGON since June 2017 (5.6, as well). A June 2018 setback of three-tenths by KKCW is followed by a gain of one-half share as “K-103” climbs from third to second. The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was #1 in December 2017 (13.0, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (16.9, 6+); and tied for first (with KOPB) in April 2018 (8.5, 6+). Neither of the market’s two CHRs is in the top ten: Alpha Media-owned KBFF “Live 95.5” falters by six-tenths (4.3 – 3.7, #8 to #12, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” has its third decrease in a row for a combined loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3, flat at #15, 6+). There is virtually zero movement from June between Portland’s two country outlets as Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf, Great Country for the Great Northwest” repeats June’s 4.6 (6+) but slips from sixth to seventh, while Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” which was stuck on 3.3 (6+) in March and April and then on 4.0 (6+) in May and June, drops one-tenth to 3.9 (#10 to #11). “The Wolf” was up eight-tenths in June with 4.6 its finest 6+-showing since September 2017 (4.6, as well). Without an increase in three successive sweeps for a -1.6 (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), “The Bull” wiped out nearly half that deficit in May with a +.7. Up or flat for the fifth straight time for an overall +.7 (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media rhythmic CHR KWEE “WE-96.3” – Portland’s Real Hip-Hop Station advances from #20 to #17, 1.7 shares (6+) behind iHeartMedia’s KXJM “JAM’N 107.5 Portland’s #1 For Hip-Hop” which is flat in both 6+-share (3.6) and 6+-market rank (#14). KWEE has its highest 6+-share (1.9) since November 2017’s 2.0.

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – After registering a one-half share increase in June, University Radio Foundation news talk WFAE forfeits 80% of it in July (4.1 – 3.7 -.4, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). WFAE’s very consistent January 2018 – May 2018 topline trending was 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6 (6+). “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). Flat at #17, Entercom news/talk WBT is trending 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.7 (May – June – July, 6+). When WBT gained two-tenths in June, it curtailed three straight losses that accounted for a -1.7 (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). Immediately prior to that particular streak, WBT was a collective +1.2 in three increases in succession  (3.1 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” (unchanged at #19) is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep for a total loss of -1.1 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7 – .6, 6+); “The Fan” bounced back from February’s -.7 with a one-half share gain in March.

Charlotte Music Formats – It has been quite the May, June, and July whirlwind for WBAV. A quick review shows that “V-101.9” hauled out an impressive +1.4 in May to advance from second to first; it then eroded by -1.2 in June to slip from first to second; but the Beasley Media Group urban AC erases that -1.2 in its entirety in July with a July +1.2 and returns to #1 (6.5 – 7.9 – 6.7 – 7.9, 6+). Despite being bumped from the top spot and segueing to #2, co-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” has its best 6+-performance (flat at 6.9) since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.0. Its format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” a combined -1.0 in May and June (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+), is up two-tenths in July (6.2, fourth, 6+). “The Kat” was +1.9 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 in March; and -.6 (May). Prior to January 2018, the last time WKKT was #1 was August 2017 – WSOC was #1 the previous month (July 2017). On the topic of Charlotte number ones, not since September 2017/October/November has the same station in this North Carolina metro repeated at #1; iHeartMedia classic rocker WRFX “The Fox” accomplished the feat back then. In the meantime, it has been a revolving door for the top spot which has been held (in chronological order) by iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO (December 2017); Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC (“Holiday” 2017); iHeartMedia country WKKT (January 2018); Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV (February); WRFX (March); WKKT (April); WBAV (May); WSOC (June); and WBAV (July). Not only does an increase of six-tenths to 4.3 (6+) by Radio One’s WOSF apply the brakes to three straight downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+), “105.5 Old School + R&B” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Three upticks in a row by iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” (steady at #6) have produced a +1.1 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+). After three decreases in a row for a -1.1 (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned WEND “106.5 The End – Charlotte’s Alternative Rock” notches a one-tenth gain to 3.3 (#14 to #13, 6+). When Radio One gospel WPZS recorded a +.1 in June, it stalled four straight decreases that resulted in a collective -1.6 (4.8 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), but “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” falters by one-half share in July (3.3 – 2.8, 6+) and slips from #13 to #16. Although it remains in eighth-place, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” registers its fourth positive spike in a row for an overall gain of one-half share (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+) and has its best 6+-share since January (4.5, as well). Ironically, Radio One’s similarly-programmed WQNC “92.7 The Block” (#16 to #15) is without a loss over that same March 2018 – July 2018 stretch and it nets a +.5 as well (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+); 2.9 in July 2018 is the strongest 6+-stat for “The Block” in exactly one year (3.4, July 2017).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss the past three survey periods for a +.5 (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX falters by seven-tenths in July to 2.6 (#14 to #17). Immediately before April’s +1, KSTX was a combined -1.9 through three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). With a +1.0 to 4.7 in “Holiday” 2017, KSTX crossed the four-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. As the result of a -.5 (4.0 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” departs the top ten (#10 to #12) and has its softest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 2.8. A January +1.6 took WOAI to its best 6+-showing since May 2017 (4.4, as well). Without a loss for five reports in a row for a collective +.6 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” (#21 to #22) is now a collective -.5 in June and July (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+). Flat at #30, iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is off by one-tenth in each of the last three ratings periods (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – An increase of nine-tenths takes Alpha Media adult hits KZJK “102.7 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” to 4.9, its strongest 6+-performance in nearly two years (5.1, August 2016). Following three downtrends in succession that produced a net loss of nine-tenths, (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 Today’s Best Music” recuperates seven-tenths to 4.9 (6+), zooming from a three-way tie at #7 to #4. Classic hits-oldies sibling KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” notches a June 2018 – July 2018 gain of seven-tenths as well (7.0 – 7.7, 6+) and is #1 for the seventh successive sweep. Its +.4 in June stalled three consecutive downward moves for an overall -.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). KONO-FM spent ten straight months at #1 before shifting to #2 in December 2017 and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. Recent (6+) fluctuations for “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” include +.7 (October 2017); -.9 (December); -.9 “Holiday” 2017; +1.8 (January 2018); +.5 (February); and +.7 (July). Still in that Cox Media Group cluster, a  one-half share increase (1.5 – 2.0, #22 to #20, 6+) enables classic country KKYX “Country Legends” to reach the two-share level (6+) for the first time since April 2016 (2.1). A combined +.5 in April and May, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (fourth to seventh) is now -1.4 in June and July (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.7, 6+). Following four upticks in succession that netted +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KXXM “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” (sixth to tenth) is an overall -1.3 in three straight decreases (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7, April – May – June – July, 6+). In June, the combination of iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” regressing by four-tenths (6.1 – 5.7, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” adding four-tenths (5.3 – 5.7, 6+) resulted in the two country rivals being locked together in the runner-up slot. The tie is broken in July though as “Y-100” adds two-tenths to 5.9 (its best 6+-stat since October 2017’s 6.0), while “KJ-97” sputters by two-tenths to 5.5 (6+). When “Y-100” slipped one-tenth in May, it halted four straight up or flat trends for an overall +1.3 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+). The overall +2.7 that KAJA racked up in January and February (4.1 – 5.2 – 6.8, 6+) was cut virtually in half in March and April with a collective -1.3; however, “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Prior to January, “KJ-97” was -.9 in four successive down or flat sweeps (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Shifting from a three-way tie at #7 to #8, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q101.9” notches a 4.2 (6+) for the fourth month in a row.

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight May-June-July declines (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk KDKA-FM is -2.0, completely erasing April’s +2.0 (5.8 – 7.8, 6+) as “93.7 The Fan” slides from fifth to sixth. April’s 7.8 is the strongest 6+-showing for the Pittsburgh Pirates flagship since October 2015 when it scored a 10.1. “The Fan” was a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 but then -.9 in February. Co-owned news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” returns the two-tenths it earned in June (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+) but remains at #9. June’s +.2 pulled the plug on four sweeps in a row without an increase that produced a -1.1 (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+). Similarly, a +1.3 in January halted four down or flat trends in succession that eventuated in a loss of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). After being up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA drops six-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and continues at #13. Before faltering by one-half share in April, “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” was an overall +.8 as a result of three consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). January’s +.6 halted three successive downward trends that resulted in a -1.1 (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+). This is the eighth straight time that iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG has chalked up a .2 (#17, 6+). Immediately preceding this current streak, “970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” logged a .1 (6+) six consecutive times.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – A gain of six-tenths (5.6 – 6.2, 6+) elevates Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” from sixth to fifth. Four straight down or flat trends by Steel City Media adult hits WRRK accounted for an overall loss of nine-tenths (7.9 – 7.8 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+), but “96.9 Bob FM” adds one-tenth in July to 7.1 (6+) and is steady at #3. As the result of five straight up or flat trends since February (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7   – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is a collective +1.4 and continues at #11. It trails Entercom’s WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (4.9 – 4.7, -.2, seventh to eighth, 6+) by one full share. The two format rivals each enjoyed one-half share gains in June, with “Y-108 having its best 6+-stat (4.9) since November 2017’s 5.0; July’s 3.7 by “Big 104.7” is its strongest 6+ AQH share since August 2017 (3.7, as well). In addition to WPGB, Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” posts a one-half share June 2018 – July 2018 improvement (3.2 – 3.7, 6+) and is unchanged at #11. Meanwhile, the topline January 2018 – July 2018 trending for Entercom’s similarly-formatted WBZZ “Star 100.7” (eighth to seventh) is 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 (6+). Notwithstanding that it erodes by one full-share to 9.4 – its lowest 6+-stat since January (9.4, as well) –  iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” is #1 for the 17^th consecutive time. A combined +.9 in March and April (10.3 – 11.1 – 11.2, 6+), “3WS” forfeited -1.3 in May and lost seven full-shares in January (16.4 – 9.4, 6+). Rock sibling WDVE (8.7 – 8.5, -.2, 6+) is in the runner-up slot for the seventh successive sweep. WDVE was +1.6 (October 2017); -1.0 (November); -.8 (“Holiday 2017”); +.8 (January 2018); -.9 (February); and -.5 in March. October’s 10.2 marked the first time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) since March 2017 (10.4). Remaining at #4, co-owned mainstream CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective -1.0 in June and July (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.3, 6+) with July’s 6.3 its weakest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2015 (6.0). After having their March 2018 – June 2018 information displayed, five stations disappear from print in July 2018: classic hits-oldies WKPL and WPKL; and country-formatted WLYI, WOGG, and WOGI.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Up a collective seven-tenths in May and June (4.3 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+), KXJZ surrenders one-half share in July to 4.5 (fourth to sixth, 6+). The Capital Public Radio news/talk facility posted a one-half share gain in January but was a combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.3 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is down or flat for the sixth straight sweep for an overall -2.6 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBK finishes second for the fourth time in a row. “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” was third in December 2017; second in “Holiday” 2017; up to first in January 2018; back to second in February; up again to first in March (tied with KSEG); and back to second in April, May, June, and July. KFBK was down or flat in October – November – December for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). It logged a +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and followed with a +.2 in January 2018 to 8.6 – its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 8.7. The February 2018 – July 2018 topline trending for co-owned KSTE (#14 to #16) is: 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 (6+). “Talk 650” was +.6 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2017; and +.6 in January to 2.7, its highest 6+-share since June 2017’s 2.8. Down or flat the past seven sweeps for a -1.7 (2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9, 6+), Entercom’s KHTK “Sports 1140” gains four-tenths to 1.3 and returns to the top twenty (#25 to #20), while co-owned KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is a combined -.5 in June and July (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+), remaining at #22.

Sacramento Music Formats – Within 4.1 – 4.4 range (6+) between January and June (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” breaks out a +.8 in July to 5.1, its highest 6+-share since August 2017 (5.4), to climb from sixth to fourth. “New Country” was an overall +.9 in three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), before surrendering two-tenths in April. An even greater June 2018 – July 2018 increase by a Sacramento country outlet is turned in by iHeartMedia’s WBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” which adds a +1.0 to June’s +.3 (2.1 – 2.4 – 3.4, #14 to #12, 6+). Immediately prior to being off four-tenths in May, “The Bull” was up or flat the previous four reports for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+). The market’s other country player – Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” – lost one-tenth in May; regained it in June; but is down four-tenths in July to 2.1 (6+) and drifts from #13 to #17. As a result of three successive “Holiday” 2017 – March 2018 increases, “The Wolf” gained seven-tenths (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), but was -.5 in April. In addition to jumping from eighth to fifth, iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV records a +.7 to 4.8, the highest 6+-stat for “93.7 The River” in exactly one year (4.8, as well, in July 2017). On the heels of posting a +.9 in June, Entercom-owned/similarly-programmed KSEG returns all of it with a -.9 in July (9.0 – 9.9 – 9.0, 6+). Even so, “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” (which was +1.0 in May) is #1 for the sixth time in a row. June 2018’s 9.9 is its strongest 6+-showing in two years (10.3, July 2016). A January gain of +2.0 by “The Eagle” essentially erased a combined -2.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; KSEG was an overall -1.6 in September and October (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.1, 6+). A loss of six-tenths takes Capital Public Radio classical KXPR (#20 to #22) to 1.1 (6+), exactly half of where it was in April (2.2, 6+). Not only does a -.6 by Entravision regional Mexican KRCX knock “La Tricolor 99.9” out of the top twenty (1.2, #19 – #21, 6+), it halts four straight increases that netted one-half share (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+). Declining by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (4.2 – 3.6, seventh to tenth, 6+). At the same time, Entercom hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” (eighth to tenth, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (2.2 – 1.7, #17 to #18, 6+) are off by one-half share each. In the case of KZZO, “Now” is -1.0 in three straight decreases (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). After 14 ratings periods in succession of recording a 6+-share between 4.0 – 4.9 (6+), Entercom’s KRXQ sputters by three-tenths to 3.8 (6+) but stays at #8. In May, “98 Rock” returned the six-tenths it gained the previous sweep.

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – In April, Bonneville’s KSL posted an 8.1 (6+), but since then, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” is -3.5 in three consecutive declines (8.1 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Immediately prior to the May sweep, KSL (#1 in April) was +3.0 as a result of four consecutive increases (5.1 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 8.1, 6+) and a combined -3.2 just before that in three straight negative moves (8.3 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). There is no (6+) month-to-month AQH share change (4.0) or 6+ market rank (#9) for iHeartMedia’s KNRS. A +.3 in May ended three successive down or flat moves that accounted for a -.2 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+). “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” was +.8 in November; a combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017; and +.7 in January. An overall -1.3 from three successive sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER (#15 to #11) follows with three straight positive spikes netting a combined seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+). Remaining at #20, Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is up a collective one-half share in four consecutive positive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Over and above posting its third uptick in a row for a collective +1.1 (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “MY-99.5” enters the top ten (#12 to #9) and matches February’s 4.0 (6+). Noteworthy ups and downs continue for Capitol Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music,” which was -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +.6 (May); -.9 in June; and now +.4 in July (4.8 – 5.2, seventh to sixth, 6+). Classic hits-oldies enjoys a high-profile in the July 2018 report as KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits,” which is down by one-tenth in June and July (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+) repeats at #1, while Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” gains three-tenths to 6.0 (6+), jumping from fourth to second. Prior to June’s -.1, KODJ nearly doubled (+3.4) its 6+ AQH share through five successive up or flat trends (3.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.9, 6+). May 2018 marked the first time KODJ reached the six-share level (6+) since its 6.6 in June 2016. KRSP’s April – May – June trending was 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.7 (6+). This is the third positive spike in succession for Cumulus Media country outlet KUBL “K-Bull 93 FM” (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), which is +1.1 in that stretch and progresses from fifth to third. Conversely, format rival – independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” – is off a combined -1.2 in June and July (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). With a positive spike of six-tenths to 1.6, its best 6+-stat since January’s 1.7, Broadway Media adult hits KYMV “Rewind 100.7” checks in at #23. It is a mixed bag in July for the market’s CHRs. On the positive side, KYMV cluster-mate, KUDD “Mix 105.1 All The Hits,” picks up three-tenths (2.5 – 2.8, 6+) to climb from #18 to #17 and Cumulus Media’s KENZ “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” (#17 to #13) posts its third increase in a row for a +.9 (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+). The combined +.7 generated by “Mix” and “Power,” however, isn’t enough to offset the -.8 from iHeartMedia’s KZHT “97.1 ZHT Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.3 – 5.5, second to fifth, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a +.8 (1.0 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), KLO Broadcasting’s KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” returns seven-tenths to 1.1 (#24, 6+). Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KSFI is a collective -2.3 in four successive down or flat trends (8.2 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+) as “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” slips from second to third with its softest 6+-showing (5.9) since May 2016’s 5.7. Up nine-tenths in March – only to lose nine-tenths in April – “FM 100.3” had been on top for six straight ratings periods (November 2017 through March 2018). Without a loss (and mostly flat) the past three sweeps for a +.6 (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” drops from #11 to #13. This (3.3) is the best 6+-stat for “B-98.7” since September 2017’s 3.5.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though it adds two-tenths to June’s +.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR backslides from a five-way scrum at #14 to #15. Three consecutive improvements that accounted for a +1.0 (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+) were directly followed with a -.9 in April and May (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). At the same time, Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” is down or flat for the third straight month for a -.4 (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), yet actually improves from #21 to #20. The March 2018 – July 2018 topline for Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” (#25 to #24 ) is .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 (6+). Before dropping one-tenth in March, KXNT was up or flat in three successive sweeps for a +.2 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). A one-half share decrease in March concluded five straight positive or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) that doubled KDWN’s 6+-share. Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” is a combined -.3 in June and July (.8 – .6 – .5, #27 to #29, 6+), while KRLV “Fox Sports Radio Las Vegas” is down two-tenths to .3 (#29 to #30, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Roaring back from June’s one-half share loss, Entercom hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” posts a gain more than twice that size (5.6 – 6.7, +1.1, 6+) and advances from #3 to a tie at #2. Prior to June’s -.5, “Mix” was a collective +.7 in three straight up or flat trends (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+). This (6.7) is its highest 6+-showing since November 2017 (6.7, as well). KMXB is tied in the runner-up slot with Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” (5.8 – 6.7, +.9, 6+). Moving forward between July 2017 – July 2018, KKLZ has been #1 in July 2017, August, September, October, November, January 2018, February and April. Nine-tenths ahead of “Mix” and KKLZ – and in its third straight month at #1 – is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday (6.9 – 7.6, +.7, 6+). This (7.6) is the highest 6+-share for “Sunny” since “Holiday” 2017, when it logged a 12.5. In May, “Sunny” succeeded KKLZ at #1. It is a familiar pattern between the two as “Sunny” was off six-tenths in April and replaced by KKLZ at #1. The two swapped places at the top in March as well. In December, KKLZ was ousted from the penthouse by “Sunny” after five straight months there. By posting a +.6 to 3.0 (#14 to #13, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” applies the brakes to three straight declines that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Progressing from tenth to eighth, Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote #1 For New Hit Country” is +.6 via three straight up or flat trends (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share (4.0) since June 2017’s 4.7. Conversely, cross-town competitor – iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 The Bull Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” – spirals by -1.3 (5.4 – 4.1, fourth to seventh, 6+). “The Bull” isn’t the only Vegas outlet eroding by -1.3 (June 2018 – July 2018): Lotus Communications Spanish adult hits KWID does so as well (4.4 – 3.1, 6+) and, in the process, departs the top ten (#8 to #12). Entering the June sweep, “La Buena 101.9” was within three-share range 18 straight times but that streak ended when KWID gained six-tenths to 4.4, its strongest 6+-showing since 4.5 in “Holiday” 2016. As a result of dropping seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom’s KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” slips from fourth to fifth. Farmworker Educational Radio-owned regional Mexican KYLI “La Network Campesina” is off one-half share (1.6 – 1.1, #24, 6+).

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – In June and July, WLW is a whopping +2.7 (7.7 – 9.1 – 10.4, 6+) as the Cincinnati Reds flagship repeats at #1. The heritage iHeartMedia news/talker was a combined +2.0 in January and February; -1.0 in March; +1.6 in April; and -1.2 in May. July’s 10.4 is its highest 6+-share in just over two years (10.8, June 2016). Prior to January, WLW was a collective -3.3 as the result of five straight negative trends (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 6.3, 6+). It proves to a solid sweep for WLW as well as co-owned/similarly-formatted WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” (#14 to #11), which hangs out a +.8 to 3.6 (6+). The +.8 interrupts four straight monthly reports without an increase for a collective -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). WKRC’s +.3 in January ended three downward moves in a row that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). It overtakes Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #13, 6+), which was a collective +.7 in January and February. In the sports talk field, iHeartMedia-owned WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” sees its 6+-share carved nearly in half in June and July (1.4 – 1.2 – .8, #18 to #19, 6+), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports AM 1360” hasn’t had an increase in the past four months (.7 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .2, #25, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Down in each of the last three sweeps for a collective -2.2 (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” responds in July with a one-half share gain to 8.7 (6+). It repeats in the runner-up slot after having spent five straight months at #1. Its -.6 in April curtailed three consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a cumulative +2.9 (7.5 – 9.6 – 9.6 – 10.4, 6+). WGRR rebounded from a -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.1 – 8.5 – 7.5, 6+) with a January +2.1. Locked on 4.9 (6+) in May and June, Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9” (seventh to eighth) stumbles by eight-tenths in July to 4.1, its softest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.7. On the heels of June’s +.7 to 3.2 – its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.4 – WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” relinquishes one-half share to 2.7 (6+, #11 to #14). The Radio One urban AC outlet’s topline January 2018 – May 2018 trending was 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+). Following their official June debut in print, Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN “Classic Country” is off two-tenths (2.0 – 1.8, 6+) yet actually improves from #16 to #15, while co-owned similarly-programmed WNKR is flat at .8 (6+) and is part of a five-way logjam at #19. All three fluctuation options are covered by the market’s trio of country outlets: Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” gains four-tenths (7.7 – 8.1, fourth to third, 6+); Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash-FM” is off four-tenths (2.1 – 1.7, #15 to #16, 6+); and for the third straight time, Hubbard’s WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” is flat at .8 (6+) and is part of that five-way scrum at #19. In June, “B-105.1” was -.9, which halted five consecutive upticks that netted +2.8 (5.8 – 6.3 – 7.8 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 8.6, 6+); WUBE was -1.4 in December.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Tied at #10 are iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” (4.0 – 3.7 -.3, flat at #10, 6+) and Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” (3.7, +.4, #13 to #10, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-showing for “Real Radio” since “Holiday” 2017’s 2.2. A combined +3.0 in January and February (2.2 – 3.9 – 5.2, 6+), WTKS dropped three-tenths in March and was +.6 in April. January’s +1.7 ended three straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -.7 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). Before gaining four-tenths in July, WDBO-FM was -1.4 in five straight sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). Entering the January sweep (in which it notched a +1.3), “News 96.5” was a collective -2.7 via four straight decreases (6.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). Off four-tenths from June but holding steady at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” continues a down/up pattern that it began in February: 3.7 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.4 (6+). WMFE was off one full-share in February and March (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+). Frozen on 1.5 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF slips from #16 to #17. Just prior to gaining seven-tenths in January, WFLF was without an increase in five straight ratings periods for a -.7 (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” is a collective +.3 via five successive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+) and continues at #19, while Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” is off two-tenths (1.0 – .8, #19 to #21, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Making one-half share improvements from June 2018 are Cox Media Group urban AC and rhythmic CHR siblings WCFB “Star 94.5” (6.0, seventh to fifth, 6+) and WPYO “Power 95.3” (steady at #9, 6+). “Star” applies the brakes to three straight setbacks that accounted for a -.9 (6.4 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+), while “Power” is +1.2 in four successive sweeps without a loss (3.6 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+). Owing to five up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+), country cluster-mate WWKA “K-92.3” is +1.6, but backslides from sixth to seventh. Over and above posting a positive spike in six of the last seven sweeps for a collective +2.7 (8.9 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 11.2 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRUM “Rumba 100” sets the pace for the seventh consecutive report. Prior to the May sweep, WRUM was +1.8 in four upticks in succession (8.9 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+). Following 11 consecutive months at #1, WRUM dropped to the runner-up slot in December and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. Its +.4 in January 2018 ended four negative sweeps in a row that generated a collective -2.7 (11.6 – 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.3 – 8.9, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Although unchanged at #2, co-owned CHR WXXL is a collective -1.1 in June and July (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.8, 6+). Between February and May, “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” was up an overall six-tenths via three increases of two tenths each (8.3 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths in July as well is Entercom-owned WQMP “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” (3.9 – 3.3, #11 to #14, 6+), which has its lowest 6+-share (3.3) since January’s 3.2.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – In back-to-back reports (June and July), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” is off by one-tenth (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) but continues at #5. June’s -.1 interrupted three consecutive increases that netted +1.3 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+); May’s 6.6 is the best 6+-stat for the Cleveland Indians flagship since October 2017’s 8.3. A one-half share gain in January halted three straight declines for a -3.5 (8.5 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). A combined -1.8 in three straight (March through June) setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” adds one-tenth to 3.5 (6+) and remains at #12. Just prior to this streak, “The Fan” had five successive up or flat sweeps (November through March) for a +1.2 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+). For the third sweep in a row, Ideastream-owned WCPN posts a 2.6 (steady at #13, 6+). The public news/talk outlet was a combined -2.5 in February and March (5.3 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+), after a cumulative +3.2 in six straight (August 2017 – January 2018) improvements (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Three straight upticks by Entercom-owned WNCX (steady at #2) are responsible for a +2.2 (6.0 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+) as “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” has its finest 6+-performance (8.2) since June 2017’s 8.4. Immediately in advance of the May ratings period, WNCX was a cumulative -.3 as the result of three straight sweeps without an increase (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). Hot AC cluster-mate WQAL “Q-104” (steady in ninth-place) has a consistent February 2018 – July 2018 topline of 5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.3 (6+). Flat at #8, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” is an overall +1.2 in three straight improvements (4.9 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia’s WGAR “99.5 – Cleveland’s #1 for New Country.” Three straight negative January through April moves resulting in a -1.0 (7.2 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+) were largely halted by a +.8 in May. In June, “99.5 – Cleveland’s #1 for New Country” was -.6, but that deficit is fully erased and then some by a July +1.0 (6.4 – 7.4, 6+), with WGAR leaping from sixth to third. Co-owned classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is up one-tenth (8.4 – 8.5, 6+) and repeats at #1. July’s +.1 draws to a close a rather odd streak in which WMJI made nine dramatic up/down shifts in succession: +.8 (November); -.9 (December); +2.5 (Holiday” 2017); -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); and +.6 in June. When “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” reached double-digits (6+) in “Holiday” 2017, it was the first time WMJI accomplished that feat since September 2016 (10.8). November’s +.8 stopped three straight declines that resulted in a -1.3 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” (third to sixth, 6+) and CHR sibling WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.2 – 3.6, flat at #11, 6+) each falter by six-tenths. “The Lake” is actually -1.5 in five straight decreases (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3, 6+). Flat at #10, co-owned WMMS “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” is off one-half share to 4.4, its lowest 6+-share since March (4.2). Unchanged at #4, Radio One urban AC WZAK is -3.3 in four straight down or flat trends (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8 – 6.8, 6+). After three consecutive increases for an overall +1.5 (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+), WZAK faltered by one-half share in April. Having reached the top spot in December with a +.9, WZAK fell to third in “Holiday” 2017. An October loss of four-tenths ended three consecutive positive moves for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). Long absent from print – or – appearing for the first time are Radio One news/talk WERE (.4, #18, 6+); iHeartMedia urban contemporary WAKS-HD2 (.1, #20, 6+); iHeartMedia classic country WGAR-HD2 (.1, #20, 6+); and Entercom classic rock WNCX-HD2 (.1, #20, 6+);

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – After registering six successive September through February increases for a +1.9 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM follows with five straight February through July decreases for a -1.7 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+) as “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Having surrendered eight-tenths in June, co-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” returns with a +.1 to 3.0 (#14 to #13, 6+). More than doubling its 6+-share with a combined +1.9 in April and May (1.8 – 3.1 3.7, 6+), the Kansas City Royals flagship erased February’s -.4 with a +.4 in March. It is tied at #13 with University of Missouri news/talk KCUR (2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #15 to #13, 6+). Prior to May, KCUR was up nine-tenths as a result of six straight November through April up or flat trends (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). An overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB reduces that deficit by 20% with a combined +.4 in June and July (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4, #18 to #17, 6+). “Sports Radio 810” was an overall +1.4 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018; -.9 in February; and +.9 in March. One-tenth behind WHB is Entercom’s KMBZ-AM, which gains two-tenths to 2.3, yet backslides from #18 to #19. “Talk 980” was locked on 2.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) in June. In a repetitive .7 – .6 – .7 – .6 (6+) sequence, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM continues at #23. Three February through May decreases in a row accounted for a -.5 (1.1 – 1.0 – .7 -.6, 6+), but “Talk Radio 710” picks up one-tenth to .7 (6+) and remains at #23.

Kansas City Music Formats – When Steel City Media’s KFKF logged a one-half share increase in May, it erased the -.5 it recorded through three decreases in a row (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). Now, in July, “Country 94.1” improves by six-tenths (5.9 – 6.5, 6+) to progress from fifth to fourth. It is seven-tenths ahead of co-owned KBEQ, which hadn’t been without a loss in each sweep since December 2017 for an overall +2.0 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). In July, however, “Q-104 New Hit Country” drops one-tenth to 5.8 (6+) and is flat at #5. Unchanged in eighth-place, the market’s other country FM – Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” – is down (slightly) or flat for the third time in a row for a -.3 (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Steady at 7.2 (6+), Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” repeats at #1. Prior to June, “The Fox” – was last on top in February. It was -1.6 via through three February through May decreases in succession (8.6 – 8.0 – 7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Just one-tenth behind “The Fox” is Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary WPRS “Hot 103” (third to second), which is +1.9 in three straight positive spikes (5.2 – 5.9 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). “Hot” was off nine-tenths as the result of three January through April downward trends in a row (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+). In six consecutive Holiday 2017 – June 2018 monthlies without a loss, Entercom-owned KQRC was a combined +1.7 (4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+), but “98.9 The Rock” relinquishes seven-tenths to 5.5 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths to 4.9, its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.3, Steel City CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3 Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” nonetheless remains at #7. On top in March, April, and May, Cumulus Media’s classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is now a combined -1.3 in four successive March through July dips (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8, 6+) and falls from second to third. KCMO-FM faltered by six-tenths in February (8.4 – 7.8, 6+), but regained half that loss (+.3) in March. Owing to a -2.0 in January, “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” curtailed four straight positive spikes that netted +2.7 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – The March 2018 – July 2018 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN (unchanged at #6) is a very steady 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.6 (6+).“News Radio 610” was -.7 in March; -1.0 in February; +1.5 in January; and -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to January 2018, the last time WTVN reached the seven-share level (6+) was February 2016 (7.3). A December decrease of three-tenths halted three straight uptrends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is flat from June in both 6+ AQH share (3.9) and 6+ rank (seventh). Up seven-tenths via three consecutive “Holiday” 2017 – March sweeps without a loss (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), it dropped six-tenths in April; rebounded in May with a +.5; and surrendered three-tenths in June. WOSU’s 4.3 in March was the station’s best 6+-showing since 4.7 in August 2017. Following four reports in a row without an increase for a -.2 (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX was +.3 in April and May, but “105.7 The Zone” drops a collective -.5 in June and July for a 50% reduction of its 6+-share (1.0 – .9 – .5, flat at #15, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Apparently, there is simply no stopping iHeartMedia’s WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country,” which not only finishes at #1 for the seventh consecutive sweep but registers its fourth increase in a row for an overall (staggering) +4.0 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7 – 16.3, 6+). In double-digits (6+) each sweep since June 2017, WCOL perhaps boasts the largest 6+-stat (16.3) in PPM-history in a sweep that did not include all-Christmas music. Accustomed to major fluctuations, “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was +2.2 (January 2017); -1.2 (February); -1.3 (May); +1.4 (June); +2.1 (July); +.7 (October); -.5 (December); +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 in March; +1.0 in April; +1.2 in June; and now +.6 in July. After spending six months on top, WCOL shifted to second in “Holiday” 2017 but regained the lead in January 2018. Wiping away June’s one-half share decrease with a July +.6 (3.2 – 3.8, 6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” continues in eighth-place. A collective +.5 in three straight April through July up or flat trends (5.8 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+) Saga Communications’ adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” advances from fourth to third. Meanwhile, inching up from tenth to ninth, co-owned hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9 The Adult Hit Music Station” is a cumulative +.8 in a down/up pattern that commenced in December 2017: 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 3.3 (6+). Having logged an overall +.6 in four straight February through June sweeps without a loss (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+), “Mix” cluster-mate WLVQ “FM 96 Iconic Rock” returns eight-tenths to 6.2 (third to fourth, 6+). Surrendering roughly half of June’s +1.3 (10.0, -.7, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WNCI ends at three its successive string of up or flat March through June monthlies that yielded a +1.7 (9.0 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 10.7, 6+), but “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” occupies the runner-up slot for the seventh time in a row. June’s 10.7 is the strongest 6+-stat for WNCI – which was a combined +1.5 in January and February (8.0 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+) – since October 2017 (10.7, as well). Steady at #5, adult hits sibling WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” is up eight-tenths via three successive April through July upticks (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9, 6+).

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

New Programming Lineup at ‘The Team 980’ in Washington; ‘Cooley and Kevin’ Exit AM Show. There’s a new weekday program schedule for sports talker WTEM, Washington “The Team 980” as Radio One assumes control of the station it is acquiring from Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra.  The morning team of Chris Cooley and Kevin Sheehan is out and Al Galdi takes over the 6:00 am to 10:00 am daypart. The  Washington Post reports that midday personality Bram Weinstein, as well as “Inside the Locker Room” hosts Scott Jackson and Rick “Doc” Walker are also off the schedule as Fred Smoot is now host of the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, followed by Brian Mitchell and Scott Linn from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Steve Czaban holding down the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm program.  The paper says program director Chris Johnson reports the station is “still in the process of finalizing our lineup.”  Both Walker and Cooley will continue to work the Washington Redskins game day broadcasts on the station this season.

Lar Larson Celebrates 15 Years in National Syndication.  KXL, Portland-based Lars Larson is celebrating his 15^th year in national syndication tomorrow (8/15). Larson tells TALKERS magazine, “Wednesday, August 15, 2018 marks 15 years since the national syndication of the Lars Larson show. That’s the day I took over what had been the Laura Ingraham show on Westwood One.  When Westwood dropped the show after six years of syndication, Peter Kosann (who left his position as CEO of Westwood two years earlier) was there to rescue me with his brand-spanking-new Compass Media Networks.  Since then, Peter and his team have grown our affiliates and advertisers to make the Lars Larson show more successful than ever.  I’ve done the show live from NYC, DC & Jerusalem among others, as well as the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and literally dozens of towns – big and small – across the country.  Last November, the show was broadcast live from the East Room of the White House with President Donald J. Trump as the star guest.  Compass has agreed to carry my show through at least 2023, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ll keep talking for my friend Peter Kosann till he pulls the mic from my cold, dead hands.  Meanwhile, my show on the Radio Northwest Network marks 18 years in regional syndication throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho on 24 stations, including its flagship, ‘FM News 101’ KXL.”

Mark Sturcken to Lead Sales for iHeartMedia West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce Stations. Radio sales pro Mark Sturcken is named SVP of sales for iHeartMedia’s West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce stations, including news/talk outlets WJNO-AM, West Palm Beach and WZTA-AM, Fort Pierce/Vero Beach, plus sports talk WBZT-AM, West Palm Beach.  Sturcken was most recently director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas cluster.  iHM West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce market president Mark McCauley says, “Mark brings more than 20 years of radio sales and management experience to us and we’re excited to welcome him back to iHeartMedia.  Mark is a highly regarded leader in our industry and we look forward to having him lead our sales operation in West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.”

TALKERS News Notes.  According to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Maria Sciullo, Steel City reporter Marty Griffin is leaving CBS Corp.’s KDKA-TV where he was featured in the “Get Marty” consumer assistance segment.  Griffin also hosts the late-morning “Inside Story with Marty Griffin” show on Entercom’s KDKA-AM and is continuing in that role. The television station says Griffin left at the end of July to pursue new opportunities…..Westwood One – in collaboration with Cult Favorite Media – is launching a new podcast titled, “Run Like a Girl,” hosted by voiceover artist and screenwriter Tracy Fraim.  The show will introduce listeners to different female candidates from across the country who are running the political race of their lives.  In addition, now through election day, the podcast goes inside the Gretchen Whitmer campaign for exclusive access to one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the country – Michigan.  Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “The time is now for these exceptional women.  They’re courageous and tenacious, and we are proud to shine our spotlight on their personal stories and support them with a massive radio, social, and influencer marketing campaign.”…..Salem Media Group is acquiring Hilary Kramer’s investment newsletters GameChangers, High Octane Trader, Value Authority and Inner Circle as well as the websites HilaryKramer.com and KramerCapitalResearch.com.  In a press release, Salem says that “adding Hilary Kramer to Eagle Financial Publications’ portfolio of investment newsletters and trading services adds more depth to an already powerful mix of products.”…..Radio pro Bo Woods is partnering with Pastor Ron Merrell to launch a new, daily, 20-minute podcast called the “Ronnie and Bo” show.  Woods says, “Our basic premise is to entertain each other, relating life experiences and observations.  I believe that if we’re having fun, then the listener is too.”  Woods is the son of National Radio Hall of Fame air personality, Jack Woods.  “My father was half of a radio morning team show.  I followed in his footsteps when I got into radio, but it wasn’t until I started working with Ronnie that I knew exactly what he did.” Woods has served with Dial Global satellite; KRTH, Los Angeles “K-EARTH 101”; KLUV-FM, Dallas; and WWDE-FM, Norfolk.

Omarosa Book/Recording Case, Trump-Russia Investigation/Strzok Fired by FBI, DC White Nationalist Rally, Paul Manafort Trial, Tuesday Primary Elections, Turkey’s Lira Crisis, Aretha Franklin Ill, NFL Pre-season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/13).  The secret White House recording made by Omarosa Manigault Newman and the release of her book; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents and the related firing of FBI agent Peter Strzok; Sunday’s white nationalist rally in Washington, DC; the trial of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort; today’s primary elections in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and Connecticut; the financial crisis affecting Turkey’s lira and fears of global repercussions; reports of singer Aretha Franklin’s declining health; NFL pre-season activity; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Steve McKay moves from Cumulus Media’s Wilmington, North Carolina cluster to the company’s Columbia, South Carolina station group to serve as program director for adult contemporary WTCB “B106.7” and classic hits WOMG.  Cumulus Columbia VP and market manager Rick Prusator says, “Steve McKay’s experience in our formats on WTCB and WOMG has delivered top ratings and revenues for the radio stations he has guided and his addition to our already great team in Columbia will bring immediate results.  Steve’s commitment to creating greater listener experiences and coaching his team to help them be their best is why I think he is the perfect leader to guide our team at this time.”…..Radio One Washington announces the return of DJ Quicksilva as the host of the all new afternoon drive “Quicksilva Show” on WERQ, Baltimore “92Q” and WKYS, Washington.  The show launched on WERQ on Monday (8/6) and will debut on WKYS on August 20. Quicksilva says, “I’m really excited to be back on the air doing what I love to do which is inspire and motivate all while making a party on your radio daily.  The Quicksilva show’s mission is to use my platform and voice to help others #InRealLife.”…..Hubbard Radio’s country WIL, St. Louis says that “because St. Louis is known as ‘the best baseball city’ in America,” it was “proud to present Dan & Shay with genuine, customized St. Louis Cardinals baseball jerseys before their recent show in St. Louis.”  Pictured below are (from l-r): Dan Smyers, WIL personality Kelly from Arnold, Shay Mooney, and WIL assistant program director/music director Danny Montana.

Nielsen’s Summer Format for 2018 Trending Towards Classic Hits.  In years past, classic rock and classic hits have been the formats to watch in Nielsen’s summer format of the year.  That’s calculated in PPM markets across the country comparing the format’s January-May 6+ AQH with the 6+ AQH for June-August.  The format with the most improvement takes the honor.  With August to go, classic hits is up 0.2 share over its January-May total.  Nielsen is also watching the trends in listening for Millennials (Persons 18-34).  The chart below shows AQH share among Millennials for July surveys from 2011 through 2017.  CHR continues to see erosion as its July 2018 AHQ share was 10.3.

Takeaways from July PPM – Round Two. Below are managing editor Mike Kinosian’s Twelve Takeaways from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM ratings survey.  This second report includes the 12 markets of Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Each month this calendar year (January 2018 – June 2018), Hubbard all-news WTOP and American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” finished first and second, respectively. There is a modification in July, however, as WTOP (9.5 – 9.3, -.2, 6+) remains at #1 for the seventh straight time, but WAMU (8.3 – 7.6, -.7, 6+) segues to third. WTOP rebounded from April’s -.8 with a +.1 in May (10.4 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Following four consecutive months at #1, WTOP shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, it reclaimed the top spot with its best 6+-stat since March 2011’s 10.6. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), WAMU gained back 85% of that loss in January with a +1.7 and was -1.1 in March. It exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. Down one-half share to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” interrupts three upticks in succession that netted a +1.3 (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+). Before notching a +.6 in January, the Washington Nationals flagship was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). On the flipside, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which was a combined -1.5 via three consecutive downward moves (5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+), adds two-tenths in July to 3.7 (#13 to #11, 6+). In March, WMAL reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the PPM-era (5.0). It was without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+) before dialing up a +1.1 in January. Since appearing in print in May 2017, Entercom business news WDCH (#23 to #24) is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 and is without an increase for the third month in a row.

Washington, DC Music Formats – Once again, urban AC rivals WMMJ and WHUR take center stage and combine to elevate the format by a +1.3. The majority of that increase is supplied by Radio One-owned WMMJ, which continues on an historic roll with its sixth straight up or flat report for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+). Moreover, “Majic” (third to second) registers the highest 6+-stat (7.9) in its PPM history, breaking the “old” record set this time last month. Meanwhile, after four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4  (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Howard University’s WHUR (steady at #4) is a combined +1.1 in June and July (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.8), with July’s 6.8 its best 6+-showing since January’s 7.1. In April, “Majic” pulled ahead of WHUR for the first time since November 2015, which was when the two rivals were tied at 4.7 (6+). In each sweep since then, WHUR had been on top until WMMJ picked up two-tenths to 5.8, while WHUR faltered by four-tenths to 5.7. The February 2018 – June 2018 6+ topline for WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety” was a steady 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, but the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet sputters in July by -1.0 to 3.8, drifting from fifth to ninth. This (3.8) marks the first time in the PPM-era that WASH has been below a four-share (6+). Despite being without an increase for the third sweep in succession for a -.4 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), co-owned WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” climbs from sixth to fifth. With a July gain of three-tenths to 3.9 (#6+), Radio One urban contemporary WKYS wipes out the -.2 it logged in five straight down or flat surveys (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). Its similarly-formatted Baltimore sibling – WERQ “92-Q” – surfaces in the Washington, DC report with a .7 (6+), debuting at #20. Following three modest upticks in succession for an overall gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” surrenders four-tenths to 3.1 (#13 to #14, 6+). Its format foe – Cumulus Media’s WRQX – picks up one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, 6+) and inches up from seventh to sixth. “Mix 107.3” was an overall +1.7 in six consecutive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), before recording a -.4 in June. Three consecutive minor decreases totaling four-tenths (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+) are enough to force Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Within 2.4 – 2.9 range (6+) for the eighth successive sweep (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” drops from #15 to #17.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-tenth in back-to-back monthlies (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WEEI-FM (ninth to eighth) overtakes Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (eighth to tenth), which is a combined -1.9 in June and July (5.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three decreases in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). It roared back from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) with a +1.0 in April. WBZ-FM was -1.5 in February. Adding four-tenths to June’s +.1 (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM progresses from fifth to fourth. After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), “News Radio 1030” was -.9 in April; 6.4 in March is its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 6.6. Owing to a two-tenths improvement to 2.5 (#15 to #13, 6+), news/talk sibling WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” applies the brakes to three downward moves in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). The market’s two public news/talkers are off by a combined seven-tenths. Specifically, Boston University’s WBUR (fourth to fifth) is down three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, 6+), while WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH (#11 to #12) forfeits four-tenths and is a combined -1.6 in three decreases in a row (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+). In June, WBUR surrendered half of May’s +.6 with a loss of three-tenths. It was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. WGBH was off two-tenths in both February and March and – as was the case with WBUR – improved by seven-tenths in January.

Boston Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM up or flat for the third straight time for an overall gain of seven-tenths (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+), “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” sets the pace for the seventh straight ratings period. “Kiss” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+) and was off by one-half share in April. It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. Meanwhile, the “Holiday” 2017 – July 2018 topline trending for its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” (#15 to #16, 6+) is 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2. Repeating in the runner-up slot is Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits,” which is up an overall six-tenths via three modest upticks in succession (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+). Notching its third straight increase as well is rhythmic hot AC sibling WBQT “Hot 96.9” (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.1, tenth to ninth, 6+), which has its highest 6+-share (4.1) since January 2017’s 4.4. This is the fourth month in a row without a loss for Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” (flat at #11), which is up two-tenths in that stretch (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). It’s a remarkably similar story for Beasley Media Group alternative WBOS “Alt 92.9 – Boston’s Alternative,” which is up two-tenths in four straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, unchanged at #18, 6+). A combined +.8 in April and May (2.2 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” is now a collective -.9 in June and July (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+). Having been up an overall seven-tenths in May and June (4.7- 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” returns six-tenths to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” surrenders all but one-tenth of the six-tenths it gained in June (2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #13 to #15, 6+) and is within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 13^th successive sweep. Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River” is off four-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), while Entercom’s WAAF “The Only Station That Really Rocks” is -.8 in three consecutive decreases (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+); WXRV and WAAF remain at #19 and #20, respectively. Operating out of Providence, Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (#23) nearly doubles its 6+ Boston stat in seven successive up or flat trends (.7 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Beasley Media Group-owned WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” (flat at #7) is off two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 for New Hit Country” (#17 to #13) gains four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5, 6+). Following three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of -1.0 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), WKLB bounced back with a +.7 in June. Entering the July sweep, “The Bull” posted four straight month-to-month fluctuations of one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Linked together in June at #20, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is flat at 2.0 (6+) and stays at #20, while Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN drops two-tenths (2.0 – 18, 6+) and falls to #21. A one-half share loss in May by WIOD halted seven straight positive or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). In advance of a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). In the sports talk arena, Entercom’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” regains the one-tenth it lost in June (.9 – .8 – .9, flat at #25, 6+), while cluster-mate WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.9 – .8 – .7, #25 to #27, 6+). When “The Ticket” posted a .8 (6+) in June, it curtailed five consecutive .9 postings (6+); WQAM’s May gain of two-tenths stalled five sweeps in succession without an increase for a collective -.8 (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Following modest back-to-back gains of one-tenth and two-tenths (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” explodes with a whopping +1.6 to 6.9 (6+) and marches from fifth to first, where it catches Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1.” WFEZ  advanced from second to first in June. Following three straight months without a decrease for an overall gain of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), “Easy” sputters by six-tenths in July to 6.9 (6+). Prior to April, “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. In addition to the July -.6 by “Easy,” the market’s adult contemporary 6+-share softens by another three-tenths as Entercom’s WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (fourth to fifth) is down by that margin and is actually a collective -1.2 in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). This (5.5) is the lowest 6+-share for “Lite” in exactly one year (5.2, July 2017). Just one-tenth behind co-leaders WFEZ and WAMR is Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot,” which is off three-tenths (7.1 – 6.8, 6+), sliding from second to third. As the result of four straight (slight) upticks (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+) iHeartMedia urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” (#16 to #14) is up one-half share, while Cox Media Group’s like-formatted WEDR “99 Jamz” (eighth to sixth) is flat in that same March 2018 – July 2018 timeframe, trending 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 (6+). Down a combined eight-tenths in June and July (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMIA “93.9 MIA – Variety From The ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” slips from #15 to #18. Three-tenths of a share separates Miami’s two mainstream CHRs: Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is off one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, 6+) yet advances from #11 to #10, while iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains two-tenths (3.1 – 3.3, 6+) to climb from #13 to #12. Down or flat nine reports in a row for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), WFLC was +.6 in June. Locked on 4.0 (6+) in January and February, “Y-100” eroded by eight-tenths in March. These two CHRs were separated by one-tenth in both April and May. At the same time that Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” (ninth to seventh) picks up three-tenths (4.2 – 4.5, 6+), Univision Radio’s similarly-programmed WRTO “Mix 98.3” (#10 to #11) forfeits three-tenths to 3.5 (6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+). WXDJ answers May’s -1.1 with a combined June and July increase of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Immediately before May’s -1.1, “106.7 El Zol” was an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). The March 2018 – July 2018 topline (6+) trending for Entercom rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96” (steady at #16) is 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a loss of nine-tenths (5.6 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” fades from fifth to ninth. A combined -.6 in February and March, “97.1 The Ticket” was up nine-tenths in April. Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. Locked on 5.8 (6+) in May and June, cluster-mate WWJ “News Radio 950” slips by three-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and carries on in fourth-place. Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0, WWJ was -.8 in April. In three straight negative trends (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” is a collective -.7 and segues from #11 to #12. Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). Even though Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM (#19 – #20) is without an increase for the seventh straight survey period, it has lost just two-tenths in that timeframe (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). After being down or flat the past three sweeps for a loss of two-tenths (.9 – .9 – .7 -.7, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET picks up one-tenth to .7 and is steady at #22 (6+).

Detroit Music Formats – A collective -1.4 in May and June (7.9 – 7.1 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC erases half that deficit with a +.7 to 7.2 (6+). After four straight months at #1, “Detroit’s Greatest Hits”    lost eight-tenths in May and fell to #2; WOMC carries on in the runner-up slot in July. Its -.8 in May ended four consecutive up or flat sweeps that netted an overall +1.8 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.9, 6+). When Beasley Media Group’s WCSX dropped two-tenths in June, it pulled the plug on five straight positive spikes that generated a +2.5 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+). In July, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 8.3 (6+) and is #1 for the third month a row. Locked on 1.4 (6+) in April, May, and June, Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC’s WRCJ breaks out a gain of six-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #19). While it remains in third-place, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Everything That Rocks” tumbles by three-tenths to 5.3 (6+), thus ending four consecutive improvements that led to a combined +1.5 (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.9, 6+); June’s 5.9 was its strongest 6+-stat since January 2017 (5.9, as well). Simultaneous with iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” (eighth to fourth) gaining two-tenths (5.3 – 5.5, 6+), Radio One rival, WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM – The Real Sound of ‘The D’” (#11 to #13), loses two-tenths (3.7 – 3.5, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by four-tenths, as Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” (tie at #5 to a three-way tie at #4) is off one-tenth (5.6 – 5.5, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” sputters by three-tenths to 2.5 (#16 to #17), its lowest 6+-showing since Holiday 2017’s 2.1. Three down or flat moves in succession by WYCD accounted for a cumulative loss of one-half share but that was fully erased in June with a +.5. When “Nash FM” slipped by two-tenths in June, it halted five consecutive up or flat moves that netted nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). There is only slight June 2018 – July 2018 movement with the market’s two mainstream CHR players, although iHeartMedia’s WKQI iHeartMedia’s WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (#10 to #11) is without an increase for the sixth successive sweep for an overall -.9 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 Amp Radio” (#17 to #15) is a combined +.4 in June and July (2.4 – 2.8, 6+), after having suspended three straight setbacks of one-tenth each (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – In the Bonneville cluster, news/talk KIRO-FM (5.1, second to sixth, 6+) and sports talk sibling KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (3.5, #9 to #11, 6+) each surrender seven-tenths. The very steady KIRO-FM October 2017 – June 2018 6+-topline trending was: 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8. As a result of four positive spikes in succession (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Seattle Mariners flagship KIRO-AM was a combined +1.9. Prior to May, the last time KIRO-AM reached the four-share level (6+) was in October 2015 (4.3). Despite being down or flat for the third straight sweep for an overall -1.1 (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), KUOW climbs from a fifth-place tie to a third-place tie. The Northwest Public Radio news/talker took over the runner-up slot in May after a one-month stay at #1. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). In addition to posting its fourth up or flat trend in succession for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Bonneville’s KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). As a result of four losses in a row, KTTH was -.8 (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, October 2017 – January 2018, 6+). Logging a 2.3 (6+) for the third time in the last five survey periods (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO drops out of the top twenty (#20 to #22). The (6+) topline February 2018 – July 2018 trending for co-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” (#24 to #25) is a remarkably consistent 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1. Locked on .6 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” forfeits one-tenth to .5 (#27 to #28, 6+). Crista Media religious teaching KCIS – which notched a .5 (6+) in May – vanished in June but reappears in print in July with a .4 (#29, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – A June increase of two-tenths (5.9 – 6.1, 6+) was enough to lift Hubbard CHR KQMV from third to first. Now, “MOViN 92.5” solidifies its hold on the top spot with a +1.7 to 7.8 (6+). That +1.7 represents the largest (6+) June 2018 – July 2018 improvement by any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve summarized so far. The last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in February (7.1). At the same time, KUBE (formerly CHR KPWK), which was a collective +.8 in five straight sweeps without a loss (2.8 – 2.8- 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), surrenders the entire eight-tenths to 2.8 (6+), fading from #12 to #17. Taking over the runner-up slot (from third-place in June) is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet,” which is a collective +1.4 in four straight up or flat trends (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+). This (6.4) is the first time KJR-FM crosses the six-share level (6+) in more than two years (6.1, May 2016). The tie at #14 between the market’s two country FMs – Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” and Hubbard’s KNUC “98.9 The Bull” (formerly KVRQ) – is broken as “The Wolf” improves by one-half share and vaults to #10, whereas “The Bull” sputters by four-tenths to 3.0 (6+) and remains at #14. In a bit of a ratings oddity that dates back to October 2017, “The Wolf” continues a precise down/up pattern and is +.8 in that time period: (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). Meanwhile, entering the July 2018 ratings period, “The Bull” more than tripled (+2.4) its 6+-stat as the result of six straight survey periods without a loss (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+) and reached the three-share level (3.4, June 2018) for the first time since September 2017’s 3.1. In addition to “The Wolf,” Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (4.5, tenth to seventh, 6+) and Classic Radio KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” (2.1 – 2.6, #21 to #19, 6+) were up one-half share in July. As far as “The End” is concerned, the +.5 wipes away three straight down or flat moves that generated a -.5 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+). The recent rollercoaster ride for public KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz and Blues” (#12 to #14) includes a -.7 in May (to 3.0 – its lowest 6+-share since January 2017’s 3.0); +.6 in June; and -.6 in July (3.7 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). Prior to May, KNKX was consistently within 3.6 – 3.9 territory in each of the previous nine sweeps (3.8 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+). Having added three-tenths in June, Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM (seventh to eighth) surrenders more than twice as much in July with a -.7 to 4.3, its lowest 6+-stat since October 2016 (4.3, as well). Prior to June’s improvement, “Warm 106.9” was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” – which was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 – halted three straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Format challenger, Entercom’s KSWD (#16 to #13), is an overall -.8 in four straight down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+); “The Sound” posted a one-half share gain in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Following five consecutive sweeps without an increase for a cumulative -1.3 (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – Seattle’s New Hit Music” picks up one-tenth to 2.9 (6+) and climbs from #17 to #16. Its format rival – Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” (eighth to ninth) – drops two-tenths to 4.1 (6+); Star was +.3 in both May and June (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite recording its third straight uptick that has produced a collective +.7 (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+) iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” backslides from #14 to a tie at #15. When KFYI lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). By notching a +.6 to 3.0 (#17 to #14, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ pulls the plug on three consecutive negative moves that accounted for a combined -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Up three-tenths in April but then a combined -.5 in May and June, KTAR-FM gains one-tenth in July (3.1 – 3.2, 6+) and continues at #11. The Bonneville news/talk outlet was +.8 in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), followed by an overall -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in June and July, sports talk sibling KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” slips from #15 to #17. From January through May, the Arizona Diamondbacks flagship was a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+). Prior to the just-concluded positive streak, KMVP-FM registered four consecutive down or flat trends in which it lost 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Topping the list of several particularly wild June 2018 – July 2018 swings in this Arizona market is the lofty +1.6 recorded by adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything,” which comes on the heels of its strong June improvement of eight-tenths (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9, 6+). “The Mountain” climbs from an eighth-place tie all the way to second, reaching the five-share level (5.9, 6+) for the first time in exactly two years (5.0, July 2016). Quadrupling its 6+-share (.3 – 1.2, +.9, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checks in at #26. Meanwhile, a station with similar call letters to KLVA – The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA – improves six-tenths to 3.5, its finest 6+-showing since last August’s 3.6, as “Hot” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Format foe – iHeartMedia’s KMXP “Mix 96.9” (fourth to third) is a collective +1.1 in June and July (4.5 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). By posting June’s +.8, “Mix” regained 80% of the collective full-share it lost in April and May (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Notwithstanding a mighty -1.2 (8.7 – 7.5, 6+), adult contemporary sibling KESZ sets the pace for the ninth straight report. A combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), KESZ was up seven-tenths in April and then logged a gigantic +1.7 in May; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. As the result of July’s lofty -1.1 to 5.5 (6+), Hubbard’s KSLX obliterates in its entirety the +1.1 it netted in six straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Moreover, “Classic Rock 100.7,” which had been entrenched in the runner-up slot eight consecutive ratings periods, shifts to fifth. It isn’t the only station in the market to erode by -1.1 in July though as Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” does so (4.3 – 3.2, 6+) and exits the top ten in the process (#8 to #11). Another similarity between “Classic Rock 100.7” and “Live 101.5” is that KALV’s -1.1 nearly erases the +1.3 it accumulated via three straight upticks (3.0 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.6 range (6+) each month this calendar year (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” continues at #3, while its format challenger – Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” – is a collective -.5 in June and July (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+) but advances from tenth to ninth. A cumulative -1.8 in four successive negative trends (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 Campesina” drifts from #15 to #20.

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – The last four fluctuations for Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” (#12 to #9) are +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8  (June); and now +.5 in July (4.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). The Minnesota Twins flagship was locked on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February. This marks the fourth negative move in a row for Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW for a collective -2.2 (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+) as it exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Recent fluctuations include -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.5 (April) +.7 (May) and -.7 (July). Backsliding from #15 to #17, Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is off an overall seven-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Its March loss of three-tenths stopped four straight up or flat moves that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). A collective -2.1 in four decreases in a row (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” dips from #11 to #12; “K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Flat at #14, iHeartMedia’s KTLK regains half of June’s -.6 (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+). Prior to the June sweep, “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” was +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). Trending 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” returns to the top twenty (#22 to #20).

Minneapolis Music Formats – In June and July, Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” is a collective +.9 (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+) and advances from seventh to fourth. Notwithstanding that it is -1.1 in three straight downward trends (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is on top for the seventh sweep in a row. Its -.7 in May pulled the plug on four successive progressive moves that netted +2.8 (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following three straight up or flat trends that accounted for a one-half share increase (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Up a collective full-share in four consecutive positive spikes (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KTCZ “The Cities” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). In five consecutive sweeps without a loss, American Public Media Group classical KSJN (flat at #15) is up a collective +1.2 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+). The market’s country stations are basically stagnant in July: iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is off one-tenth to 5.6 (fifth to sixth, 6+) and Entercom’s KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” is steady in both 6+-share (4.2) and market rank (#10). The loss of one-tenth by “K-102,” however, is significant as it concludes six successive sweeps without a loss that yielded a +2.3 (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). January’s +1.1 halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). Within 3.4 – 3.9 range (6+) between January and May (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), KMNB is now a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 –  4.2, 6+) with June and July’s 4.2 its strongest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 4.4. This is the fifth consecutive month that Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” (fifth to seventh) is without an increase for a cumulative -.7 (6.2  – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite gaining three-tenths (5.5 – 5.8, 6+), KPBS backslides from third to fourth. The San Diego State University-owned news/talk facility shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; and – down nine-tenths in June – dropped from first to third. KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. Seven-tenths behind KPBS is iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO, which is frozen on 5.1 (6+), segueing from fourth to fifth. “News Radio 600” was +.8 in January; -.7 in February; +.8 in March; and +.6 in May. When KOGO lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” is up two-tenths to 1.8 (#22 to #21, 6+). Its June increase of one-tenth curtailed three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). After a multi-year hiatus, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” resurfaces in the San Diego report (1.6, #23, 6+). Three of the market’s sports talkers combine for a -.8 (6+): Tied at #26 are Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” (1.1 – .8, -.3, 6+) and Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (1.0 – .8, -.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” slides from #26 to #28 (.9 – .6, -.3, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – On the strength of a full-share increase (3.7 – 4.7, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” zooms into the top ten (#11 to #7) with its best 6+-showing (4.7) since January’s 4.8. Tacking on nine-tenths to June’s +.5 (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), Local Media San Diego-operated Comunicación XERSA XHRM “Magic 92.5” cruises from fifth to a second-place tie. After three increases in a row that produced a +1.1 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), “Magic 92.5” sputtered by four-tenths in May. Major ups/downs continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which registered a -1.6 in March, all but erasing its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). “Sunny” rebounded in April with a +.5; was -.7 in May; answered with a +.8 in June; and by piling on a +.5 in July (5.7 – 6.2, 6+), advances from second to first. It supplants cluster-mate KSON (6.3 – 5.9, -.4, first to second, 6+), whose stay at #1 lasted just one sweep. An April loss of one-tenth by “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” ended three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+). After surrendering six-tenths in June, Local Media San Diego-operated CHR XHTZ regresses by another seven-tenths (4.5 – 3.9 – 32, 6+) as “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Also stumbling by seven-tenths in July is iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (4.9 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+), while sibling KGB-FM “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock Station” falters by six-tenths (4.9 – 4.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Having posted a 2.7 (6+) in each of the last four ratings periods, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” surrenders one-half share to 2.2 (#16 to #20, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Down eight-tenths in May; up four-tenths in June; and now off one-tenth in July (5.4 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA is steady at #4. Following January’s one-half share loss, “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) and posted a +1.4 in April to zoom from ninth to first but the flagship of the Colorado Rockies exited the top spot in May after a one-month run. Shadowing KOA is Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR, which is also -.1 (5.3 – 5.2, 6+), thus remaining one-tenth behind KOA. It was a brief one-month stay at #1 (in May) for KCFR, which lost seven-tenths in June. In addition to being on top in May, KCFR was #1 in January and March. When it faltered by six-tenths in February, the station’s consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. After picking up three-tenths to 2.2 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW returns two-tenths to 2.0 (6+) but stays at #19. Immediately in advance of the June sweep, “Talk Radio 630” had been down or flat four sweeps in a row for an overall setback of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 -1.9, 6+). Replicating June’s -.5 (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+) Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (#15 to #16) posts its lowest 6+-stat (2.5) in exactly one year (July 2017, 2.3). “The Fan” was +1.0 in March; off four-tenths in April; and then up two-tenths in May. Its +.4 in January curtailed three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC drops one-tenth (1.0 – .9, #26 to #27, 6+). Prior to June’s 1.0, KUNC recorded a .7 (6+) in each of the three previous sweeps.

Denver Music Formats – Not only does KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN erase June’s -.4 with a July +.5, “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). It is actually part of a four-way scrum there (at #9) that includes Entercom’s similarly-formatted KALC “Alice 105.9,” whose last four 6+-stats (April – May – June – July) are 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.1. Down or flat the past three sweeps for a -.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling KQKS “KS-107.5” makes up all but one-tenth of the deficit with a +.5 to 3.9 (unchanged at #13, 6+). Classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain – A Mountain of Classics” adds four-tenths to June’s massive +1.2 (4.9 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+) and repeats at #1. Bouncing back from June’s -1.1 with a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+) is similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KRFX “103.5 The Fox,” which is another member of that four-way logjam at #9 (up from #11 in June). Its 3.7 in June caused “The Fox” to fall below a four-share for the first time since “Holiday” 2015 (3.9).  Immediately after logging three consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +1.0 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -1.1 in June and July (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). While May’s 5.6 is its most potent 6+-stat since December 2016’s 5.7, July 2018’s 4.5 is its softest since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.8. This is the fifth month in a row that Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI is up or flat for a collective +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+); “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” progresses from third to second, one-half share behind “The Mountain.” This (6.0) is the strongest 6+-showing for KOSI since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5. The fourth station in the aforementioned four-way tie at #9 is co-owned KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which is down three-tenths to 4.1 (eighth to ninth, 6+), thus curtailing three straight upticks that resulted in a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+); June’s 4.4 is its strongest 6+-performance since August 2017 (4.4, as well). A cumulative -1.6 in four straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” gains one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) and progresses from  #16 to #15.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – In five of the last six sweeps, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” has had a (6+) fluctuation of at least four-tenths. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); -.5 in March (3.7 – 3.2, 6+); +.8 in April (3.2 – 4.0, 6+); +.4 in May (4.0 – 4.4, 6+); and now -.7 in July (4.3 – 3.6, #9 to #11). Despite notching three straight up or flat trends for a +.4 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” backslides from #15 to #16. A one-tenth setback in April ended three straight increases that produced a gain of one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), while a January improvement of three-tenths curtailed four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.3 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” is now locked on 2.2 (6+) in June and July, but remains at #18. Starting with the “Holiday” 2017 report, the Tampa Bay Rays flagship was up or flat for the next five survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+). The March 2018 – July 2018 topline trending for University of South Florida news/talk WUSF (flat at #20) is 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.7 (6+). When WUSF added two-tenths in June, it halted six successive ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Progressing from fifth to third, Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” adds a full-share to June’s +.4 (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+) and reaches the six-share level (6.4) for the first time since May 2017 (6.0). After logging four straight up or flat trends that accounted for a gain of seven-tenths (8.4 – 8.9 -9.0 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” slips three-tenths to 8.8 (6+), but dominates at #1 for the 71^st successive ratings period. “Lite Favorites” was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). Also under the AC umbrella, Beasley Media Group’s WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits in its entirety June’s +.6 (1.9 – 2.5 – 1.9, #17 to #19, 6+). Its January 2018 – May 2018 topline was 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 (6+); June’s 2.5 is its best (6+) showing since 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017. Having regained the three-tenths it lost in May with a +.3 in June, classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WRBQ “Q-105” doubles that June increase with a +.6 in July to 6.4 (6+), advancing from #4 to part of a three-way tie at #3. The other two players in that three-way logjam at #3 are the aforementioned WWRM, as well as WRBQ’s format rival – Cox Media Group’s WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” (6.7 – 6.4, -.3, second to third, 6+). Until this sweep (July 2018), the last time “The Eagle” didn’t prevail over “Q-105” was in February 2016 when WRBQ scored a 5.6 (6+) to WXGL’s 5.1 (6+). Four straight up or flat trends by iHeartMedia-owned WXTB netted eight-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), but “98 Rock” (seventh to tenth) surrenders all of that increase and an extra one-tenth (3.8, -.9, 6+); June’s 4.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (4.7, as well). In the market’s CHR battle, Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5” (3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #13 to #9, 6+) overtakes iHeartMedia-owned WFLZ “93.3 – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” (3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #12 to #11, 6+). The two stations were tied at 3.9 (6+) in March, but “Holiday” 2017 marked the last time “Hot” (4.0, 6+) beat WFLZ (3.8, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Following five decreases in a row for a cumulative -1.7 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” answers with a July increase of six-tenths to 3.1 (#14 to #11, 6+). Despite picking up three-tenths (4.0 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” backslides from ninth to tenth. “The Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); and a combined -1.0 in May and June (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it brought to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Finishing back-to-back are independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” (2.9 – 2.8, -.1, #11 to #12, 6+) and Hearst Television news/talker WBAL (2.5, -.3, #12 to #13, 6+), which had logged a 2.8 (6+) the past three months. For the fifth consecutive time, Washington, DC’s WAMU records a 1.1 (6+) in the Baltimore report – the American University-owned news/talker, however, slips from #15 to #18. Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February and March; resurfaced in April with a .2 (#22, 6+); disappeared in May and June; but is back in July with a .3 (#31).

Baltimore Music Formats – Dramatic shifts continue for iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country,” which was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; -.9 in February, -1.5 in April; +.6 in May; +.5 in June and now +.8 in July (6.0 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+). Displaying a +.8 in July as well is its CHR sibling, WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+), which hadn’t had an increase the previous four sweeps for a -.5 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+). Slipping from third to sixth, Entercom adult contemporary WLIF is a collective -1.6 in three straight downward trends (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.2, 6+). “Today’s 101.9” was #1 in December 2017 (9.7, 6+) and “Holiday” 2017 (16.3, 6+). Having registered six successive ratings periods without a loss for an overall +1.8 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” forfeits eight-tenths to 4.4 (sixth to ninth, 6+). While both are down two-tenths from June, Radio One urban AC and urban contemporary cluster-mates WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” (9.7 – 9.5, 6+) and WERQ “92-Q Jams” (7.1 – 6.9, 6+) finish first and second, respectively, for the third sweep in a row; “Magic” though is #1 for the seventh month in a row. In three successive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), WWIN-FM was an overall -2.2 but it bounced back with a +.3 in June. “Magic” occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. After going eight straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +3.8 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), “Magic” lost one-tenth in March. A one-half share jump in June took “92-Q Jams” to 7.1, its best 6+-share since September 2017’s 7.8. Long absent from being listed in the Baltimore report, seven Washington, DC signals return in print. Five of the seven are iHeartMedia outlets: alternative WWDC (1.7, #15, 6+); classic rock WBIG (1.4 #16, 6+); adult contemporary WASH (1.0, #19, 6+); CHR WIHT (.8, 6+); and country WMZQ (.8, 6+). The others reappearing in Baltimore are Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX (1.3, #17, 6+) and Radio One urban contemporary WKYS (1.0, #19, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – Down six-tenths (8.0 – 7.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” ends a two-month stay at #1 and shifts to the runner-up slot. The St. Louis Cardinals flagship was a whopping +2.3 in April, while May’s 8.3 represents its highest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 8.4. Following a January +1.0, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. Finishing back-to-back-to-back are University of Missouri news/talk KWMU (3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #15 to #14, 6+); Emmis-to-Entercom KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” (3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #14 to #15, 6+); and Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” (2.7 – 3.0, +.3, #17 to #16, 6+).  By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), it added one-tenth in April. Owing to May’s +.3, “FM News Talk 97.1” ended three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to a January gain of seven-tenths, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). July’s three-tenths increase by “101 Sports” concludes three straight negative moves that generated a loss of eight-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), WXOS posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; +.1 in March; and -.6 in April.

St. Louis Music Formats – On the heels of eroding by a combined -1.5 in May and June, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” recaptures nine-tenths in July (6.9 – 7.8, 6+) and marches from second to first. After being #1 for four consecutive months (January through April), “St Louis’ Greatest Hits” shifted to #2 in May. An overall -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), KLOU made up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). It rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. A miniature yoyo effect is present with Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1,” which was +.5 (May); -1.0 (June); and is now +.7 in July (2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #13, 6+). May’s 3.9 is its best 6+-showing since 4.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” (seventh to fifth) is an overall +1.7 in six consecutive up or flat trends (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.9 –   4.9 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Five successive negative moves by Radio One urban AC WFUN accounted for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+) but “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” erases one-third of that decrease with a +.5 to 5.8 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Via three successive decreases, Emmis-to-Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” (#13 to #17) is off by one full-share (3.7 -3.4 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+). Surrendering six-tenths each are Hubbard rocker KSHE (6.9 – 6.3, second to fourth, 6+) and co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” (6.1 – 5.5, sixth to eighth, 6+). By logging a one-half share increase in May, KSHE stymied three consecutive downward trends that accounted for a -1.2 (6.9 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+); it was +.7 in June. Leading into the June report, WIL was without a loss for six survey periods in succession for a +1.9 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+), but then cratered by -1.1. Unlisted for 18 straight sweeps, Gateway Creative contemporary Christian KLJY returned in June with a 6.6 (6+) and although “99.1 Joy FM” is down one-tenth in July to 6.5 (6+), it advances from fourth to third.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Changes Coming to KSTP-AM, Minneapolis; Joe Soucheray and Patrick Reusse to Exit.  Air personalities Joe Soucheray and Patrick Reusse have been a part of the radio landscape in the Twin Cities for the last couple of decades. They’ve been informed by Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-AM “1500ESPN” that their shows will end on Friday, September 7.  The changes will also include new roles for late morning hosts Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad, though the station says the new programming is not finalized.  Newspaper reporters Soucheray and Reusse began hosting a weekly sports talk show on KSTP-AM in the early 1980s.  Soucheray’s daily “Garage Logic” show debuted on the station in 1993.  It airs from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and is followed by “Sports Talk” – an hour co-hosted by Soucheray and Reusse – followed by Reusse’s “Ride with Reusse” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Both the Pioneer Press and the Leader-Telegram report Soucheray saying, “I cannot say I’m completely surprised.  I’m going to feel a loss for the gang and the listeners.  The AM radio format is changing.  More and more young people are not tuning into the AM dial.  The way that content is going to be delivered is changing, with more digital platforms.”  He says he plans to continue “Garage Logic” as a podcast.  Soucheray says he’s appreciative of Hubbard letting them work the final month of their shows.  “It’s a sign that the station has had great respect for the show and it’s more than generous they’re allowing us to end it this way.  The usual way it happens is you are told, ‘Your last show was yesterday.’  They’ve told us we can handle this any way we want.  It’s very rare that someone’s on the same radio station, with the same show, for 25 years. It speaks well to the guys I’ve worked with and the people I’ve worked for.  There’s nothing else to say; I’ve had a wonderful run.”

Dave Tepper to Program KKSE, Denver. Sports talk KKSE, Denver “Altitude AM 950” is owned by Kroenke Sports and Entertainment – a company run by Stan Kroenke and family – that owns the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.  The station announces that sports radio pro Dave Tepper is named the new program director for the station, effective August 15.  KSE Radio SVP and general manager Brenda Egger comments, “We were fortunate to have many outstanding candidates for this position but Dave’s confidence, winning track record, play-by-play experience, and team relations truly stood out from the others.  Dave brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to KKSE and I am confident that he will be an incredible asset to our team.” Tepper was most recently operations manager at NRG Media’s Omaha cluster.

Brent Johnson Exits Cumulus’ Columbia South Carolina Cluster.  Air personality Brent Johnson was the morning host on Cumulus Media’s hot AC WTCB, Columbia, South Carolina and hosted a daily sports talk show on sister WNKT “107.5 The Game.”  The State reports that after learning of coming programming changes at the cluster, Johnson chose to leave the company.  He will continue to be part of University of South Carolina football coverage this season on WNKT as the games are produced by rights holder IMG.  Cumulus Columbia VP and market manager Rick Prusator tells The State that Johnson was not fired nor was he forced out.  Johnson announced his exit on social media but offered no reason for his departure.

Indy Sales Pro Brian Harrington Joins iHM’s ‘FOX Sports 97.5 FM/1260 AM’ and ‘Real 98.3.’ Indianapolis media sales pro Brian Harrington is appointed general sales manager for iHeartMedia’s sports talk WNDE-AM/W248AW “FOX sports 97.5/1260 AM” and hip hop WZRL “Real 98.3.”  iHeartMedia Indianapolis market president Brett Beshore says, “We couldn’t be more excited to have Brian bring his 20-plus years of sales and management experience to our iHeartMedia Indianapolis team.  His experience, knowledge of the community, reputation, and passion for the radio business make him the perfect choice to lead our WZRL and WNDE sales teams.” Harrington was most recently an account executive with Woof Boom Radio.  He’s also served in the market in several capacities with Radio One.

Lotus Spins Off Tucson News/Talk KQTH-FM to Family Life Broadcasting; KTGV-FM Goes to Bustos Media.  In order to comply with FCC station ownership caps relative to its purchase of the Tucson and Boise radio clusters of E.W. Scripps for $8 million, Lotus Communications is agreeing to sell news/talk KQTH-FM, Tucson to not-for-profit Family Life Broadcasting and rhythmic oldies KTGV-FM to Bustos Media for as-yet undisclosed sums.  Dr. Randy Carlson’s Family Life Broadcasting operates religious stations and is expected to flip KQTH from news/talk to a religious format.  Currently, Mike Rapp hosts the only local daily program on the station — the “Tucson’s Morning News” show.  Kalil & Co. is the exclusive broker for both deals.

Gallagher and Elder Host Listener Cruise. Pictured above are Salem Radio Network hosts Mike Gallagher (left) and Larry Elder (right) in the theater aboard the cruise ship Pride of America as they guide Salem Radio Network listeners on a tour of the Hawaiian Islands.  In the photo, the two are participating in a discussion of the 2018 midterm elections.

Trump-Russia Investigation, Omarosa White House Recording, DC White Nationalist Rally, Paul Manafort Trial, Sea-Tac Plane Theft, Keith Ellison Allegations, Trump Trade War, Blackkklansman and The Meg Films, NFL Pre-season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents; the controversy over Omarosa Manigault Newman’s release of a recording purported to be her firing by John Kelly; Sunday’s Washington rally of White Nationalists; the trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on fraud charges; the theft and crashing of a commercial jet by a ground worker at Sea-Tac airport; the allegations of physical abuse against Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison; the Trump tariffs and concerns about the effects of trade wars; the films Blackkklansman and The Meg; the NFL’s pre-season action; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In San Diego, Hilary Doneux is promoted to assistant program director at Local Media San Diego’s alternative XETRA-FM “91X.” Doneux is also music director and host of the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm show.  She says, “To say I’m excited is an understatement.  ‘91X’ is my radio home and I feel ridiculously lucky that I get to continue to grow with such an incredible team.  I’m so grateful to Garett Michaels for having faith in me and sharing his knowledge (and snacks), and to [VP/GM] Gregg Wolfson, for this opportunity!”…..On-air pro Shawn Quinn exits the afternoon drive show at Cumulus Media’s alternative KCJK, Kansas city “X105.1.”  Quinn had been the morning host at the station until Premiere Network’s “The Woody Show” was added to the program schedule…..Air personality Jahna Michal is named co-host of the morning show at Townsquare Media’s country WPUR, Atlantic City “Cat Country 107.3.”  She joins station brand manager and morning drive host Joe Kelly for “The Cat Country Morning Show with Joe and Jahna.”…..Pictured at right is WWPR, New York-based “The Breakfast Club” morning show personality Angela Yee standing next to the in-store display promoting her popular book club, Kickin’ It from The Stoop (#KIFTS) at Barnes & Noble’s flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City. Yee hosts the book club along with friends Tasha Hilton and Tony Forte monthly at WOODStack Ivy in Brooklyn.  The gathering is also broadcast on Facebook Live via Yee’s page.

Takeaways from July PPM – Round One. Below are managing editor Mike Kinosian‘s Twelve Takeaways from Nielsen Audio‘s July 2018 PPM ratings survey.  The first report includes the 12 markets of 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 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TAKEAWAYS

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of being a combined -2.0 in four consecutive decreases (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS drops from fifth to seventh. On the flipside, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM adds two-tenths to 2.7 (#14 to #13, 6+), pulling the plug on three successive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+). Their sports talk sibling, WFAN “Sports Radio,” regains the three-tenths it lost in June (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+); 4.7 in May and July is its best 6+-showing since 5.2 in November 2017. The Yankees’ flagship logged back-to-back gains of +.8 (3.1 – 3.9 – 4.7, March – April – May, 6+). Following five survey periods in a row without an increase resulting in a nearly 50% loss (-2.5) of its 6+-share (5.2 – 5.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), WFAN picked up four-tenths in March. Meanwhile, the key station of the Mets – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR – is off for the third straight time for a collective loss of seven-tenths (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8, #19 to #20, 6+); “710 The Voice of New York” was +.6 in April. A March gain of one-tenth ended five straight down or flat reports for a -.4 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). Stuck on 1.7 (6+) in May and June, WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” falters three-tenths to 1.4 (6+) but remains at #21. When WEPN picked up two-tenths in February, it halted three downward moves in succession that produced a loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). The last 15 New York City (6+) trends for Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (flat at #23) are: 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1. Two-tenths behind it is Cumulus Media news/talk WABC, which is without an increase for the fifth consecutive sweep (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, flat at #24, 6+). In the public news/talk arena, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is a combined -.7 in May, June, and July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7, #12 to #13, 6+), while co-owned WNYC-AM is flat at .5 (#30 to #29, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – Without a loss for the fifth sweep in a row for a +1.0, (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.6 , 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X-96.3” advances from #20 – #16. This (2.6) is its best 6+-showing since May 2017’s 2.8. Moreover, it overtakes Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” (2.6 – 2.5, -.1, #13 to #17, 6+) for the first time since November 2017 when “X-96.3” held a 2.1 (6+) to 2.0 (6+) advantage over “Amor 93.1.” When WPAT-FM dropped four-tenths in June, it snapped at three its consecutive string of up or flat trends that produced a +.3 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Vaulting from #17 to #12, Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 – New York’s New Alternative” notches its third uptick in a row for a combined +.9 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.8, 6+). Conversely, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW logs its third setback in succession that has accounted for an overall -1.6 (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+). Nonetheless, “106.7 Lite FM” remains at #1 for the 12^th successive sweep. The last time WLTW fell below a six-share (6+) was in October 2017 (6.6). A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) but rebounded in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). Entering the June 2018 ratings period, WBLS “#1 for R&B” had posted a 5.7 (6+) in four of the previous six survey periods (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). While the Emmis urban AC improved by four-tenths in June, it sputtered by twice that margin in July, slipping from second to third (6.1 – 5.3, -.8, 6+). After posting four straight (modest) gains for an overall boost of one-half share (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling WQHT “Hot 97 – #1 for Hip-Hop” drops one-tenth to 3.9 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKTU “103.5 The Beat of New York” is up or flat for the fourth time in succession (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), but backslides from #10 to #11. Unchanged at #8, iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock,” which was off a collective eight-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), adds one-tenth to 4.1 (6+). Its urban contemporary sibling, WWPR, continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.8, 6+) as “Power 105.1” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Following four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined loss of six-tenths (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW adds three-tenths to 2.7 (6+) as “Fresh 102.7” moves from #16 to a three-way tie at #13. Another streak that ends in July involves Cumulus country WNSH “94.7 Nash FM,” which loses one-tenth to 2.4 (#14 to #18, 6+), thus curtailing three positive spikes in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Ever consistent, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI records a 4.1 (6+) for the third time in the last four sweeps (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1), as “AM 640” continues in sixth-place. When KFI dipped by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it ended at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a collective eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). In an alternating 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 pattern (April – May – June – July, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” moves from #12 to a three-way scrum at #11; KNX was off six-tenths in April. Although perhaps not quite as pronounced as the KNX situation, the last five topline (6+) stats for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” are 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 (#10 to #15, 6+). Up two-tenths in consecutive monthlies (.9 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” progresses from #29 to #27. Close behind are sports talk KSPN “710 ESPN,” up by one-tenth in three straight sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, #29 to #30) and iHeartMedia-owned Los Angeles Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports,” which nearly triples its 6+-stat (+.7) through six successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, unchanged at #31, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” is up one-tenth in June and July (.8 – .9 – 1.0, #33, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is flat at .4 and remains at #41 (6+).

Los Angeles Music Formats – The top eight July 2018 finishers in the “City of Angels” are either down or flat from June 2018. There has been quite a turn in the market’s alternative battle as Entercom-owned KROQ is a combined +.6 in five straight up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+), rocketing from #17 to #10. Contrast that to its format foe, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” which is off a combined seven-tenths in June and July (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), spiraling out of the top ten (#9 to #15). For the fourth time in the last five survey periods and fifth time since March, KYSR hot AC cluster-mate KBIG “104.3 My-FM” registers a 5.7 (6+) and is #1 for the third straight sweep (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Even though “My-FM” is off one-tenth, it widens the lead over runner-up and adult contemporary sibling KOST “Coast 103.5” (5.6 – 5.2, -.4, unchanged at #2, 6+) from two-tenths to one-half share. Having lost more than half (-6.6) of its 6+-stat in consecutive surveys since the “Holiday” 2017 report (11.9 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), KOST bounced back in March and April with a combined +.7 (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). Over the past 35 Los Angeles sweeps dating back to December 2015, KOST and KBIG have had a stranglehold on the #1 position. “Coast 103.5” has been on top 20 times (December 2015 through January 2017; December 2017; “Holiday” 2017; March 2018; and April 2018), while “My-FM” has set the pace on 15 occasions (February 2017 through November 2017; January 2018; February 2018; May 2018; June 2018; and July 2018. Flat at 2.1 (6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA is within 2.1 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 18^th ratings period in a row; “Zona Mx 101.9” advances from #22 to a three-way tie at #20. Unchanged at #4, Entercom smooth AC KTWV was a collective +.7 in five straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” is now off a combined half-share in June and July (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). In six consecutive down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” (flat at #5) is an overall -.7. Its format rival, Entercom’s KAMP, logs a 2.7 (6+) for the third sweep in a row as “97.1 Amp Radio” departs the top ten (#10 to #11. Flat at 2.3 (#20 to #19, 6+), Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 33^rd time in succession; March 2018’s 2.0 is its lowest 6+-stat since January 2016 (2.0, as well). Hitting a 2.8 (November 2017, 6+) in its final days as classic rock KSWD “The Sound,” the Los Angeles frequency at 100.3 became Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KKLQ. Following the format change, it immediately slumped to 1.2 (December 2017, 6+). “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” didn’t reach a 1.0-share (6+) in the next seven sweeps (January 2018 – June 2018), including June’s .7; KKLQ disappears from print in July 2018.

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above logging a combined full-share gain via three consecutive positive spikes (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN vaults back into the top twenty (#21 to a three-way tie at #14). When the Chicago White Sox flagship picked up two-tenths in May, it halted three successive decreases that accounted for a collective -1.3 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). In the same vein, a March increase of three-tenths ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a collective -.7 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). This is the fifth time in a row Entercom’s WBBM-AM (third to fifth) is without a gain for a collective -.7 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). The all-news outlet was up by an overall eight-tenths in January and February (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+) with February’s 5.3 its finest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 5.4. Off two-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), sports talk sibling WSCR “670 The Score” rebounded with a +1.3 in April and May (2.3 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), but the Chicago Cubs flagship slips by one-tenth in both June and in July (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), exiting the top ten (#9 to #11). “The Score” was a combined -2.8 between October 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 3.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) and improved by six-tenths in January. Format competitor, ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000,” is without an increase for the sixth sweep in a row (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, #25 to #26, 6+). Up two-tenths to 1.7 (#24 to #22, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM suspends four consecutive down or flat moves (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+) that accounted for a one-half share loss. Immediately prior to that, WLS-AM registered seven straight up or flat ratings periods and was +.7 in that stretch (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). An overall +.8 in March and April (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is -.6 in three straight (modest) dips (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, flat at #20, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – Through May 2018, WLS-FM was an overall +1.6 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), but “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” surrendered one-tenth in June. It roars back though with a +.7 in July to 4.9 (6+), leaping from sixth to second. The Cumulus Media-owned facility is tied for the runner-up slot with Hubbard’s WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock,” which nearly doubles its 6+-stat (a combined +2.3) via seven straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9, third to second, 6+). Up one-tenth in back-to-back ratings periods (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ is on top for the seventh month in a row. The +.1 in June by “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” applied the brakes to four straight down or flat trends that produced a -.9 (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+). No higher than 5.1 (6+) and no lower than 4.7 (6+) in each of the last six sweeps, Hubbard-owned hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” (4.9 – 4.8, -.1, 6+) slips from second to fourth. After notching three (slight) increases in succession (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” returns the overall gain of four-tenths in its entirety (3.1 – .4, 6+) and drops out of the top ten (#9 to #13). By gaining four-tenths (3.3 – 3.7, 6+), Venture Technologies Group adult contemporary WRME-LP “FM 87.7 Me TV” progresses from #13 to #9. It is within 3.3 – 3.7 range (6+) for the sixth month in a row (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+). Seven-tenths behind WRME is Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE,” which is up or flat for the third consecutive month for a +.4 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, #15 to #14, 6+). This is the 12^th straight time that Entercom-owned WUSN (ninth to seventh) is within 3.0 – 3.9 range (3.5 – 3.9, +.4, 6+). “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” more than doubles the 6+-stat of iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” (1.9 – 1.7, -.2, #23, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit down for the fourth time in a row for a collective -2.2 (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is on top for the seventh straight month. Finishing first and second, respectively, the past six reports are KQED and Entercom all-news KCBS-AM, which is locked on 5.5 (6+) in June and July after being frozen on 5.4 (6+) in April and May. In advance of posting a one-tenth gain in June, KCBS-AM had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). October 2017’s 6.8 was its strongest 6+-performance since February 2017 (6.8, as well). Not only does KSFO rack up its fourth successive increase for an overall +1.3 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, , 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talker enters the top ten (#12 to #8). Prior to gaining two-tenths in March, KSFO was a combined -1.3 in five straight decreases, (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). Conversely, co-owned KGO is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+) but remains at #21. Trending 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 (6+) since April, co-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR climbs from seventh to sixth; “The Sports Leader” gained nine-tenths in April. Before the June report, when it lost one-tenth, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” had been without a loss the previous nine ratings periods, nearly tripling (+1.7) its 6+-stat in that timeframe (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+). In July, however, the key station of the Oakland A’s plummets by -1.1 (2.6 – 1.5, 6+), drifting from the top twenty (#15 to #24).

San Francisco Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia’s KMEL post a gain of six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, steady in fourth-place), “106.1 – #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B in the Bay Area”) has its finest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2014 (4.4, as well). Talk about being consistent: Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN records a 6+-share in the two-share range (2.0 – 2.9) for the 40^th time in a row (2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #16 to #14, 6+). The last time “107.7 The Bone” reached 2.9 was December 2015. In addition to dropping one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Eight-tenths ahead of “Star” is its format rival, Entercom-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” which adds two-tenths to June’s +.3 (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8, seventh to fifth, 6+). In four successive (modest) declines prior to June’s increase (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), KLLC was off by eight-tenths; the two hot ACs were tied at #8 in May. An overall +.6 via four straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” falters by two-tenths to 4.8 (6+) but remains in third-place. A loss of four-tenths sends Entercom’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM from fourth to eighth; “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” has put up a February 2018 – July 2018 6+ topline of 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4. Very steady March 2018 – July 2018 trending for iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” is 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 (flat at #10, 6+), while co-owned 1980’s-based KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” gains four-tenths to 3.1 (#14 to #12, 6+). Entering the July sweep, its past six (6+) stats were 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7. Returning to print after a lengthy hiatus are Entercom’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox, The South Bay’s Classic Rock” (1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #18, 6+) and Empire Broadcasting-owned KRTY “Hot Country 95.3” (1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #21, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks the third time in a row that Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM slips by one-tenth (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), but “105.3 The Fan” carries on at #19. In advance of a +.5 in April, the Texas Rangers flagship posted five straight negative trends that resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+). Off one-tenth as well in July is Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time,” which is -1.3 since May (4.1 – 2.9 – 2.8, #14 to #15, 6+). The +1.2 (2.9 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+) “The Ticket” racked up in April and May was fully erased in June. KTCK was stymied at 3.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017 but registered a +.5 in January, before dropping three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.5 – 3.2 – 2.9, January – February – March, 6+). Elsewhere in this Texas market’s sports talk format, the eight most recent 6+-stats for ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” are 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 (#32 to #33, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is flat at 2.8 (#17 to #15, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA posts a 6+-share in the two-share range for the 36^th consecutive sweep. A collective -.7 through five straight months without an increase (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM nonetheless climbs from #20 to #19. Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0. A loss of two-tenths in March ended at seven a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). It is tied at #19 with Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820,” which was locked on 2.2 (6+) in April and May and is now frozen on 2.1 (6+) in June and July. Finishing at #34 and #5, respectively, are Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (flat at .7, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” (.5, -.1, 6+), which had recorded a .6 (6+) the past three sweeps.

Dallas Music Formats – Winning ways (that are now historic) continue for Cumulus Media’s KSCS, which is +1.3 in seven successive up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, “96.3 New Country” reaches/crosses the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time in its PPM history to inch up from third to second. It now leads co-owned/similarly-programmed KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” by +1.1 (4.2 – 4.1, -.1, flat at #6, 6+). Following a +1.5 via three positive spikes in a row (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS is a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+). While “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is the “Big D” pacesetter for the seventh straight month, its advantage over runner-up KSCS is just three-tenths. When “Kiss” reached #1 in January, it was the first time the mainstream CHR held the lead position since March 2017. Advancing from #17 to #15, Entercom-owned KVIL “Alt 103.7 – DFW’s New Alternative” is without a loss for the fourth sweep in a row for a +.4 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), while classic hits-oldies cluster-mate KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (fifth to fourth) is up or flat for the third straight time for a +.2 (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Without a decrease for the third successive ratings period as well is Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3, #12 to #11, 6+). In an up/down pattern that commenced in January and includes July’s -1.0, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KDXX “Latino Mix” is trending 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 1.9 (#23, 6+). Up three-tenths each are KDXX regional Mexican sibling KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.7 – 4.0, eighth to seventh, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.1 – 2.4, #20 to #18, 6+). A collective +.9 in May and June (1.2 – 1.4 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Positive Hits” returns two-thirds of that increase in July (1.5, -.6, 6+) and plummets from the top twenty (four-way tie at #20 to #27). In June, it reached the two-share level (2.1, 6+) for the first time since March 2017’s 2.0.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing a March 2018 – July 2018 down/up pattern (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH elevates from #13 to #11; “News Radio 740” improved by six-tenths in January. In advance of that particular gain, KTRH was down or flat the previous four monthlies for an overall -1.4 (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+). Regaining half the four-tenths it dropped in June (3.2 – 3.4, +.2, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF moves from #16 to #15. Mirroring KTRH, KUHF was +.6 in January. Among the market’s sports talk competitors, iHeartMedia-owned Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” is trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 (unchanged at #22, 6+); Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” returns half of June’s +.2 (1.0 – .9, -.1, #24, 6+); and Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is flat at .6 (#27, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – In addition to registering its seventh straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.4 dating back to “Holiday” 2017 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “Houston’s Eagle” marches from third to a second-place tie. Moreover, this (5.7) is its strongest 6+-performance since 5.9 in October 2017. As the result of three straight upticks netting eight-tenths (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” leaps from seventh to fourth. Debuting at #29 with a .5 (6+) is University of Houston-owned classical KUHF-HD2. The topline (6+) April – May – June – July trending for KODA is 7.0 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 7.3, as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary facility is #1 for the third month in a row. Having finished first in four successive sweeps, “Sunny 99.1” segued to second in March, but then answered a -1.1 in March with an April +.8 to return to the top spot. Finishing second in October and November, KODA was -5.4 in January but gained two-tenths in February. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. After improving by two-tenths in May (7.0 – 7.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC KMJQ  stumbles by a cumulative -1.5 in June and July (7.2 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+); “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” remains in the runner-up slot, but is tied there with aforementioned KGLK. Stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, “Majic” dropped to 6.8 (6+) in March; “Majic” and KODA were tied for #1 in April. A combined +1.5 in March and April (4.9 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KKBQ is now -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), with “Country 93-Q” slipping from third to fifth. At the same time, Entercom’s KILT-FM “New Country 100.3 The Bull” is +1.0 in June and July (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), climbing from tenth to ninth. Prior to June’s +.6, “The Bull” had three straight declines for a cumulative -.6 (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Six straight sweeps without an increase (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), cause KSBJ Educational Foundation’s KSBJ “89.3 Contemporary Christian Music – God Listens” (#15 to #16) to erode by a cumulative -1.9. Topline (6+) March 2018 – July 2018 stats for Entercom Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101” (#13 to #14) are 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, while in that same stretch, Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KAMA “Latino Mix” (#19 to #17) is equally consistent at 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8 (6+). Along the same lines, KAMA Spanish adult hits sibling  KOVE “Amor 106.5” is trending 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8 (flat at #17, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase for the fifth sweep in succession for an overall -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE drifts from #11 to #15. Albeit down two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is on top for the 32^nd consecutive time. When WSB-AM gained three-tenths this time last month, it halted three consecutive negative moves that accounted for a -2.7 (10.2 – 9.4 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). WSB-AM, which was +1.6 in January, notched three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+) but then was a combined -1.6 in three consecutive drops (10.2 – 10.0 – 9.1 – 8.6, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). Tacking on two-tenths to June’s +.3 (1.8 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” is steady at #18. Prior to April’s 2.0, WYAY recorded a 1.8 (6+) in January, February, and March. A combined -1.1 in May and June (3.3 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+) following an April increase of seven-tenths, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” picks up three-tenths to 2.5 (6+) and remains at #17. Immediately in advance of a -1.1 in February, “The Game” was a combined +.7 in three straight gains (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). A setback of two-tenths to 1.8 (6+) by Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” pulls the plug on seven successive sweeps without a decrease that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), but the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves continues at #19. April 2018 – July 2018 stats for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS (#26) are .6 – .7 – .6 – .8 (6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – In addition to logging three straight up or flat trends for a cumulative gain of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” vaults into the top ten (#14 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (4.1) since February’s 4.3. It now trails Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WWWQ “Q-100, Atlanta’s New Hits” (4.0 – 4.2, +.2, ninth to eighth, 6+) by just one-tenth. At the same time that Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Hits” is up or flat for the third time in a row for a collective +1.4 (2.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9, #13 to #12, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” is without an increase in the same timeframe for a loss of three-tenths (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+) and carries on in fourth-place. Improving by one-tenth each are iHeartMedia’s country WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (3.9 – 4.0, steady at #10, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits,” which has its best 6+-showing (3.9) since August 2017 (3.9, as well), yet backslides from #11 to #12. A one-tenth May setback by “The Bull” ended four increases in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+); it was -.7 in June. The market’s two urban contemporary outlets are off a combined one-half share. Specifically, Entercom’s WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” falters by four-tenths (7.0 – 6.6, 6+) but stays at #2, while Radio One-owned WHTA “Hot 107.9,” which had been up six-tenths in three straight upticks (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), drops one-tenth to 4.6, staying at #7 (6+). Before losing one-tenth in June, WVEE logged four sweeps in a row without a loss for a combined +1.3 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.1, 6+); May’s 7.1 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (7.3, April 2016). It is a somewhat similar situation with urban AC here (the format is a combined -.8 compared to June), as Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” sputters by one-half share (5.6 – 5.1, fourth to fifth, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1 – Atlanta’s R&B” drops three-tenths (4.3 – 4.0, eighth to tenth, 6+). After three negative trends in succession for an overall -.9 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), “Kiss” wiped away seven-tenths of the loss in June. Having logged seven straight up or flat moves (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and finishing #19 in May, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WSTR-HD3 is unlisted in June and July.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Following gains of one-tenth in May and June, Entercom’s WPHT breaks out a one-half share increase in July (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2, 6+) to progress from #20 to #17. “Talk Radio 1210” was stuck on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and then on 1.9 (6+) in February and March, before dropping to 1.5 in April. While flat at #7, co-owned sports talk WIP is a collective -1.7 in three straight decreases (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+). The Phillies flagship was an overall -1.1 (December and “Holiday” 2017); +2.6 (January 2018); -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); and -.5 (June). Dropping from #18 to #19, its format foe, Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM, is without a gain for the third time in succession for an overall decline of eight-tenths (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+); “97.5 The Fanatic” was +.9 in January. In four consecutive down or flat trends (6.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom all-news KYW (flat at #8) is -1.5. An increase of nine-tenths in March (5.1 – 6.0, 6+) gave KYW its strongest 6+-showing in three years (6.1, March 2015), but it then surrendered one full-share in April; KYW improved by +1.0 in January. Public news/talk WHYY posts its third successive negative move for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). It was up one full-share in January, but off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017. Unchanged at #21, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” falters by two-tenths (1.6 – 1.4, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – It is truly a benchmark sweep for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s,” which records its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era (8.2); is #1 for the first time since August 2017; and registers its sixth straight gain for a combined +2.9 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+). At #1, it displaces a station about to be its cluster-mate, adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM,” which was on top the past four months. Regressing by seven-tenths to 7.8, its lowest 6+-showing since November 2017 (7.8, as well), WBEB segues to the runner-up slot. As a result of five straight increases before January’s -8.7, “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was a collective +10.3 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 12.8 – 17.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Before officially closing on its $57.5 million purchase of WBEB from Jerry Lee Radio, Entercom took over operation of the station last Thursday (9/9) under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA). Wiping away June’s one-half share loss with a July gain of six-tenths (5.8 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAS-FM advances from fifth to fourth. Immediately prior to June’s -.6, “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” was an overall +.8 in three straight positive spikes (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). This (6.4) is its highest 6+-share since January’s 6.6. Without a loss for the seventh straight month for an overall +2.2 (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8, 6+), WXTU advances from sixth to fifth. Previous to the May sweep, the last time “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” reached the five-share level (6+) was in August 2016 (5.3). After three straight flat or up trends that yielded six-tenths (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” surrenders the entire gain and one-tenth more (5.4, -.7, fourth to sixth, 6+). Down one full-share in 16 straight down or flat sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), Radio One gospel WPPZ “Praise 107.9 – Philadelphia’s Inspiration Station” actually improves from #26 to #24.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – It is a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately for Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio,” which was -1.1 in February; a collective +1.8 in April and May (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+); -.5 in June; and now the New York Yankees’ flagship is +.7 in July (4.2 – 4.9, sixth to fourth, 6+). Meanwhile, the key station of the New York Mets – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” – is -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+) and moves from #21 to #22. In advance of surrendering three-tenths in March, WOR was an overall +.8 in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Simply by remaining flat at 2.5 (6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM advances from #16 to #14, where it catches co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS (2.8 – 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+). WCBS-AM gained two-tenths in January, halting four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). In March, it recaptured the four-tenths it dropped in February. This marks the third straight time WINS shows a month-to-month fluctuation of three-tenths: +.3 (May); -.3 (June) and -.3 (July). After five consecutive upticks for a +1.2, which more than doubled its 6+-share (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is off one-half share in June and July (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+) and departs the top twenty. Trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 (February 2018 – July 2018, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM moves from #24 to #25; meanwhile, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (#25 to #26) is without an increase for the fourth consecutive month for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, , 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – It is an extremely tight race at the top, as the first five Nassau-Suffolk July 2018 finishers are separated by just two-tenths of a share. Included in that pack is the market’s new number one (up from second-place in June), Cox Media Group CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits,” a collective +1.4 through four straight improvements (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+). This (5.1) is its strongest 6+-performance  since September 2017’s 5.2. Format rival, iHeartMedia New York City’s WHTZ “Z-100,” is flat or down (slightly) for the third straight time and slides from second to fourth (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+). Displaced from the top spot after nine straight months there and taking WBLI’s place at #2 is Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5,” which posts its seventh successive sweep without an increase (12.6 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+) for an overall -7.6. “Real Variety” was a cumulative +7.2 in October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017 (5.4 – 6.7 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+). Off one-half share, owing to three straight minor dips (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” answers with a +.6 to 2.4 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#22 to #17). The format gains another three-tenths in July as Cumulus Media-owned WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ,” which was tied with WNEW-FM in June, improves 1.8 – 2.1 (#19, 6+). Having been up or flat the past three months for a +.7 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), Connoisseur Media’s WWSK “94.3 The Shark – Everything That Rocks” slips one-tenth to 2.9 (6+) but stays at #12. Within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 45^th consecutive ratings period, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” (#13 to #14) drops three-tenths (2.8 – 2.5, 6+). In five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is a collective -1.2 (eighth to ninth). More than a dozen stations that appeared in the June 2018 report have vanished from print in this sweep. With their (6+) June 2018 Long Island stat in parentheses, these are six notable examples that had at least a .6 (6+) in June 2018 but are now unlisted: Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ (1.3); co-owned Spanish contemporary WPAT (1.0); Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLV (.9); Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY (.8); New York Public Radio classical WQXR (.7); and Fordham University alternative WFUV (.6).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Nearly doubling its 6+-stat in the last two monthlies (.9 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR progresses from #13 to #11. In advance of the February sweep, KVCR was +.4 via three minor upticks in a row (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+). Notwithstanding its very steady Inland Empire November 2017 – July 2018 topline of .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .4 (6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” slips from #17 to #18. Debuting at #22 with a .2 (6+) is iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE.” Part of May’s four-way logjam at #20 with a .3 (6+), co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June, but resurfaces in July with a .2 (#22, 6+). Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) and similarly-formatted KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the sixth month in a row.

Riverside Music Formats – As a result of being a collective +1.5 in June and July (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.9), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” elevates from fourth to third. Quadrupling its 6+-share (.2 – .8, 6+) Lazer Broadcasting’s KCAL-AM La Mexicana 1410 vaults from #20 to #14. Regional Mexican sibling KXRS “Radio Lazer” (#20 to #17) is in a repetitive cycle of .2 – .5 – .2 – .5 ( 6+), while co-owned/similarly formatted KXSB (also using the “Radio Lazer” handle) is without a gain for the third straight month (.7 – .6 – .6 – .4, #16 to #18, 6+). Not only does Entravision’s KLYY repeat at #1, “Jose” is +2.3 in three straight positive spikes (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). Replaced by “Jose” in June after a five-month run at #1 – Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA – improves by three-tenths to 6.6 (6+) and duplicates its second-place finish. The +.3 ends four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). Similarly, January’s +1.8 applied the brakes to three straight decreases that accounted for a -2.0 (7.5 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). Four negative moves in a row by Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona Mx 101.9” (ninth to tenth) account for a collective -1.8 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). Off by six-tenths in July as well is Entercom country outlet KFRG, which carries on in third-place (5.5 – 4.9, 6+). When “K-Frog” lost four-tenths in June, it snapped at four a consecutive string of increases that netted an overall +1.3 (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). While steady at #5, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” posts its third straight Riverside decrease for an overall -1.7 (5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). For the third time in the last four sweeps, All-Pro Broadcasting adult contemporary KATY “101.3 The Mix” (#15 – #16) logs a .6 (.6 – .6 – .7. – .6, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – For the past six San Jose sweeps (January 2018 – June 2018), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED and Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM have finished first and second, respectively. That changes in July 2018, however, as KQED (7.5 – 6.5, -1.0, 6+) drops to second and KCBS-AM (7.2 – 6.4, -.8, 6+) shifts to third. This (6.5) is the lowest 6+-stat since June 2017’s 6.1 for KQED, which rebounded from a combined -1.9 in April and May (8.8 – 8.2 – 6.9, 6+) with a June increase of six-tenths. When KQED lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it shifted to #2, following five successive sweeps on top; it was +1.0 in January. A setback of one-tenth in December halted three consecutive gains that produced an overall +1.3 (6.9 – 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+). Meanwhile, KCBS-AM’s -.8 pulls the plug on four consecutive up or flat trends that netted +1.4 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and its strongest 6+ (San Jose) showing since November 2017 (7.2, as well). In the Cumulus Media cluster, sports talk KNBR “The Sports Leader is a cumulative -1.0 via three decreases in succession (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+) and segues from eighth to tenth, with its lowest 6+-stat (3.6) since 3.0 in March. The San Francisco Giants flagship posted a +1.6 in April, as it reached the four-share level in San Jose (6+) for the first time since May 2017’s 4.2. Without a loss the past five months for an overall +1.0 (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), co-owned news/talk KSFO drops two-tenths to 2.0 (6+), slipping from #19 to #20. A different streak concludes for sibling KGO, which adds two-tenths (1.9, flat at #22) to pause four successive downward sweeps for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+); KGO was a combined +.7 in January and February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Over and above hauling out a robust +1.5 (5.2 – 6.7, 6+), Entercom-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox, The South Bay’s Classic Rock” jumps from fourth to first. By way of perspective, its July 2018 6.7  more than doubles October 2017’s 6+-share (3.2). Format rival – Cumulus Media’s KSAN “107.7 The Bone” is off three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, #17 to #20, 6+). Four straight negative trends by iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ produced a loss of nine-tenths (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), but “98.1 The Breeze” rebounds with a gain of seven-tenths to 4.3 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Following June’s massive -1.2, (4.2 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” regains one-tenth to 3.1 (6+) and carries on at #12. Good news continues for Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY, which records its fourth gain in a row for an overall +1.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+) as “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” progresses from seventh to sixth. With exactly the same (6+) share it had when it began its down/up pattern in December 2017 (2.2 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KOSF “iHeart80s @ 103.7” cracks the top twenty (#22 to #18). In three straight positive spikes, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG was an overall +1.9 (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), but “Amor 100.3” surrenders roughly 20% of that increase (5.2, -.4, 6+), slipping from third to fifth.  bit analogous to what is highlighted in Long Island (see above), seven stations with at least a 1.2 (6+) in the June 2018 ratings period have disappeared from print in this report. With their (6+) June 2018 San Jose stat in parentheses, the seven outlets falling in that category are: Entercom rhythmic hot AC KRBQ (1.9); University of Southern California classical KDFC (1.7); Entercom alternative KITS (1.6); public contemporary Christian KLVS (1.5); Entercom sports talk KGMZ (1.4); Entercom urban AC KBLX (1.2); and Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ (1.2).

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of four-tenths for the second straight time (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8, 6+) propels WKXW from the runner-up slot to #1. The Townsquare Media news/talker was on top four ratings periods in succession before segueing to #2 in May. “New Jersey 101.5” was a combined -2.1 in April and May (8.1 – 7.3 – 6.0, 6+) and posted a +.9 in January to advance from second to first with its strongest 6+-stat since April 2016’s 8.5. Steady at #5, Entercom sports talk WFAN slips by one-tenth in both June and July (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). June’s one-tenth setback halted three straight positive spikes that netted a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Four successive losses by WFAN accounted for a -1.9 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), but immediately prior to that, the New York Yankees flagship was +1.4 via three straight increases (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). The eight most recent topline 6+ stats for sports talk WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (flat at #21) are: 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.7 – 1.9. In five straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM has lost nearly 50% of its 6+ share (-1.6) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22). Off a collective six-tenths in May and June (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and New York Mets flagship WOR makes up half the loss with a +.3 to 2.0 and returns to the top twenty at #20. Locked on 1.1 (6+) in March and April, Entercom all-news WINS records a 1.7 (#23, 6+) for the third straight time. It is one-tenth ahead of Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (#24, 6+), whose January 2018 – July 2018 6+ topline is: 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.6.

Middlesex Music Formats – On a roll in this New Jersey market, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X-96.3” practically triples its 6+-share (+2.6) via seven up or flat trends (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 4.0, 6+) and catapults from #16 all the way to #7. Within three-share range (6+) in each of the past 13 sweeps, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” gains one-half share (3.3 – 3.8, 6+) to jump from #13 to #10. An overall +1.2 in three consecutive up or flat reports (5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.8, 6+), co-owned urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” forfeits all but one-tenth of that increase (5.7, – 1.1, 6+) and segues from first to second. The station it supplanted at #1 in June, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, collapses by -1.3 (6.3 – 5.0, 6+) but manages to stay in third-place. When “106.7 Lite FM” gained one-tenth in June, it applied the brakes to five straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -5.3 (11.5 – 7.4 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). In addition to recording its fourth decrease in a row for a -1.8 (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). Continuing the theme set in Long Island and San Jose (see above), seven stations that registered at least a one-half share (6+) in June 2018 are unlisted in July 2018. With their (6+) June 2018 Middlesex-Somerset-Union stat in parentheses, these seven outlets are: Entercom news WCBS-AM (1.5); Press Communications country WKMK (1.2); New York Public Radio classical WQXR (.9); Press Communications rock WWZY (.7); Univision Radio Spanish news/talk WADO (.7); Townsquare Media hot AC WJLK (.5); and Newark Public Radio jazz WBGO (.5).

Friday, August 10, 2018

WEEI-FM’s Minihane Set to Discuss Depression. The genuine intimacy between a radio talent and the audience will most likely again be strongly in evidence when Entercom Boston sports talk WEEI-FM’s Kirk Minihane returns to the air today (Friday, 8/10) on the 5:30 am – 10:00 am “Kirk & (Gerry) Callahan Show.” In a tweet yesterday (8/9) at 2:47 pm, Minihane wrote, “I’ve talked a lot about my issues with depression, and I’ve battled it the last three months or so. Last Thursday night, I checked into the ER at Winchester Hospital with suicidal thoughts. I was then moved to McLean, where I was treated and released earlier this week.” One minute later (2:48 pm), he followed with, “I’ll be back at work tomorrow, and I’m a little nervous about it – but I’m not ashamed or embarrassed. We’ll do what we do – we’ll talk about it.” McLean Hospital in Belmont (suburban Boston) is regarded as one of the country’s best psychiatric facilities. Highly-controversial and opinionated Minihane joined what was then the “(John) Dennis and Callahan” show in 2013. He was suspended for “unsavory” language toward Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews. He later made headlines when he said the New England Patriots should “hire someone to murder” Roger Goodell over the NFL commissioner’s handling of “deflategate.” Earlier this year, Minihane claimed he would be taking a year off from sports talk radio, insisting he is “tired of being treated like a child” by station management. In Nielsen Audio’s just-released July 2018 Boston PPM results, WEEI-FM is up one-tenth to 4.2 (#8, 6+), while cross-town rival – Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” regresses by one-half share (3.8, #10, 6+).

Stunner: Lanigan Logs Off WTAM. It’s one of those management nightmares when an on-air talent literally quits on the air. It happened in Cleveland two days ago (8/8) when John Lanigan announced Wednesday’s show on WTAM would be his last. For the past four years, Lanigan had done a one-hour (9:00 am – 10:00 am) program called “The Spew” on the iHeartMedia news/talk property. After a segment on the worst presidents in history, however, Lanigan according to a report on WEWS-TV “News 5,” Cleveland “diverted significantly from the show’s scheduled topics” approximately halfway through “The Spew.” Apparently out-of-the-blue, Lanigan ad-libbed to co-host Mike Trivisonno, “Can I talk to you for a second, quickly? I want to tell you what a privilege it has been working with you these last few years. You are the class act in radio. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it [but] I won’t be doing ‘The Spew’ ever again – I’m quitting today. I’m done – I won’t be back. I won’t be on ‘The Spew.’” The 75-year-old Lanigan went on to say (in a clip posted by WKYC-TV, Cleveland) that he’s no longer interested in what the NFL’s Cleveland Browns do and he doesn’t think he’s smart enough to discuss politics. “There’s too divisive an attitude in the country right now; I don’t think I’m qualified to tell listeners what they should be thinking,” Lanigan remarked. WTAM program director Ray Davis finished the rest of that day’s “Spew.” In 1971, Lanigan rather famously replaced Don Imus on Cleveland’s WGAR. For 29 years (1985 – 2014), Nebraska-born Lanigan – a 2013 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee – did morning drive with John Webster and Jimmy Malone on Cleveland classic hits-oldies outlet WMJI.

Entercom Now In TBA With WBEB. Prior to officially closing on its $57.5 million purchase of Jerry Lee Radio Philadelphia’s WBEB “101.1 More FM,” Entercom took over operation of the adult contemporary property yesterday (Thursday, 9/9) under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA). It marks the end of an era as WBEB was perhaps the lone genuine standalone property in a PPM-market – no sister station anywhere else. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president/market manager David Yadgaroff remarks, “I am excited to welcome WBEB, one of the country’s most recognized and awarded stations, to our portfolio of Philadelphia radio stations. The addition of WBEB will be a great complement to our lineup that already includes KYW ‘News Radio 1060’; WIP ‘94 Sports Radio’; WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’; [adult contemporary] WTDY; and [classic hits-oldies] WOGL.” Elsewhere in the market, Beasley Media Group approximately three weeks ago (7/23) similarly assumed operations of Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” under a TBA in advance of finalizing that station’s $38 million purchase. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 Philadelphia PPM report, WBEB regresses by seven-tenths (8.5 – 7.8) to slip from first to second, while WXTU (5.8, sixth to fifth, 6+) is without a loss for the seventh successive sweep for a cumulative gain of +2.2.

Univision Q2: Net Income Up, Radio Ad Revenue Down. For second-quarter 2018, Univision Communications’ net income rose from $106.1 million to $114.3 million; however, radio ad revenue dropped 3.6% to $61.7 million. Overall radio revenue fell 3.1% to $64.7 million, with total radio core revenue off 5.5% to $60.5 million. In addition, Univision’s aggregate revenue declined 2% year-to-year to $749.8 million with total core revenue (excluding political and content licensing revenue) down 3.1% to $730.3 million. Chief executive officer Vince Sadusky observes, “This is a company I have long admired as one of the great franchises in U.S. media and for its important mission to serve the Hispanic community. Despite a rapidly evolving media landscape, the company has a lot to be optimistic about and an incredibly strong foundation to build from. We provide unparalleled access to a coveted and fast growing consumer group with increasing buying power. While our foundation is strong, Univision has gone through a significant amount of change over the last few months. We are starting an exciting new chapter with a singular focus on our core business and mission – to inform, entertain and empower Hispanic America.” Sadusky succeeded Randy Falco as CEO in late-May (2018).

Final Round of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

Sir Charles In Charge. Once each year, Charles Barkley co-hosts all fours hours of Mike Missanelli’s afternoon drive show (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) on Beasley Media Group Philadelphia sports talk outlet WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic.” The former NBA star did so yesterday (Thursday, 8/9) and discussed topics like the Eagles first preseason game; the expectations for the Sixers this season; and if the Phillies can keep up their great play. “The Round Mound of Rebound” spent the first eight years of his 16-year NBA career with the Sixers. He also played for the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. For the past 18 years, Barkley has been a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on the network’s NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows. Pictured in the photo at the right (from left to right) are Missanelli, Natalie Egenolf, Barkley, and Tyrone Johnson.

TALKERS News Notes. Adding radio duties as co-host (with program director Justin Acri) of “The Zone” (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) on Signal Media Little Rock sports talker KABZ “103.7 The Buzz” is Wess Moore, sports director of Little Rock’s KLRT-TV “Fox 16.” He succeeds Pat Bradley, who exits after 11 years to relocate to his native Boston; Bradley played college basketball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Acri comments, “We are going to really miss Pat in ‘The Zone,’ but certainly understand the draw of family. He has been a huge part of ‘The Buzz’ team and our success for more than a decade. He will continue to be a great featured contributor to the station going forward.  I know he will always consider Little Rock and Arkansas a second home – regardless of where he’s living.” Moore adds, “I am excited to be joining such a successful sports talk radio station with a rich history in Arkansas. ‘The Buzz’ has some of the best personalities in the business – I’m honored to get the opportunity to work alongside them. I look forward to being a part of ‘The Zone’ with Justin Acri, who has created an entertaining, smart show engaging sports fans on all levels.” Moore previously hosted “Game On with Wess Moore” for High Plains Radio Network’s Benton, Arkansas-licensed sports talk KAFN “Fox Sports Arkansas”; he begins his KABZ assignment next Monday (8/13) ….. In partnership with SiriusXM, the Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is establishing a permanent “Billy Graham Channel.” Headlined by messages of the late Christian evangelist, “The Billy Graham Channel” debuts one week from Monday (8/20), on SiriusXM Channel 460, becoming the satcaster’s fifth spoken-word “Religion” channel and the first featuring a continuous delivery of evangelistic content. BGEA chief executive officer Franklin Graham comments, “We are excited that SiriusXM will have a permanent Billy Graham channel. Many people have told us how much it has meant to them to hear my father’s timeless messages of truth.” Since last November, “The Billy Graham Channel” has appeared as a limited-run offering on four occasions, including a tribute channel in conjunction with Dr. Graham’s passing in February.

Week’s Top Topics.  The Trump-Russia investigation; Paul Manafort trial;  Ohio special election; various state primaries; midterm elections;  trade wars;  China tariffs;  Russia sanctions;  Rep. Chris Collins indictment;  Alex Jones and social media; LeBron James education initiative; California wildfires and their causes; New Mexico compound child abuse;  Tribune–Sinclair non-deal;  MLB action; and NFL training camps-pre-season games were the most-talked-about-topics on American news/talk radio this past week of August 6-10, 2018 according to the ongoing research of TALKERS magazine. To see the complete list of top topics and most-talked-about people of the week, please click here.

Harrison Podcast Resurrects 36-Year-Old Interview with Apple I and Apple II Inventor Steve Wozniak. In commemoration of Apple, Inc. reaching the historic milestone of a one trillion dollar valuation, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison dug up a 36-year-old interview that he conducted with Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak, the designer and inventor of the original Apple I and II personal computers. It is the centerpiece of this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Originally aired in 1982 on the pioneering national cable TV talk show “Harrison’s Mic,” the 24-minute conversation explores the beginnings of Apple Computer, Inc. (as it was then called) from what was a relatively recent perspective (it was only six years old). More importantly, it reveals the prescient thinking and perspective of one of the most important electronic designers and computer scientists of the digital era (and eventual philanthropist) when he was only 32 years old and society had merely scratched the surface of the revolution about to change the way people live and think. This fascinating interview is a must-listen for pop culture enthusiasts and media freaks. Michael Harrison states, “I am only first understanding the level of historical and intellectual gold that exists in the thousands of interviews, specials and broadcasts collecting dust in my archives that go back a half-century. We never realized when this content was being created in those early days that it would be of such historical interest and value. It just seemed like disposable pop content of the moment. This gem of a conversation with the great Steve Wozniak, which I hadn’t heard in more than three decades, is a prime example. I am so happy to share it in 2018 upon the milestone of Apple setting such astonishing records.” To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Dubbed “The most-listened-to woman on radio,” Premiere Networks’ nighttime adult contemporary personality Delilah returned to New York City last Thursday (8/2) to host the annual summer performance, “Broadway in Bryant Park.” Presented by Delilah’s NYC affiliate, iHeartMedia AC WLTW “106.7 Lite FM,” the six-week event takes place at noon every Thursday (July 12 – August 16) and features performances of the biggest hits from the most popular shows on and off Broadway. Highlighted last week, for example, were “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” and “The Lion King.” An inductee of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Delilah will be back next Thursday (8/16) to close out the series and welcome performances from “Be More Chill,” “Gettin’ The Band Back Together, “Once On This Island” and “School of Rock.” Pictured here from left to right are “Aladdin” cast members Major Attaway (“Genie”); Arielle Jacobs (“Jasmine”); Delilah, and Telly Young (“Aladdin”) …. Specifically targeting mainstream CHRs, rhythmic CHRs, and hip-hop stations, the five-hour “Dana Cortez Show” is the first result of a joint syndication and sales initiative that was announced four months ago between ABC Radio and Skyview Networks. An ensemble cast is led by one of the first Latinas to host a nationally syndicated show. ABC Radio vice president and general manager Steve Jones comments, “Dana is a transformational talent whose voice connects with a very broad audience and women in particular. We are extremely proud to syndicate ‘The Dana Cortez Show’ and help Dana, [her executive producer and husband] ‘DJ Automatic’ and ‘Anthony A’ [comedian Anthony Almanzar] entertain more listeners and drive affiliate revenue.” Skyview Networks president Ken Thiele remarks, “When we started this collaboration with ABC Radio, ‘The Dana Cortez Show’ is exactly the type of gold we were hoping to find – programs and personality with momentum on the rise. We welcome them to the family.” Cortez adds that, “Partnering with ABC Radio and Skyview Networks is the realization of a lifelong dream. From day one, Steve Jones and his team have championed having a female host as the lead for their morning syndication. It sends a very powerful message and I’m excited to help pave the way. Today’s audience expects authenticity, there are no secrets between us – nothing is off limits. Every morning is brimming with culture and content. Originality is at the core of everything we do. We believe our show is radio reimagined. It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it.” Cortez joined Univision Radio San Antonio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” three years ago from similarly-formatted KKSS “Kiss 97.3,” Albuquerque ….. Catapulting from his role of program director of iHeartMedia Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) CHR WWXM “Mix 97.7,” Ron Roberts takes on similar duties at Entercom Atlanta hot AC WSTR “Star 94.” He succeeds Tony Lorin, who exited earlier this year; a successor to Roberts at “Mix” is yet to be named … In iHeartMedia’s San Diego cluster, KGB-FM “San Diego’s Classic Rock” and KIOZ “Rock 105.3” program director Shauna Moran is promoted to director of rock programming for both stations. Meanwhile, KGB afternoon co-host Bob Buchmann becomes KGB’s operations manager/music director. According to Moran, “It has been an amazing week for KGB with the triumphant return home of DSC in mornings and the assembling of a powerhouse line up: Clint August in middays; Bob and Coe [Lewis] in afternoons; and Marc Coppola in nights. It also is a privilege to name Bob operations manager and music director for KGB.” Prior to joining KGB-FM and KIOZ in 1996, Moran spent five years in Denver as promotion director for KAZY, KRFX, and KBPI. Buchmann, who did mornings on KGB-FM before shifting to afternoons, has programmed WAXQ, New York; KLOS, Los Angeles; and was vice president of programming for WBAB, Long Island ….. Starting next month (9/4), changes at Bonneville Denver adult contemporary KOSI “Real-Music-Variety” will find three-year afternoon host Jackie Selby shifting to mid-days, replacing Denise Plante, who departed last month. The afternoon slot vacated by Selby will be taken over by Melissa Moore, who will cross the hallway from country sibling KYGO, where she handles mid-days. Selby’s previous Denver background includes alternative KXPK “96.5 The Peak,” hot AC KALC “Alice 106,” classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105,” and adult standards KTNI “101.5 Martini on the Rockies.” Moore returns to KOSI, where she was morning co-host in the late-1990’s. Her resume includes Orlando’s WWKA “Country “K-92,” Minneapolis hot AC KSTP-FM “KS 95,” and afternoons on the contemporary Christian “WAY-FM” network …..Five-year Radio One Indianapolis CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” integrated media specialist Tony Severino will join crosstown Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS “92.3 World Class Rock – Experience The Music” next Tuesday (8/14) as director of sales. “His enthusiasm for our industry and what we can do for clients is outstanding,” states WTTS president and general manager Geoff Vargo, while station manager Brad Holtz notes, “The passion he has for the opportunities that lie ahead for our unique brand of local radio was evident upon our first conversation.” Severino succeeds Daryl McIntire, who has left the station ….. To promote the addition of Premiere Networks morning talent Bobby Bones to its on-air lineup (5:00 am – 10:00 am), iHeartMedia Louisville’s WAMZ “97.5 Kentuckiana’s #1 for Country” partnered with “Field of Screams” to showcase a guitar-playing skeleton and “The Bobby Bones Show” logo. Including a six-acre corn maze, the annual haunted house event is open from September 16 through October 27 in Brandenburg, Kentucky ….. Alpha Media Canton, Ohio hot AC WHBC-FM “Mix 94.1” is the latest affiliate of Envision Networks^’ EnvisionVirtualServices. According to “Mix” program director John Stewart, [meteorologist] John Wetherbee is mindful of Ohio’s ever-changing weather pattern. If our weather changes, he updates his forecasts.”

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Tribune Terminates Sinclair Merger Agreement. Included in our story yesterday which dealt with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s second-quarter earnings report (Talkers.com, 8/8) was the following quote from Sinclair president and chief executive officer Chris Ripley who addressed the pending acquisition of Tribune Media Company: “We are working with them to analyze approaches to the regulatory process that are in the best interest of our companies, employees, and shareholders.” It was announced early today that not only is the marriage between the two entities over, Tribune Media is suing Sinclair Broadcast Group for breach of contract; the suit was filed today (Thursday, 8/9) in Delaware Chancery Court. The proposed $3.9 billion deal hit a snag when the FCC designated it for a hearing, a red flag that the transaction would most likely not be approved. Last month, FCC chair Ajit Pai raised “serious concerns” about the deal, which originally would have reached roughly 70% of U.S. households. Tribune is charging that, “In an effort to maintain control over stations it was obligated to sell, Sinclair engaged in unnecessarily aggressive and protracted negotiations with the Department of Justice and the FCC over regulatory requirements; refused to sell stations in the markets as required to obtain approval; and proposed aggressive divestment structures and related-party sales that were either rejected outright or posed a high risk of rejection and delay – all in derogation of Sinclair’s contractual obligations.” Tribune further claims, “Sinclair’s entire course of conduct has been in blatant violation of the merger agreement; but for Sinclair’s actions, the transaction could have closed long ago.” According to Tribune chief executive officer Peter Kern, “In light of the FCC’s unanimous decision, referring the issue of Sinclair’s conduct for a hearing before an administrative law judge, our merger cannot be completed within an acceptable timeframe, if ever. This uncertainty and delay would be detrimental to our company and our shareholders. Accordingly, we have exercised our right to terminate the merger agreement, and, by way of our lawsuit, intend to hold Sinclair accountable.” Revenue for Tribune’s only radio property – Chicago news/talk WGN – is not broken out in the company’s second-quarter financials. “Notwithstanding our disappointment regarding the outcome of the [Sinclair] transaction,” Kern remarks, “we are extremely pleased with our second quarter results, which were very strong. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 69% versus the prior year period and 84% for the first half of the year. While net core advertising revenues declined 6%, we were able to drive consolidated revenue growth of 6% when excluding the impact of barter revenues, with solid growth in retransmission and carriage fees revenues and political advertising revenue. Our disciplined focus on cost management drove programming expenses down 29% and corporate and other cash expenses, excluding transaction costs, down 19% over the prior year period.”

Rumor Becomes Fact: Warner Is WW One’s Lead MNF Analyst. Just this past Tuesday (Talkers.com, 8/7), we referenced a report by Richard Deitsch in The Athletic, hinting that Hall of Fame QB and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner would join Kevin Harlan as Westwood One’s lead analyst for “Monday Night Football” and the Super Bowl. It is now official: Warner’s first broadcast will be in a little over four weeks (9/10), when the Oakland Raiders host the Los Angeles Rams. He becomes only the fourth regular “MNF” analyst for Westwood One since its broadcast partnership with the NFL began 40 years ago. The others were Boomer Esiason (2000-2017); Matt Millen (1996-2000); and Hank Stram (1978-1984, 1987-1995). Ever since he retired from the NFL, Warner insists he has “been blessed” with tremendous broadcasting opportunities. “I am grateful to Westwood One for this opportunity and for believing in me with this role. The bar has been set extremely high by Boomer Esiason and others. I look forward to grabbing the torch, working hard, and maintaining the sense of excellence that has become synonymous with Westwood One. I also look forward to continuing my relationship with Kevin Harlan, who I believe is one of the best play-by-play people in the business.” Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “We have been proud partners of the NFL for more than four decades and our best-in-class broadcasts feature the brightest stars from the league. Kurt Warner is a keen observer with a great eye and unique analysis. He adds another layer of authenticity, knowledge, and expertise to our roster. He is an incredible asset for our loyal and passionate listeners and engaged advertisers.” Westwood One Sports executive vice president/executive producer Howard Deneroff adds, “To have a player, and person, of Kurt Warner’s caliber become our lead analyst is incredibly exciting. We look forward to Kevin and Kurt working together full-time. We are confident that they will continue the legacy of great Westwood One broadcast teams which have informed and entertained listeners on Monday nights for decades.” A 2017 inductee in the pro football Hall of Fame, Warner played 12 seasons in the NFL, leading two different franchises (St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals) to Super Bowl appearances. He was the NFL’s MVP in 1999 and 2001. He and wife, Brenda, created “The First Things First Foundation,” dedicated to impacting lives by promoting Christian values, and “Treasure House,” which provides a supportive living environment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Multi-Year TuneIn, Cumulus Deal Expands Streaming Partnership. The arrangement between the two principals calls for streaming of Cumulus Media’s 441 stations in 90 markets, as well as shows on co-owned Westwood One Podcast Network on the TuneIn platform. Cumulus Media president and chief executive officer Mary Berner remarks, “We understand that consumers engage with content across multiple platforms and devices. We put our listeners first, and we have made it our mission to provide a modern and platform-agnostic listening experience. Expanding our partnership with TuneIn takes our distribution and promotional opportunities to the next level, exposing our portfolio of leading stations, shows, and programs to new fans.” TuneIn chief executive officer John Donham states, “As the world’s leader in live digital audio, we are thrilled to provide our listeners access to some of the best live-station programming across sports, news, talk, music, and entertainment, as well as popular podcasts and other on-demand content offered by Cumulus Media. We look forward to a long and successful partnership as we grow the next chapter of the audio business together.” Heretofore, Cumulus Media stations have been available through iHeartRadio, as well as TuneIn.

Salem Media Group Reports Mixed Q2 Results. Second-quarter total revenue for Salem Media Group increased .2% to $66.3 million; net broadcast revenue rose 2.7% to $50.6 million; and station operating income held steady at $13.3 million. Conversely, operating income fell 84.4% to $1.3 million and net income spiraled from a gain of $1.3 million to a loss of $2.2 million. In addition, EBITDA dropped 40.8% to $6 million and Adjusted EBITDA fell 9.4% to $11.2 million. A full-slate of Salem Radio Network talk shows aired on news/talk WBIX, Boston but, in early-January (2018), Salem Media Group agreed to sell “The Buzz” for $685,000 to the International Church of the Grace of God, which – through an LMA – flipped the station to a Portuguese format; the sale was finalized approximately two months ago (6/20). The second-quarter included a $5.7 million net loss on the sale of stations in Omaha and land in Covina, California. Salem Media Group projects third-quarter total revenue to be flat or up 2% from 2017’s $65.4 million.

Round Three of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TALKERS News Notes. Under newly-signed five-year deals, Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph will return calling Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games. The NHL team’s radio broadcasts are split between Rogers sports talk CJCL “Sports Net 590 The Fan” and Bell Media sports talk CHUM “TSN Radio 1050.” Per The Toronto Sun, the deal is for radio only. This year’s Hockey Hall of Fame Foster Hewitt award winner – Bowen – has been calling Toronto Maple Leafs games since 1982; Ralph has been on the broadcasts since 1997 ….. Morning driver John Hines is retiring at the end of the month from heritage Entercom Minneapolis news/talk WCCO. Newly-arrived (from Entercom Philadelphia) operations manager Andy Bloom is holding on-air auditions to fill that upcoming “News Radio 830” vacancy. In a station memo obtained by City Pages, Bloom writes, “My only interest is getting someone that will generate an audience. The fact is, the majority of news/talk radio listeners are center-right.” ….. Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dennis Brown is named co-host of KNBR’s pregame and postgame NFL coverage. This marks the 14^th year of 49ers football on the Cumulus Media San Francisco sports talk outlet. Program director Jeremiah Crowe comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Dennis Brown to the KNBR family. Dennis brings a Super Bowl champion’s perspective to our coverage, and he will maintain a regular analyst role throughout the week during our primetime talk programming. The addition of Dennis further strengthens KNBR’s NFL roster as the strongest in all of sports radio.” Brown, who was a 49ers television analyst from 2012 – 2017, adds, “As a Bay Area native, I’m very excited to be joining KNBR’s game-day broadcast team. I’ve listened to KNBR for decades and jumped at the opportunity to join their pregame and postgame coverage.” Brown was the 47^th overall pick in the 1990 NFL draft and played all seven years of his career for San Francisco, including 1995, when he was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXIX ….. Meanwhile, in Seattle, Dave Wyman is named radio analyst for the NFL’s Seahawks on Bonneville-owned flagships KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle” and news/talk KIRO-FM “Radio 97.3.” The former linebacker (Seahawks and Denver Broncos) will work alongside play-by-play announcer Steve Raible during the regular season; Jen Mueller and John Clayton return as sideline reporters ….. Cleveland-based podcast production and radio syndication network Front Porch Media Network acquires Pit Pass Media Group, producers of weekly two-hour motorcycle racing podcast “Pit Pass Moto,” which has had 785,015 episode downloads in the last four years. Front Porch chief executive officer Michael DeAloia notes, “We look forward to enhancing the brand and building new content. We continue to concentrate on building a dynamic and engaging podcast portfolio. ‘Pit Pass Moto’ is a prestigious podcast and one that merits additional resources and investment.” The podcast’s partner and guest host Ed Kuhlenkamp remarks, “We are excited about the Front Porch Media acquisition and what it means for the show’s fans. We believe Front Porch Media has the resources required to take the ‘Pit Pass Moto’ brand to the next level.”

Harrison Podcast Resurrects 36-Year-Old Interview with Apple I and Apple II Inventor Steve Wozniak. In commemoration of Apple, Inc. reaching the historic milestone of a one trillion dollar valuation, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison dug up a 36-year-old interview that he conducted with Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak, the designer and inventor of the original Apple I and II personal computers. It is the centerpiece of this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Originally aired in 1982 on the pioneering national cable TV talk show “Harrison’s Mic,” the 24-minute conversation explores the beginnings of Apple Computer, Inc. (as it was then called) from what was a relatively recent perspective (it was only six years old). More importantly, it reveals the prescient thinking and perspective of one of the most important electronic designers and computer scientists of the digital era (and eventual philanthropist) when he was only 32 years old and society had merely scratched the surface of the revolution about to change the way people live and think. This fascinating interview is a must-listen for pop culture enthusiasts and media freaks. Michael Harrison states, “I am only first understanding the level of historical and intellectual gold that exists in the thousands of interviews, specials and broadcasts collecting dust in my archives that go back a half-century. We never realized when this content was being created in those early days that it would be of such historical interest and value. It just seemed like disposable pop content of the moment. This gem of a conversation with the great Steve Wozniak, which I hadn’t heard in more than three decades, is a prime example. I am so happy to share it in 2018 upon the milestone of Apple setting such astonishing records.” To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Mueller Investigation; Ohio Special Election/Primaries; Manafort Trial/Gates Testimony, California Wildfire and the Environment, Trump China Tariffs, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Discussed Yesterday (8/8). The Robert Mueller probe; the special election in Ohio and key primaries in several states, the trial of Paul Manafort highlighted by the damaging testimony of Rick Gates; the deadly California wildfires and their possible causes; and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday (8/8), according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. “Summer Camp,” a two-day, outdoor music concert showcasing the different sounds of alternative rock, will be held this Saturday (8/11) and Sunday (8/12) at Redmond, Washington’s Marymoor Park. Entercom Seattle’s KNDD “107.7 The End” hosts the tenth annual event, which will feature – among others – AWOLNATION, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Manchester Orchestra, Robert DeLong, and Elle King. A portion of the ticket sales will go to Pearl Jam’s “Home Fund” to fight homelessness in Seattle. The “Home Fund” is part of the Vitalogy Foundation, which supports the efforts of non-profit organizations and their work in the fields of community health, the environment, arts and education, and social change ….. Changes at Cumulus Media Syracuse find CHR WNTQ “93-Q The #1 Hit Music Station” music director/afternoon drive talent Rick Roberts boosted to assistant program director/digital content manager, while production director Joey Walker takes over as “93-Q” mid-day host/digital content manager for alternative WAQX “95-X” and rock WXTL “105.9 The Rebel.” Operations manager Tom Mitchell comments, “We are pleased to promote from within. In these new roles, both Rick and Joey will apply valuable fresh perspective to market leader ’93-Q.’ Rick assumes all APD duties, along with digital content oversight/management and the afternoon-drive air shift. Joey brings talent and enthusiasm to the ’93-Q’ midday slot. Both will continue to develop new opportunities for us in the digital and social media realm.” ….. Former 12-year vice president of operations for Rubber City Radio Akron’s WQMX “94.9 Your Station – Your Country,” Sue Wilson Cordle, restarts her voiceover business with Sue Wilson Creative. She previously was Cleveland adult contemporary WDOK’s director/programming for 12 years; a programming consultant for McVay Media; and director/programming of Salem Cleveland contemporary Christian WFHM “95.5 The Fish” and co-owned Christian talk WHKW “AM 1220 The Word.” ….. In conjunction with the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), Kizart Media Partners (KMP) will present the 18^th annual “Power of Urban Radio Forum” October 4^th and 5^th in Washington, DC. This year’s National Service awardee, Procter & Gamble chief business officer Marc Pritchard, will be the keynote speaker. KMP founder/managing director Sherman Kizart notes, “We continue the tradition of bringing together influential marketers and advertising agencies to discuss the incomparable value that the African-American market and urban radio bring as key communications elements. The event coincides with NABOB’s 42nd annual Fall Broadcast Management Conference. NABOB and PURF conference registrations are $200 for members; $400 for non-members ….. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder is first to report that, sometime next year, legendary “Windy City” programmer/on-air talent Tommy Edwards will publish his memoir, which will feature stories of Edwards’ 54-year radio career. Highlights will surely include his time working with the iconic Larry Lujack and moonlighting as public address announcer for the Chicago Bulls. Four years ago, Edwards retired from CBS Radio’s classic hits-oldies WJMK “K-Hits 104.3” (now Entercom-owned urban-rhythmic oldies WBMX “104.3 Jams”) ….. Grammy-nominated country artist Cam will serve as the first host of Slacker Radio’s “Women Crush Everyday” (#WCE Country), a channel devoted to introducing and elevating female country artists. “Women Crush Everyday” will feature commentary and playlist selections from ladies in the music industry. Slacker’s country format captain Jess Wright declares, “We have amazingly talented women making music in Nashville and they deserve to be heard. In 2017, more than 97% of the artists who appeared on the year-end country top 40 were male. This doesn’t reflect the quality of music created by women – it reflects a lack of support from the gatekeepers of country music who believe that women have limited commercial appeal. Through Slacker, we can bring the music of female country artists directly to our audience, curated by the people who are most passionate about it – the women in Nashville’s music industry.” ….. Interim general manager of Bellevue Community College-owned KBCS, Seattle – Carol Handley – is named director of music programming at Friends of 88.5 FM’s KNKX in the same market and will begin her new duties one week from next Monday (8/20). Director of content Matt Martinez notes, “Carol has proven success in building and nurturing teams and on-air talent; an entrepreneurial spirit; and a love of storytelling. With her deep roots in the Seattle music scene, I am confident she will redouble our commitment to supporting this vital and vibrant community.” Handley succeeds Nick Francis, who is retiring after 13 years in that position. In Seattle’s July 2018 Nielsen Audio PPM report, KNKX ranks #14, dropping the six-tenths it gained in June (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+).

Rod Shares Red Roses With Dresdale. During his interview with ABC Radio‘s Andrea Dresdale (r), one of the most prolific pop star interviewers in radio, the ageless Rod Stewart (l) discussed his new album “Blood Red Roses” and his headlining tour with Cyndi Lauper.