Wednesday, June 19, 2019

‘Our American Stories’ Tops 200-Affiliate Mark. The nationally syndicated program “Our American Stories” announces that Entercom’s heritage news/talk outlet WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is one of a number of new affiliate stations that has added the program to its schedule, helping the program break the 200-affiliate plateau.  Additional new stations picking up the show include: 1TV.com’s KIKO-AM, Mesa, Arizona “The Bull 1340”; 3 Daughters Media Inc’s WMNA-AM/FM, Gretna, Virginia and WGNA-AM, Roanoke; HRN Broadcasting’s WZGM-AM, Asheville, North Carolina; and Midwest Communications’ KDAL-AM, Duluth, Minnesota. The program is a production of American Private Radio and CEO and program host Lee Habeeb says, “There is no such thing as a ‘sure thing’ is this business.  At a time when talk radio is top-heavy with what divides us as Americans, listeners are responding to our nightly program that celebrates the country so many of us love and care about – and the values that made the country what it is today.  I want to say thank you to the station managers at KABC, Los Angeles; WTMJ, Milwaukee; KPRC, Houston; WCCO, Minneapolis/St. Paul; KFAB, Omaha; KMOX, St. Louis; KFXR, Dallas; WHO, Des Moines; KOA, Denver; WBOB, Jacksonville; WHFS, Tampa; KMZQ, Las Vegas; KKFT FM, Reno; KJJC, Salt Lake City; KSCO, Santa Cruz; and now the heritage blowtorch WBT in Charlotte – so many additional station managers who trust our vision of ‘Our American Stories.’  My team of writers, producers, and sales people are truly humbled.”

Joe Pags Show Hits 125-Affiliate Milestone. The WOAI, San Antonio-based “Joe Pags Show” – hosted by Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – is happy to announce it has surpassed the 125-affiliate mark with the recent addition of the following stations to its roster: WPHT, Philadelphia; KSEV, Houston; WLOB-AM, Portland; WOOD-AM/FM, Grand Rapids; and WIMA-AM, Lima, Ohio.  Joe Pags says more stations are preparing to add the show and he hopes to be able to announce more new affiliate stations soon.  The program is syndicated by Compass Media Networks and airs live from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET.

PPM Analysis: All-News. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on the all-news format.  The big winner comparing the April survey to the May survey is Entercom’s KCBS-AM, San Francisco, which rises by three-tenths to a 6.6 share (weekly 6+ AQH). Comparing May of 2018 to May 2019, KCBS-AM is again the top achiever, going up 1.2 shares in the San Francisco market.  However, the same station loses 1.2 shares in the adjacent San Jose market, year-over-year. Both KCBS-AM and Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington ranked #1 in their markets during the May survey. WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago ranked #2. See the entire report here.

RTDNA Names 2019 National Murrow Award Winners. The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the winners of the 2019 National Murrow Awards.  More than 4,600 entries were received in 16 categories and 100 local and network radio, television, and digital news organizations are being honored for 122 examples of outstanding journalism.  The winners at the national level also include Student Murrow Awards in five categories of audio, video, and digital reporting.  RTDNA executive director Dan Shelley says, “The RTDNA National Edward R. Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold our Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.  Winning a Murrow Award means that a news organization has provided exemplary public service to its viewers, listeners and readers.”  Some highlights of this year’s awards include: CBS News Radio wins for Overall Excellence, Breaking News Coverage, and for Newscast for “CBS World News Roundup; Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington repeats its 2018 win for Overall Excellence in large market radio; ABC News Radio wins the Excellence in Innovation award for its podcast, “Start Here,” and for Sports Reporting for “America’s Next Pastime”; Entercom all-news station WCBS-AM, New York is honored for Excellence in Video and all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco wins Best Newscast.  See all the winners here.

Advertising Lawyer Jeffrey A. Greenbaum is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  During periods of technical and social change, it usually takes the legal system time to catch up with laws and regulations that address the new reality.  We’re experiencing such a syndrome today when it comes to the internet and digital era’s impact on advertising and intellectual property, including navigating the FTC, “influencer” social media marketing, the impact of bots on creating false metrics, and the idiosyncratic arena of branded entertainment.  A leading expert on these subjects, attorney Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, is this week’s guest on the award winning PodcastOne presentation, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Greenbaum is the managing partner of the law firm Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz as well as chairman of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance. Best Lawyers in America has twice named him “Advertising Lawyer of the Year” for the New York metro area.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

WABC, New York Adds New Clint Arthur-Hosted Saturday Night Show. The program is called “The Greatest Show of All Time” and features celebrity entrepreneur Clint Arthur. It airs Saturday nights at 7:00 through November 6, 2019.  Arthur says, “The mission of this show is personal, professional, and spiritual transformation for entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs and anyone responsible for improving their own life and who wants to be more, do more and have more.  As a native New Yorker, I am thrilled by this opportunity to give back to the city that made me who I am today.”  Arthur is the author best-selling books: What They Teach You at The Wharton Business School, Speaking Game: 7-Figure Speaker Secrets, and The Greatest Book of All Time.  He’s a regular guest on television, having appeared on such programs and networks as “The Today Show,” “Mornings with Maria,” CNN, HLN, BBC, SkyNews, and “Good Day LA.”

Two Sales Pros Join Salem Surround. The new digital ad agency Salem Surround adds two media sales pros.  Andy Massingill is named regional digital sales director for the West Region and Jon Latzer holds the same title for the East Region.  The new agency from Salem Media Group “offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services to develop and execute audience-based marketing strategies for clients on both local and national levels.”  Massengill most recently served with Adams Publishing Group in Minnesota.  Latzer was most recently with Alpha Media as the regional interactive sales director. Salem SVP of broadcast digital Jamie Cohen says, “These two new hires are the next step in Salem’s strategy to provide 360-degree marketing support to our clients and partners.  Jon and Andy bring a unique mix of both radio and vast digital experience to the table which I’m confident will provide our teams and our clients with the ability to see the value in all forms of audience we can deliver.”

TALKERS News Notes. WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro is pictured here outside the Amway Arena in Orlando prior to last night’s Trump 2020 campaign kick-off. DePetro says that with the help of Qgolive, his program will be mobile this summer.  He broadcast yesterday’s program from Orlando…..Former WEEI, Boston morning co-host and current Barstool Sports personality Kirk Minihane is holding a press conference today (6/19) to address the lawsuit being filed against him and Barstool Sports by Somerville, Massachusetts Mayor Joseph Curtatone.  The mayor was recently interviewed by Kirk Minihane who pretended to be Boston Globe writer Kevin Cullen.  A couple of weeks after finding out he’d been duped, Curtatone filed a suit alleging Minihane violated Massachusetts General Laws by using “fraudulent means” to get his permission to be recorded.  Barstool CEO David Portnoy posted a statement saying he doesn’t know if Minihane broke the law or not but hopes the case goes to trial to provide “the best content of all time.”  Portnoy implies his father, attorney Michael Portnoy, would represent Barstool.

Trump’s Orlando Re-Election Rally, 2020 Presidential Race, Trump’s Illegal Immigrants Deportation Promise, Iran Tensions, Slavery Reparations Hearing, and Dominican Republic Deaths/Illnesses Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/18).  Last night’s Orlando rally to kick off President Trump’s re-election campaign; the Democrats competing for the nomination in the 2020 presidential race; Trump’s statement that ICE will be deporting millions of illegal aliens next week; the tensions over Iran’s enrichment program and the U.S.’s threat of military action; today’s hearing on slavery reparations before a House Judiciary subcommittee; and the spate of deaths and illnesses among travelers to the Dominican Republic were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Anchorage, Alaska market Last Frontier Mediactive flips rock KZND to alternative as “94.7 Alternative Anchorage.”  Kellen Pierce is the program director and says, “I’m thrilled to be programming Anchorage’s exclusive home for alternative music!  Alaskan fans of modern and present alternative will now be able find their favorite new artists alongside some of the best alternative from the 90s to now!”…..iHeartMedia appoints Don Pollnow market president for the company’s four-station Wichita cluster that includes country KZSN-FM “102.1 The Bull,” CHR KZCH-FM “Channel 96.3,” adult contemporary KRBB-FM, “B98,” and alternative KTHR-FM “ALT 107.3.”  Pollnow was most recently vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media‘s Green Bay station group…..Westwood One announces that the syndicated “Adam Bomb Show” adds three new affiliate stations to its roster.  Now airing the program are KYIS-FM, Oklahoma City; KWPW-FM, Robinson, Texas; and WMXV-FM, Florence-Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

WGN-AM, Chicago and Patti Vasquez Go Separate Ways.  Chicago media writer Robert Feder has the story of WGN’s decision to part ways with late-night talk show host Patti Vasquez after a five-year run.  Feder notes that Vasquez had been suspended several times during her stint with the station for various infractions of the rules but apparently the accidental airing of the f-word earlier this month proved to be the last straw. In a memo to the staff, WGN station manager and vice president of content Todd Manley wrote, “Patti Vasquez is no longer working with WGN Radio. Her departure is a private matter and will remain that way.  We are grateful to her for her service to WGN Radio, and wish her the best.”  The station will rotate various WGN personalities in the 10:00 pm to 1:00 am daypart for now.  In a separate matter, Vasquez has announced she will seek the Illinois 10^th District State Senate seat.

Michael Savage’s Trump Criticisms Focal Point of NYTimes Piece. Nationally syndicated talk radio host Michael Savage is the subject of a piece in The New York Times that looks into Savage’s criticism of President Trump – such as his failure to secure a border wall deal and the ballooning federal budget deficit – and how Savage’s audience is reacting to that criticism. As the story indicates, Savage still supports Trump and will vote for him in 2020, but Savage has never been one to avoid criticism of any politician if he believes it’s deserved.  What’s new is that Trump’s base appears to want none of that.  The Westwood One personality tells Times writer Jeremy W. Peters, “I don’t think they care very much about issues.  They’ll vote for him no matter what because he’s not ‘them.’  I think it’s come down to ‘them’ or ‘us.’”  Read the story here.

Contrite Craig Carton Heads Off to Prison. Sports talk radio personality Craig Carton began his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for fraud yesterday (6/17).  Regular TALKERS readers are aware that Carton was convicted of defrauding investors of millions in a phony concert tickets re-sale business. Carton, who had insisted that he was innocent of the charges, now admits his guilt.  He tweeted, “I made mistakes. Mistakes in judgments, decisions and how I was living my life.  I was wrong.  I have, will, and should continue to pay a dear price for those mistakes.  I also though, believe in redemption and earning second chances…I will work tirelessly to repay those whom I have hurt and to regain the trust that you all had in me.”  Carton was co-host of the morning show on WFAN, New York at the time of his arrest in September of 2017.

Gallagher Chats with Florida Trump Fans. Pictured above outside Amway Stadium in Orlando is Salem Radio Network talk radio host Mike Gallagher (center) with Donald Trump supporters “Kevin from Pompano Beach” and “Barry from Key West” — the first two people in line for tonight’s Trump 2020 kickoff rally.  Gallagher and fellow SRN host Dr. Sebastian Gorka are broadcasting their Tuesday programs from the nearby Hairy Buffalo sports bar.

New York Festivals Radio Awards Announces Ceremony Presenters. The New York Festivals Radio Awards announces the prominent radio industry professionals slated to present awards at the 2019 Radio Awards ceremony at Manhattan Penthouse in New York on June 24.  The 2019 ceremony segment presenters include: Richard Baker, senior investigative journalist, The Age, Melbourne, Australia; Jennie Cataldo, vice president of programming, BMP Audio, USA; Donal O’Herlihy, producer, “Documentary on One,” RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland; Tanya Springer, senior producer, CBC Podcasts, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada; and Mark Travis, associate director, media production, New York Philharmonic, USA.  For more information on the 2019 NYF Radio Awards gala or to purchase tickets, please click here.  See a complete list of all the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Award Finalists here.

Iran Nukes, 2020 Presidential Race, SCOTUS Virginia Gerrymandering Ruling, Illegal Immigration/Trump Announces Deportation Plan, U.S. Hacks Russia’s Power Grid, Stewart vs McConnell on 9/11 Victims Fund, and Raptors Victory Celebration Violence Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/17).  Iran’s statement of intent to violate the terms of the previous nuclear deal and the U.S.’s talk of military options; the Democrats running for president and Donald Trump’s kick-off of the 2020 campaign; the Supreme Court rules against Republicans in the Virginia gerrymandering case; the immigration issues at the Southern border and President Trump’s statement that ICE will begin deporting millions; allegations the U.S. has hacked Russia’s power grid; Jon Stewart’s challenge to Mitch McConnell to fully fund the 9/11 victims fund; and the shootings at the Toronto Raptors victory celebration were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Collecting Pennies for a Good Cause. KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller (right) helped collect more than 1.6 million pennies – for a total of $16,743 – to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission.  Pictured with Miller is Todd Christensen of Cap Ed Credit Union (left) and Reverend Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission (center).  To collect the pennies, Miller lived in a local Walmart for a week collecting coins, dollars, and other items.

Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Honor NBC TV 4, Los Angeles, Meteorologist Fritz Coleman.  NBC4 meteorologist Fritz Coleman was honored with the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award for his many distinguished years as a “TV Icon Weatherman and Comic Entertainer” during a ceremony at the Airtel Hotel in Van Nuys last week (6/14).  Pictured above at the event: TalkersRadio personality Meg McDonald (center) KFI, Los Angeles host Tim Conway, Jr. (left) and Pacific Pioneer Broadcaster board member and KTWV, Los Angeles host Mike Sakellarides (right).

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Providence country outlet WCTK-FM “Cat Country 98.1” moves midday personality Madelyn Grimaldi to mornings as co-host with Brian Mulhern.  Taking over the open midday slot is Courtney Kelley, who’s been with the station as a part-time and fill-in jock.  Hall Communications vice president of programming Bob Walker says, “Our philosophy is to hire great people and allow them to grow in our company and the industry. Being able to see these two talented personalities take on new challenges is what it’s all about.”…..Premiere Networks promotes Mary DelGrande from executive director of affiliate sales to vice president of affiliate sales.  New York-based DelGrande continues to oversee affiliate sales for Premiere’s roster of national entertainment programs, including: Delilah, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan,” “ON with Mario Lopez,” and more.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Monday Memo: Your Email ‘Envelope.’  Consultant Holland Cooke wraps up his three-part series of tips from digital professionals with technique critical to hosts’ engagement with listener tribes (and sales reps’ approach to prospects).  “Few opportunities to engage are more powerful than the ongoing conversation you have with listeners.  It’s a relationship that Pandora can’t emulate.  Smart syndicated hosts exploit email well, and if you’re local you can be even more relatable.”  Read more here.

Jarecki to Host Evening Show at ‘Sportsradio 610’ Houston. Sports talk host Matthew Jarecki comes to Entercom’s Houston sports talker KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610” from Flagstaff, Arizona where he’s been serving as a sideline reporter for KAFF-FM and Northern Arizona University’s NAU-TV and as morning drive host on the school’s KLJX-LP radio outlet.  His new show on KILT will air from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  Entercom Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier says, “Matt’s a natural when it comes to sports radio.  He has an innate ability to create unique and passionate opinions around Houston sports. His relentless work ethic will shine through and has helped him earn this opportunity.”

iHeartMedia Unveils Project Listen at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. American audio company iHeartMedia announces a partnership with London-based creative conglomerate WPP as they launch Project Listen “to develop next-generation insights, planning and creative capabilities in audio.” A press release states that “the two companies will help brands better engage with consumers and win across all audio platforms: broadcast radio, digital streaming, podcasts, smart speakers and live events.”  It goes on to say, “The study shows consumers say they are listening to audio content for an average of 17 hours a week, with millennials and younger generations listening the most.  This ramp up in listening is the direct result of the rapid growth of digital streaming, podcasts, smart speakers, and airpods, on top of the massive and consistent scale of broadcast radio.”  The three-pronged partnership is composed of:  1) Creative Audio Studio – Audio will be pushed higher on the agendas of creatives and media strategists with the launch of a new studio at GroupM’s headquarters at 3 World Trade Center in New York.  Clients and creatives from across WPP will experiment with modern audio marketing programs, working with creative producers in a series of pilots; 2) Empowering Planning – iHeartMedia’s Smart Audio Insights and audience tools will be integrated with GroupM’s proprietary data and insights tools to uncover new insights and support novel measurement approaches, all of which will be shared in quarterly intelligence reports for clients and the market.  A new audio certification program for planners at GroupM’s agencies will roll out later in 2019; and 3) Raising Audio IQ – A new Project Listen monthly podcast is launching in Cannes with plans for 18 episodes through 2020. Lessons from the client pilots and research will be shared to help inspire more advertisers to embrace audio’s new capabilities. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “Project Listen is about tapping into the scale of audio and moving from the traditionally transactional radio business to the future of audio advertising where insights and ideas lead the way to growth for brands.  Simply put, audio is the biggest greenfield for growth in media today, and we could not be more excited to partner with the talented teams across WPP to develop the tools and skillsets needed to unlock that growth.”

The Weiss Agency and John Wiley & Sons Partner on ‘For Dummies: The Podcast.’ A partnership between The Weiss Agency’s newly established podcast division, TWA Podcast Studio, and publishing firm John Wiley & Sons is producing a new podcast series titled, “For Dummies: The Podcast,” hosted by NBC daytime star Eric Martsolf.  Capitalizing on the more than 250 million books in print in the “For Dummies” series, each weekly episode of the podcast adaptation will be a distillation of one of the “For Dummies” titles presented in a highly- entertaining and informative format.  Eric Weiss says, “Dummies is an iconic media brand that has successfully educated readers around the globe for over three decades.  I am thrilled to partner with Wiley to produce an informative and entertaining podcast that will allow us to share this gold mine of instructional information with listeners around the world.”  “For Dummies: The Podcast” debuts today (6/17) on all major podcast platforms.

Nielsen Audio Releases Audio Today Report. The June 2019 Audio Today report from Nielsen Audio is released and contains data and insights “regarding listening trends, in all its various forms – including podcasting and smart speakers.”  Nielsen says AM/FM radio reaches 272 million Americans each week (92% of adults 18+), “more than any other platform.”  The study concludes that “radio is in high demand and has a diverse listenership when considering how many people tune in across age, gender, and ethnicity.  Not surprisingly, adults 18-49 are the demographic that tunes in the most.  The monthly reach for these listeners is 132.4 million (98% of the population), and country is the format they prefer most.  Adults 25-54 are the second most reached demographic for radio, with 123.6 million (99%) of the population listening each month.” The study breaks out listening by demographics and, as you can see in the graphic here, news/talk is the preferred format among Men 25-54, but note that this is combined commercial news/talk and public radio news/talk.  Nielsen does look at commercial news/talk separately and reports that among Adults 25-54, commercial news/talk is the 8^th most-listened-to format, garnering a 4.9 share (country is tops with a 13.1 share).  See more here.

TAB Radio Institute at the University of Tennessee Opens Today.  Last week, TALKERS tipped readers that the Beasley Radio Talent Institute is beginning today at Emerson College in Boston.  It so happens that today is also the opening of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Radio Institute at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  Over the course of the next 10 days, students will learn from more than three dozen broadcasters teaching in their areas of expertise.  TAB president Whit Adamson says, “The student preparation and focus for the Radio Talent Institute is like nothing else we could get involved with.  This course gets them ready for graduation and the next step in their careers, which is a valuable asset to any station.  They are exposed to all facets of a station and will be capable of sitting down at any broadcast radio or television facility and be prepared to add something.” Twenty-two students were accepted into the institute from eight universities, including: University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee State, Austin Peay State University, Tennessee Tech, Georgia State University, Jackson State Community College, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and Dalton State College in Georgia.

Begnaud to Anchor ‘Reporter’s Notebook’ for CBS News Radio. Four-year CBS News Radio Network journalist David Begnaud is named anchor of the daily CBS News Radio and CBS Audio feature “Reporter’s Notebook.”  Begnaud was recently named lead national correspondent for the network’s “CBS THIS MORNING” program.  Each edition of “Reporter’s Notebook” will give listeners insight and context to the day’s biggest news stories.  Begnaud’s reports will be broadcast at 4:25 pm ET Monday through Friday.  CBS News Radio vice president and general manager Craig Swagler says, “David represents true compassion in his storytelling that affects our listeners.  Our affiliates can depend on David to bring the best original reporting to their audiences with ‘Reporter’s Notebook.’”  Begnaud’s coverage of Hurricane Maria earned him the prestigious George Polk Award for public service in 2018.  He also received the RTDNA’s First Amendment Leadership Award for his significant contribution to the protection of the First Amendment and freedom of the press.

Lieberman to Head Up Sales at WTEM, Washington. Sales pro Stephen Lieberman is appointed general sales manager of Radio One’s sports talk WTEM, Washington “The Team 980,” effective July 8.  He was most recently general sales manager for NBC Sports Washington.  Prior to that Lieberman was the local sales manager at ESPN O&O WMVP-AM, Chicago “ESPN Radio 1000.”  Lieberman says, “I’m truly excited to return to the place where I started my sports radio career.  I’m humbled to have an opportunity to build on the great work that my colleagues have devoted to ‘The Team 980,’ and I’m looking forward to collaborating with this talented group to strengthen our ties to the community while building deeper partnerships in the marketplace.”

2020 Presidential Race/Poll Numbers, Impeachment Talk, Kellyanne Conway Hatch Act Allegations, Iran Suspected of Tanker Attacks, South American Blackout, and Hong Kong Protests Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and the leaked poll numbers that indicate Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders lead Trump in several states; the Democrats’ talk of beginning impeachment proceedings against the president; the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s report that White House aide Kellyanne Conway violated the Hatch Act numerous times; the U.S. accuses Iran of torpedoing oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman; the blackouts affecting millions in Argentina and Uruguay; and the Hong Kong protests over the Chinese extradition policy were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Los Angeles, Nick Cannon is joining Meruelo Media’s hip hop KPWR “Power 106” as the station’s new morning drive personality.  Meruelo Media president and COO Otto Padron says, “Nick is the quintessential entertainer and content creator who will take our media game to the next level.  His tremendous success across television, film, and music is testimony of his unique talent, work ethic, and impeccable reputation.  Nick is the absolute right talent to start our mornings on ‘Power 106’ – this is an incredible match and we’re fortunate to have him in our family.”…..Beasley Media Group rebrands KOAS-FM, Las Vegas “Jammin’ 105.7” and officially kicked off the newly tweaked format by playing “Smile” by Li’l Duval & Snoop Dogg.  With the change, the Premiere Networks-syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show takes over the AM daypart.  Zenja Dunn remains in middays while Paco Lopez joins the afternoon drive show and Connie Breeze hosts evenings…..Hubbard Radio announces that programming pro and country radio specialist Bruce Logan will take the helm as operations manager and brand/content director of country WIRK-FM, West Palm Beach and sister adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9.”  Logan was most recently the VP of programming for Entercom’s Houston market and program director for country KILT-FM and adult hits KKHH-FM.

Round Four of Takeaways from May PPM Survey. May 2019 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 survey period covered April 25 – May 22. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – It was announced last week that Emmis is selling its 50.1% controlling interest in six Austin stations to Bob and David Sinclair-led Sinclair Telecable for $39.3 million. Included in the deal are news/talk KLBJ-AM; classic rock KLBJ-FM; adult hits KBPA-FM; adult contemporary KGSR-FM;  alternative KROX-FM; regional Mexican KLZT-FM; and music brands “Austin City Limits Radio” and “Latino 102.7.” The Austin cluster will be rebranded as Waterloo Media. Until the sale is finalized, we will include any mention of these stations in “Takeaways” columns as “Emmis-owned.”

A combined -1.0 in three straight drops (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” dips from #12 to #13 with its lowest 6+-stat (2.8) since “Holiday” 2018’s 2.7.

This marks the fourth successive time that Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” (#19 to #18) has a fluctuation of one-tenth (1.7 – 1.6; 1.6 – 1.7; 1.7 – 1.8; 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Meanwhile, the February 2019 through March 2019 topline for iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is .4 – .6 – .6 .4 (#24 to #25, 6+).

On the heels of April’s gigantic -2.0 (9.5 – 7.5, 6+), KUT surrenders another one-tenth to 7.4, its lowest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.1, but the University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk facility continues in the runner-up slot. KUT’s previous shifts this calendar year include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); and +.7 (March).

Austin Music Formats – In three straight decreases, iHeartMedia country KVET-FM erodes by -1.3 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+), but “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” rallies with a +.9 to 5.8 (6+) and jumps from eighth to fourth. The just-concluded negative streak directly followed its January +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2, 6+). It is tied at #4 with co-owned/similarly-formatted KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country,” which is +1.5 in three straight upticks (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7 – 5.8, fifth to fourth, 6+). April’s +1.2 halted its November 2018 through March 2019 alternating up/down pattern (5.4 – 5.6 – 3.7 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+). Particularly noteworthy in that stretch, KASE plummeted by -1.9 in “Holiday” 2018; improved by +1.2 in January; and was -.6 in February. Locked on 2.0 (6+) in March and April, Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” adds one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) and continues at #16. A January drop of one-tenth interrupted three straight increases that nearly doubled (+1.1) KOKE-FM’s 6+-stat (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.8 range (6+) the fourth straight time including May’s increase of one-half share (5.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” progresses from seventh to fourth. This is its best 6+-showing in nearly one year (5.8 as well in June 2018). Despite dropping one-half share (8.7 – 8.2, 6+), Emmis adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” repeats at #1. Prior to April 2019, the last time “Bob” occupied the top spot was December 2018 when KBPA scored an 8.3 (6+). In back-to-back (April and May) reports, regional Mexican sibling KLZT “107.1 La Z” spirals by eight-tenths (6.7 – 5.9 – 5.1, 6+), drifting from fourth to eighth. “La Z” was +1.2 in March and, prior to April, last reached the six-share level in October 2016 (6.1). Off one-half share (1.9 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary KKMJ-HD3 slips from #18 to #20. In early-March, Emmis flipped KGSR “Austin City Limits Radio” to adult contemporary “Star 93.3.” While off nine-tenths in its first sweep in the new format, “Star” erased that deficit completely with a magnitude-matching April increase (1.1 – 2.0, +.9, 6+) but forfeits one-tenth in May (1.9, #16 to #17, 6+). The station it is chasing – Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music For A Better Workday” – falters by three-tenths to 6.2 (6+) and carries on in third-place. In advance of May’s -.3, “Majic” was -1.2 (September 2018); +1.2 (October); -.5 (November); +1.2 (December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); -4.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.5 (March); and +1.5 (April). Having posted a 1.0 in March (#21, 6+), Principle Broadcasting Foundation triple A KDRP-LP “Sun Radio – The Best Music Under The Sun” is unlisted in April and May.

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK  was an overall +1.9 (4.6 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+), but “106.1 Stay Connected” is now a combined -.7 in April/May (6.5 – 6.1 – 5.8, flat at #7, 6+). Even though it returns the one-tenth it gained in April (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” advances from #17 to #16.

Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” is unchanged from April in 6+-share (2.2) and 6+ market rank (#15). Co-owned/similarly-formatted model of consistency WDNC “620 The Ticket” has an August 2018 through May 2019 topline of: .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .1 (#27, 6+).

While off four-tenths (7.4 – 7.0, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” continues in third-place. WUNC followed January’s +1.0 with a -.6 in February.

Raleigh Music Formats – An increase of eight-tenths (3.2 – 4.0, 6+) enables Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW to reach the four-share level (6+) for the first time since July 2017 (4.0, as well). By regressing one-half share in April, “Pulse FM – All The Hits” concluded three consecutive up or flat moves that led to a gain of eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). A combined -.9 in March/April (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WDCG “G-105 – Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” improves by four-tenths to 5.5 (ninth to eighth, 6+). “G-105” was +1.5 in January/February (4.5 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+). Radio One urban contemporary sibling WQOK dials up an increase of seven-tenths to advance from sixth to fourth. Three straight sweeps without a loss yielded two-tenths (7.6 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+); however, “K-97.5” was then -1.6 in March/April (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.2, 6+). Albeit a collective -1.9 in four straight down or flat trends (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the tenth straight time. Entering the March sweep, its five previous fluctuations were +.9 (November 2018); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019) to 11.0, WFXC’s highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era; and -1.1 in February. Since debuting in print in “Holiday” 2018, Curtis Media Group classic country WQDR-AM “Just Right Country – AM 570,” has a 6+ topline of .1 – .1 – .4 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #20). Surrendering all but two-tenths of April’s +.7 (7.2 – 6.7, -.5, 6+), co-owned WQDR-FM “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” drops from fourth to fifth. After posting a gain of nine-tenths, its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WNCB “New Country B-93.9” – repeats April’s 6+-share (2.9) and market rank (#13). April’s increase erased February/March’s loss of six-tenths (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). In five straight Raleigh reports without an increase, Curtis Media Group-owned regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” has had its 6+ AQH share sliced precisely in half (-1.6) but remains at #16 (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – April 2019 to May 2019’s shift of (only) three-tenths is a unique change-of-pace for Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” (5.2 – 5.7, +.3, eighth to seventh, 6+). It is quite a contrast from its nine most recent fluctuations: -.7 (September 2018); +1.0 (October); +.7 (November); -.9 (December); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); and -1.2 (April).

All three of the market’s sports talk outlets have April 2019 to May 2019 moves of one-tenth. Emmis’ WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” gains a collective four-tenths in three straight up or flat trends 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4, flat at #16, 6+). It has a two-to-one lead over iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station,” which loses six-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2, #18 to #20, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it picked up in April (.1 – .2 – .1, 6+) Cumulus Media’s WXNT “CBS Sports AM 1430” (#22 to #24) notches either a .1 or .2 (6+) for the 16^th consecutive sweep.

Repeating at #11, Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI answers April’s -1.4 with an improvement of three-tenths (4.3 – 4.6, 6+). Prior to April’s loss, WFYI was +1.5 in three gains in succession (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – It had been well over seven years ago since Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS last appeared in print (February 2012, 2.8, #16) but it resurfaced as a Nielsen Audio subscriber in April 2019 with a 3.1 (6+) and ranked #14. “World Class Rock 92.3 – Experience The Music” hauls out a May +1.0 to 4.1 (6+) and progresses to #12. A cumulative -1.5 in four successive negative moves (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH “Hot 96.3” ends the slide with a +.8 to 5.4 (ninth to eighth, 6+). CHR cluster-mate WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” adds one-half share (2.6 – 3.1, 6+) and moves from #15 to #14. April 2019 was a benchmark ratings period for Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK. “Classic Hits 104.5” recorded a massive +1.7 to 10.2, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing October 2018’s 10.0. While a modest May dip of three-tenths sends WJJK back under a ten-share (9.9, 6+), “Classic Hits 104.5” sets the pace for the fifth consecutive time. This calendar year, WJJK has been +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); and -.3 (May). After spending six straight sweeps on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 in January 2019. As a result of four consecutive decreases, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has lost roughly 37% (-1.5) of its 6+-stat (4.1- 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, #12 to #15). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WQRA Air 1 – Worship Now” is without an increase for the seventh time in a row for a net loss of one-half share (.7 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .2 – .2, #22 to #23, 6+). After being off six-tenths in four consecutive down or flat reports (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WYRG “Energy 93.9” is up one-tenth to 1.3 (#19 to #18, 6+). This time last month, WYXB “B-105.7” logged a +1.9 to 8.8 (6+). Now, the Emmis adult contemporary outlet relinquishes roughly 31% of that bounty to 8.2 (-.6, 6+) but remains in second-place. April’s +1.9 suspended three negative moves in succession that accounted for a -9.5 (16.4 – 7.6 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+). Faltering four-tenths to 5.0 (seventh to ninth, 6+), Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” has its successive string of up or flat trends that yielded eight-tenths end at four (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). As Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” sputters by six-tenths (8.0 – 7.4, 6+), Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” drops four-tenths (6.5 – 6.1, 6+); the country rivals continue at #3 and #5, respectively. WFMS followed March’s +1.1 with an April gain of seven-tenths. WFMS was +.9 (October 2018); -1.8 (December); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); +1.1 (March); and +.7 (April). Three successive bumps by WLHK netted a +2.2 (4.4 – 5.2 – 5.9 – 6.6, 6+), but “Hank” returned one-tenth in April. Prior to adding eight-tenths in January, WLHK was an overall -1.3 in three straight decreases (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – It is exceptionally rare to see a station make a mega-move (+1.5 or more) one month and then actually “add-on” the next sweep. That is exactly what happens in Milwaukee though where Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” made one of the largest-ever (non-Christmas music period) month-to-month gains (5.9 – 8.8, +2.9) and manages to follow with an additional six-tenths to 9.4 (6+). The whopping April/May +3.5 propels the Brewers flagship from second to first. Recent WTMJ shifts include +1.9 (April 2018); +2.5 (October); -1.0 (November); -2.6 (December); and +2.9 (April 2019). Remaining at #6, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130,” which as +2.2 in January, is up a combined six-tenths in April/May (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+).

Albeit flat at 1.0 (6+), Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” pushes up from #18 to #16. Prior to February’s one-tenth increase, WKTI was an overall -3.7 in nine straight down or flat sweeps (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.3 – .8 – .7 – .7, 6+). It catches Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan,” which loses four-tenths in three straight (modest) dips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #16, 6+). In addition to recapturing the three-tenths it lost in April (.6 – .3 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW “The Game” enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). CHR WRNW “Now” became sports talk “The Game” in late-November (2018). Co-owned WOKY “The Big 920” logs a .2 for the fifth time in the last seven sweeps and remains at #24 (.2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2, 6+).

Three straight reports without a loss by WUWM led to a +1.2 (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), but the University of Wisconsin news/talk outlet is a combined -.9 in April/May and exits the top ten (4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9, #10 to #13, 6+). Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD is off three-tenths via three straight down or flat moves (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+) yet proceeds from #17 to #16.

Milwaukee Music Formats – Owing to four negative or flat reports in succession, Entercom hot AC WMYX  forfeited an overall seven-tenths (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+); however, “99.1 The Mix” obliterates that shortfall with a +1.2 to 6.6 (6+) and marches from seventh to fourth. This (6.6) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Mix” since December 2015’s 6.8. A collective -2.2 in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.5 – 5.4 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV ends the slide with a one-half share increase to 4.8 (6+). Moreover, “V-100.7 Jams” enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Immediately prior to the February sweep, WKKV was an overall +2.0 via three successive gains (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+). Following five straight sweeps at #1, classic hits-oldies sibling WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” erodes by -1.5 (10.1 – 8.6, 6+) and segues to #2 with its lowest 6+-figure (8.6) since December 2018’s 7.7. Before shifting to #2 in October 2018, “Big FM” spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1; “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Its seven most recent moves are -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); and -1.5 (May). While it is off a collective eight-tenths in three straight negative or flat trends (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 7.3, 6+) Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” remains in third-place. As a result of dropping three-tenths to 4.0 (flat at #11, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned alternative WLUM “102.1 Sounds Different” snaps at three its string of consecutive increases that netted a +1.8 (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). January’s 2.5 is its lowest-ever 6+ PPM stat, while April’s 4.3 is its best since August 2017’s 4.3.

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN is off a collective one-half share in three straight down or flat moves (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+), “Super Talk 99.7” moves from #14 to #13. Regaining the three-tenths it lost in April (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” advances from #19 to #17. Entering the April sweep, WLAC netted seven-tenths in three straight improvements (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+).

The market’s (6+) sports talk share shrinks by -1.4, nearly equally divided between Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (4.8 – 4.2, -.6, #9 to #11, 6+) and Cromwell Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” (-.8, #16 to #18, 6+). This (4.2) is the lowest 6+-share for “The Zone” since August 2018’s 3.6. Meanwhile, “The Game” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began in October 2018 (1.3 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.1 (6+) and fades from the top twenty (#16 to #21).

A -1.3 in March/April (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+), Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” erases all but three-tenths of that shortfall with a +1.0 to 5.4 (tenth to seventh, 6+); WPLN-FM was a combined +2.1 in January/February (3.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – An overall -5.9 in four straight setbacks (14.1 – 10.6 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” answers with a +1.0 in May and recaptures the top spot (9.2, second to first, 6+). Prior to surrendering six-tenths in April, “Mix” had been on top the previous 15 ratings periods. Twelve recent WJXA fluctuations include: +1.0 (June 2018); +.9 (August); -.9 (September); -.7 (October); +.9 (November); +1.9 (December); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); and +1.0 (May). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share for any Nashville outlet since WJXA’s 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. On the flipside, adult hits sibling WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (8.4 – 7.6, -.8, 6+) is dislodged from #1 (after an April-only stay there) and segues to second. The May loss of eight-tenths pulls the plug on three straight January 2019 through April 2019 bumps that netted a +2.4 (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.8 – 8.4, 6+). In April, “Jack” reached the eight-share level (8.4, 6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 8.1. Its six most recent shifts are +1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +.6 (April); and -.8 (May). Not only does TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL triple (+1.0) its 6+-stat in four upticks in succession (.5 – .6 – .8 – .9 – 1.5, 6+) “Activa 105.1 & 1240 AM” enters the top twenty at #18. Immediately after posting an April increase of seven-tenths (3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” relinquishes nine-tenths to 2.8 (#13 to #14, 6+) and falls below a two-share (6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 2.6. Elsewhere in the format, Salem Media Group’s WFFH “The Fish” is up a collective six-tenths via three straight gains (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1, flat at #12, 6+), notching its best 6+-stat (4.1) since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.7, while WAY Media’s WAYM “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” – down six-tenths in March and up one-half share in April – drops two-tenths in May (1.5 – 1.3, flat at #20, 6+). Having recorded a collective +2.2 in five straight gains (4.1 – 4.2 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” falters by one-half share to 5.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Prior to March, “103.3 Nash FM” last hit the six-share threshold in June 2013. Notwithstanding it amasses a +1.7 in five consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” backslides from seventh to eighth. It is tied there with Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon,” which is up two-tenths in three successive up or flat moves (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2, steady at #8, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – In a bit of ranker oddity, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” added one-tenth in April yet reversed from seventh to eighth – and now in May – it returns April’s +.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+) but advances from eighth to seventh. As a result of three (modest) dips in succession, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” forfeits four-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+) and drops from #12 to #13.

Despite being up one-tenth, following a decline twice that much in April (8 – .6 – .7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).

The four-tenths’ gain that WVEI logged in April vanishes as the Entercom sports talker sputters by one-half share (4.0 – 3.5, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth.

A loss of one-tenth sends iHeartMedia-owned Boston hybrid news-talk WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” from #15 to #17.

The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH is unchanged from April in 6+-share (2.0) and market rank (tenth), while WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH – locked on 1.6 (6+) in March and April – is up one-tenth to 1.7 (#13 to #12, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Three mainstream CHRs appearing in Providence’s top twenty combine for a 10.8 (6+). Leading the way is Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-FM. Its April -.6 to 7.2 (6+) suspended three straight gains that netted a +1.4 (6.4- 6.8 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+); however, in May, “Today’s Hit Music – 92 PRO FM” is up two-tenths to 7.4 (6+) and climbs from fifth to fourth. March’s 7.8 is its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.4. Flat at #11, Townsquare Media’s WFHN “Fun 107 – The South Coast’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost more than 50% (-2.3) of its 6+-share in four straight reports without an increase (4.2 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). Immediately in advance of this negative stretch, WFHN more than tripled (+3.0) its 6+-stat as a result of six successive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 4.2, 6+). Reaching the market from Boston (where it’s tied for #1 in May with a 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is up a collective four-tenths through three straight up or flat Providence moves (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5, #17 to #14, 6+). A ratings “no-show” until February 2019, Hall Communications’ classic hits-oldies WNBH (+.5 in May) not only more than triples (+.7) its 6+-stat in three straight upticks (.3 – .4 – .5 -1.0, 6+), “Big 101.3” breaks into the top twenty (#21 to #18). Improving by one-half share as well in May and also logging three consecutive improvements (for a collective +1.2) is iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+). While it remains at #6, “Coast” reaches the five-share level (5.0, 6+) for the first time since October 2018’s 5.5. A four-tenth gain by co-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (9.6 – 10.0, 6+), coupled with an equal magnitude decrease by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” (9.7 – 9.3, 6+), results in WHJY moving from second to first and WWLI dropping from first to second. These two stations did the exact opposite dance in April. An April loss of nine-tenths forced WHJY from the top spot after three straight months there. The decline halted four consecutive positive or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (8.5 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 10.5, 6+). Before taking over at #1 in January, WHJY was in the runner-up slot from September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018. In second-place three sweeps in a row, “Lite Rock 105” posted a one-half share increase in April to progress to #1. Before shifting to the runner-up slot in January 2019, “Lite Rock 105” was #1 for six consecutive sweeps; “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2 is the highest 6+-stat for any Providence station since WWLI’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. While it carries on in third-place, Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” surrenders two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), thus curtailing four straight gains that accounted for a +2.2 (5.6 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.8, 6+). That streak followed a collective -3.1 via three declines in succession (8.7 – 8.2 – 6.9 – 5.6, 6+).

Norfolk – Answering March/April’s combined -2.4 (12.9 – 11.6 – 10.5, 6+) with a May +1.0 to 11.5 (6+), WVKL is #1 for the fifth successive month. Up until logging a 10.5 in April 2019, the Entercom urban AC had posted a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher 37 of 38 times. “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been on top 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Even though iHeartMedia alternative WNOH gains six-tenths in five straight reports without a loss (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), “Alt 105.3” has an April-only stay in the top ten (#10 to #11). Tied at #11 and extending their particular positive streaks are Saga Communications adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs/Great Memories,” which gains six-tenths in five straight up or flat trends (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4, #13 to #11, 6+), and Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB “Hot 91.1,” which improves four-tenths via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.- 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4, flat at #11, 6+). In three straight down or flat trends, Entercom CHR WNVZ is an overall -1.0 (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+) but “Z-104” remains in sixth-place. Ever since appearing in print in November 2018, its internet stream is trending .4 – .5 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .5 (flat at #14, 6+). The January 2019 through May 2019 toplines of Saga Communications classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” are extremely similar. “The Fox” is 7.5 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8 (steady at #2, 6+), while “103 Jamz” is 7.5 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 7.6 (second to third, 6+). Including aforementioned WAFX (7.8, 6+) and WNOH (1.4, 6+), five of the 14 stations appearing in Norfolk’s May 2019 sweep are unchanged from May in 6+ AQH share. The other three are Saga Communications rock WNOR (6.0, fourth, 6+); Entercom adult contemporary WWDE (5.8, fifth, 6+); and its hot AC cluster-mate WPTE (2.8, seventh, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.8 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (10.4 – 9.7 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM is tied for the lead in May; “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” had sole possession of first-place in April. While November 2018’s 11.2 is WOKV-FM’s best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era, this is its lowest since September 2018 (8.6, as well).

Down or flat the seventh consecutive time for a net loss of one-half share (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3 -.3, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” repeats at #19.

Off two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), public news/talk WJCT  continues at #11. Immediately prior to April, “Your Community – Your World” was a cumulative +1.5 in five increases in a row (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – A robust May +1.9 to 6.4 (6+) by iHeartMedia-owned WQIK blows up slightly more than three-quarters of its collective -2.5 resulting from seven consecutive negative moves (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+) as “Jacksonville’s Country 99.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. Its format rival – Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” – was within one-tenth of WQIK in April, but WGNE completely wipes away March/April’s +.6 (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+) by faltering six-tenths to 3.8 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Segueing to a second-place tie in April after a March-only stay at #1, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” is up three-tenths to 8.6 (6+) and returns to the top, where it is tied with news/talk cluster-mate WOKV-FM (see above). An April loss of six-tenths by “The Eagle” interrupted three upticks in succession that resulted in a +1.6 (7.3 – 8.1 – 8.6 – 8.9, 6+). Immediately prior to that streak, “The Eagle” was an overall -2.0 in four consecutive slips (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+). In the market’s adult contemporary tussle, Renda Broadcasting’s WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” is a combined -1.1 in April/May (8.7 – 8.3 – 7.6, second-place tie to third, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” adds two-tenths to April’s +.4 (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.1, steady at #7, 6+). Prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WEJZ lost more than 50% (-7.9) of its 6+ AQH share in January/February (16.3 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+); “Holiday” 2018’s 16.3 is the highest 6+-mark for any Jacksonville station since “Holiday” 2015 when WEJZ notched a 19.5. A combined +1.1 in January/February, WEZI surrendered roughly half that increase with a March loss of six-tenths. At the same time that iHeartMedia gospel WKSL-HD3 shows a net increase of seven-tenths in four straight up or flat moves (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+), co-owned rock WKSL-HD2, which was trending 1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .6 (6+), disappears from print for the second month in a row. Unchanged at #19, Spanish contemporary sibling WQIK-HD2 gains two-tenths in nine straight sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3, 6+).

West Palm Beach

 Spoken-Word Formats – Up seven-tenths in three straight reports without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” continues at #9; 2.7 is its best 6+-showing since July 2018’s 2.9. Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” is flat at 2.3 (6+) but backslides from #11 to #12. Immediately after posting an April gain of eight-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” forfeits half that increase (2.1 – 1.7, -.4, 6+) and slips from #12 to #15. Three straight sweeps without a loss by WIOD resulted in the iHeartMedia Miami news/talker doubling (+.5) its 6+-stat (.5 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), but “610 News Radio” returns four-tenths to .6 (6+) and exits the West Palm Beach top twenty (#20 to #22).

Co-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” posted a .1 (6+) in August 2018 but has been a “no-show” in the subsequent ten sweeps.

By picking up one-tenth to 3.0 (flat at #8, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN halts three successive decreases that accounted for a loss of lost eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – A combined +1.2 in April/May (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.9, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WIRK “103.1 South Florida’s Country Music” jumps from seventh to fifth with its best 6+-showing (3.9) since September 2018’s 4.2. Notching its third successive West Palm Beach increase for a collective +1.0 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100” jumps from #14 to #11. Not to be outdone, co-owned/similarly-formatted WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” is +1.4 in five straight upticks (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9, sixth to fifth, 6+) and posts its best 6+-stat (3.9) since August 2018’s 4.0. Setting the pace the fifth month in a row, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF is nonetheless a combined -2.4 in April/May (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8, 6+); “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” enjoyed a +2.0 in March. Its March 11.2 is WRMF’s highest 6+-share since November 2017 (11.2, as well); May 2019’s 8.8 is its lowest since “Holiday” 2017’s 8.2. Having faltered by -1.0 in January, WRMF was frozen on 9.2 (6+) in January and February. Unchanged at #4, urban AC sibling WMBX “X-102.3” erases its April gain of six-tenths to 5.9, its highest 6+-share since May 2018’s 6.2, with a shortfall of nine-tenths (5.3 – 5.9 – 5.0, 6+).  The market’s two adult contemporary stations post modest April 2019 – May 2019 decreases. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is down one-tenth to 7.0 (6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” is off two-tenths to 6.8 (6+); “Kool” and “Sunny” continue at second and third, respectively. “Kool” gained seven-tenths in April to 7.1, its best 6+-stat since July 2016’s 7.5. That followed March’s loss of one-tenth, which snapped at three its consecutive string of positive spikes that netted a +1.2 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+). On the heels of a March increase of seven-tenths, “Sunny” eroded by -1.2 in April (8.2 – 7.1, 6+). WEAT-FM was a combined -3.2 in January/February (10.7 – 7.8 – 7.5, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – After being +1.4 in January/February (3.0 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” directly follows with three successive down or flat trends for a collective -1.2 (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+).

Even though Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS regains the one-tenth it lost in April (.9 – .8 – .9, 6+), “Triad Sports” backslides from #14 to #15.

Holding down the #13 position for the 13^th consecutive time, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” answers April’s loss of seven-tenths with a May gain of two-tenths (2.3 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC recaptures April’s -.3 in its entirety (.8 – .5 – .8, 6+) and carries on at #17.

Greensboro Music Formats – The five most recent fluctuations for Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); and +1.1 in May (8.2 – 9.3, third to second, 6+). Prior to its March-only stay at #1, WSMW last reached #1 in August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). Whereas March 2019’s 9.8 is its best 6+-performance since July 2018’s 10.0, April 2019’s 8.2 is its weakest in more than three years (8.1, March 2016). In three straight sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia’s WTQR was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” erases 70% of that deficit with a +.7 to 5.7 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Flat in March, “Q-104.1” substituted January’s +.7 with a February -.7 (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). Its format rival – Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” – is off four-tenths in May and continues an alternating up/down pattern that has kept it within 5.2 – 5.7 range (5.2 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 5.3, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in March, “The Wolf” had three consecutive shifts of one-half share: -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); and +.5 (February). Tacking on one-half share to April’s +.7 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” continues at #11 with its best 6+-showing (3.7) since November 2018’s 4.0. Notching a May increase of one-half share as well is Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR “Rock 92,” which improves by seven-tenths in April/May (5.8 – 6.0 – 6.5, steady at #5, 6+) and flashes its highest 6+-stat (6.5) since July 2018’s 6.6. Up one-tenth (9.7 – 9.8, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” repeats at #1. An April increase of six-tenths pulled the plug on five straight declines that resulted in a -2.3 (11.4 – 10.8 – 10.3 – 9.9 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+). On top in January and February, WQMG’s consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) was snapped at 26 in January. A collective +1.8 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss-FM” forfeits seven-tenths to 3.9 (6+) but remains in ninth-place. In April, “Kiss” reached the four-share level (4.6, 6+) for the first time since its 4.1 in April 2018. Unchanged at #7, Dick Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WKZL “107.5 The #1 Hit Music Station” has a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.3 (6+). Despite a one-half share decline (4.4 – 3.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1 FM” improves from tenth to a ninth-place tie.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #8, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” is trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.1 (February – March – April – May, 6+).

Off one-half share in four straight reports without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” remains at #12. Its internet stream appeared with a .1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018; disappeared from print in January and February; but logs a .1 (6+) for the third straight time (flat at #18, 6+). It is tied (at #18) with co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790,” which is without an increase for the 11^th straight time (including nine consecutive .1 showings) for a collective loss of three-tenths (.4 – .4 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – A +1.0 to 4.8 (tenth to seventh, 6+) by Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” wipes away more than half of its cumulative February/March/April -1.8 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+). “FM 100” was -.7 in “Holiday” 2018  and +1.5 in January. While unchanged at #3, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1” is +1.7 in four straight positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.5, 6+) and logs its highest 6+-stat since June 2018 (8.5, as well). An increase of seven-tenths (3.3 – 4.0, 6+) propels Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” into the top ten (#13 to #9). The last time “The Max” reached the four-share level (6+) was July 2018 (4.0, as well). Three straight increases by iHeartMedia gospel WHAL yield +1.3 (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 7.1, 6+) as “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” advances from fifth to fourth with its best 6+-showing since April 2018 (7.1, as well). It is a similar scenario for classic rock sibling WEGR “Rock 102.7,” whose consecutive trio of improvements nets nine-tenths (4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 5.2, flat at #6, 6+). Albeit down or flat the third straight time for a collective -1.2 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.4, 6+), co-owned urban AC KJMS “V-101” is #1 the seventh time in a row and in double-digits the 14^th successive sweep. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share since December 2012’s 13.5 for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). In addition to being an overall -2.4 in three straight declines (8.9 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River” slips from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-figure (6.5) since June 2017’s 6.0. Seven recent WRVR fluctuations include: +2.4 (October 2018); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.1 (January 2019); +.7 (February); -1.1 (March); and -1.2 (May). “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6). Not benefitting from WRVR’s recent setbacks, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” has squandered nearly half (-.7) its 6+ AQH-share in April/May (1.6 – 1.1 – .9, #15 to #16, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (.9) since transitioning from urban-rhythmic oldies to AC in late-2017. “The Bridge” reached the five-share level (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, but was a combined -4.0 in January/February (5.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia’s WDIA -1.8 in four successive decreases (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Following four straight bumps that netted +2.4 (5.2 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” surrenders three-tenths to 7.3 (6+) but remains in third-place. Albeit down an overall one-half share in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” repeats at #15, after finishing at #14 in January, February, and March. This marks the 12^th report in a row that iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .1 (#17 to #19, 6+).

Locked on 1.8 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” falters by two-tenths to 1.6 (6+) and continues at #12.

Unchanged at #9, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” is off nine-tenths in April/May (5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). After losing four-tenths in March, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” is a combined +.5 in April/May (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+) and progresses from #14 to #12.

Hartford Music Formats – Owing to three straight increases, Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Connecticut’s Classic Rock” is +1.1 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+) and progresses from seventh to fifth. Notwithstanding that it is #1 for the 35^th consecutive time, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH has experienced considerable shifting in each of the past eight ratings periods. Specifically, “Lite 100.5” has been -.8 (November); +1.8 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2018 to 18.0, the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017); -6.9 (January); +1.0 (February; -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); and now +1.0 in May (9.8 – 10.8, 6+). Prior to slipping to 9.8 in April, WRCH was in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the last 32 sweeps. Even though hot AC cluster-mate WTIC-FM forfeits all but one-tenth of April’s +.9 (8.5 – 7.7, -.8, 6+), “96.5 TIC-FM” continues in second-place. April’s 8.5 is WTIC-FM’s highest 6+-share since July 2018 (8.6). Still in that Entercom cluster, rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” is -1.9 in three setbacks in succession (7.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.0, fifth to seventh, 6+), following January/February’s +1.1 (6.8 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+). By adding two-tenths to 6.3 (steady at #6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXSS “Kiss 95.7” curtails three straight negative trends that produced a loss of eight-tenths (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+). While it remains in fourth-place, co-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5” falters by an overall nine-tenths in four consecutive reports without an increase (7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+). Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ hasn’t had an increase this calendar year yet is only down two-tenths (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4, January 2019 through May 2019, 6+) and “Radio 104.1” actually improves from tenth to a ninth-place tie.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Cumulus Media Splits WMAL-FM and WMAL-AM to Create ‘ESPN 630 – The Sports Capitol.’ The AM/FM simulcast of news/talk on Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM/FM will end on July 1 as the company creates a new sports talk outlet for the Washington, DC market branded “ESPN 630 – The Sports Capitol.”  The news/talk format on continues on WMAL-FM and its digital platforms.  The new sports/talk station will carry ESPN Radio weekday programming, including “Golic and Wingo” in morning drive and “The Stephen A. Smith Show” from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  It will also air ESPN’s NBA and MLB schedule, Washington Redskins games and sports talk shows hosted by local personalities.  Cumulus Washington vice president and market manager Jake McCann says, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the two biggest sports brands in D.C. – ESPN and the Washington Redskins. We look forward to creating compelling content for our listeners and advertisers as a natural expansion of our relationship with the Redskins.”  The station will announce its full lineup in advance of the July 1 start date.

Martha Zoller Returns to Talk Radio at WDUN, Gainesville. Longtime talk radio personality Martha Zoller is re-joining her former radio station after spending the last five years in politics.  When she returns to Jacobs Media’s WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia on June 24, she’ll be hosting the 9:00 am to 10:00 am hour.  Zoller ran for congress in 2012 lost the runoff election to current Republican Congressman Doug Collins.  After that she worked for U.S. Sen. David Perdue and later for Gov. Brian Kemp, where she served as a policy advisor and outreach director.  She says, “After spending the last few years traveling around Georgia and meeting Georgians from every walk of life and political persuasion, I’m excited to be back at WDUN to share how the sausage is made. You might be surprised at some of the insights.  I can’t wait!” WDUN EVP and general manager Bill Maine comments, “She’s uniquely qualified as a broadcaster.  She’s well connected, knowledgeable, and her show mattered both to the listeners and politicians she talked about.  I’m thrilled we’re getting her back on the air, and I think the audience will be, too.”

New Jersey Broadcasters Association Names Broadcaster of the Year and New Members of Hall of Fame at Annual Convention.  The annual New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) convention just concluded (6/12-13) at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and from all reports it was a rousing success.  Among the highlights of the event, WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (pictured above, right, with NJBA president Paul Rotella, left) was named the 2019 Broadcaster of the Year – the inaugural presentation of this prestigious award – and a number of Garden State broadcasters were installed in the association’s New Jersey Radio Hall of Fame.  Among them, Salem Media Group VP of spoken word format, Phil Boyce.  In honor of the occasion, Salem’s New York outlet WNYM (AM 970 The Answer) broadcast its morning show hosted by Joe Piscopo live from the convention.  Pictured below are (from l-r): WNYM’s Kevin McCullough, Boyce, Piscopo and WNYM’s Frank Morano.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison made the presentation to Hurley via video.  To view it, please click here.

The John Batchelor Show to Broadcast from Uzbekistan. WABC, New York talk radio host John Batchelor is taking his late-night show to Tashkent, the capital of the Uzbekistan Republic, where it will broadcast live next week.  The venture is being sponsored by marketing firm Scala Inc in conjunction with the Central Asia, Mongolia, Caucasus and Afghanistan Forum and the Rumsfeld Foundation.  WABC says, “Uzbekistan is deep into the heart of the legendary Silk Road, and host John Batchelor and co-host Christopher Nixon Cox will interview young entrepreneurs who are striving to transform a region of 80 million people into an economic engine to bring prosperity to a civilization that was ignored by the Russian Empire and abused by the Soviet Empire.”  Batchelor adds, “Tashkent is part of a chain of ancient city-states of traders and farmers that created cultures of wealth and art more than 2,000 years ago, attracting conquerors from Alexander the Great to Tamerlane and Genghis Khan.  In between this dusty game of thrones, the city states achieved breakthroughs in geometry, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics that Western Europe would not see until the Enlightenment.  Today, the Central Asian states are starting to recover their own history and with it a sense of pride.  And Uzbekistan, the most populous state of Central Asia, is looking to America for a guide on how to awaken and enhance its pioneering ambitions.”

New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap” for Week of June 10-14 Now Posted.  The recently launched, one-hour weekend radio show, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation,” analyzing the hot talk media topics of this past week (June 10-14) is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC.  It currently airs on WONK-FM Saturday mornings at 9:00 am but will move next week to the key position of Friday at 6:00 pm as a dynamic programming punctuation mark of the week’s conversation.  Hosted by TALKERS magazine’s iconic publisher, this week’s installment (titled “The Drums of Impeachment, Hatch, Hyde and a Helicopter!”) features a lineup of guests that includes TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey; radio talk show hosts Harry Hurley of WPG, Atlantic City; Jack Riccardi of KTSA, San Antonio; comedian/social commentator Jimmie JJ Walker; and ACLU senior policy analyst Jay Stanley.  The non-partisan-but-hard-hitting program explores multiple opinions along the spectrum of contemporary American political and social thought.  It was recently picked up by KSCO, Santa Cruz where it airs on Fridays at 6:00 pm.  According to TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, the program is now available on a market exclusive basis to news/talk stations around the nation.  Bernstein says, “We began this show as an on-air extension of TALKERS magazine research to be played on TalkersRadio and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  The show is nothing short of fantastic and provides a great image-setter for any news/talk outlet.  iHeartMedia picked it up for its new WONK-FM in DC where it fits that station’s mission perfectly and a number of stations have inquired about its availability.  We are in the process of figuring out where we want to go with it.”   For more information about the program, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.  To listen to it in its entirety please click here.

Round Four of May PPMs Released.  The fourth and final round of Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey results is released for the group of 12 markets that includes: Austin, Raleigh-Durham, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Takeaways from this group of markets on Monday (6/17).

Robby Bowen Named VP/Director of Sales for Entercom New Orleans. Sales pro Robby Bowen was most recently general sales manager for Entercom’s Dallas operations.  In his new role as vice president and director of sales for the New Orleans station group, he’ll be leading sales efforts for news/talk WWL-AM/FM, and four music brands.  Entercom New Orleans SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy says, “Robby has an exceptional track record of leading sales teams and programs for clients.  We are pleased to keep his talents within Entercom and welcome him to the bayou.”

WHO, Des Moines’ Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas Enshrined in Iowa Broadcasters Hall of Fame. WHO, Des Moines morning personalities Van Harden (right) and Bonnie Lucas (left) were inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame at the awards luncheon yesterday (6/13) in West Des Moines.  The annual awards luncheon honors and recognizes Iowa broadcasters who make a difference through their great stories of leadership, integrity, reliability, service over self, team building, and mentoring across the state.  Harden and Lucas are the fourth and fifth WHO personalities to be inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame joining the ranks of legendary broadcasters such as Jack Shelley, Jim Zabel and Keith Kirkpatrick. Harden says, “Just coming to a job you love where you can have fun and help people every day is amazing enough in itself.  Especially when I’ve been able to do it with such an uplifting and fun co-host for over three decades.  Being inducted into the Iowa Broadcasting Hall of Fame with so many incredible broadcasters is truly a surreal and over-the-top experience.”  Lucas adds, “This job is not work.  It’s having fun talking with your friends, inviting them into your world. It’s being in the middle of all the news that’s happening both locally and all around the world. It’s working with a co-host for decades who has been my friend for 40 years.  We don’t do this for awards, but this award is extremely special.”

Democratic Party Impeachment Talk/John Dean Testimony Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 10-14. The intensifying talk among Democrats about beginning impeachment proceedings against President Trump and the related testimony from Nixon White House Counsel John Dean was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was the Trump Mexico deal and immigration reform.  Coming in at #3 were the Hong Kong protests, tied with U.S.-China relations and U.S.-North Korea relations, followed by the Trump foreign campaign intel controversy at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.

Beasley Radio Talent Institute at Emerson College Begins Monday. The 2^nd annual Beasley Radio Talent Institute for students, interns, and young professionals begins at Emerson College in Boston on Monday (6/17). It is an intense, 10-day program in which participants have the opportunity to meet with and learn from radio professionals currently working in the broadcast industry.  Beasley Media Group chief operating officer and executive vice president Brian Beasley officially kicks off the sessions. Students will learn from some 40 experts in the broadcasting field working at companies including: Beasley Media Group, iHeartMedia, Entercom Communications, Hall Communications, the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics and more. The Beasley Radio Group Talent Institute is part of the National Radio Talent System produced by Dan Vallie that takes place on select college campuses across America each year.

VSiN Partners with Gow Media to Distribute Sports Betting Radio Content. The Las Vegas-based Vegas Stats & Information Network enters into a relationship with Houston-based Gow Media to distribute sports betting content via what they are calling “the nation’s first terrestrial radio network dedicated exclusively to sports betting news and information.”  It will debut in August.  VSiN chairman Dan Mason says, “We’re thrilled to provide Gow Media with select sports betting content for terrestrial radio syndication on this exciting new platform.  Establishing itself as the leader in the sports gambling information industry, VSiN is differentiated not only by delivering the most credible, actionable sports betting news and insights, but also by adding the entertainment factor with a variety of personalities.  Over the past 10 years sports radio has exploded and now there’s a new, younger audience emerging that will use analytics to inform their wagers within the growing regulated betting markets.  This new network fits perfectly in that space, combining great personalities and legendary odds makers with sophisticated analytics.”

WPG, Atlantic City Morning Mainstay Harry Hurley Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  The man who has been waking up South Jersey listeners from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on heritage talk station WPG-AM/W238CZ, Atlantic City for more than a quarter century, Harry Hurley, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Hurley is about to be honored with the very first New Jersey Broadcaster of the Year Award at the forthcoming New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) convention this week on Thursday (6/13) at Atlantic City’s Tropicana Hotel.  Hurley, who also serves as the lead FOX News Radio substitute host, is a past recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year Award for his remarkable philanthropic work in raising more than $800,000 over the past dozen years via his Hurley in the Morning Charity and distributing it to hundreds of worthy causes and organizations in Atlantic City and across the Garden State. Harrison and Hurley – who is positioned this year at number 51 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – discuss the state of politics, media, journalism, and popular culture in a fascinating conversation that dives deep into the workings and thought-processes attendant to executing today’s talk show.  Don’t miss it!  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Philadelphia, Radio One promotes urban contemporary WPHI “Boom 103.9” midday personality and APD Paris Nicole to program director for the station.  The company notes that this promotion makes Nicole the youngest program director currently employed by the company. Radio One Philadelphia station manager Ezio Torres says, “Paris earned this promotion by stepping into a void at our station months before the position was created.  From managing and scheduling the staff, to orchestrating ‘Boom Class of 2019’ flawlessly, she proved what we already knew – Paris Nicole is a natural leader.  With that skill and her incredible relationships, she will take ‘Boom 103.9’ to the next level.”…..Westwood One is presenting an Independence Day special called “Celebrate the USA,” hosted this year by RCA Records recording artists Old Dominion.  Joining the band for the radio special will be fellow country artists Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, and many more. The program is available for air Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7.…..Telcom Supply Inc agrees to sell former classic hits KETX-FM, Livingston, Texas to Christian radio operator KSBJ Educational Foundation for $385,000.  Greg Guy and Jason James of Patrick Communications, LLC served as exclusive brokers for the deal.

Round Three of Nielsen’s May PPMs Released. May 2019 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 survey period covered April 25 – May 22. 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.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – In addition to erasing 50% of March/April’s -1.0 with a one-half share increase (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). Anchored at #18, iHeartMedia’s KEX falters by three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+); “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” was up two-tenths in April. Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” return’s April’s one-tenth increase and has a January 2019 through May 2019 topline of 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .9 (#24 to #26, 6+).

Having more than tripled (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share via three straight improvements (.5 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” jumps from #23 to #21. It is tied there with Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game,” which has nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-stat through five successive sweeps without a loss (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7, flat at #21, 6+). After losing one-tenth in back-to-back reports, Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” picks up four-tenths to 1.5 (steady at #23, 6+), its best 6+-showing since October 2018’s 1.7.

Following an April gain of six-tenths, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB erodes by nine-tenths (7.9 – 7.0, 6+) and shifts from second to third. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.2 (January 2019); -1.6 (February); a combined -2.0 in February/March; +.6 (April); and -.9 (May). This (7.0) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 6.9.

Portland Music Formats – Entercom-owned KWJJ posts a +.8 in May and continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2018 (3.4 – 2.7 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” reenters the top ten (#12 to #6) with its best 6+-stat since July 2018 (4.6, as well). An increase of four-tenths by Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL takes “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” to 4.6 (ninth to sixth), its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 4.7. Prior to dropping three-tenths in April, “The Bull” was a collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). On top the fourth month in a row, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” is nonetheless a combined -1.1 in April/May (8.9 – 8.6 – 7.8, 6+). When “the Eagle” faltered by three-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +3.5 (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) exactly eight years ago (May 2011, 8.1, as well). Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” erodes by -1.4 (5.1 – 3.7, 6+), the largest (6+) April 2019 to May 2019 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here. Moreover, “Charlie” plummets from the top ten (#4 to #12) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.7) since September 2018’s 3.6. A loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, 6+) sends iHeartMedia classic rocker KFBW “105.9 The Brew” from #11 to #15. After scoring an overall +2.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.6 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” surrenders six-tenths to 4.3 (sixth to ninth, 6+). While unchanged at #17, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” is a collective -2.1 in four consecutive down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+). Immediately prior to sputtering by seven-tenths in March, KQAC was without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.8 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.4, 6+) for the first time since February 2017’s 4.2.

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after notching back-to-back gains of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT is an overall -1.2 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). May’s 3.2 is its lowest 6+showing since September 2018 (2.9).

In an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost one-tenth in that timeframe; the Charlotte Hornets flagship remains at #19.

A  combined +1.1 in January/February, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” follows with a -.6 (March); +.5 (April); and -.5 in May (2.8 – 2.3, #14 to #16, 6+). This is the fifth time in the last six sweeps (and third time in a row) that South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC logs a .3 (flat at #22, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – Steady at #7, Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” racks up a +2.1 via four straight gains (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+). This immediately follows four consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+). Tacking on a +1.1 to April’s +.8 (2.0 – 3.1, 6+), Davidson College-owned WDAV jumps from #17 to #14. Entering the April sweep, “89.9 Classical Public Radio” lost a collective half-share in four straight down or flat trends (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Not only does a positive spike of eight-tenths deliver Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well), “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” is #1 for the fourth month in a row (including a February tie for the lead). Prior to gaining nine-tenths in January, WSOC had been without an increase the previous four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). On top in September 2018, October, and November, WSOC segued to third in December. Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKKT is a cumulative +1.1 in three straight bumps (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+), “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” backslides from a second-place tie to third. Prior to logging a +1.2 in January, WKKT was a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Leaping over “The Kat” is its adult hits cluster-mate WLKO “102.9 The Lake.” As is the case with WSOC, “The Lake” notches a May spike of eight-tenths (6.3 – 7.1, steady at #2, 6+). Its six most recent fluctuations are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); -.5 (April); and +.8 (May). Immediately in advance of “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, WLKO posted eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). Beasley Media Group cluster-mates WSOC and WBAV dislodged “The Lake” from #1 in February, after WLKO’s January-only stay on top. Pulling the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.6 (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” dials up a one-half share gain to 4.4 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Owing to three slips in succession, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” is an overall -1.9 (6.0 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.1, 6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). A combined -1.2 in April/May (3.3 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” falls from #16 to #18.

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of April’s +1.1 (4.2 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI forfeits roughly half that increase (4.8, -.5, 6+) but repeats at #4. April’s 5.3 marked the first time WOAI reached the five-share level since August 2016’s 5.2. Before dropping one-tenth in March, “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” was an overall +1.0 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+). A dip of one-tenth to 1.4 (#22 to #21, 6+) by Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” suspends three successive up or flat trends that netted three-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+).

Locked on .4 (6+) in March and April, KTSA’s sports talk sibling KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” drops one-tenth to .3 (6+) but stays at #31. The 6+ AQH share of iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” shrinks by two-thirds (-.4) in  April/May (.6 – .3 – .2, flat at #32, 6+).

After dropping three-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX repeats April’s 3.1 (6+) and inches up from #15 to #13.

San Antonio Music Formats – Off six-tenths in March/April (8.0 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” obliterates that deficit with a +1.1 to 8.5, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8. On top the third month in succession, KONO-FM had been in the runner-up slot five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. In advance of slipping to #2 in November 2018, KONO-FM finished at #1 the previous ten sweeps. A full-share increase to 3.0 (6+) by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR propels “Air 1 Worship Now” into the top twenty (#14) and halts three successive negative trends that accounted for a -1.3 (3.3 – 2.4 – 2.2 -2.0, 6+). Conversely, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by a full-share immediately after April’s +.5 (2.9 – 3.4, 2.4, #13 to #17, 6+). “K-Love” was off three-tenths in February/March (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share balloons by +1.0, nearly equally divided between Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (6.5 – 7.1, +.6, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” (5.8 – 6.2, +.4, 6+). KCYY and KAJA continue at #2 and #3, respectively. Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: +.9 (August 2018); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); and +.6 (May). “KJ-97” has been +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March). Wild shifts continue for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9.” It bounced back from January’s -10.7 (14.9 – 4.2, 6+) with a February +.4; was -.6 in March; +.8 in April; and now -.6 in May (4.8 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without an increase, Univision Radio rhythmic hot AC KVBH “107.5 The Vibe” is a collective -1.4 (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.0, #21, 6+). Tejano KXTN transitioned to KVBH “The Vibe” in mid-April. Up eight-tenths through three straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” regresses by two-tenths to 4.2 (6+) but stays in ninth-place. April’s 4.4 is its best 6+-showing since August 2018’s 4.5. A one-half share decrease (5.0 – 4.5, 6+) drops Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 Today’s Best Music” from fifth to sixth.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Following three straight sweeps without an increase that led to a collective -1.6 (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” picks up one-tenth to 6.1 (6+) and remains in the runner-up slot. KFBK was tied for first in January. Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2018: 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.6, #15 to #14 (6+).

In addition to reaching a one-share (6+) for the first time since December 2018’s 1.0, Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” adds one-tenth the third sweep in a row (.7 – 8. – .9 – 1.0, #24 to #22, 6+). Flat at #25, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has lost exactly half (-.6) its 6+-stat in four straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8 – .6, 6+).

Five decreases in succession by Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ accounted for a roughly 50% loss (-3.4) of its 6+-share (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+). Ending the slide with a +1.0 to 4.5 (6+), KXJZ returns to the top ten (#12 to #9); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Falling from #26 to #27, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through May 2019 topline of .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 (6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Erasing March/April’s combined -.6 (8.6 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) with a May uptick of nine-tenths (8.0 – 8.9, 6+), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the fourth month in a row (including January’s first-place tie with iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK). “The Eagle” held the lead position ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December. Ten of its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (May 2018); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); -1.1 (November); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.0 (February 2019); -.5 (April); and +.9 (May 2019). Its format challenger, iHeartMedia’s KYRV “93.7 The River,” expands by one-half share via three consecutive (modest) spikes (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7, seventh to fifth, 6+). As a result of four straight up or flat trends, Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” is an overall +1.9 (4.1 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.6 -6.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). As adult contemporary sibling KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” falters by -1.1 (5.7 – 4.6, 6+) dropping from third to eighth, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” gains four-tenths (3.7 – 4.1, #10 to #11, 6+). A combined -7.8 in January/February (13.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), “Mix 96” was up two-tenths in March but surrendered one-half share in April. This (4.6) is its weakest 6+-stat since September 2015’s 4.5. Formerly “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” KBEB transitioned to adult contemporary as “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). It netted a +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), in advance of March/April’s -.8 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Forfeiting two-thirds of April’s +.9 (5.6 – 5.0, -.6, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO “Alt 94.7” slips from fifth to sixth. The market’s (6+) country share sputters by a combined half-share as Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” is off three-tenths yet actually advances from eighth to seventh, and Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” drops two-tenths (2.2 – 2.0, 6+) and remains at #16. Having benefitted by an overall +1.4 in three consecutive improvements, “New Country 105.1” is down eight-tenths in April/May (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, this is the 15^th successive survey period that “The Wolf” logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5.

Pittsburgh

 Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit unchanged at #10, Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” follows January’s +1.1 with four straight drops accounting for a -1.4 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+).

After gaining four-tenths in April, co-owned sports talk/Pirates flagship KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths (6.8 – 6.1, 6+) and slides from fourth to fifth. Continuing at #22, iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has an ultra-consistent September 2018 through May 2019 topline of .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 (6+).

Down a combined -.7 in March/April (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” erases all but one-tenth of that deficit (4.2, +.6, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Sharing top honors for largest (6+) April 2019 – May 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here is Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” (6.3, +1.4, seventh to fourth, 6+). Moreover, “Wish 99.7” applies the brakes to four consecutive declines that resulted in a net loss of roughly half (-5.0) of its 6+-stat (9.9 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+). Progressing from third to second, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” is +1.3 in three straight upticks (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+), directly following a -1.8 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+). Answering April’s loss of nine-tenths with a May gain of six-tenths (8.3 – 8.9, 6+), WDVE is #1 for the fourth successive month. The iHeartMedia rocker posted identical gains of eight-tenths in February and March (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+). WDVE spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. By not having an increase the past three sweeps, co-owned CHR WKST was off a collective seven-tenths (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), but “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” improves by six-tenths in May to 6.0 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WXDX is an overall -1.7 in three straight decreases (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+) as “105.9 The X” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Forever Media-owned classic hits-oldies WKPL falters by one-half share (2.3 – 1.8, 6+) but remains at #14. There’s little movement in the hot AC contest as Entercom’s WBZZ “Star 100.7” repeats April’s 5.0 (sixth to seventh, 6+) and Steel City Media-owned WLTJ “Q-92.9” is up tenth and is trending 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.1 (#12 to #11, 6+). A March loss of one-tenth by “Star” curtailed at three a successive string of increases that led to a +1.2 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+); “Q-92.9” gained a combined half-share in February/March (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Having logged a 5.2 four times in the last six sweeps (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” craters by -1.3 to 3.9 (sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” follows with three straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -1.7 (5.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4, ninth to tenth, 6+). The January 2019 through May 2019 topline for Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” is .3 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .3 (flat at #21, 6+).

Repeating at #15, University of Utah news/talk KUER loses one full-share as a result of three drops in a row (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits,” which netted +2.9 via three straight upticks (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+); surrendered a -1.1 in April; and roars back in May with a +1.2 (7.4, steady at #3, 6+). Dialing up a May +1.1, independent KSOP-FM continues an alternating down/up pattern that surfaced in December 2018: 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 5.4 (eighth to sixth, 6+) “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” notches its best 6+-showing since December 2017 (5.4, as well). An increase of seven-tenths takes Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” to 3.0 (#14 to #11), its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 3.5. Adding six-tenths to April’s +.1 (2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KAAZ climbs from #13 to #11. The last time “106.7 Utah’s Best Rock” reached the three-share level (6+) was in July 2018 (3.2). Down or flat the past three straight sweeps for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0- 5.6 – 5.4- 5.4, 6+), Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.8 (6+) and carries on at #4. The one-tenth lead that Bonneville-owned classic hits-oldies KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” had in April over adult contemporary cluster-mate KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” dissipates as “The Arrow” falters by six-tenths to 7.6 (first to second, 6+) and “FM 100.3” adds two-tenths (8.1 – 8.3, second to first, 6+). It was an April-only stay at #1 for KRSP, which had been an overall +2.5 in five consecutive increases (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Before segueing to the runner-up slot in April, KSFI was on top the previous five ratings periods. “FM 100.3” registered a +1.5 in March, following January/February’s -14.4 (21.8 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+). Three straight increases netted a mammoth +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+) for KSFI, the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+). Its format challenger, Cumulus Media’s KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” has its fourth consecutive decrease for an overall -1.2 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and is unchanged at #11.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Up or flat four straight times for an overall +.8 (1.6 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” forfeits 75% of that increase and fades from the top twenty (2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #15 to #21, 6+). February, March, and April’s 2.4 is its best 6+-showing since February 2017’s 2.8. For the fourth time in the last five sweeps and third time in a row, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” notches a 1.1 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, flat at #23, 6+).

Over and above climbing from fifth to third, Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR (+1.2 in May) extends its consecutive string of positive spikes to five and nearly doubles (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share since “Holiday” 2018 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – A combined -1.2 in March/April (3.9 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote – #1 For New Hit Country” erases all but one-tenth of that shortfall with a May +1.1 to 3.8 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#14 to #9). Immediately prior to the March report, “The Coyote” recorded five successive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+). In five sweeps in a row without a loss, Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ is a cumulative +1.1 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+). “Q-100.5” zooms from eighth to fourth and reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time in exactly one year (5.0, as well, May 2018). Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5”  wipes away April’s one-half share loss with a May increase of the identical magnitude (1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #19 to #16, 6+). Advancing by one-half share as well are Lotus Communications-owned KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station,” which is trending 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.6 (#18 to #14, 6+) and the University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 FM – Jazz & More,” whose January 2019 through May 2019 topline is 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 2.0 (#22 to #17, 6+). Despite dropping one-half share (7.6 – 7.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. February’s 8.3 marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history. The station it succeeded at #1 in February, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” is -8.0 in five consecutive sweeps without an increase (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5 – 4.8, 6+) and shifts from third to fifth. The last time KSNE fell below a five-share (6+) was October 2017 (4.8, as well). Prior to being #1 from September 2018 through January 2019, “Sunny” set the pace in March, May, June, and July. Its “Holiday” 2018 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to returning 60% of April’s +1.0 (3.4 – 2.8, -.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9 Vegas’ Best Variety” exits the top ten (a three-way tie at #10 to #13). In April, it reached the three-share level (3.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 3.0. Format rival – Entercom’s KMXB “Mix 94.1” – is +1.0 in three consecutive increases (5.5 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.5, steady at #2, 6+). This (6.5) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Mix” since July 2018’s 6.7. In four straight declines, Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS is -1.3 (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) as “SOS Radio” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

 Orlando

 Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing 70% of March/April’s -1.0 (4.5 – 5.2, +.7, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM progresses from tenth to eighth; “News 96.5” was a combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). The November 2018 through May 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” is exclusively between 3.1 – 3.9 (6+): 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9, flat at #11). Locked on 2.5 (6+) in March and April, news/talk cluster-mate WFLF adds four-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #14, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth (.8 – .7, 6+), sports talk sibling WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” advances from #20 to #19. Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” repeats April’s .3 (6+) but backslides from #22 to #23.

Flat at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” is off six-tenths in April/May (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – When Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” dropped three-tenths in April, it interrupted three consecutive increases that netted a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Promptly responding with a robust May +1.1 to 9.0 (6+), “Sunny” storms from third to first. Ousted from the top spot and segueing to second is iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100,” which is -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (9.5 – 8.9 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). This calendar year, WRUM was #1 in January, February, and April. “Rumba” spent 11 consecutive ratings periods on top before falling to #2 in December and “Holiday” 2018. April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Down nine-tenths via four straight decreases (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, 6+), co-owned WJRR “101.1 – Orlando’s Rock Station” dials up a +.8 to 3.4 (#14 to #12, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.9 range in each of the last five survey periods (5.2 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.3 (6+), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” logs a +.7 to 6.0 (eighth to fifth, 6+). Immediately following four improvements in a row that netted a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined -2.0 in April/May (9.0 – 8.4 – 7.0, second to third, 6+). Unchanged at #4, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” is a combined -1.5 in April/May (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.3, 6+) with 6.3 its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.3, as well). Faltering eight-tenths to 5.1 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” falls from sixth to ninth. By picking up one-tenth in April, “Magic” ended three straight decreases accounting for an overall -8.5 (14.3 – 6.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). WMGF was a combined +8.5 December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+). The “Holiday” 2018 through April 2019 topline for Cox Media Group-owned WWKA is 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.7 (6+), but “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” surrenders one-half share in May to 4.2 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Even though Entercom alternative WQMP is up eight-tenths through three straight bumps (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (2.9, as well), “101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” backslides from #13 to #14.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored in the runner-up slot, after a January-only stay on top, iHeartMedia news/talk (and flagship of the Reds) WLW is down a combined half-share in April/May (9.9 – 9.5 – 9.4, 6+). Exiting the top ten (#10 to #11), co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” has a November 2018 through May 2019 topline of 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5 (6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” erodes by two-thirds (-.4) in four straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .8, #22, 6+), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” has its 6+-stat sliced in half in April/May (.6 – .4 – .3, #21 to #24, 6+).

The overall +1.1 that Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU accrued through three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+) vanishes completely in April/May with a combined -1.1 (3.7 – 3.1 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Displaying its highest 6+-showing (7.5) since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” progresses from fourth to third. Its five shifts this calendar year are -8.2 (January); +.4 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (April); and +.7 (May, 6.8 – 7.5, 6+). Posting a May +.7 as well is Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 Cincy’s R&B Station” (3.2 – 3.9, 6+), which cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) and has its best 6+-performance since February 2017 (3.9, as well). Anchored in eighth-place, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” adds one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), thus suspending four consecutive ratings periods without an increase that led to a loss of nine-tenths (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+). Notwithstanding that Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WNNF remains at #15, “94.1 Nash FM” logs its fifth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.1 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). Off -2.1 in three straight drops (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.9 – 7.3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned/similarly-formatted WUBE “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” picks up two-tenths to 7.5 (6+) and continues in third-place. Not only is Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR #1 for the fourth sweep in succession, “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is +3.6 in five successive increases (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3 – 11.7, 6+). After a December-only stay at #1, WGRR spiraled by -1.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+) and shifted to third. Immediately prior to its -1.8, WGRR was an overall +1.3 via four straight gains (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.9, 6+). While it is unchanged in sixth-place, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” is -1.0 as a result of four drops in a row (6.5 – 6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). A collective +.7 in four consecutive reports without a loss (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” forfeits four-tenths in May to 3.0 (#11 to #12, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – The three most recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” are -.6 (March); +.9 (April); and -.7 in May (5.8 – 5.1, seventh to ninth, 6+). The Indians flagship logged a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). Salem Media Group news/talk WHK resurfaced in print in April and, while it repeats April’s .5, “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight” drops from #18 to #19.

Ensconced in tenth-place, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is a collective -1.4 in an alternating down/up pattern that began in January (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+).

An overall +1.6 via five straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+) Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN is steady at #12.

Cleveland Music Formats – A combined +.9 in April/May (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMMS advances from ninth to seventh as “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” reaches the five-share level (5.6, 6+) for the first time since October 2017’s 5.0. Recapturing all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it surrendered in April (3.2 – 3.8, +.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104 Plays The Hits” proceeds from #12 to #11. Its March increase of three-tenths curtailed three successive negative moves that led to an overall -1.6 (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). A May gain of four-tenths by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI (9.8 – 10.2, 6+) wipes away 40% of April’s -1.0 as “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is on top for the sixth straight ratings period. Five of its recent fluctuations include +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); and -1.0 (April). Despite being down or flat the past five ratings periods for a -1.2 (8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WZAK remains in the runner-up slot. This, however, is its lowest 6+-showing since October 2018 (7.5, as well). As a result of regressing by one-half share to 7.4 (third to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” concludes four consecutive bumps that accounted for an overall +3.5 (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.9, 6+). That streak directly followed five consecutive losses that resulted in a -3.7 (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined eight-tenths in March/April (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” slices that deficit in half with a May gain of four-tenths to 5.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Flat at #20, co-owned KMBZ-AM  “Talk 980” dropped two-tenths in March; gained three-tenths in April; and loses two-tenths in May (2.3 to 2.1, 6+). Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is off two-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, #21 to #22, 6+).

Both of the market’s major sports talk outlets forfeit one-tenth in May. The flagship of the Royals, Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio,” was a combined +1.7 in March/April (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+), but drops to 3.9 (unchanged at #10, 6+). As a result of four straight negative or flat trends, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” is -2.0 (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0, flat at #14, 6+).

Not only is University of Missouri news/talk KCUR +1.9 through five straight up or flat moves (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.9, 6+), it zooms into the top ten (#11 to #6).

Kansas City Music Formats – An April increase of four-tenths by Cumulus Media-owned KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” halted February/March’s combined -2.8 (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+). In May, “The Fox” not only adds another seven-tenths to 8.4, its highest 6+ showing since January 2019’s 10.1, KCFX progresses from second to first. Albeit +2.5 via four consecutive reports without a loss (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” is dislodged from the top spot after a two-month stay and shifts to #2. Four recent KCMO-FM fluctuations include +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); and +1.1 (March). An improvement of six-tenths propels Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” into the top ten (#13 to #10) with its best 6+-showing since November 2018 (3.9, as well). Exactly doubling (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three up or flat moves in a row (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” inches up from a three-way tie at #15 to #14 and has its strongest performance (3.0) since January 2018’s 3.5. The market’s three major country players find May 2019’s sweep to be a mixed bag. Halting a March/April slide that was responsible for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” gains one-half share to 3.5 (#15 to #13, 6+) and Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” improves by three-tenths to 4.8 (6+), continuing at #7. Co-owned KBEQ “Q104 New Hit Country” though relinquishes 60% of March/April’s +1.0 with a loss of six-tenths (5.9 – 5.3, 6+) but carries on in fourth-place. April’s 5.9 is its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (5.9, as well). Faltering by -1.0 in April/May (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3” slides from #11 to #14. Steel City Media CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3” (4.4 – 3.7, #8 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” (5.1 – 4.6, fifth to eighth, 6+) regress by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively. By dropping one-tenth to 2.9 (#15 to #17, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” ends four successive increases that netted +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 3.0, 6+). Prior to April’s 3.0, “X-105.1” last reached the three-share threshold (6+) in September 2016 (3.1). A collective -2.0 via four successive declines (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+) by Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” (flat at #18) directly follows five consecutive positive or flat moves that resulted in a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase in each of the last four reports for an overall -2.0 (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” drops from fifth to sixth.

Unlisted in January, February, and March, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” displays an April 4.7 (6+) and a May 4.6 (sixth to seventh, 6+).

As was the case in April, Ohio State University news/talk WOSU (4.7 – 4.6, -.1, 6+) is tied with WBNS-FM; in April it was at #6, in May it is at #7.

Columbus Music Formats – A collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” obliterates that in one step with a whopping +1.4 to 8.6 (third to second), its strongest 6+-performance since September 2018’s 9.4. Co-owned adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” is +1.0 in three straight up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+) and drives from eighth to fifth with its best 6+-stat (5.1) since 8.7 in “Holiday” 2018. One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” notches a gain of six-tenths (3.7 – 4.3, 6+) and carries on in ninth-place. Accustomed to significant monthly swings, iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (13.0 – 11.7, -1.3, 6+) sets the pace for the 18^th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Sample WCOL fluctuations include +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); -1.5 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); and -1.3 (May). In three straight increases, Saga Communications’ WLVQ amassed a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+) but “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” follows with a combined April/May -1.4 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.3, 6+) and slips from second to third. Even though Ohio State University’s WOSA has more than doubled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share as a result of eight consecutive up or flat moves (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), it has had consecutive backward moves, #16 to #17 in April and #17 to #18 in May. Owing to five straight positive or flat reports, Saga Communications hot AC WVMX netted seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), but “Mix 107.9” is off three-tenths in May to 2.6 (6+), dropping from #11 to #12.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Cumulus Prices $500 Million Senior Notes Offering.  This press release from Cumulus Media Inc. comes just a few days after the initial news that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc. was pricing $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.750% senior secured first-lien notes due 2026.  Now, that figure is increased to $500 million.  The sale of the Notes is expected to close on June 26, 2019. Cumulus says it intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to partially repay existing indebtedness under its senior secured term loan facility.  These notes are available only to qualified institutional buyers in a private offering.

Pat Frisch Exits KKOB-AM, Albuquerque.  Program director and midday talk show host Pat Frisch exits Cumulus Media’s news/talk KKOB-AM, Albuquerque after 20 years with the station.  He says, “It was a hell of a run.  During the 20-years we had a run of nearly 14 years at #1.  Three Marconi’s, including talk station of the year and legendary station.  I was twice voted as one of the top programmers by Radio Ink. The station was also chosen as one of the best talk stations by Radio Ink and was voted best talk station by the former Radio and Records.  The last few years have been a struggle but I’m leaving with the station back at #1 12+ and my midday show goes out on top #1 adult 25-54 and #3 adults 18-49.”  Frisch says he plans to take a few weeks off before searching for his next opportunity. He can be reached at patfrisch46@yahoo.com.

RTDNA 2019 Newsroom Diversity Report; Radio Workforce of Color Highest in 20 Years. The 2019 Newsroom Diversity Report conducted by the Radio Television Digital News Association and Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University indicates that the percentage of women and people of color in local TV newsrooms reached record highs for the second year in a row and the local workforce of color is the highest it has been in more than 20 years – the third highest level ever.  The study also found that the percentage of radio news directors of color is at the highest level in five years.  RTDNA executive director Dan Shelley says, “This research is both a cause for celebration and a call to action for our industry to do even better in its efforts to ensure newsroom staffs represent the diversity of the communities they serve. It’s gratifying to see improvement in the radio news sector, but clearly there is more to be done to ensure radio newsrooms contain a diverse workforce.”  The report shows women make up 44.4% of the workforce compared to last year’s 34.3%.  Furthermore, local radio management is the most diverse in the last five years, with the percentage of women in management positions up significantly.  See more here.

Westwood One Announces Partnership with Subnation for Esports Audio Content. In an effort to capitalize on the popularity of esports, Westwood One and multi-platform media brand Subnation enter into a strategic alliance designed to bring esports audio content to millions of fans across the country.  The first collaboration between the two companies is a weekly feature on the Westwood One-syndicated “Zach Sang Show.”  The partnership begins with Zach Sang being on site with Subnation at this week’s 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) talking with celebrities, artists, insiders, and fans at Subnation’s “ESPORTS ZONE.”  These interviews will air on the nightly radio show. The first guest is gaming legend Paul “Redeye” Chaloner (pictured here at right with Sang).  WWO says heavy esports watchers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners, according to a recent MARU/Matchbox National Community study fielded in February 2019.  The study also found that heavy esports watchers and heavy video game players frequently listen to sports, rock, and top 40.  Cumulus Media EVP/marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “Given our decades of leadership in iconic sports audio entertainment, Westwood One is uniquely positioned to capture the passion, scale and momentum of esports, bringing the new voices, commentary and perspectives of esports to the audio platform.  Subnation is the perfect partner to collaborate on authentic, high quality esports content that will resonate with our massive audience.”

WGTK, Greenville’s Joey Hudson Featured on HLN Program. Morning drive talk radio personality Joey Hudson – heard daily on Salem Media Group’s WGTK-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “94.5FM The Answer” – is featured on the CNN Headline News documentary “Chained By a Serial Killer” that will air on HLN on June 15. Hudson is a longtime board member of Crime Stoppers and offers perspective on the case of Upstate South Carolina realtor Todd Kohlhepp, who is currently serving seven life sentences, and his double life as both a respected citizen and a serial killer. Hudson says, “I got to know parents of one of the victims, and helped raise awareness of these horrible crimes which, thankfully helped lead to Kohlhepp’s 2016 arrest and conviction before others fell victim to his evil.”

Round Three of May PPMs Released.  The third round of Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey results is released for the group of 12 markets that includes: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Takeaways from this group of markets tomorrow (6/14).

Comedian and SiriusXM Talk Host Dean Obeidallah Wins $4.1 Million Judgement from Neo-Nazi. Yesterday (6/12), a judge ordered Daily Stormer founder Andrew Anglin to pay $4.1 million to comic and SiriusXM talk show host Dean Obeidallah. The judgement was for damages after Anglin was found guilty of defamation for publishing a story that falsely connected Obeidallah to an ISIS attack.  The Daily Beast reports that Anglin has been on the run for more than a year and did not testify at the trial.  Obeidallah may never see a penny of the judgment but says that if he does, it will be donated to “organizations that fight hate and bigotry.”

2020 Presidential Election/Trump’s Foreign Intel Controversy, Democrats’ Impeachment Talk, Middle East Oil Tanker Attacks, Hong Kong Protests, Memphis Violence, and Blues Win Stanley Cup Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/12). The Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and the president’s statement that he would want to hear about dirt on an opponent even if it came from a foreign source; the Democrats’ intensifying chatter about impeaching President Trump; the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman; the violent protests in Hong Kong over China’s new extradition law; the protests in Memphis after the fatal police shooting of a suspect; and the St. Louis Blues beat the Boston Bruins to win their first Stanley Cup were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

WPG, Atlantic City Morning Mainstay Harry Hurley Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  The man who has been waking up South Jersey listeners from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on heritage talk station WPG-AM/W238CZ, Atlantic City for more than a quarter century, Harry Hurley, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Hurley is about to be honored with the very first New Jersey Broadcaster of the Year Award at the forthcoming New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) convention this week on Thursday (6/13) at Atlantic City’s Tropicana Hotel.  Hurley, who also serves as the lead FOX News Radio substitute host, is a past recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year Award for his remarkable philanthropic work in raising more than $800,000 over the past dozen years via his Hurley in the Morning Charity and distributing it to hundreds of worthy causes and organizations in Atlantic City and across the Garden State. Harrison and Hurley – who is positioned this year at number 51 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – discuss the state of politics, media, journalism, and popular culture in a fascinating conversation that dives deep into the workings and thought-processes attendant to executing today’s talk show.  Don’t miss it!  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Kelly Mac is named program director for Cumulus Media’s urban adult contemporary KTCX, Beaumont, Texas “Magic 102.5.”  She says, “It’s an honor to rejoin forces with the Cumulus family and I look forward to expanding the KTCX team and brand.  As a big fan of Cumulus’ new programming initiatives, I look forward to exercising my creativity and programming experience in this exciting new role.”  During her almost 20-year career, she won a Marconi Award from the NAB for “Personality of the Year” while with WJMZ, Greenville, South Carolina…..At non-profit triple A WYMS-FM “88Nine Radio Milwaukee,” membership manager Maggie Corry is promoted to development director. Station executive director Glenn Kleiman says, “We’re so excited to be promoting Maggie to this position. She is so smart and skilled, and fun to work with. Her education, experience elsewhere and impressive performance at ‘Radio Milwaukee’ made this decision relatively easy.  Can’t wait to see how she helps us grow.”…..iHeartMedia’s Philadelphia hip hop outlet WUSL “Power 99” is launching the first of three of its annual “Peace on the Street Jams” – a series of anti-violence live events and activities designed to promote peace and provide communities with the necessary resources to prevent violence.  The event will include live music, spoken-word performances, and resource tables from community-based organizations.  Power 99’s first “Peace on the Street” event will take place at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing on Thursday, June 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will feature Calboy, LightskinKeisha, and DJ Diamond Kuts and Friends. iHM Philadelphia director of news and community affairs Loraine Ballard Morrill says, “Philadelphia is experiencing a sharp spike in gun related deaths.  There’s never been a better time to promote the message of Peace on our Streets than now.  ‘Power 99’ helps give voice to those who are working hard to end the cycle of violence impacting our communities.  ‘Power 99’ is working closely with community based organizations to help make our neighborhoods safer.”

Takeaways from Round Two of Nielsen Audio’s May PPM Survey. May 2019 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 survey period covered April 25 – May 22. 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.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight improvements by WMAL resulted in a collective +2.5 (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+). That streak culminated with March’s 6.8 – the Cumulus Media news/talker’s best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. In April/May, however, WMAL has surrendered 64% (-1.6) of that increase (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+) but stays in fifth-place. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the tenth sweep in succession.

A combined +.9 in March/April (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” relinquishes eight-tenths in May as the Nationals flagship fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is up a combined three-tenths in March/April/May (.5 – .7 – .8 – .8, 6+), climbing from #23 to #22.

Notwithstanding it is without an increase the fourth month in a row for an overall -1.7 (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP is #1 for the fifth straight time; it shared the lead in April. January 2019’s 10.4 is its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Entercom business news WDCH returns the one-tenth it added in April (.4 – .5 – .4, 6+) and is flat at #25.

With a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 8.6 – 8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 (6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU moves from a first-place tie with WTOP to the runner-up slot. Prior to gaining three-tenths in March, “The Mind Is Our Medium” was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).

Washington, DC Music Formats – As noted in yesterday’s “Takeaways” column (Wednesday, 6/12), Cumulus Media sold New York City hot AC WPLJ and Atlanta news/talk WYAY to Educational Media Foundation, which has converted those two stations to contemporary Christian. The same scenario exists in the Nation’s Capital regarding hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” (now WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love”). In its final sweep before the hot AC-to-contemporary Christian transition, “Mix” adds six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, 6+) and goes out as a top ten station (#11 to #8). Its January 2019 through May 2019 topline is 3.5 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.1 (6+). In addition to being up six-tenths via three straight gains (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC enters the top ten (#14 to #10). Progressing from #14 to #11, iHeartMedia-owned WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country” gains seven-tenths through three consecutive improvements (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+). Ever since surfacing in print in January, Maryland-licensed Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” has notched four straight up or flat trends (.6 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, #20 to #19, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are Radio One urban contemporary WKYS (4.0 – 3.4, #8 to #12, 6+) and gospel cluster-mate WPRS “Praise 104.1 – DC’s Station for Inspiration” (2.2, #17 to #18, 6+). Prior to April 2019’s 4.0 (6+), the last time WKYS wasn’t in 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) was May 2017 (2.9). Regarding “Praise,” its decrease curtails four consecutive up or flat trends that netted nine-tenths (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+). Another positive streak concludes as Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS, an overall +1.8 via four positive spikes in a row (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), is off one-tenth to 5.2 (6+). Nonetheless, “91.9 Christian Music Radio” moves from sixth to a fifth-place tie. WGTS wiped away four straight September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 declines that resulted in a -1.4 (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+). Six successive increases by WMMJ yielded a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+), but “Majic” is off by one-half share in April/May (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7, 6+). Even so, the Radio One urban AC is anchored at #3 for the sixth time in a row. After dropping one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR regains that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths to 6.5 and repeats in fourth-place. Its March loss of one-tenth suspended three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – With an overall gain of six-tenths in five successive up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” elevates from #14 to #12. November 2018’s 3.2 is its best 6+-stat in more than four years (3.3, November 2014). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200,” however, is down or flat the fourth straight time (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+) and continues at #27.

Three straight down or flat trends by Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM resulted in an overall -1.0 (7.2 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+) but “98.5 The Sports Hub” roars back with a May uptick of eight-tenths (7.0, 6+) and is anchored in third-place. Seven recent fluctuations for the key station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins (as well as the Celtics and Super Bowl champion New England Patriots) include +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); and +.8 (May). Meanwhile, WEEI-FM, the flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, has gained a combined eight-tenths in April/May (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+) and advances from tenth to eighth. The Entercom-owned sports talk outlet has been -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); and +.6 (April).

For the third month in succession, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM logs a 5.0 (6+) and carries on in sixth-place. “News Radio 1030” was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).

In three slips in a row, WBUR eroded by -2.4 (5.7 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), but the Boston University news/talk operation picks up two-tenths in May to 3.5 (flat at #11, 6+). Off seven-tenths in March/April (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH erases roughly half that shortfall (2.4, +.4, 6+) and progresses from #19 to #15.

Boston Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM post a one-half share increase (7.1 – 7.6, 6+), “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” marches from the runner-up slot to a first-place tie. Moreover, this (7.6) is its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. In two-share range for the 19^th time in a row, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is down or flat the fourth straight time for a net loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, #16 to #19, 6+). “Kiss,” meanwhile, shares the lead with Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More,” which drops two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: WXKS-FM (January, 7.3, 6+); WXKS-FM (February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March, 7.8, 6+); WROR (April, 7.8, 6+); and WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+). Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9,” which was a combined +1.1 in March/April (3.2 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), surrenders seven-tenths to 3.6 (eighth to tenth, 6+). A cumulative +1.3 in four straight bumps (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” forfeits four-tenths to 4.4 (6+) but continues in seventh-place. By gaining one-tenth in January, WKLB pulled the plug on seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a combined -1.2 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). While the positive streak for “Country 102.5” concludes, iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” hasn’t had a loss in each of the last six sweeps for a net gain of six-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+), climbing from #16 to #15. This (2.4) is the highest 6+-share for “The Bull” since July 2018’s 2.5. Extending into “Beantown” from Worcester (40 miles to the west), Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO “104.5 XLO” is up seven-tenths in five successive positive or flat trends (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) and logs its best 6+-stat since November 2014 (2.0, as well). After registering a 14.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” has a January 2019 through May 2019 topline of 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.2 (steady at #4, 6+). Dropping from #16 to #18, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” falters by a collective nine-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+).

Miami

English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – While flat at #17, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” slips one-tenth to 2.6 (6+), suspending four consecutive sweeps without a loss that yielded a one-half share gain (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+).

In six straight positive or flat sweeps, Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” nets three-tenths (.6 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .9, 6+) and remains at #25. The January 2019 through May 2019 topline for co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” is .6 – .5 – .7 – .5 – .6 (steady at #29, 6+). An increase of two-tenths in March ended three consecutive down or flat sweeps that led to a loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Backsliding from a tie at #19 to #20, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is up two-tenths in three straight up or flat reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Entering the May sweep with a fairly constant December 2018 through April 2019 topline of 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” improves by one-half share to 3.0 (#18 to #15, 6+). When “Y-100” added one-tenth in March, it curtailed five straight reports without an increase for a collective loss of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” repeats April 2019’s 6+ share (3.5) and market rank (tenth). “Hits 97.3” responded to March’s one-tenth loss with an April increase of six-tenths. Prior to slipping to 2.9 (6+, March 2019), WFLC had been within 3.0 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 15 survey periods. WFLC and WHYI are separated by one-half share (6+) in May, compared to one full-share in April, and three-tenths in March. By gaining four-tenths to 5.5 (sixth to fifth, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System’s WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” suspends four successive down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+). Albeit a combined -.6 in April/May (7.4 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is #1 for the fifth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February). Its March increase of eight-tenths completely wiped away February’s decline of that magnitude (7.4 – 6.6 – 7.4, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. For the third month in a row, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF is in third-place; however, “101.5 Lite FM” has lost an overall one-half share in March/April/May (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+). “Lite FM” notched its best 6+-stat (7.3, “Holiday” 2018) since January 2018’s 7.4. Adult contemporary outlets “Easy” and “Lite” traded places with each other in January, as WFEZ went from second to first and WLYF segued from first to second. Consequently, an adult contemporary controls or has a share of Miami’s lead position (6+) for the 13^th straight ratings period. After notching a +1.0 in four straight bumps (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” forfeits four-tenths to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Flat at #7, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9” sputters by -1.0 in three straight drops (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+) with 4.1 its lowest 6+-share since August 2018’s 3.9. Even though Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ is off eight-tenths in March/April/May (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), “El Zol 106.7” advances from #9 to a three-way tie at #7. Spanish contemporary sibling WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” is off six-tenths in March/April/May (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) but remains at #16. Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” is a collective -1.1 through four straight declines (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+) yet manages to climb from eighth to a three-way logjam at seventh. Its format challenger, iHeartMedia-owned WMIB “103.5 The Beat,” drops three-tenths in April/May (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.6, #14 to #17, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Following its February 2019 posting of 5.9 (6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM has a March through May topline of 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 (fourth to fifth, 6+). KIRO-FM was a combined +1.0 in January/February (4.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). As a result of three straight down or flat trends, co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” has lost roughly 43% (-.9) of its 6+-stat (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). It continues at #23 where it is again tied with Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which falters by four-tenths in March/April/May (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+).

In March/April, Bonneville’s KIRO-AM more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-stat (2.1 – 2.9 – 4.3, 6+), but “ESPN 710” surrenders nine-tenths in May as the Mariners’ flagship drifts from the top ten (#6 to #13).

Down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” slips from #22 to #23.

Even though KOMO is off four-tenths in April/May (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) the Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news operation improves from #18 to a tie at #17.

One-tenth of a share separates May 2019’s top three Seattle finishers. Heading up that trio is Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW, which bounces back from March/April’s massive combined -2.3 with a gain of four-tenths to 6.1 (6+), progressing from second to first. KUOW was a combined +2.1 in January/February (5.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+) and shifted to #2 in April after three months in a row at #1.

Seattle Music Formats – As a result of six straight positive spikes (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” amasses a +2.3, advancing from third to a second-place tie. Immediately prior to this run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). It’s a strong sweep for the market’s two main country players as Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” posts a +.9 (4.1 – 5.0, eighth to fourth) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” improves by one-half share propelling it into the top ten (#13 to #10). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, “The Wolf” was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). “The Bull” records its sixth successive up or flat sweep and has nearly doubled (+1.9) its 6+ AQH share in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+). Ever since it surfaced in print in February, Hubbard Broadcasting adult standards KIXI “AM 880” has almost doubled (+.6) its 6+-stat (.7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3, 6+) and checks in at #22. It’s good news/bad news for Entercom-owned KISW “Rock 99.9,” which gains one-half share (4.0 – 4.5, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#11 to #7), but displays an identical magnitude loss for its internet stream (.7 – .2, #31, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which segues from first to second, and Classic Radio, Inc.-owned KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” (#15 to #19). “MOViN’” is a collective -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). April marked the first time it reached #1 since November 2018. The four most recent shifts for KING are +.9 (February); -.5 (March); +.7 (April) and now -.6 in May (3.1 – 2.5, 6+). Its October 2018 through January 2019 topline was a consistent 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0 (6+). Departing the top ten (#8 to #12) is Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End,” which is a collective -1.1 via four straight sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” is a collective -2.2 in five straight sweeps without an increase (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9, #15 to #16, 6+). Separated by one-tenth are Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” (4.1 – 4.5, +.4, a three-way tie at #8 to #7, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” (4.8 – 4.4, -.4, fourth to ninth, 6+). “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) before eroding by -1.1 in April. Prior to the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – In four straight months without an increase, Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” has lost six-tenths (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1, #15 to #16, 6+).

Anchored in sixth-place, Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM“97.1 The Ticket” repeats April’s 5.4 (6+); the Tigers flagship was locked on 5.0 (6+) in February and March.

Even though co-owned WWJ advances by one-tenth May to 6.2 (6+), “News Radio 950” backslides from a three-way tie at #2 to #4. WWJ plummeted by eight-tenths in both March and April (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+) and had a March-only stay in first-place.

Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM drops one-tenth (1.6 – 1.5, 6+) but remains at #20. May’s -.1 ends four consecutive fluctuations of three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+). Down a collective four-tenths in three straight (slight) declines (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET slips from #21 to #22.

Detroit Music Formats – Over and above being +1.4 through three successive bumps (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” marches from a three-way tie at #2 to #1. There’s good news as well for Radio One-owned format foe WDMK, which is +1.0 in four straight improvements (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); “105.9 Kiss-FM” jumps from #16 to #13. Furthermore, “Kiss” has its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (3.7, as well). The station “Mix” succeeds at #1, Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock,” is without an increase the third month in succession for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+) and segues from first to third. In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Its March/April decline of -1.5 followed back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). “Detroit’s Classic Rock” spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September 2018. Skidding from #13 to #15, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” falters by eight-tenths in April/May (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). In early-November (2018), Entercom flipped CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” to adult contemporary “98.7 The Breeze.” Despite the fact it is an overall +1.8 in seven successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), “The Breeze” backslides from #11 to #12. After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) the past four sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” answers with a May increase of four-tenths to 6.5 (6+) and remains at #2. Its “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is by far the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). Not only is Cumulus Media country outlet WDRQ a collective +1.0 through three consecutive positive spikes (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6, #18 to #17, 6+), “93.1 Nash FM” posts its best 6+-topline (2.6, 6+) since June 2018’s 2.8; WDRQ was down six-tenths in February. It is chasing Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music,” which regains the two-tenths it squandered in April (5.1 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+) and continues in eighth-place. As was the case with “Nash FM,” WYCD regressed by six-tenths in February. Unchanged at #9, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” sputters by -1.5 in four successive down or flat sweeps (6.0 – 5.9 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – With a March 2019 through May 2019 topline of 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.0 (6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM slips from eighth to tenth. After posting a 2.6 (6+) in consecutive reports (March and April), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” notches a one-half share gain to 3.1 (#17 to #14, 6+).

Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” enjoys its third straight gain for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+) as the Arizona Diamondbacks flagship leaps from #20 to #14 with its strongest 6+showing since September 2018 (3.1, as well).

This is the third sweep in succession that KJZZ has a fluctuation of one-tenth (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). The Maricopa County Community College news/talk outlet, a combined +1.1 in January/February (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), remains at #12.

Phoenix Music Formats – April’s loss of six-tenths by Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV curtailed three successive up or flat sweeps that accounted for a gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9, 6+). In the May sweep, however, “Live 101.5” roars back with an increase twice the magnitude of that April setback and rockets back into the top ten (3.3 – 4.5, +1.2, #13 to #7, 6+). A combined +1.0 in April/May (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” advances from ninth to fifth. Up one-half share (2.8 – 3.3, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” moves from #16 to #13. An April +1.2 by  Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSLX fully expunged its January – February – March -1.2 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 6+). Even though “Classic Rock 100.7” regresses by four-tenths in May (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), it proceeds from second to first. Ousted from the top spot and tumbling to third is iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything,” whose five latest shifts are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April) and -1.2 in May (6.6 – 5.4, 6+). “The Mountain” had been at #1 the past three ratings periods. Logging decreases of one-half share each are Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 La Campesina” (2.9 – 2.4, #15 to #19, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” (3.5 – 3.0, #11 to #16, 6+). When “La Campesina” dropped eight-tenths in April, it halted three successive improvements that yielded a collective nine-tenths (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). Heading into the March 2019 survey period, iHeartMedia’s KNIX notched a collective gain of one-half share via five consecutive survey periods without a loss (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), but “102.5 Today’s Best Country” is now off nine tenths in three straight decreases (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, seventh to eighth, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on four-tenths to April’s robust +1.5 (3.3 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom-owned Twins flagship WCCO “News Radio 830” repeats at #8. A combined +1.2 in January/February (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” follows with three straight decreases for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4  – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.7, #13 to #14, 6+). In four straight down or flat trends (3.3 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4, #16 to #17, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” has lost nine-tenths.

Answering April’s dip of nine-tenths with a May increase of two-tenths (4.8 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” remains at #12. After logging four successive up or flat reports for a net gain of two-tenths (.6 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” returns one-tenth (.7, flat at #24, 6+).

A combined -.4 in April/May (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW exits the top ten (#10 to #11).

Minneapolis Music Formats – After roughly 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share evaporated through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL not only busts out a +1.0 to 6.8 (6+), “Kool 108” zooms from fifth to a first-place tie. Co-occupying the penthouse is Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock,” which is +1.3 in three straight upticks (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.7 – 6.8, second to a first-place tie 6+). Prior to April’s 6.7, KQRS had been within five-share range (6+) in each of the previous 13 sweeps. This (6.8) is the best 6+-stat for “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” since December 2016’s 6.9. Unchanged at #7, Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” improves by seven-tenths (5.0 – 5.7, 6+). Up six-tenths, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” has a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 6.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+). The Twin Cities’ (6+) hot AC share escalated by +3.1 (January); deflated by -1.3 (February); improved by +.8 (March); was +1.0 in April; and tumbles by -1.0 in May. The brunt of the decline is absorbed by Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM “KS-95,” which not only falters by eight-tenths (7.5 – 6.7, 6+), it shifts from first to third. This calendar year, “KS-95” has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); and -.8 (May). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed KTCZ “Cities 97.1” surrenders two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, ninth to tenth, 6+). Shifts this calendar year for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.2 (March); +.5 (April); and -.2 (May). Following three straight positive spikes that led to a collective +1.9 (4.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 6.5, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM forfeits four-tenths to 6.1 (third to fifth, 6+). In April, “Twin Cities Christian Radio – Always Uplifting” reached the six-share threshold (6.5, 6+) for the first time since January 2016’s 6.4. Albeit flat at #13, Entercom’s country-formatted KMNB is without an increase the fourth time in a row with “102.9 The Wolf” losing eight-tenths in that timeframe (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight increases by iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO account for a +1.0 (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+) as “News Radio 600” jumps from eighth to sixth; KOGO was down four-tenths in February. Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760,” which was an overall +.9 via four successive increases (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), has that streak snapped with a loss of two-tenths to 2.3 (6+) yet improves from #18 to #17. The (ultra-consistent) December 2018 through May 2019 San Diego topline for iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” is: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 -1.0 – 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+).

The flagship of the Padres – Entercom-owned KWFN– triples (+1.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.7 – .9 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+) as “97.3 The Fan” cracks the top twenty (#21 to #19). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” nets six-tenths via three consecutive improvements (.4 – .5 – .8 – 1.0, #25 to #24, 6+).

On the heels of April’s mammoth -1.7 (7.7 – 6.0, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS erases roughly half the deficit with a May gain of nine-tenths to 6.9 (6+) and sets the pace for the fifth month in a row. Prior to April’s loss, KPBS notched three straight gains resulting in a +2.6 (5.1 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” is a collective +1.3 in three successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). Posting increases of six-tenths each are Local Media San Diego-programmed CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (tenth to eighth) and Entercom-owned KBZT “Alt 94.9 – San Diego’s Alternative” (#14 to #11). “Z-90.3” continues an alternating up/down pattern that commenced in “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.7, 6+), while “Alt 94.9” nets +1.1 in three upticks in succession (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+). By notching a one-half share increase (2.0 – 2.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” jumps from #20 to #16. A March positive spike of eight-tenths stymied three down or flat moves in a row that accounted for a collective loss of nine-tenths (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.0, 6+). Stuck on 5.8 (6+) in March and April, Entercom’s KSON “103.7 San Diego’s New Country” coughs up eight-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and drops from third to sixth. In the iHeartMedia cluster, CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined +1.2 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5, fourth to third, 6+), directly after a cumulative -2.3 as a result of four straight decreases (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Conversely, co-owned KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock” is -1.5 in three drops in a row (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.4, seventh to tenth, 6+), following three consecutive improvements that yielded a +2.2 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+). While it stays within two-share range (6+) for the 11^th consecutive ratings period, Imagen Informativa Spanish Contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” forfeits six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, #15 to #17, 6+). A combined +.7 in March/April (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Local Media San Diego-programmed alternative XTRA-FM “91-X” returns one-half share to 2.1 (#17 to #19, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Three successive upticks by iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA accounted for a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), but “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” plummets -1.5 in April/May (4.5 – 3.6 – 3.0, #13 to #14, 6+). Frozen on 2.9 (6+) in January and February, Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” added two-tenths in March, but is off eight-tenths in April/May (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.3, #17 to #16, 6+).

An April bump of nine-tenths (1.7 – 2.6, 6+) by iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” is followed by a May decrease of four-tenths to 2.2 (6+) as the Rays’ flagship slips from #16 to #17.

In three straight declines, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF loses six-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5, #19 – #20, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Three consecutive improvements yielding a collective +1.2 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+) propel iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” into the top ten (#14 to #9). Albeit +1.3 in seven successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WBTP “95.7 The Beat” backslides from a (conventional) tie at #8 to a three-way scrum at #9. The market’s two mainstream CHRs combine for a +.7 (6+), nearly equally divided between Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5 – Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music” (+.4 in May), which is +1.3 in three straight upticks (3.2 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, tenth to seventh, 6+), and iHeartMedia’s WFLZ “93.3 Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel,” up three-tenths (4.0 – 4.3, #11 to #12, 6+). Frozen on 1.6 (6+) in March and April, Beasley Media Group classic rocker WPBB “98.7 The Shark” posts a one-half share increase to 2.1 (#20 to #18, 6+), its highest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.6. Improving by one-half share as well is The Diocese of St. Petersburg-owned contemporary Christian WBVM “90.5 Spirit FM – Tampa Bay’s Hit Christian Music” which more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .6 – .7 – .7 – 1.2, #21, 6+). Owing to a May gain of three-tenths to 9.3 (6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV applies the brakes to four straight negative trends that resulted in a -4.7 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+); “Lite Favorites” is #1 for the 81^st straight time. April’s 9.0 is its lowest 6+-showing since October 2018’s 8.9 and halted its consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) at five. WDUV’s January decrease interrupted three straight gains that netted +4.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8 – 13.7, 6+) and that 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Co-owned/similarly-formatted AC WWRM “Magic 94.9 – Tampa Bay’s Best Music,” a combined +.9 in March/April (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), surrenders eight-tenths in May to 5.4 (6+) but stays in third-place (as part of a three-way logjam). Also included in that scrum at #3 (up from #4) is Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Q-105,” which was +1.4 via three straight sweeps without a loss (4.7 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+) but hands over half that bounty with a -.7 to 5.4 (6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” – repeats April’s 6+-share (6.6) and market rank (#2). “The Eagle” was +2.1 in April but then -.9 in April. Prior to the March report, “The Eagle” was an overall -1.5 in five successive sweeps without an increase (.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Following April’s half-share increase, the flagship of the Colorado Rockies,  iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station,” returns 60% of that increase (5.2 – 4.9, -.3, fifth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” has a “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 (#24 to #23, 6+).

A collective -1.5 in three straight setbacks (4.1 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” ends the slide with a +.4 to 3.0 (#17 to #16, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” has nearly tripled (+.5) February’s 6+ stat in three consecutive bumps (.3 – .4 – .6 – .8, #27 to #26, 6+).

Even though Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR returns one-third of April’s +.9 with a May decrease of three-tenths (6.5 – 6.2, 6+), it repeats at #1. A combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), KCFR was #1 in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. Returning to the top twenty (#21 to #19), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC logs a 1.5 (6+) for the third time in the last four ratings periods (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Off seven-tenths as a result of three straight down or flat trends (2.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country KWBL “106.7 The Bull” storms back with a +1.1 to 3.1 (#18 to #15, 6+), its highest 6+-share since November 2018’s 3.5. Powered by a +.7, alternative cluster-mate KTCL “Channel 93.3 Denver’s Modern Rock” vaults from eighth to second and has a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 5.4 (6+). Climbing from ninth to eighth, Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS is a collective +1.7 in five straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI are -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -1.3 (April); and +.6 in May (4.0 – 4.6, 6+) as “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). An overall +7.9 in three straight sweeps without a loss (4.9 – 4.9 – 7.6 – 12.8, 6+), KOSI was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (with a 12.8, 6+), but was a combined -8.2 in January/February (12.8 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). The last time any Denver station reached the 12-share level (6+) was more than four years ago (KOSI, 12.4, “Holiday” 2014). Another station in the “Mile High City” with major month-to-month shifts is KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” which has been +1.2 (January); -.6 (February); +1.2 (March); -.9 (April); and -.8 in May (5.4 – 4.6, third to eighth, 6+). “Kool” had a March-only stay at #1. Sputtering by seven-tenths each are Bonneville’s country KYGO (second to fifth) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (2.6, #14 to #18, 6+). KYGO suspends four straight up or flat trends that netted +1.4 (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), while KLDV erases its +.7 in four successive up or flat moves (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Following four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.4 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KRFX “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” relinquishes one-half share to 4.9 (third to sixth, 6+). Even though Entravision’s KJMN pulls the plug on three consecutive loss that led to an overall -1.2 (4.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+) by adding one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), “La Suavecita 92.7” backslides from #13 to #14.

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – The remarkably consistent January 2019 through May 2019 topline for Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is: 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 (#12 to #11, 6+). Without an increase the fourth time in succession for a collective -1.2 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” slips from #11 to #13. In four straight up or flat sweeps (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL doubled (+.3) its 6+ Baltimore stat, but in April/May, WMAL has its 6+ AQH share sliced in half (.6 – .5 – .3 (unchanged at #28, 6+).

Despite adding one-tenth to April’s half-share gain (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” backslides from eighth to ninth.

Co-owned business news WDCH answers March’s loss of four-tenths with an April/May +1.0 (.9 – 1.6 – 1.9, #16 to #15, 6+).

Off by one-half share in back-to-back reports (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” regains two-tenths to 2.6 (#13 to #12). American University-owned news/talk WAMU, which picked up one-tenth in March, is a combined -.4 in April/May (1.5 – 1.2 – 1.1, #19 to #20, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – On the strength of a +1.0 (4.4 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM” leaps from eighth to fifth and reaches the five-share level (5.4, 6+) for the first time since December 2018’s 5.3. Advancing from seventh to fifth, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (+.7 in May) continues a down/up pattern it started in December 2018 (4.3 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+). While it is the (6+) market leader the fourth straight time, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” sputters by -1.0 to 8.8 (6+), immediately after posting a +2.2 in March/April (7.6 – 8.3 – 9.8, 6+), reaching the nine-share level (9.8, 6+) for the first time since July 2016’s 9.2. Its January +1.0 halted three consecutive declines that resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). After posting a 15.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom adult contemporary WLIF-FM is trending 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 (fourth to third, 6+). Unchanged at #3, iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” loses one-half share in three straight down or flat moves (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+), while co-owned CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” is off four-tenths in three sweeps in a row without an increase (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2, flat at #10, 6+). At the same time, Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” regresses by nine-tenths as a result of three consecutive setbacks (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3, fifth to seventh, 6+). This is the ninth sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – Forfeiting roughly one-third of April’s gigantic +2.2 with a May decrease of seven-tenths (7.3 – 6.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” has an April-only stay at #1 and drops to #3. Prior to April, the last time the St. Louis Cardinals flagship occupied the top spot was October 2018 (8.4, 6+). Off four-tenths in March/April (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” erases half that shortfall with a +.2 to 2.3 (flat at #18, 6+).

After back-to-back losses of one-half share (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” is a combined +.3 in April/May (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4, steady at #15, 6+).

A combined -1.3 in March/April (4.5 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU adds one-tenth in May to 3.3 (6+) yet backslides from #15 to #16.

St. Louis Music Formats – In addition to cracking the top ten (#11 to #9), Entercom CHR WNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” extends its consecutive string of positive spikes to five and has more than doubled (+2.6) its 6+ AQH share in that timeframe (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). Simultaneous with Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” improving by eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, sixth to third, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” regresses by seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.2, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). WIL was up seven-tenths in March, but dropped three-tenths in April. In February, “New Country” faltered by six-tenths to 5.4, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017 (5.4, as well). The four most recent fluctuations for “The Bull” are +.5 (February); -.5 (March); +.9 (April); and -.7 (May). An increase of six-tenths (6.0 – 6.6, 6+) enables Hubbard Broadcasting’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” to progress from fifth to third. In five straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KLLT “Alt 104.9” nets two-tenths (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #19, 6+). As a result of three straight upticks, Entercom hot AC KYKY is a +1.0 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+) as “Y-98” inches up from eighth to seventh. Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” was tied for February’s top spot with iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU and then took sole possession of first-place in March. In April, KSHE again had to share the lead – on that occasion with Entercom news/talk KMOX (see above). Up one-tenth in May (7.3 – 7.4, 6+), KSHE now claims sole possession of the top spot. Six recent shifts for KSHE include +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); and -1.6 (April). March’s 8.9 is its highest 6+-share since November 2016 (8.6). A combined -.7 in April/May (4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” falls from #12 to #13. Despite a half-share dip, Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM,” which is trending 7.3 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 6.7 (6+), advances from third to second. Flashing a +1.6 in January, the aforementioned KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” has followed with four straight setbacks for a cumulative -2.0 (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 5.9, fourth to sixth, 6+).