Monday, May 21, 2018

2018 Heavy Hundred to Be Posted at 12:00 noon ET Today.  The 2018 edition of TALKERS magazine’s “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” will be posted at 12:00 noon ET today. This annual list – compiled by the editors of TALKERS and known informally as the Heavy Hundred – ranks American radio talk show hosts in importance from one to 100.  This is the 24^thyear that TALKERS magazine has published the Heavy Hundred.  The editors use a number of hard and soft factors in creating the ranking, including: ratings, revenue, courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, recognition, service, talent, and uniqueness.

Raising Money for Nevada GOP Candidates. Pictured above are Las Vegas-based talk show hosts Dr. Daliah Wachs (right) and Heidi Harris (keft) at the Denim & Diamonds BBQ Fundraiser held in Las Vegas on Saturday night.  Wachs and Harris co-emceed the event sponsored by the Southern Nevada Republicans Women’s PAC and designed to raise funds for primary race GOP candidates. WSB-AM, Atlanta talk show host – and former presidential candidate – Herman Cain was a speaker at the event.

Texas School Shooting, Trump Asks DOJ to Investigate FBI-CIA Surveillance of Campaign, Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S.-China Trade Talks, Royal Wedding, Iran Nuclear Plan ‘B,’ Deadpool 2 Film, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The Santa Fe High School shooting on Friday that left 10 dead; President Trump asks the DOJ to investigate whether the Obama Administration asked the FBI of CIA to infiltrate the Trump campaign; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the U.S. and China agree not to accelerate a trade war; Saturday’s royal wedding of Prince Harry and American Meghan Markle; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to unveil “Plan B” for Iran nuclear deal; the film Deadpool 2tops the weekend box office; Major League Baseball action; and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Edison: Streaming Makes Up Less than 10% of Radio Station Listening. Media research firm Edison Research is presenting at this week’s American Association of Public Opinion Researchers conference in Denver.  Company VP Randy Brown’s presentation documents issues that come from implementing surveys online that attempt to measure internet behaviors.  One conclusion of his is that streaming behaviors will be overstated in a survey implemented online because it is difficult to reach lighter internet users from internet sample frames, even if one is using high-quality internet samples. In creating its Share of Ear studies, Edison has determined that “8% of the combined listening to broadcast radio content is from the streams and 92% is from over-the-air…these numbers would be vastly higher (and incorrect) if we did not take the steps we do to correctly represent all listeners and all listening.”  Edison goes on to say, “It is worth noting that we see quite a difference based on the type of content.  For news, sports and personalities, streams comprise 12% of the total listening, whereas for music the streams are 6%.  Perhaps this speaks to streaming being more vital for radio’s more unique aspects.”  You can download Brown’s presentation here.

Dennis Green to Exit Westwood One. After a 22-year career with radio syndicator Westwood One, SVP of affiliate sales Dennis Green is exiting the company to accept a new, yet-to-be-announced position. Westwood One chief operating officer Charles Steinhauer says in a memo to affiliates that the company sincerely thanks Green “for his absolute dedication and excellent contributions made during his successful 22-year tenure at Westwood One.”  Green says, “I want to thank my Westwood One family for a 22-year ride that was everything you could want in a media career. Serving radio stations around the country and the world with the best in programming and services was an honor and privilege that I’ll never forget.  As I embark on my next challenge, I’m proud to be part of the legacy that Westwood enjoys in the industry, and will continue to enjoy for years to come.”

Andi Poch Promoted to EVP of Integrated Partnerships at Entercom. This new role of executive vice president, integrated partnerships puts Andi Poch in charge of leading Entercom’s strategy, creative development and execution for multiplatform, client partnerships. The company says she’ll focus on integrated solutions across audio, digital, branded content, live events and experiential partnerships. Additionally, she will be responsible for the development of new and expanded content franchises and innovative, customizable opportunities to drive national business and new revenue streams.  She will continue to report to Bob Philips, chief revenue officer at Entercom.  Philips comments, “We are excited about Andi’s new role at Entercom. This is a strategic shift in the way we go to market and an opportunity to leverage our national, multiplatform scale across audio, digital, social, live events and branded entertainment to offer national advertisers the innovative marketing solutions they need to connect their brands to our loyal and engaged consumer base.  The additional scope will provide Andi the opportunity to expand on the terrific work she has already done for Entercom.”

Francesa ‘Talked Into’ Joining Twitter. Now that Mike Francesa is back in afternoon drive on WFAN, New York after a roughly five-month retirement from the Entercom sports talk station, he’s surprising his fans again by joining Twitter.  He’s been a famous critic of social media but tells the New York Daily News that since rejoining the station, he’s been “talked into” launching a Twitter account.  He’s making his initial, official tweet from Twitter’s New York headquarters this afternoon. Francesa had always avoided social media, arguing that if he tweets his takes, it gives people less reason to tune into the radio show.

A Visit to Old Stomping Grounds. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison paid a visit to the legendary New England powerhouse WTIC-AM, Hartford “NewsTalk 1080” for an on-air chat with his old buddy, afternoon drive host Todd Feinburg, yesterday (5/17).  The two discussed many of the hot economic issues surrounding Connecticut state politics.  Harrison was the first full-time host launching WTIC’s modern era as a pure news/talker when he did middays on the 50k outlet back in 1991-92.  He currently joins Feinburg as a regularly featured guest and occasionally serves as fill-in host for the program.  According to Harrison, “WTIC has long played a key role in Connecticut’s history and culture.  The station has maintained a great news department and a deep commitment to community service, not to mention really smart callers.”  Harrison (center) is pictured above with Entercom Hartford VP of operations and programming Steve Salhany (left) and Feinburg (right) in the station’s main studio.

Cool Morning News Opportunity. News Radio KFBK, Sacramento, an iHeartRadio station, is looking for a highly skilled, experienced executive news producer to lead and manage its top-rated “KFBK Morning News” – a four-hour, fast-paced, market-leading live newscast. Candidates need large-market, long-form newscast producing experience, immaculate writing and editing skills, along with strong problem-solving and leadership abilities to excel in this key position within the news management team.  Strong digital and social media skills are essential. Some on-air reporting/anchoring required.  For more info and to apply, click here.

KCBS-AM, San Francisco Snags Seven AP Television Radio Association Honors.  Bay Area all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco was recently honored with seven 2017 Associated Press Television and Radio Association awards.  The organization honors important journalism across 13 Western U.S. states through its annual awards contest.  The Entercom station picked up first place honors for Best Continuing Coverage for “Wine Country Wildfires”; Best Feature Story “Sonic Gentrification” by Doug Sovern; Best Spot News Coverage for “Wine Country Wildfires”; and Best Weather Reporting for “San Jose Flood.”

TALKERS News Notes.  The Fisher House Foundation – the charity that provides housing for the families of military personnel who are being treated at VA centers – is working with the Jeff Wyatt Group for its special radio programs. The Jeff Wyatt Group is working with Fisher House to assist with affiliate relations for the Memorial Day special, “The Gift” – hosted by Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery – as well as on the Christmas time program “Home Away from Home.” On the latter, Jeff Wyatt Group will write, produce and distribute the show…..American Public Media is ending the “Marketplace Weekend” program. Lizzie O’Leary hosts the program and will remain with APM to handle fill-in work on the daily “Marketplace” program.  Affiliate stations will get “best-of” shows through July…..The sale of WFGA-FM, Hicksville, Ohio from Talking Stick Communications to Swick Broadcasting Company for $300,000 cash closes.  The exclusive broker for the deal was Jason James of Patrick Communications.

Trump-Russia Investigation Returns as Top News/Talk Story of the Week. The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of May 14-18, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was the scheduled meeting between North Korea and the U.S. and the hermit kingdom’s nuclear weapons program.  Coming in at #3 was the U.S.-China trade negotiations, followed by U.S.-Mexico border security at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

Craig Carton Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Major sports talk personality and newsmaker Craig Carton gives an exclusive interview to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Carton is the former co-host of the mega-successful morning show “Boomer and Carton” (with Boomer Esiason) on WFAN, New York that dominated in the coveted male 25-54 demographic Big Apple ratings wars for a decade between 2007 and 2017. The duo had replaced Don Imus in that position after the station’s then-owner CBS RADIO cut the legend loose in the wake of the infamous incident in which he insulted the women basketball players of Rutgers University on-air with a poorly-executed racial quip. Craig Carton was one of the biggest stars in sports talk radio and the sky appeared to be the limit. However, it all came crashing down in 2017 when he was arrested by federal agents at his home in New York City on criminal charges of securities fraud. Then after a few months of laying low, while professing his innocence and awaiting trial in October, a fascinating comeback began to take root. It started with a podcast and that led to a daily online 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET radio show with a video simulcast on the FNTSY Sports Network. Now, after two months of positive reviews and significant audience growth, the show will be offered to terrestrial broadcast stations coast-to-coast by Sports Byline USA and Focus 360. It will debut on May 29, as a 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daily program, with a roster of 25 stations and the hope is it will grow well beyond that to at least 100 stations by the year’s end. Of course, much of this depends on the results of Carton’s forthcoming day in court. In a remarkably candid conversation, Carton tells Harrison that he is innocent and patiently looking forward to his day in court to tell his story and clear his name. The two also discuss the new show as well as the general state of sports talk radio and media. Harrison says, “Craig Carton is an outstanding talent and his new show sizzles with his unique personality and skills. I believe he is innocent until proven guilty and deserves the support of the radio industry until the facts of the case are finally revealed in court. The radio business is better off with Craig Carton on the air. I hope this all works out for him.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box for “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Chicago market, Alpha Media talk show host Kevin Kollins – heard daily on WJOL, Joliet in afternoons – is adding a second show to his duties as he assumes the morning program at sister adult contemporary WSSR-FM “Star 96.7.”  Kollins joins Lisa Jordan as her new co-host, replacing Josh Cooper, who exited last month…..SiriusXM is broadcasting performances and backstage interviews from this weekend’s Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas on its new Insomniac Radio channel.  EDC Las Vegas will also air on Diplo’s new and exclusive SiriusXM channel, Diplo’s Revolution.  This year marks the ninth year SiriusXM has broadcast EDC Las Vegas…..Pictured below at the kickoff event for the inaugural ACM/Live in the Vineyard Goes Country on Tuesday, May 15 at Peju Province Winery in Napa Valley, California are (from l-r): Chris Clare, PD, WNNF-FM, Cincinnati; George King, VP, programming, Westwood One; Tom Martens, Warner Music Nashville; Leslie Caraccilo, VP, music & entertainment, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Aaron Roberts, VP, programming partnerships, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Mac Daniels, PD, KSCS-KPLX, Dallas; Brian Thomas, PD, WKHX-FM, Atlanta; and Steve Pleshe, PD, KSKS, Fresno.  (Photo: Royce Risser)

Round Four of April PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s April 2018 survey period covered March 29 – April 25. 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 below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a January – February – March (6+) topline of 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.2, University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT posts a +.7 to 7.9 (steady at #2), its highest 6+-share since 9.0 in November 2016. A combined +1.0 in January and February (6.5 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+), KUT previously was -1.4 as the result of three straight decreases (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Its loss of three-tenths in November ended three successive gains that netted +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+). Three upticks in a row by Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), but “News Radio 590 AM” drops one-half share in April to 4.1 (flat at #9, 6+). The majority of that +1.8 is rooted in January’s +1.3. Immediately in advance of its positive streak, KLBJ-AM was -1.3 in four straight decreases (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). In the market’s sports talk arena, both Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, flat at #19, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3, unchanged at #24, 6+) are without an increase for the third time in a row, with each station losing three-tenths in that stretch.

Austin Music Formats – On the strength of a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia country outlet KVET-FM advances from fifth to third with its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2; “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original” was -.9 in February. It bypasses co-owned/similarly formatted KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country,” which is +1.7 via four straight gains (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, sixth, 6+). When KASE racked up a +.7 in January, it ended three consecutive decreases for an overall -1.2 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+). KVET-FM and KASE were tied for fifth place in March (5.3, 6+). By gaining four-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #20, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” pulls the plug on six negative or flat trends in succession that accounted for a loss of 60% (-1.5) of its 6+-share (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+). Not only is Emmis adult hits KBPA #1 for the fourth month in a row, “Bob” flashes a +1.0 to 8.9, its strongest 6+-stat since 9.1 in March 2017. Immediately prior to the “Holiday” 2017 report, “Bob” occupied the lead spot the previous ten (10) sweeps. A November gain of one-half share halted three down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). The 6.7 in “Holiday” 2017 marked the first time that Austin’s “Bob” was below a seven-share (6+) in three years (6.9, “Holiday” 2014). Immediately before picking up one-tenth in March (2018), “Bob” was -.6 (February); +1.7 (January); and -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017). Off by six-tenths (6.4 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5” slides from third to fourth. Stymied at 3.5 (6+) in January and February, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” drops one-half share in both March and April (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it repeats at #2, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” erodes by -1.0 (8.8 – 7.8, 6+). January 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-share since January 2014’s 9.4. WUNC fell to third-place in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months in the runner-up slot. A loss of two-tenths to 5.1 (sixth to seventh, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” suspends three consecutive positive spikes in a row that netted +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). Just ahead of that streak, WTKK was -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+). In addition to being the third time in a row that Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF posts a 1.0 (6+), “News Radio 680” is anchored at #19 for the ninth straight sweep. Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC returns in full the one-half share it picked up in March (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4, #12 to #13, 6+); “99.9 The Fan” was -1.3 in January. Co-owned/similarly formatted WDNC is up or flat for the eighth time in a row for a +.3 (.2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, #20 to #21, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Three negative moves in succession by Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL accounted for a roughly 50% decline (-5.3) in its 6+-share (10.4 – 6.1 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), but “Mix 101.5” answers with an April gain of seven-tenths to 5.8 (6+), climbing from seventh to sixth. Adding one-half share to its +.3 in March (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “The Classical Station” moves from #17 to #16. Albeit a combined -1.8 in three dips in a row (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 8.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the 11^th straight month; January 2018’s 10.7 is its best-ever (6+) PPM stat. Immediately prior to February, “Foxy” was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive gains (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Its loss of one-half share last October halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). Co-owned gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” is up or flat for the third time in a row for a +1.4 (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and bumps up from tenth to ninth. February’s increase ended three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). After registering an eye-popping +2.6 in January, Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is a combined -2.0 in three successive decreases (9.4 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.4, 6+) but remains at #3. “Today’s Best Country” was off a collective full-share October-November-December (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.5 owing to four straight positive spikes (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), directly following four straight downward moves for a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” progresses from eighth to seventh. Co-owned sports talk WFNI “The Fan” remains the same from March in 6+-share (2.3) and 6+-market rank (#15). The same is true for iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” which is flat at 1.8 (6+) and remains at #17. After trending 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.3 (6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI surrenders seven-tenths to 2.6 (flat at #14, 6+); WFYI notched a +1.1 in January.

Indianapolis Music Formats – This market’s top three April 2018 finishers are separated by just three-tenths of a share. Included in that trio is Cumulus Media’s WFMS, which registers a +1.1 (6.2 – 7.3), enabling “95.5 The Country Station” to rocket from #6 all the way to #1. This (7.3) is WFMS’ best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 7.5 and the first time at #1 since November 2013. An overall +.8 in May and June (2017), WFMS was -.9 (July); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); and now +1.0 in April. Its format rival, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM,” is +1.3 via four consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8, third to fourth, 6+). On the strength of a +.7 in January, “Hank” ended three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+); October’s +.8 took “Hank” to 7.1, its strongest 6+-showing since September 2015’s 7.6. Displaced at #1 after two months there and dropping to #4 is Entercom CHR WZPL (7.5 – 6.8, -.7, 6+). Flat or (slightly) down in three successive sweeps for a -.4 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), “99.5 ZPL” notched a +1.4 in January and gained one-tenth in both February and March. Within 1.1 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the last 12 sweeps, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZRL “Real 98.3” (#18 to #16) posts a +.7 to 2.1, its best 6+-stat since April 2017 (2.1, as well). Stuck on 6.4 (6+) in February and March, Cumulus Media’s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” improves by six-tenths to 7.0 (its strongest 6+-showing since December’s 7.7), advancing from fifth to third. Gaining one-half share each are iHeartMedia’s WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (6.7 – 7.2, third to second, 6+) which posts its best 6+-stat since last August’s 7.6 and University of Indianapolis-owned jazz outlet WICR (.8 – 1.3, #21 to #19, 6+). Up or (mostly) flat three sweeps in a row (4.8 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by -1.2 to 4.7 (seventh to ninth, 6+). Owing to a -1.0 (7.4 – 6.4, 6+), Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” skids from second to sixth. “Soft Rock” was #1 in December 2017, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018. Its 13.4 in “Holiday” 2017 represents the best 6+-showing for WYXB since “Holiday” 2016’s 17.7, while November 2017’s 5.5 was its weakest since November 2012’s 5.3. In December, “B-105.7” halted three straight downturns that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+). A combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Radio One CHR WNOW follows with a collective -1.5 in March and April (5.4 – 4.7 – 3.9, 6+) as “100.9 Radio Now” departs the top ten (#9 to #13). Meanwhile, urban AC cluster-mate WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” is -1.1 in March and April (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.1, flat at #12, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Matching February’s +.9 (6.0 – 7.9, 6+), Scripps news/talk and Milwaukee Brewers flagship WTMJ jumps from fifth to the runner-up slot. Before that February gain of nine-tenths, “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was without an increase the previous four sweeps for a -2.0 (7.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). After finishing second the past six survey periods, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” (7.5 – 6.8, -.7, 6+) falls to fourth. WISN was a combined -.9 in February and March (8.4 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+), after posting a +1.0 in January. When “News/Talk 1130” dropped one-half share in “Holiday” 2017, it ended five straight gains that yielded a +1.9 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to January, the last time WISN reached the eight-share level (6+) was five years ago (8.1, April 2013). This is the 12^th report in succession that University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM (#14 to #15) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range and fourth sweep in a row without a loss for a +.7 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” is a combined -.6 in three negative trends in a row (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2, #16 to #17, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Over and above tacking on a gain of one-half share to its +.6 in March (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 38^th consecutive ratings period. Prior to January 2018, “Big FM” had been in double-digits (6+) in six of the previous 12 ratings periods; 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 14.4 in “Holiday” 2015. As a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is an overall -3.8 since “Holiday” 2017. This (3.6) is its lowest 6+-showing since 2.9 last November. Faltering by seven-tenths as well is Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix,” which is -1.2 in five successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, flat at #7, 6+). This (4.5) is the first time “Mix” has slipped below a five-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.9. It is tied at #7 with iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 Jams,” which regresses by six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was -.9 in “Holiday” 2017; +.5 in January 2008; -.9 in February (7.2 – 6.3, 6+); +1.1 in March; and now -.5 in April (7.4 – 6.9, unchanged at #3, 6+). “Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was an overall +3.0 in four consecutive August through December increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 –  6.0 – 7.6, 6+). December 2017’s 7.6 marked the first time WKLH reached the seven-share level (6+) since the station reappeared in print more than three years ago (December 2014). In four upticks in succession (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” (unchanged at #6) is a cumulative +1.9. Until registering a +.9 in January, “FM 106.1” was a combined -3.2 in five successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Although off one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), WMIL’s format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” is in the top ten as well (flat at #9). February’s +.6 by “KTI Country” suspended six successive down or flat survey periods for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately in advance of that trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – After trending 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.9 (6+), Cromwell Group sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” improves by seven-tenths to 2.6 (#16 to #14). Similarly-formatted/Cumulus Media-owned WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (#10 to #12) is -3.1 in three consecutive losses (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). “The Zone” followed “Holiday” 2017’s -.6 with a January +.9. Co-owned news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” adds two-tenths (3.5 – 3.7, 6+) and carries on at #11. January’s half-share improvement suspended three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). In three straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” was a combined +1.3 but it forfeits three-tenths to 5.0 (eighth to ninth, 6+). January’s full-share gain ended three decreases in succession that generated a -2.4 (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). WPLN-FM was +1.2 in October to 6.4, its best 6+-share in the PPM-era. Despite recapturing the two-tenths it lost in March (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” segues from #17 to #19.

Nashville Music Formats – April’s “Music City USA” country battle is a mixed bag. On the plus side, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” counters March’s -.5 with a +.6 (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.9, eighth to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” answers its -1.2 in March with a +.5 (4.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, #11 to #10, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” falters by one-half share after March’s -.3 (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Following four straight gains for an overall +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Nash FM” dropped three-tenths in February. WSIX was +1.1 in January to end three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.4 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+); “The Big 98” added six-tenths in February. A January and February +1.9 by “Nash Icon” (4.2 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+) wiped out its -1.7 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.2, 6+). By gaining eight-tenths (1.1 – 1.9, flat at #17, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” logs its strongest 6+-share since September’s 2.0. At the same time, Educational Media Foundation’s similarly-programmed WLVU returns seven-tenths of its mammoth+2.2 in March (1.0 – 3.2 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+). Nashville’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” virtually disappeared from print in January with a -2.6 to .1 (6+) but regained roughly one-third of that deficit in February (+.9). Following back-to-back increases of one-tenth (.5 – .6 – .7, 6+), Cromwell Group’s WQZQ “Classic Hits 93.3” posts a +.5 to 1.2 (its best 6+-stat since last November’s 1.2) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). Adding one-half share to March’s +.7 (.2 – .9 – 1.4, 6+), TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” climbs from #20 to #18; March 2018 marked the first time “Activa” reached the top twenty. Regaining the one-tenth it lost in March (8.7 – 8.6 – 8.7, 6+), WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is on top for the third month in a row. The Midwest Communications adult contemporary property ranked #1 in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February with a +1.0. Prior to January’s -6.7, “Mix” was +8.0 in six straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9 – 14.4, 6+). The market’s (6+) CHR share shrinks by -1.4 as iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” sputters by nine-tenths to 5.7 (fourth to sixth, 6+), while Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” is off one-half share to 2.3 (#15 to #16+). As a result, “The River” suspends three straight increases that netted +1.3 (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), while WNFN halts four straight up or flat moves that generated six-tenths (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – An affiliate of the Red Sox Radio Network, WVEI trots out a +.6 to 3.4 (6+) and continues in eighth-place. The Entercom sports talker was a cumulative -2.2 in February and March (5.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+); however, leading up to the February sweep, WVEI was an overall +1.8 via three consecutive up or flat trends (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 5.0, 6+). Unchanged at #7, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” improves by eight-tenths via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). When “News Talk 630” lost one-tenth in January, it curtailed four straight upward moves of two-tenths each for a collective +.8 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Down one-tenth each are public news/talkers The Wheeler School’s WELH (2.3 – 2.2, #10 to #11, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH (2.2 – 2.1, #11 to #12, 6+). This is the fourth straight time that these two stations have finished back-to-back. Following a February gain of six-tenths (1.4 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” returns half of it in March and April (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, -.3, 6+) to drop from #12 to #13. Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business,” which gained one-tenth in each of the last three sweeps (.3 – 4. – .5 – .6, 6+) loses one-tenth to .5 (flat at #16, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Over the course of the last nine sweeps, WPRO-FM “92 PRO FM Today’s Hit Music” has scored a 6+-share no lower than 7.8 and no higher than 8.3 (8.3 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 8.1). In April, the Cumulus Media CHR improves by six-tenths to 8.7 (fourth to second, 6+). Progressing by six-tenths as well are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101 The 80s and More” (5.9 – 6.5, steady at #5, 6+), and Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106,” which enters the top ten (1.8 – 2.4, #12 to #10, 6+). Up nine-tenths in March, “B-101” had been within 5.0 – 5.9 range (6+) the past 12 sweeps. Co-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” gains two-tenths (9.2 – 9.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. February’s 9.6 is its best 6+-stat since September 2013 (9.6, as well). As a result of four straight up or flat trends (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +1.1 and has its best 6+-share since July 2017’s 8.4, yet backslides from third to fourth. Off by one-half share each are Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” (9.1 – 8.6, second to third, 6+) and Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3” (2.8 – 2.3, eighth to tenth, 6+). This is the softest 6+-share for “Lite Rock,” which was -1.1 in March, since October 2015’s 7.2; “Holiday” 2017’s 12.3 was the strongest 6+-share for WWLI since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to October, “Lite Rock” was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+). A cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, “Latina 100.3” was down six-tenths in February and up seven-tenths in March.

Norfolk – While it continues in fourth-place, Saga Communications classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” is +2.4 in three upticks in a row (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+). In five straight (slightly) up or flat trends, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT “92.1 The Beat” (flat at #8) has gained three-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Recapturing the two-tenths it dropped in March (12.3 – 12.1 – 12.3, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 17^th time in a row. In addition, it posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 25^th time in the last 26 sweeps. When it logged a 14.6 this past November, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” set the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. The old mark of 14.3 (6+) was recorded by WVKL two months earlier. Before slipping by one-half share in October, WVKL – which earlier was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods – posted three straight improvements accounting for a +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2, 6+). After being an overall +1.1 in three straight upticks (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WNVZ “Z-104 All the Hits” falters by one-half share to 4.1 (6+) but remains in sixth-place. Following three downtrends in a row for a -.5 (1.3 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+), Hampton University jazz outlet WHOV “Smooth 88.1” notches a +.3 to 1.1 (#12 to #10, 6+). As the result of four successive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” (flat at #10) spirals by -3.9 (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+). At #12, Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB “Hot 91.1” is without an increase for the seventh straight time for a -.8 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+). By dropping one-tenth to .6 (flat at #13, 6+), Saga Communications-owned adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs, Great Memories” ends four straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (.2 .3 .4 .4 .7, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three decreases in succession (5.9 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” is a cumulative -2.1; WPTI was +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+). An overall +2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), it relinquished more than half that total in December (4.3, -1.2, 6+). Prior to the November 2017 sweep, the last time WPTI reached the five-share level (6+) was in November 2016 with a 5.0. Following three positive spikes in a row for an overall +.7 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” drops two-tenths to 2.3 (#11 to #13, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WFDD returned in its entirety the +.6 it gained in November and December (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.7, 6+). Having registered a .9 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC drops two-tenths to .7 (#13 to #15, 6+). In three straight (slight) increases, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+), but “Triad Sports” is off two-tenths in April to .6 (#14 to #16, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Not only does it roar back from its -1.1 in March with a +1.2 (11.0 – 12.2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” remains at #1, recording double-digits (6+) for the 18^th sweep in a row. Before slipping to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 with a -1.2, WQMG spent seven straight survey periods on top and had been #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except April and May. After being a collective +.7 in three positive moves in a row (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY dropped six-tenths in March, but “La Ley 101.1” rebounds in April with a +1.0 (3.0 – 4.0, 6+), yet backslides from ninth to tenth. In a similar context, iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” shifts from eighth to ninth despite being +1.5 through six successive sweeps without a loss, including April’s +.5 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well in April is co-owned adult contemporary WMAG “The Triad’s Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today,” which nets +1.4 as the result of three positive or flat trends in a row (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5, steady at #4, 6+). Conversely, a loss of nine-tenths to 5.1 (fifth to sixth, 6+) by Entercom country WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” curtails three successive upticks that accounted for an overall gain of seven-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WJMH was a combined +1.1 since January (7.3 – 8.0 – 8.4, 6+), but “102 Jams” is off one-half share to 7.9 (flat at #3, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fourth straight sweep without a loss for Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” (1.0 –  1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 –  2.0, #14 to #12, 6+), which is +1.0 in that timeframe. As the result of four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO was a collective -1.3, but “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” scores a +.3 to 2.3 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Immediately prior to this streak, WJNO was up six-tenths via three consecutive positive spikes (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Off nine-tenths in four consecutive down or flat trends (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1- 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), co-owned WZZR notches a +.3 as well (to 2.1, #12 to #11, 6+). “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” had been +.5 through three straight increases (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). After posting a 3.2 (6+) three sweeps in succession, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is (also) up three-tenths (to 3.5, ninth to eighth, 6+). A one-tenth uptick to .2 (#19 to #18, 6+) by Alpha Media sports talk WMEN “Sports Radio 640 The Hurricane” ends five successive down or flat trends that generated a loss of six-tenths (.7 – .6 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .1, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Gaining six-tenths to 4.3 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to three successive downtrends that accounted for a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). At the same time that Alpha Media adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9” posts a one-half share increase (4.7 – 5.2, fifth to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” falters by twice that margin (5.9, -1.0, flat at #2, 6+). “Kool” had been +2.0 in three consecutive upticks (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+). Its six most recent (6+) fluctuations are +.8 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 in February; +.5 in March; and now -1.0 in April. Off one full-share in September to 4.2 – its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011 – “KOOL” regained six-tenths of that decline in October; 6.9 in March was the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016. While on top for the fourth month in a row, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is a collective -1.0 in March and April (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2, 6+). Prior to January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for an overall -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). It spent 12 consecutive months on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September loss ended four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). A combined +1.2 in February and March (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.3, #6+), JVC Media’s WSVU “True Oldies Channel” surrenders two-thirds of that increase (1.5, -.8, 6+), drifting from #10 to #15. Unchanged at #3, Alpha Media urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is off one-tenth to 5.8 (6+), thus snapping four straight improvements that accounted for a +1.7 (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+). WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” logs its third straight decrease for a collective -2.2 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, eighth to ninth); WAYF was +.9 in January (4.4 – 5.3, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Completely erasing March’s -.9 with an April +.9 (8.2 – 7.3 – 8.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” progresses from #4 to a three-way scrum at #2. Four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+) accounted for a -2.8 but WOKV wiped out nearly half that margin in January and February (6.9 – 8.1 – 8.2, +1.2, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” recorded its softest 6+-stat since 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016; WOKV was +1.3 in September. Public news/talk WJCT drops one-tenth in both March and April (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+) yet improves from #12 to #11. WJCT was a combined +.9 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) with January’s +.4 halting five straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -.7 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Flat at .3 (6+) iHeartMedia’s WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” repeats at #21.

Jacksonville Music Formats – Continuing an alternating pattern that started in December, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary property WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” (8.1 – 9.2, +1.1, 6+) succeeds iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” (9.0 – 8.2, -.8, first to second, 6+) at #1. WQIK was on top in December; WEJZ in “Holiday” 2017; WQIK in January; WEJZ in February; WQIK in March; and it is now WEJZ’s turn in April. Before sputtering by -4.3 in January, WEJZ was an overall +5.8 in four straight up trends, practically doubling its 6+ AQH share (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0 – 11.9, September 2017 through “Holiday” 2017, 6+) and noted its highest 6+-stat since 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016. A whopping -5.7 in four straight decreases (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), WQIK posted a +1.1 in March. On top for 12 ratings periods in succession, WQIK segued to #2 in “Holiday” 2017. A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), WQIK followed with an overall +3.2 in September-October-November (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+), with October’s 13.6 its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. The respective format rivals of WEJZ and WQIK enjoyed April gains. Specifically, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WEZI “Easy 102.9” bumps up by one-half share to 4.6 (tenth to seventh, 6+), thus pulling the plug on three downward moves in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (5.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” rebounds from its -.6 in March with an increase nearly twice that size (4.8 – 5.9, +1.1, eighth to sixth, 6+). Having logged a 5.5 (6+) in three of the last five ratings periods (5.5 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” hangs out a +.8 to 6.3 (steady at #5, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat since last August’s 6.6. An overall +1.7 in three increases in succession (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” relinquishes -1.1 to 4.2 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth consecutive sweep for a combined +1.6 (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL repeats at #2; “96.9 The Eagle” was -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+). As the result of three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSL is a collective -1.6; “97.9 Kiss-FM” was +1.0 in January to stop three straight losses that produced a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Up or flat the last three monthlies for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS drops one-tenth to 3.2 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Following four straight increases that accounted for a +1.3 through November (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), “ESPN Sports Radio” was a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.5, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather,” which is without an increase for the third successive sweep for a -.3 (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2, flat at #11, 6+). WREC was -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January. Its loss of eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 brought to a close five consecutive up or flat moves for an overall +.7 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+); January’s 3.5 is the best 6+-share for WREC since 3.6 in February 2017.

Memphis Music Formats – Tacking on a robust +1.2 to March’s +.3 (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO carries on at #3. This (9.2) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” since last October’s 10.2. Off one full-share in February and March (4.0 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WEGR “Rock 102.7” erases 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 3.8 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). By gaining six-tenths (following a +1.0 in March), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” (9.2 – 9.8, 6+) marches from second to first. It swaps places with urban AC cluster-mate KJMS “V-101” (9.7 – 9.4, -.4, first to second, 6+), which had been #1 the past three months. “V-101” rebounded from January’s -.6 with a +.7 in February. It departed the top spot in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months there. Following three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), “V-101” was -1.0 in December. Within 4.1 – 4.5 range since December (4.2 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” (flat at #8) falters by six-tenths to 3.9, its lowest 6+-share since last July’s 3.8.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three down or flat trends in succession (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR is -1.7 but continues in eighth-place. “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” followed “Holiday” 2017’s -1.3 with a +.9 in January. The last time WNPR was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). A loss of one-tenth to 5.8 (unchanged at #7, 6+) by Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM pulls the plug on three increases in a row that netted +1.5 (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9). Immediately prior to this streak, “News Talk 1080” was a collective -1.4 in three straight dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). In four straight up or flat sweeps, Connoisseur Media news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” gains four-tenths (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, flat at #13, 6+). Flat at #12, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” is -1.1 in March and April (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+), after being a cumulative +1.1 in three straight gains (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+). Entering the January 2018 sweep, WFCR – which plays a combination of NPR news, classical, and jazz – was within 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 21 ratings periods.

Hartford Music Formats – In addition to registering its fourth successive improvement for an overall +2.1 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.0, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” has its best 6+-showing since last October’s 7.8. Frozen on 7.3 (6+) in January and February, then slipping in March by six-tenths to 6.7 (6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC – Today’s Best Variety” breaks out a +.8 to 7.5 (6+), jumping from fifth to second. After hauling out a +1.1 in March (13.2 – 14.3, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WRCH surrenders that increase in its entirety and is back at 13.2 (-1.1, 6+). Nonetheless, “Lite 100.5” is #1 for the 21^st consecutive ratings period. January’s -4.9 halted at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +8.4 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0 – 18.3, 6+). This marks the 18^th time in the last 20 sweeps – and tenth in succession- that “Lite” is in double-digits (6+). Having improved three times in a row for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 forfeits roughly half that gain (2.1, -.6) but carries on at #11.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

PodcastOne Expands ‘Dennis Miller Option.’ According to PodcastOne, demand is the reason it is adding a second weekly episode of “The Dennis Miller Option” to its offerings.  The company announces the addition “following a chart-topping debut” that saw it in “the top ten on the Apple Podcasts comedy charts, holding a top 25 slot since its April 25 premiere.”  Beginning the week of June 4, new episodes will be released every Tuesday and Thursday on PodcastOne.com, the PodcastOne app and Apple Podcasts.  Miller comments, “We live in a world that has podcasts, and those podcasts have to be guarded by people with microphones.  Who’s gonna do it?  You?  I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom.  And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves listeners!  You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that podcast…you need me on that podcast!”

Senate Votes to Uphold Obama Net Neutrality Policy.  The U.S. Senate yesterday voted – by a 52-47 margin – to overturn the FCC’s overhaul of the Obama-era net neutrality regulations. The matter will be sent to the U.S. House where it’s likely to languish.  Even if it didn’t, President Trump wouldn’t sign it. Still, performers union SAG-AFTRA issued the following statement, “We commend the senators who voted today to undo the FCC’s order repealing net neutrality rules.  We support the basic principles that companies should provide their users with access to all lawfully distributed content on reasonably non-discriminatory terms, they should be prohibited from favoring their own content over the content of an unaffiliated provider and they should be prohibited from prioritizing the content of one unaffiliated provider over that of another.  We continue to urge the government to work toward the goal of preserving a free and open Internet and to maintain and strengthen the distinction between the transmission of lawful and unlawful content.”

Westwood One Asking Users to Register their C-Band Downlinks.  The idea behind this is simple: the FCC is considering allotting more bandwidth to other potential users and the more the FCC is aware of the breadth of C Band use, the less that is likely to be taken away.  Westwood One says, “On April 19, 2018, the FCC issued a public notice regarding a 90-day opportunity to register existing C Band Downlinks.  Westwood One is encouraging stations to register within the window, which closes July 18, 2018, so that the FCC is aware of all downlinks in existence before they offer space to mobile broadband data services.  The FCC believes that if you do not register your downlink during this window, you do not need interference protection moving forward.  It is critical that stations register their downlinks so the FCC is aware of it during this 90-day window or risk losing ALL of their satellite programming.  The 90-day window closes on July 18, 2018.”  Westwood One SVP of technology and operations Eric Wiler states, “In our history, we have never had to license and/or register C Band downlinks.  Yet with the extensive use of mobile devices, WiFi and other data services, there is a constant need for radio spectrum and the government is considering all possible options.  All C Band radio, television and data services on every satellite are at risk.  Registration is key to helping the FCC appreciate the universe of existing downlinks and potential outcomes of expansion.  Westwood One has been working with other networks and satellite vendors to attempt to resolve this situation.”  Typically, registration requires a Frequency Coordination Study ($1,500) plus a $435 filing fee.  During the 90-day window, the FCC waived the first fee and only the $435 filing fee applies.  You may register using FCC Form 312, using the paper form, online at http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs, or engage a third party to assist you.  Satellite Engineering Group is a third-party resource and can be reached at (913) 375-1114.

TALKERS News Notes. Tomorrow, WGN, Chicago is recognizing and celebrating five inductees at the WGN Radio Walk of Fame ceremony in front of Tribune Tower.  The induction will take place live on the air with co-hosts Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder.  This year’s inductees are: Pierre Andre, David Kaplan, Chuck Swirsky, Roger Triemstra and Mary Van De Velde…..SiriusXM is honoring the life and legacy of comedian Richard Pryor with three weeks of special programming dedicated to the late star.  Starting May 21 on the Comedy Greats channel, listeners will hear Pryor’s entire discography – all newly remastered for the event – as well as an original audio documentary hosted by Ron Bennington. As part of the tribute, “Richard Pryor: Still Outrageous,” SiriusXM will also exclusively broadcast three recently discovered standup albums, which will be the first time they are available to the public, in addition to rare and never-before-released tracks…..ABC News Radio is providing coverage of the royal wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on Saturday (5/19) from 6:00 am – 10:00 am ET, anchored by ABC News correspondent Aaron Katersky with reporting from Windsor by correspondents Tom Rivers and Cheri Preston.  Royal expert and author Jane Green will join Katersky in New York.

Trump-Russia Investigation, North Korea Nuclear Program, Erdogan vs Israel, Rex Tillerson Address, Senate Net Neutrality Vote, U.S.-China Trade Negotiations, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/16). The investigation into Trump campaign and Russian agent connections and Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with Russians at Trump Tower; the status of U.S.-North Korea meetings and the hermit kingdom’s nuclear weapons program; Turkey’s President Erdogan issues statement encouraging Muslim nations to unite against Israel; former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s VMI commencement speech; the U.S. Senate’s vote to overturn FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s net neutrality policy; trade negotiations between the U.S. and China and President Trump’s ZTE comments; Major League Baseball action; and the NBA playoffs 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. The Cumulus Media Indianapolis cluster names Kelly Harlow as digital sales manager/local sales manager.  Cumulus operates country WFMS, adult hits WJJK, and CHR WYRG in Indianapolis.  Harlow comes to the cluster from iHeartMedia’s crosstown station group.  She worked in the Cumulus Indy sales department from 2008 through 2012…..Adams Radio Group appoints Jason Lamp vice president and general manager for its Tallahassee operations that includes country duo WWOF and WANK, CHR WHTF, and oldies WQTL.  Lamp takes over for retiring manager Hank Kestenbaum.  Lamp comments, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to lead our team to build the Adams Radio Group brand in the Tallahassee market, to provide quality programming for our listeners, and a customer-driven integrated advertising platform to address the needs and increase the success of our clients.”…..iHeartMedia moves sales pro Lisa Ballance from its Nashville station group to St. Louis where she now holds the sales manager title.  iHeartMedia operates seven stations in the market and Ballance will be responsible for sales at adult contemporary KLOU, hip hop KATZ-FM, and Gospel KATZ-AM…..Westwood One is an official promotional partner of the 2018 Billboard Music Awards taking place this weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  Westwood One Backstage at the BBMAs will feature private backstage performances by a number of artists including Daughtry, plus interviews with a number of artists and celebrities.  In addition to the backstage activations, Westwood One has five hours of BBMAs Night of Event Coverage on Sunday, May 20, from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET…..Pictured below is country duo Maddie & Tae posing for a pic with morning personalities Ty, Kelly and Chuck at Cumulus Media’s NASH campus in Nashville.  The duo talked about their new song, “Friends Don’t,” and played a special, celebrity edition of “Did They Make It?” From left to right are: Ty Bentli, Madison Marlow, Kelly Ford, Taylor Dye, and Chuck Wicks.

Round Three of April PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s April 2018 survey period covered March 29 – April 25. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – When Alpha Media news/talk KXL faltered by four-tenths in March, it ended three increases in a row that produced a cumulative +1.7 (3.5 – 3.6 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). In April though, “101 FM News – Stay Connected” answers with a +.6 to 5.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+). Prior to January, the last time KXL reached the five-share level (6+) was in October 2013 (5.3). Following three straight months in sole possession of the top spot, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB (9.5 – 8.5, 6+) now shares the penthouse with iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103 Portland’s Best Variety.” Representative recent trends for KOPB include +.9 (March 2017); -.8 (May); +.6 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (August); +1.4 (September); -1.1 (October); +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 in March; and now -1.0 in April. Entering the September 2017 sweep, KOPB occupied the runner-up position 21 successive times; however, it finally reached #1 in that report. It was a short stay there though as KOPB returned to its familiar runner-up spot in October – only to have another one-month run at #1 in November. KOPB ranked second in December and “Holiday” 2017. Unchanged at #20, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” is off two-tenths to 1.6 (6+), halting three straight up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (1.2 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). While flat at 1.0 (6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” climbs from #25 to #24. Tracking the market’s sports talk scene, Entercom’s KFXX “1080 The Fan” logs a 2.0 (#18 to #19, 6+) for the fourth time in the last five sweeps; Alpha Media’s KXTG “The Game” is down three-tenths (1.4 – 1.1, #21 to #23, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” loses one-tenth to 1.0 (6+) and stays at #24. Prior to April, “Sports Radio 620” gained one-half share in four successive sweeps without a loss (.6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – 1.1, 6+).

Portland Music Formats – Within 3.4 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the last five sweeps (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9, 6+), Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” displays a +.6 to 4.5 (eighth to seventh), its strongest 6+-showing since December 2016’s 4.6. Up or flat for the fourth time in succession for a +1.1 (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” elevates from #10 to a three-way tie at #8. Regaining in its entirety the six-tenths it lost in March, classic hits-oldies sibling KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” (6.1 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+) remains in third-place. This time last month, co-owned adult contemporary KKCW “K-103 Portland’s Best Variety” trailed frontrunner KOPB by 1.5 shares (6+). The combination of public news/talk KOPB eroding by -1.0 and “K-103” notching a +.5 (8.0 – 8.5, 6+) results in the two stations locked in a first-place tie. Before shifting to #2 in September, “K-103” had ranked #1 in 39 of the previous 41 ratings periods. With its 13.7 in December and 16.9 in “Holiday” 2017, KKCW is the first Portland station to reach double-digits (6+) since it did so with a 15.3 in “Holiday” 2016. In the market’s country contest, Entercom’s KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf, Great Country for the Great Northwest” recoups the four-tenths it surrendered in March (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.9, #13 to #11, 6+), while Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull #1 for New Country” is flat at 3.3 (6+) and remains at #15. In January (2018), “The Bull” registered a +2.0 (2.9 – 4.9, 6+), but lost 80% of that increase (-1.6) in February and March (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.3, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – University Radio Foundation news talk WFAE regains the two-tenths it lost in March (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+) to progress from #15 to #13. “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). In a three-way scrum at #14, Entercom news/talk WBT is a combined -.9 in March and April (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+), immediately after three increases in succession for a collective +1.2 (3.1 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WFNZ is flat at 1.7 (6+) and remains at #18; “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” rebounded from February’s -.7 with a one-half share gain in March.

Charlotte Music Formats – Powered by a whopping +1.9 (3.2 – 5.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” rockets into the top ten (#16 to #6). It isn’t the only Charlotte station improving by at least one full-share in April though as Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 More Music – Better Variety” wipes out March’s -1.1 with a +1.2 (6.3 – 5.2 – 6.4, 6+), jumping from sixth to third. In February, WKQC rebounded from January’s -5.0 with a gain of three-tenths. Up eight-tenths in three consecutive ratings periods without a loss (6.5 – 6.5 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRFX coughs up nearly twice that gain (5.9, -1.4, 6+); after a one-month stay at #1, “99.7 The Fox – Charlotte’s Classic Rock” drifts to #5. Its 7.3 in March was the best 6+-stat for WRFX since 7.6 in April 2017. “The Fox” was stuck on 6.9 (6+) in November and December and then locked on 6.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018. Succeeding “The Fox” at #1 is iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” (6.8 – 7.0, +.2, second to first, 6+). “The Kat” was +1.9 (January); -.7 (February); and +.6 in March. It shifted to fourth in February after reaching #1 in January, the first time on top for WKKT since August 2017 (6.1, 6+). As a result of three straight decreases, Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” is -1.4 (4.8 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4, #11 to #14, 6+). Urban-rhythmic oldies sibling WOSF “Old School 105.3” returns 75% of March’s +.8 (4.9 – 4.3, -.6, 6+), slipping from seventh to eighth. Immediately before its March increase, “Old School 105.3” was an overall -1.8 via five consecutive down or flat trends (5.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+). Three iHeartMedia siblings falter by one-half share each: adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” (4.6 – 4.1, eighth to tenth, 6+); WEND “106.6 The End – Charlotte’s Alternative Rock” (3.8, #9 to #12, 6+); and CHR WHQC “Channel 96.1 – All the Hits” (3.4, #13 to #14, 6+). “The End” was +.7 in January to halt three straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -.6 (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+); -.5 in February (4.3 – 3.8, 6+); +.5 in March; and now -.5 in April. Meanwhile, “Channel 96.1” was an overall +.8 in four straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – With a net loss of two-tenths via three sweeps in a row without an increase (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI slips from seventh to eighth. A January +1.6 took WOAI to its best 6+-showing since last May (4.4, as well). Prior to that, “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” was -.9 as the result of four straight sweeps without an increase (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Owing to three consecutive negative trends, KSTX was a combined -1.9 (4.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), but the Texas Public Radio news/talker picks up one-tenth to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+). With a +1.0 to 4.7 in “Holiday” 2017, KSTX crossed the four-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Continuing at #20, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” is without a loss for the fourth time in succession for a collective +.5 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). After three straight times of recording a .5 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is up two-tenths to .7 (6+) and is steady at #28.

San Antonio Music Formats – Four positive spikes in succession by iHeartMedia CHR KXXM have generated a +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+) as “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” progresses from eighth to fifth. Tacking on six-tenths to its March +.7, Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH “Norteno” climbs from #14 to #13. “Norteno” was +.8 in January and -1.0 in February. By gaining two-tenths to 4.2 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT not only pulls the plug on three straight negative moves that resulted in a -.9.6 (13.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+), “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Variety Station” returns to the top ten (#11 to #8). On top for the fourth sweep in a row, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -.4 in March and April (7.3 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for KONO-FM include January 2017’s +1.1; April’s +.8; May’s -.6; August’s -.5; October’s +.7; December’s -.9; “Holiday” 2017’s -.9; January 2018’s +1.8; and February’s +.5. January’s increase lifted KONO-FM to #1 and ended three downward moves in a row that produced a -2.0 (7.0 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.0, 6+). After ten straight months at #1, KONO-FM shifted to #2 in December 2017 and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. So far this calendar year, iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” has amassed a +2.7 in January and February (4.1 – 5.2 – 6.8, 6+) only to surrender a combined -1.3 in March and April (6.8 – 6.2 – 5.5, second to third, 6+). Prior to January, “KJ-97” was -.9 in four successive down or flat sweeps (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). In advance of the August 2017 ratings period, KAJA registered three consecutive uptrends for a collective gain of eight-tenths. It is one-tenth ahead of format rival, Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader,” which records its fourth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.3 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, steady at #4, 6+). Trending 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.1 (6+) since December, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” regresses by one-half share to 2.6 (#14 to #18, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Following its March gain of one-tenth with a mammoth +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8), Entercom sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” jumps from sixth to third. This (7.8) is the strongest 6+-showing for the Pittsburgh Pirates flagship since October 2015 when it scored a 10.1. “The Fan” was a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and -.9 in February. Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “ESPN Pittsburgh” is without a loss for the tenth ratings period in a row for a net gain of one-tenth (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+). This represents the third sweep in a row without an increase for Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), which is -.8 in that timeframe; 5.3 (January and February) was its highest 6+-share since April 2017’s 5.7. A +1.3 in January stymied four down or flat trends in succession that produced a loss of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). An overall +.8 via three consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” sputters by one-half share to 2.4 (#12 to #13, 6+). January’s gain of six-tenths halted three successive downward trends that resulted in a -1.1 (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Having logged a 4.4 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “105.9 The X” posts an improvement of six-tenths to 5.0 (tenth to seventh), its highest 6+-share since last June’s 5.1. Tacking on one-tenth (11.1 – 11.2, 6+) to March’s +.8, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW is on top for the 14^th consecutive ratings period; “94.5 – 3WS” lost seven full-shares in January (16.4 – 9.4, 6+). Co-owned rocker WDVE (7.8 – 7.9, +.1, 6+) has been in second-place in ten of the last eleven sweeps. It was +1.6 (October 2017); -1.0 (November); -.8 (“Holiday 2017”); +.8 (January 2018); -.9 (February); and -.5 in March. October’s 10.2 marked the first time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) since March 2017 (10.4). A loss of six-tenths (7.8 – 7.2, 6+) drops Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” from the runner-up slot to fourth-place. Steady at #11, co-owned hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” is up seven-tenths through three straight up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). At the same time, Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” dips by two-tenths to 4.5 (eighth to ninth, 6+), curtailing three consecutive gains that netted +1.5 (3.2 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia-owned KFBK, which was #3 in December 2017; #2 in “Holiday” 2017; up to #1 in January 2018; back to #2 in February; up again to #1 (tied with KSEG) in March; and now back to #2 in April (8.1 – 7.8, -.3, 6+). “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” was down or flat in October – November – December for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+); logged a +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017; and followed in January 2018 with a +.2. January 2018’s 8.6 was its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 8.7. Three straight improvements netted a combined +1.3 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+), but KFBK regressed by three-tenths in October. Regaining the one-tenth it lost in March (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), co-owned KSTE inches up from #15 to #14. “Talk 650” was +.6 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2017; and +.6 in January to 2.7, its highest 6+-share since June 2017’s 2.8. After logging a +.4 in March, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ forfeits all of it plus another one-tenth (4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). KXJZ posted a one-half share gain in January and was a combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.3 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). Entercom’s KHTK “Sports 1140” is down or flat for the fifth time in a row for a -1.0 or an exactly one-half reduction in its 6+-stat (2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3, #20 to #23, 6+), while co-owned KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is trending 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.5 (#23 – to #22, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – For the 12^th ratings period in succession, Entercom’s KRXQ (4.0 – 4.6, +.6, 6+) records a 6+-share between 4.0 – 4.9 as “98 Rock” vaults from ninth to fourth. After enduring three dips in a row that resulted in a massive -8.2 and well over half of its 6+-share (14.2 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” picks up two-tenths to 6.2 and continues at #3. “Mix” ranked first in December 2017 (8.8, 6+) and in “Holiday” 2017 (14.2, 6+). Off a combined half-share in February and March (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River” erases that deficit with a +.5 to 4.6 (6+) as it climbs from #8 to that four-way logjam at #4 (that includes KRXQ). Albeit down one-tenth (8.1 – 8.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” emerges in sole possession of first-place, following a tie at the top with iHeartMedia’s KFBK; “The Eagle” was #1 in February, as well. A January gain of two full-shares by “The Eagle” essentially erased a combined -2.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; KSEG was an overall -1.6 in September and October (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.1, 6+). Co-owned KKDO “Alt 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” returns 70% of its +1.0 in March (3.2, -.7, #10 to #12, 6+); 3.9 (March) was its best 6+-stat in more than two years (3.9, February 2016). Still in that Entercom cluster, CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” is a collective -.8 in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.4 -5.2 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+) but remains at #4. As the result of three successive upticks, Entravision-owned country outlet KNTY gained seven-tenths (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), but “101.9 The Wolf” relinquishes one-half share to 2.5 (#13 to #14, 6+). In addition to “The Wolf,” iHeartMedia’s WBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is part of a three-way tie-up at #14. “The Bull” is without a loss for the fourth time in a row for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.5, #16 to #14, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s other FM country outlet, Entercom’s KNCI “New Country 105.1,” which was an overall +.9 in three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), surrenders two-tenths in April to 4.2 (sixth to ninth, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being +3.0 in four consecutive increases (5.1 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 8.1, 6+), Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” marches from second to first. Immediately prior to this streak, KSL was a combined -3.2 in three straight negative moves (8.3 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). Down (slightly) or flat in each of the last three sweeps for a -.2 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” dips from ninth to tenth. KNRS was +.8 in November; a combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017; and +.7 in January. Without an increase the last three sweeps as well (4.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8, steady at #13, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER is an overall -1.3. Slipping from #21 to #22, Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is trending 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 (6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – In addition to advancing from seventh to fifth, Bonneville-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” is a combined +2.2 via four upticks in a row (3.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.7, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-performance (5.7) since last July’s 6.2. When 1980’s hits KSQN dropped four-tenths in March, it snapped at ten a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted one-half share (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). In April though, “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” answers with an increase of seven-tenths (1.0 – 1.7, #22 to #21, 6+). The 1.3-share (6+) advantage Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” enjoyed over co-owned (news/talk) KSL evaporates as “FM 100.3” hands over in full March’s +.9 (7.3 – 8.2 – 7.3, first to second, 6+) and now trails KSL by eight-tenths. KSFI, which had been on top the past six ratings periods, was -15.9 in January and February (23.2 – 8.1 – 7.3, 6+). Eroding by eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.8 – 6.0, flat at #3, 6+) and Cumulus Media country outlet KUBL “K-Bull 93 FM” (4.8, fifth to seventh, 6+). A gain of nine-tenths in March resulted in “97.1 ZHT” logging a 6.8 – its finest 6+-share since 7.1 in March 2016. Meanwhile, “K-Bull” ends three upticks in a row that netted +2.3 (3.3 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). The market’s two hot ACs regress by six-tenths: Capitol’s KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (5.7 – 5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KJMY “My 99.5” (3.5 – 2.9, flat at #11, 6+). Both of these stations lost one-half share in March.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – By picking up three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT segues from #22 to a three-way tie at #19. Before dropping one-tenth in March, “News Talk Radio 840” was up or flat for three successive sweeps for a +.2 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). Off three-tenths to 2.6 (#14 to #15, 6+), Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR suspends three positive spikes in succession that accounted for a +1.0 (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). Flat at .9 (6+), Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” dips from #25 to #26. A one-half share decrease in March concluded five straight positive or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) that doubled KDWN’s 6+-share. Unchanged at #27, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” is a collective -.5 in seven consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Trending 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.5 (January – February – March, 6+), Entercom hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” breaks out a gain of six-tenths to 6.1 (fourth to third, 6+), its best 6+-stat since last November’s 6.7. In four straight gains, co-owned KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” is +1.6 (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). The game of musical chairs at the top between iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” and Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” continues as “Sunny” is off six-tenths (7.4 – 6.8, first to second, 6+), while KKLZ is +.2 (6.8 – 7.0, second to first, 6+). The two stations traded places in March as well. In December, KKLZ was ousted from the penthouse – by “Sunny” – after five straight months there. Its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (October); -.9 (November) -.7 (December); +1.1 (January); and -.5 (February). In addition to holding the lead in December 2017 and March 2018, “Sunny” was #1 in “Holiday” 2017 (12.5, 6+). After avoiding a loss the past six reports for an overall +2.6 (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” sputters by seven-tenths to 5.1 (third to fifth, 6+). In addition to “Sunny,” Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” (4.7 – 4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” log April losses of six-tenths. Three upticks in a row by KOMP produced a +.6 (2.9- 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+) but it has now dropped six-tenths in back-to-back monthlies (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.3, #14 to #18, 6+). In an up/down pattern since “Holiday” 2017 in which it’s up two-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” drops from #11 to #13.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Roaring back from a -1.0 in March, iHeartMedia news/talker WLW posts a +1.6 to 8.9 (6+) and shifts from third to second. The Cincinnati Reds flagship was a combined +2.0 in January and February (6.3 – 7.9 – 8.3, 6+). This (8.9) is its highest 6+-share since last October’s 9.2. Prior to January, WLW was a collective -3.3 as the result of five straight negative trends (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned and similarly-formatted WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” is down a combined one-half share in March and April (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3, #10 to #12, 6+). WKRC’s +.3 in January ended three downward moves in a row that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). It is one-half share ahead of Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU which replicates March’s -.4 (3.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+); WVXU was a collective +.7 in January and February. Flat at #19, iHeartMedia-owned WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” returns the two-tenths it gained in March (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports AM 1360” drops three-tenths (.7 – .4, #22 to #23, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Even though it registers its fifth positive spike in succession for an overall +2.7 (5.8 – 6.3 – 7.8 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.5, 6+), Hubbard’s WUBE backslides from second to third; “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” was -1.4 in December. Not only does Radio One urban contemporary WIZF apply the brakes to four negative moves in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), “101.1 The Wiz” hauls out a +1.1 to 3.8 (6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #10). Co-owned urban-rhythmic oldies WDBZ “Soul 101.5” is an overall +.9 in three successive positive spikes (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.3, #16 to #15, 6+). This (2.3) is the best 6+-showing for WDBZ since November (2.3, as well). An April gain of eight-tenths by iHeartMedia’s WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” (4.9, ninth to sixth, 6+) completely wipes out its -.8 in February and March (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+). Setting the pace for the fourth straight time, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” drops six-tenths to 9.8 (6+), thus halting three consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a cumulative +2.9 (7.5 – 9.6 – 9.6 – 10.4, 6+). WGRR rebounded from a -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.1 – 8.5 – 7.5, 6+) with a January +2.1. More major ups/downs for Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9,” which was -1.4 via five straight down or flat trends (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+); +1.3 in January; -.5 in February; +.6 in March; and now -.8 in April (5.1 – 4.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). This is the ninth straight time that iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107.1 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” registers a 6+-share between 4.1 – 4.9 (4.9 – 4.2, -.7, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” (4.9 – 5.5, steady at #8, 6+) and Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE (2.9 – 3.5, unchanged at #14, 6+). In advance of dropping three-tenths in March, “Real Radio” was up a combined three full-shares in January and February (2.2 – 3.9 – 5.2, 6+). January’s +1.7 ended three straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -.7 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). WMFE was off one full-share in February and March (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+). In January, “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” regained the six-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2017. Down eight-tenths in three consecutive monthlies without an increase (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” slips from ninth to tenth. Entering the January sweep (in which it notched a +1.3), WDBO-FM was a collective -2.7 via four straight decreases (6.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+); “News 96.5,” was +2.0 in September 2017. A loss of four-tenths (1.8 – 1.4, 6+) takes iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF from #16 to #17. Immediately before gaining seven-tenths in January, WFLF was without an increase in five straight ratings periods for a -.7 (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Tied at #20 are Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” (1.1 – .9, -2, #19 to #20, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” (flat at .9, #20 in March, as well, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Registering its fourth positive spike in a row for an overall +2.5 (3.8 – 4.8 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” jumps from sixth to fourth. After gaining six-tenths in November, “Mix” was -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.5 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+) and then +1.0 in January. Prior to March 2018, the last time “Mix” reached the six-share threshold (6+) was in March 2017 (6.1). It is quite the double-play for iHeartMedia’s WRUM which is up for the fourth successive monthly for a +1.8 (8.9 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+) and is #1 for the fourth consecutive sweep. Following 11 consecutive months on top, “Rumba 100” dropped to the runner-up slot in December and remained there in “Holiday” 2017. Its +.4 in January 2018 ended four negative sweeps in a row that generated a collective -2.7 (11.6 – 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.3 – 8.9, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Although remaining at #7, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM” adds seven-tenths to 5.7 for its strongest 6+-showing since last October’s 5.9. Down a cumulative two full-shares in February and March (5.3 – 4.8 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJRR answers with a one-half share increase in April (3.3 – 3.8, #13 to #12, 6+). In January, “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” posted a +1.3, eliminating the combined -1.1 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). In a bit of an interesting twist, the internet “stream” of Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” is up nine-tenths (.0 – .9, #21, 6+), while the station’s actual FM signal regresses by eight-tenths (6.8 – 6.0, third to fifth, 6+). Prior to April’s -.8, WMMO-FM was +1.6 in three straight positive spikes (5.2 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.8, 6+), with 6.8 in March its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 8.1.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – After being within 5.0 – 5.5 range in each of the last six survey periods (5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” logs a +.8 to 6.3 (seventh to fifth), the best 6+-stat for the Cleveland Indians flagship since last October’s 8.3. A one-half share gain in January halted three straight declines for a -3.5 (8.5 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Five successive sweeps without a loss by Entercom’s WKRK netted a +1.2 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+) but “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” returns two-thirds of that increase (4.4, -.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). A combined -2.5 in February and March (5.3 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+) after a cumulative +3.2 in six straight upticks (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk WCPN adds one-tenth in April (2.9, 6+) and continues at #13.

Cleveland Music Formats – A combined +5.5 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 7.2 – 10.4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK lost more than 50% (-5.6) of its 6+-share in January and February (10.4 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+). “Cleveland’s Star 102” responds in March and April though with an overall +1.6 (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.5, 6+), leaping from eighth to fourth. In December, “Star 102” halted three straight downward moves that accounted for a -1.1 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+). There have been seven dramatic up/down shifts in succession for iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits”: +.8 (November); -.9 (December); +2.5 (Holiday” 2017); -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); and now +1.0 in April (8.3 – 9.3, steady at #2, 6+). When WMJI reached double-digits (6+) in “Holiday” 2017, it was the first time it accomplished that feat since September 2016’s 10.8. November’s +.8 stopped three straight declines that resulted in a -1.3 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+). In 2017, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” occupied the top spot from January through April; July through September; and in November. Co-owned WMMS duplicates March’s +.6 (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) as “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” enters the top ten (#12 to #10). After three increases in a row for an overall +1.5 (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WZAK falters by one-half share to 9.6 (6+) but repeats at #1. Having reached the top spot in December with a +.9, WZAK fell to third in “Holiday” 2017. A loss of four-tenths in October ended three consecutive positive moves by WZAK for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). Having notched a gain of six-tenths in February, urban contemporary cluster-mate WENZ “Z-107.9” is a combined -1.4 in March and April (6.3 – 5.7 – 4.9, sixth to ninth, 6+). February’s +.6 pulled the plug on three straight losses that accounted for a -1.5 (7.2 – 6.7 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – At the same time that Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” racks up a +1.3 (1.8 – 3.1, #19 to #15, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” spirals by -1.1 (4.0 – 2.9, #10 to #16+). In March, Kansas City Royals flagship KCSP erased February’s -.4 with a +.4. WHB was a combined +1.4 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018; -.9 in February; and +.9 in March. When WHB dipped by four-tenths in December, it halted at five a successive string of positive trends that doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Without a loss for the sixth time in a row for a +.9 (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR nonetheless backslides from #16 to #17. After registering six successive upticks for a +1.9 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” is off three-tenths in March and April (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3, fifth to seventh, 6+). Cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” picks up four-tenths (1.8 – 2.2, 6+) and carries on at #19. Unchanged at #22, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710” is trending .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .7 (6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – Up or flat each sweep since December for an overall +1.6 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” vaults from #8 to a three-way tie at #4. Part of the logjam there includes co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1,” which records its third (modest) decrease in a row for a -.5 (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). The market’s other FM country property, Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf,” dials up a +.9 (4.0 – 4.9, tenth to ninth, 6+). “The Wolf” was a collective -1.3 in February and March. Stuck on 3.2 (6+) the last two survey periods, alternative cluster-mate KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” notches a +.7 in April to 3.9 (#14 to #12, 6+), matching last November’s 6+-stat. Steady at #3, co-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” is a combined +1.3 in four straight up or flat trends (4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+). Despite a loss of four-tenths (8.1 – 7.7, 6+), KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. The Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies property faltered by six-tenths in February (8.4 – 7.8, 6+) but regained half that loss (+.3) in March. Its January -2.0 curtailed four straight upticks that netted +2.7 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+). Dropping out of the top ten (#10 to #11), Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” is down eight-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a gain of two-tenths (5.4 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN inches up from sixth to fifth. “News Radio 610” eroded by one full-share in February; was -.7 in March; +1.5 in January; and -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to January 2018, the last time “News Radio 610” reached the seven-share level (6+) was February 2016 (7.3). A December decrease of three-tenths halted three straight uptrends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). A collective +.7 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU stumbles by six-tenths to 3.7 (seventh to eighth, 6+); 4.3 in March was its best 6+-showing since August 2017’s 4.7. Following four reports in a row without an increase for a -.2 (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” gains two-tenths to .9 (#16 to #15, 6+). In January, WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” ranked seventh with a 4.4 (6+), but the RadiOhio sports talk outlet has ceased subscribing to Nielsen.

Columbus Music Formats – In double-digits (6+) each sweep since June 2017, iHeartMedia’s WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” boasts a 14.4 (6+) in April and finishes first for the fourth consecutive sweep. After spending six months on top, WCOL shifted to second in “Holiday” 2017 but regained the lead in January 2018. Accustomed to major fluctuations, “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was +2.2 (January 2017); -1.2 (February); +.8 (March); -1.3 (May); +1.4 (June); +2.1 (July); -.9 (August); -.6 (September); +.7 (October); -.5 (December); +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 in March; and now +1.0 in April. Mainstream CHR cluster-mate WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” (9.0 – 9.4, +.4, 6+) is #2 for the fourth time in a row. WNCI was a combined +1.5 in January and February (8.0 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+). Up a collective eight-tenths in February and March (5.2 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+), co-owned adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” surrenders nine-tenths (5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). Trending 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.1 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2017 report, Saga Communications’ classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind” deflates by one-half share to 1.6 (6+) but remains at #13. It is the first time “Rewind” has been below a two-share (6+) since recording a 1.8 in “Holiday” 2016. Blue Chip urban contemporary WBMO logged a 1.2 (6+) in December 2017, but has not been in print the last five sweeps.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Craig Carton Takes Sports Talk Program into National Terrestrial Radio Syndication. After leaving the morning show on WFAN, New York last fall as he was being charged by the feds with fraud with a court date set for late October, Craig Carton is returning to broadcast radio with a daily, three-hour program on May 29.  Carton – one half of the successful “Boomer & Carton” show on WFAN – has been hosting a podcast since early this year.  Now, via Focus 360 and the Sports Byline USA Network, “Carton & Friends” is available to terrestrial radio stations live from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET.  The show is described as a “free-flowing conversation about sports and pop culture with occasional celebrity guests.”  Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown says, “We’re delighted to bring Craig Carton back to broadcast radio and be on his team.  Craig is a proven ratings winner with a huge fan base.  He knows everybody in sports and the lineup of guests, combined with the fun banter, draws in listeners.  This is a great opportunity for sports radio stations and for advertisers who want to reach an engaged audience. Welcome back, Craig Carton!”  The program is being produced by the FNTSY Sports Radio Network, a subsidiary of SportsGrid, Inc., which has been streaming the program since March 29 live and on demand on every major audio and video digital platform.  The show is broadcast daily in front of a live audience from Rock & Reilly’s upscale gastropub across from Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Some of Carton’s regular “friends” are veteran FNTSY Sports Radio Network personality Corey Parson and MMA commentator Michelle Serpico.   Guests who’ve appeared on the streamed show include: former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, retired sports personalities Tony Siragusa, Al Leiter, John Franco, Ray Rice, and Jim Leyritz, UFC/Bellator fighter Chael Sonnen, recording artist MAX and “American Idol” contestant Constantine Maroulis.  Rob Magaziner at Focus 360 is handling affiliation inquiries.  To listen to an exclusive audio interview with Craig Carton conducted by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, please click here.

Cumulus Reports 2018 Q1 Net Revenue Flat.  Net revenue for the first quarter of 2018 was $263.7 million, a slight dip of 0.1% from the same period in 2017.  Cumulus Media is working through its Plan for Reorganization and expects to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of this year’s second quarter.  The first quarter financial report also notes that Cumulus narrowed its loss.  The 2018 Q1 net loss was $5 million, compared to $7.3 million a year ago.  Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner says, “Despite ongoing market challenges, our first quarter results demonstrate continued operational traction and financial progress against our key priorities, with the Radio Station Group turning in its seventh straight quarter of revenue share growth and Westwood One delivering its fifth straight quarter of revenue share growth.  With the recent confirmation of our Plan, we are now able to complete the balance sheet restructuring which is a critical element of our turnaround plan.  After we emerge from Chapter 11, we look forward to moving ahead with a firmer financial foundation in place and greater ability to execute on our many initiatives to further strengthen and build this business.”  Net revenue for the radio station segment was $168 million – down 3.1% from the same period in 2017.  Net revenue for Westwood One was $94.7 million – up 5.5%.

iHeartMedia Names Amy Griesheimer Area President for Denver Region. Media executive Amy Griesheimer is named area president for the Denver region for iHeartMedia.  In this role, Griesheimer will “work with the programming and sales teams for radio brands in Fort Collins; Colorado Springs; Ogallala, Nebraska; and Cheyenne, Wyoming to oversee on-air and digital programming as well as create new business and revenue opportunities.”  She will be based in Fort Collins and report to iHeartMedia Denver Region president Tim Hager.  He says, “Amy has a proven track record of leading and growing successful teams and cultivating new and existing relationships.  Her passion, energy and skills are an ideal match for iHeartMedia’s Denver Region. We’re fortunate to have Amy at the helm of our strong brands in these markets.”

Norman Lear and Carol Burnett Reunite on PodcastOne’s ‘All of the Above.’ Pictured above after the recording of PodcastOne’s “All of the Above” podcast are (from l-r): PodcastOne founder and chairman Norm Pattiz, television icon Norman Lear, legendary comedian Carol Burnett, and actor/singer Paul Hipp.  Burnett appeared on a very special episode of “All of the Above” with co-hosts Hipp and Lear at the PodcastOne studios during which they discussed Burnett’s storied career, her new Netflix show, “A Little Help with Carol Burnett,” and her upcoming Peabody Career Achievement Award.  Additionally, Burnett shared her chance encounter with the person who would eventually send her to New York and kickstart her career.  Norm Pattiz comments, “I don’t often run up to the studio to get my picture taken with guests.  But Carol Burnett with Norman – who wouldn’t want that picture?  Norman’s my partner and a hero, and Carol is my neighbor in Montecito, and I’m a huge fan.  This podcast is a killer and it will have a huge audience.”

TALKERS News Notes. The New York Post’s Emily Smith is reporting that former FOX News Channel superstar Bill O’Reilly is in talks with Newsmax TV to get back on television in his old 8:00 pm timeslot.  O’Reilly was forced out of FNC after it was disclosed the network paid settlements to staffers who accused O’Reilly of sexual harassment.  The Post report says that Newsmax is also seeking former FNC personalities Greta Van Susteren and Eric Bolling to host primetime programs…..Radio talk show host and WRRD, Milwaukee station owner Michael Crute has ended his bid for the governor’s seat in Wisconsin, one month after he announced his intentions.  The AP reports Crute revealed the end to his longshot candidacy on his “Devil’s Advocate” talk show.  There are nine Democrats vying to take on GOP Governor Scott Walker in November…..The deal for UK-based audioBoom to acquire Triton Digital for $185 million is not going to proceed.  The board of audioBoom made the announcement yesterday (5/15).  The company says it raised one million pounds selling convertible notes but now states that it “requires further financing in the short-term for investment in additional podcasting content and working capital purposes… the proceeds from the convertible loan notes will only provide the Company with sufficient working capital for a further period of up to four weeks from today’s date, although the Company would take appropriate cash management measures to seek to extend such period if required.  As a result, the Company’s financial position remains uncertain pending the successful completion of the further equity funding.  Therefore, the Company has requested that its ordinary shares remain suspended from trading on AIM pending clarification over the Company’s financial position.”  audioBoom must pay a 700,000 pound breakup fee.

Price: It’s Business Continuity Awareness Week.  The UK-based Business Continuity Institute is using this week – May 14 to 18 – as a time for companies to look inward and determine just how ready – or not – they are to deal with a business-disrupting event.  Former ABC director of business continuity & crisis management Howard B. Price writes today for TALKERS, urging radio station operators to plan for such a disruptive event – like a hurricane or blizzard – and, if said plans already exist, test them to see how well they work.  Don’t have a plan?  Price gives some advice to get you started.  Read it all here.

RTDNA/RTDNF Appoints Tara Puckey Director of Strategic Initiatives.  This is a newly created role at the Radio Television Digital News Association and Foundation and in it Tara Puckey will “assist the RTDNA and RTDNF boards, as well as executive director Dan Shelley, in cultivating and managing business partnerships, grant procurement, development efforts and other strategic endeavors.  She will focus on enhancing the organizations’ status as the world’s largest professional association and foundation devoted exclusively to advocating on behalf of broadcast and digital journalists.”  Shelley adds, “As RTDNA and RTDNF elevate their visibility and influence as protectors of, and advocates for, press freedom and professional development for veteran and emerging journalists, Tara’s proven record of creating and managing partnerships, and developing lucrative new revenue streams, will serve our members, and the journalism industry, exceptionally well.”  Puckey was most recently interim executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists.

U.S.-North Korea Talks/Nuclear Program, U.S. Embassy/Gaza Violence, Trump-Russia Investigation, the Royal Wedding, Tom Wolfe Dead at 88, Blackkklansman Film, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/15). The scheduled meeting between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un becomes uncertain after Kim threatens to back out; the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the deadly violence in Gaza; the Trump administration’s growing impatience with Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Trump campaign and Russian agent connections; the flap over Meghan Markle’s father and this week’s royal wedding; American writer Tom Wolfe dies at 88; the controversy surrounding Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman film at Cannes; Major League Baseball action, and the NBA playoffs 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. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Hubbard Radio’s classic rock WDRV “The Drive” has moved from its longtime N. Michigan Ave. address to the 27^th floor of One Prudential Plaza, joining sister stations hot AC WTMX and adult contemporary WSHE.  Feder writes that PM drive jock Bob Stroud signed off the old studio and led a busload of station staffers down the street to the new studios where he signed on the new studio to the tune of the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.”…..In the Destin-Fort Walton Beach market, Community Broadcasters promotes Wes Styles to operations manager for the cluster that includes CHR WECQ “Q92,” country WHWY, alternative WZLB, and adult hits WWAV. At the same time, Mary Jo Gruber is appointed program director of WECQ. Interim market manager Jason Lamp states, “Wes has become an important part of our team from day one and assumed a leadership role.  Wes has a plan for moving our brands forward and will help continue to grow the success of Community Broadcasters stations for our clients and listeners.”…..Evening jock Ray Koob has exited Beasley Media Group’s classic rock WMGK, Philadelphia.  The company has not made a statement but Koob’s profile has been scrubbed from the station’s website…..YEA Networks announces the “Tino Cochino Radio” program has hit the 25-affiliate station mark with the addition of KWTX-FM, Waco-Killeen, Texas.

Round Two of April 2018 PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s April 2018 survey period covered March 29 – April 25. You can see all the 6+ ratings data from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Following three successive sweeps of posting a 2.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” breaks out a +.7 to 3.1, as the Washington Nationals flagship jumps from #18 to #13. Before notching a +.6 in January, “The Fan” was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, -1.7, 6+). Having reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the PPM-era (5.0, March 2018), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL relinquishes one-half share to 4.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+). WMAL was without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+) before dialing up a +1.1 in January. Despite dropping eight-tenths (10.4 – 9.6, 6+), Hubbard all-news WTOP is #1 for the fourth time in a row. After four consecutive months in the driver’s seat, WTOP shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, it reclaimed the top spot with its best 6+-stat since 10.6 in March 2011. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). Prior to November, WTOP was +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). In the runner-up slot from January 2017 through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. Finishing second for the fourth successive sweep, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which slumped -1.1 in March, improves by four-tenths (8.1 – 8.5, 6+). A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), WAMU gained back 85% of that loss in January with a +1.7. It exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history first reached in December 2016. Since surfacing in May 2017, Entercom business news WDCH is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 – .5 (flat at #21, 6+). Tied at #24 are Radio One news/talk WOL (flat at .2, 6+) and Hubbard news/talk WFED “Federal News Radio” (.1 – .2, +.1, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – For the first time since November 2015, Howard University urban AC WHUR is not ahead of its format rival, Radio One-owned WMMJ “Majic.” In that particular sweep, the two foes were tied at 4.7 (6+) but WHUR has been on top ever since. That changes in April 2018 though as “Majic” picks up two-tenths (5.8, fourth to third, 6+), while WHUR falters by four-tenths (5.7, third to fourth, 6+). “Majic” was locked on 5.6 (6+) in January, February, and March. As the result of three straight decreases (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR is -1.4. In four successive positive spikes (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.2, steady at #8, 6+), Columbia Union College Broadcasting’s WGTS “91.9 – Christian Music Radio for Washington” is a combined +1.3 and notes its highest 6+-share (4.2) since July 2017’s 4.8. Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” is an overall +1.1 in five consecutive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), advancing from #12 to #11. At the same time, format rival – Entercom’s WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” – is in a redundant 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 (6+) sequence and remains at #14. After advancing by one-half share in March, Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” surrenders six-tenths in April (3.0 – 3.5 – 2.9, #13 to #16, 6+). This is the fourth time in succession that its urban contemporary cluster-mate WKYS registers a 3.8 (#10 to #11, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Powered by a sizzling start by the Boston Red Sox, the team’s flagship, Entercom-owned WEEI-FM, trots out a +1.0 (3.4 – 4.4, tenth to seventh, 6+). The sports talker is bouncing back from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three drops in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Meanwhile, this is the seventh sweep in a row without an increase for similarly-formatted WEEI-AM (.2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #28 to #27, 6+).  Regaining 75% of March’s -.4, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM (5.2 – 5.5, +.3, 6+) advances from sixth to third; “98.5 The Sports Hub” was -1.5 in February. As a result of four straight increases, WBZ-FM was a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+). It surrendered three-tenths in December and notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2017 to 5.9 (6+). After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” returns 60% of that total (5.5, -.9, second to fifth, 6+). WBZ-AM’s 6.4 in March was its best since January 2017’s 6.6. Unchanged at #13, co-owned news/talk WRKO “AM 680 The Voice of Boston” is trending 2.9 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 2.7 (6+). In the public news/talk arena, Boston University-owned WBUR slips by three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, fifth to fourth, 6+) while WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH adds two-tenths (4.5 – 4.7, ninth to seventh, 6+). WBUR was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. WGBH had been off by two-tenths in both February and March and (as was the case with WBUR) improved by seven-tenths in January.

Boston Music Formats – In addition to being an overall +1.1 via four up or flat trends in succession nearly doubling its 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017 (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s WAAF “107.3 The Only Station That Really Rocks” returns to the top twenty at #16. It’s the first time WAAF reaches the two-share level (6+) since May 2017’s 2.0. Notwithstanding a one-half share decline (7.6 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” ranks first for the fourth straight sweep. “Kiss” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+). It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. In five consecutive increases prior to the August 2017 sweep, “Kiss” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Nine-tenths behind “Kiss” is Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 Todays Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” which is up eight-tenths in three increases in a row (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.2, fourth to second, 6+). While unchanged at #3, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” is -.7 in three straight negative moves (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). Following four consecutive ratings periods without a loss for a collective +.6 (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), co-owned WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” coughs up eight-tenths to 4.2 (seventh to tenth, 6+). Format rival, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 for New Hit Country,” dips by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, #16 to #18, 6+). Remaining at #12, Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” is off one-tenth to 3.0 (6+), ending its consecutive string of three up or flat trends that netted two-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Another such streak concludes as Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO, which gained four-tenths as the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), falters by four-tenths to 1.2, but continues at #22.

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of seven straight positive or flat trends (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD is an overall +.9 as “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” climbs from #20 to #18. Down two-tenths in both February and March (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN picks up three-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). Prior to a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). With its fourth straight .9 (6+), Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” continues at #25, while co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep for a total loss of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, unchanged at #26, 6+). Also in the sports talk format, iHeartMedia-owned WINZ “940 – Miami’s Sports Station” is flat at .3 (6+) but slips from #31 to #33.

Miami Music Formats – By adding six-tenths to March’s +.3 (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.3, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” marches from second to first. “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the last 12 sweeps. It is now one-tenth ahead of the station it succeeds at #1, co-owned urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” which regains two-tenths of the half-share it squandered in March (7.3 – 6.8 – 7.0, first to second, 6+). February’s +1.1 by “Hot” curtailed four decreases in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+). WHQT spent seven consecutive months at #1 before being ousted in December. Down or flat for the eighth sweep in a row for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), mainstream CHR sibling WFLC “Hits 97.3” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). It now trails its format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (flat at 3.2, #13 to #12, 6+), by one-tenth. “Y-100” was stuck on 4.0 (6+) in January and February and eroded by eight-tenths in March. Prior to a loss of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were tied for eighth-place in July 2017 and December 2017, and separated by one-tenth in August. Advancing from seventh to sixth, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” is an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to March, the last time “El Zol” reached the four-share level (6+) was February 2017 (4.1). Continuing an up/down pattern that began in “Holiday” 2017, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” spirals by nine-tenths in April (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.0, fourth to fifth, 6+). Having recorded six straight sweeps without a loss for a combined +1.3 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 New Country” slips by four-tenths to 3.0 and leaves the top ten (#10 to #14, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.6 in February and March (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” roars back with a +.9 to 5.4 (ninth to fifth, 6+). Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was a collective -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. Tied at #25 are co-owned WXYT-AM “CBS Sports Radio 1270” (.2 – .1, -.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WDFN “1130 The Fan” (flat at .1, 6+). Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0 (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom’s WWJ “News Radio 950” forfeits 80% of that gain (5.7, -.8, 6+) but continues in fourth-place. Between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017, WWJ was within 5.2 – 5.9 territory (6+). Regaining all but one-tenth of March’s -.4, Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” is back in the top ten (4.0 – 4.3, +.3, 6+). Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). After three successive times of notching a 1.9 (6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM posts a 1.8 (#20 to #19, 6+) in back-to-back sweeps. Finishing at #22, #23, and #24, respectively, are Wayne State University news/talk WDET (flat at .9, 6+); Radio One news/talk WDMK-HD2 (.3 – .4, +.1, 6+); and Adell Broadcasting’s WFDF “Superstation 910 AM” (flat at .2, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Five of the market’s top six April 2018 finishers record a (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 fluctuation of at least seven-tenths. Inching up from third to second, Beasley Media Group’s WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is +2.2 in four positive spikes in a row (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+). Not only is Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC an overall +1.8 in three sweeps in succession without a loss (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.9, 6+), “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the fourth straight time. It leads runner-up WCSX by three-tenths. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which dropped one-half share in February; answered with a March gain of eight-tenths; and now erodes by a full-share in April (6.6 – 6.1 – 6.9 – 5.9, second to third, 6+). Immediately prior to January’s -9.2, WNIC was +9.8 in five straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 11.8 – 15.8, 6+) and was the market leader from October 2017 through “Holiday” 2017. Its 15.8 in “Holiday” 2017 is more than two shares better than what it achieved in “Holiday” 2016 (13.7). Public WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days – Jazzy Nights” falters by nine-tenths (2.3 – 1.4, #18 to #21, 6+). Locked on 3.5 (6+) in each in the last four sweeps, Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” regresses by one-half share to 3.0 (#12 to #14, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of two-tenths (6.3 – 6.5, 6+) enables Northwest Public Radio news/talker KUOW, which was down one-half share in March, to progress from second to first. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it dropped six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). As Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” tacks on seven-tenths to March’s +.6 (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #13, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falters by six-tenths (1.0 -.4, #24 to #31, 6+). This (3.6) is the best 6+-stat for KIRO-AM since November 2017 (3.6, as well); KJR-AM was +.2 in March. The eight most recent (6+) trends for Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM (third to fifth) are 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is up three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, unchanged at #21, 6+). As a result of four losses in a row, KTTH was -.8 (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, October 2017 – January 2018, 6+). Flat at #19, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO is down or flat for the third time in a row for a combined -.6 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.3, #18 to #19); co-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” picks up one-tenth (1.0 – 1.1, 6+) and remains at #24.

Seattle Music Formats – Owing to five straight positive spikes, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is an overall +2.1 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, fifth to third, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat since November 2015 (5.7, as well). On the heels of a -.3 in March, Hubbard CHR KQMV follows with a -1.2 (6.8 – 5.6, 6+) dropping “MOViN 92.5 Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” from first to fourth. Without an increase three monthlies in a row for a -.8 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.2 6+), KQMV answered with a combined +1.9 in January and February (5.2 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). Prior to February, the last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in June 2017 (7.4). Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KPWK “KUBE 93.3” is trending 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 (6+). In early-December (2017), Entercom transitioned country KMPS to adult contemporary KSWD “The Sound” (calls and imagery formerly used in Los Angeles). Having posted a one-half share gain in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), “The Sound” surrenders six-tenths in April and departs the top ten (#10 to #14). While steady at #7, its AC rival, Hubbard’s KRWM “Warm 106.9,” is down seven full-shares in four successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” – which was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 – halted three straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Having notched a 4.4 (6+) in four of the last five sweeps (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+), yet actually climbs from ninth to eighth. The market’s hot AC battle remains extremely tight as KJAQ cluster-mate KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – Seattle’s New Hit Music” and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KPLZ “Star” mirror each other by dropping one-tenth and have the same profile (3.8 – 3.7, #11 to #10, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Four consecutive down or flat trends resulted in Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM losing 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), but “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a combined +.8 in March and April (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#25 to #18). The Arizona Diamondbacks flagship faltered by one-half share in August and was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Elsewhere in the market’s sports talk arena, co-owned KTAR-AM is up one-tenth to .3 (#36 to #35, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KGME “Fox Sports 910” drops two-tenths (.7 – .5, #30 to #32, 6+). Co-owned KFYI is off two-tenths to 2.1 (#18 to #19, 6+). When “News Talk 550” lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Tied at #11 are Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+) and Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ (3.9 – 3.6, -.3, 6+). Up eight-tenths in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), KTAR-FM was a combined -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Anchored in the runner-up slot for the sixth consecutive sweep, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is without a loss for the fourth time in succession for a +.6 (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+). A combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ rolls out a +.7 to 7.3 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth time in a row; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. KESZ was a combined +10.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017. This is the fourth straight gain for its mainstream CHR sibling KZZP “104.7 Kiss FM – The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix,” which is a combined +2.4 in that stretch (3.0 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well in April is Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” (3.0 – 3.5, #14 to #13, 6+). Eroding by eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” (third to sixth) and Entravision Communications regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” (3.4 – 2.6, #12 to #16, 6+). “Mix” was a collective +1.0 in six straight sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 The Valley’s Greatest Hits” is -.8 in three straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – By picking up eight-tenths (4.7 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” jumps from ninth to sixth. The Minnesota Twins flagship was stuck on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February. The three most recent fluctuations for Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW are -.7 (February); +.7 (March); and now -.5 in April (5.9 – 5.4, sixth to eighth, 6+). Until it reached 5.9 (6+) in January, KNOW’s September 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 topline 6+ trending was 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2. Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is up one-tenth (3.0 – 3.1, 6+) and continues at #15. Its loss of three-tenths in March curtailed four straight up or flat moves that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). An increase of three-tenths (3.5 – 3.8, 6+) elevates iHeartMedia’s KTLK from #13 to #12; “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” was up nine-tenths in January. Even though it drops three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, 6+), co-owned KFXN moves from seventh to sixth; “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Flat at .9 (6+), Hubbard’s KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Minneapolis Music Formats – In addition to being #1 for the fourth sweep in a row, Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is a collective +2.8 in four successive progressive moves (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following three straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Steady at #8, iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is +2.0 in four positive spikes in a row (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). January’s +1.1 pulled the plug on six straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). Relinquishing all but one-tenth of March’s +.6, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (6.4 – 5.9, -.5, 6+) segues from third to fourth. With a 6.4 in March, “93-X” reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since August 2017 (6.0). Unlisted in March 2018, Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “Go 95.3” also slips by one-half share (2.0 – 1.5, #19, 6+). While it continues at #18, Minneapolis Public Schools-owned KBEM “Jazz 88.5” falters by three-tenths to 1.7 (6+), snapping three consecutive positive or flat trends that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 2.0, 6+). Prior to March, the jazz outlet had been within 1.0 – 1.5 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 survey periods.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Off three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS shifts from first to second. Its December increase of four-tenths applied the brakes to three straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. A loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 4.7, 6+) drops iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” from fourth to sixth. KOGO eroded by three full-shares in three successive major declines (7.2 – 6.6 – 5.4 – 4.2, 6+); was +.8 in January; -.7 in February; and +.8 in March. When KOGO lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October 2017’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history. Flat at #22, Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM is a combined -.4 in March and April (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). “AM 760” earlier yielded one half-share in three straight up or flat moves (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+). In the market’s sports talk race, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” loses one-tenth (1.3 – 1.2, flat at #23, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” is flat at .8 (unchanged at #25, 6+); and Entercom’s KWFN (formerly KEGY) “97.3 The Fan” gains four-tenths to .8 (tied with KLSD at #25, 6+). Immediately after improving by one-half share in February (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), KEGY eroded by -1.2 to .4 (6+). The station transitioned to a hybrid talk-comedy-classic rock mix at the conclusion of the February sweep and is the flagship of the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Music Formats – A gain of seven tenths by iHeartMedia-owned KGB (4.3 – 5.0, 6+) propels “San Diego’s Classic Rock” from seventh to fourth. When Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” registered a -1.6 in March, it all but evaporated its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). “Sunny” rebounds in April with a one-half share increase (5.1 – 5.6, 6+) and inches up from fourth to third. Up by one-half share as well are Local Media San Diego-operated Comunicación XERSA cluster-mates XHRM “Magic 92.5” (sixth to fifth, 6+) and CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (3.9 – 4.4, #11 to #8, 6+). “Magic” is +1.1 in three upticks in a row (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+). There is a bit of an irony with Entercom-owned KSON advancing from second to first since “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” ends three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+) by dropping one-tenth to 6.0 (6+). KSON was -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+); Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.3 – 3.7, #7 to #12, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (2.5, #14 to #19, 6+). The latter was +1.0 in three upticks in succession (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Having picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), after January’s one-half share loss, iHeartMedia news/talk KOA erupts with a +1.4 to 5.8 as the flagship of the Colorado Rockies soars from ninth all the way to first. “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” last reached the five-share level (6+) in October (5.2). January’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March 2017. It succeeds Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR (5.8 – 5.6, -.2, 6+), which segues to the runner-up slot. When KCFR – which was #1 in January as well – lost six-tenths in February, its consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. Following a +1.0 in March to 3.7 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” falters by four-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #14, 6+). Its +.4 in January to 3.6 (6+) halted three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). While displaying a steady November 2017 – April 2018 (6+) topline of 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630” slips from #18 to #19. Meanwhile, Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC is flat at .7 (6+) and drops from #26 to #27.

Denver Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths (4.7 – 5.3, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety progresses from #7 to a three-way tie at #3. Down one full-share in March and April (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” skids from #11 to #14. After posting three upticks in succession for a +1.0 (4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KRFX “103.5 The Fox” surrenders half that increase (4.7, -.5, 6+) to drift from fourth to eighth. Despite not having a loss for the third straight time for a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” leaves the top ten (#10 to #12); “KS-107.5” was -.5 in January. Classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” a combined +1.8 in three upticks in a row (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), drops two-tenths to 5.3 (second to third, 6+). KQMT’s 5.5 in March was its best 6+-stat since 5.7 in August 2017.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – For the fourth sweep in a row, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA has a (6+) fluctuation of at least one-half share. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); in March, it was -.5 (3.7 – 3.2, 6+); and in April it is +.8 (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), taking “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” into the top ten (#15 to #9). Up or flat in each of the last four survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), co-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Tampa Bay Rays flagship) advances from #20 to #17. Steady at #16, Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” drops one-tenth to 2.7 (6+), curtailing three straight (modest) upticks that yielded one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Its January +.3 stopped four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). As a result of five consecutive down or flat ratings periods, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is a collective -1.4 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, #19 to #20, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Adding one-tenth to March’s +.5 (8.9 – 9.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is atop the leader board for the 68^th successive ratings period. “Lite Favorites” was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). In the runner-up slot the past five sweeps, classic hits-oldies sibling WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” plummets by nine-tenths (6.8 – 5.9, 6+) and shifts to third-place. “The Eagle” was frozen on 5.9 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and notched a +1.0 in February to 6.9 – its best 6+-showing since July 2017’s 7.1. A December loss of seven-tenths ended three straight gains that netted +1.8 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+). Down one full-share in April and continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in October (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” fades from the top ten (#6 to #11).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Completely erasing January’s +.6 with a February -.6, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” bounces back with a +1.0 (4.0 – 5.0, ninth to fifth, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it drew to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned WJZ-AM “1300 CBS Sports Radio Baltimore” is without an increase for the ninth time in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 -.3 – .3 – .2 -.1 – .1 – .1, #24 to #26, 6+). Hearst Television news/talker WBAL has been extremely consistent the past 13 sweeps: 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3 (6+) but it falters by one-half share in April to 2.8 (#13 to #14, 6+). Immediately prior to January 2018, that topline included five successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.4. With identical profiles (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #12 to #11, 6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” and Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” overtake WBAL. Finishing second in Washington, DC (see above), American University-owned news/talk WAMU is flat at 1.1 (6+) and remains at #16 in Baltimore. WAMU was -.4 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, 6+). Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February in March but resurfaces in April with a .2 (#22, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Each of this market’s top six April 2018 finishers notes a (6+) fluctuation of at least one-half share. Included in that group is Entercom CHR WWMX “Mix 106.5 – Baltimore’s Best Mix,” which displays a +.8 (4.6 – 5.4, sixth to fourth, 6+). The last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was May 2017 (5.0). The rollercoaster ride continues for adult contemporary sibling WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” It dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); was +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); was a combined +9.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (#1 in both of those sweeps); -10.2 in January; +.9 in February; -.7 in March; and now +.5 in April (6.3 – 6.8, fourth to second, 6+). After going eight straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +3.6 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), WWIN “Magic 95.9” was -.1 in March. The Radio One urban AC plummets by -1.2 in April (11.5 – 10.3, 6+), but is #1 for the fourth month in a row. “Magic” occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. Entering the November ratings period, WWIN-FM was down or flat in each of the previous four monthlies for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; and -.9 in February, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC has the dubious distinction of notching the largest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 decrease of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released so far. Eroding by -1.5 (6.4 – 4.9, 6+), “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” slips from third to sixth. From May 2017 through November, WPOC was consistently within 7.2 – 7.7 range (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+). Following back-to-back increases of four-tenths (5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” forfeits one-half share to 6.2 (second to third, 6+). Up or flat for the fourth consecutive ratings period for a collective +1.3 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” nonetheless backslides from fifth to seventh. Having registered a 4.3 (6+) in each of the last three ratings periods, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” dips one-tenth to 4.2 (seventh to eighth, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – Undoubtedly aided by loyal St. Louis Cardinals fans, the team’s flagship – Entercom news/talk KMOX – boasts the loftiest March 2018 – April 2018 increase of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released so far (5.8 – 8.1, +2.3, fifth to second, 6+). To this point, “News Radio 1120 The Voice of St. Louis” is the only station in a PPM-market to register a (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 increase of at least two full-shares. This (8.5) is the most potent 6+-stat for KMOX since May 2017 (8.5, as well). Following a full-share January increase, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. As a result of four decreases in succession (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), “The Voice of St. Louis” was a cumulative -3.0 and had its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; +.1 in March; and is now -.6 in April (3.5 – 2.9, #12 to #15, 6+). Unchanged at #16, Emmis-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is -.8 in three straight negative moves (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to January’s +.7, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU adds one-tenth in April to 3.3 (#15 to #14, 6+). By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Within 5.2 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last four survey periods, Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” breaks out a +1.3 (5.4 – 6.7, sixth to fourth, 6+). This (6.7) is the best 6+-stat for “The Arch” since December (6.7, as well). Co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” is without a loss for the fifth sweep in succession for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+), yet backslides from second to third. A combined -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” makes up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+) and is #1 for the fourth month in a row. KLOU rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to November, when it gained nine-tenths, KLOU was down or flat the previous three monthlies for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). As a result of being off three-tenths to 4.3 (unchanged at #9, 6+), CHR sibling KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” ends four straight upticks that netted +1.4 (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+); 4.6 in March was its best 6+-performance since November 2016’s 4.7.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

FAIR Sets September 5 and 6 for Washington Radio Row. The Federation for American Immigration Reform sets Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6 as the dates for its 12th annual “Hold Their Feet to the Fire/America at the Midterms” radio row in Washington, D.C.  Talk hosts from across the country will broadcast live both days, debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists, administration officials, and others.  FAIR executive director Bob Dane states, “The outcome of this year’s midterms will determine whether President Trump will have an opportunity to fully deliver on his campaign promises to secure our borders, stop illegal immigration, enhance national security, rein in sanctuary policies, and push for reforms that serve our broad American interests.  This year’s event will focus on the political landscape halfway through the Trump Administration, educate Americans about what has been accomplished, what’s left to do, what’s at stake and what listeners can do to make informed voting choices on the immigration issue.”  As in recent years, the event takes place at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill.  Reservations are required and hosts should call FAIR now to reserve their free broadcast booth.   Contact event manager Joe Gomez at 202-328-7004 or jgomez@fairus.org.  Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews with an expected crowd of 65 talk hosts.

Harvill to Lead Cumulus San Francisco.  Appointed to serve as vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media’s San Francisco station group is media executive Doug Harvill.  He was most recently CBS RADIO’s SVP and market manager in San Francisco.  Harvill says, “Over the past 12 years I’ve competed against the Cumulus San Francisco properties and am acutely aware of both the significant strengths and growth opportunities for these legendary stations.  Think about these call letters: KNBR, KFOG, KGO, KSAN, KSFO and KTCT.  These are iconic radio brands with passionate listeners.  I am excited to work with the people who create these powerful community-centered stations.”

Nielsen Audio to Re-Issue Los Angeles PPMs – Back to October.  The notification from Nielsen Audio doesn’t specify why the panelists in question are being pulled from the Los Angeles PPM survey. Here’s what the ratings giant tells the industry: “The integrity of our data is a top priority.  Effective with the April monthly currency data (March 29-April 25), Nielsen removed four homes from the Los Angeles PPM panel.  An internal review determined that these homes did not meet our compliance and data integrity standards.  In addition, we conducted an analysis of data from October 2017 to March 2018 and we have determined that the data for these months will be reissued.  Therefore, we will publish revised audio data for these months in Los Angeles starting with March monthly data on Tuesday, May 22, at 12:00 noon local time.”  The first round of April PPMs was released yesterday afternoon.  Mike Kinosian’s “Takeaways” and a link to all the numbers is published below.

TALKERS News Notes. The photo above is one of two Allstate Skyline Studios at the new digs of Tribune’s WGN, Chicago.  The station is still about a month away from the first live broadcast from the new offices as it moves from its longtime home in the Tribune Tower on N. Michigan Ave. to the 18^th floor of 303 E. Wacker Drive.  As you can see in the photo, the new 16-thousand-square-foot office space offers sweeping vistas of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  There are two Allstate Skyline Studios with northeast (above) and northwest views, six dedicated studios to the podcast platform WGN Plus, and a 650-square-foot performance studio and stage for live music and radio dramas with seating for 25 plus standing room.  At the core of the studio space is the WGN Radio journalism hub, home base for the station’s 24/7 news room.  The new headquarters includes an expanded video production suite with green screen for WGN Radio’s in-house content agency DATS.  The station says that the layout “invites all employees to work in the content space and features state-of-the-art lighting for video production, broadcast, and streaming.”  The project was spearheaded by WGN chief engineer Bill Murdoch.  WGN station manager and VP of content Todd Manley says, “An investment like this represents the strength of our brand beyond traditional broadcast.  It recognizes our success on every platform.  What an exciting time for this 94-year-old start-up.”…..Small business expert, talk show host, and author Jim Blasingame is publishing his fourth book.  The host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show, “The Small Business Advocate,” releases The 3rd Ingredient: The Journey of Analog Ethics into the World of Digital Fear and Greed (2018, SBN Books).  In this book, Blasingame reveals a once-in-10-millennia shift is at the heart of the unprecedented anxiety we’re experiencing as we make the transition from an analog world to a digital one.  He says, “Hundreds of years before a robot takes us down, we humans will do it to ourselves by failing to establish effective digital ethics.  We have to determine what digital trust looks like.  We have to start now.”  Blasingame argues that a shift of this magnitude – about something so much a part of our very being, our ethical DNA – has never happened before in human society and markets.  The source of so much anxiety about technology comes from expecting our miles-per-hour analog ethics to transition and perform in a billions-of-bits-per-second digital environment, with virtually no conversation…..Nationally syndicated talk radio host Walter Sterling (left) is pictured below in the WLS-AM, Chicago studios where he recently hosted his Westwood One program, “Sterling on Sunday.”  Pictured with Sterling is Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (right), who told listeners that a major source of criminal behavior is a lack of fathers in the home.  Speaking about doing the program from Chicago, Sterling says, “Program director Peter Bolger, market manager Marv Nyren, and producer Michael Garay made this fun and easy.  The listener got an authentic earful of street life in Chicago.”

In Studio at KFI, Los Angeles.  Pictured above is ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis (center) in the KFI, Los Angeles studios with midday hosts Gary Hoffmann (right) and Shannon Farren (left).  Jarvis has been doing weekly, Monday guest appearances on the program for the past three years, usually from her desk in New York City, but yesterday she had the opportunity to be in the LA studios.

U.S. Embassy Opening-Gaza Violence, U.S. Exits Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump’s ZTE Statement, SCOTUS Sports Betting Ruling, Margot Kidder Dies, Melania Hospitalized, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/14). The official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the deadly Gaza violence; The response to President Trump’s withdrawing the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal; reaction to President Trump’s desire to “save” Chinese tech firm ZTE; the Supreme Court strikes down 1992 federal law preventing states from allowing sports betting; actress Margot Kidder dies at 69; First Lady Melania Trump is hospitalized for treatment for a kidney condition; Major League Baseball action, and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Salem Offers Florida Studios for Rent. Planning to have some “fun in the sun?” Why not combine business with pleasure?  Chances are that you would like to visit the Sunshine State sometime soon.  If you have a weekly or daily radio show – why not make plans to broadcast from any of our conveniently located studios in Orlando, Tampa or Miami?  In 2017 the state of Florida saw a record number of visitors — 116.5 million, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing arm.  With proper advance planning – you can feel right at home and broadcast your regular show, no need for pre-recordings or replays!  Contact us at Salem Media Florida to find out more!  Our rates are most affordable! Call Jim Glogowski in Miami (786)871-2407, Barb Yoder in Tampa (813)-349-8232, or Bill Files in Orlando (407)-682-9494 ext. 1760.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new music format from Envision Networks is targeting the United States markets that have “become so culturally blended with millennial relationships so diverse that English-speaking and Hispanic backgrounds have become integrated into the same circle of family, friends and lifestyles.” Envision says this is reflected in their musical tastes and listening habits and that’s the inspiration behind the “No Borders Radio.”  The company adds that the format is balanced to reach English-speaking millennials and Latino 18-44 females by blending the best North American pop hits with their counterparts from Central and South America…..Cumulus Media is importing “The Woody Show” for three of its alternative rock stations.  On May 21, the Premiere Networks-syndicated morning show airs on KHTB, Salt Lake City; KCJK-FM, Kansas City “X105.1,” and WZRH, New Orleans “Alt 92.3”. Cumulus VP of rock programming Troy Hanson says, “We are delighted to continue to grow our relationship with ‘The Woody Show’ in three key markets in our alternative portfolio.  ‘The Woody Show’ is the destination for what people are talking about and the New Orleans, Kansas City and Salt Lake City communities will be well served by their funny slice of life.”…..Sun Broadcast Group enters into a sales and affiliate partnership with “The Woody & Wilcox Show.”  The program becomes part of the SBG network lineup on June 1.  It’s currently heard on WEND, Charlotte “106.5 The End,” WRDU, Raleigh; KKZX, Spokane; and more…..Alpha Media names Daena Kramer general sales manager for its San Jose market stations.  Kramer began her career as an account executive with CBS RADIO in Las Vegas.  She’s also worked on air on KXTE, Las Vegas and KHMX, Houston.  She says, “Radio has been in my blood since I was a kid, but I never imagined the amazing journeys it would take me on.  I can’t express how excited I am to be back in California with such a fantastic company as Alpha Media and to take on a new challenge in San Jose.  Nobody has taught me more about the radio business than [market manager] Lori Heeren, and I’m thrilled to be working with her again.”

Round One of April PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s April 2018 PPM survey period covered March 29 – April 25.  See all the number from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.

TAKEAWAYS

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks 2018’s first Major League Baseball (MLB) sweep and it produces very good news for the flagships of the Yankees and Mets. Specifically, Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio” (Yankees) is up eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.9, #13 to #8, 6+), while iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” (Mets) improves by six-tenths (1.9 – 2.5, #18 to #15, 6+). Following five survey periods in a row without an increase resulting in a nearly 50% loss (-2.5) of its 6+-share (5.2 – 5.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), WFAN picked up four-tenths in March. Prior to February, the last time WFAN dropped below a three-share (6+) was March 2017 (2.9). A +.1 by WOR in March ended five straight down or flat reports for a -.4 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). In the all-news arena, Entercom’s WINS sputters by seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.5, third to fourth, 6+), while co-owned and similarly-formatted WCBS-AM relinquishes 80% of March’s +.5 (3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #11 to #13, 6+). Prior to March, WCBS-AM was stuck on 2.8 (6+) the previous three sweeps; 3.3 (March 2018) is the station’s strongest 6+-showing in more than three years (4.0, February 2015). As they were in March, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (1.2 – 1.1, -.1, 6+) and Townsquare Media’s similarly-programmed WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” are tied at #23. The latter’s last 12 New York City report trends are 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+). For the third month in succession, Emmis-owned/ESPN-operated WEPN posts a 1.3 (6+) and “98.7 ESPN New York” remains at #22. When WEPN picked up two-tenths in February, it halted three downward moves in succession that produced a loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). In the public news/talk arena, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is up two-tenths (3.2 – 3.4, #12 to #10, 6+), while co-owned WNYC-AM drops one-tenth (.7 – .6, #27 to #28, 6+).

New York City Music Formats –

A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+); however, “106.7 Lite FM” rebounds in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet remains on top for the ninth time in a row. While continuing in the runner-up slot, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is off two-tenths to 6.1 (6+), thus ending three successive increases that netted a collective +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). Its March 2018 6.3 is the best 6+-showing for WCBS-FM since July 2017’s 6.6. The six-tenths advantage (6+) that Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” had over Cumulus Media-owned format rival WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” is down to four-tenths as “Fresh” is off three-tenths (2.7 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+), while WPLJ drops one-tenth (2.1 – 2.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in December (4.1 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” slips from sixth to seventh. When KFI dipped by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it ended at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a collective eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Cluster-mate KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which was stuck on 1.0 (6+) for six straight sweeps, is now off by one-tenth in consecutive monthlies (1.0 – .9 – .8, #32 to #34, 6+). Meanwhile, Salem Media Group’s KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” drops one-tenth (1.1 – 1.0, flat at #29, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” once again posts a .5 (6+) but skids from #37 to #39. Not only does Entercom all-news outlet KNX regress by six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, 6+), “1070 News Radio” departs the top ten (#10 to #13); February’s 3.3 was its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (3.3, as well). It is tied with Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #14 to #13, 6+). Linked as well (at #31) are KSPN “710 ESPN” (-.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned Los Angeles Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (.5 – .9, #37 to #31, 6+). KSPN’s December 2017 – April 2018 topline 6+-trending is 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Without a decrease in each of the last four survey periods (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM is a collective +1.7 as “93.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” inches up from seventh to sixth. In a similar vein, co-owned smooth AC KTWV “The Wave” is a collective +.7 in four straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, fourth to third, 6+). Having lost more than half (-6.6) of its 6+-share in consecutive surveys since the “Holiday” 2017 report (11.9 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST bounces back in March and April with a combined +.7 (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+); “Coast 103.5” repeats at #1. Following a January-February-March (6+) trending of 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.4, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “La Raza 97.9” regresses by nine-tenths to 2.5 (6+), plummeting out of the top ten (#9 to #16). Although flat at #12, Cumulus Media’s KLOS “95.5 The Rock of Southern California” drops one-tenth to 2.7 (6+), curtailing at five its successive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a +.4 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” (2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #22 to #20, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 30^th time in succession; March 2018’s 2.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since January 2016 (2.0, as well). The market’s (6+) mainstream CHR share erodes by six-tenths as iHeartMedia’s KIIS “Kiss-FM” is -.2 (4.7 – 4.5, fourth to fifth, 6+), while Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” falters by four-tenths (2.9 – 2.5, #11 to #16, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Down two-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” roars back with a +.9 to 3.2, as the Chicago Cubs flagship rockets from #20 to #13. “The Score” posted a full-share gain in October (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) and improved by six-tenths in January but was a combined -2.8 between October 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 3.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). Format rival – ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” – is trending a very consistent 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 (#23 to #24, 6+). A combined +.8 in March and April (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, #18 to #15, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a collective -.7 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Up by eight-tenths in January and February (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM is a collective -.4 in March and April (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+), dropping from second to fourth; February’s 5.3 was its finest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 5.4. After January’s one-half share gain to 3.3 (6+) – its best 6+-stat since May 2017 (3.3, as well) – Tribune Media news/talk WGN is a collective -1.3 in three successive decreases (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.0, flat at #21, 6+). Prior to January, WGN notched a 2.8 (6+) in four of the previous seven sweeps. It remains two-tenths ahead of Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM, which dips by two-tenths to 1.8 (unchanged at #22). WLS-AM had registered seven straight up or flat ratings periods and was +.7 in that stretch (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – In its fourth straight up or flat trend (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6, steady at #5, 6+), Hubbard’s WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” is a combined +2.1. Remaining on a roll as well, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO is +1.7 in four increases in a row (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+) with “Que Buena 105.1” leaping from fifth to second. Prior to March, “Que Buena” had been within 3.3 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. Steady at 6.1 (6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is on top for the fourth month in succession; WVAZ ranked first from February 2017 through September. Segueing from fourth to seventh, Entercom’s WBMX “104.3 Jams” forfeits twice as much as its March half-share gain (4.5 – 3.5, -1.0, 6+). Following a combined +3.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (2.4 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+), “104.3 Jams” was -1.4 in January and February (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+). A one-half share loss (3.1 – 2.6, 6+) sinks Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE The Best Variety” from #11 to #19. Approximately one-third into the March ratings period, classic rock WLUP “The Loop” transitioned to contemporary Christian WCKL “Positive, Encouraging K-Love.” It eroded by -1.9 in that sweep (3.2 – 1.3, #11 to #26, 6+). Until the sale is finalized, Educational Media Foundation is operating the Merlin Media-owned station, which disappears from print in April. Gone as well this sweep is Window to the World classical WFMT, which had been trending 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 (6+) since “Holiday” 2017.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – Busting out from a (6+) trending of 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 with a gain of nine-tenths to 3.8 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” vaults back into the top ten (#11 to #5). Meanwhile, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (key station of the Oakland A’s) is without a loss for the eighth time in a row, more than doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat in that timeframe (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3, #17 to #16, 6+). While #1 for the fourth time in succession, KQED surrenders one-half share to 8.4 (6+). The Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talker was a combined +1.3 via three straight positive spikes (7.6 – 8.1 – 8.8 – 8.9, 6+). It had been on top 12 consecutive times before “Holiday” 2017. A gain of four-tenths in July halted at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). KQED added one-half share in August (7.1 – 7.6, 6+); relinquished 60% of that increase in September (7.3, -.3, 6+); and was +1.3 in November (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). After gaining six-tenths in January (5.6 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM is down for the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+) but carries on in the runner-up slot. Up eight-tenths in October, KCBS-AM was a combined -1.2 via three straight drops in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.6, 6+). October’s 6.8 was its strongest 6+-performance since February 2017 (6.8, as well). In five straight decreases, KSFO was a combined -1.3 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, #15 to #17, 6+), but the Cumulus Media news/talker gains two-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and is tied with KGMZ at #16. The aforementioned negative streak by KSFO followed four straight gains that doubled (+1.7) its 6+ stat (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+). News/talk sibling KGO is trending 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+) and remains at #20.

San Francisco Music Formats – Steady at number four, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” is up nine-tenths via three increases in a row (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+). Conversely, owing to its third consecutive loss, hot AC sibling KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” is -1.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), slipping from eighth to ninth. Similarly-formatted/Entercom-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is -.6 in three straight (modest) declines (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+) and remains in seventh-place. After picking up seven-tenths in four straight upticks (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+), its CHR cluster-mate KMVQ “99.7 Now – New Hit Music” falters by four-tenths to 3.4 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Without increases for the fourth time in a row are Alpha Media classic hits-oldies and hot AC siblings KBAY “94.5 Bay FM The Bay’s Greatest Hits” (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, #23, 6+) and KEZR “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, #24, 6+); “Bay FM” is -.6 in that stretch while “Mix” is -.2.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Five straight negative trends by Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), but the Texas Rangers flagship dials up a +.5 to 2.4 (#22 to #18, 6+). After dropping three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.5 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” adds four-tenths to 3.3 (#14 to #12, 6+). “The Ticket” was stuck on 3.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017 and registered a +.5 in January. A collective -.7 in five consecutive downward moves (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is up one-tenth in consecutive monthlies (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1, #31 to #32, 6+). While flat at 2.6 (6+), Entercom news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM slips from #15 to #17. Its -.2 in March ended at seven a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0. In the news/talk arena, North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA, which was 2.4 (6+) in February and March, drops one-tenth to 2.3 and departs the top twenty (#17 to #21); Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” regains half the four-tenths it lost in March (2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #21 to #22, 6+); Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is up one-tenth to 1.0 (flat at #33, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” gains one-tenth as well (.5 – .6, unchanged at #35, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – In four straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5, fifth to third, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KSCS “96.3 New Country” is a +.6 and it overtakes co-owned/similarly-programmed KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (fourth to fifth), which continues a down/up pattern (4.8 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to March’s +.6 (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is #1 for the fourth straight month. When “Kiss” reached #1 in January, it was the first time the mainstream CHR held the lead position since March 2017. Improving by one-half share each are co-owned adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1 – More Music, More Variety” (#15 to #14, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KDXX “Latino Mix” (2.3 – 2.8, #19 to #16, 6+). In three straight monthlies without a loss, “Star” is up six-tenths (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), while this is the best 6+-showing for “Latino Mix” since 3.0 in November. Following three up-trends in a row that netted nine-tenths (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Positive Hits” returns seven-tenths of that increase (1.2, #31, 6+). Down an overall seven-tenths in January and February (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” recorded a one-half share increase in March but sputters by six-tenths in April (3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #15, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (5.0 – 4.4, third to fourth, 6+) and adult hits sibling KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (4.2 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (5.0 – 4.4, third to fourth, 6+) and adult hits sibling KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (4.2 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). After being frozen on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” (ninth to seventh) records a 3.9 (6+) for the third time in a row.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – After recording a .7 (6+) in each of the last four ratings periods, iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” – the flagship of the defending World Series champion Houston Astros – nearly doubles it to 1.3 (+.6, #26 to #22, 6+). Elsewhere in the market’s sports talk format, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” returns the one-tenth it gained in March (.9 – .8 – .9 – .8, #23 to #26, 6+) and Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” adds two-tenths (.5 – .7, #28 to #27, 6+). Finishing back-to-back at #15 and #16, respectively, are University of Houston news/talk KUHF (4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #10 in March, 6+), which surrenders in its entirety March’s +.4 and iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” (3.4 – 3.3, -.1, 6+). Both KUHF and KTRH improved by six-tenths in January. In advance of its January +.6, KTRH was without an increase in the previous four monthlies for an overall -1.4 (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Having finished first in four successive sweeps, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” shifted to second in March. It answers March’s -1.1 with an April +.8 though and returns to the top spot (7.3 – 6.2 – 8.0, 6+), where it is tied with Radio One’s KMJQ (6.8 – 7.0, +.2, repeats at #1, 6+). “Sunny,” which finished second in October and November, was -5.4 in January but gained two-tenths in February. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. Immediately prior to September’s -.8, KODA was a collective +1.7 via four straight up or flat monthlies (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+). Urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” was stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, dropping to 6.8 (6+) in March. As the result of three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), KSBJ Educational Foundation’s KSBJ erodes by a cumulative -1.5 as “89.3 Contemporary Christian Music – God Listens” exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Within 3.1 – 3.5 range in each of the last seven sweeps (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” falters by six-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #17, 6+). More major ups/downs for Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot,” which was +1.0 in January; -.9 in February; +.8 in March; and now -.5 in April (4.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). January’s 5.1 was the best 6+-showing for “The Spot” since last June and July (5.1, as well). In five straight sweeps without a loss (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTBZ was +1.7 but “94.5 The Buzz – Houston’s Rock and Alternative” slips by three-tenths to 5.2 (6+) and carries on in fourth-place.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Stabilizing itself in March with a 2.6 (6+) after February’s -1.1, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” trots out a +.7 in April to 3.3 (#17 to #14, 6+). In advance of February’s loss, “The Game” was a combined +.7 in three straight gains (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). As the result of six successive sweeps without a decrease (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is +.6; the flagship of the Atlanta Braves enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). Notwithstanding it is #1 for the 29^th successive ratings period, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is -2.5 in three consecutive negative moves (10.2 – 9.4 – 8.4 – 7.7, 6+); it was +1.6 in January. WSB-AM notched three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+) but then was a combined -1.6 in three consecutive drops (10.2 – 10.0 – 9.1 – 8.6, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). January 2017’s 10.7 represents its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Steady at #19, Cumulus Media news/talk WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” is up two-tenths to 2.0 (6+), after recording a 1.8 (6+) three straight times. With a December 2017 – April 2018 topline of 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 (6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE remains at #8. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS, which had been +.3 in three consecutive up or flat moves (.7 – .7 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), is off by an overall four-tenths in March and April (1.0 – .7 – .6, #26 to #29, 6+). At #31 and #33, respectively, are iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.1 – .2, +.1, 6+) and Salem Media Group’s WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (flat at .1, 6+).  

Atlanta Music Formats –  Five upticks or flat moves in succession by Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” have netted two full-shares (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.9, steady at #4, 6+). Similarly, Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” is +.5 in five straight positive or flat trends (4.1    – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), progressing from ninth to seventh. The market’s (6+) country share increases by three-tenths as iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (+.1 in April) registers its fourth increase in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5” (+.2 in April) is up seven-tenths in four successive up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 (#13 to #12, 6+). This is the fourth negative move in a row for Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 Fish” (8.5 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.2, sixth to eighth, 6+), which is -4.3 (roughly -50%) in that stretch. “The Fish” was a combined +2.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.6 – 7.2 – 8.5, 6+) but now has its lowest 6+ share (4.2) since July 2017’s 3.9. A November decrease of one-tenth pulled the plug at four its string of successive trends without a loss that netted a +1.8 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). As the result of three downward trends in succession (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.5, #16 to #17, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 Today’s Hits” is a cumulative -1.4. In three straight positive spikes, Radio One urban AC WAMJ was an overall +1.2 (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), but “Majic” drops three-tenths to 5.1 and is unchanged at #5. Prior to March, WAMJ was within 4.1 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the previous 17 sweeps. In addition to being up nine-tenths in three consecutive up or flat moves (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.7, third to second, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” has its best 6+-showing (6.7) since “Holiday” 2016 (6.7, as well). In four straight down or flat trends, iHeartMedia alternative WRDA “Alt 105.7” is off by one-half share (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5, #22, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Another MLB flagship turning in a strong April performance is Entercom sports talk WIP (Phillies), which picks itself up from March’s massive -2.9 with a +1.1 (8.7 – 5.8 – 6.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Huge shifts have been common lately for WIP, including an overall -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (8.0 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+); a +2.6 in January 2018; and -.8 in February. Its format rival –  Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – adds three-tenths to 2.8 (#17 to #14, 6+); “The Fanatic” was +.9 in January. On the heels of posting a +.9 in March (5.1 – 6.0, 6+) for its strongest 6+-showing in three years (6.1, March 2015), Entercom all-news KYW surrenders one full-share in April (5.0, fourth to seventh, 6+). KYW improved by one full-share in January and then dropped one-tenth in February. Steady at #9, public news/talk WHYY adds two-tenths to March’s +.3 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+). WHYY chalked up a +1.0 in January and was -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Locked on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and then on 1.9 (6+) in February and March, Entercom news talk WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” drops to 1.5 (#19 to #23, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which had been a collective +.6 in six straight up or flat Philadelphia sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), is off two-tenths to 1.6 (6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – By posting an increase of six-tenths (2.8 – 3.4, #15 to #12 6+), Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 BEN-FM” has its best 6+-showing since October 2016 (3.4, as well). The January 2018 – April 2018 6+-topline for WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is a very consistent 8.3 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.3 (6+) as the Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary repeats at #1. WBEB was -8.7 in January, but in five straight increases before that, “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was a collective +10.3 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 12.8 – 17.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Steady at #2, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” is a combined +1.7 in three upticks in succession (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0, 6+); this (7.0) is its best 6+-stat since September’s 7.4. Registering its fourth straight improvement for an overall +1.3 (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom-owned WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” carries on in eighth-place. In seven straight up or flat trends, Connoisseur Media hot AC WPST “94.5 PST” has gained one-half share (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 -1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, #24, 6+). Deflating by one-half share each are iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” (2.7, #13 to #15, 6+) and Radio One urban AC WRNB “100.3 R N B” (3.1 – 2.6, #14 to #16, 6+). “Real” was +.8 in three straight increases (2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at 2.9 in March (6+), following February’s -1.1, Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio” hauls out a +1.1 in April (2.9 – 4.0, 6+) as the New York Yankees’ flagship is back in Long Island’s top ten (#14 to #7). Meanwhile, the key station of the New York Mets – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” – notches a +.6 (2.5 – 3.1, #16 to #13). WOR was an overall +.8 in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), before returning three-tenths in March. Albeit down one-tenth (3.0 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM overtakes co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS (3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #15, 6+). WCBS-AM gained two-tenths in January, curtailing four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). In March, it recaptured the four-tenths it dropped in February. Without an increase in Long Island for six successive survey periods for a -1.3 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), WINS was +.4 in March. In addition to posting its fourth consecutive positive spike for an overall +.9 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), Emmis-owned WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” cracks the top twenty (#24 to #19). Down one-tenth to 1.4 (yet moving from #26 to #25, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has its consecutive streak of Long Island up or flat trends that yielded a +.4 end at three (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+). Trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 (6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM drops from #22 to #24.

Long Island Music Formats – A gain of six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, eighth to fourth, 6+) enables Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” to have its best 6+-stat (4.4) since last June (4.4, as well). Also improving by six-tenths is Sacred Heart University’s WSHU “NPR News and Classical Music” (.6 – 1.2, #27, 6+). Even though its 6+-share has been pared in excess of 50% (-6.5) in four straight sweeps without an increase (12.6 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” is nonetheless #1 for the seventh consecutive time. “Real Variety” was an overall +7.2 in October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017 (5.4 – 6.7 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+). Off by nine-tenths in October, WALK-FM was on top between June and September. After three consecutive increases that generated a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), it dropped one-tenth in July; rebounded with a +.7 in August; but surrendered six-tenths in September. In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” falters by six-tenths (4.6 – 4.0 – 3.4, sixth to tenth, 6+). Via three consecutive increases (2.3 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 4.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY was +2.0, but “Long Island’s K-98.3” dips by one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), slipping from fifth to sixth. Within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 42^nd consecutive ratings period, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is off by one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5, #15 to #16, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Down by a cumulative six-tenths in February and March (1.3 – .9 – .7, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR regains half that loss to 1.0 (+.3, #15 to #13, 6+). Prior to February, KVCR was +.4 via three minor upticks in a row (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+). With a very consistent Inland Empire November 2017 – April 2018 topline of .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 (6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” moves from #17 to #18. It is part of a five-way logjam there with iHeartMedia’s KUBE “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM – Riverside’s Sports Station” (.1 – .3, +.2, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – An overall +1.2 as the result of three upticks in a row (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom country outlet KFRG “K-Frog” continues in the runner-up slot. After dipping by one-half share in March (5.2 – 4.7, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” answers with a +.6 to 5.3 (fourth to third, 6+). Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL-FM registers a one-half share increase (2.1 – 2.6, 6+) as “96.7 Rocking’ The Empire” rises from tenth to eighth. After racking up a cumulative +2.9 in January and February (5.5 – 7.3 – 8.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies cluster-mate KOLA falters by -1.7 in March and April to 6.7 (6+) but is #1 for the fourth month in succession. January’s +1.8 pulled the plug on three straight decreases that accounted for a -2.0 (7.5 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). Prior to January, KOLA last occupied the #1 slot in January 2016 with a 6.9 (6+). This is the fifth sweep in succession without an increase for Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, third to fourth, 6+). Returning roughly half of March’s +.9, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” (3.0 – 2.5, -.5, 6+) shifts from seventh to tenth; its 3.0 in March was its best 6+-performance since 4.2 in August 2017. Flat at #11, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLRD shows a decrease of one-half share as well to 1.5 (6+); “Air 1 Positive Hits” was trending 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 (6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – After trending 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 (6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR trots out a +1.6 – the highest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here. Moreover, “The Sports Leader” (3.0 – 4.6, 6+) catapults from #12 to #4 and the San Francisco Giants flagship reaches the four-share level in San Jose (6+) for the first time since May 2017’s 4.2. Simulcast partner/co-owned KTCT is flat at .5 (unchanged at #31, 6+). Stuck on 1.0 (6+) in December, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” gained two-tenths in February but the key station of the Oakland A’s drops one-tenth in March and April (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, flat at #29, 6+). Floundering by -.8 in February and then leveling off in March, Entercom all-news KCBS-AM advances by one-half share in April (5.8 – 6.3, 6+) and finishes second for the fourth time in a row. Nearly two full-shares ahead of it is Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED, which is #1 for the fourth straight month although down in April by six-tenths (8.8 – 8.2, 6+). When KQED lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it shifted to #2, following five straight sweeps on top; it was +1.0 in January. A loss of one-tenth in December halted three consecutive gains that produced an overall +1.3 (6.9 – 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+). Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and it stayed on top through April 2017. A combined +.7 in January and February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO is -1.0 in March and April (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, also an overall +.7 in January and February (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), gains one-tenth (1.9 – 2.0, 6+) to progress from #23 to #18.

San Jose Music Formats – Not only does Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM record a +1.0 to 4.2 (6+), applying the brakes to three downward trends in a row that accounted for a roughly 58% loss (-4.4) of its 6+-share (7.6 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), “96.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). A gain of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.5, 6+) takes Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” from eighth to fifth. Regional Mexican sibling KSOL “Que Buena” erases March’s -.5 with an April +.6 (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.9, #18 to #14, 6+). Up by six-tenths as well is Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now New Hit Music” (3.6, flat at #12, 6+), which was -1.2 in five straight monthlies without an increase (4.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). A combined +2.6 in six successive up or flat sweeps (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), co-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox, The South Bay’s Classic Rock” segues from second to third. Returning all of its March +.6 (and one-tenth more), hot AC cluster-mate KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” departs the top twenty (2.6 – 1.9, -.7, #17 to #21, 6+); March’s 2.6 was its strongest 6+-share in San Jose since May 2017 (2.6, as well). Meanwhile, its hot AC rival, Alpha Media-owned KEZR, is a cumulative -1.1 in four straight decreases (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, fifth to ninth, 6+). As a result of dropping six-tenths to 2.7 (6+), Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF not only exits the top ten (#10 to #15), “Hot” halts at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.2 (2.1- 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Four successive losses by WFAN accounted for a -1.9 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), but the Entercom sports talk facility and New York Yankees flagship is an overall +.8 in March and April (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.1, steady at #9, 6+). Immediately prior to the -1.9, WFAN was +1.4 via three straight increases (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Its format competitor – WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” – is trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 (#23 to #21, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk (and New York Mets flagship) WOR progresses from #20 to #18. Despite a -.8 (8.1 – 7.3, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. “New Jersey 101.5” posted a +.9 in January to advance from second to first with its strongest 6+-stat since April 2016’s 8.5. WKXW held the lead position from January 2017 through November 2017. The four latest (6+) trends for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC are 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 (flat at #24); WABC was +.4 in January. Following three consecutive downward moves for a loss of six-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM answered with a +.7 in March – only to drop nine-tenths in April (2.9 – 2.0, 6+), freefalling from the top twenty (#14 to #21). Similarly-programmed sibling WINS is flat at 1.1 (#26 to #25, 6+). Even though it is down one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM advances from #17 to #16. In three straight improvements (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), the public news/talker was a cumulative +1.2 but was -.8 in March.

Middlesex Music Formats – Boasting a seven-tenths increase (4.1 – 4.8, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. A gain of one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, #14 to #12, 6+) enables Entercom-owned WBMP “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” to register its best 6+-share since June 2017 when it was a mainstream CHR (“Amp”). Although unchanged at #20, Cumulus Media hot AC WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” improves by two-tenths to 2.1 (6+), thus halting five straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -1.2 (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 1.9, 6+). With the loftiest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here (5.6 – 4.2, -1.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” drifts from third to seventh. An overall +1.5 in five successive up or flat moves in Middlesex-Somerset-Union (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” forfeits six-tenths to 4.9 (6+) yet actually climbs from fifth to fourth. After trending 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 (6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9” regresses by one-half share to 2.9 (6+) and spirals from the top ten (#9 to #15).