Talk Radio/Media Industry News
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Hannity Named to TIME Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential.’ Talk radio and talk television superstar Sean Hannity is named to TIME Magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People of 2018.” The annual list highlights “pioneers,
leaders, titans, artists and icons with insights from peers and contemporaries detailing the honoree’s impact” and the Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel personality is listed in the “leaders” section. Each list-maker’s entry is written by a fellow celebrity or newsmaker. Hannity’s entry is written by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who says: “Sean Hannity has a remarkable impact between three hours of radio and an hour of TV every day. His fans listen to him and learn from him. One of his biggest fans is President Donald Trump, who routinely watches the TV show and talks with Sean as a fellow New Yorker. Hannity played a major role in helping Trump get the nomination and win the general election. Sean is both a principled conservative and a ferocious opponent of the left and the deep state. He has made and is making a difference.” See the whole list here.
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New York Media on a ‘Mike Francesa Watch.’That New York sports talk icon Mike Francesa misses being on the radio talking sports is no secret – he’s said as much publicly. But is he, as the New York Post puts it, “desperate?”
The Post’s Andrew Marchand writes that Francesa is “desperately” trying to get back on the New York airwaves four months after retiring from the afternoon drive gig at Entercom’s WFAN-AM/FM “The Fan.” Marchand reports that sources indicate he’s talked with ESPN about a gig on WEPN and iHeartMedia about a sports talk show on WOR. When asked by Marchand about a return to WFAN, he replied, “I’m not answering questions about any specific stations.” See the Post piece here.
Freund Joins PodcastOne as Co-COO. Digital media and sales pro Billy Freund (left) is joining PodcastOne as co-chief operating officer, based in Beverly Hills. Freund will work with fellow COO, East Coast-based Greg
Batusic. In making the announcement, PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz (right) says, “Billy – his actual legal name – and I worked together at Westwood One for several years. He understands the space, and his background – not only in sales but also technology, operations and affiliations – will provide us with even more unique and valuable input to power the growth of the company.” Freund’s experience includes time spent with Chancellor Media and the Katz Media Group, Westwood One/Metro Networks, and his work co-founding Triton Digital Media. He later served with Clip Interactive. Freund comments, “I am very excited to join the PodcastOne team, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Norman Pattiz, Kit Gray, and Greg Batusic to continue the company’s explosive growth across its 250 exclusive podcast programs and highly effective, non-cluttered advertising environment in more than 2.9 billion annual user sessions.”
Boxer Mother-Daughter ‘Power Duo’ Guest This Week on Harrison Podcast. The mother-daughter team of former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and award-winning documentary filmmaker Nicole Boxer are this week’s guests on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The mother, Barbara Boxer, recently retired from 40 years as a California elected official, beginning as a member and eventually the first female president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She then served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1983 and 1993, at which point she was elected to the United States Senate where she served from 1993 to last year, 2017. Although “retired” from elective politics, she remains quite engaged in work as both a political activist and a media practitioner. She says, “We are in a moment of life or death for our
great country right now, and I can’t just sit back.” Her daughter, Nicole Boxer, is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her work in the film industry includes narrative, feature films, documentary films, documentary series television, and reality television. Together these dynamic women have teamed up to co-host a new, weekly podcast titled, “Fight Back,” produced and distributed by PodcastOne. In it, they invite experts to discuss today’s most pressing matters – from civil rights to women’s rights, healthcare, the environment and foreign policy. The mother shares real-time reactions to the week in government, while the daughter puts active candidates in the hot seat with her award-winning interview style. Harrison engages the Boxers in a fascinating conversation about the state of American politics and media in the second decade of the 21st century looking forward. Not to be missed. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on “The Michael Harrison Interview” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated radio talk show “Phil’s Gang” featuring host Phil Grande – is added to the program schedule at KCAA, Loma
Linda, California. Program executive producer Thomas Biggs Sr. says, “Over two decades now, radio listeners consistently turn to Phil Grande and his ‘Phil’s Gang’ show for the most up-to-date market business news and what Wall Street will not tell you. We are always looking to partner with the strongest programming affiliates and we are excited to be teaming up with KCAA Radio.”…..The news division of Westwood One is being honored with the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi award from The Society of Professional Journalists for its breaking news coverage of the Las Vegas
concert shooting last October 1. The “Radio Breaking News Reporting Award” recognizes “resourceful and complete coverage of a major breaking news event, emphasizing both deadline reporting and continuing coverage as the story develops over succeeding days.” Westwood One News says that its winning entry “represents the scope and scale of Westwood One News coverage, including on-scene reporting by lead correspondent Jim 
Roope and contributions from the entire Westwood One News staff.”…..The Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Association is honoring Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington with nine awards – including five first place finishes. WTOP was recognized for Best Website and Best On-Air Newscast. WTOP director of news and programming Mike McMearty says, “We are proud of the work our team does as a whole to provide relevant news coverage, in a timely and creative fashion. We all share in these awards and consider our successes as a team, a testament to the work we do each day in an effort to serve our community.”…..ABC News names Amy Robach the new, permanent co-anchor for its “20/20” news magazine program. She’ll work alongside current anchor David Muir…..SiriusXM is providing coverage of this week’s 2018 NFL Draft. In addition to broadcasting round-by-round coverage of the draft itself, SiriusXM will present four days of special programming, live from Arlington, Texas featuring the on-site broadcast team of: Gil Brandt, Pat Kirwan, Jim Miller, Phil Savage, Mark Dominik, Jason Horowitz, and Alex Marvez.
Radio News Pro Reid Collins Dies. Radio news pro Reid Collins has died at age 88. Collins spent 20 years of his career with CBS Radio Network – a stint that saw him serve as anchor for the network’s flagship news program, “CBS World News Roundup.” Prior to his time with CBS, he worked at such signals as WHAM, Rochester and WNEW-AM, New York. After leaving CBS, he served with CNN.
Trump-Russia Investigation, Deadly Toronto Van Attack, Trump-Macron Meeting, Iran Nuclear Deal, Waffle House Killer Apprehended, Pompeo Nomination, Kanye West’s Trump Support, and MLB and NBA Playoff Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/23). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the van attack in Toronto that took the lives of 10; the meeting in Washington between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte and President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania; President Trump’s threat to exit the nuclear deal with Iran; alleged Waffle House shooter Travis Reinking is apprehended; the confirmation process for Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo; the controversy over Kanye West’s professed love of President Trump; and Major League Baseball and NBA playoffs action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley Named TALKERS Woman of the Year. The TALKERS editorial board has announced this morning (4/20) that Caroline Beasley has been named the 2018 recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. The award (officially titled “The Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Radio Industry by a Woman”) will be presented to Beasley at the forthcoming national talk media industry
convention TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! in New York City on Friday, June 8 during her morning fireside chat with Michael Harrison. Caroline Beasley was appointed chief executive officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. on January 1, 2017, previously serving as interim chief executive officer from March 18, 2016 until December 31, 2016 and as executive vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary beginning in 1994. Beasley has served as a director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since she joined the company in 1983. Over her tenure prior to 1994, she was employed in various positions, including business manager, assistant controller and corporate controller. She also serves as the joint board chair of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) board of directors and is a past chair of the NAB radio board. In addition, she is of the BMI board of directors and the Broadcasters Foundation of America board of directors. Beasley received the 2016 “Distinguished Service Award” from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and was the 2012 recipient of the “Frances Preston Trailblazer Award” from the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW), a 
national organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of women to senior positions in the radio industry. Harrison states, “Caroline Beasley is an extraordinarily bright rising star among the captains of industry in the radio business and one of the most influential executives operating with a realistic vision of what this medium can do and where it is heading. She was born and raised in a great media family and has had a bird’s-eye view of all the changes this business has gone through since her legendary dad started it as a small family enterprise. Radio is in her DNA.” Recipients of the prestigious award include: Mary Berner, Ginny Morris, Julie Talbott, Robin Quivers, Robin Bertolucci, Heather Cohen, Grace Blazer, Laurie Cantillo, Stephanie Miller, Randi Rhodes, Laura Ingraham, Kim Komando, Adriane Gaines, Lynn Distler, Lisa Evers, Gloria Allred, and more going all the way back to 2000 when it was originally presented posthumously to pioneering talk show host, Judy Jarvis. For information about TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The Los Angeles-based “The Woody Show” returns to the San Francisco market after a four-year absence. But this addition to the program’s roster is not an iHeartMedia station, it’s Cumulus’ KFOG. Beginning April 30, Premiere Networks’ “The Woody Show” with Woody, Ravey, Greg, Menace, and
Sebas will be heard on KFOG and KFFG, Los Altos (San Jose market) from 5:00 am to 10:00 am. KFOG program director Matt Bates says, “The opportunity to align KFOG with such unique and compelling talent doesn’t come along often. We recognized this and locked them in. As a fan of ‘The Woody Show,’ it’s remarkable that it’s taken this long for them to have a major platform from which they can take back the Bay. ‘The Woody Show’ represents that bright and entertaining spot in our morning routine. YOU KNOW!”…..iHeartMedia is rewarding KISQ, San 
Francisco “The Breeze” morning personality Jack Kulp for his success as co-host of “The Morning Breeze” with Carolyn McArdle with a contract extension. At the same time, the company happily boasts the two-year-old adult contemporary station is “the #1 music station in total audience share (6+) — up from # 17 when it was a rhythmic oldies station.” iHeartMedia SVP of programming for the San Francisco region Don Parker says, “Launching ‘The Breeze’ was a game-changer for KISQ. The station’s steady growth pattern to # 1 station in the market, surpassing such an iconic brand as heritage KOIT, is a direct result of the right mixture of programming and talent that resonates well with the Bay Area community. Ricci Filiar, the station’s program director, has really done a fantastic job establishing ‘The Breeze’ as one of the Bay’s premiere radio stations. We are also thrilled to extend our relationship with talent like Jack who joined the station at launch and continues to build a strong relationship with our listeners.”…..Cumulus Media promotes Adam “Kash” Kashner to assistant program director for country WFMS, Indianapolis. Kash retains his roles as on-air host, weekends/fill-ins on WFMS and on sister classic hits WJJK. Cumulus Indy VP and market manager Tom Stemlar says, “Adam is an essential piece of our programming, sales and marketing organizations and I couldn’t be more excited that he’s decided to
continue his career at Cumulus Indianapolis as APD of WFMS.”…..iHeartMedia elevates media management and sales pro Aaron Hyland to market president for the company’s Baltimore market, including country WPOC, CHR WZFT, adult hits WQSR, and Gospel WCAO-AM. Hyland will also continue to oversee sales for the Washington, D.C. region as regional senior vice president.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Possible Deal Brewing in St. Louis Involving KTRS and KFNS. As reported in the St. Louis Post- Dispatch, (mostly) sports talk KFNS owner Randy Markel is ready to sell KFNS and he’s in talks with crosstown news/talk KTRS owner CH Holdings. Dan Caesar’s piece reports that this is in the early
stages as the full CH Holdings board has not yet been presented with details of a deal and Markel says he’s had talks with others about acquiring KFNS. Markel told the paper he’s spent about $3 million to resuscitate KFNS after buying it out of bankruptcy. An interesting twist to the story is that a number of former KTRS staffers – including former afternoon personality Frank O. Pinion – now work at KFNS and a reunion of them with KTRS management might be less than smooth. For now though, KFNS is on the block and only time will tell if there’s a serious buyer for the signal.
Laura Ingraham in Legal Battle Over Fired Former Assistant. The suit against Courtside Entertainment nationally syndicated radio host and FOX News Channel personality Laura Ingraham was filed in Washington, DC
Superior Court by former Ingraham assistant Karolina Wilson and claims that Ingraham and her company violated anti-discrimination laws and DC’s Family and Medical Leave Act. The suit alleges that Wilson worked for Ingraham with “proficiency” for 16 months prior to becoming pregnant. After notifying Ingraham over her condition, Wilson says Ingraham’s attitude toward her changed with Ingraham becoming “distant and angry with her work performance.” The two sides also allegedly argued over proper maternity leave time after Wilson’s child was born. Upon returning to work, Wilson was fired from her position. In a response to the Washington Post, about the suit, Ingraham’s attorney denies the allegations and in response to the suit, rejects Wilson’s contention that her work prior to becoming pregnant was “extremely efficient.” The two sides are expected in court for a hearing on May 11.
Daria Dolan Expresses Gratitude and Optimism to the Radio Industry. As reported in TALKERS (4/18), pioneering financial talk show host Ken Dolan of the legendary husband-wife team “The Dolans” passed away last Tuesday (4/17) after a long battle with lymphoma. Readers wanting to reach out to his media partner and wife of 46 years, Daria Dolan, were advised that they could do so through longtime family friend Michael Harrison via email at
michael@talkers.com. According to Harrison, “The huge amount of heartfelt emails and phone calls from all ends of the industry expressing love and support for Daria has been truly wonderful. However, I’m not at all surprised by the stunning outpouring of love and emotion. The Dolans are a truly special part of radio’s golden history.” Daria Dolan has written the following note of gratitude to the radio industry: When Michael Harrison asked to do a tribute to Ken I was touched and thrilled. Ken Dolan lived and breathed radio and was so good at it. I was just fortunate to be along for the ride. I often characterized myself as the guy at the end of the parade with the can, shovel and broom. But the response of so many of you surpasses touched and thrilled. Too many people these days say radio is dead or simply on its last legs. Nothing could be further from the truth. From the on-air personalities to the support staff in the booths and the copy editors and traffic managers in the ad departments, your overwhelming reaching out to me confirms my belief that no industry with heart that beats as strongly as I have seen and heard in emails and phone calls could possibly be dying. Your heartfelt responses show me an industry that has plenty of life left. Radio may certainly be evolving but it is NOT dying. So please keep the wonderful spark you all have alive and continue to give it your all every day. It’s true that part of my heart has gone to another place, but the other piece is here with all of you in solidarity. It will remain so until I join Ken again. Thank you so much for caring about my Ken and saving some of the concern for me as well.
– Daria Dolan
McMahon: Why Radio (and TV) Newscasts Sound the Same. Consultant Bill McMahon writes today about the “sameness” of radio (and television) news reporting. Using the case of the media coverage of the execution of convicted murderer Cal Brown as his case study, McMahon illustrates how numerous news outlets can send crews to the same news event and the resulting reporting is pretty much the same. Read McMahon’s piece here.
TALKERS News Notes. At Saga Communications’ Ithaca, New York news/talk WHCU, the station goes from a local morning show to the Compass
Media-syndicated “This Morning with Gordon Deal” program. Lee Rayburn has been the morning drive host at the station for the past six years and announced his departure via Facebook in which he says that the morning show position at the station has been eliminated…..New England Sports Network studio host and 
anchor Marc James is doing some fill-in work at Entercom’s sports talker WEEI-FM, Boston. James sat in over the weekend with Trenni Kusnierek and John Tomase on the “Trenni & Tomase” show. Tomorrow (4/24), he’ll be a cast member on the afternoon drive on the “Dale & Keefe” show with Dale Arnold and Rich Keefe. James previously hosted on sports talk outlets WFNC, Charlotte and WZGC-FM, Atlanta…..Monticello Media names Ralph Salierno vice president and general manager of the company’s Charlottesville, 
Virginia cluster that includes news/talk WCHV and four music-formatted stations. Salierno was most recently serving with Alpha Media as market manager for the company’s Fredericksburg, Virginia cluster…..Yesterday (4/22) was the debut of the
venerable “CBS Sunday Morning” television program on the radio. CBS News Radio began making the audio of the 9:00 am ET television news magazine available to radio affiliates. CBS News Radio says that in addition to the Jane Pauley-hosted show being available to radio stations, it is also being made available as a podcast at Radio.com…..The FOX Sports Radio lineup is getting cleared in the Chicago market as DuPage Radio’s suburban simulcast of WCKG-AM, Elmhurst and translator W272DQ at 102.3 FM turn into a sports talker featuring Clay Travis, Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, and Rich Eisen. The station plans to add a local afternoon show to the station soon.
Trump -Russia Investigation, Iran Nuclear Deal, North Korea Nuclear Program, Waffle House Shooter, Bloomberg Climate Accord Payment, Barbara Bush Tribute, Macron’s U.S. Visit, Romney Senate Bid, MLB and NBA Playoffs Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, the Trump administration’s threat to leave the Iran nuclear deal; North Korea’s overtures to the U.S. and whether it really would end its nuclear weapons program; a man shoots four dead at a Nashville Waffle House; UN special envoy for climate change Michael Bloomberg pledges to write a $4.5 million check to cover the U.S.’s financial commitment to the Paris climate accord; former presidents and first ladies pay tribute to the late Barbara Bush; French president Emanuel Macron’s impending visit to the U.S.; Mitt Romney to run in Republican primary for Utah senate seat; and Major League Baseball and NBA playoffs action among top news/talk stories over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Travis Daily is named operations manager and program director for Beasley Media Group’s country WQYK, Tampa. Daily was most recently with iHeartMedia as SVP of programming for the company’s Tampa
and Sarasota stations. Speaking about his new gig, Daily says, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining what I feel is the most exciting media company in America. From the moment I started talking to George Toulas, Justin Chase, DJ Stout and Brian Beasley, I knew this was the team I had to be on. I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to be part of such an awesome 
group in Tampa.”…..The Envision Networks-syndicated “Ashley & Brad” program adds two more affiliate stations to it roster as WAFN-FM, Huntsville “FUN 92.7” and WNXT-FM, Portsmouth, Ohio “MIX 99.3” add the show to their programming lineups…..Buffalo adult standards WECK is adding another FM signal to its simulcast. It’s new FM translator at 100.5 joins WECK-AM’s 1230 AM and fellow translator W275BB at 102.9 FM. Station owner Buddy Shula says the additional translator will give improved FM coverage for Buffalo and its northern suburbs. Shula says, “The response to our full-service, local personality-based adult standards format has been incredible. Adding FM coverage for rapidly growing parts of our metro is important to WECK’s overall growth strategy – and to the service to our communities.”…..Beasley Media Group’s rock WMMR, Philadelphia is celebrating its 50th anniversary of broadcasting in Philadelphia on Sunday (4/29). During this week’s build-up to Sunday’s anniversary, legendary host Pierre Robert– a fixture at the station for all but 13 of its 50 years – will host a daily, 90-minute feature focusing on the five decades of music and Philadelphia events, beginning each day at 12:00 noon. On Saturday (4/28), the station will play the top 50 live performances culled from the “MMaRchives,” featuring hundreds of live performances recorded at the WMMR studios, as well as local venues and the venerable Sigma Sound recording Studio…..iHeartMedia is kicking off the summer with the “2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango By AT&T” hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featuring performances from today’s hottest artists including: Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, NF, Miguel, Janelle Monáe and Marshmello with a special guest performance by Logic, with more to be announced. The “iHeartRadio Wango Tango By AT&T” will be the first concert held at the all-new Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 2…..Los Angeles alternative rock outlet KROQ announces the lineup for this year’s “26th Annual KROQ Weenie Roast.” Acts will include: Blink – 182, Panic! At The Disco, Rise Against, Dirty Heads, Mike Shinoda, Cold War Kids, The War On Drugs, Awolnation, Bishop Briggs, Alice Merton, Manchester Orchestra, James Bay, Nothing But Thieves, and Mt. Joy. The show takes place at the Stub Hub Center on Saturday, May 12.
Friday, April 20, 2018
KFTK-FM, St. Louis Makes Morning and Early Afternoon Changes. St. Louis news/talker KFTK-FM makes changes to its program schedule after the recent departure of morning personality Jamie Allman. Entercom is
operating the station under an LMA as it prepares to close on the purchase of the signal from Emmis. Entercom moves early afternoon personality Marc Cox into the morning show daypart and bumps up part-time talk host Annie Frey into the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot, taking over for Cox. Meanwhile, Allman and KFTK-FM are apparently still in disagreement over exactly how they are ending their relationship. See yesterday’s TALKERS news for more on that. Cox – who has worked in the market as a reporter and anchor at KMOV-TV – has been with KFTK-FM since he took over the early afternoon show from the syndicated Dana Loesch almost two years ago.
Who’s #1 in Boston Sports Talk Mornings? The answer, as Boston Globe journo Chad Finn discovered, is it all depends on exactly how you measure it. After learning about Tweets from both WEEI-FM and WBZ-FM thanking
listeners for making their morning shows – Kirk & Callahan 
and Toucher & Rich, respectively — # 1 with Men 25-54, Finn wondered how both could be true and did a little investigating. As you can see in his piece here, Finn concludes, “WEEI includes the share it gets from listeners based in the Boston DMA (designated market area) who tune into Providence-based WVEI because the signal comes in better in certain areas, such as the South Coast. ‘The Sports Hub’ does not include these numbers when revealing how they fared against each other.”
iHeartMedia Brings Aboard Digital and Social Media Pro Justin Nesci. His title is executive vice president of advanced audio and data revenue. Justin Nesci previously was SVP for digital sales at Fox Network Group where he managed the national digital sales and marketing responsibilities for Fox Broadcasting, Fox Cable and Fox Sports properties. He’s been running his
consulting practice, J/T/N Advisors, and through that venture has helped top media companies, including iHeartMedia, accelerate revenue generation through emerging digital and social media channels. In this role, Nesci will be responsible for developing a variety of data-driven, audio strategies across iHeartMedia’s vast array of platforms. He will help steer SmartAudio, the company’s data infused, cloud-based audio planning and buying platform that allows marketers to bring audience-based buying strategies to iHeartMedia’s robust audio ecosystem.
TALKERS News Notes. WABC, New York talk show host and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa may be an unlikely celebrant of “4/20 Day” – the
unofficial day in which pot smokers honor the herb and campaign for marijuana law reform – but because of the plant’s medicinal value for him as a chronic sufferer of severe intestinal issues, he’s on board this year. The New York Post recently ran a piece on Sliwa’s change in attitude toward marijuana laws. Sliwa is a card-carrying medical pot patient and he tells the Post that he’s going to be at the new dispensary on Fifth Avenue near Bryant Park today with his documentation in hand. Read the piece here…..WXOS, St. Louis “101 ESPN” is presenting the fifth annual “Baseball Camp for Kids 2018” baseball clinic event on Sunday, May 6. Kids 
ages 6-13 will have the opportunity to participate at The Bud Dome. The station’s Kevin Wheeler and Brad Thompson will be there demonstrating and teaching children the fundamentals of baseball…..Westwood One-syndicated Clark Howard is presenting a special, seven-part series that focuses “on bringing listeners back to Clark Smart basics.” The series (starting April 25) will feature ways “consumers can save more and spend less on cars, houses, insurance, investing, travel, credit, and monthly bills.”
Patriots Radio Play-by-Play Legend Gil Santos Dies at 80. Long before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were the most famous names associated with the
New England Patriots, radio play-by-play man Gil Santos was one of the most revered among Pats fans. He died yesterday (4/19) on his birthday at age 80. The cause of death is unknown. For 36 seasons, Santos called the games (mostly with Gino Cappelletti as color analyst). He was enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2013. Santos served as the morning drive sports anchor on WBZ-AM, Boston for 38 years. See the Boston Globe’s obit here.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Comey Book Top News/Talk Stories for Week of April 16-20. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible Trump campaign-Russian agent connections and the related book and media tour by James Comey tied for the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the relationship between Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen and talk media star Sean Hannity. Coming in at #3 was the controversy over possible new sanctions against Russia, followed by the legal battles over California’s sanctuary cities policy and general talk about Mexican border security at #4. The Talkers TenTMis 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.
Deep Dive Conversation with Art Bell (Conducted in 2015) Presented in this Week’s Harrison Podcast. An extensive conversation between Michael Harrison and Art Bell recorded in 2015 is the centerpiece of this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” which pays tribute to the late pioneering talk show host. The rare recording, one of the last long-form interviews granted by Bell, took place
during the launch of his short-lived 2015 return to radio, “Midnight in the Desert.” Harrison and Bell discuss the legendary broadcast figure’s post-“Coast-to-Coast AM” career, his enthusiasm for the new show, as well as his assessment of the state and future of radio. They also discuss some of Bell’s favorite scientific and paranormal topics including astrophysics, quantum entanglement, the power of collective consciousness, time travel and more. According to Harrison, “This relatively recent conversation really sheds light on Art Bell’s intelligence, originality and approach to radio. We are fortunate to have such a treasure in our archives and are pleased to be able to present it again to the world.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on “The Michael Harrison Interview” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. There appears to be a program director position open in Indianapolis as CHR WNOW “Radio NOW 100.9” programmer Buster Satterfield exits, reportedly for a yet-to-be-announced new gig. Satterfield joined the Radio One station just over two years ago. Prior to joining Radio One, Satterfield was East Coast promotions manager for Atlantic Records…..iHeartRadio names Ariana Grande its “Artist of the Week” on the occasion of her first song release since the deadly attack at her concert in Manchester, England on May
22, 2017. The new song, “No Tears Left to Cry,” is the first single from her highly anticipated new album and is available now on iHeartRadio…..Country superstar Carrie Underwood is pictured at right in the studio of the Premiere Networks-syndicated Bobby Bones show yesterday (4/19) as she stopped to discuss her new album, Cry Pretty. She spoke about her 2018 ACM Award performance and win in the Vocal Event of the Year category with Keith Urban, her serious injury while walking her dogs, her husband Mike Fisher’s return to the Nashville Predators, and more…..ACM Vocal Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne are pictured below with nationally syndicated morning personalities Ty, Kelly and Chuck in the NASH Campus studios in Nashville. They stopped by to promote their new album, Port Saint Joe. From left to right are: Ty Bentli, John and TJ Osborne, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks.
Round Four of March PPM Data Released. The fourth of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s March 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’s March 2018 PPM survey period covered March 1 – 28. You can 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.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – After four straight negative moves that produced a -1.3 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” immediately follows with a +1.8 via three upticks in a row (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+) and carries on at #9. The majority of that +1.8 stems from January’s +1.3. A combined +1.0 in January and
February (6.5 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT returns February’s +.3 but continues at #2 (7.2, 6+). It 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+). October 2017’s 7.9 is the highest 6+-share for KUT since 9.0 in November 2016. In the sports talk arena, Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” is flat at 1.7 (6+) and stays at #19, while iHeartMedia’s KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is off one-tenth (.6 – .5, unchanged at #24, 6+).
Austin Music Formats – Trending -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017); +1.7 (January 2018); and -.6 (February), Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” picks up one-tenth in March and is #1 for the third month in a row (6.7 – 8.4 – 6.7 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+). Immediately prior to the “Holiday” 2017 report, “Bob” occupied the lead spot the previous ten (10) sweeps. A November gain of one-half share took KBPA to 8.8, its strongest 6+-stat since 9.1 in March 2017 and 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). Following three improvements in a row that netted eight-tenths (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” returns 75% of it and it and tumbles from fourth to eighth (4.7 (-.6, 6+). Prior to February, the last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was in July 2016 (5.1). Locked on 3.5 (6+) in January and February, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” drops one-half share to 3.0 (#12 to #13, 6+). Regressing by that margin as well is Emmis’ KLBJ-FM (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) with “93.7 The Rock of Austin” dropping out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Tied at #5 are iHeartMedia’s KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (up from #6 in February) and co-owned/similarly formatted KVET-FM “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original” (5.0 – 5.3, +.3, up from #7 in February, 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+) and is now +1.4 via three straight gains (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+); KVET-FM was -.9 in February. Simultaneously, Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE is down 60% (-1.5) as the result of six negative or flat trends in succession (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+) as “Austin’s Country Alternative” departs the top twenty (#20 to #23).
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight decreases by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK accounted for a -1.4 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+), but “106.1 Stay Connected” roars back with three positive spikes in a row for an overall +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 
5.3, eighth to sixth, 6+). Locked on 3.4 (6+) in January and February, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC posts a one-half share increase to 3.9 (#13 to #12, 6+); “99.9 The Fan” was -1.3 in January. Co-owned/similarly formatted WDNC is up or flat for the seventh time in a row for a +.3 (.2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, #20, 6+). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” adds one-tenth (8.7 – 8.8, 6+) and repeats at #2. January 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-share since January 2014’s 9.4. It fell to third-place in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months in the runner-up slot. Flat at 1.0 (6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” remains at #19.
Raleigh Music Formats – Not only does Radio One gospel WNNL replicate February’s gain of seven-tenths (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), “103.9 The Light” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). February’s increase ended three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). A March +.7 by Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX more than wipes out February’s one-half share loss (4.8 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+) as “Kix 102.9 Carolina’s Greatest Hits” jumps from tenth to eighth. “Kix” lost eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, but bounced back in January with a +1.1. Even though it is a combined -1.4 in February and March (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the 10th 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 gains in a row (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Its loss of one-half share in October 2017 halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 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 -1.9 in February and March (9.4 – 8.3 – 7.5, 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+). Four straight up or flat trends by iHeartMedia CHR WDCG – including identical +.7 performances in January and February – yield a +1.7 (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), but “G-105” relinquishes seven-tenths in March to 6.0 (flat at #5, 6+). When WDCG recorded a +.3 in “Holiday” 2017, it ended six monthlies in succession without an increase for an overall -1.9 (6.9 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+); November and December’s 5.0 matched the lowest 6+-share of “G-105” since “Holiday” 2013. Off one-half share (5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 Your Life – Your Music” segues from sixth to ninth. A February +1.1 pulled the plug on three consecutive downward moves that generated a -1.7 (6.0 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+).
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.2 in three straight upticks (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6, 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” advances from tenth to eighth. Regaining the three-tenths it lost in February (3.3 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Metropolitan
Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI continues at #14; WFYI notched a 
+1.1 in January. Following four straight down or flat trends for an overall -1.0 (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Emmis sports talk WFNI “The Fan” is up two-tenths to 2.3 (#16 to #15, 6+), while iHeartMedia sports talk WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” gains one-tenth (1.7 – 1.8, #18 to #17, 6+)
Indianapolis Music Formats – February’s -.6 by iHeartMedia-owned WOLT deleted the collective +.6 it racked up the two previous sweeps (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), but “Alt 103.3 – Indy’s Alternative” rebounds in March with a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), progressing from #13 to a three-way tie at #9. Stymied at 6.2 (6+) in January and February, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” improves by one-half share to 6.7 (fifth to third, 6+). With 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. One-half share behind “Hank” and steady at #6 is Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (5.9 – 6.2, +.3, 6+). 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); and -.5 (February 2018). Mirroring what happened in February, just one-tenth of a share separates Entercom CHR WZPL (7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeating at #1, 6+) and Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” (7.3 – 7.4, +.1, steady at #2, 6+). “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+). Flat or (slightly) down in three successive sweeps for a -.4 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), “99.5 ZPL” erupted with a +1.4 in January and has gained one-tenth in both February and March. In six successive up or flat trends between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017, the Cumulus Media frequency at 93.9 was +2.5, virtually doubling its 6+-stat (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 5.1, 6+). On December 26 (2017), Cumulus Media transitioned urban-rhythmic oldies WRWM “93.9 The Beat” to CHR WYRG “Indianapolis’ Energy 93.9.” The aforementioned streak ended in January 2018 as “Energy” was -2.2 (2.9, #10 to 15, 6+). Flat at 2.9 (6+) in February, “Energy” short-circuits by -.9 in March to 2.0 (#15 to #16, 6+). At the same time, Radio One CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now,” a combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), relinquishes roughly one-third of that increase (4.7, -.7, eighth to ninth, 6+). It is tied with rhythmic CHR sibling WHHH “Hot 96.3” (4.7, -.1, 6+), whose consecutive string of up or flat trends for an overall +1.5 ends at four (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8, 6+). February’s 4.8 is the best 6+-stat for “Hot” since 5.0 in November 2016. Trending 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.2 (“Holiday” 2017 – January 2018 – February, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WTLC-FM is off six-tenths to 4.6 (6+) as “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” departs the top ten (#9 to #12).
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a gain of nine-tenths in February (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), Scripps news/talk WTMJ returns two-tenths to 6.0 (6+), but stays in fifth-place. Immediately before that +.9, “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+). Finishing second for the sixth consecutive survey period, iHeartMedia’s WISN is 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 nearly five years ago (8.1, April 2013). This is the 11th report in succession that University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #15 to #14, 6+). Flat at #16, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” is down a combined one-half share in February and March (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+).
Milwaukee Music Formats – Major ups/downs continue for Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock,” which was -.9 in “Holiday” 2017; +.5 in January 2008; -.9 in February (7.2 – 6.3, 6+); and now +1.1 in March (7.4, fourth to third, 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 addition to posting a +.6 (8.8 – 9.4, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 37th 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). Owing to three consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is an overall -3.1; “B-93.3” leaves the top ten (#9 to #11). In three positive spikes in a row (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMIL is a cumulative +1.8 as “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” shifts from eighth to sixth. Also in the market’s top ten is WMIL’s format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” which adds four-tenths to February’s +.6 (3.4 – 4.0 – .4, #11 to #9, 6+). 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+). Likewise, 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 – Steady at #11, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” is in a repetitive 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 sequence (6+). January’s half-share improvement suspended three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). Off two-tenths after February’s -.1 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio
1510” is unchanged at #17. Despite dropping two-tenths (3.9 – 
3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” climbs from #11 to #10. “The Zone” followed “Holiday” 2017’s -.6 with a January +.9 and a -2.6 in February. Losing the one-tenth it picked up in February (1.9 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Cromwell Group’s similarly-programmed WPRT “102.5 The Game” falls from #15 to #16. In three straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, ninth to eighth, 6+), Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is a combined +1.3. 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.
Nashville Music Formats – It would be quite the understatement that the past few sweeps have been interesting for WLVU. For all practical purposes, the Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian outlet virtually disappeared from print in January with a -2.6 to .1 (6+); regained roughly one-third of that deficit in February (+.9); and now tacks on a whopping +2.2 in March (1.0 – 3.2, #19 to #14, 6+). In fact, no other station in the 48 PPM-markets had as large of a (6+) February 2018 – March 2018 increase than Nashville’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” By adding eight-tenths to February’s +.7 (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat – Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B” marches from fourth to second. Prior to February, “The Beat” was without an increase the previous five ratings periods for a cumulative -2.5 (8.5 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). Following two months at #1, “The Beat” shifted to #2 in November; 8.5 in September was its highest 6+-share since July 2015’s 8.4. An increase of seven-tenths (.2 – .9, 6+) enables TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” to enter the top twenty for the first time (#20). Down one-tenth (8.7 – 8.6, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA repeats at #1. On top in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017, “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” 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+). It is a rough ratings period for Nashville’s three FM country players as Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” is -1.2 (4.7 – 3.5, #10 to #11, 6+); iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” is -.6 (5.8 – 5.3, flat at #8, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” is -.3 (6.1 – 5.8, unchanged at #6, 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. In January, WSIX was +1.1 to end three straight drops that generated 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+). Declining by one-half share are iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 Nashville’s Classic Rock” (7.0 – 6.5, second to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” (5.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). A -.8 by “Nashville’s Classic Rock” stopped four gains in succession that netted +2.1 (5.7 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+); January’s 7.8 represents its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (7.8, as well). Immediately prior to March, “92-Q” was +.7 in four straight (modest) uptrends (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+).
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #7, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM adds four-tenths to February’s +.3 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6, 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+). Following a February gain of six-tenths (1.4 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” returns one-third of it but stays at #12 (1.8, -.2, 6+). For 
the third time in a row, Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” gains one-tenth (.3 – 4. – .5 – .6, #15 to #16, 6+). A cumulative -2.2 in February and March (5.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI carries on at #8. 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+). Once again finishing back-to-back are public news/talkers The Wheeler School’s WELH (flat at 2.3, ninth to tenth, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH (flat at 2.2, #10 to #11, 6+).
Providence Music Formats – Logging a nine-tenths increase (5.0 – 5.9, steady at #5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101 The 80s and More” is within 5.0 – 5.9 range (6+) for the 12th sweep in succession. As a result of three straight positive spikes (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is a +1.1 and dials up its best 6+-share since July 2017’s 8.4. Substituting February’s -.6 with a March +.7 (2.7 – 2.1 – 2.8, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB returns to the top ten (#11 to #8). “Latina 100.3” was a cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, basically doubling its 6+-share. For more than two years in a row (28 straight ratings periods), the top spot in this Rhode Island market was held by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105.” That consistency changes in calendar year 2018 though as iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” took over in January; “Lite Rock” returned to #1 in February with a +1.3; and WHJY recaptures the crown in March. This particular transition is more a function of “Lite Rock” eroding by -1.1 (10.2 – 9.1, first to second, 6+) than anything else, since WHJY is actually off four-tenths (9.6 – 9.2, second to first, 6+). The 9.6 by WHJY is its best 6+-stat since September 2013 (9.6, as well), while the 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017 was the strongest 6+-share since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016 for “Lite Rock,” which had been in double-digits (6+) seven sweeps in succession. Prior to October, WWLI was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+).
Norfolk – In a very stagnant monthly, five of the 13 listed stations are up from February with an average increase of exactly +.2; seven are down with an average increase of exactly +.3; and one station is flat. Eleven of the 13 Norfolk outlets in print maintain their (6+) February market rank. The exceptions are iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT
“92.1 The Beat” (ninth to eighth) and co-owned alternative WNOH “Alt 105.3” (eighth to ninth). In four straight up or flat trends “The Beat” is +.3 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2, 6+), while “Alt 105.3” records the market’s largest (6+) February 2018 – March 2018 fluctuation (2.4 – 1.7, -.7, 6+). Rhythmic hot AC sibling WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” (#10) erodes by -3.9 in three drops in succession (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). An overall +1.1 in three straight upticks (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WNVZ “Z-104 All the Hits” remains at #6. Its urban AC sibling – WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” – is down two-tenths (12.3 – 12.1, 6+), but is #1 for the 16th time in a row and registers a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 24th time in the last 25 sweeps. When it logged a 14.6 in November 2017, “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+). In the Saga cluster, classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” is +1.7 in three upticks in a row (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4, #4, 6+), while co-owned adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs, Great Memories” is up one-half share in four straight up or flat trends (.2 .3 .4 .4 .7, #13, 6+). At #11, Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB “Hot 91.1” is without an increase for the sixth straight time for a -.7 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), while Hampton University jazz outlet WHOV “Smooth 88.1” has its third downtrend in a row for a -.5 (1.3 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+).
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – Ever since it rolled out a +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” is -.7 in February and now -.6 in March (4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). An overall
+2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), WPTI 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. This marks the third uptick in a row by Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” for an overall +.7 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, unchanged at #11, 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+). Anchored at #13, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC surrenders February’s +.2 (.9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). In three straight (modest) increases Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” quadruples its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, flat at #14, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – Albeit -1.1 (12.1 – 11.0, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” records double-digits (6+) for the 17th sweep in a row and remains at #1. 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. Right behind it repeating in the runner-up slot, adult hits sibling WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” (11.4 – 10.4, -1.0, 6+) has been in double-digits (6+) in eight of the last nine sweeps. Following three straight gains that more than quadrupled (+1.3) its 6+-share (.4 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), Baker Family Stations gospel WXRI “Joy FM – Real Music, Real Life” surrenders roughly half that increase (1.0, -.7, flat at #12, 6+). 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 “La Ley 101.1” forfeits all but one-tenth of it (3.0, eighth to ninth, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up,” which is +.1 to 3.0 (tenth to ninth, 6+), thus halting four straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -2.0 (4.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Exiting the top ten (#10 to #11), iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” is a collective -1.3 as the result of four straight decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+). This comes immediately after three upticks in a row that netted six-tenths (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 “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” also departs the top ten (#10 to #12). WZZR had been +.5 through three straight increases (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). Stuck on 1.3 (6+) in January and February, Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” gains two-tenths to 1.5 (#15 to #14, 6+). For the third time in a row Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN posts a 3.2 (flat at #9, 6+). After recording a .3 (6+) three straight times, Alpha Media sports talk WMEN “Sports Radio 640 The Hurricane” falters by two-tenths to .1 (#18 to #19, 6+).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – Owing to four straight improvements (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.9, fourth to third, 6+), Alpha Media urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is +1.7. In a similar vein, iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is +2.0 in three consecutive positive spikes (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, steady at #2, 6+). The five most recent (6+) fluctuations for “Kool” are +.8 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 in February; and now +.5 in March. 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. This (6.9) is the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016. Elevating by one-half share as well – and adding to its February +.7 – is JVC Media’s WSVU “True Oldies Channel” (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.3, #6+), which cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). On top for the third month in a row is Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” (10.2 – 9.9, -.3, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for a collective -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). After 12 consecutive months on top, it dropped to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September loss by WRMF pulled the plug on four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). In the two sweeps following January’s +.9 (4.4 – 5.3, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” is -1.9 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.4, seventh to eighth).
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7
– 7.0 – 6.9, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV eroded by -2.8. It wiped out nearly half that margin in January and February (6.9 – 8.1 – 8.2, +1.2, 6+), 
but now regresses by -.9 to 7.3 (second to fourth, 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. A combined +.9 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), public news/talk WJCT drops one-tenth to 3.4 (6+) but is steady at #12. January’s +.4 halted five straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -.7 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Off one-tenth (.4 – .3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” repeats at #21.
Jacksonville Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL register a +1.2 with its third increase in succession for an overall +1.7 (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 5.3, 6+), “V-101.5” enters the top ten (#11 to #6). A whopping -5.7 in four straight decreases (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), co-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” breaks out a +1.1 to 9.0 (6+), vaulting from third to first. 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. Displaced from the top spot is Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” (8.3 – 8.1, -.2, first to third, 6+). 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. After cratering by -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” answers with a combined +1.6 in three straight increases (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+), jumping from fourth to second. Its urban AC HD2 channel, however, is off six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, #13 to #14, 6+). A +1.0 in January enabled WKSL to end three straight losses that produced a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+); however, “97.9 Kiss-FM” is a combined -1.2 in February and March (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+) as the iHeartMedia CHR exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Co-owned urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat,” which was +.6 in January and February (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+), surrenders all of it (4.6, -.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). Prior to January, “The Beat” was without an increase in four straight sweeps for an overall -.7 (5.3 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Up one-half share in February (1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WOKV-HD2 sputters by six-tenths as well (1.7, #15 to #16, 6+), as does Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” (5.4 – 4.8, fifth to eighth, 6+).
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Following a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” is a combined -.3 in February and March (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, #10 to #11, 6+). 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. Locked on 3.1 (6+) in January and February, Entercom sports talk WMFS gains two-tenths to 3.3 (#11 to #10, 6+). 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+).
Memphis Music Formats – While unchanged in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” improves by one full-share (8.2 – 9.2, 6+). This (9.2) is the strongest 6+-performance for “K-97.1” since November 2015’s 9.4. It is just one-half share behind urban AC cluster-mate KJMS “V-101” (10.1 – 9.7, -.4, 6+), which is #1 for the third month in a row. “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. Two other stations in that cluster have streaks snapped. Gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station,” which was +2.3 in four upticks in a row (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 7.3, 6+), is off one-tenth to 7.2 (6+) but stays at #5. Meanwhile, co-owned WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis,” +1.8 as the result of five straight increases (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), drops one-tenth as well (5.6, 6+) and carries on at #6. Having posted a .8 (6+) five times in the last six survey periods (.8 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), Shelby County Schools’ urban AC WQOX picks up two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) and is anchored at #17.
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three increases in a row (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM is a collective +1.5 and remains at #7. Ironically, “News Talk 1080” just concluded a consecutive string of negative moves in 
which it was a collective -1.4 (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). This is the third straight up or flat sweep for Connoisseur Media news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2, flat at #13, 6+). Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” is down four-tenths (5.9 – 5.5, sixth to eighth, 6+). It followed “Holiday” 2017’s -1.3 with a +.9 in January; 5.0 in “Holiday” 2017 was its lowest 6+-share since August 2017’s 4.7. After being a cumulative +1.1 in three straight gains (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio,” which plays a combination of NPR news, classical, and jazz, falters by seven-tenths to 1.8 (#11 to #12). Entering the January 2018 sweep, WFCR was within 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 21 ratings periods.
Hartford Music Formats – Bouncing back from a -.2 in February, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” trots out a +1.1 (13.2 – 14.3, 6+) and reaches a milestone for being #1 for the 20th 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 17th time in the last 19 sweeps – and ninth in succession- that “Lite” is in double-digits (6+). In addition to logging its third straight increase for an overall +1.1 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0, seventh to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” has its best 6+-showing since December 2017’s 6.2. As Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 improves for the third time in a row for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, #12 to #11, 6+), co-owned alternative WMRQ-FM “Radio 104.1” regresses by one-half share (3.9 – 3.4, 6+) but remains at #10. Stuck on 7.3 (6+) in January and February, Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC – Today’s Best Variety” coughs up six-tenths to 6.7 (6+), segueing from fourth to fifth. Without an increase in each of the last four sweeps (.4 – .4 – .3 – .1 – .1, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Good Times – Great Oldies – Kool Radio” picks up two-tenths to .3 (#15 to #14, 6+).
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Beasley Programmer Buzz Knight Launches New Podcast Series. The title of the new podcast is “Healthy Paranoia” and Beasley Media Group vice president of programming Buzz Knight will produce a new episode each week that will be found on
the “Insights” section of the brand-new Beasley Media Group corporate website. Beasley says the podcast will “feature interviews with thought leaders of today discussing new innovation, new methods, new strategies and new thinking.” The first episode examines autonomous driving in Las Vegas. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We are thrilled to unveil this exciting new podcast on the Beasley platform that focuses on innovation… a coveted core value of our company. I look forward to listening to Buzz as he shares valuable insight from thought leaders who are making a difference both in the media industry and the world around us.”
CBS News Radio Wins Four First Place ‘Headliner Awards.’ The 84th National Headliner Awards from the Press Club of Atlantic City were recently announced, and CBS News and CBS News Radio combined for five first place honors. On the radio side, CBS News Radio earned first place honors in: the
Broadcast Radio Networks and Syndicators Newscast category for “Las Vegas Newscast” by Steve Futterman, Deborah Rodriguez and Wendy Zentz; in the Broadcast Radio Networks and Syndicators Breaking News or Continuing Coverage category for “Las Vegas Massacre” by the CBS News Radio staff; in the Broadcast Radio Networks and Syndicators Feature and Human Interest Story for “National Film Registry” by Dave Barrett; and in the Broadcast Radio Networks and Syndicators News Series category for “Labor Day” by the CBS News Radio staff.
TALKERS News Notes. The nationally syndicated feature, “The Miller Minute” hosted by Dennis Miller, hits the 100-affiliate mark two months after its debut. Westwood One says the show clears on such signals as WMAL-AM/FM, Washington; WLS-AM, Chicago; KPAM,, Portland; and KLFE, Seattle…..News/talk outlet WYAY-FM, Atlanta “Talk 106.7” officially announces its new program lineup that TALKERS reported on Tuesday (4/17). With the move of Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson’s show to afternoon drive it should be noted that Pete Davis and Jim Gossett serve as cast members of the program…..The afternoon drive sports talk race in Indianapolis gets some attention from the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Scott Olson. His report records the success of the “Query & Schultz” program on iHeartMedia’s WNDE over the past several Nielsen Audio PPM surveys. Last November, John Gliva on Emmis’ crosstown WFNI led “Query & Schultz” in the Men 25-54 demo with a 3.9 AQH share to the latter’s 2.3 share. As of the February PPM survey, “Query & Schultz” leads afternoon sports talkers with a 4.8 AQH share of Men 25-54 over WFNI’s 4.1 AQH share…..Twin Cities alt-weekly City Pages names KKFN, Minneapolis afternoon personality Dan “Common Man” Cole “Best Sports Talk Host” for 2018. The mag says, “Every afternoon, Dan ‘Common Man’ Cole does an artful job of not giving a shit. In a format that’s riddled with blowhard jocks summoning the hottest takes, Cole plays it smirkingly cool. A keen awareness of the comic absurdity of the universe—especially the sports-talker one—rudders his easy-breezy ‘progrum.’”
Cool News Radio Opportunity. Operations manager Tim Wenger informs us that Entercom’s WBEN-AM, Buffalo “NewsRadio 930” – Buffalo’s 24-hour radio newsroom of record – is looking for a full-time news professional charged with a mix of anchoring newscasts and reporting. Successful candidate will be as comfortable ‘on the street’ reporting and publishing web content as they are behind a microphone in-studio. Exceptional social media skills and an innate ability to seek out important, impacting, and relatable stories are key qualifications. See the official job posting here.
WGTK, Greenville’s Joey Hudson Recognized for Crimefighting Work. WGTK, Greenville, South Carolina talk show host Joey Hudson is pictured above (right) receiving the “Media Person of the Year” award by the Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association at their annual conference held in Atlanta. The Salem Media Group air personality was recognized for his “Crime of the Week” feature. Crime Stoppers’ Tony Lee says, “Joey’s dedication to promoting our ‘most wanted’ has assisted local law enforcement in making numerous arrests and clearing hundreds of cases that otherwise may go unsolved.” Hudson has been a supporter of law enforcement for years as the executive director of the Mike Gallagher show charitable foundation’s Fallen Officer Fund supporting the families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Comey Book, Russia Sanctions Controversy, U.S.-North Korea Talks, California Sanctuary Battle, Southwest Emergency Landing, Israel’s 70thAnniversary, Trump Syria Policy, Barbara Bush Legacy, and MLB and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/18).). The investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents and the related James Comey book, A Higher Loyalty; President Trump’s reversal of U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s announcement there would be further sanctions against Russia; the revelation that CIA Director and Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo met with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un ahead of scheduled future talks with President Trump; the battle between the federal government and California over the state’s sanctuary cities policy; the deadly emergency landing of Southwest flight 1380; Israel celebrates its 70thanniversary as a nation; the splintering of the GOP over President Trump’s Syria policy; the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush and her legacy; plus MLB and NBA playoffs action among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Windy City radio personality Showbiz Shelly is the new midday host at iHeartMedia CHR WKSC, Chicago “103.5 KISS FM.” iHeartMedia markets group president Matt Scarano says, “Showbiz Shelly is a Chicago
institution. Shelly is a true radio pro with tremendous Chicago roots and I am honored that she chose to join the iHeartMedia Chicago team.”…..Also from Chicago, Cumulus Media names imaging pro Nick Draeger creative imaging director for alternative WKQX. Draeger was most recently with Entercom Sacramento 
handling imaging for the cluster’s rock stations, including alternative KKDO “ALT 94.7.” WKQX program director Troy Hanson says, “We talked with many strong candidates, but we kept coming back to Nick’s excellent grasp of cut-through messaging for the brands he’s worked on. Nick will work with our voiceover pros Dan Stone and Wendy K. Gray to continue to deliver the top-notch writing and sonic feel of WKQX. We’re excited to have Nick on board!”…..Rock radio personality Lyndsey Marie is moving back to Atlanta after almost four years in Chicago where she was hosting middays on
the former WLUP-FM. She’d been hosting middays on Cumulus Media’s rock WNNX “Rock 100.5” from Chicago but now she’ll be working from WNNX’s studios. She’s also heard on company rock stations: KXXR-FM, Minneapolis; WFTK-FM, Cincinnati; KGGO-FM, Des Moines; WIXV-FM, Savannah; and KKGL-FM, Boise. Lyndsey Marie says, “I am excited to go back ‘home.’ Georgia’s been on my mind since I left it, and I’m ready to make some noise with Jesse Kage and my old friends Southside Steve and Jason Bailey. We get to call Atlanta our playground. I don’t know if it gets much better than that.”…..2018 ACM “Entertainer of the Year” Jason Aldean is performing live today (4/19) at WNSH, New York “NASH FM 94.7” in an intimate show at the Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17, high atop Madison Square Garden. Cumulus Media’s “NASH FM 94.7” is also streaming Aldean’s performance live on Facebook…..Cumulus Media Charleston sadly confirms that legendary Charleston radio personality, Frankie Green, a.k.a., Frankie the Big Bopper, died earlier today. The native Charlestonian was a much-loved fixture on the Lowcountry entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Since February 
2000, he hosted the Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm show on the company’s urban AC WMGL-FM “Magic 107.3” on which he played old school and the blues and shared stories and community information with his passionate and loyal audience. In January 2015, Green was honored by President Barack Obama with the President’s Volunteer Service Award…..Pictured at left is Premiere Networks senior director of rock programming and specials Sal Cirrincione (right) with Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora (left) backstage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 14.
Round Three of March PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s March 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 March 2018 survey period covered March 1 – 28. 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 – No stranger to significant month-to-month fluctuations, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB makes it three straight months at #1. Representative recent trends 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); and now
+1.0 in March (8.5 – 9.5, 6+). When it entered 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. Three increases in a row by Alpha Media news/talk KXL produced a cumulative +1.7 (3.5 – 3.6 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), but “101 FM News – Stay Connected” forfeits four-tenths in March to 4.8 (6+) and is flat at #6. Prior to January, the last time KXL reached the five-share level (6+) was in October 2013 (5.3). Even though it is without a loss for the third time in succession for a +.6 (1.2 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly programmed KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us”
falls from #19 to #20. Continuing an up/down pattern that began in November, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is trending .8 – 1.0 – .7 – 1.1 – .9 – 1.0 (#23 to #25, 6+). Entercom sports talk KFXX is unchanged in both 6+-share (2.0) and 6+-market rank (#18). In February, “1080 The Fan” returned the four-tenths it picked up the previous sweep (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). Climbing from #22 to #21, Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KXTG “The Game” regains the four-tenths it lost in February (1.4 – 1.0 – 1.4, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” keeps this “four-tenths” theme going with … a +.4 (.7 – 1.1, #25 to #24, 6+).
Portland Music Formats – After being down or flat three sweeps in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KXJM is a collective +1.3 in February and March (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.5, #16 to #13, 6+). In each of the previous 15 sweeps, “Jam’n 107.5 – Portland’s #1 for Hip-Hop and Throwbacks” logged a 6+-share in the 2.1 – 2.9 range. A February loss of seven-tenths by Mount Hood Community College’s KMHD cut its 6+-share in half (1.4 – .7, 6+), but “Jazz Radio 89.1” bounces back with a one-half share increase to 1.2 (#25 to #23, 6+). Back in January (2018), Alpha Media’s KUPL registered a massive +2.0 (2.9 – 4.9, 6+), but “98.7 The Bull #1 for New Country” has forfeited 80% of that increase (-1.6) in the last two ratings periods (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.3, 6+) as it drifts from #8 to #15. Moreover, the eight-tenths lead it held in February over its format rival – Entercom’s KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf, Great Country for the Great Northwest” – is now a two-tenths advantage for “The Wolf” (3.9 – 3.5, -.4, #11 to #13, 6+). On the heels of gaining one-half share in February (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” erodes by -1.1 to 3.9 (seventh to eighth, 6+). Slipping by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” (6.1 – 5.5, flat at #3, 6+) and Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” (5.8 – 5.2, unchanged at #4, 6+). Within 3.0 – 3.6 range (6+) in each of the last 13 survey periods, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” drops one-half share to 2.9 (#14 to #16, 6+).
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – Rebounding from February’s -.7 with a March +.5 (1.9 – 1.2 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s
Sports Leader” inches up from #19 to #18. After three upticks in succession for a collective +1.2 (3.1 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate WBT returns 
more than half that increase (3.6, -.7, 6+), drifting from #8 to #14. WBT was +1.4 in three consecutive improvements (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0, July – August – September – October, 6+). It is three-tenths ahead of University Radio Foundation news talk WFAE (3.5 – 3.3, -.2, flat at #15, 6+); “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats –Five consecutive ratings periods without an increase by Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF accounted for an overall -1.8 (5.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+), but “Old School 105.3” erases nearly half that deficit with a +.8 to 4.9 (6+) as it rockets into the top ten (#12 to #7). The three most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” are +1.9 (January); -.7 (February); and now +.6 in March (6.2 – 6.8, fourth to second, 6+). “The Kat” shifted to fourth in February after reaching #1 in January, its first time on top since August 2017 (6.1, 6+). It is a slightly similar up/down/up scenario for co-owned WEND, which 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+); and now +.5 in March (3.8 – 4.3, 6+). As a result of March’s one-half share increase, “106.6 The End – Charlotte’s Alternative Rock” returns to the top ten (#14 to #9). In February, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC rebounded from January’s -5.0 with a gain of three-tenths, but in March, “K-104.7 More Music – Better Variety” plummets by -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2, 6+), skidding from third to sixth. In seven straight positive or flat trends, its urban AC sibling WBAV was a cumulative +1.7 (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+), but “V-101.9” surrenders six-tenths in March (6.8, 6+). Not only that, after a short one-month stay at #1, WBAV returns to the runner-up slot it held in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018. Its 7.4 in February marked the first time “V-101.9” reached the seven-share level (6+) in nearly four years (7.2, April 2014). Trading places with WBAV is iHeartMedia-owned WRFX “99.7 The Fox – Charlotte’s Classic Rock,” which is up eight-tenths in three consecutive up or flat trends (6.5 – 6.5 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+). This (7.3) is its best 6+-stat in nearly a year (7.6, April 2017). Prior to being locked on 6.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, “The Fox” was stuck on 6.9 (6+) in November and December. Flat at #13, CHR sibling WHQC “Channel 96.1 – All the Hits” has its fourth straight up or flat trend for an overall +.8 (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+).
San Antonio
Spoken-Word Formats – Despite a one-tenth drop (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI actually elevates from ninth to seventh. A
January +1.6 took WOAI to 4.4 – 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+). Continuing at #20, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” logs its third improvement in succession for a collective +.5 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Conversely, Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX is a combined -1.9 in three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8, #15 to #17, 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. This is the third time in a row that iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” posts a .5 (flat at #28, 6+).
San Antonio Music Formats – The up-down-up story for Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH “Norteno” is +.8 (January); -1.0 (February); and now +.7 in March (2.4 – 3.1, #17 to #14, 6+). For a bit of a change, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KONO-FM has a modest month-to-month move (7.3 – 7.2, -.1, 6+) as “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” stays on top for the third sweep in a row. 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 succession 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. Three straight negative moves by iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT result in a whopping -.9.6 (13.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+) as “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Variety Station” spirals out of the top ten (#5 to #11). In seven successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KXTN was an overall +1.8, but “107.5 Tejano & Proud” sputters by seven-tenths in March to 3.3 (6+), slipping from #12 to #13. Having netted a staggering +2.7 in January and February (4.1 – 5.2 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” forfeits six-tenths in March to 6.2 (6+) but carries on in the runner-up slot. 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. Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” – records its third straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.0 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1, sixth to fourth, 6+). Taking one-half share losses are Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (6.1 – 5.6, flat at #3, 6+) and Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+), which was a combined +.8 in three successive up or flat trends (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+).
Pittsburgh
Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #12, Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” is up an overall eight-tenths via three consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). January’s +.6 halted three successive downward trends that resulted in a -1.1 (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.1,
6+). Locked on 5.3 (6+) in January and February – its highest 6+-share since April 2017’s 5.7 – Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” falters by seven-tenths to 4.6 (seventh to ninth, 6+). January’s +1.3 curtailed four down or flat trends in succession that produced a loss of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). Sports talk sibling KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” stabilizes after February’s -.9 with a one-tenth gain (5.7 – 5.8, steady at #6, 6+). “The Fan” was a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.6, 6+) – January’s 6.6 represents its best 6+-showing since September 2016’s 7.6. Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “ESPN Pittsburgh” is without a loss for the ninth ratings period in a row for a net gain of one-tenth (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+).
Pittsburgh Music Formats – Setting the pace in this Pennsylvania market for the 13th consecutive ratings period, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW racks up a +.8 (10.3 – 11.1, 6+); “94.5 – 3WS” lost seven full-shares in January (16.4 – 9.4, 6+). An overall -4.8 in January and February (10.6 – 6.8 – 5.8, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Today’s Wish 99.7” chalks up a March gain of seven-tenths to 6.5 (6+) and remains at #5. In “Holiday” 2017, “Wish” posted a 10.6, the station’s best 6+-showing in exactly one year. Stymied on 5.7 (6+) in August and September and then on 5.2 (6+) in October and November, WSHH more than doubled the October and November stat in December and “Holiday” 2017 with a combined +5.4. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia rocker WDVE, which has been +1.6 (October 2017); -1.0 (November); -.8 (“Holiday 2017”); +.8 (January 2018); -.9 (February); and now -.5 in March (8.3 – 7.8, 6+). WDVE has been in second-place in nine of the last ten sweeps. October’s 10.2 marked the first time it reached double-digits (6+) since March 2017 (10.4). Off by one-half share as well, mainstream CHR sibling WKST “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” carries on in fourth-place (7.4 – 6.9, 6+). Logging their third straight increases in a row for a +1.5 and +.7, respectively, are Entercom’s WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (3.2 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+) and Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.1, steady at #11, 6+).
Sacramento
Spoken-Word Formats – It’s been an interesting game of musical chairs lately for iHeartMedia-owned KFBK. Specifically, “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” was #3 in December 2017; #2 in “Holiday” 2017; up to #1 in January 2018; back to #2 in February; and now up again to #1 in March. Flat at 8.1 (6+), it actually shares the lead with KSEG (see
below). Down or flat in October – November – December for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+), KFBK 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. After three straight improvements netting a combined +1.3 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 
7.8, 6+), KFBK regressed by three-tenths in October. Dropping one-tenth (2.5 – 2.4, 6+), co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” stays at #15. KSTE 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. Up four-tenths (4.4 – 4.8, 6+), Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ climbs from sixth to fifth. 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 fourth time in a row for a -1.0 (2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+), while co-owned KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is trending 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.3 (#21 – to #23, 6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – Not only does a +1.0 (2.9 – 3.9, 6+) give Entercom-owned KKDO its best 6+-stat in more than two years (3.9, February 2016), “Alt 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” breaks into the top ten (#12 to #10). Trending 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.1 (January-February-March), co-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” continues at #1, albeit in a tie with KFBK (see above). 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+). In six successive up or flat trends, Capital Public Radio’s KXPR was a collective +1.5 (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.5, 6+), but “88.9 The Classical Station” stumbles by seven-tenths in March to 1.8 (#15 to #18, 6+). Notwithstanding that it remains in third-place, Entercom adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” is -8.2 as a result of three dips in a row (14.2 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). “Mix” ranked first in December 2017 (8.8, 6+) and in “Holiday” 2017 (14.2, 6+). Co-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” is an overall +.9 in three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.4, eighth to sixth, 6+). Likewise, Entravision-owned/similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” is +.7 in three successive upticks (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, flat at #13, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is without a loss for the third time in a row as well for a +.3 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1, #17 to #16, 6+).
Salt Lake City
Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.8 in three consecutive positive spikes (5.1 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” continues at #2. 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+). While flat at 3.9 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 
105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” progresses from tenth to ninth. KNRS was +.8 in November; a combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017; and +.7 in January. Following February’s -1.1 (4.1 – 3.0, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER drops one-tenth to 2.9 (#12 to #13, 6+); KUER was up eight-tenths in January. Unchanged at #21, Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is trending 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4 (6+).
Salt Lake City Music Formats – As it eats into January and February’s -15.9 (23.2 – 8.1 – 7.3, 6+) with a +.9 to 8.2 (6+), Bonneville-owned KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” stays on top for the sixth ratings period in a row. “FM 100.3” was #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except January, March, April, and October. Also displaying a March +.9 is iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.9 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+) which notes its finest 6+-share in exactly two years (7.1, March 2016). Trending 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+), Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KYUU “U-92, #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” posts a one-half share gain to 2.1 (#20 to #19, 6+). On a seesaw, Cumulus Media’s KHTB “Alt 101.9” was -.6 in January (1.8 – 1.2, 6+); +.9 to 2.1 (6+) in February; and is -.6 in March (1.5, #19 to #20, 6+); February’s 2.1 was its best 6+-showing since August 2017 (2.1, as well). The market’s two hot ACs regress by one-half share: Capitol’s KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (6.2 – 5.7, third to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KJMY “My 99.5” (4.0 – 3.5, #9 to #11, 6+). While it continues at #22, 1980’s hits KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” relinquishes four-tenths (1.0, 6+), thus snapping 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+).
Las Vegas
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three positive spikes in succession (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR gains one full-share and inches up from #15 to #14. Conversely, Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk
Radio 840,” which was up or flat the past three sweeps for a +.2 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), drops one-tenth to 1.8 (#21 to #22, 6+). A one-half share decrease by Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to 
Talk” to .9 (#23 to #25, 6+) pulls the plug on five straight positive or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) that doubled its 6+-share. A collective -.4 in six consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” drops from #25 to #27.
Las Vegas Music Formats – Without a loss for the sixth consecutive report (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” is an overall +2.6, progressing from fourth to third. Gaining six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE (6.8 – 7.4, 6+) as “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” marches from second to first. “Sunny” held the lead in December 2017 (10.6, 6+) and “Holiday” 2017 (12.5, 6+). Dislodged from #1 and trading places with “Sunny” is Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” (7.1 – 6.8, -.3, first to second, 6+). In December 2017, KKLZ was ousted from the penthouse after five straight months there. It previously was +1.0 (October); -.9 (November) -.7 (December); +1.1 (January); and -.5 (February). Frozen on 2.2 (6+) in the last four ratings periods, Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona MX 103.5” erupts with a +.7 to 2.9 (6+) and jumps from #19 to #14. Picking up one-half share each are Entercom’s KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station,” which is +1.2 in three straight gains (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0, seventh to fifth, 6+) and Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Right Song, Right Time” (2.6 – 3.1, #15 to #12, 6+). Immediately prior to being a combined -2.2 in January and February (4.8 – 3.9 – 2.6, 6+), KSOS was an overall +.9 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+); 4.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since September 2016’s 5.4. Within 3.0 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten sweeps, Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” is -1.0 to 2.6, freefalling from #10 to #17. Following three upticks in a row that produced a +.6 (2.9- 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” surrenders six-tenths to 2.9 (#11 to #14, 6+).
Cincinnati
Spoken-Word Formats – Heritage iHeartMedia news/talker WLW forfeits half of its combined +2.0 from January and February (8.3 – 6.3, -1.0, 6+) as it slips
from second to third. 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” loses one-tenth (3.8 – 3.7, 6+) but advances from #11 to #10. 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+). Following a collective +.7 in January and February, Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU is off by four-tenths in March to 3.2 (flat at #12, 6+). Adding two-tenths each are iHeartMedia-owned WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” (1.1 – 1.3, #20 to #19, 6+) and co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports AM 1360” (.5 – .7, steady at #22, 6+).
Cincinnati Music Formats – It’s a very productive sweep for Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits,” which is #1 for the third straight time; is a cumulative +2.9 in three consecutive up or flat trends (7.5 – 9.6 – 9.6 – 10.4, 6+); and reaches double-digits (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. Rhythmic hot AC sibling WREW “Mix 94.9” erases February’s -.5 with a +.6 (4.5 – 5.1, ninth to sixth, 6+). Its +1.3 in January followed a -1.4 from five straight down or flat trends (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). Progressing from third to second, Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” registers its fourth positive spike in succession for an overall +2.5 (5.8 – 6.3 – 7.8 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+). This comes immediately after December’s -1.4. Sputtering by seven-tenths (1.5 – .8, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio’s classical-formatted WGUC “Music For Your Heart, Mind, & Spirit” falls from #16 to #20. A combined +1.2 in January and February (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WFTK “96 Rock” returns one-half share to 3.4 (#10 to #11, 6+); February’s 3.9 was its strongest 6+-share since August 2017’s 3.9. Off by one-half share as well is iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” (4.6 – 4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+).
Orlando
Spoken-Word Formats – Up a combined three full-shares in January and February (2.2 – 3.9 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” returns a modest 10% of that increase (4.9, -.3, 6+) and remains at #8. 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+).
Three-tenths behind WTKS is Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5,” which was stuck on 4.7 (6+) in January and February before dipping to 4.6 (6+); even so, it moves from tenth to ninth. 
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. Without an increase in five straight ratings periods for a -.7 (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF gained seven-tenths in January; lost three-tenths in February; and now regains two-tenths in March (1.6 – 1.8, flat at #16, 6+). Despite being off one full-share in February and March (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE remains at #14. In January, “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” regained the six-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2017. Back-to-back at #19 and #20, respectively, are Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” (.7 – 1.1, +.4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” (.7 – .9, +.2, 6+).
Orlando Music Formats – While it remains at #6, Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” records its third uptick in a row for an overall +2.4 (3.8 – 4.8 – 5.4 – 6.2, 6+). 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. The last time “Mix” reached the six-share threshold (6+) was one year ago (6.1, March 2017). In another such streak, Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” is +1.6 in three straight positive spikes (5.2 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+); this is its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 8.1. The market’s (6+) Spanish tropical share improves by +1.0, as Entravision Communications’ WNUE “Salsa 98.1” is up six-tenths (2.4, flat at #15, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WRUM “Rumba 100” adds four-tenths (9.5 – 9.9, #1 for the third consecutive month, 6+). “Salsa 98.1” had been off one full-share in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.8, 6+). 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. In January, co-owned WJRR posted a +1.3, eliminating the combined -1.1 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+), but “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” is now -2.0 in February and March (5.3 – 4.8 – 3.3, 6+) as it exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” is a collective -1.6 in February and March (6.6 – 7.2 – 6.2, third to fifth, 6+). “Magic” spent two months at #1 and was a combined +8.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 before plunging in January by -9.3 (15.9 – 6.6, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3” falters by one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+).
Cleveland
Spoken-Word Formats – In five successive sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is +1.2 and repeats at #10. Steady at #7, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 
Cleveland’s News Radio” is within 5.0 – 5.5 range for the sixth time in a row (5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+). A one-half share gain in January suspended three straight declines for a -3.5 (8.5 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Immediately after posting 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 is now -2.5 in February and March (5.3 – 3.6 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+).
Cleveland Music Formats – No sooner does iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” boast a whopping +1.9 (8.4 – 10.3, 6+), it follows with the largest (6+) February 2018 – March 2018 decrease logged by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far. As a result of its -2.0 (10.3 – 8.3, 6+), “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” shifts from first to second. WMJI was -1.9 in January, following “Holiday” 2017’s +2.5 (7.8 – 10.3, 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+), but WMJI was -.9 in December. In 2017, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” occupied the top spot from January through April; July through September; and in November. It is succeeded at #1 by Radio One urban AC WZAK, the station WMJI replaced at the top in February. Not only does WZAK progress from second to first, it is an overall +1.5 in its third increase in a row (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+). Having reached #1 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+). Its urban contemporary cluster-mate, WENZ “Z-107.9,” returns in full the six-tenths it gained in February (5.7 – 6.3 – 5.7, fifth to sixth, 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+). In addition to WZAK, iHeartMedia-owned WMMS “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” logs a gain of six-tenths as well (3.6 – 4.2, 6+) and is flat at #12. A combined +5.5 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 7.2 – 10.4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK then 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 with a +.5 to 5.4 (6+) and advances from ninth to eighth. In December, “Star 102” halted three straight downward moves that accounted for a -1.1 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+). Trending 6.8 – 7.2 – 6.8 (“Holiday” 2017 – January – February, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” falters by one-half share to 6.3 (6+), but carries on in fourth-place.
Kansas City
Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to roaring back from February’s -.9 by recapturing all of it (4.0 – 3.1 – 4.0, +.9, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB cracks the top ten (#14 to #10). “Sports Radio 810” was a combined +1.4 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018. When WHB dipped by four-tenths in December, it halted at five a successive string of positive
trends that doubled its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Similarly, its format rival – Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” – erases February’s -.4 with a +.4 (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+) and is back in the top twenty (#21 to #19). After registering six positive spikes in succession for a +1.9 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), co-owned 
news talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” slips by two-tenths to 5.4 (fourth to fifth, 6+); cluster-mate KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” is also off by two-tenths (2.0 – 1.8, flat at #19, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710” is trending .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.0 (unchanged at #22, 6+). Without a loss for the fifth time in a row for a +.8 (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR carries on at #16.
Kansas City Music Formats – Locked on 5.0 (6+) in November and December and then on 4.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” is a combined +1.1 in February and March (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+), leaping from seventh to third. In the Cumulus Media cluster, classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” which faltered by six-tenths in February (8.4 – 7.8, 6+) to drop from first to second, regains half that loss and is back at #1 (8.1, +.3, 6+). Its January -2.0 curtailed four straight upticks that netted +2.7 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+). It once again swaps places with classic rock sibling KCFX “The Fox,” which is down six-tenths (8.6 – 8.0, first to second, 6+). In February, “The Fox” recaptured all but one-half share of January’s -1.7 (7.4 – 8.6, +1.2, 6+) as it advanced from second to first, replacing KCMO-FM. A +1.2 in December lifted “The Fox” to 9.6, its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 10.3 and ended four straight down or flat sweeps that generated a -1.9 (10.3 – 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+). Prior to November, “The Fox” occupied Kansas City’s top spot for ten consecutive months. While unchanged at #10, Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” is down eight-tenths in three straight negative moves (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). On the heels of February’s -.6 (5.3 – 4.7, 6+), country sibling WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” flounders by another seven-tenths to 4.0 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country,” which was frozen on 3.9 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 4.4 (6+) in January and February, picks up four-tenths to 4.8 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” drops three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, 6+) and remains at #3.
Columbus
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #7, Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is a collective +.7 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+); 4.3 is its best 6+-showing since August 2017’s 4.7. Having eroded by 
one full-share in February (7.1 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN follows with a -.7 to 5.4 (fifth to sixth, 6+); “News Radio 610” was +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 two years ago (7.3, February 2016). A -.3 in December halted three straight uptrends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). For the fourth report in a row, sports talk sibling WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is without an increase and is off two-tenths in that timeframe (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .7, flat at #16, 6+). In January, WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” ranked seventh with a 4.4 (6+), but the RadiOhio sports talk outlet is missing from print for the second straight month.
Columbus Music Formats – This is the third consecutive sweep that iHeartMedia country outlet WCOL sets the pace in Ohio’s state capital. After spending six months on top, WCOL shifted to second in “Holiday” 2017 but returned to the top spot in January. It has been in double-digits (6+) each sweep since June 2017. 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); and now +1.1 in March (12.3 – 13.4, 6+). A combined +1.5 in January and February (8.0 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” returns one-third of that increase (9.0, -.5, 6+) but is #2 for the third time in a row. Declining by one-half share as well is Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” (5.9, third to fifth, 6+). In February, it wiped out roughly one-fifth of January’s -5.8 with a +1.2. “Sunny” exited the top spot in January after just one survey period (“Holiday” 2017). It was +5.1 in “Holiday” 2017 to 11.0, its most potent 6+-stat since reappearing in print over three years ago (December 2014).
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Financial Broadcasting Pioneer Ken Dolan Dies at 75. One of the most influential pioneering figures in the genre of personal finance talk media, Ken Dolan (pictured here with wife Daria), has died at the age of 75. He passed away yesterday afternoon at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida after a
long battle with lymphoma. Dolan, with his devoted wife of 46 years, Daria Dolan, was half of one of the most successful husband/wife teams in the history of talk radio – The Dolans. Known as “The First Family of Finance,” the Dolans were primarily known for their 20-year historic run at WOR, New York from 1985 through 2005 during which they advised a massive audience on a wide range of personal financial matters while entertaining listeners with their unique form of clever banter and lifestyle chat that broadened their appeal beyond the money talk realm. The Dolans’ radio popularity extended nationally as they were heard on several hundred stations during the heyday of the WOR Radio Network, at which they, along with such icons as Dr. Joy Browne, were among the platform’s star attractions. Prior to that, they were carried nationally on NBC Talknet. At their height, the Dolans also hosted programs on national television. They anchored “Dolans Unscripted” on CNN, as well as a pioneering show on the now-defunct CNNfn, and a three-year stint on CNBC. They were regular contributors to “CBS Money Editors” and “CBS This Morning.” The Dolans authored six books on personal finance, published successful newsletters and, until recently, continued to host money seminars across the nation. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “The Dolans were not only a great American talk media success story in terms of the ratings and revenue they generated year after year, they also brought an element of grace, glamour and most important, credibility, to the financial talk genre paving the way for highly respectable players like Dave Ramsey and Ric Edelman.” Jerry Crowley, VP/GM, of Salem Media Group’s WNYM/WMCA, New York was VP/GM of WOR during the final years of the Dolan era at that station. He tells TALKERS, “Ken Dolan knew exactly who he was in life and who he wanted to be on air. He played both roles to the highest levels. Always ebullient, always warm and embracing, always focused on the mission at hand. In my years with him at WOR, surrounded by large broadcast personalities, Ken always stood out as the biggest star in the galaxy. He relished this role and managed it with great humility. Ken and Daria – a team that made history. It’s time to rest, Kenny.” WOR APD, Scott Lakefield tells TALKERS, “I am truly devastated to learn of Ken’s passing. Never was there a harder working, more genuinely caring man. He and Daria got me my start in this crazy business and I have so many wonderful memories of my eight years working with them – first as their intern and then as their executive producer. He will truly be missed. God bless you, Ken. You’ll never be forgotten.” Services will be private, attended by family only, with a “celebration of life” memorial to be announced shortly. Industry people interested in reaching out to Daria Dolan can do so through Michael Harrison via michael@talkers.com.
Jamie Allman Disputes Company Line on His Exit from KFTK-FM, St. Louis. In the category of “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” St. Louis talk radio personality Jamie Allman – longtime morning host on news/talk KFTK-FM
(owned by Emmis but being operated by Entercom under an LMA while in the process of buying the station) – says his leaving the station was not termed properly. Allman explains via Facebook that the “David Hogg hot poker” quip is not the reason he left. He and the company were planning his exit but, Allman alleges, Entercom jumped the gun in announcing they had “parted ways.” The Riverfront Times reports that Allman says he never signed the documents detailing the terms of his exit. Allman says in his Facebook video, “Now, after refusing to sign an agreement to repeat their lies in return for money, they have taken their noble offer off the table and told me that if I do not take the truth down off of my Facebook page, they’re going to fire me for cause.” He says his lawyer is on the case. Stay tuned.
Wisconsin Talk Host Mike Crute to Run for Governor. WMTV-TV, Madison is reporting that progressive talk radio host and Milwaukee radio station owner
Mike Crute (right) will run for governor as a Democrat. Crute and partner Dominic Salvia (left) host the “Devil’s Advocate” radio show heard on Crute’s WRRD-AM, Milwaukee. The station reports that Crute told his listeners, “You’ve never seen bold like I’m about to bring down on the state of Wisconsin.” The Democratic primary in Wisconsin is August 14. It’s not clear when Crute plans to step down from his radio show in order to comply with the equal time rule.
More Gracie Awards News. Yesterday, TALKERS magazine reported that the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has revealed the winners of 2018 Gracie Awards at the national and local levels. Some being honored this year that were not mentioned in yesterday’s story include a number of Cumulus Media/Westwood One personalities. They include: WMAL-FM, Washington, DC’s “Mornings On the Mall With Mary & Vince,” which earned a Gracie for Crisis Coverage-Local; WABC, New York’s “The Joan Hamburg Show,” for Talk Show-Local; and WABC, New York’s “Rita Cosby Exclusive With Hillary Clinton,” for Talk Interview Feature-Local. This marks Cosby’s sixth Gracie Award in four consecutive years.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media maven Robert Feder writes today that Entercom’s Windy City sports talker WSCR “The Score” is being inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame this year. The station will be among several other inductees at a ceremony on October 3 at Wintrust Arena. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen told staffers in a memo, “This is a true tribute to our brand, which celebrated its 26th birthday on January 2nd. October 3rd will be a great night for all former and current ‘Score’ teammates.”…..The Daily Beast is reporting that Glenn Beck is selling his private jet. The story says that, according to FAA records, the 1966 DC9-15 belonging to Mercury Radio Arts is for sale, though no asking price is listed. The plane was purchased in 2015 for $1 million…..Westwood One News is simulcasting next week’s “CNN Town Hall” program with former FBI Director James Comey. The Anderson Cooper-moderated event will take place at Comey’s alma mater William and Mary College on April 25 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The program is available to Westwood One affiliate stations…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” show hosted by Chris Hill adds a new affiliate in Queen B Radio-owned KXLY-AM/W264CH, Spokane.
Mignon Clyburn to Exit FCC. She’s not saying what her plans are –
specifically if she intends to run for Congress in South Carolina – but Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will leave the agency soon. Her father, Jim Clyburn, is 78 and has held the Sixth District seat in South Carolina since 1992. It’s been speculated upon that Mignon may want to run for her father’s seat but she’s been pretty tight-lipped about it.
NPR Icon Carl Kasell Dies at 84. Public radio icon Carl Kasell passed away on Tuesday (4/17) after complications from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 84. Kasell retired from NPR in 2014 where he’d been hosting the weekly “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” comedy quiz show. He spent three decades as a newscaster on NPR’s “Morning Edition” radio news magazine. During his career he also served for a number of years in the news department (and as news director) at WAVA, Washington.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Comey Book, Cohen-Hannity Flap, Trump Syria Policy, U.S.-North Korea Meeting, Russia Sanctions Controversy, Congressman Charlie Dent to Resign, Barbara Bush Dies, Alex Jones Sued, and MLB and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/17). The investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents and the related James Comey book, A Higher Loyalty; the flap over the relationship between Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and Sean Hannity; the splintering of the GOP over President Trump’s Syria policy; the revelation that CIA Director and Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo met with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un; Trump’s reversal of U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s announcement there would be further sanctions against Russia; Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent to leave office in the near future; the death of Barbara Bush; the suit by three Sandy Hook parents against talk host and Internet publisher Alex Jones; and Major League Baseball and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Boston morning drive radio program “The TJ Show” with TJ Taormina, Loren Raye, and producer Matt Shearer re-up with Entercom’s CHR WODS “103.3 AMP Radio” after signing a multi-year contract extension. Entercom Boston SVP and market manager Mark Hannon says, “‘The TJ Show’ is Boston’s next-generation morning show. We are thrilled that TJ, Loren Raye and Producer Matt will continue to entertain Boston morning listeners for years to come.” The duo of Taormina and Raye joined the station in April 2013…..New York
-based, nationally syndicated radio personality Charlamagne Tha God – of Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” was back on national TV on Monday night (4/16) on CBS-TV’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to promote his new book, Black Privilege (2018, Touchstone)…..After a nine-year stint as executive director of The Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar, Bill Mayne is stepping aside as of next month. Mayne has led the non-profit organization’s operations since 2011. Prior to that, he served on its board of directors.
Round Two of March PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 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 March 2018 PPM survey period covered March 1 – 28. See all the 6+ numbers 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 – Without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk outlet WMAL dialed up a +1.1 in January; was -.2 in February; and is
now +.4 in March (5.0, seventh to fifth, 6+). Moreover, this is the first time that the combined WMAL-FM & WMAL-AM has reached the five-share level (6+) in the PPM-era. In addition to regaining half of the four-tenths it dropped in February (10.2 – 10.4, +.2, 6+), Hubbard 
all-news WTOP is #1 for the third 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. At this time last month, it held a one-share advantage over runner-up WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” but that lead extends to 2.3 shares as American University-owned news/talk WAMU falters by -1.1 (9.2 – 8.1, unchanged at #2, 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. Disappearing from print in February after six straight down or flat trends (.5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .0, 6+), Radio One news/talk WOL returns with a .2 (#24, 6+), while Hubbard news/talk WFED
“Federal News Radio” repeats February’s .1 (#24 to #26, 6+). Steady at #18, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” registers a 2.4 (6+) for the third successive sweep. Before notching a +.6 in January, “The Fan” was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline in its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, -1.7, 6+). Since appearing in print in May 2017, co-owned business news WDCH is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 (flat at #21, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Most of the combined +1.1 in three straight positive spikes by Columbia Union College Broadcasting’s WGTS is from the current +.8 (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 4.0, 6+) as “91.9 – Christian Music Radio for Washington” cracks the top ten (#11 to #8) with its highest 6+-share since July 2017’s 4.8. Progressing by one-half share each are Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” (3.0 – 3.5, unchanged at #13, 6+) and Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3,” which is an overall +.9 in four straight up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, steady at #12, 6+). Before breaking out a February +.8 to 4.5 (6+), WPGC was within 3.2 – 3.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 15 survey periods. In March, however, the Entercom rhythmic CHR surrenders 75% of that +.8 (3.9, -.6, eighth to ninth, 6+). Its 4.5 in February represented the first time “95.5 PGC” reached the four-share level (6+) since December 2016’s 4.0.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Not only is heritage iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM a cumulative +1.5 in three straight improvements, (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), “News Radio 1030” progresses from fifth to second with its finest 6+-
share (6.4) since January 2017’s 6.6. Picking up one full-share in March as well is Boston University-owned news/talk WBUR (4.9 – 5.9, eighth to fifth, 6+). In November, WBUR – which was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 and +.7 in January – added nine-tenths to October’s one-half share improvement. Its one-half share loss in September ended three straight sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). At the same time, fellow public news/talker – WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH – is off by two-tenths in consecutive sweeps but stays at #9 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). As was the case 
with WBUR, WGBH improved by seven-tenths in January. Completely wiping out February’s -.3 with a March +.4, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 The Voice of Boston” moves from #14 to #13. Off four-tenths (5.6 – 5.2, 6+) after February’s -1.5, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” shifts from third to sixth. In 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 bounced back in “Holiday” 2017 with a gain of one-half share to 5.9 (6+). Elsewhere in the sports talk format, on the heels of a massive -1.3 in February, Entercom-owned WEEI-FM erodes by -.7 (4.1 – 3.4, 6+) but stays at #10. WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three drops in a row that produced a cumulative -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). This is the sixth sweep in a row without an increase for similarly-formatted WEEI-AM (.2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, flat at #28, 6+).
Boston Music Formats – On top for the third straight sweep, iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains four-tenths (7.2 – 7.6, 6+), matching its topline stat in October and November. “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 September, WXKS-FM wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. 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+). Steady at #7, Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” is a collective +.6 in four consecutive reports without a loss (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” is up (slightly) or flat for the third straight time (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+) and remains at #12. Via five straight up or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO nets four-tenths. A combined +1.2 in January and February (1.8 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” surrenders two-thirds of that increase in March (2.2, -.8, #13 to #16, 6+).
Miami
English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to six straight positive or flat trends (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD is up nine-tenths; “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” carries on at #20. With its third 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 third successive sweep for a total loss of seven-tenths (1.5 
– 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8, unchanged at #26, 6+). Also in the sports talk format, iHeartMedia-owned WINZ “940 – Miami’s Sports Station” regains the one-tenth it lost in February (.2 – .3, #34 to #31, 6+). After picking up one-half share in January, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN dips by two-tenths in both February and March (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.0, (6+) and leaves the top twenty (#19 to #21). Prior to January’s +.5, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – Advancing from tenth to seventh, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” is an overall +1.3 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+). The last time “El Zol” reached the four-share level (6+) was February 2017 (4.1). Adding six-tenths each are Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” (4.1 – 4.7, steady at #8, 6+) with its best 6+-stat since September 2017 (4.7, as well) and iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMIA “Miami’s 93.9 MIA” (2.0 – 2.6, 6+), which enters the top twenty at #16. While it repeats at #1, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” falters by one-half share (7.3 – 6.8, 6+). February’s +1.1 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. Stuck on 4.0 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia-owned mainstream CHR WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” flounders by eight-tenths to 3.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #13). 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+). Its format competitor, Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3,” is down or flat for the seventh sweep in a row for a collective -1.1 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+) but actually improves from #11 to #10. These two CHRs were tied for eighth-place in July 2017 and December 2017, and separated by one-tenth in August. Tied with WFLC at #10 (up from #12 in February) is Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 New Country,” which scores its sixth straight sweep without a loss for a combined +1.3 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). Following five increases in a row for a cumulative +1.8 (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 – Donde Viven Hits” forfeits three-tenths to 4.9 (6+) and stays at #6.
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Despite logging its fourth up or flat trend in succession for a collective +1.0 (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom’s
WWJ “News Radio 950” backslides from second to fourth. Between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017, WWJ was within 5.2 – 5.9 territory (6+). Sports talk sibling WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket,” which was +1.0 in January, is a combined -.6 in 
February and March (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5, seventh to ninth, 6+). As a result of four losses in a row prior to January’s full-share gain, “The Ticket” was a collective -2.2. Co-owned WXYT-AM “CBS Sports Radio 1270” regains the one-tenth it lost in February (.1 – .2, #25 to #24, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WDFN “1130 The Fan” is flat at .1 (#25 to #26, 6+). Off four-tenths (4.4 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” exits the top ten (#10 to #11). In advance of the
January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). Radio One news/talk WDMK-HD2 is off one tenth (.4 – .3, flat at #23, 6+), while Adell Broadcasting’s WFDF “Superstation 910 AM” is flat at .2 (6+) and unchanged at #24. After three straight times of notching a 1.9 (6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM posts a 1.8 but stays at #20. Up one-tenth to .9, Wayne State University news/talk WDET continues at #22.
Detroit Music Formats – As a result of +.9 to 5.5 (eighth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” puts an end to a repetitive December 2017 – February 2018 sequence of 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 (6+). This (5.5) is the best 6+-stat for “Mix” since June 2017’s 6.4. After dropping one-half share in February, adult contemporary sibling WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now” answers with a gain of eight-tenths (6.6 – 6.1 – 6.9, 6+), shifting from fourth to second. 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). In addition to being #1 for the third straight time, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC is an overall +1.1 in three sweeps in succession without a loss (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+); 7.2 is the best 6+-stat for “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” since December 2015 (7.2, as well). While it is unchanged at #3, Beasley Media Group’s WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is +1.3 in three upticks in succession (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). In a down/up pattern, co-owned WRIF “Everything That Rocks” is -.5 (“Holiday” 2017); +.6 (January 2018); -.5 (February); and now +.2 in March (4.4 – 4.6, tenth to eighth, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of six-tenths (2.3 – 2.9, 6+) takes Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” from #20 to #16 and its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.6. Concurrently, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” recaptures half the four-tenths it squandered in February (.8 – 1.0, #26 to #24, 6+). Sputtering by one-half share
(6.8 – 6.3, 6+), KUOW nonetheless remains in the runner-up slot. 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, the Northwest Public Radio news/talker 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+). Seven-tenths of a share behind KUOW is Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM (flat at #3), whose seven most recent (6+) trends are 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” forfeits all of February’s +.3 and one-tenth more (2.1
– 1.7, -.4, flat 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+). Meanwhile, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO is a combined -.6 in February and March (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3, #18 to #19); co-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” is flat at 1.0 yet moves from #25 to #24 (6+).
Seattle Music Formats – Having registered a 2.9 in three of the last five ratings periods (2.9 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 for New Country” notches a +.7 to 3.6 (#15 to #13, 6+). As a result of its fourth straight uptick, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is an overall +1.6 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.2, seventh to fifth, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat since May 2017’s 5.3. The market now has two top ten adult contemporary outlets, as Entercom-owned KSWD “94.1 The Sound” boasts a one-half share gain (3.6 – 4.1, 6+) to jump from #13 to #10. “The Sound” was formerly country KMPS before flipping to AC in early-December (2017). It is challenging Hubbard incumbent KRWM “Warm 106.9,” which is flat at 4.9 (sixth to seventh, 6+), following a combined -6.9 in January and February. 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+). Without an increase three consecutive times for a -.8 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.2 6+), CHR cluster-mate KQMV answered with a combined +1.9 in January and February (5.2 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). Even though it drops three-tenths to 6.8 (6+), “MOViN 92.5 Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” repeats at #1. Prior to February, the last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in June 2017 (7.4). Following four positive or flat trends in a row for a +1.2 since November (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss-FM – More Music, More Variety” drops three-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and leaves the top ten (#9 to #11). It is tied with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly-programmed KPLZ “Star 101.5 – Today’s Best Mix” (3.7 – 3.8, +.1, #12 to #11, 6+). Unchanged at #4, Entercom-owned KISW “99.9 The Rock of Seattle,” which was an overall +1.9 in four straight gains (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), slips by one-tenth to 5.5 (6+); February’s 5.6 was its best 6+-stat since August 2015’s 5.7.
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at #18, iHeartMedia-owned KFYI “News Talk 550” drops one-tenth to 2.3 (6+) thus ending at three its successive string of
upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Up eight-tenths in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM is now a combined -.7 in February and March (4.0 
– 3.5 – 3.3, #12 to #13, 6+). Trending 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 (6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ is flat at #11. 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” picks up one
-tenth to 1.6 (6+) and stays at #25. KMVP-FM 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 returns the one-tenth it gained in February (.3 – .2, #35 to #36, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KGME “Fox Sports 910” is up one-tenth to .7 (#31 to #30, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – Without a loss for the sixth time in a row for a collective +1.0 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” inches up from fourth to third. Albeit a combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KESZ is #1 for the fifth 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. Continuing in the runner-up slot for the fifth consecutive sweep, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is without a loss for the third time in succession (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). In four positive spikes in a row, iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss FM – The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix” is a cumulative +1.6 (3.3 – 3.0 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.9, sixth to fifth, 6+). Having logged a 3.2 (6+) in three of the last five sweeps (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” falters by seven-tenths to 2.5 (#14 to #17, 6+). After six successive up or flat sweeps for an overall +1.0 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), Entravision’s Spanish adult hits KVVA “Jose” surrenders three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) as it departs the top twenty (#19 to #21).
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Wiping out in its entirety February’s -.7 (5.2 – 5.9, +.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW advances from seventh to sixth. 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. Four straight up or flat moves by Hubbard talk KTMY generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+), but “My Talk 107.1” forfeits three-tenths to 3.0 and continues at #15. Stuck on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February, Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” drops three-tenths to 4.7 (unchanged at #9, 
6+). Up nine-tenths to 3.4 (6+) in January, iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” was flat in February, and picks up one-tenth in March (flat at #13). Despite adding one-tenth to 5.8 (6+), co-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan,” -1.5 in February, backslides from sixth to seventh. In back-to-back reports, Hubbard’s KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is off by one-tenth (1.1 – 1.0 – .9, #19 to #20, 6+).
Minneapolis Music Formats – A collective +.8 via three consecutive positive or flat trends (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 2.0, 6+), Minneapolis Public Schools-owned KBEM “Jazz 88.5” carries on at #18. The jazz outlet had been within 1.0 – 1.5 range (6+) in each of the last 12 survey periods. Its internet “stream” – which appeared at #24 in February with a .6 (6+) vanishes in March. Owing to a gain of six-tenths (5.8 – 6.4, fifth to third, 6+), Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” reaches the six-share level (6+) for the first time since August 2017 (6.0). Off by a combined six-tenths in January and February (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom country property KMNB “Buz’n @ 102.9” erases all but one-tenth of that deficit with a +.5 to 3.9 (#13 to #12, 6+). Its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” – is +1.9 in three upticks in a row (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+) yet backslides from a seventh-place tie to eighth. 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+). Not only is Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM #1 for the third sweep in a row, “KS-95” is a collective +2.5 in three successive progressive moves (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3, 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+). In a February four-way tie at #19, iHeartMedia urban oldies KTCZ-HD3 falters by one-half share (1.0 – .5, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#23).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – In back-to-back sweeps, San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS proves that one-tenth of a share can make a big difference. For example, in February, it lost one-tenth (6.2 – 6.1, 6+), which bumped it 
from a first-place tie in January to #2; KPBS was -.1 in January, as well. Now, in March, it gains one-tenth which is sufficient to boost it from second (back) to first. 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+). KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. 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+). The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600,” which eroded by three full-shares in three successive major declines (7.2 – 6.6 – 5.4 – 4.2, 6+); responded in January with a +.8; was -.7 in February; and is now +.8 in March (4.3 – 5.1, fifth to fourth, 6+). 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. Three straight up or flat moves by Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM yielded a +.5 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), but “AM 760” slips by one-tenth in March to 2.1 (flat at #22, 6+). Down six-tenths in February, iHeartMedia-owned KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” picks up one-tenth to .8 (#27 to #25, 6+). Flat at #23, Interamericana de Radio’s similarly-formatted XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090,” which netted four-tenths in three up or flat trends in a row (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), sputters by three-tenths to 1.3 (6+).
San Diego Music Formats – Entering the February sweep, iHeartMedia CHR KHTS had been within 4.0 – 4.8 range (6+) in ten straight reports but plummeted by -1.2 to 3.5 (6+). Rebounding with a gain of seven-tenths (4.2, 6+), “Channel 93-3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is back in the top ten (#12 to #9). On a roll, Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” is up for the third straight time for a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), advancing from third to second. KSON was -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Duplicating its February +.5, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KSSX “Jam’n 95.7” (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+) jumps from #16 to #13 with its best 6+-stat since July 2017 (also 3.3). Improving by one-half share as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which is +1.0 in three upticks in succession (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1, #18 to #14, 6+). Five straight gains by Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN generated a +1.9 (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+), but “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” surrenders all but three-tenths of that increase (5.1, -1.6, 6+) to tumble from first to fourth. Immediately after improving by one-half share in February (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), cluster-mate KEGY erodes by -1.2 to .4 (#23 to #28, 6+). The station transitioned to a hybrid talk-comedy-classic rock mix as “97.3 The Machine – Talk That Rocks” at the conclusion of the February sweep and is the flagship of the San Diego Padres. Off six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, 6+), UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” spirals from #13 to #20.
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of a +.4 (5.4 – 5.8, second to first, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR is back on top as it was in January. When KCFR 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.
Immediately after faltering by nine-tenths in February to 2.7 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” answers with a +1.0 in March to 3.7 (#16 to #13, 6+). Its +.4 in January to 3.6 (6+) halted three straight down or flat sweeps that yielded a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). Advancing from tenth to ninth, 
iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” picks up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), after January’s one-half share loss; January’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March 2017. Displaying a steady November 2017 – March 2018 (6+) topline of 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1, news/talk cluster-mate KHOW “Talk Radio 630” carries on at #18. Meanwhile, Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC is flat at .7 (6+) and remains at #26.
Denver Music Formats – Tacking on six-tenths to February’s +.7 (2.7 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS cracks the top ten (#14 to #10); “KS-107.5” was -.5 in January. Classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” is a combined +1.8 in three upticks in a row (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+) and leaps from fourth to second with its best 6+-stat since 5.7 in August 2017. Progressing by one-half share as well is KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” (4.6 – 5.1, eighth to sixth, 6+). The last time “Kool 105” reached the five-share level (6+) was January 2017 (5.5). A combined +1.2 in January and February (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” returns half that increase and drops from first to fourth (5.2, -.6, 6+). Its +.5 in January curtailed four straight declines for a collective -2.0 (6.6 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.6, 6+). The market’s (6+) hot AC share erodes by -1.3, as KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” is off eight-tenths and exits the top ten (3.9, #7 to #11, 6+), while Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” – which was locked on 4.2 (6+) in January and February – loses one-half share (3.7, #12 to #13, 6+). The -.5 by “Mix” stymies three straight gains that netted +1.2 (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, 6+) by iHeartMedia CHR KPTT sends “95.7 The Party” from #13 to #15.
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – In three (modest) upticks, Cox Media Group hot talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” is up by one-half share
(2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, steady at #16, 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+). For the third sweep in a row, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” has a 
fluctuation of one-half share. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), but in March, it is a -.5 (3.7 – 3.2, #13 to #15, 6+). While up (slightly) or flat in each of the last three survey periods for a +.3 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), co-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” remains at #20. As a result of four straight 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, #16 to #19, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – By notching a full-share increase (3.1 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time in exactly one year (4.0, March 2017) and enters the top ten (#15 to #10). The market’s pacesetter for the 67th successive ratings period – Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” – picks up one-half share to 8.9 (6+). “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+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” (6.8, -.1, 6+) is in the runner-up slot for the fifth sweep in a row. “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+). Three straight positive spikes accounted for a +1.1 for Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+) but “The Joy FM” relinquishes eight-tenths to 4.5 (6+), skidding from fifth to eighth.
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #13, Hearst Television news/talk WBAL has been ultra-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+). Immediately prior to January 2018,
that topline included five successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.4. WBAL is one-tenth ahead of independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” (3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #13 to #14, 6+) and Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station,” which replicates February’s -.5 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2, #11 to #14, 6+). Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – 
.3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February and is missing in March, as well. After picking up six-tenths in January, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” hands over all of it in February and March (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+), slumping from sixth to ninth. When “The Fan” 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 eighth time in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 -.3 – .3 – .2 -.1 – .1, #26 to #24, 6+). Finishing second in Washington, DC (see above), American University-owned news/talk WAMU drops three-tenths in Baltimore (1.4 – 1.1, 6+), slipping from #15 to #16. WAMU was -.4 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Without a loss the past eight sweeps for an overall +3.6 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” slips by one-tenth to 11.5 (6+), but is #1 for the third month in a row. “Magic” occupied the top spot for four months in succession before segueing to #2 in December. Entering the November sweep, WWIN-FM was down or flat in each of the previous four ratings periods for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A four-tenths June increase halted at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a -.9 (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Major ups/downs continue for WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” The Entercom adult contemporary facility dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); displayed a +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); bounced back with a combined +9.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (#1 in both of those sweeps); was -10.2 in January; +.9 in February; and now -.7 in March (7.0 – 6.3, second to fourth, 6+). There’s a somewhat similar scenario with iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country,” which was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; -.9 in February; and a much more modest +.2 in March (6.2 – 6.4, fourth to third, 6+). From May 2017 through November, however, WPOC was consistently within 7.2 – 7.7 range (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+). Inching up from sixth to fifth, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” is a collective +1.3 as the result of three successive positive spikes (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+). For the third ratings period in a row, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” registers a 4.3 (eighth to seventh, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – Following a full-share January increase, Entercom news/talk KMOX is a combined -.6 in February and March (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+). 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+). Down by one-half share in March as well (3.1 – 2.6, 6+) is Emmis-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which is anchored at #16. Prior to January’s +.7, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three straight decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 
2.6, 6+). A one-tenth uptick (3.4 – 3.5, 6+) boosts Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” from #14 to #12. WXOS was a combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+); posted a +.8 in January; but was -.6 in February. Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU falls from #13 to #15. 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 – 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 40% of that loss with a +.8 to 8.3 (6+) and is #1 for the third 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 months for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). Owing to a one-half share gain (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), cluster-mate KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” cracks the top ten (#11 to #10) with its best 6+-share since July 2017 (4.2, as well). At the same time, Hubbard’s WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” is without a loss for the fourth sweep in succession for a +1.0 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), marching from fourth to second. After trending 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 6.7 (6+), Emmis rocker KSHE sputters by eight-tenths to 5.9 (6+) and swaps places with WIL (second to fourth). Owing to four straight upticks (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective +1.4 and carries on at #9 with its best 6+-performance (4.6) since November 2016’s 4.7. A cumulative -1.5 in four downward trends in succession (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” is up two-tenths to 3.5 (6+) jumping from #15 to #12.
