Friday, December 7, 2018

Sean Hannity Tops Mediaite ‘Influential’ List. Consumer publication Mediaite unveils its 2018 list of the most influential figures in news media, and Premiere Networks/FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity is #1 this year.  Mediate says of Hannity: “There are many figures in media and on the air at FOX News that form what certain critics refer to as President Donald Trump’s ‘shadow cabinet.’  Only one of them has phone calls with the president on a truly regular basis.  When Sean Hannity isn’t chatting with the leader of the free world over the phone – they talk policy, media, ratings, and gossip – he’s speaking to him through his FOX News primetime show.  Did we mention Hannity is the highest-rated cable news show in the United States?  It has been for two years running.  And not by any small measure.  Hannity regularly notches a whopping three million viewers a night and sometimes breaks four.  His three-hour radio show garners millions of listeners too, making Hannity a veritable media empire in and of himself.  He has no shortage of critics who argue that his sort of advocacy doesn’t belong on a news network, but despite that Hannity has emerged as the king of cable news — after playing the long game over two decades at FOX.  Pair that with a direct line to the White House, and there’s simply no one more influential.”  The list – composed of 75 media figures including talk hosts, news anchors, comedians, executives, reporters and more – includes two other personalities doing radio work.  Laura Ingraham, who is transitioning her talk radio show to a podcast in the New Year, is ranked #36, and Westwood One-syndicated radio talk host Mark Levin is #67.

iHeartMedia Chapter 11 Confirmation Hearing Postponed. That December 11 Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Chapter 11 reorganization is postponed to “a future date.”  We don’t know what date that is as it’s not been set.  According to a filing with Bankruptcy Court in Houston, iHeartMedia and Wilmington Savings Fund Society are agreeing to the extension. WSFS represents holders of two issues of senior notes and it appears they and iHM have more to hammer out before proceeding with the Confirmation Hearing.  In the meantime, as iHeart moves toward exiting Chapter 11 reorganization (sometime in early 2019, the company hopes) CEO Bob Pittman issues a company-wide pep talk memo reminding staffers they work for a company with a “unique position” in the media business.  Regarding the press the company’s bankruptcy proceeding is getting and the reports of companies like Liberty Media wanting a piece of iHM, Pittman says, consider it a “compliment” that there are those out there who want a piece of iHM’s equity.”

PPM Analysis: Sports Talk Radio. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk.  A comparison with the October survey indicates about half the sports talkers in PPM markets saw their weekly 6+ AQH share go up and the other half declined.  Entercom’s WSCR, Chicago saw the biggest decline as it was down 1.4 shares. The company’s WBZ-FM, Boston realized the highest gain of 0.8 shares.  Comparing November 2017 to this year, Entercom’s WVEI-FM, Providence was the big winner, up 2.2 shares to a 5.4 share, while Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM, Raleigh dropped 2.8 shares year-over-year.  WFAN is tops in Long Island as the Entercom sports talker ranked #1 in November.  A big month in sports talk in Boston saw WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” rank #2 with a 6.1 share and crosstown competitor WEEI rank #3 with a 5.7 share.  See the entire report here.

Michael Berry Show Adds Digital Director. The nationally syndicated Michael Berry show announces it adds Josh Benoit to the staff as digital director.  Berry’s KTRH, Houston-based talk show is currently heard in almost 20 markets. Berry states, “I’m adding critical skills to my team so that the Michael Berry show is equipped for the next few years of exciting growth and expansion. I want our on-air content to continue to engage and entertain and I want to use the tools of technology to take that content and share it in more places.  Josh is the perfect talent to do that.  His relationships within the industry, as well as his focus on quality daily content, will prepare for us for an exciting future.” Benoit, who works on air as Josh Reno, will continue his weekend roles with alternative KTBZ, Houston and classic rock KYRV, Sacramento.  The Michael Berry show features executive producer Chad Nakanishi, the “King of Ding” Ramon Robles, “Producer Kenny” Webster, research director Sandra Peterson, “and a cast of characters and frequent callers.”

Glenn Beck’s Mercury One Charity Assists Lincoln Presidential Library. Upon learning that one-of-a-kind Abraham Lincoln artifacts were in danger of being sold to pay off debt, Glenn Beck’s Mercury One charity launched the “5 4 Lincoln” campaign that raised $50,869. A collection of documents and artifacts, owned by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and housed at the Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is not paid off and the foundation still owes $9.2 million.  If the foundation can’t make the payments, artifacts will have to be sold to raise the money.  Beck says, “When I heard about the museum and the help they needed last summer, we started a ‘5 4 Lincoln’ fundraiser.  Thousands of my listeners have signed up to donate $5 a month to help grow the library and preserve these treasures.  I wish we could do it all, but we are excited to play any role in helping.  Join us at 54Lincoln.com. We are committed through the long haul.”

TALKERS News Notes. Los Angeles news/talk KFI is presenting the eighth annual “KFI PastaThon,” an on-air fundraising event to help feed local children in need all day today (12/7) at the Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. Proceeds will benefit Caterina’s Club, a charitable organization that helps feed, house and educate children in need in the Orange County.  During the 17-hour live broadcast, all of KFI’s on-air personalities – Bill Handel, Jennifer Jones Lee, Gary Hoffmann, Shannon Farren, John Kobylt, Ken Chiampou, and Tim Conway Jr. – are on site encouraging listeners to donate packaged pasta, jars of pasta sauce and money to help feed local children in need.  KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “This is an entire station and community effort.  Not only does ‘KFI PastaThon’ help feed children in need but it also aims to end the cycle of poverty.  We are grateful for our incredibly giving listeners.”  Since 2010, KFI has raised more than $1.8 million and 340,000 pounds of pasta and sauce to benefit Caterina’s Club…..CBS-TV’s “The Talk” is replacing Julie Chen – wife of embattled, former CBS Corp. chief Les Moonves – with “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba.  Chen left the show as the allegations of sexual impropriety against Moonves began to heat up…..Westwood One News is producing a series of 20 year-in-review reports – one-minute vignettes showcasing the year’s biggest stories.  Westwood One News is also providing to affiliate stations two long-form, year-in-review programs: “The Year in Review – The Big Stories,” hosted by correspondent Michael Toscano, and “The Year in Review – People and Entertainment,” hosted by correspondent John Trout.  These programs will replace “The Week in Review” and “America This Week,” respectively, the weekends of December 22 and 23 and December 29 and 30, 2018.

Death of George H.W. Bush Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 3-7. The passing of former President George H. W. Bush was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At # 2 this week was the Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was the migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border, followed by financial markets activity at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  See this week’s entire chart here.

Jim Bohannon Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the longest-running and most highly regarded talk show hosts in radio, Jim Bohannon, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Bohannon broadcasts via Westwood One to hundreds of stations every weekday evening between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am ET. He has been a professional radio personality for 58 years and is still going strong. Along the way, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Special Recognition First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association and a nomination for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Radio Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year. He was named by TALKERS as the 2013 recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in addition to being a perennial member of the publication’s “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America. He is also an inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Known for his even-handed approach to the issues and big, friendly personality, Bohannon is an extremely likeable figure, popular with his radio colleagues and listeners alike. He and Harrison engage in an informal discussion about the major issues and interests facing America during the Age of Trump from divisive political polarity and political correctness to the state of the First Amendment and celebrity gossip. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.

Save the Date! TALKERS Convention Set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Save the date and register as an “early bird” to save on the cost. The 22^nd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention has been set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will take place again at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern-day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, one-on-one conversations and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception — all in a single, power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited, and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. However, those registering before 5:00 pm ET on December 21, 2018 pay only $279. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Philadelphia CHR WTDY welcomes new morning drive show “Coop and Casey” to the air.  Sean “Coop” Tabler (left) and Casey Reed (right) take on morning show duties as the station recently transitioned from country to CHR.  Reed comes to WTDY from crosstown CHR WIOQ.  Tabler was most recently morning host at country WGH, Norfolk, Virginia. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “We are so excited to bring Coop to Philly and to welcome Casey back to the 96.5 TDY family.  Together, their focus on all things Philadelphia, along with their infectious energy is just what WTDY’s listeners are looking for in the morning.”…..At iHeartMedia’s hot AC WMTX, Tampa “Mix 100.7,” Laura Diaz is leading the new “Mix Morning Show with Laura Diaz,” starting January 3.  She joins “Mix 100.7” from iHeartMedia Orlando’s CHR WXXL “XL106.7,” where she co-hosted “Johnny’s House” with Johnny Magic for the past seven years.  She says, “My great-grandparents emigrated from Spain to Tampa in search of the American Dream.  To think that 103 years later I have the opportunity to be the female lead on a morning show and continue the dream is overwhelming!  I’m grateful and humbled to be able to join a community-focused station like ‘Mix 100.7’ and to continue doing what I love with iHeartMedia.”…..At Hubbard Radio’s country WYGY, Cincinnati “97.3 The Wolf,” air staffers Ernie Brown, Pete Miller, and Jimmy Salzurulo exit as the station appears to be going jockless.  That report comes from WVXU’s John Kiesewetter who also talks with Brown about his career in Cincinnati radio…..Beasley Media Group parts ways with adult contemporary WPBB, Tampa “B98.7” morning team Chadd & Kristi after almost two years.  The station is in Christmas mode and rumors in the market are that a format change may be in store for WPBB…..The Envision Networks-syndicated weekend rock show “Chop Shop Guitar Show” is celebrating the production of the 800th consecutive program.  On this weekend’s program, host Steve Black is joined by Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitar maestro Al Pitrelli…..Superadio Networks and CTC Productions announce an affiliation and sales partnership agreement to syndicate “Explicitly Old School with T-Boz,” a daily radio show hosted by Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins from the legendary super group TLC.  The one-hour, daily show is designed to air on rhythmic, urban, urban AC and throwback stations and features hip hop and R&B artists such as Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, P Diddy, and more.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Longtime Baltimore Talk Show Host/Reporter Les Kinsolving Passes at 90.  Known for his no-holds-barred questioning tactic as a White House reporter and for his regular talk show on WCBM, Baltimore, Les Kinsolving cut a colorful figure in the Baltimore-Washington market and across the talk radio industry. Kinsolving – born Charles Lester Kinsolving – died early Tuesday morning.  He had triple bypass surgery in 2005 after suffering a heart attack. WCBM morning personality and program director Sean Casey said in a message posted on Twitter: “Les was one of the founding fathers of WCBM. I hired him in 1990 after a strong recommendation from out former colleague Tom Marr.  Les was a fearless reporter/broadcaster who confronted the Jim Jones cult, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and covered the White House in his signature red jacket.” Casey notes that Kinsolving hosted “Uninhibited Radio” on the station for 28 years before his health declined and he was forced to retire several months ago.

PPM Analysis: All-News. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on all-news outlets.  Ratings movement (weekly 6+ AQH share) from the October survey to the November survey among all-news stations was pretty much split fifty-fifty – half the stations saw an increase and about half went down.  The same goes for a comparison to last November’s PPM survey, about half the stations were up and the other half were down.  This month, four all-news stations ranked in the top five in their respective markets.  Entercom’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago and Hubbard’s WTOP-FM, Washington both ranked #1, while the Entercom’s KCBS-AM ranked #2 in San Francisco and #3 in adjacent San Jose and its WWJ, Detroit also ranked #3.  See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.

Moffett to Lead SummitMedia Springfield. Taking over the leadership of SummitMedia’s new Springfield, Missouri station group is Janelle Moffett, who rises from general sales manager to president.  She begins leading the cluster that includes news/talk KSGF-AM/FM, country KTTS, CHR KSPW, and adult hits KRVI upon the exit of retiring president Rex Hansen.  Moffett says, “We have great stations and a talented, committed team here.  We will make certain we continue to entertain and inform our listeners, deliver results for our clients, and serve our wonderful Springfield community.  I’m very excited about all the possibilities ahead for us!”

Forbes Publishes ‘Highest-Paid Radio Hosts’ Piece. In a story in Forbes by Hayley Cuccinello, the five highest-paid talk hosts are ranked.  Topping the list this year is SiriusXM star Howard Stern, estimated to be making $90 million.  Premiere Networks star Rush Limbaugh is #2 with an estimated $84.5 million made this year.  At #3 is Premiere’s Ryan Seacrest with $74 million, followed by Premiere/FOX News superstar Sean Hannity at #4 with $34 million and Premiere’s Glenn Beck in fifth place with $8.5 million.  The piece also delves into the merger of Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze digital platform and CRTV and other radio talk show issues.

TALKERS News Notes. There’s a publication – currently only available to “lawmakers, decision-makers, and others involved in D.C.’s political process” – that Clarity Media Group announces is expanding to the public arena.  The weekly Washington Examiner magazine will launch on January 1 “with a new look, an expanded editorial range, and an increase in its distribution.”  Under the continued editorial leadership of editorial director Hugo Gurdon, the expanded magazine will publish 44 issues per year.  Clarity Media president and CEO Ryan McKibben says, “Over the years, we’ve frequently been asked if individuals outside of the Beltway could subscribe to the publication. With this expansion and relaunch, our aim is for the new, national Washington Examiner to build on its position as a leader in providing a conservative perspective on the events of the day.”…..Nielsen Audio holds a client webinar today to brief them on the transformation of the measurement of 200-plus small and medium markets measured with the Audio Diary from a quarterly or two times a year static view to monthly reporting.   Nielsen says the change “will enable clients to react more quickly to marketplace changes.”  Continuous diary measurement will be released in stages with the first phase beginning in mid-2019 in 47 markets presently measured four times a year…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WGN-AM, Chicago news reporter/anchor Dometi Pongo is also hosting a new Twitter Live video titled, “Need to Know.”  The program is produced by MTV News and “offers a ‘deep dive’ on a major story of the day and each afternoon he recaps the day’s top stories.”…..KORE Broadcasting’s sports talk KORE, Eugene, Oregon “FOX Sports Eugene” adds “The Dan Patrick Show” to its weekday morning lineup, effective December 17…..SiriusXM is broadcasting live from the Baseball Winter Meetings beginning Sunday (12/9).  Both the MLB Network Radio and Mad Dog Sports Radio channels will broadcast live from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas where club owners, front office executives, managers and many others from the major and minor leagues will gather to discuss offseason baseball business.

Bush Ceremonies, Trump-Russia Investigation, Migrants at U.S.-Mexico Border, U.S.-China Trade War, Mercurial Dow, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ Controversy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/5). The ceremonies honoring late President George H. W. Bush; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the border wall issue; the Trump administration’s tariff policy toward China; the up-and-down Dow and concerns about a returning bear market; radio stations are caught in a controversy over the lyrics to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; and the week’s NFL 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 Josh Gebhart, a.k.a. Jay Jay, moves from Cumulus Media’s Twin Cities operations where he was an air personality and producer, to the company’s Eugene, Oregon cluster to serve as program director for hot AC KEHK “Star 102.3” and sister adult contemporary KSCR-AM/FM.  Cumulus Eugene operations manager Al Scott says, “It’s great to finally have a PD here in the building to steer KEHK through this very competitive radio market.  Josh brings a lot of enthusiasm to the table and is breathing fresh life into the station!…..Sheridan Broadcasting names Tracey Harvey creative director.  In her new position, she’ll be charged with developing the company’s new web presence – including audio and video content.  She’ll also be responsible for expanding the company’s social media content and branding footprint by identifying new business partnerships…..Cumulus Media’s urban AC KMEZ is moving from its current 106.7 frequency to the 102.9 frequency it previously occupied, effective today (12/6).  As a result, hip hop KKND “Power 102.9” goes away.   The station is being branded “Z 102.9.”  Program director J’Michael Francois says, “During the first 30 days, ‘Z 102.9’ will be heard both on 102.9 and on 106.7 so that all our current listeners will know that KMEZ will now be heard on 102.9 FM…..Mariah Carey is the special guest host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated R&B show “The Sweat Hotel” with Keith Sweat. In addition to playing R&B slow jams and taking song requests, the award-winning artist will play music from her new album, Caution, as well as some of her fan-favorite hits…..TMZ reports that rock radio and television personality Matt Pinfield was hit by a speeding car while walking in Los Angeles.  The report says Pinfield’s leg was broken in two places and he received a wound to his head that required stitches.  Pinfield was most recently morning host at Cumulus Media’s triple A KFOG, San Francisco.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

WCCO-AM, Minneapolis Names Cory Hepola Late Morning Host. Transitioning from television to radio in the Twin Cities is Cory Hepola, who will assume the host role from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Entercom’s WCCO-AM, effective January 7.  Hepola – an Emmy Award-winning news anchor – has been serving as anchor at KARE-TV, Minneapolis.  Hepola says, “Growing up in Perham, Minnesota, just seeing or hearing the iconic call letters – WCCO – gives me chills.  The history here is amazing; for nearly 100 years, brilliant people have been laying a successful foundation of respect and trust at WCCO Radio.  I’m thankful to be adding my voice, energy, and personality to this already incredibly talented staff.”  During Hepola’s two-decade career as a journalist, Hepola has worked in Fargo, North Dakota; Rochester, New York; and Austin, Texas.  He takes over for the retiring John Hines.

Rex Hansen Retires as VP/GM of SummitMedia’s Springfield, Missouri Cluster. At the Springfield, Missouri cluster of SummitMedia – just acquired in a purchase from Scripps Media – vice president and general manager Rex Hansen is resigning from the post he’s held for 19 years, effective at the end of January.  During his career at the station group, Hansen led the launch of three radio brands, including news/talk KSGF-AM/FM – a winner of the Edward R. Murrow National Award for outstanding news coverage in 2012 and 2015.  The cluster also includes country KTTS, CHR KSPW “Power 96.5,” and adult hits KRVI “106.7 The River.”  Hansen says, “Working with these stations for the last two decades has been a dream come true.  Serving Springfield and the surrounding communities has been a passion of our team. Helping create a better community has been and continues to be our mission.  I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife Pam and our family.  There is a strong leadership team in place at SummitMedia Springfield that has been developed and fully prepared for this moment.  I’m confident they will continue our successful record. It’s been a great ride!”

TALKERS News Notes. Media tech pro Sue Gilks is appointed director, Asia-Pacific for Comrex Corporation.  In this role, she’ll work with distributors in the region to support existing customers and further develop the markets.  During her 30-year career she’s served as a senior manager in the international broadcast arena with a number of world-leading technology companies, including: DTC,Tandberg TV, Motorola, and Sony.  She will be in attendance at BES Expo 2019 in New Delhi on January 17-19 representing Comrex with Technomedia Solutions in Stall 60…..A preliminary autopsy report from the Paducah, Kentucky police indicates no evidence of foul play in the death of former, longtime KGO, San Francisco talk show host Ray Taliaferro.  His body was found on Sunday (12/2) about a mile from where he was last seen after being missing for three weeks.  KGO-TV, San Francisco reports that authorities say exposure to the elements may have precipitated his death…..Actor, talk host, and radio producer Dominick Brascia died at his home in Bozeman, Montana on November 26 at age 61.  During his career he acted in movies and on such shows as Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, “Knight Rider,” “Iron Eagle,” “Night Court,” “Busted,” “My Life as a Troll,” and many others.  His radio career included stops at KSTE, Sacramento; KXNT, Las Vegas; WERC, Birmingham; and KNRC-AM, Denver.  His most recent gig was as host of “Dominick in the Morning” on Townsquare Media’s KMMS, Bozeman.  Read his obituary here…..ABC News Radio announces special coverage of the funeral and services for former President George H.W. Bush.  Coverage will be anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky along with fellow correspondents Karen Travers, Stephanie Ramos, and Lana Zak in Washington, Jim Ryan in Houston, and contributors Ann Compton, Steve Roberts, and more…..Syndicated Solutions Incorporated announces VP/affiliate sales Steve Downes is retiring on December 20 after an 18-year stint with the company.

Share of Ear: Advertisers Have Misperception of Pandora and Spotify Audiences. According to the third quarter “2018 Share of Ear” report (research into U.S. audio usage) from Edison Research, “advertisers and agencies incorrectly perceive the audience size of Pandora and Spotify.  Advertisers perceptions finds that advertisers and agencies believe Spotify has a 23% share of audio time spent while Pandora is slightly less at 21%.  AM/FM radio is perceived at 36%. The truth: AM/FM radio has a 47% share while ad-supported Pandora is 4% and ad-supported Spotify is only 2% of audio time spent.” Cumulus Media chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard writes about the most recent data on his blog.  He points to the study’s AM/FM usage data that says, “Americans spend substantially more time daily with AM/FM radio than Spotify and Pandora: AM/FM radio dominates daily time spent with nearly two hours daily among persons 18+ compared to Pandora’s 12 minutes and Spotify’s 10 minutes daily.”  If smart speakers are what is going to bring live radio broadcasts back into the home, the growing use of the device is good news for radio.  The study reports that “smart speaker ownership soars to 24% of all Americans in October 2018: Smart speaker ownership is still on the rise, tripling in just 2 years.”

Trump-Russia Investigation/Flynn Testimony, Bush 41 Remembrances, Dow Plunges/Trump-Xi Meeting, MBS’ Role in Khashoggi Murder, Cancer Test Breakthrough, Les Moonves Investigation, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/4). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related “no-prison Time” request for Michael Flynn from Mueller; the death of former President George H. W. Bush; the Dow plunges 800 points amidst confusion over President Trump’s remarks after meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping; the controversy over Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi; researchers in Australia announce the development of a 10-minute blood test for cancer; the investigation into allegations of sexual assault against embattled, former CBS chief Les Moonves; and the week’s NFL 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. Personality Ty Bentli takes the driver’s seat on the former “Ty, Kelly, and Chuck” show based in Nashville and heard on Cumulus Media’s country WKDF “NASH FM 103.3.”  Westwood One announces it is launching the new show, hosted by Bentli with Chuck Wicks still on board and “an expanded cast of friends and characters who will get real, get down, and get country.”  Kelly Ford left the show earlier in the fall.  Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “We are excited to showcase Ty in this new morning environment where his genuine and engaging personality really shines.  He connects with listeners in a very real way and this is the perfect forum for him to bring more good will, compassion, and cheer to our lives every morning.”…..In Detroit, Cumulus Media names Lance Tidwell director of FM programming, in charge of country WDRQ “NASH FM 93.1” and hot AC WDVD.  He takes over for Robbie Bridges who exits the post to relocate to the East.  Tidwell recently exited his position with Townsquare Media as operations manager for the company’s Fort Collins, Colorado cluster…..Changes at Townsquare Media’s hot AC WSJO, Atlantic City as brand manager Heather DeLuca moves her air shift from middays to afternoons and Chelsea Corrine takes over the midday show, moving from sister country WPUR “Cat Country 107.3.”…..Benztown appoints Scott “Justin Case” Mayton to the newly created position of director, national imaging.  The company says that in this new role, he’ll provide dedicated ‘white glove’ service to national media companies signing group imaging deals. At the same time, Benztown promotes audio imaging pro Matt Anderson to director, custom imaging, in which he’ll oversee Custom Imaging for Benztown and its audio affiliates across the U.S. and Canada.….iHeartMedia Denver’s rock KBCO is named the first-ever FM station to be inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.  During an induction ceremony at Denver’s Paramount Theater last night (12/3), KBCO was recognized as one of the most influential radio stations in music, community involvement, and multimedia.  National touring artist Amos Lee read the proclamation and presented the award to KBCO program director Scott Arbough.  Additional highlights from the night included a special video tribute from Nathaniel Rateliff as well as a video highlight reel of KBCO’s accomplishments from throughout the years…..There’s a cool opportunity at Service Broadcasting’s hip hop KKDA, Dallas “K104.”  The station is seeking an innovative music director and show producer to play an integral role on its SBG Content Factory team.  This is a unique position for a creative music maven, content curator, and show director who can drive audience engagement, ratings and revenue success.  Send your resume package, success stories, and philosophies on music scheduling, morning shows, and marketing with references to: SBG HR Manager Debbie Henry at jobs@k104fm.com No phone calls please.  Service Broadcasting is an EOE.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Armstrong & Getty Launch in National Syndication. KSTE, Sacramento-based morning program Armstrong & Getty – Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty – is rolling out into national syndication.  The program is currently heard on 15 stations in the Western U.S., including KGO, San Francisco; KFMB-AM, San Diego; KEX, Portland; KKAT, Salt Lake City; KHHO, Seattle; and more.  But that’s going to change as the program goes fully national.  Craig Whetstine is handling affiliation relations for Armstrong & Getty Media and reports that the show is fed live on XDS from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET.  He adds, it would be “a great alternative for stations looking to replace Laura Ingraham with another live show in that daypart.”  Whetstine can be reached at 503-975-6153 or emailed at craig@armstrongandgetty.com.  Check out this video of a “behind-the-scenes” tour with Armstrong & Getty.

Report: Liberty Media Seeking Up to 35% of Reorganized iHeartMedia.  According to a story in the New York Post, John Malone-led Liberty Media is talking with iHeartMedia’s creditors to acquire approximately a 35% ownership in the post-Chapter 11 iHeartMedia.  The piece suggests that “gaining control of iHeart would give Liberty a music four-pack, as it already owns 71 percent of publicly listed SiriusXM Radio. Sirius in September agreed to buy streaming service Pandora Media. Liberty also owns 33 percent of listed Live Nation Entertainment, which owns Ticketmaster.”  The story goes on to note that post-Chapter 11, “creditors Pimco and Franklin Resources will own about 25 percent of the business, while Liberty, which owns $660 million of iHeart debt, will end up with between 4 percent and 5 percent of iHeart post-bankruptcy.  Liberty in June unsuccessfully tried to buy 40 percent of iHeart at a $2.9 billion valuation…Liberty is expected to want only a minority iHeart stake so it does not have to consolidate financials and hurt Liberty’s trading multiple.”

News Anchor Judy Pielach Takes WGN-AM Buyout. According to a report by Chicago media maven Robert Feder, WGN afternoon news anchor Judy Pielach is taking the buyout being offered by Tribune Media.  Her last day handling the news on the afternoon show with Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes will be December 21.  She’s been with the station for 32 years.  Also taking the buyout are engineers Aubrey Mumpower and Ben Cortez.  The future ownership of WGN-AM is up in the air as television operator Nexstar has successfully bid to acquire Tribune Media and, should the deal make it through the regulatory process, most media watchers believe Nexstar would sell the lone radio outlet.  Potential suitors include iHeartMedia, Entercom, and Hubbard since all three companies have space under the ownership caps in Chicago.

Chris X Joins KSEV, Houston for Afternoon Show. Houston talk station KSEV names Chris X host of the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart.  The station is owned by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick who introduces him as “a strong conservative and the new generation of conservative talk.”  Chris X says, “I couldn’t be happier to be part of ‘The Voice of Texas.’ Houston is my hometown and I’ve been listening to this station for the last 30 years.  There is plenty of anger and division out there, but I prefer to embrace this sociological environment with a little humor and lot of common sense, which has been lacking in today’s political discourse.”

Westwood One to Rep Fox News Radio Programming. Beginning on December 31, Westwood One will begin representing ad sales for FOX News Radio’s long-form talk programming.  As such, Westwood One will be the exclusive seller for FNR’s Brian Kilmeade, Todd Starnes, and Tom Shillue programs as well as the weekday and weekend editions of “Benson & Harff,” the weekend “I’ll Tell You What with Perino & Stirewalt,” “FOX News Sunday,” and “From Washington” shows. WWO president Suzanne Grimes states, “Westwood One is known for unique, exclusive, premium content partnerships with iconic brands, and FOX News Radio is a terrific addition to our portfolio.  We’re excited to bring this impressive talk lineup to blue-chip advertisers on our radio, podcast, and streaming channels.”

TALKERS News Notes. This week, FOX News Radio is covering the passing of former President George H. W. Bush and the memorial services with live reports for all radio affiliates through Thursday, December 6.  Gurnal Scott, Jared Halpern, Jon Decker, Jeff Monosso and Tonya J. Powers are leading the coverage.  Additionally, FOX News Headlines 24/7 will provide updates every 15 minutes on SiriusXM…..Chicago urban talk outlet WVON is presenting a five-part radio docu-series reporting on “the declining Black population in what was once considered America’s Black Mecca.”  The program is titled, “Exodus: Movement of the People,” and will chronicle the two migrations that occurred in the past century; the first that made Chicago home to more than 1.2 million Blacks and the series of occurrences which has caused the decline of nearly 300,000 of its residents.  WVON reporter and special assignment producer Josh McGhee wrote and produced the five-part series that includes exclusive interviews from a number of long-time residents, historians, demographers, and urban planners.  It will air Monday through Friday at 7:50 am, 11:50 am, 4:50 pm and 7:50 pm on WVON from December 9 – December 13, and can also be accessed live on the iHeartRadio…..NPR president and CEO Jarl Mohn announces he will transition into the role of president emeritus of the media organization when his contract runs out at the end of June, 2019.  In a memo to NPR staff, Mohn also announced that he and wife Pam are donating $10 million to the organization to demonstrate their commitment to helping it “achieve long-term financial stability, particularly at a time when journalism is under economic and political pressures.”   The NPR board of directors are beginning a search for the company’s next chief…..Glamour and iHeartMedia are premiering the first episode of “Broken Harts,” Conde Nast’s first investigative podcast in collaboration with HowStuffWorks.  The series features director Justine Harman and books editor Elisabeth Egan joining field reporter Lauren Smiley to explore the case of Jennifer Hart, her wife Sarah their six adopted children who all died after Jennifer Hart drove off a cliff in California, killing all eight of them.  Also, from iHeartMedia on the iHeartRadio platform is “The Ron Burgundy Podcast.” The audio series will launch on the iHeartRadio Podcast Network in early 2019, co-produced by Funny Or Die.  The first of 24 episodes will launch in the first quarter of 2019.

Broadcasters Foundation of America Launches Year-End Appeal. The Broadcasters Foundation of America has launched its annual year-end appeal for tax-deductible personal donations to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative.  The year-end drive asks broadcasters to reflect on their success and good fortune and give back with a tax-deductible personal or corporate donation that will help the Broadcasters Foundation continue its mission of delivering financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need.  The BFoA is a 501(c)3 charity, and the only charitable organization devoted exclusively to broadcasting professionals.  The year-end giving campaign comes as more broadcasters than ever before are reaching out for monthly or emergency relief. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will award more than $1.3 Million in aid, surpassing last year’s record-setting figure of more than $1 million.  Close to $300,000 of this year’s total is for the emergency assistance that is disbursed quickly to broadcasters whose lives or homes have been affected by the unprecedented number and severity of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Maria, Florence, and Michael and the wildfires in California.  Monthly aid is distributed to qualifying broadcasters who have been confronted with unexpected medical emergencies, including life-threatening critical illnesses and devastating tragic accidents.  BFoA chairman Dan Mason says, “Our lives can change in the blink of an eye.  In its 70-plus years of existence, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided financial aid to every broadcaster who qualified. It is only through the generosity of the people in our industry that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver this much-needed assistance to those in our profession who need it most.”

Trump-Russia Investigation, the Passing of George H.W. Bush, Migrants at U.S. Border, Government Shutdown Threat, Russia-Ukraine Tensions, Brexit Process, Paris Protests, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/3). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the death of former President George H. W. Bush; the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border where migrants seeking entry into the U.S. have amassed; the threat of a government shutdown over border wall funding; the tensions over the military incursion into Ukraine by Russia; the status of Britain’s exit from the European Union; the rollback of the gas tax in France after violent protests in Paris; the NCAA’s College Football Playoff selections; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Radio personality Brian “Sludge” Haddad is returning to Chicago from Philadelphia where he’s been creative director at Entercom’s sports talk WIP to host the morning show on alternative WKQX.  Haddad and co-host Ali Mattacola and executive producer Justin Nettlebeck.  Brian Phillips has been hosting the morning show for past year and will transition to a part-time role with the station…..Former country WMIL, Milwaukee and country WKTI, Milwaukee personality Karen Dalessandro joins Saga Communications’ rock WKLH, Milwaukee for fill-in work.  She was most recently with WKTI before the station flipped to sports talk as Good Karma Brands assumed operations…..Programming pro Brad Hansen, most recently with country KRST, Albuquerque, is named operations manager for Townsquare Media’s Northern Colorado cluster that includes country KUAD and four other music formatted stations.

November 2018 PPM Data – Part Four. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7.  See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.

Austin Spoken-Word Formats – A November gain of four-tenths to 4.5 (6+) by Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM erases its combined -.3 in September and October (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+) as “News Radio 590 AM” progresses from ninth to eighth. This (4.5) is its highest 6+-share since March (4.6).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in October (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX continues at #16. “The Horn” posted a +.5 in June; was -.9 in July; and +1.0 in September. The 2.5 in November (and September) is its best 6+-stat since December 2016 (2.5, as well). Albeit flat at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” has more than doubled its 6+-share as a result of seven straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .7, 6+).

This is the third straight month at #1 for University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT (8.6 – 8.5, -.1, 6+), which had been a collective +1.5 in September and October (7.1 – 7.9 – 8.6, 6+).

Austin Music Formats – After dropping three-tenths in October, University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX erases it with an increase twice that margin (2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #18 to #15, 6+). Just before October’s -.3, “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” was up an overall six-tenths via six straight sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). Unchanged in the runner-up slot, Emmis adult hits KPBA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a cumulative +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (7.3 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.3, 6+). Conversely, regional Mexican sibling KLZT “107.1 La Z” is off a collective seven-tenths in October and November (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.8, fourth to sixth, 6+), while co-owned KLBJ-FM is a collective -1.3 in three straight sweeps without an increase; “93.7 The Rock of Austin” departs the top ten (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, #10 to #11, 6+). The last three sweeps have found Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ -1.2 (September); +1.2 (October); and now -.5 in November (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), but “Majic 95.5” continues at #3. Its 6.7 in August and October is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.4. Level at #20, urban AC KKMJ-HD3 hasn’t had a decrease since February and is up three-tenths in that stretch (1.2- 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). Off by one-half share in addition to KKMJ  is KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” (5.1 – 4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Before posting a +.6 in September, the iHeartMedia-owned country outlet was an overall -1.7 in four straight downward trends (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+). Moving from fifth to fourth is co-owned and similarly-programmed KASE (5.3 – 5.4, +.1, 6+), which has been within 5.1 – 5.7 range (6+) in each of the last 10 ten survey periods. “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was -.5 (May); +.5 (June); -.5 (July) and a combined +.6 in August and September. Up two-tenths (1.3 – 1.5, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). With a combined +.6 in August and September (.8 – 1.0 – 1.4, 6+), KOKE-FM erased three straight decreases that produced a loss of six-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+).

Raleigh Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths to 5.9 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK dips from fifth to sixth. In September and October, “106.1 Stay Connected” was a collective +1.2 (5.1 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+). A July increase of four-tenths halted three down or flat trends that produced a loss of three tenths (5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). Having nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-share in eight straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” falters by two-tenths in November to 1.6 (#17 to #18, 6+).

A cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” surrenders two-tenths to 2.2 (#14 to #16, 6+). Its increase of four-tenths in September stopped three losses in a row that accounted for more than a 50% reduction (-2.1) of its 6+-share (3.9 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+).

Over the last five survey periods, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” has gone from third to first (June, +9); first to third (July, -1.1); third to first (August, +1.2, 6+); first to second (September, -.4+); unchanged at second; and now in November, second to third (8.3 – 7.4, -.9, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Powered by a +1.8 to 7.1 (6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” zooms from eighth to fourth. The massive November increase obliterates its collective -1.7 in September and October (7.0 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+). Earlier this calendar year, “Mix” was an overall +2.6 via three April, May, and June improvements; -1.3 (July); +.6 (August); and a collective -1.7 in September and October. Roaring back from October’s loss of two-tenths with a November uptick of nine-tenths (9.4 – 10.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is on top for the third straight month with its strongest 6+-stat (10.3) since January’s 10.7. While it notches a gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “Pulse FM – All The Hits” remains at #12. It is a bit over two-shares (6+) behind iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.5 – 5.4, -.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). Prior to posting a one-half share increase in October, “G-105” was a combined -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Just after adding one-tenth in October, Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 QDR Today’s Best Country” erodes by -1.7 (8.0 – 6.3, 6+), segueing from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-stat (6.3) since “Holiday” 2016’s 6.0. With a +1.0 in September, WQDR halted three straight downward moves that led to a collective -1.2 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+). Its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” – is an overall -1.0 in three downturns in a row (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3, #12 to #14, 6+). A four-tenths decrease in September suspended at four its consecutive string of increases that netted six-tenths (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+).

Indianapolis Spoken-Word Formats – By tacking on seven-tenths to a full-share October increase, Emmis news/talk WIBC – which was off seven-tenths in September – progresses from fifth to third.

Just as they were in October, WIBC sports talk sibling WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” are tied at #16. Both are up one-tenth to 2.3 (6+). WFNI improved by six-tenths in September, while WNDE notched a one-half share gain in October.

Off a combined three-tenths in September and October (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI erases that deficit with a one-half share increase to 4.6 and is back in the top ten (#11 to #9).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Despite being off one-tenth to 9.9 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WJJK is #1 for the fifth month in a row. The loss, however, does pull the plug on five successive uptrends which yielded a +3.2 (6.8 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.6 – 9.7 – 10.0, 6+). In October, “Classic Hits 104.5” reached 10.0, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Within 4.3 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the last seven sweeps (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by one full-share to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12, 6+). While the FM signal of Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” falters by one-half share (#13 to #12, tied with WKLU) and continues a down/up pattern that started in June (4.3      – 3.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), its online “stream” debuts at .6 (#22, 6+). Five straight decreases by Radio One CHR WNOW for a collective -1.3 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+) send “100.9 Radio Now” from #14 to #15. Dropping from third to fourth, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” is off a collective seven-tenths in October and November (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.8, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat moves for an overall +1.4 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.5, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks one full-share as Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” sputters by seven-tenths (5.7 – 5.0, sixth to eighth, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” falters by three-tenths (8.3 – 8.0, second, 6+). “Hank” improved by six-tenths in October after September’s -1.5. On top in April, May, and June, WFMS has been -.5 (February); +1.0 (April); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); -.7 (August); and +.9 (October).

Milwaukee Spoken-Word Formats – While it relinquishes 40% of October’s massive +2.5 (10.4 – 9.4, -1.0, 6+), Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ repeats at #1. “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” is the key station of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers. Adding nine-tenths to October’s +.4 (6.0 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WISN vaults from ninth to fifth. In advance of October, “News/Talk 1130” was a combined -2.1 in four straight decreases (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.6, 6+).

The market’s sports talk scene has become more crowded as – approximately three-quarters through the November sweep – Good Karma Brands shifted country WKTI (3.4 – 2.3, -1.1, #12 to #15, 6+) to “94.5 ESPN.”   In addition, co-owned, Jackson-licensed WAUK “ESPN Milwaukee” debuts with a .5 (#20, 6+). It is tied there with iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920,” which has quintupled its 6+-share in seven successive sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .5, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” drops four-tenths to 1.5 (#16 to #17, 6+), snapping at four its consecutive string of increases that accounted for a collective +.7 (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+).

Flat at #12, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM follows October’s gain of seven-tenths with a +.2 (3.4 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to October, WUWM ranked #14 for three straight months and had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for 17 consecutive sweeps. The June 2018 – November 2018 topline for Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD is .9 – .9 – .7 – .9 – .7 – .8 (flat at #19, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – As of November 1, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” is without a direct format competitor as Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” has transitioned to sports (see above). Already making the most of the situation, WMIL is a collective +2.2 in three positive spikes in succession, including November’s +1.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.2 – 7.5, fourth to third, 6+). WKTI finishes its country tenure with an overall -2.1 in six straight decreases (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.3, 6+). After an astonishing 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” was knocked out of the top spot in October by Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ. WRIT trailed WTMJ by 2.5 shares in October but, with a gain of eight-tenths (7.9 – 8.7, steady at #2) and WTMJ dropping one full-share, “Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” narrows the lead to seven-tenths. Notwithstanding that is an overall -1.3 in four negative moves in succession (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance alternative WLUM “FM 102.1 Sounds Different” manages to improve from #14 to #13. Flat at #6, Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks” is off one-half share in three successive modest downturns (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), while co-owned rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” more than doubles (+.9) its 6+-share with its third straight gain (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7, #17 to #16, 6+).

Nashville Spoken-Word Formats – Once again, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” – which departs the top ten – logs a month-to-month fluctuation of two-tenths (4.0 – 3.8, -.2, #10 to #11, 6+). Dating back to March, it has – in that stretch – been 3.5 – 3.7; 3.7 – 3.5; 3.5 – 3.3; 3.3 – 3.5; and 3.8 – 4.0 (6+).

The May 2017 – November 2018 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” (#20 to #19) indicates a (6+) high of 1.4 and (6+) low of .8: 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – .8 – .7 – 1.1 – 1.2.

Having more than doubled (+3.3) its 6+-share in four consecutive up or flat moves (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 5.0 – 6.3, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” surrenders nine-tenths in November to 5.4 (fifth to seventh). October’s 6.3 was the highest 6+-share for the Tennessee Titans’ flagship since January’s 6.5. Steady at #18, Cromwell Group-owned sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” is a collective +1.0 via three consecutive improvements (.7 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), wiping out roughly half of its -1.9 in four straight decreases (2.6 – 2.5 – .9 – .8 – .7, 6+).

Owing to three setbacks in succession, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is a collective -1.5 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, #12 to #14, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Transforming October’s loss of seven-tenths into a November gain of nine-tenths (8.1 – 9.0, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace for the 10^th successive ratings period. Among its fluctuations this calendar year are: -6.7 (January); +1.0 (February); -.5 (May); +1.0 (June); +.9 (August); -.9 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.9 (November). As a result of four upticks in a row (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” is a combined +2.0. This (6.4) is its highest 6+-share since 6.6 in March. A loss of one-half share to 2.6 (#14 to #16, 6+) by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” suspends five consecutive sweeps without a loss that generated an overall increase of eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). In three straight downturns, iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” is a combined -1.3 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.6 – 6.5, third to fourth, 6+). August’s 7.8 was the best 6+-stat for WNRQ, which was an overall +1.5 via four consecutive increases (6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), since January (7.8, as well). In the market’s three-way country battle, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” (-1.0 in September) logs an improvement of eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, sixth to third, 6+), while co-owned WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” posts its third increase in a row for a +.7 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3, stable at #10, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country,” which had been +1.2 (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.5, August-September-October), falters by one-half share (5.5 – 5.0, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Providence Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.1 in four straight increases (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” advances from eighth to seventh. Its August increase halted three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.0 (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+). A combined +.6 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” is steady at #12. This directly follows an overall loss of nine-tenths through five straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it picked up in October (.5 – .6 – .5, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” continues at #21. In five straight Providence sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” is up three-tenths (.8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 -1.1, #16 to #17, 6+).

Up or flat for the fourth time in a row for a net gain of two full-shares (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI inches up from seventh to sixth. Before dropping six-tenths in July, WVEI was a collective +1.2 in three upticks in a row (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+).

After logging a +.4 in September and October (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.6, 6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH surrenders six-tenths of that combined +.8 in November (2.0, 6+), dropping from ninth to tenth. In advance of adding four-tenths in September, WELH was off one-half share in six straight sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). It is tied at #10 with WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH, which follows October’s one-half share gain with a loss of three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+). In September, WGBH returned the four-tenths it earned in August (1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+). Immediately prior to the May sweep, these two outlets finished back-to-back four straight times and were tied in May at #10.

Providence Music Formats – Having lost a combined eight-tenths in three straight setbacks (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106” bounces back with a gain of one-half share to 2.3 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Stable at 9.4 (6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WWLI “Lite Rock 105” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. June’s 10.3 is its highest 6+-stat since 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Forfeiting 90% of its combined September and October +1.0 (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” slips to 4.6 (-.9, sixth to eighth, 6+). Off by one-half share each are Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (8.7 – 8.2, second to third, 6+) and iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” (6.9 – 6.4, flat at #5, 6+). Ironically, both “Cat Country” and “B-101” were up one-half share in October. Prior to October’s +.5, WWBB was a  combined -1.7 in August and September.

Norfolk – With a one-half share increase (1.2 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WNOH has its best 6+-stat (1.7) since April’s 1.8 as “Alt 105.3” breaks into the top ten (#11 to #9). Nearly tripling (+1.2) its 6+-share in four upticks in succession (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), rhythmic hot AC sibling WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” advances from ninth to eighth. Immediately prior to this particular run, “Movin’ 107.7” lost 86% of its 6+-share (-4.3) through seven successive sweeps without an increase, (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+). Although it is without an increase for the third sweep in a row for a -2.4 (15.5 – 13.7 – 13.7 – 13.1), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 24^th straight time and posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 32^nd time in the last 33 sweeps. Its 15.5 in August sets the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Following five consecutive months in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI falls to fourth, as “103 Jamz” is a combined -2.0 in October and November (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.2, 6+). Its erosion of -1.2 in October curtailed five consecutive up or flat moves that yielded an overall gain of nine-tenths (7.3 – 7.4 – 7.9 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+). In four consecutive (albeit slight) decreases (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE is off a combined six-tenths and segues from fourth to fifth; “101.3 2WD” was +1.3 in June and July (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Saga Communications’ WNOR “99 Rocks,” which was an overall -2.5 via four straight declines (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+); roared back with a +1.1 in October; and is now -.6 (6.9 – 6.3, 6+) but carries on at #3. Flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” falters by one-half share to 2.9, its lowest 6+-stat since April (2.9, as well). There are two new Norfolk entries this month, the online “stream” of Entercom’s WNVZ “Z-104 Norfolk Rhythmic Music,” which debuts with a .4 (#14, 6+) and the online “stream” of co-owned urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today,” popping on with a .1 (#15, 6+).

Greensboro Spoken-Word Formats – By adding four-tenths to October’s +.3 (3.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” climbs from tenth to ninth; WPTI was down eight-tenths in September.

Flat at #16, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” hands over half of October’s +.2 (.4 – .3, -.1, 6+). Going into the October sweep, WSJS lost 75% (-.6) of its 6+ AQH share as a result of six straight down or flat moves (.8 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .2 – .2 -.2, 6+).

One streak continues for Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD and another one ends. It’s the sixth consecutive time that “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” finishes at #13, but after four straight up or flat trends that netted four-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), WFDD falters by one-half share to 1.9 (6+). Its +.1 in August concluded at four a consecutive string of down or flat monthlies for an overall -.5 (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the May through November topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC (unchanged at #15) is: 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – .8 (6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Adding one full-share (10.4 – 11.4, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” finishes at #1 for the 11^th straight sweep and 24^th straight time that it is in double-digits (6+). October’s +.2 pulled the plug on five successive decreases that resulted in a net loss of -2.0 (12.2 – 12.0 – 11.2 – 10.9 – 10.5 – 10.2, 6+). After being off a combined nine-tenths in three straight declines (10.0 – 9.7 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+), adult hits cluster-mate WSMW  “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” picks up two-tenths to 9.3 (6+) and stays in the runner-up slot for the 11^th straight sweep. A July gain of nine-tenths halted five consecutive decreases that accounted for an overall -2.5 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+). Having occupied the #12 position for five consecutive sweeps, WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” bumps up to #11. The iHeartMedia CHR was +.5 in September (2.9 – 3.4, 6+); -.6 in October (3.4 – 2.8, 6+); and now +.9 in November (2.8 – 3.7, 6+). Prior to August, “Kiss” was a collective -1.4 in three downward moves in a row (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+). Remaining at #3 with its highest 6+-showing (8.5) since 16.1 in “Holiday” 2017, adult contemporary sibling WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Variety” is up or flat for the third straight month for a collective +1.7 (6.8 – 7.9 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). In the market’s always competitive country battle, iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” gains three-tenths (6.4 – 6.7, 6+), while Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” falters by four-tenths (5.9 – 5.5, 6+). The two rivals remain at #5 and #7, respectively. “Q-104.1” was a combined -.8 in October and September; “The Wolf” was up one-half share in October.

West Palm Beach Spoken-Word Formats – Answering October’s loss of four-tenths with a November increase of six-tenths (2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” progresses from #12 to #11. October’s -.4 ended at four its consecutive string of upticks that netted seven-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). Conversely, after gaining one-half share in October, iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” drops one-tenth to 2.3 (#11 to #12, 6+). WJNO was a combined -1.0 in August and September (2.9 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). This is the third straight month at 1.8 (6+) for co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches,” which slips from #13 to #14; WZZR gained one-half share in August. In addition to erasing the four-tenths it gained through three straight increases (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+), Miami news/talk sibling WIOD departs the top twenty (.9, #18 to #22, 6+).

Three straight improvements by WLRN resulted in a collective +1.0 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), but the Dade County School Board news/talk station forfeits 60% of that increase (3.3, -.6, sixth to eighth, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Tacking on one-half share to October’s robust +1.1 and advancing from sixth to fifth is WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF (3.9 – 4.4, 6+). “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” was down one-half share in September but now has its best 6+-share (4.4) since January’s 5.3. Stable at #10, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WRLX “Mia 92.1” is +1.3 through five positive spikes in a row (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Its similarly-formatted Miami sibling, WZTU “94.9 Donde Viven Tus Hits,” debuts at #22 in West Palm Beach with a .8 (6+). Having posted an overall +1.7 in five consecutive reports without a loss (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 10.0 – 10.7, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF relinquishes all of that increase and one-tenth more to 8.9 (6+). The -1.8 represents the largest (6+) October 2018 – November 2018 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here. Even so, “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is #1 for the 11^th survey period in a row. Its 10.7 in October was the highest 6+-share for WRMF since November 2017’s 11.2. The market’s two mainstream adult contemporary outlets continue to remain close together as iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” adds two-tenths to October’s +.1 (5.4 – 5.6, 6+) but drops from a second-place tie to third, while Alpha Media’s WEAT “Sunny 107.9” improves by four-tenths (4.6 – 5.0, 6+) and remains at #4. Prior to October’s increase, “Kool” was an overall -1.2 via three straight decreases (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). “Sunny” was up four-tenths in August and September, but then down six-tenths in October.

Jacksonville Spoken-Word Formats – Over the course of the last five survey periods, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV has been -.7 (July); +.5 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); and now +.6 in November to 11.2, its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. The station’s “old” record of 10.6 (6+) was set … this time last month. Moreover, “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” repeats at #1. Prior to October, the last time WOKV finished first was in May when it scored a 9.3 (6+).

Having logged a .5 (6+) in each of the last three sweeps, iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” improves three-tenths to .8 (#20 to #18, 6+).

As a result of three consecutive downward moves (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+), public news/talk WJCT is a combined -1.2 and remains at #13.

Jacksonville Music Formats – Within 4.2 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the last seven survey periods (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL records a gain of eight-tenths to 5.2, its best 6+-showing since 5.3 in March; “V-101.5” carries on at #8. Not only is Cox Media Group CHR WAPE an overall +1.6 through five straight upticks (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 7.0, fifth to fourth, 6+), “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” has its strongest 6+-share (7.0) since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.4. In the market’s adult contemporary tussle, WAPE sibling WEZI remains on a roll: “Easy 102.9” is an overall +1.9 through four straight improvements (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+). This immediately follows three straight down or flat trends that produced a collective -1.2 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+). Simultaneously, Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” is a collective -2.7 via three straight setbacks (10.6 – 9.8 – 8.6 – 7.9, 6+). August’s 10.6 was the best 6+-showing for WEJZ, which was #1 in June, July, August and September, since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. WEZI and WEJZ remain at #7 and #3, respectively. After debuting in October with a 1.1, Delmarva Educational Association contemporary Christian WCRJ “The Joy FM” adds one-half share to 1.6 (#17 to #16, 6+). Following six successive downward moves that resulted in an overall -2.2 (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+), Renda Broadcasting-owned WGNE notches a +.4 to 4.1 (6+) as “Gator Country 99.9” repeats at #9. Despite a loss of seven-tenths (9.2 – 8.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” is in the runner-up slot for the third month in a row.

Memphis Spoken-Word Formats – Regaining the three-tenths it lost in October (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” remains in tenth-place. July’s +.2 to 3.1 (6+) interrupted five straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+).

Off six-tenths in July, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” has followed with four straight gains for an overall +.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2, #12 to #11, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – The market’s top three stations are all in double-digits (6+). Boasting the largest (6+) October 2018 – November 2018 upswing by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here (8.8 – 10.7, +1.9, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO advances from third to second. Moreover, this (10.7) is the highest 6+-share for “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” in its PPM-history. Prior to adding two-tenths in October, WRBO was a combined -1.4 in four successive sweeps without an increase (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+). Anchored at #5, iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” is up one full-share in three straight positive spikes (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). This streak directly follows six successive down monthlies in a row for a collective -2.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Having logged six downward moves in succession for an overall -2.7 (9.8 – 9.4 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” is up three-tenths to 7.4 (6+) and remains at #4. A gain of three-tenths to 4.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+) by WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” pulls the plug on four straight decreases that accounted for a combined -2.4 (6.8 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Entering the July sweep, the Entercom hot AC was an overall +2.3 in four straight increases (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.8, 6+). Basically stabilizing after October’s massive +2.4, its adult contemporary cluster-mate, WRVR “104.5 The River,” is off one-tenth (11.0 – 10.9, 6+), repeating at #1. October’s 11.0 is its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” (steady at #14) – is an overall +.7 in five consecutive reports without a loss (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). When co-owned WGKX lost two-tenths in September, it suspended three straight increases that netted +1.8 (3.4 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country,” however, falters by one-half share in back-to-back (October and November) sweeps (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), segueing from #7 to #9.

Hartford Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of October’s +.8, Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM is off two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+0 but continues in fifth-place. Going into the October sweep, “News Talk 1080” notched a 6.2 (6+) in each of the previous three sweeps. Thus far this calendar year, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” has an ultra-consistent topline: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+) and remains at #14.

Despite faltering by four-tenths (2.0 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” advances from #13 – #12.

A combined +1.1 in three positive spikes in a row (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” progresses from ninth to eighth. Directly in advance of this streak, WNPR was -2.4 after seven straight down or flat trends (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Meanwhile, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has a collective loss of one-half share through three negative moves in succession (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.1, flat at 14, 6+). An August gain of three-tenths halted five successive down or flat trends that led to a -1.2 (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – While unchanged at #11, Red Wolf Broadcasting’s Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 displays an increase of seven-tenths (2.4 – 3.1 6+). In addition to being an overall +1.4 via three straight improvements (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” marches from fourth to second with its highest 6+-stat since May (7.8, as well). Up four-tenths to 6.8 (unchanged at #6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” applies the brakes to five straight decreases that accounted for a -1.9 (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Albeit down eight-tenths (11.4 – 10.6, 6+), its adult contemporary cluster-mate, WRCH “Lite 100.5,” is #1 for the 28^th consecutive ratings period and is in double-digits (6+) for the 25^th time in the last 27 sweeps. Following July’s -2.2, “Lite” rebounded with a +1.2 in August, which stymied four straight March through July downward moves that accounted for a -4.1 (14.3 – 13.2 – 13.1 – 12.4 – 10.2, 6+). Faltering by eight-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WKSS (7.9 – 7.1, 6+), which slides from second to fourth with its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 6.9. As a result of three straight declines (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” is an overall -1.3 and slips from eighth to ninth.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Glenn Beck and Mark Levin Merge TheBlaze and CRTV into Blaze Media. Multiplatform media organizations TheBlaze and CRTV are merging into one company called, Blaze Media.  According to the press release, “The new company will have a monthly multiplatform reach of over 165 million and will be the largest independent, traditionally conservative multiplatform media company in the United States.”  The company will be led by co-presidents Tyler Cardon, formerly president of TheBlaze, and Gaston Mooney, formerly the president of CRTV.  Effective immediately, subscribers to CRTV and TheBlaze Premium will have access to the digital streaming content of both CRTV and TheBlaze, including over 30 original shows.  Blaze Media’s television lineup includes conservative programming, including, “The Glenn Beck Program,” “LevinTV,” “Louder with Crowder,” “The News and Why it Matters,” and “America,” hosted by Eric Bolling.  The new company says the merger will also allow Blaze Media to expand its lineup of linear programming in 2019 to reach its cable and satellite television audiences.  Mark Levin comments, “Tens of millions of Americans have had it with the biased, ideologically driven mainstream media outlets that sanctimoniously advance their own agendas under the guise of ‘news’ and ‘journalism.’  Conservatives actually believe in a free press and the rest of the Constitution.  This is why I started LevinTV, which grew into the CRTV digital network.  In order to further expand and offer the public an alternative to liberal media group-think, I’m very excited about the merger of TheBlaze and CRTV.  The timing is perfect.”

Phil Valentine to Wrap National Show; Focus on WTN-FM, Nashville Show. After 11 years in national syndication, Phil Valentine is ending his syndication effort via Westwood One, effective January 4, and will continue hosting his daily talk radio show at Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “Super Talk 99.7 WTN.”   In a statement, Valentine says, “I want to thank all the affiliate stations and the Westwood One affiliate team for their support of ‘The Phil Valentine Show’ over the years.  It was a difficult decision for me to eliminate the syndicated show; however, after the recent success of my novel Barbican: A Sterling McQueen Spy Story, I made the difficult decision to focus not only on my writing, but also the development of The Conservative’s Handbook into a podcast series complete with expert guests on each subject covered in the book.  I will remain the host of the popular Phil Valentine show in my hometown of Nashville, as heard on WWTN.”

Nexstar Media Group Agrees to Buy Tribune Media for $4.1 Billion; Fate of WGN-AM Unknkown. According to a report by Reuters, Nexstar Media Group Inc is offering Tribune Media $4.1 billion for its broadcast properties – 42 television stations, cable’s WGN America,  various digital properties, and lone radio asset WGN-AM, Chicago.  The story notes that Nexstar outbid private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC with its all-cash offer.  Unlike previous suitor Sinclair Broadcasting that owns three Seattle market radio stations, Nexstar Media holds no radio properties.  It is unclear at this time if Nexstar has any interest in operating a major market news/talk radio outlet or not.  Back in August, Tribune put the kibosh on the Sinclair deal after regulators referred to Sinclair’s previous divestments as a “sham” because the company still operated the stations in question.  The deal with Nexstar would make it the largest television operator in the country.  Expect the Justice Department to scrutinize this deal very closely.

iHeartMedia Reports Creditors ‘Overwhelmingly’ Support Fifth Re-Org Plan. Ahead of the December 11 Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Chapter 11 reorganization, the company issues a statement announcing that voting results for its Fifth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization indicate that “every class of creditors entitled to vote has voted to approve the Plan.  More than 90% of the votes cast by creditors and shareholders who participated in the vote approved the Plan, demonstrating substantial support for, and far exceeding the votes necessary to confirm, the Plan.”  iHeartMedia calls this “a value-maximizing restructuring that comprehensively addresses the company’s funded debt obligations and positions iHeartMedia for continued growth and long-term success.  The Plan will reduce iHeartMedia’s funded debt by approximately $10.3 billion—to $5.75 billion—and result in the separation of iHeartMedia’s radio and outdoor advertising businesses.”

iHeartMedia Net Revenue Soars in October.  As it has been doing since April, iHeartMedia is filing monthly financial data reports with the Securities Exchange Commission as it works through the Chapter 11 reorganization process.  The most recent filing for the month of October shows revenue was $349.4 million – the highest we’ve seen since April’s $417.9 figure.  But net income rockets to $100.2 million – an increase of more than 157% from September’s $11.9 million.  Operating income also rises, from $62.4 million to $104.8 million.  But those scrutinized payments to outside professionals (the one’s attending to the Chapter 11 business) spiked to the highest figure yet — $21 million.

Former KGO, San Francisco Host Ray Taliaferro Found Dead in Kentucky. The search for missing retired radio talk show host Ray Taliaferro ended tragically as his body was found in a wooded area in Paducah, Kentucky three weeks after he’d disappeared.  The story from KGO-TV, San Francisco states that authorities have released no details surrounding his disappearance and cause of death. Taliaferro – who hosted the overnight talk show on KGO-AM, San Francisco from 1977 through 2011 – was last seen talking with the manager of a Paducah pizza parlor before disappearing.  The initial public statement by local authorities indicated Taliaferro may have been suffering from symptoms of dementia.

Chad Benson Takes Over Afternoons on KXNT, Las Vegas. As TALKERS reported on November 19, longtime Las Vegas talk radio personality Alan Stock is exiting the afternoon drive show on Entercom’s KXNT-AM, Las Vegas. Now, the station confirms that Radio America-syndicated talk host Chad Benson will begin in the afternoon drive daypart today (12/3).  The KXNT website states, “If you’ve never listened to Chad’s show, we suggest you check it out – because he isn’t the talk host you’re used to!  He is conversational and informative, all while being irreverent and very funny.”  Meanwhile, Alan Stock begins producing “The Alan Stock Answer” – a daily feature that will air on KXNT at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm every Monday through Friday.

TALKERS News Notes. The Salem Radio Network’s SRN News and TOWNHALL News announce they will provide live coverage of the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush on Wednesday (12/5) from the National Cathedral in Washington.  Coverage will be anchored by White House correspondent Greg Clugston.  Additionally, all SRN nationally syndicated talk shows hosted by Mike Gallagher, Eric Metaxas, Hugh Hewitt and others will pay tribute to President George H. W. Bush beginning today (12/3).  SRN v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “America has lost a great leader and a Godly family man.  I had the honor of personally interviewing George H.W. Bush in New Orleans the morning he was announcing Dan Quayle as his 1988 vice presidential running mate.  Even in that high-pressure moment, he was exceptionally generous with his time…exuding a grace and gentle strength that would define him for the rest of his days.”…..E.W. Scripps Company closes on its acquisition of Triton Digital for $150 million.  Scripps forecasts that the acquisition will generate more than $3 million in revenue.  President and CEO Adam Symson says, “The Triton acquisition aligns with the Scripps strategy of fueling company growth by being opportunistic in the marketplace and responsive to the changing needs of media consumers.”…..SiriusXM announces that former NBA pros Carlos Boozer, Caron Butler, Ryan Hollins, and Kenyon Martin are joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. They’ll join the rotation of hosts on the all-new afternoon program “No Look Pass,” airing weekdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET.

George H.W. Bush Dies, Trump at G20/Xi Jinping Meeting, Looming Government Shutdown, Migrant Caravan/Mexican Border Issue, Trump-Russia Investigation, Paris Riots, Qatar to Quit OPEC, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94; President Trump’s appearance at the G20 summit in Argentina and his meeting to China’s Xi Jinping to temper the tariff battle between the two countries; the threat of a government shutdown over President Trump’s border wall funding issue; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and U.S. immigration policy; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and Michael Cohen’s plea deal; Qatar announces it will quit OPEC in the New Year; the NCAA names the four teams for this year’s College Football Playoffs; and the weekend’s NFL 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. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, iHeartMedia promotes weekend personality Lisa Dent to midday host on country WEBG, Chicago “Big 95.5.”  She takes over for Amber “Alabama” Cole, who left the station for personal reasons. Dent previously served with Entercom’s crosstown country outlet WUSN “US99” as both a midday personality and co-host of the morning show with Ramblin’ Ray Stevens…..The changes at Entercom’s country KMNB, Minneapolis are not too drastic as the country format stays in place and the station is re-imaged as “102.9 The Wolf.”  SVP and market manager Shannon Knoepke states, “‘102.9 The Wolf’ will be the Twin Cities’ station for the biggest country hits from then and now.  From today’s leading artists to all-time essential country favorites, every song beats the pulse of Nashville all day, every day.  We’re excited for our fans – ‘The Wolfpack’ – and clients to continue on this journey with us as we create a close-knit community of fans.”  On-air pro Greg Thunder joins the station as host of “The Wolf Wake Up Crew.”  Current morning show anchor Paul “PT” Thomas expands his role to also host the “Home Town Country Sunday Night” program…..In Rochester, Entercom names Whitney Young the new morning drive co-host alongside Corey James at CHR WPXY.  Young joined the station in 2017 as midday host, then became part of the morning show on an interim basis in May…..Dick Broadcasting names Mica Cadena, a.k.a. LA Rock program director, eliminating the “acting” from her title.  Company vice president Jason Goodman says, “It was an obvious decision to promote Mica to PD of WXQR as she was doing the role already.  WXQR has been on the air for 40 years and recently Mica has led WXQR to its highest ratings ever.”

November 2018 PPM Data – Part Three. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7.  See all the 6+ date from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.

Portland Spoken Word Formats – Consistently in 5.0 – 5.3 range from July through November (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” repeats at #4, following four successive months (June – September) at #5. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” is unchanged from October in both 6+-share (2.2) and 6+-market rank (#18), with 2.2 its best 6+-showing in more than two years (2.2, as well, in August 2016). Flat at #23, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is up a collective three-tenths in October and November (.8 – .9 – 1.1, 6+).

After returning the six-tenths it gained in September (1.7 – 2.3 – 1.7, August-September-October, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” sputters by another four-tenths in November to 1.3 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #21, 6+). Portland’s “Fan” was a collective +.9 in August and September (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+); however, just prior to August, it posted six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). Right behind KFXX is Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” (-.2, flat at #22, 6+), which is trending (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, July through November, 6+). Meanwhile, the flagship of the Portland Trailblazers – iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Rip City Sports Radio 620” – logs its third increase in a row (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7, #28 to #25, 6+), which nearly doubles (+.3) its 6+-share since August.

Without a loss for the fourth time in a row for a collective +1.1 (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat (9.2) since March (9.5). KOPB had been on top from January to August (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.1 (January); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); and +.7 (October).

Portland Music Formats – Locked on 4.0 (6+) in September and October, Alpha Media CHR KBFF erupts with a +.9 to 4.9, its highest 6+-share in exactly two years (5.3, November 2016); “Live 95.5” advances from eighth to fifth. Owing to a one-tenth gain to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to five successive down or flat monthlies that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+). An overall -.9 in three straight decreases (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” improves by six-tenths as well (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #7). Cluster-mate KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” posts a gain of six-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+) and jumps from #14 to #12. Prior to October, “The Bull” was -1.6 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). As the result of its November improvement, KUPL bypasses Entercom’s similarly-formatted KWJJ, which is a cumulative -1.1 in five straight sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Despite more than doubling (+2.3) its 6+-share in four straight up or flat trends (1.7 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Entering the August sweep, “The Fish” had been down in each of the previous four monthlies for a cumulative -.8 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Up four-tenths to 3.3 (#16 to #14, 6+), Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” curtails four successive decreases that resulted in a combined -1.0 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+). The seven-tenths increase that iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” posted in October is obliterated in November with a -.8 (7.6 – 6.8, flat at #3, 6+). Just prior to the October ratings period, “The Eagle” had been down or flat four straight months for a collective loss of four-tenths (7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+). Four successive reports without a loss netted iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW a +1.6  (7.2 – 7.7 -7.9 – 8.8 – 8.8, 6+), but “K-103” forfeits six-tenths to 8.2 (flat at #2, 6+). October’s 8.8 was the best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 16.9 for KKCW, which 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+). Dropping six-tenths as well in November is All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #17, 6+). A collective -1.0 as a result of four decreases in a row (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom-owned KGON falls from fifth to sixth. Immediately prior to this streak, “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” had been without a loss four straight times for a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+).

Charlotte Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does Entercom news/talk outlet WBT add one-half share to October’s +.9 (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), the flagship of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers enters the top ten (#12 to #10). This is WBT’s highest 6+-share since February (4.3, as well). Flat at #19, co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ share via four straight up or flat moves (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+). This particular streak follows four straight sweeps without an increase for the key station of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets that resulted in a -1.1 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7 – .6, 6+).

Four downward trends in succession by University Radio Foundation news/talk station WFAE accounted for a combined -1.6 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), but “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” picks up two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), moving from #17 to #15. The July through November topline for South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is: .5 – .6 – .5 – .7 – .6 (flat at #20, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – In another ratings report full of tremendous news for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO, “102.9 The Lake” nets an overall +3.0 as the result of seven straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+) and progresses from third to second. Additionally, this (7.1) is the strongest 6+-share for “The Lake” since December 2017’s 7.2. An increase of one-half share to 4.5 (6+) by Radio One’s WOSF “105.3 RnB” puts an end to its July – October sequence of 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 (6+); 4.5 represents its strongest 6+-share since 4.9 in March. Level at 7.5 (6+), Beasley Media Group’s WSOC is #1 for the third month in a row. A loss of two-tenths in October by “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” ended four straight up or flat reports that netted a +1.5 (6.2 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to August, the last time WSOC reached the seven-share level (6+) was “Holiday” 2016 (7.0). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” which was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), dips four-tenths to 6.7 (second to fourth, 6+). After being a combined +1.3 in September and October (2.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WHQC “Channel 96.1” surrenders nearly half that increase in November (3.4 -.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Down by one-tenth in both September and October (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” posts a gain of three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and ranks eighth for the sixth month in a row. In five straight decreases, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is a collective -1.9 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, #15 to #17, 6+). Off one-half share in November as well is Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” (2.9, flat at #14, 6+), which had been a collective +.7 in September and October (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+). While flat at #4, Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” is nonetheless -1.9 as the result of four straight negative moves (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+).  “V-101.9” was +1.4 in May; eroded by -1.2 in June; and erased that -1.2 in its entirety in July with a +1.2.

San Antonio Spoken-Word Formats – Despite surrendering one-tenth to 4.4 (6+) iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” improves from eighth to seventh. The loss, however, ends at three its consecutive string of improvements that yielded one full-share (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) for the San Antonio Spurs’ flagship. October’s 4.5 was its best 6+-showing since April 2017 (4.5, as well). The July 2018 – November 2018 topline for Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” (#21 to #22) is 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 (6+).

Without an increase for the third straight month (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” nonetheless advances from #29 to #28.

Anchored at #12, Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX “Hear Yourself Think” nets one full-share as a result of four consecutive up or flat trends (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – There’s a major development at the top of this Texas market’s November 2018 leaderboard as the  2.2-share (6+) advantage that Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” held in October over co-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” vanishes. The end result is that KONO-FM (8.3 – 6.9, -1.4, first to second, 6+), which had been on top the past ten sweeps, trades places with “Y-100” (6.1 – 7.0, +.9, second to first, 6+). When KONO-FM sputtered by one-half share in October, it halted at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded a +2.2 (6.6 – 7.0 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+). In September, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” reached the eight-share threshold (8.8) for the first time since November 2016’s 8.2. As far as “Y-100” is concerned, September’s loss of eight-tenths curtailed three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). In August, KCYY reached the six-share level (6.8) for the first time since October 2017’s 6.0. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” levels off at 5.0 (fourth to sixth, 6+) after plummeting by -1.1 in October (6.1 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -1.3 in March and April, “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Off by one-tenth in September and October (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1 Positive Hits” busts out a +.8 to 2.5 and enters the top twenty (#18), with its best 6+-stat (2.5) since May’s 2.4. Faltering by nine-tenths and one-half share, respectively, though are its contemporary Christian cluster-mates KZLV (3.4 – 2.5, #12 to #18, 6+) and KMLR (.8 – .3, #30, 6+), both of which use the “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” identity. A one-tenth gain to 3.0 (6+) in October by  KXXM interrupted five April through September decreases that accounted for an overall -2.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). In November, the iHeartMedia CHR piles on another seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+) as “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” zooms from #16 to #11. Down or flat the past three sweeps for an overall -1.6 (4.9 – 4.0 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” improves by six-tenths to 3.9 and jumps into the top ten (#14 to #10). By notching a one-half share gain (4.9 – 5.4, 6+), co-owned classic rock KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” elevates from fourth to third.  Completely erasing October’s six-tenths’ gain (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio’s KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” tumbles from #10 to #14; October’s 3.8 was its best 6+-performance since February’s 4.0. While it remains at #7, Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” has its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded an overall +1.0 stall at four (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).

Pittsburgh Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is off one-tenth, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM manages to improve from ninth to eighth. The March through November high/low range for “News Radio 1020” is 4.6/4.0: (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+).

After picking up three-tenths in October, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths in November (6.4 – 5.7, fourth to sixth, 6+). “The Fan” was +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8, 6+); -2.0 in three straight May – June – July declines (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+); +1.4 in August (5.8 – 7.2, 6+); and -1.1 in September. Unchanged at .2 (#23, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has notched either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) in each of the last 19 ratings periods.

A loss of two-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+) by Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” ends three straight positive spikes that produced a cumulative +1.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Displaying its best 6+ showing since January (6.8, as well), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH is an overall +1.5 as the result of three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+). “Wish 99.7” progresses from fifth to fourth. Owing to three straight gains (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “105.9 The X” is an overall +.9, as the flagship of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins inches up from eighth to seventh. Level at 9.5 (6+) after October’s loss of seven-tenths, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” is on top for the 21^st consecutive ratings period. Anchored in the runner-up slot for the 11^th successive sweep, co-owned rocker WDVE posts its third bump in succession for a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+); WDVE was off eight-tenths in August. Led by Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108” Pittsburgh’s Country (4.8 – 4.4, -.4, seventh to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” (3.4 – 3.7 (+.3, steady at #11, 6+), four mainstream country facilities appear in the top twenty. The other members of that quartet are Forever Media siblings, both using the “Froggy” identity WOGG (1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #16 to #14, 6+) and WOGI (.9 – 1.0, +.1, #20, 6+). Off one-half share to 7.0, its lowest 6+-showing since June (7.0, as well), Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM – We Play Anything” carries on at #3. The January through November (6+) high/low range for “Bob” is 7.9/7.0.

Sacramento Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #2, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” dips two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+) following October’s massive +1.4. Immediately prior to the October ratings period, KFBK hadn’t posted an increase in the eight previous reports resulting in an overall -3.0 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is a collective +.7 via three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0- 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13.

Doubling (+.8) its 6+-share since August (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KIFM-AM carries on at #19. Just before this particular streak, “ESPN Radio 1320” lost 50% of its 6+-share (-.8) in three straight decreases (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .8, 6+). For the third sweep in succession, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has a fluctuation of one-tenth, 1.1 – 1.2, 1.2 – 1.3, 1.3 – 1.2 (6+) and is flat at #21.

As noted above, KFBK notched a huge (+1.4) October gain. It is the turn this time for news/talk KXJZ (+1.1, third to second). Moreover, the Capital Public Radio outlet is without a loss for the fourth straight time for an overall +1.9 since July (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+) and KXJZ crosses the six-share threshold (6.4, 6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. This is the fifth occurrence in the last nine sweeps that Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has recorded a .6 (flat at #26, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – A combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI completely erases that deficit in October and November (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, +.9, 6+) as “New Country 105.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, steady at #14, 6+), while the market’s other country outlet, Entravision Communications-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf,” is flat at 2.0 (#16 to #17, 6+). By gaining six-tenths (4.4 – 5.0, steady at #6, 6+), Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” logs its best 6+-showing since May’s 5.6. Improving by one-half share each are KUDL’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KSFM (3.2 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101.1” (3.9 – 4.4, #10 to #8, 6+), which has its best 6+-stat (4.4) since August 2015’s 4.7. Notwithstanding that is a cumulative -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (9.7 – 9.2 – 8.1, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share (8.1) since April’s 8.0, Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the 10^th straight time. “The Eagle” was +1.0 (May); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); and now -1.1 (November). Up two-tenths and flat at #14 (2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entravision Communications rhythmic CHR KHHM “Hot 103.5” is within 2.2 – 2.9 range for the 13^th consecutive sweep. As a result of having its 6+-share sliced in half (1.8 – .9, -.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” drifts from the top twenty (#18 to #25). In three down or flat months in succession (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KKDO is a combined -.8. “Alt 94.7 – Sacramento’s Alternative” exits the top ten (#9 to #12) with its lowest 6+-share since May (3.4, as well).

Salt Lake City Spoken-Word Formats – It’s another dramatic fluctuation for Bonneville’s KSL, which follows October’s massive +2.4 to 7.2, its highest 6+-share since April’s 8.1, with a -1.8 to 5.4 (6+). Consequently, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” has a one-month stay at #1 and slumps to fifth. Prior to October, the last time KSL reached #1 was in April. By picking up four-tenths in August, KSL pulled the plug on three consecutive declines that accounted for a -3.5 (8.1 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” is a combined +1.0 in October and November (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.9, level at #7, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (4.9) since March 2017’s 5.6.

The August 2018 – November 2018 topline for Broadway Media-owned KALL is 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+), with “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” remaining at #21. Immediately in advance of that, KALL was an overall +.5 via four consecutive positive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+).

A collective -.8 in September and October (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER picks up one-tenth in November to 2.8 (#15 to #13, 6+). Brigham Young University news/talk KUMT debuted in September with a .9 (6+); was off six-tenths in October to .3 (#26 to #27, 6+); and disappears in November.

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Locked in a three-way tie at #3 in October, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” roars back from a -1.1 (6.7 – 5.6, 6+) with a +1.5 to 7.1 (6+) and takes over at #1. Previously this calendar year, KODJ held sole possession of the top spot or was tied for the lead in June, July, August, and September. Its gain of three-tenths in September curtailed three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one-half share (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Part of that October three-way scrum at #3 was KODJ’s format rival, Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow,” which improves by one-half share to 6.1, progressing to the runner-up slot. “The Arrow” had been off four-tenths in three straight (mostly) flat or down moves (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). Notching one-half share October – November gains as well are independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (4.2 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+) and Broadway Media alternative KXRK “X-96 Utah’s Original Alternative” (3.8 – 4.3, 6+). “Z 104” has its highest 6+ share since March (4.7, as well), while “X-96” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Even though Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE is a collective +1.8 via three straight upticks (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” backslides from eighth to ninth. “B-98.7” gained six-tenths between April and July (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned country KUBL “K-Bull 93” is an overall -2.1 in four consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

Las Vegas Spoken-Word Formats – As it posts a 1.9 for the third time in the last four sweeps (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT falls out of the top twenty (#20 to #21). Prior to gaining two-tenths in August, “News Talk Radio 840” had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a net loss of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). In a somewhat similar vein, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” records a 1.1 (6+) for the fourth time in the last seven survey periods, 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.1 (6+), dropping from #24 to #25.

Doubling (+.5) its 6+ share through four up or flat trends (.5 – .6 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” advances from #26 to #25.

In addition to being an overall +1.3 in six consecutive positive spikes (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR enters the top ten (#11 to #10).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Within 2.4 – 2.8 range (6+) in each of the last seven reports (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6   – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG explodes with a +.9 to 3.3, its strongest 6+-stat since March (3.3, as well), and “Hot 97.5” zooms into the top ten (#16 to #10). Trending .8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 (June through October, 6+), University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 Jazz & More” logs a +.7 to 1.6, reaching the one-share level (6+) for the first time since May (1.1). Not only does Lotus Communications’ KXPT advance from fifth to third, “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” is an overall +1.8 in five straight positive spikes (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.5) in just over two years (5.9, October 2016). On top for the third month in a row is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday,” which basically stabilizes (8.4 – 8.3, -1, 6+), after September and October’s combined +2.1 (6.3 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+). October’s (8.4) represents the highest 6+-share for “Sunny” since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.5. This calendar year, KSNE has been on top in March, May, June, July, September, October, and November. Even though an increase of two-tenths to 1.8 (6+) by Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF suspends three negative moves in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (2.8 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.6, 6+), “103.5 Zona Mx” backslides from #21 to #22. On the heels of October’s -.7, Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erodes by another eight-tenths in November (5.1 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+). As it entered the October ratings period, “Old School 105.7” was a cumulative +1.7 in five straight increases (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+). Surrendering all of October’s +.5 and one-tenth more (3.8 – 3.2, -.6, 6+), Faith Communications’ contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” falls from the top ten (#10 to #12). October’s 3.8 was its highest 6+-stat since January’s 3.9. Faltering by six-tenths as well is Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (seventh to ninth), which is a collective -1.3 in three losses in succession (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” (third to fourth) drops one-half share to 5.4, its lowest 6+-showing since February (5.4, as well).

Cincinnati Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that WLW (10.8 – 10.0, 6+) remains at #1 for the sixth consecutive sweep, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet. Some recent fluctuations for WLW include: a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); +1.7 (October); and now -.8 (November). October’s 10.8 was the highest 6+-share in more than two years (10.8, as well, in June 2016) for the flagship of MLB’s Reds and NFL’s Bengals. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” has an up/down July through November topline of 3.6 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 (6+) and drops from ninth to tenth. July’s increase of eight-tenths halted four straight monthly reports without an increase for a collective -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+).

Following October’s one-half share gain to 1.4 – its best 6+-stat since May (1.4, as well) – sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” levels out at 1.4 and repeats at #17.

Off a collective four-tenths in three successive sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU is back to July’s 3.1 (6+) and carries on at #12.

Cincinnati Music Formats – Having logged six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.5 (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKFS erases nearly half the loss with a gain of seven-tenths (4.1, 6+). “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” is back in the top ten (#11 to #9). Although it is without an increase for the third successive time for a collective -1.3 (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+),  Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” remains in fourth-place. Anchored at #3, country sibling WUBE “B-105” is up one full-share via three straight up or flat monthlies (7.9 – 8.3 – 8.9 – 8.9,  6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “B-105” in more than two years (8.9, as well, August 2016). Elsewhere in the market’s country format, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash-FM” picks up one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9, #15 to #16, 6+), while WUBE cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (#18) improves by two-tenths to 1.0, its best 6+-stat since February (1.0, as well). “The Wolf” had recorded either a .8 (6+) or a .9 (6+) in each sweep between March and October. In August, WDBZ registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies is unlisted for the third month in a row. At #19 in October (1.2, 6+), Educational Community Radio’s WOBO “The Station With Something For Everyone” vanishes in November.

Orlando Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged in eighth-place, Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” is an overall +1.9 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.2) in more than a year (6.1, September 2017). Conversely, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” has lost a collective eight-tenths in three straight declines (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+) and continues at #11. Its +1.0 in August suspended three straight decreases that resulted in a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Having nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-share as the result of four successive sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF surrenders three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) yet improves from #15 to #14.

At the same time that Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” gains three-tenths to 1.4 (#20 to a three-way tie at #17), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” drops two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Anchored at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” has been +.5 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.3 in November (3.3 – 3.6, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM on top for the 11^th straight time, “Rumba 100” hangs out a +.8 to 8.9 (6+), thus ending at three its consecutive string of downturns that resulted in an overall -3.5 (11.6 – 10.1 – 8.2 – 8.1, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Moreover, “Rumba” breaks the October tie at #1 with co-owned CHR WXXL, which gains one-tenth (8.1 – 8.2, 6+), but segues to the runner-up slot. A one-half share September increase by “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” halted three downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.7 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). By posting an increase of seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+), its highest 6+-stat in exactly one year (8.1, November 2017), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO advances from fourth to third. WMMO was locked on 6.6 (6+) in July, August, and September, before dropping to 6.4 (6+) in October. Two-tenths behind “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” is urban AC cluster-mate WCFB “Star 94.5 – Orlando’s Only R&B,” which is an overall +1.4 in five straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, third to fourth, 6+). Flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” records its third sweep in a row without a loss and is a modest +.2 in that stretch (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Off a collective one-half share as a result of being down or flat for the fourth ratings period in a row (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” continues at #13.

Cleveland Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of its October gain of eight-tenths, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” forfeits one-half share (6.8 – 6.3, 6+) and drops from a four-way tie at #3 to #5. October’s +.8 halted four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+).

Meanwhile, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (steady at #9) is up an overall two full-shares via five successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+), directly following a combined -1.8 in three straight (March through June) setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+).

 Off four-tenths in October, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN erases half that decrease in November with a gain of two-tenths (2.8 – 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13; September’s 3.2 was its best 6+-showing since February’s 3.6.

Cleveland Music Formats – On top of being a collective +2.8 in three upticks in succession (6.0 – 6.5 – 7.5 – 8.8, 6+), WZAK marches from second to first. It is quite a turnaround for the Radio One urban AC, which had lost roughly 40% (-4.1) of its 6+ AQH share in five straight down or flat trends between March and August (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot after five straight months at #1 is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits,” which – despite registering a +.4 (7.8 – 8.2, 6+) – shifts to #2. Its October loss of -1.5 suspended four straight improvements that – ironically – generated an overall +1.5 (7.8 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.3, 6+). Among WMJI’s fluctuations this calendar year are: -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); +.6 (June); +.6 (September); and -1.5 (October). CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” completely wipes away October’s one-half share decrease with a like-margin November increase (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+) but remains at #12. Dropping from third to fourth, co-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is a collective -1.6 in three successive decreases (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Over in the Entercom cluster, WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” (third to fifth) is an overall -2.1 (8.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+) via three straight dips and has its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 6.0, while adult contemporary sibling WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102.” is -.8 in three negative moves in a row (6.4- 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, seventh to eighth, 6+).

Kansas City Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on four-tenths to October’s +.3 (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” pushes ahead from sixth to fourth. An August gain of seven-tenths interrupted five straight February through July decreases that accounted for a -1.7 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which was up four-tenths in October, is flat at 2.6 (6+), but slips from #18 to #19. When Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM picked up one-tenth in October to .7 (6+), it ended three down or flat reports that accounted for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+); however, “Talk Radio 710 AM” returns that one-tenth in November (.6, flat at #23, 6+).

Winning ways continue for Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which has more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-share in six straight upticks (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). WHB was -.9 in February; +.9 in March; an overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+); and +1.2 in October. Forfeiting all but one-tenth of October’s +.4 (3.5 – 3.2, -.3, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” slumps from #14 to #17.

In October, KCUR returned the three-tenths it gained in September (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), but in November, the University of Missouri news/talk outlet posts a one-half share increase to 3.5 (#15 to #14, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – By adding six-tenths to October’s +.1 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” shifts from #16 to #15. Off one-half share in October, Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” jumps six-tenths as well (2.7 – 3.3, #17 to #16, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.3) since April’s 3.9. Hot AC cluster-mate KZPT “99.7 The Point,” a collective -.8 in four straight down or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), adds one-tenth to 3.9 but moves from #12 to #13. This is yet another extremely powerful report card for Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which is #1 for the sixth time in a row and an overall +2.7 in six straight sweeps without a loss (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Furthermore, this (9.7) is the highest 6+-stat for the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship since July 2017’s 10.3. On the other hand though, classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -3.1 in eight successive March through November declines (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+), dipping from fourth to sixth. “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in March, April, and May. Despite forfeiting one-half share to 7.0 (6+), thus curtailing three straight upticks for a cumulative +2.0 (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” advances from third to second. Down one-half share as well is Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” (4.7 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). A mere two-tenths separates the market’s three country outlets. Specifically, by posting a gain of three-tenths to 4.3 (6+), Entercom’s WDAF not only zooms from tenth to seventh, “106.5 The Wolf” pulls the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). It is tied at #7 with Steel City Media’s KBEQ, which is a combined -1.3 in October and November (5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “Q-104 New Hit Country,” which gained six-tenths in September, progresses from ninth (to seventh). Meanwhile, co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” is a combined -2.1 as a result of three downturns in succession (6.2 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

Columbus Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight positive spikes (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is an overall +.9 and progresses from fifth to fourth.

Seventh-ranked in January with a 4.4 (6+) – but then vanishing from print – RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” reappeared in October with +1.1 (5.6 – 6.7, #4, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets relinquishes four-tenths in November to 6.3 (6+) but remains at #4. After posting an April through October topline of .9 – 1.0 – .9 – .5 – .9 – 1.1 – .9 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is off three-tenths to .6 (#16 to #18, 6+).

Answering October’s -1.1 with a November gain of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU inches up from ninth to eighth. Immediately prior to the October sweep, WOSU had a net gain of seven-tenths via three straight up or flat monthlies (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.1 in three straight increases (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-showing since September 2017 (3.8, as well). By duplicating October’s +.6 (6.5 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+), Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-FM 96 – Iconic Rock” marches from third to second and displays its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 7.9. Despite being a cumulative +1.1 in four up or flat trends in a row (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat” backslides from #10 to #11. Albeit that it has eroded by -3.3 in four straight setbacks (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0, 6+), co-owned WCOL is #1 for the 11^th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. When “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was -1.2 in August, it concluded five consecutive increases for an overall +4.0 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7 – 16.3, 6+). Among the major fluctuations for “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” this calendar year are +3.1 (January); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); and -1.5 (November). Following 10 consecutive reports at #2, WCOL’s CHR sibling, WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” (7.8 – 7.1, -.7, 6+), falls to #3. WNCI was +1.3 in June; a collective -1.8 in July and August (10.7 – 10.0 – 8.9, 6+); +.5 (September); -1.6 (October); and -.7 (November). Adult hits cluster-mate WODC is an overall -1.7 as a result of three consecutive dips (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” carries on at #7. This present streak immediately follows four consecutive improvements that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+).